Travel Blog
Get travel ideas for your New Zealand North Island Trip on Reddit
Planning a North Island trip using Reddit recommendations? Discover how to take your saved Reddit threads and transform them into a smooth, perfectly paced private tour with Great North Tours.
Discovering New Zealand’s Purest Oasis: The Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway
Just under an hour’s drive (67 km) south of Hamilton lies one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking natural wonders: the Blue Spring along the Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru. If you are looking for the ultimate Waikato day trip departing from Hamilton, this pristine sanctuary is an unmissable destination.
Kiwi & Māori Words Every New Zealand Traveler Should Know
Master 50 essential Kiwi slang words and Māori phrases before traveling to New Zealand. Learn key greetings, everyday idioms, and cultural terms to connect with locals and navigate Aotearoa with confidence.
Kia Ora Rotorua: Raw, Real Culture at Whakarewarewa
Māori cultural group performing traditional dance and music at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua.
Beyond the Big City: Why Hamilton is the Ultimate Gateway to the North Island
"Skip the Auckland traffic. With direct Jetstar flights from Sydney and the Gold Coast to Hamilton, your premium New Zealand adventure starts the moment you land."
Golden Days & Glassy Waters: Autumn in the Waikato (April 2026)
“Experience the magic of autumn in the Waikato with Great North Tours. From the golden hues of Hamilton Gardens to the misty mornings at Hobbiton”
The MICHELIN Guide is on the way to Aotearoa New Zealand
"The world’s most prestigious dining guide arrives in Aotearoa in 2026. Explore how we curate our private tours to include these world-class culinary stops."
Summer in New Zealand’s North Island: Your Ultimate Guide to Sun and Adventure
“The world’s most prestigious dining guide arrives in Aotearoa in 2026. Explore how we curate our private tours to include these world-class culinary stops”
Discover Why Air New Zealand Should Be Your Airline of Choice
"The premium experience starts at 30,000 feet. Discover why we recommend Air New Zealand for your journey to your bespoke North Island tour."
YouTube Sensation MrBeast Set to Visit New Zealand for Epic Adventures
"You don't need a YouTube camera crew to get the VIP treatment in Waitomo. See the glowworm wonders away from the crowds with a private local guide."
What are some unique Kiwiana (stuff)?
"Beyond the souvenirs lies the real soul of New Zealand. Join us as we explore the stories and history behind our most iconic cultural symbols."

