NZ day walks – Moo and Moochelle

Category: NZ day walks

Papaiti Walkway, WHANGANUI

You’d be forgiven for not having heard of Papaiti, a little semi-rural suburb in Whanganui, but it has been really been put on the map recently (well, at least for those of us who live here). It’s making a little name for itself as a gin tasting pit-stop on the Mountain to Sea bike trail. […]

Bason Botanic Gardens, WHANGANUI

How is it that I’ve lived in Whanganui for 7.5years, been to Bason Reserve a number of times, and YET this is the first time I’ve actually done this walk? We were inspired to do this walk today, Matariki observed (Friday 14 July, 2023), as we have recently decided that we should do a *new […]

The Pyramids (Victory Beach), Dunedin, OTAGO

This is one of Dunedin’s most remote beaches and it’s absolutely beautiful. I can’t believe I lived in Dunedin for 6 years and never came here (except I can, because it’s quite the mission). Fun fact: Dunedin has like 25+ beaches. I should do a blog post dedicated just to Dunedin beaches, because they are […]

Tunnel Beach, Dunedin, OTAGO

Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s worst kept secrets. For good reason. It’s a great spot, although it’s a steep (but short) walk back up to the car from the beach. The highlight of course is the tunnel down to the secluded beach where you can hunt for fossils and explore caves (at low tide) […]

Nicols Falls, Dunedin, OTAGO

This is one of my favourite spots in Dunedin. It’s a relatively short walk (though fairly steep) and not many people know about it for some reason. It is definitely a “hidden gem” in lush native forest, which isn’t super common around Dunedin. There is also a great spot for glow worms if you go […]

Dyke’s Dam (Sowburn Walkway), Patearoa, CENTRAL OTAGO

Patearoa is a small settlement in rural Central Otago, meaning “fortification with a clear view” in Te Reo Māori, although this may be more the original name of the Rock and Pillar Ranges, rather than the name given to the village. Europeans settled here in search of gold in the 1860s, and named the place […]

Blue Lake Loop Track, St Bathans, CENTRAL OTAGO

St Bathans is a former gold and coal mining settlement in the heart of rural Central Otago. Fun fact: it was previously named Dunstan Creek, but was founded as St Bathans in 1863. It was named by surveyor John Turnball, after the Scottish parish of Abbey St Bathans. By 1887 it had a population of […]

Bridal Veil Falls, WAIKATO

This beautiful walk is just outside Raglan, a must visit little town I can’t believe I haven’t visited until now! Track Facts 40 minute walk (to the bottom of the falls and back) 2.6km 261 steps moderate level of fitness required kid friendly & part of the kiwi guardians campaign easy option: 10 minute to […]

Bridge to Nowhere, WHANGANUI

Track Facts: Located in Whanganui National Park This is a whole day trip from Whanganui City We did 4 hours driving + 1.5 hour jet boat riding + 1.5 hour hiking + 2 hours canoeing Easy walk, relatively flat. Older kid friendly You will need: sun protection, water, insect repellent, wet weather gear, a packed […]

Matiu / Some’s Island , WELLINGTON

Track Facts: 40mins (plus exploring time) 3km loop Easy walk with some steep sections Decent footwear required Kid friendly No dogs Bio security check required one arrival Cost: price of ferry ticket. $25 (adult) $13 (child) return to and from Days Bay or Queens Wharf You can camp on the island at the campsite OR […]