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Auckland, Devonport – the fort that never fired… and the fake news that built it
It takes barely a few minutes to ride a ferry from central Auckland to Devonport – a place that seems to exist in a completely different reality. Devonport lies between two extinct volcanoes that not only shaped its history but also perfectly symbolise it. At first glance, it looks like a calm, almost sleepy Auckland suburb: wooden houses, cafés, restaurants, kids fishing in the bay with Auckland’s skyscrapers in the background… but that’s just the surface. Beneath it lies a turbulent past that once made Devonport one of the most strategic locations in the region. Right next to the ferry terminal rises Mount Victoria, an 87-metre volcanic cone. It may…
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New Zealand, day one: a birthday at the end of the world
I will never forget my first day in New Zealand. It was my birthday, and it was exactly how I’d imagined it – far from home, at the end of the world. Those first days are always stuck in the memory best – they set the tone for the whole trip. And knowing I had 18 days of adventure ahead only cranked up the excitement. Karekare Falls – 30 metres of watery adrenaline The first stop was Karekare Falls in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. A short, half-kilometre walk leads to a 30-metre waterfall surrounded by palms and lush, exotic vegetation. Mercer Bay Loop – a walk with views and…
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Oman – discovering Muscat’s surroundings
Oman has been strategically located along trade routes for centuries, which is reflected in the construction of numerous defensive forts designed to ensure protection against invaders. One such structure, Al Hazm Castle, is one of the most impressive buildings in Oman. It was built in the 18th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif II. The castle was not only the residence of the ruler of Oman but also served a defensive function, which is why it is also known as a fort. Al Hazm Castle is unique due to its construction. No wood was used in the building of its ceilings, and it also used an innovative water system known…
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Abu Dhabi – attractions, architecture and local vibe of the UAE
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the largest emirate in the UAE, may not boast a vast array of tourist attractions, but it is undoubtedly worth a visit. At first glance, it’s evident that the city is primarily designed for its residents. While nearby Dubai is dominated by tourists, Abu Dhabi seems to be more overlooked by them. Unlike Dubai, where the economy now heavily relies on new technologies and tourism, Abu Dhabi remains self-sufficient thanks to its oil production, preserving its unique local character. Traditionally, the city center features numerous skyscrapers. Some of them may be a bit overwhelming in their design, but as they say, there’s no accounting for…
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Mt Taranaki in New Zealand: an intelligence test and practical info
I arrived at Egmont National Park in the afternoon. The main star of the show, Mount Taranaki, was of course hidden in the clouds so it did exactly what I’d expected. There was no point in attempting a longer hiking, so I opted for the light version: Dawson Falls and Wilkies Pools. As soon as I crossed the park boundary, it felt like I had stepped into an entirely different reality. A narrow, winding road led through a dense green tunnel, creating an almost fairytale-like landscape. To save time, I decided not to drive all the way to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and stopped earlier, right at the trailhead. A…
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Road trip in New Zealand
A road trip in New Zealand is not a way of getting from one attraction to another, it is the attraction itself. That said, I have to say this straight up: New Zealand does not have amazing road infrastructure. And that genuinely surprised me, especially given how popular the country is with tourists. Because of the terrain, most roads are mountainous, narrow, single-lane serpentines. And paradoxically, that’s brilliant. Every route is an experience, and a road trip around New Zealand could easily be the main point of the journey rather than just a means of getting somewhere. Driving technically demanding roads surrounded by mountains, lakes and vast empty spaces delivers…
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Rotorua – an unpredictable city
You can smell Rotorua from a distance. Long before you see the city sign, the air is already thick with the distinctive scent of hydrogen sulphide – best compared to rotten eggs. This is the perfectly natural side effect of intense geothermal activity in the area. And yet, the stench doesn’t scare tourists away. Rotorua is one of the main tourist hubs on New Zealand’s North Island. It’s also jokingly called Roto-Vegas, thanks to its abundance of neon lights and bars. Other nicknames include Sulphur City and Rotten-rua and each of them reflects the specific atmosphere of this city. Geothermal features are everywhere. Rotorua sits right in the heart of…
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Thames Town – Chinese Truman Show
Thames Town is a charming little town straight out of a British postcard. Red telephone booths, Victorian architecture, brick terraced houses and old-fashioned post boxes give it a typically English vibe. Yet something feels off – it’s way too cute, tidy and suspiciously perfect. After a while, the oddities start to show. Cars drive on the right, most of the shops are closed, and the people walking past in no way look European. On top of that, there’s an eerie silence, and everything is so perfectly arranged that it almost feels unnatural. The truth only becomes obvious when you notice the signs. Alongside the English names, there are Chinese characters.…
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New Zealand, the road to Milford Sound
The road to Milford Sound is not some boring “getting-there” exercise – it is the attraction. I’ll admit it was the only place I decided to visit in full lazy mode, on an organised tour. At first, I toyed with the idea of driving myself – after all, I had a rental car. In the end, common sense won. I knew it was one of the last days of my fairly intensive trip, and the route from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back is nearly 300 kilometres each way, which in New Zealand terms means roughly eight hours behind the wheel. And honestly? Best decision ever. I love driving, but…
