New Zealand Dos and Don'ts

Go to the Blue Ice Cafe, drink lots of whatever you drink eat the great food then hop in a chopper do the overland Glacier tour then get out go to the info centre get tickets for a horse ride and do the sunset beach tour. Than stay at the YHA or any of the other great venues. Rafting is also a hit you can fly into the alps get dropped off and do anything from 1-3 day tours.

Avoid the new climbing wall and talk to the locals because they know where to go, make sure you meet a guy called Scumbag aka Greg Brown and you will be the luckiest person in the world.

Also the best things are 30km before hand in HARI HARI because thats where the Wildside backpackers is get the hut out the back and stay with Dan and Kath for as long as you want, suggested minimum is a month.

Always travel with someone who knows the area very well as local knowledge is ALWAYS the best. Safety in numbers, yes. Always remain with your group if on a guided tour, wandering off and doing your own thing may upset the natives and so as the old saying goes, IF IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO. Light, waterproof jacket, sunhat, or compact umbrella wouldnt go astray and a pair of good walking shoes and some 'gummies' wouldnt go amiss either. Also, boil water if in a hotel or camping ground or buy bottled water.

at the harbour every few days there is a wild dolphin that comes in and swims with the locals - great fun

My hometown, and a fantastic wee place it is. Not the most pumping off places, on a world scale, but friendly people, plenty of good food and a handful of good restaurants - particular the Two Chefs and the local Indian. On State Highway 3, it's a nice stopover. Have dinner, go to the local pool, or a beach (Ohawe is nice, or Waihi), then take the surf highway (#45) around the coast to New Plymouth.

The most beautiful place in the world!! paradise! very small beach community on the west coast. muriwai beach, the main beach is good for swimming and beginner surfers as there are lifeguards on duty in the summer, and maori bay which is where most of the locals surf. There are no lifeguards at maori bay and strong rips. There's a top shop for takeaways and the bottom shop (Sand Dunez Cafe) has excellent food and ice cream. There's a caravan park for campers and horse riding centres on ohia road as well as "Only Fools and Horses Homestay" . Many hidden beauties in this little paradise.