Tag: sponsored post

Road tripping New Zealand’s South Island

South island main

Few places are as stunning as New Zealand’s South Island. With its dramatic scenery and relative isolation, there’s nowhere better to hit the road in a camper van. Sure, it would be nicer to roll around in a luxury 6 star RV, but for those of us not lucky enough to win a EuroMillions jackpot, a regular camper van might have to do. That won’t make the trip any less memorable, though. The South Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and with so much to see and do you could spend weeks exploring all it has to offer. Check out our to-do list, exploring the far south of the island, up to the very north. Fiordland National Park Our trip starts at Fiordland, New Zealand’s largest and most well-known national park. Shaped by glaciers over millions of years, and home to the spectacular Milford Sound, Fiordland is a haven for kayakers, campers, bush-walkers (called ‘trampers’ in New Zealand) alpine climbers and fly fishers. Boat tours of Milford and Doubtful Sounds are very popular, and the mirror lakes will give you some of the best scenery you’ll ever set eyes on. Dunedin Dunedin is the South Island’s second biggest city.  It’s a university town with proud Scottish roots. On the coast is the beautiful Otago peninsula, where you can take a cruise to see seals lazing and albatrosses in feeding frenzies. ‘The Pride of the South’, the Speights Brewery, can also be found in Dunedin, and is open for tours. The historic Larnach Castle is a… Read More

5 top benefits of a kitchen renovation

Fridge kitchen

Our kitchens can be the very hub of our homes, from cooking delicious meals to socialising with guests, if you’re the houseproud type you’ll likely want your kitchen to always look great! If you’ve been considering a kitchen renovation but are a little on the fence, let’s consider a few benefits that you may like to know!  Add value to your home   It stands to reason that when you invest in your home, you’ll want to see a return on that investment over time. While you can’t control factors like the housing market, you can opt for some home improvements, which will add value to your property. A beautiful kitchen renovation is an excellent investment that will do just this. Paying out for something really gorgeous will serve you in the long run!  Highly functional  The more functional that your kitchen is the better use you will get out of it. Getting the best use out of your kitchen could save you time on cooking and cleaning too. Adding more effective cabinets can increase your storage space, reduce clutter, and make all within easier reach. Adding an island can give you a seating area with stools (a particularly great function if you don’t have a dining room). Improving the quality of your oven can afford you an improved cooking experience that will enhance your overall quality of life!  If you lack space, a kitchen renovation could help you to make the most of the space that you do have.  Improve your cooking When you have… Read More

How to plan a trip to Indonesia on a budget

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Resort Le Bar Lychee Pink Slush

Asia is a popular destination for backpackers because a lot of the countries are quite cheap. The flights to get out there might cost you a bit but once you arrive, places like Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam are relatively cheap and your money goes a long way. But not all Asian destinations are that affordable and there are some places like parts of Indonesia that are a lot more expensive so people tend to avoid them. Image source That’s a real shame because Indonesia is an incredible country that has so much to offer and you’ll get a different experience compared with a lot of the other popular backpacking destinations. It doesn’t have to be expensive if you don’t want it to be either, there are ways that you can save a lot of money. You might have to make a few sacrifices and maybe miss out on some of the more expensive activities while you’re there but you can still have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. These are some of the best tips for people that want to travel to Indonesia on a budget. Plan your flights properly It’s no secret that booking flights early is going to get you the best prices so start looking right away and keep checking the flight comparison sites daily so you can find a good deal. The further in advance you book, the cheaper it’s going to be so if you start getting organized now, you’ll save a lot of money. You also need to… Read More

Changing your drinking habits: What’s Your Story?

WhatsYourStory_HeroVisual

Over the next two weeks, Melbourne will come alive with three artwork installations that highlight one thing: the drinking culture in Melbourne is taking a shift. But, is it for you? The City of Port Phillip, City of Stonnington and City of Melbourne are all coming together this summer to highlight a fundamental shift in the way Melbourne locals approach their drinks. They hit the streets and targeted people from the ages of 18 to 24 who enjoy pubs, visit clubs and are out ’til all hours, making the most of Melbourne’s renowned nightlife. What did they find? Three poignant quotes from hundreds of people they collected stories from that really shone a light on some promising shifts in the approach we might be seeing towards drinking and drinking culture. Hot tip: it’s a healthier one. Aptly titled What’s Your Story? – see it at @whatsyourstorymelb on Insta – it formed a new campaign by the three local governments that is about asking participants a series of questions relating to their nightlife experiences in Melbourne and relaying the three core approaches to drinking culture that exist now into interactive artwork around the city. It’s all a part of VicHealth’s Alcohol Culture Change Initiative which aims to change cultures of risky drinking in Victoria. “Music is all I need” was the first of three installations to make its way to Queensbridge Square (15 February), before the other two take an even rotation to give each message a natural moment in the spotlight. It’s reflective of a culmination of quotes… Read More