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5 Reasons You Should (Re)Visit NZ’s North Island This Spring

If you live in the South Island, a trip up North is always worthwhile. Even if you live on the North Island, you haven’t seen it all. The variety of wonderful natural attractions and interesting cities is just too great. Here are 5 reasons why you should plan a spring road trip!

Spring Festival in Wellington

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It’s logical that your spring visit to New Zealand and its North Island starts in its capital – Wellington. Due to its southernmost position, this town is a great starting point for a tour de Te Ika-a-Māui for people coming from the South Island.

Apart from being the gate of the North Island, Wellington also hosts a wide range of interesting spring events, the most important being the Spring Festival. Here you can see the natural treasures of the local Botanic Garden, as well as buy plants for your home collection. When your feet start to hurt from all the plant-seeing, relax and try some tasty food and first-class wines at Picnic Café, inside the Garden.

Moreover, if you’re in Wellington’s Botanic Garden this spring, don’t miss the Victory Medal cultural installation, in memory of the New Zealand’s soldiers who died in WWI. It’s going to be on display from 9 September to 13 November this year.

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

This region is situated on the geographical horn that dominates the middle of the North Island. It was named for Mount Taranaki – the dominant geographical feature of the entire area. Since this mountain is actually an old volcano, the slopes around it have fertile soil. Thanks to a God-given combination of volcanic rocks and rainforests, Taranaki is famous for its lush gardens, the most prominent being Te Kainga Marire. If you want to see some endemic rhododendrons or samples of original New Zealand-grown roses, come and observe how these and other plants create one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Garden-lovers should come to Taranaki at the end of October, to witness the Taranaki Garden Spectacular – a large garden festival, during which you can visit more than 50 enchanting gardens and see some fine examples of garden design and landscaping. The easiest way to get to Taranaki region is to rent a free car and enjoy a 250-mile drive along the west coast of the North Island.

The Waitomo Caves are Less Crowded

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Situated in the continental part of New Zealand’s northwest, The Waitomo Caves are famous for Black Water cave rafting, which is an endemic extreme sport – a blend of mountaineering and rafting. Check out this ideo to See what this thrill-provoking activity looks like.

Since you can’t squeeze the visit to this site in one day, you’ll need some fine accommodation. Although you can find dozens of hotels and bungalows in this area, try camping in Waitomo. Combined with a cave rafting tour, it will give you the best experience this region can offer.

The easiest way to get here is to go along the coast from New Plymouth to Awakino and then follow the signs to Waitomo.

Blossoming Orchards in The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is a great follow-up to a visit to The Waitomo Caves. The reason this part got such a sound name is definitely the plentitude of natural wonders it displays. First of all, there are eight rivers that flow into the sea in The Bay of Plenty (take a look at the map). Apart from the rivers, in spring, you can see the beautiful sights of blossoming kiwi orchards throughout the region. It’s interesting that this branch of agriculture is developing rapidly there, so use this opportunity to visit those orchards of plenty.

As for sea activities, surfing is the most popular sport in this region. But the real eye candy and a holiday treat every visitor to this part of the North Island should experience is definitely White Island. It’s a volcanic island located about 35 miles from Whakatane. You can visit it by boat or by helicopter. Here you can read more about the island and the preparations necessary for a visit to this Pacific gem.

Rotorua: It’s always good there!

If you’re visiting Bay of Plenty for the first time, you might be surprised that this waterfront region also hides some wonderful attractions in the continental part, too. The most interesting inland area of this bay is located around the town of Rotorua. In spring, you can go for endless strolls around one of 18 beautiful lakes located in the vicinity of this town.

Moreover, you can go to river jet tours, hiking adventures and casual walks. Finally, when every single muscle in your body starts aching from all these activities, visit one of numerous geothermal pools and relax your mind and soul.

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Mount Taranaki

Waitomo Caves

Rotorua

The Strangest Overseas Driving Laws That Could Catch You Out

It’s hard enough trying to remember all the laws of your own country, let alone memorising those from overseas. When you’re next in any of these countries, make a note of these driving laws which could catch you out.

Don’t stop for pedestrians – China

Kicking it off with a doozy, this Chinese law actively encourages you to continue forwards, even if you see a pedestrian coming.

That’s a little harrowing when you think about it – and certainly something you’d need to watch out for if you’re a stranger in the country.

While jaywalking might be actively punished in places like the US, there’s still an expectation on the part of the driver to stop. On the brutal streets of China, that apparently isn’t the case.

No Speed Limit – Germany

If you’re out for a nice drive on the German autobahn network – effectively their equivalent of a motorway or highway – you’re not actually forced to follow any kind of speed guidelines.

That might sound somewhat scary if you’re a beginner, but it isn’t too bad. People are allowed to travel at whatever speed feels best for them – with different lanes offering varying acceleration.

Worryingly though, stopping or breaking down is illegal – meaning you can’t head out if you even remotely suspect you might be in danger of either of those things happening.

6-Eyes – Spain

For some reason, Spanish law states that if you require glasses, you must carry a second pair when driving.

I suppose the concern is the first pair might break – but then, it begs the question as to how that could happen without already having crashed?

Glasses don’t tend to fall apart off their own steam – they need something to cause them to break in the first place…thus making the second pair somewhat superfluous.

Blind driving – USA

Only the good old U.S. of A could pump out such an obscure law, yet, amazingly, in the state of Alabama it’s illegal to drive while being blindfolded.

It speaks volumes this would even need to be implemented as a regulation in the first place and does leave one wondering how it came about.

Whatever the circumstances which brought in this bizarre rule, I guess we can’t argue you definitely shouldn’t drive without being able to see. Well done Alabama, I guess?

Drink and drive – Costa Rica

It’s perfectly legal for people driving in Costa Rica to have a pint of beer while they’re out for a casual drive.

Wow, talk about liberal views on drink driving right? Wrong. Despite that rule, it’s an instant jail sentence if you’re caught with more than 0.75% of alcohol in your blood.

It’s not really clear why a nation would be so casual in one regard, yet so stringent and authoritarian in another. The simple solution to avoid catastrophe is to avoid drinking and driving at the same time altogether.

These are just five of the most bizarre driving laws from across the globe which could catch you out. Make sure you don’t fall for any of these when you’re next in any of these countries, or else you could find yourself in a spot of bother.

4 Maintenance Tips for Rideshare Drivers to Keep Costs Low and Lifespan Long

Ridesharing has become an increasingly popular option for earning a living. Whether you’re looking to generate full-time income or just a little extra on the side, you can do so through companies like Uber and Lyft. For a predetermined hourly rate, drivers can pick up riders in the area and take them to their destinations. While one could stand to make a reasonable amount of cash, many have found that the cost of car ownership can really put a hamper on their ability to earn a decent living.

Unfortunately, when you sign up to work for a ridesharing program, the cost of owning a car, including fuel and maintenance of parts, is not covered by that company. This means that all the extra wear and tear and mileage you’re putting on the car will ultimately end up coming out of your pocket. Sure, there are unavoidable costs associated with owning a vehicle and operating it frequently, but are there ways to cut those costs down? You bet! Here are a few tips to ensure the most important auto parts are being maintained and you get the most mileage out of your investment (efficiently!).

Change the Oil

Most car owners are aware of the importance of changing the oil in their vehicle periodically. However, what many are unaware of is the importance of having the right type of oil and filters in your vehicle. The type of motor oil you use will greatly impact your engine’s performance not to mention its overall lifespan. Although conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic, it has to be changed more frequently: conventional oil change is recommended every 3k-5k miles, whereas many professionals say with synthetic you can wait 7,500 or even upwards of 15k depending on the type. Generally, experts say synthetic oil does indeed have specific advantages over conventional oil, most notably related to the health and longetivity of all the car’s engine parts.

Change Air Filters

Air filters are an intricate part of your vehicle’s intake system. As the engine on your car requires fuel and air to run, the air filter is necessary to prevent dirt and other junk from getting into all the parts of the engine leading to serious damage. If you have an older vehicle that runs on a carbureted engine, you can improve your fuel economy by as much as 14 percent if the filters were really clogged. If you have a newer vehicle, however, you will not necessarily improve fuel economy, but can improve the longevity of the engine, which obviously is also a way to save money on car ownership.

Clean Fuel Injection Systems

Simply put, a fuel injector valve is the engine part that opens and closes allowing fuel to enter. The amount of fuel that enters the engine is solely dependent upon how long the fuel injector stays open. The more efficient the fuel injection system is, the better fuel economy you should experience, thus leaving you with more money in your wallet. You can purchase fuel injector parts cleaner at an automotive parts store for just a few bucks. You add it to the gas tank so that the cleaner can move through the system and restore/clean the valves. You can also opt to have a technician clean the fuel injection system for you for around $100 to $200.

Achieving the Most Savings

You want to get the most out of the extra income you’re bringing in, and the best way to do that is to reduce your overhead costs. As discussed above, changing the oil, filters, and fuel injectors will improve the overall health of your vehicle’s engine parts as well as its fuel-efficiency.

Another way to reduce overhead costs would be to consider learning how to complete many of the maintenance tasks yourself and purchase the parts on your own from a trusted auto parts vendor. Simply learning how to complete a tune-up can increase your car’s efficiency and save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Every make and model will have different requirements–

If you have an American-made car, it might actually be worth your time to have a mechanic replace some of the harder DIY items, like replacing new brakes.
But if you own a European-made car, not only will the repairs on the car cost more but so do the replacement parts themselves. If this is you, it may be worth your time to learn how to repair as much of the car on your own as you can. At the very least, with how many retailers there are online, you could buy higher-quality OEM parts for the same price or less than the ‘cheaper’ aftermarket version from the mechanic.
- For example, let’s say you owned a Volkswagen Passat and needed to replace all or even just some of the above VW parts. An online vendor like eEuroparts will actually help ensure you’re getting quality VW OEM parts and fluids that’re the best suited for your exact model-year.

Although there’s always a learning curve when it comes to figuring out something new, learning to repair what auto parts you can on your car will greatly reduce the cost of car ownership over the time you own it. There’s a lot of other benefits from repairing the parts on your car yourself such as scheduling convenience and quality assurance.

Organising a Delivery – Ask a Friend, Rent a Truck or Book with Transfervans?

You just won an auction for a double mattress on Trademe. How do you get it home? The team behind Transfercar has launched a new website to solve the problem of furniture delivery in a convenient and cost-efficient way. (Service limited to Auckland for now)

Most of us are not so fortunate to own a vehicle that is suitable for transporting a bed. What to do? First, think of a friend or family member who has a van. Nobody comes to mind! Surely someone you know must have a car with towbar but does not have a trailer. Easy, just ask your friend to go to the nearest petrol station to rent one. After filling out the paperwork, picked the right size trailer (yep they come in different sizes and not all fit a bed) and paid $40 + deposit, your friend is on his way. 3 hours later, the mattress has been delivered and the trailer has been returned. You empty your wallet for small notes and coins and pay $55.30 to your friend for petrol, use of car and trailer hire. But surely you are also going to shout a few beers for him for helping out. Total price for trailer $55.30 + beers + hassling a friend.

Nah, too much a hassle to ask your friend with the tow bar to help. You research truck rentals and the cost is not too bad – $80 p/day. Do you choose to reduce the excess of $2,000? Nope, you take the risk. Remember to fill up the vehicle with petrol before the return. Should be no more than $10. You need an extra set of hands to help carry the bed, so you ask your friend to assist in return of organising a few pizzas. Lots of time went with picking up and returning the truck. Total price for truck rental and petrol $90 + pizzas + hassling a friend.

There must be a easier way to pick up the bed? You search online for delivery companies. You come across Transfervans who delivers anytime anywhere. It says you can book online. You (1) choose the right size vehicle, (2) enter Manukau as pick-up address and City as drop-off address which is 22km in between, (3) add the item that needs delivered and (4) pay. Hmm, that only took 2 minutes and is confirmed minutes later with a text telling you who the driver is! Total price for using Transfervans $71! And the driver will help you carry the mattress to your door. Time to invite your friends over for beers and pizzas!

Springtime Beach Escapades in Australia

Springtime is usually associated with beginnings, awakenings and other dynamic notions. So, no wonder Australia, vibrant and joyful, attracts so many people between September and November. Apart from the always popular city breaks, hiking tours and visits to outposts, the most in-demand destinations are the magnificent and renowned beaches.

Despite the existence of coastline paradox, which makes it impossible to say exactly how long Australia’s coastline is, it’s safe to say that it’s among the longest ones in the world. It happens every now and then that great potentials simply don’t deliver. However, this can’t be further from truth when it comes to the beauty of Australia’s beaches and what they have to offer.

Surfing

The obvious first choice. There are few keen surfers who haven’t heard or dreamed of hitting the waves at Bells Beach in Victoria, Byron Bay in New South Wales and, well, the name says it all, Surfers Paradise in Queensland. Naturally, there are hundreds of less famous and less frequented beaches which offer amazing surfing experience, as well. Whatever your preference, there is a wave waiting for you at one of Australia’s pristine and breathtaking beaches.

Beach festivals

These are becoming increasingly popular, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists, some ready to travel more than 15 hours just to feel the world famous atmosphere. Bands and DJs heat up the stages all over the continent in spring, while after-parties may either cool everyone down or keep the temperature up, depending on the crowd.

Since these festivals last for several days, it’s vital to book accommodation early enough. Luckily, you can choose from a wide offer of private accommodation units, campsites and hotels in the vicinity of the beaches. Depending on the part of Australia you’re visiting and the dates of your visit, you might be lucky enough to attend one of the many festivals organized there

One of the premier surf beaches in Australia. Unfortunately, we could not get any closer as they were setting up for some big surf competition. On to our next scenic stop.

Diving and snorkeling

There aren’t many more awe-inspiring places for divers and snorkelers than the Great Barrier Reef and the area around it. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete novice who’s never donned the equipment before, you’re bound to find your own piece of heaven underwater.

You may organize your own trip or decide to join a guided tour. If you’re interested and can afford the time and money, you could take a diving course and become at least a certified recreational scuba diver.

Canoeing and kayaking

Usually associated with tranquil backwaters and inlets or inland white-waters, canoeing and kayaking off the shore provide you with an opportunity to see the marvelous coastline from another perspective. Plus, you’ll be getting an excellent workout while doing something fun.

Chances are, whichever part of Australia you choose, dolphins are quite likely to keep you company while you paddle your way off the coast. They might be accompanied by seals or other curious sea creatures, which would only bring the experience to a whole new level.

Chilling and eating

Perhaps an adrenalin rush is not what you’re after this spring, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some extraordinary time by the water. For example, you can throw your own beach party for your family or friends. What better way to celebrate one of Australia’s greatest contributions to the culinary world – a barbecue breakfast, than having it at one of nature’s greatest gifts to us – a beach in Australia.

Millions of people flock to the beaches in Australia each year in search for fun, excitement or relaxation and an overwhelming majority of them find what they want. A lot of them find even more than they bargained for, while some find exactly what they need, though they didn’t have that particular experience in mind before embarking on their journey.

You’re probably not a jolly swagman who’s going to camp by a billabong, but someone looking for a spring holiday with a twist. Well, look no further, because you’ve chosen your destination wisely. Now all you need to do is make up your mind about what you’d like to experience, but keep it open. What might happen could be just the thing you need.

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Byron Bay

The Allure of Queenstown in Spring

The area where amazing mountain ranges embrace the unbelievably clear water of Lake Wakatipu, where the flavors of Chardonnay become more citrusy and where Pinot Noir vineyards roll over the hills. The self-proclaimed “home of adventure bucket list”. Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Why spring?

Because the days are longer, colours change and you have a wide range of offers. For example, you can hit the slopes (usually until mid-October) and make the most of the abundance of sunshine in comparison with winter. Also, all of a sudden, you have so many more options for dining out (and by “out” we really mean “out”). This is the time when keen beach-goers start flocking at numerous beaches in the area.

Where can I stay?

Depending on the type of traveler you are and your budget, you may choose anything from campgrounds to luxurious hotels and resorts. The best starting point for choosing accommodation is most likely this.

I want adventure

Apart from the traditional skiing and snowboarding, Queenstown prides itself on whitewater rafting, river surfing, canyon swinging and thrills on a jet boat. However, real adrenalin addicts say that you haven’t been to Queenstown if you haven’t tried bungee jumping.

I want even more adventure

Well, you can organize a wedding here and springtime is the perfect season. Just imagine you and your loved one amidst some of the most breath-taking landscapes. When it comes to the atmosphere, anything goes. From cheerful bridesmaids’ dresses and outstanding groomsmen suits to completely informal dress code. From classical music to dubstep. You just need to make up your mind.

Culinary delights and night out

With over 150 restaurants, bars and cafes, the Queenstown region caters to everyone’s taste. What’s more, you’ll find many specialized food shops, wineries and local farmers’ markets selling organic produce.

There is nothing better than enjoying a nice night out following a nice dinner. Whether you choose some of the vibrant nightclubs with live music and DJs, or a more quiet place, you’re guaranteed a great time.

Visit movie locations

There aren’t many people who don’t know that The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand. It was only logical to shoot the Hobbit trilogy here, as well, right? And what about Wolverine?

So, if you’d like to visit some of the locations featured in these and many more movies and to experience the scenery that inspired many famous filmmakers, you’ve come to the right place. Many local agencies will offer various types of tours and they promise no dragon will wake up during the tour. And if you prefer to explore these awe-inspiring places on your own, you can do so in a free transfer car.

Shopping

If this is what you like to do to relax, Queenstown will oblige. There are internationally renowned luxury brands, as well as local stores offering souvenirs. Naturally, you can buy all types of clothes and equipment for any of the activities offered in the area.

The best part about the shopping experience is that everything is located in the very center of the city, in the pedestrian friendly central business district (CBD).

Needless to say, the city also has the inevitable visitor booking services, post offices, internet cafes, exchange offices, ATMs and banks, should you need any of them.

Though it was early Maori who first inhabited the region, it was the discovery of gold in the local waterways in the late 19^th century that started drawing many more people to this piece of heaven on Earth. Some have come to stay, some only to visit. Nowadays, almost three million people visit the city and the area each year.

You probably won’t come here to search for gold, but even if you do, chances are you won’t get rich overnight. Still, that shouldn’t dissuade you from coming here. Visiting Queenstown for fun, adrenalin rush, relaxation or wine tasting will surely make the trip worthwhile. Visiting it is spring is only going to enhance the experience.

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