TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND

A woman stands in front of a view of Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, with her headtorch focused on the ground and dawn colours in the sky

Beyond the beaten path

Kia ora, I’m Petrina

Your local source for unforgettable road trips and adventures in New Zealand.

I write about road trips, locally owned businesses, and authentic experiences.

New Zealand travel guide

MY WRITING HAS APPEARED IN

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North Island destinations

The beaches, camping spots, and coastal walks that fuel my ongoing love for the North Island

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South Island destinations

The South Island is unmatched for hiking, adventure, and road tripping.

A woman stands in the golden glow of sunset in the mountains of New Zealand

About me

I’m a proud New Zealander with a passion for the outdoors and a camera in my bag. I find magic in our natural world. I hope you do too.

After years of writing about New Zealand for other publications, I started sharing my knowledge on my own New Zealand travel blog.

I want to give unfiltered New Zealand travel advice, so this blog is a collection of my personal advice, stories, and trips.

I like to write about the things I’m passionate about — like solo travel, outdoor adventures, long hikes, van life, and slow travel.

I don’t really like lists of things you must do, or trying to find the absolute best of everything — when places are beautiful but busy, I’ll tell you. And when they are quieter and just as beautiful, I’ll also let you in on the secret.

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MY PHILOSOPHY

This New Zealand travel blog is for the intentional travellers and aspiring adventurers. For the explorers who share my love fondness for a slower pace, the joy of the unexpected, and the excitement of lesser trodden paths.