Travel tips

Handy travel tips and itineraries - we are connecting the dots to help you find Tohu Whenua places that you will love.

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Image courtesy Ōkārito Kayaks
travel

27/01/2026 | Northland / West Coast / Otago / Waitaha Canterbury

The Tohu Whenua guide to active relaxing

This itinerary, for people who like to get out and about, takes you from the north of Waitaha Canterbury down to Otago and across to the West Coast. Stretch your legs, paddle out on the water and ride a bike. Let's go!

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travel

21/12/2025 | West Coast / Otago / Waitaha Canterbury

Culture vultures & history buffs

Here is a culture-packed itinerary showcasing the varied histories of Te Waipounamu the South Island. You’ll be a trendsetter – some of these spots are off the beaten track, but well worth the journey.

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travel

14/12/2025 | Waitaha Canterbury / Otago / West Coast

South Island roady: kids on tour

Heading south this summer? Hop onboard our South Island roady. Tohu Whenua sites are family friendly and engaging for people of all ages, so make your way to Ōtautahi Christchurch to kick off this kid-friendly holiday.

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travel

08/12/2025 | Northland / West Coast / Otago / Waitaha Canterbury

Four incredible walks around Aotearoa

Whether you call it tramping, hiking or just plain walking – the perfect way to encounter Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique history and culture is on foot. Here are four extraordinary walks in the Tohu Whenua itinerary.

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news

22/10/2025 | Waitaha Canterbury

Toi Māori: new, old and enduring

Experiencing the rich visual culture of mana whenua is one of the coolest things about travelling around Aotearoa, from thousand-year-old cave drawings to impactful contemporary art. These taonga hold the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand’s first peoples in Waitaha Canterbury. Explore these unique Tohu Whenua sites to experience a huge range of toi Māori.

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travel

02/09/2025 | Northland / West Coast / Otago / Waitaha Canterbury

Heritage havens: six Tohu Whenua gardens to get lost in

Koanga (spring) is the perfect season to take time out in a beautiful heritage garden to centre yourself and find a sense of connection. These Tohu Whenua gardens are full of historic plants, fascinating stories and calming vistas. 

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travel

05/05/2025 | Northland / West Coast / Otago

Five stunning spots to stargaze

It's the perfect time to look up at the stars, and several Tohu Whenua are amazing places to do just that.

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travel

31/03/2025 | Northland / West Coast / Otago

5 best half-day heritage walks for autumn

Bright blue skies, trees ablaze with colourful autumn foliage, and tranquil tracks - smart walkers know that autumn is one of the most glorious seasons to be in the great outdoors. It’s also a great time of year to discover more of New Zealand’s unique history with Tohu Whenua.

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travel

22/01/2025

The Tohu Whenua guide to Otago

Homes of invention and innovation, ancestral landscapes and cycle trails bursting with history are just some of the must-dos you’ll find in our Otago itinerary.

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travel

13/01/2025

The Best Summer Adventures in Te Tai Poutini West Coast

Treasure seeker towns, snowcapped views and an ancient lagoon are just some of the must-dos you’ll find in our Te Tai Poutini West Coast itinerary.

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travel

06/01/2025 | Northland

Summer must-dos in Te Tai Tokerau Northland

Whether on foot, waka or wheels, there's something for every explorer at Tohu Whenua sites in Te Tai Tokerau Northland this summer. Whether you're seeking tranquility, excitement, or a bit of both, these destinations promise to leave a lasting impression on you and your whānau.

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travel

10/12/2024

Fill the season with sun and stories

Picture yourself wandering through ancient pā sites, stepping into the past at historic gold rush towns, or standing in awe at breathtaking natural landscapes. Tohu Whenua sites are more than just destinations – they’re stories waiting to be discovered.

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travel

15/07/2024

Central Otago Off-Mountain Must-Dos

Whether the slopes of Queenstown and Wānaka are a regular destination or bucket-list adventure for you, exploring Tohu Whenua at the foot of the mountain will give you a chance to go deeper and get more out of your winter getaway.

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travel

07/02/2024

Top 10 Heritage + Café Destinations

Feed your curiosity and your puku! Looking for a destination where you can learn history where it happened, with the added bonus of some delicious kai?

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travel

31/01/2024

Your guide to Kiwi heritage this Waitangi Day

A recent survey commissioned by Kiwi visitor guide, Tohu Whenua, and their partners revealed that 78% of Kiwis surveyed want to learn more about NZ history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage. As Waitangi Day approaches, Tohu Whenua is proud to share several sites where New Zealanders can learn more about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and other aspects of Māori heritage.

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travel

28/05/2023 | Northland / West Coast / Otago

Heritage places your kids will love

Be a history detective. Get hands-on in an inventor’s workshop. Visit a pā site. Learn to bind books at our oldest printery. Make damper at a historic farm. Tohu Whenua heritage landmarks are great for kids!

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travel

10/05/2023 | West Coast

Motorhome travels at a ghost town

When it comes to heritage, Te Tai Poutini the West Coast has plenty of iconic hot spots and hidden gems that await discovery. In this article Tohu Whenua’s Claudia Babirat explores her favourite of them all: Waiuta.

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travel

19/09/2021 | Otago

Explore Queenstown’s top three heritage sites by bike

Want to combine a Queenstown cycling adventure with some unique Kiwi culture?

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travel

20/03/2021 | Otago

Central Otago Touring Route

One of New Zealand's finest road trips takes you to nine of Otago's Tohu Whenua heritage experiences.

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travel

01/02/2021 | West Coast

West Coast heritage by campervan

Mining tunnels, ghost towns, stamper batteries, shipwrecks, all in mind-bogglingly beautiful locations. When it comes to heritage, the West Coast has plenty of iconic hot spots and hidden gems that await discovery. Claudia Babirat explores some of the places that defined the West Coast and shaped our nation.

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travel

16/12/2019 | Otago

Your ultimate Otago heritage hot spots

Otago is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s jewels. Known for its diverse scenery, it’s also brimming with heritage.

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