Anyone who has had crohns knows of the unique ‘joys’ we experience – the colonoscopies, unable to work, unable to eat without being in the vicinity of the bathroom, the nausea and pain, perhaps even surgeries to remove part of the colon, or secondary issues like sero-negative arthritis. Whilst I’ve never had colon surgery, I have experienced all the rest. I was diagnosed with crohns three years ago. And even after they put me on immune suppressants and prednisone, I kept getting flare-ups. It was only when my doctor finally said she was going to put me on Remicade that I really decided to find a way of getting my health – and my life – back, using natural remedies. There was something about the potential complications and side-effects of Remicade, the fact that it really was unchartered drug territory where no-one knew the long-term effects, that spurred me on. I didn’t want to be a guinea pig for this one.

I had tried a lot of different supplements when I first got sick, but nothing seemed to help. I tried olive leaf extract, echinacea, parasite formulas (before I was diagnosed), and regular probiotics. I think I even tried St Mary’s Thistle, a liver supplement and antioxidant. But none of these worked. I did give up on the idea of using supplements for a while after that initial period. I was disenchanted that nothing had worked so far, so I thought only pharmaceuticals were strong enough to have any effect. But then Remicade came along, and I’d had enough.

I trawled through a lot of sites looking for clues on the kind of supplements to try. That was how I came across two of them – the probiotic lactobacillus plantarum, and plant digestive enzymes. The third, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract, came my way through a friend of mine, who was taking it for general health reasons.

Let’s look at each of these supplements, and how they helped bring my crohns into remission.

1. Lactobacillus Plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic that is active in the colon. It is commonly recommended for those with IBS, but it is effective for crohns sufferers too (if crohns is affecting your large bowel rather than your small intestine. If it is affecting the latter, you should do some research on probiotics that specifically benefit the small intestine).

Lactobacillus Plantarum helps Crohns sufferers these ways:

• Defensive Barrier – L. Plantarum adheres to the gut wall, preventing other (bad) bacteria from adhering and multiplying
• Reduces Inflammation – By reducing the population of certain pathogenic bacteria, the level of inflammation in the colon is reduced.

There are two strains of this probiotic that tend to be used in supplements – the 299v strain and VSL3. The 299v strain tends to be used for irritable bowel, and is what I used. It still worked. I did not have access to the VSL3 strain which is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease.

I took about a bottle of this a week during the acute stages.

2. Plant Digestive Enzymes

There are a number of digestive enzyme products on the market, and I can only comment on the type I used. This doesn’t mean the others won’t work to help your crohn’s – it’s just that I can’t comment on it personally as I simply do not know.

The enzymes I took were plant based enzymes that had large amounts of protease, amylase, and lipase, as well as a number of other enzymes (cellulase, lactase, invertase, and bromelain) in each capsule. Living in Australia, it was expensive to get these sent from the US (and I wasn’t particularly well organized at the time). So, when I ran out, I simply used the best plant digestive enzyme I could find at the local health food shop. However, because it had much less in each capsule, I did end up taking more. As a rough guide, I took about a bottle a week of the enzymes you can buy in a health food shop. I took them with every meal. How much you’ll need is something you’re in the best position to know. Try taking 3 or 4 with each meal, and if that doesn’t help, take more.

Serrapeptidase is also considered a good enzyme, though I only found out about it later. It helps with inflammation, though it doesn’t necessarily help with digestion. I think the digestive enzymes themselves are the key in helping manage crohn’s.

3. New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract

New Zealand green lipped mussel is a potent anti-inflammatory, a source of omega 3 essential fatty acids – and then some! Fish oils also have an anti-inflammatory effect, but this is much stronger. And given the level of inflammation in crohns, you need something concentrated. New Zealand green lipped mussel also contains fatty acid compounds that regular fish oil doesn’t, which increases it’s effectiveness in dealing with inflammatory disorders. But like fish oil, it contains EPA and DHA.

Depending on the brand I had, and what was going on in my body, I took about a bottle every 1 to 3 weeks.

I know now there are other supplements, like aloe vera, that I could have added to my regimen. However, I don’t think I would replace any of these three core supplements. Nor would I rely simply on one. They each contribute healing that is quite unique – the probiotics help restore the balance of good bacteria in the bowel, and reduce inflammation, the New Zealand green lipped mussel is a strong anti-inflammatory that has essential fatty acids required by the brain, the eyes, and many other parts of the body. And the plant digestive enzymes actually allow you to eat again with some sense of normality. I strongly believe all three contributed to my healing, and I am thankful for the fact that I was able to avoid going on another drug.

The rugby world, lead mostly by Australians and Englishmen, take great joy in labelling New Zealand’s All Blacks chokers for their recent lack of World Cup success. Since the first World Cup, which New Zealand won, the All Black World Cup story has been one of disappointment and heartache for All Black Supporters who are left wondering how a team that is seems to spend the entire three years leading up to a world cup stomping on everyone in site can manage to throw away world cups year after year.

It started in England, where the All Blacks were defeated in the semi-final by Australia. I can remember that year well, Australia beat the All Blacks convincingly at home, then New Zealand managed to retain the Bledislow cup by winning a low scoring game at home. 1-1 all going into the world cup, with Australia looking far more convincing in their win. In the minds of many New Zealanders the All Blacks were the underdogs in that semi-final. Chokers – not here. Much as it pains me to say, beaten by the better team, not just on the day, but of the season.

In South Africa in 1995 the All Blacks played well to dismiss everyone between them on the final. Getting up in the middle of the night New Zealanders were greeted with the news many of their food was suffering from food poisoning prior to their final against the hosts. Still, the game went to extra time, and the All Blacks lost the drop kicking duel. Choking…only on their dinner.

In 1999 the All Blacks went into a semi-final against a French Team described as ‘only there by a fluke of the draw’. On this occasion I was driving the length of the country to see my girlfriend, listening to the radio as the static crackled in and out. New Zealand controlled much of the match, but were blown away in the second half by a period of play that France will produce once a decade. When they are in that mood they are near unstoppable. France went on to show their other side in the final, losing terribly to Australia in an ugly match. The All Blacks were so dejected that they had little heart for their 3rd place playoff with South Africa and finished their worst placing ever at a world cup – 4th. Choking? Maybe so here, certainly they had little answer once the French turned on the magic.

In 2003 the All Blacks had beaten Australia comfortably in the Tri-Nations(In one game very handsomely) and having disposed of South Africa in their Semi-Final were the favourites going into the Semi-Final, against the hosts. Australia played a game plan the All Blacks never saw coming, and again the inability to adapt cost the All Blacks the game. Having said that, one intercept try made all the difference, and Australia were always going to be very difficult to beat on their home turf. Australia went on to lose to England in the final. This time there was no heartless playoff for the kiwi’s who took their frustration out on France.

Overall, the history of New Zealand at world cups has been disappointing for fans, but only one country, Australia, can boast a better record. The ‘choker’ tag is more something used to rile up New Zealand fans than something any team actually believes. Going in to the 2007 World Cup the All Blacks have beaten all the major nations comfortably, several times by 30 points or more. Remarkably they have done this with a squad system that means they often play their second 15 in any given match. No other country in the Rugby World has demonstrated the depth to contemplate this, yet in 2006 the All Blacks dropped only one match – the ‘dead rubber’ in Ristenburg to a South African team fuelled by desperation.

Competitors should consider the New Zealand team chokers at their own peril. They are runaway favourites to win the 2007 World Cup, but not invincible as Rustenburg showed.

UK, Australia, New Zealand are one of the most popular destinations for studying overseas. With internationally recognized educational institutions and a common language is the most important advantage of these. More than 30000 students from the USA and Canada have a choice to study overseas in the UK because of diverse cultures world wide and the common language. UK offers a great technological experience, high-tech facilities, and innovative research environment to attract outsiders.

International reputation maintained by the UK in terms of education is admirable and the country fairly earns global respect and meets internationally set quality standards. Study in the UK these days has become really cost-effective because of the cut-throat competition amongst various agencies and institutes for tuition fees and scholarships they are offering. The oldest and most prestigious university offers a year long, semester, and summer program for students who study abroad in the UK. There are many funding and scholarship program offered by institutions and hence financing is no longer a hindrance for those who are willing to pursue higher studies overseas. These countries also offer “Learn while you earn” facilities by offering part time work for the students like 20 hours per week during your study period and 40 hours per weak during holidays in the study period.

Now Australia has become one of the favorite places for students to study in variety of disciplines. Queensland is known as “sunshine state” and is the landmark of quality education in the northern state of Australia.

There are several other options for overseas study programs in Australia and New Zealand like business hospitality, semester abroad internship combo programs, semester travel literature and many other full time internship programs.

Australian university offers programs that are both academically and culturally enriching students and providing the most reasonable and flexible study abroad fees to Australia and New Zealand.

GREYMOUTH CAFES AND RESTAURANTS

There is certainly no shortage of places to eat and drink in Greymouth. They are scattered all over the township but deciding which one to choose from will be determined by whether you are wanting a coffee/tea and a bite to eat or a full meal. Many of these places have free WIFI and that would be a plus in my book. Here are my own personal choice: For a coffee and a bite to eat, I would go for Maggie’s kitchen, GAP, or Robert Harris. For a meal an evening meal, I would go for the Union Hotel, Stumpers Restaurant, or Speights Alehouse For a takeaway meal, how about Bonzai’s Pizza. For something exotic, try the Sampan Restaurant or Priya.

DP-One Cafe

At Mawhera Quay, near the Railway Hotel. This is an old-fashioned cafe with a relaxing atmosphere with New Zealand music playing in the background.

Ali’s Eating and Drinking Cafe

This is just around the corner from the BNZ on the town square

Blanchfields

This is in Guinness Street. A very popular bakery for those wanting food for lunch or morning tea.

Bonzai’s Pizza

On Mackay Street, Bonzai’s have a delivery pizza business.

Speight’s Ale House

Also on the Mawhera Quay, this place is a nice place to have a beer and a meal. It also has outdoor tables if you fancy having your beer or meal in the fresh air.

Robert Harris

This cafe is at the eastern end of Mackay Street. Nice place for a coffee and a biscuit.

Maggie’s Kitchen

My favourite. This place is on Mackay Street across the road from Paper Plus. It does some nice meals at a reasonable price.

West Coast Vape

Nice little cafe which also has computers for internet access for $2

Stumper’s Restaurant

On the corner of Mackay and Albert Street, it does some very nice meals. Good place for an evening meal with nothing too exotic on the menu.

Gap Cafe

Corner of Guinness and Tainui Street right in the centre of town, this cafe has opened recently.

Sampan Restaurant

Chinese and Oriental Cuisene. Sampan is in Albert Street.

Mega Mitre 10

This place has a cafe if you fancy a coffee while shopping. It is next door to the gardening depot.

Union Hotel

Herbert Street. Nice place for a meal. Has a real colonial feel to it.

Priya (Indian restaurant)

Priya is an Indian Restaurant. It was at Tainui Street until it was destroyed by fire but is now in temporary accommodation at the Regent Theatre until it is rebuilt in Tainui Street.

Macdonalds & KFC

If you are partial to Macdonalds or KFC, you are in luck as they are right near the centre of town near the main roundabout.

We are all concern about the aging effects on our skin and want to prevent them as much as possible, although aging is unavoidable you do can prevent the formation of new wrinkles and reduce or erase the ones you already have by following a daily skin care routine and using effective anti aging lotions or creams.

Dry skin is especially prone wrinkles and it tends to age the skin very soon, this is why it needs special care to prevent dryness in the first place.

Natural aging of the skin produce face wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dry skin, lack of sweating, etc. But there are external factors that contribute to skin damage during our life like pollution, UV rays of the sun, stress, use of chemicals, lack of sleep, smoke, etc.

There are a few things that you must avoid at all costs if you want to avoid premature aging, like:

Excessive smoking

Drinking Too much alcohol

Excessive exposure to the Sun

20 year old people face skin aging problems due to smoking too much, alcohol drys the skin and causes more skin aging and the Sun in excess can produce millions of free radicals that hurt the skin quickly.

Dry Skin Care Anti Aging Lotions

Many anti aging lotions and creams on the market claim to improve dry skin and reduce the effects of aging on the skin, but be careful on what you put on your face, there are many products that use ingredients such as chemicals, parabens, petrolatum, alcohol and others that harm and dry the skin.

Many anti aging lotions on the market are substandard, because they use cheap ingredients in low concentrations that dont produce any significant difference in the skin.

On the other hand there are skin care lotions made of really good natural ingredients that most companies dont use because they are expensive, but the results are phenomenal providing a healing benefit that is unheard of.

Some of the must have natural ingredients of an anti aging lotion are:

CynergyTk which stimulates new collagen regrowth, thus vanishing wrinkles and scars gradually.

Phytessence Wakame which is one of the best natural ingredients that the Japanese take to have the best skin in the world. Wakame improves your levels of hyaluronic acid that your body needs.

New Zealand has long been a desired location for travel and immigration alike. Many health professionals, such as nurses, seek jobs in New Zealand every year. Whether you are planning an extended working holiday or are preparing to permanently relocate to New Zealand, one of the most challenging and daunting tasks can be that of the procedure of locating and securing employment within your chosen industry, which recognizes the skills and experience that you have invested much time in obtaining.

New Zealand offers exceptional prospects for registered nurses to work in a diverse range of nursing practice areas and within a variety of settings. The areas of work include nurse practice and education, mental health, rehabilitation, public health, aged and child care, along with primary health care. Immigration New Zealand has deemed professional nurses as one of the key skill employment gaps to be filled by suitable qualified personal from overseas. However, without local knowledge of the qualification & entry into New Zealand requirements, the search and application process can be a barrier to many of those who desire to apply for particular nurse jobs in New Zealand.

Strict regulations and standards exist for those involved within the nursing industry in New Zealand, governed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, who are charged with the responsibility of establishing and monitoring standards in the interests of the public and the profession.

However, assistance in dealing with the various challenges can be greatly addressed by approaching a specialist recruitment agency, with experience in securing placements in highly concerned nursing positions throughout New Zealand. The recruitment agency will not only streamline the application process, reducing waiting times and the stress involved, but also provide valuable information and services with regard to immigration and accommodation in New Zealand, professional registration, ongoing support after the commencement of work as well a personalized service which provides your own recruitment consultant, available for the timely responses to any questions and issues that you may have. Recruitment agencies who have been involved in providing potential employees for nurse jobs in New Zealand either have personnel, or the technological ability to conduct an interview, in your respect country of origin or, meaning that an interview to assess your suitability can be completed before you travel.

Furthermore, there are many benefits to the New Zealand health industry from the importation of suitably qualified nursing personnel by specialist recruitment agencies, including bringing fresh ideas and experience to their post and duties, while creating a greater diversity work that reflects New Zealand's changing community dynamics .

The Phormium, or New Zealand Flax, is a truly striking plant that adds a touch of the exotic to any garden. Its tall upright spear-like foliage explodes from the base of the plant helping to add a strong elevation, modern and architectural element to the space it inhabits. Foliage is now available in several colors making it useful in design as selections can be made to add contrast and statements. Plants can be container grown and there are many dwarf species that will thrive when grown this way.

As fully hardy plants, Phormiums are almost certain to thrive in any garden and they also tolerate many soil types. After buying your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as physically possible. If you can not manage to plant immediately you should ensure your plants are watered regularly and positioned in a cool and bright space out of the way so that they can not be damaged by weather or other hazards.

Phormiums grow best when planed in full sun but they will also tolerate a large degree of shade. It is generally perceived that Phormiums are tender plants, however, they regularly come through periods of cold weather down to -5 degrees C unscathed. If leaves do fall prey to cold weather, plants will often send up new growth from the root. Plants make for useful accent plants in borders and grow well when planed next to streams and ponds.

As discussed Phormiums will grow in most soil types and are quite tolerant when it comes to soil conditions given that drain and fertility are monitored and managed. Whatever your soil type, you can always improve it further by with the addition of organic matter and by digging it over thoroughly. Well-rotted garden compost, leaf mold or multi-purpose compost will suffice and will help to improve drain, structure and moisture retention.

In terms of care Phormiums are not at all demanding. After planting ensuring that you regularly water your plant to reduce stress and ensure correct establishement. You should be careful not to over water plants as if water logged your plants ability to function correctly will be compromised and rot may set in. Fertilize your plants as and when needed with a good quality general fertilizer during the growing season and this will help to ensure plants grow well and produce deeply colored foliage.

Add a surface mulch around the base of plants in Autumn. Organic matter or bracken leaves can be used to protect plants from cold Winters and ensure that they grow well the following year. If growing plants in containers you can move them into a shed or frost free greenhouse. Failing this you may wish to move pots closer to the house for the radiating heat will help warm plants at night.

New Zealand has almost everything anyone would want from a country. The country has a beautiful scenery, a relaxed lifestyle, various job opportunities and great educational system. These are just among the reasons why many would want to migrate to New Zealand.

But how does one move to the country. If you have moved once, then you are probably aware of how daunting the task is. It can be exhausting if you are just moving to a different city. Just imagine of how difficult it is if you intend to move to another country. This is why one has to be familiar first with the various ways to move to a new country. Here are some tips:

1. The first thing you need to do is to prepare yourself and your family. You should be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally. It will be challenging to leave your comfort zone and start a new life in a strange country. However, being prepared for it will make it easier and more bearable. Study the language as well. You need to be able to communicate to the people already living there when you move.

2. Learn about the culture of the country. It is important that you know the culture of the country because the culture of your country could be different from the culture of the country you want to move to. It would be easier to adjust if you know the adjustments you have to make.

3. Consider your immediate needs when you move to the new country. If you are bringing dependents with you, you have to see to it that their needs are addressed. For instance, if you have children, you need to find a competent school for them. You should keep this in mind when you are looking for a home in the new country. If you will be living with an elderly, you have to live in an area that has easy access to health agencies. The community should be conducive for them as well.

4. Learn about the cost of living. If there is something the same about living in various countries is that it does not come for free. You will incur expenses in order to survive. This is why you need to know how much you need to provide for your basic needs and the needs of your dependents. You should also know to help you analyze, whether or not you can afford to move there.

5. Make new friends. This will help you adjust more easily. Help your dependents do the same.

The above tips will surely help you adjust to the life in New Zealand. Now that you have made some preparations and research, you should also be aware of the various ways that one could use to move to New Zealand. Here are some of the common ways used by migrant to move here:

Skilled Migration Category:

This is among the commonly used ways of living and working in the country. This is for qualified foreign individuals. In order to be eligible, you should have the skills highly needed by the country. However, that is not all the requirements you need to meet. You should also have good health, good character and you have to be proficient in English language.

You need to have evidence of this three. This means that you have to undergo medical examination in order to get a medical certificate. You also need to have a police clearance. This is to make sure that you do not have any criminal records. You should also be able to use the English language proficiently. This can be assessed through IELTS or International English Language Testing System. This is an English evaluation exam that is recognized worldwide.

To start your application under this category, you need submit an Expression of interest or EOI. This is a way of introducing yourself and your skills to the New Zealand Immigration department. Here, your educational qualifications, work experience and the like will be considered. Such factors will be evaluated through the New Zealand Point System. Points will be granted depending on your qualifications. If you earn at least 140 points, you will be given an Invitation to Apply or ITA. Once you receive such, you will be asked to submit additional documents to prove the claims you made in your EOI. On the other hand, if the point you earned is less than 140 points but not less than 100 points, it will be placed in the EOI pool where it will be ranked with other EOIs. When a need arises, the EOIs in the pool will be considered.

After the evaluation, the applicant may be granted permanent status if he or she meets the requirements and have proven his or her claims. However, it could also be rejected especially if there is no sufficient evidence supporting his or her claims. The application could also result to an offer for a different status. A work to residence status is a way for the applicant to complete his or her requirements. After a specified period, the applicant may apply for a permanent residency status.

Business and Investment Category

This is a way of attracting entrepreneurs and investors in the country. The entrepreneur or investor has to qualify though. First, he needs to have sufficient experience in managing a business and it has to be a successful venture, He should also have enough capital to start up the business in the country and provide employment to the citizens.

There are different classifications under this category. Each has its own specific requirements. Among these classifications are: Employees relocating a business, investors and entrepreneurs categories.

Family Categories

One can also migrate to New Zealand with the sponsorship of qualified relatives. However, the sponsoring relative should meet the sponsorship requirements. Such family members may only support their spouses or partners, dependent and adult children, parents and siblings.

There are other ways to move to New Zealand. Check which category would you best fit and qualify. After determining the right category for you, prepare all the necessary requirements and complete the application process.

You don’t have to go far from Auckland to find a natural paradise of unspoiled coastline, rain forests and gorgeous white sand beaches. A road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula rewards visitors with endless opportunities to explore the magnificent coastal landscape that defines this area.

Starting on the west coast side of the Coromandel peninsula, your first stop is Thames. Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri milling, discover the rich history of this town at the Thames Historic Museum and Thames School of Mines Museum.

Keeping your eyes on the road will be your next challenge as you drive up the Thames Coast Road. Hugging the coastline, the road passes through seaside settlements and offers spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf back to Auckland. Stands of giant Pohutukawa trees line the road and when in flower, are a visual splendour of dark green and crimson red.

Next stop is the township of Coromandel, renown for its relaxed, laid back lifestyle, historic character buildings and home to many artists and craftspeople. Take a stroll through town and you’ll soon see the many art studios and galleries.

Coromandel township is also home to Bruce Bricknell’s Driving Creek Railway, a one hour narrow gauge train ride that winds its way through kauri trees and native forests. Bruce originally built the railway to extract clay from the hills for his pottery but was so inundated with requests for train rides; he decided to open it up to the public. Today Driving Creek Railway is one of Coromandel’s most popular tourist attractions.

From Coromandel township, head over Whangapoua Hill to explore the magnificent beaches of Whangapoua, New Chums, Matarangi and Kuaotunu. Whangapoua beach is a wonderful beachside spot; a place where many kids have warm childhood memories of idyllic summer holidays and catching their first fish off the Whangapoua wharf.

Northwest of Whangapoua lies New Chums Beach, rated one of the top 20 beaches in the world by Observer, yet unknown by many New Zealanders. The reason for its obscurity is that New Chums Beach cannot be reached by road. You need to take a 30 minute walk, through estuary, over rocks and past a magnificent grove of Nikau Palms. But it’s worth the walk as you’ll find a stunning stretch of unspoiled beach paradise lined with pohutukawas; no people, no houses, no developments of any kind.

From Whangapoua, continue along the main road to Matarangi. With 4.5 kilometres of white sandy beach that’s super safe for swimming, Matarangi is one of the most popular family destinations on the peninsula. If you are feeling a bit peckish, local haunt Piper’s Café offers great coffee and wood fired pizzas to recharge the batteries. Matarangi also boasts a 18 hole international golf course designed by Bob Charles which regularly attracts top golfers to test out their skill.

Bluff Road winds its way around the bluff between Matarangi to the western end of Kuaotunu, an area popular with fisherman for its many rocky outcrops perfect for surf casting. Located on Bluff Road is Rings Beach, a small settlement of about 20 houses with a fresh water lagoon that’s ideal for kids.

The settlement of Kuaotunu is blessed with awesome views of the Mercury Islands. Its excellent boat ramp and close proximity to the islands makes Kuaotunu a popular place for boaties. But its beaches and fresh water lagoon also means Kuaotunu is popular for fishing, walking, swimming, kayaking and diving.

As you drive down the east coast side of the peninsula, your next stop is Mercury Bay and the town of Whitianga. The palm-lined Esplanade is the hub of this busy town featuring cafes, restaurants and bars all overlooking the Whitianga marina. From here, you can go big game fishing with Rod of RNR Charters, take the Cave Cruiser to Cathedral Cave, swim with the dolphins or view the undersea world from one of several glass bottom boats.

Inspired by old stories of a lost thermal water spring on the Coromandel, Alan Hopping spent 20 years searching for the spring. His eventual success led to the creation of the Lost Spring Thermal Resort, a spectacular set of hot pools set in beautiful native forests.

Mercury Bay is also home to Cooks beach, Hahei Beach and the famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Accessible only by foot or water, Cathedral Cove is a magnificent cathedral shaped cavern situated in the middle of a pristine marine reserve teeming with fish and sea life.

Hot Water Beach is one of those unique experiences every visitor to the Coromandel must do. An underground river of hot water surfaces at Hot Water beach and one hour either side of low tide, visitors flock to the beach to dig their own spa pool in the sand.

Road 309 is a narrow windy gravel road but worth the drive. Linking Whitianga directly with Coromandel township, Road 309 is a scenic drive through farmland and native forest with several must-do activities.

The Kauri Grove is a protected stand of giant Kauri trees. The walk takes 10 minutes but you really need to spend 30 minutes here to appreciate their beauty and that Coromandel was once covered by these magnificent trees.

Castle Rock is the core of an old volcano that rises above the bushline and worth the two hour walking round trip for the panoramic views from the top.

Waiau Waterworks is an innovative theme park that features whimsical contractions and machines all powered by water. With a flying fox, picnic area and safe swimming hole, Waiau Waterworks offers lots of fun for all the family.

Continuing along Road 309 brings you back to Coromandel Township. A meal of local fresh crayfish at The Pepper Tree Bar and Café is the perfect place to recoup from your road trip. Enjoy some fine wine and reflect on the wonderful places you’ve seen in this natural wonderland of Coromandel Peninsula.

The State Highway 1 is New Zealand’s longest and most important road in the transport network. It runs from Cape Reinga to Wellington International Airport in the North Island, and from Picton to Stirling Point in South Island.

In 1,106 kilometres of road, you can find heaps of things – from scenery to unique landmarks, from easy straight roads to challenging hill roads. With so many attractions, how do you know what is truly worth your time?

12 Memorable Points along State Highway 1 in North Island

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the more popular northeast point of New Zealand. The major landmarks include a lighthouse and a directional pole. Do use the toilet and fill up your petrol before leaving Whangarei.

Ninety-Mile Beach

Enjoy a 55-mile stretch of sand (dunes) and sea. If you really want to cover the entire stretch, perhaps you might want to check out the Te Houtaewa Challenge. Remember to heed the warning signs – do not drive into the beach!

Auckland Harbour Bridge

The coolest thing about Auckland Harbour Bridge is that the centre divider is movable. This bridge has reversible middle lanes depending on traffic conditions. You might just see the barrier transfer machine if you are lucky.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens has 4 different garden collections, with my favourite being the Paradise Garden Collection. It is a must-stop whenever I drive by this stretch of State Highway 1. Great photo-taking opportunity here!

Cambridge

This little English town is known as Town of Trees and Champions. It is also New Zealand’s main horse breeding district. It is cool to see horses walking pass you. Be sure to give way and don’t scare the poor animals.

Tirau

It is like a big toy land, with many local art works made from discarded corrugated iron. With the I-Site shaped like a giant dog and a big sheep as the bus stop, you definitely know when you are in Tirau.

Lake Taupo

You gotta stop by to enjoy the beauty of the biggest lake in New Zealand, about the size of Singapore island. With the famous Hole-in-One Challenge, I wonder how does the diver feel about picking golf ball while swimming with the fishes.

Waiouru

One fun thing to do here is climbing up the life-size military vehicles to take photos. With them tempting you as you drive along State Highway 1, you just gotta stop by here to exercise your limbs.

Taihape

Taihape is known as the Gumboot Capital of the World. Do remember to stop by to take a photo with the famous giant corrugated iron gumboot when you are there. It takes a bit of spotting before you can find it.

Bulls

Bulls has many eat-a-bull places – from McValue-a-bull (McDonalds) to submerge-a-bull (Subway), you will be as full as a bull (Jabies Doner Kebabs) when you are done. It is definitely an enjoy-a-bull and unforget-a-bull place.

Lindale

Lindale is an excellent rest point before you drive into Wellington city. This is the first place I found an ice cream flavour with the name Doris (Kapiti Black Doris Plum & Crème Fraiche) and Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc.

Wellington Te Papa Museum

It is not located beside State Highway 1. Just make a left turn at Taranaki Street in Wellington and you will see Te Papa Museum at the end of the road. This place is world famous! Don’t leave Wellington without going in there.

5 Important Sections You Must Know

Auckland Northern Motorway (between Puhoi and Orewa)

This is the only section on State Highway 1 that is a toll road (as of 2010). It costs NZD$2.00 each time your car pass through. You can pay for it with cash at any self-service kiosks inside the petrol kiosk at Dairy Flat (heading north) or just off SH 1, about 1km before the Waiwera exit (heading south). Follow signage!

Auckland Central Motorway Junction (nickname Spaghetti Junction)

Read the signs as you drive. Always drive at the correct lane, and not the fastest moving lane. Every lane leads to a different location; you might end up in East or West Auckland if you miss the lane to the South.

Road between Waitahanui and Turangi

The road is very narrow and there are many sharp bends with blind spots. This is not the place for scenic drive. Always remember to drive carefully on this cliff road – mountain on one side, and steep cliff on the other.

Desert Road (between Rangipo and Waiouru)

Drive by on a fine day and you will have a fantastic view of the 3 volcano peaks – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The highest point on State Highway 1 is also found here, at 1,074m above sea level. Do note that this alpine road is frequently closed during winter due to bad weather conditions.

Centennial Highway (between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay)

In my opinion, this section has some of the narrowest driving lanes along State Highway 1. It is single-lane for both directions, with double lanes in towns. Good view of the coast, but keep an eye on the road.

I have driven along State Highway 1 countless times and covered the entire 1,106km before, not at one go of course. It is a generally easy road, with heaps of road works at various sections.

Somehow, it seems like there are always some road works going on along State Highway 1, especially when travelling between Palmerston North and Auckland. And you gotta drive at 20km/hour at those sections.

Of course, don’t just drive along State Highway 1, there are heaps of other places to see too!