New Zealand Archives - Adventures of a London Kiwi

Where to Stay in Nelson, New Zealand | Nelson Accommodation

July 27, 2022

Many visitors visiting the South Island of New Zealand buy a Campervan (and sell it when they leave the country) which means their Nelson accommodation is sorted, but if you’re just road tripping with a normal car and trying to decide where to stay in Nelson, you can’t go wrong with The Sails, a luxury motel. (Or, if you want to break up those nights in the cosy caravan…)

I’ve never heard of a ‘luxury motel’ either, we’ve stayed in motels (on our American roadtrips) and 5 star luxury, so I was curious to see how they intersected.

12 Trips in 12 Months | 6 Month Update

July 7, 2022

They say that “jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul” and with this in mind (plus the memory of lockdowns fresh in our minds) I announced to the better half that I fancied doing [minimum] 12 trips in 12 months this year.

He sighed – for context I spent December and January on the other side of the world and I hadn’t even unpacked my suitcase from that trip – but simply gave in.

Dinner at the Sugar Club | Auckland Sky Tower

February 13, 2022

Breathtaking views of Auckland harbour? Check. Plush interiors? Check. Delicious cocktails? Check. Delightful menu that played on the palate? Check. The Sugar Club in the Auckland Sky Tower just has it all.

The Sugar Club restaurant at the Sky Tower, SkyCity, Auckland. For canvas. 1 August 2018 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Greg Bowker. — NOT MY PHOTO: The Sugar Club restaurant at the Sky Tower, SkyCity, Auckland. Photograph by Greg Bowker.

Whenever I’m in Auckland I somehow always end up in the iconic 328 metre high Sky Tower which has stood tall for over 20 years. It sits above the clouds to experience incredible 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau, taking in ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond.

5 star hotels in Auckland | The Auckland Hilton Review

February 6, 2022

Looking for one of the best 5 star hotels in Auckland? Look no further. Superb harbour location, plush amenities, lovely lap pool overlooking the turquoise harbour, great restaurant selection, cosy rooms – you name it, the Auckland Hilton hotel nails it.

I really enjoy staying in the Auckland CBD – for most locals and office workers it’s where their head offices are based. But as tourists…

What to do in Nelson, New Zealand | Recommendations from a Local Expert

January 25, 2022

Writing this post was an amazing walk back through memories. As soon as I knew I was going down to the top of the South Island, I knew I’d be writing a ‘what to do in Nelson’ style post BUT every inch of credit has to go to my friend Cesca. (We may have giggled as we explored the landscape at ‘influencers’ who visit somewhere once and then proclaim expertise…)

An English rose that fell in love with a Kiwi and ended up moving to New Zealand, she’s settled there with her family and when she offered her spare room to me, I absolutely couldn’t believe my luck.