Jess is a Wanderer headed south from Nelson after Boxing Day. After relaxing on the beach, it was time to do some exploring. We visited Tauranga Seal Colony, Cape Foulwind Lighthouse and Pancake Rocks. State Highway 6 is often referred to as being one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world. Hugging the coastline for much of the way, you're greeted with blue sea, white sand, wildlife and some impressive rock formations. There are so many things to stop and see al

Jess is a Wanderer visited Cape Palliser to see the southernmost point of New Zealand's north island. That's not the only reason to visit, however. You can also see the country's self-proclaimed 'spiffiest lighthouse' and search for seals along the coastline. See the full gallery here. #seal #lighthouse #northisland #photography #nature #wildlife

Jess is a Wanderer travelled to the west coast of New Zealand's North Island to visit the Awhitu Peninsula. This part of New Zealand haas got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. With sprawling hills and grasslands stretching for miles, there's just nothing to spoil these spectacular views. At the tip of the Awhitu Peninsula is a spot called Manukau Heads. At this spot is a famous lighthouse which is privately owned and operated. It's well-maintained and you c

Jess is a Wanderer is regularly looking on Instagram for recommendations about places to go and things to see. Castlepoint lighthouse is extremely 'Instagrammable' so I wanted to see it for myself... I found the perfect Couchsurfing place to stay in Masterton - about 90 minutes away from Castlepoint. I warned my hosts that I'd be waking up at 4:30 in order to get to the coast for what was promised to be a spectacular sunrise. The drive was long and winding, it was a cold nigh

Jess is a Wanderer explored New Plymouth and climbed to the top of Paritutu Rock, ventured around Pukekura Park and visited Te Rewa Rewa bridge. All in all, combined with the magnificent Mount Taranaki, New Plymouth is a fab place to be based. Te Rewa Rewa bridge is on the coastal walkway which spans the entire town of New Plymouth. It's an easy stroll that it suitable for all abilities with great views of Mount Taranaki - on a clear day. Sadly, that wasn't the case when we w

Jess is a Wanderer enjoyed visiting Cape Reinga so much in January that she returned in April. This time, the plan was to see the famous lighthouse at sunset. And have a stroll around the area. The views, of course, were as spectacular as expected. Here are the highlights in photos: #sunset #lighthouse #northland #northisland #photography

Jess is a Wanderer braved the 60km+ dusty driving along a gravel road from Dargaville to reach the beach upon which Pouto Lighthouse sits. Another 6km walking along the beach leads you to a giant sand dune with the spectacular lighthouse at the top. If you're keen for the adventure, you won't be disappointed by the view! #lighthouse #northland #northisland #sunset #photography

The Tutukaka stretch of coastline is pretty fantastic to see. Crystal clear turquoise water contrasting against the green of the bush or the grey of the rocks, even on an overcast day, it's stunning to see. Jess is a Wanderer headed out to tramp to the lighthouse. The walk is a 2km round trip and takes approximately an hour to go there and back. That doesn't count rock climbing time down on the causeway not taking in the view once at the lighthouse. After walking across open