Oceania

Unveiling New Zealand’s Hidden Gems: 5 Unique Destinations for Your Next Holiday Adventure

Are you tired of the conventional tourist spots and seeking a holiday experience off the beaten path? New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored. At Search Travelling, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the 5 best locations for a unique Kiwi adventure!

Whanganui: The River City Retreat

Nestled alongside the mighty Whanganui River, Whanganui boasts a rich cultural history and charming small-town atmosphere. Visit the iconic Whanganui River, take a stroll through the historic Old Town, and explore the unique Sarjeant Gallery. For a taste of local cuisine, indulge in the delectable whitebait fritters, a Kiwi delicacy.

Hidden Gem: Discover the magical Whanganui National Park, accessible by jet boat or canoe, offering breathtaking landscapes and tranquillity.

Napier-Hastings: Art Deco Splendour in Wine Country

Known as the Art Deco Capital, the twin cities of Napier and Hastings boast stunning architecture, thanks to the rebuild after the 1931 earthquake. Explore the picturesque vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, indulge in wine-tasting tours, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the scenic landscapes.

Hidden Gem: Te Mata Peak provides panoramic views of the region, making it an ideal spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Rotorua: Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture

While Rotorua is known, it still remains a hidden gem for those seeking a unique cultural and natural experience. Immerse yourself in Maori traditions, witness the geothermal wonders at Te Puia, and relax in the natural hot springs. Don’t miss the traditional Maori hangi, a feast cooked in the earth.

Hidden Gem: Explore the Redwoods Treewalk, a nighttime walkway featuring lanterns illuminating the giant Redwood trees.

Dunedin: Scotland in the Southern Hemisphere

Often referred to as the ‘Edinburgh of the South,’ Dunedin is a city steeped in Scottish heritage. Explore the historic Otago Peninsula, home to diverse wildlife including albatross and penguins. Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, and indulge in a traditional haggis meal.

Hidden Gem: Tunnel Beach, with its sea-carved sandstone cliffs and hidden tunnel, offers a mesmerising coastal experience.

Westport: Untamed Wilderness on the West Coast

For those seeking rugged landscapes and untamed beauty, Westport on the West Coast is a hidden gem. Discover the iconic Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, explore the Denniston Incline, and take a scenic flight over the mesmerising Buller Gorge.

Hidden Gem: Visit the seal colony at Tauranga Bay for a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals.

New Zealand stands as a beacon of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse experiences that cater to every traveller’s taste. As a holiday destination, it encapsulates the spirit of adventure, offering not only iconic landscapes but also hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.

At Search Travelling, our commitment to discovering unique destinations has led us to unveil the lesser-known gems that add an extraordinary touch to your Kiwi holiday. From the serene banks of the Whanganui River to the art deco elegance of Napier-Hastings, the Scottish charm of Dunedin, the cultural tapestry of Rotorua, to the untamed wilderness of Westport, each location contributes to the narrative of a truly magical New Zealand experience.

Beyond the well-trodden paths, these off-the-beaten destinations beckon you to explore, indulge, and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the country. Whether you seek historical significance, natural wonders, or cultural richness, New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, is ready to exceed your expectations.

So, as you plan your next holiday, consider the road less travelled and let the enchantment of these hidden gems elevate your stay. New Zealand, with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, promises not just a holiday but an unforgettable journey, enriched by the magic of discovery. Explore, experience, and let the beauty of Aotearoa capture your heart.

Top Wheelchair Accessible Travel Destinations

For travellers with a disability, finding a travel destination that’s accessible can be challenging. To help you find your next destination, we’ve compiled a list of locations around the world that are disabled friendly and accessible.

San Diego

Most parts of the USA are relatively accessible due to the disabilities act placed 30 years ago. However, our favourite destination is San Diego. Most of the infrastructure is accessible, and they also offer a fully accessible trolley system around the area. They have plenty of attractions that are wheelchair friendly, including their historic Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Zoo. If you’re looking for a summer type of holiday, their beach area is ideal as it’s fully accessible, and they even offer motorised wheelchairs available for hire. 

Manchester

Most areas in the UK are disabled friendly. However, one of the most accessible cities in the UK is Manchester. The walking paths in the city were rebuilt back in the 90s; shops were built with step-less entrances with smooth pavements throughout. It’s perfect for anyone who requires mobility.

The public transport all around the UK and the city is fully accessible. If you prefer long walks and nature, you can visit the peak district national park. It’s an hour away from Manchester and offers accessible facilities. 

Melbourne

Melbourne has one of the best accessible public transport systems, making it one of the most accessible places in the world. Many of their attractions and necessities around the city are fully accessible, including their restaurants and accommodation. They are continuously building more attractions in the city with accessible facilities. 

Singapore

Travelling to Asia can be difficult for travellers with disabilities as many countries in Asia aren’t accessible yet. However, Singapore is currently the only country in Asia that’s fully accessible. Many of Singapore’s infrastructure and buildings are built with step-less access. More renovations and attractions in the city are currently being improved and built with accessibility in mind.

Luxurious weekend trips in Australia

If you’re living in Australia or simply going for a short trip, you may look into visiting or doing some activities around the country. Especially if you’re looking for a short getaway from your typical day to day. There are plenty of luxurious places that you can indulge in. To help you plan your short trip, we’ve gathered some of the best luxurious areas around Australia.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Who said you couldn’t stay a night in a zoo? The Jamala wildlife gives you an opportunity to stay at an accommodation right outside the safari where you can see different animals right outside your window. They offer various accommodations including the giraffe treehouse, ushaka lodge and the jungle bungalows. The giraffe treehouse allows the guest to overlook the giraffes from their house. They can also feed the giraffes right on their balcony.

Queensland

If you are looking to escape the crowded city of Melbourne and are looking for somewhere more relaxing, we highly recommend the Queensland. The island offers a luxury resort for anyone looking to stay. The beautiful sparkling water and the coral reef surrounding the island is worth a visit. The resort was also filmed by the famous David Attenborough’s documentary film.

Ideal Destinations for Travelling On A Tight Budget

There are expensive options and cheap options almost everywhere, but sometimes knowing a few simple tricks can allow you to visit and enjoy places around the world that you never dreamed were within your budget.

Here are some of the best destinations to consider visiting if one of your main priorities is keeping the cost of the trip to a minimum.

Portugal

A European gem that isn’t talked about much, Portugal has a huge amount to offer the budget tourist. It has a fascinating and unique history, plus very friendly locals. The capital of Lisbon is quieter than most similar cities, which gives you a great opportunity to explore its charming streets, eat out every night and travel on the historic trams for hardly any money.

China

As an up-and-coming international tourist destination, many parts of China are starting to cost more than they used to for tourists, but that doesn’t stop it being one of the more affordable Asian destinations. This is especially true for cities deeper into the mainland.

South Korea

Another Asian holiday destination that’s slowly growing in popularity, people are becoming increasingly fascinated by the unique personality of South Korea. Food and drink are extremely affordable and there’s a huge amount of nightlife to enjoy, plus a rich and complex culture to immerse yourself in.