"Hikurangi is famous for being one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise, so being there at sunrise is pretty special. You need permission to hike from the local office in Ruatōria, and then you take a four-wheel drive path and walk up to the whakairo (carvings). Spend the sunrise walking amongst these beautiful ancestral carvings."

Sofia MINSON

"I'd recommend going there to see and pay your respects to the river. It's something that's in the blood of the people. The waters hold people's memories, and the people and the river are one. Then you'd have to go for a swim or surf at Wainui Beach and finish with fish and chips at Nūhaka."

Sofia MINSON

"I also love Ōhope Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Ōhope has it all: small cafés, like The Quay Cafe, and restaurants. It's a great surf beach and is where I spend most of my time, so I'd definitely advise people to visit."

Sofia MINSON

"I love Tūhoe Country [Te Urewera]. The Tūhoe people are right next door and they've done an incredible job of keeping their rainforest beautiful and rich. Lake Waikaremoana is so beautiful. Everything feels prehistoric — all the natural webs are thriving and intact."

Sofia MINSON

"A great place to take the caravan is Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, just out of Rotorua. You can spend the day lounging around in the natural hot springs — they’re so gorgeous. There's a little café there, too. It's one of my favorite places."

Sofia MINSON

"I’d recommend renting an Airbnb on the beach at Tolaga Bay, and either do a little barbecue for dinner or go to the local pub called Tolaga Bay Inn."

Sofia MINSON