Category: Insider’s View

An Insiders View on Taupo, New Zealand

By Tim Taylor


Taupo, a town near the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, is distinguished by its lakefront setting and outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating. The vast waters of Lake Taupo, a volcanic caldera, drain into the Huka Falls, dramatic, crystal-blue cascades reachable by hiking and biking trails. Surrounding Taupo are hot springs like those filling the Craters of the Moon reserve. The major local attractions here include trout fishing, skiing, and geothermal parks.

Little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to the Taupo Region NZ/ or a region you call home?

  The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake. Lake Taupo in only a Crater lake and is the result of the world’s largest volcanic eruption. It is 25,000 years old and of the same size as Singapore.

What is a must buy when in Taupo?

Lava Glass Art

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Taupo?

 A good pair of sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing, a camera, charger and you are good to go!

One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss?

River Jet Trip

Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken.

A picture by a Maori Marae

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

Taupo Lookout or down Waimangu Valley


The best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Clear of surroundings

The most romantic place to take a special someone to.

Rotorua Governments Gardens

One place only the locals would know.

Rainbow Mountain

The best place to have local food?

A Marae is a good place to have local food.


 Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

My personal favourite is NZ Lamb and NZ White wine.

 What is your advice to someone travelling to Taupo for the first-time?

We believe in punctuality, So please be on time.

How would you describe Taupo in a sentence?

Taupo is compact, clean and a very welcoming town.

   Tim Taylor,
Taylor’s Tours.

Check out our latest package on New Zealand 

An Insiders View on Iceland

By Renato Gruenenfelder

Iceland, a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation’s Scandinavian heritage. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. The country’s cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas. Iceland has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army, with a lightly armed coast guard in charge of defence.

One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know when travelling to Iceland?

Iceland is a beautiful country with a unique geography and is cited to be abundant in culture and nature.

Things to buy when one is in Iceland?

Woollen goods (sweater, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs), Blue Lagoon beauty products, Icelandic chocolate, Fish products, Photobooks, Lava-Ceramic & jewellery, Icelandic vodka, Brennivín schnapps.

Any advice for first-time travellers?

Prepare for unpredictable weather – don’t underestimate distances – plan journey according to available daylight (big difference between summer and winter)

Things to pack before travelling to Iceland?

Warm clothes which are waterproof and windproof & a sturdy pair of shoes.

Any activity one mustn’t miss out when they are in Iceland?

Watch out for Midnight sun or Northern lights, walking on a Glacier, Whale watching, Blue Lagoon, Icelandic horses, Boat trip on Glacial lagoon between icebergs.

 What are the best places to catch up for a drink?

Visit places like Bjorgardurinn at Fosshotel and Íslenski Barinn, these places are the best to catch up with the locals.

The best place to have local food?

There are many places which serve authentic local food such as:
Fiskmaradurinn – The Fish Market
Seafood buffet at Restaurant Reykjavik
Lava Restaurant at Blue Lagoon
Laekjarbrekka Restaurant in Reykjavik


What are the local delicacies which one must try when in Iceland?

One must definitely try the Slow roasted lamb, Hákarl, hotdogs, Icelandic Fish , local lamb soup and Icelandic Ice cream.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Don’t complain about prices!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

Everywhere! Iceland is a very picturesque country.

The most romantic place to take a special someone?

You can visit The chapel and “Into the glacier” which are said to be some of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

 Any local festivals you feel travellers should come and see?

One must visit Iceland during the Airwaves Music Festival, Reykjavik’s Art Festival and Culture Night, Secret Solstice Music Festival to experience the true Art and Culture of Iceland.

Which is the best time to go see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights appear from September until April – but February to March, and September to October – particularly around the equinoxes are the best months to see them. 


Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Iceland and why?

Travelling from late November to January, Iceland seriously lack in daylight which can be frustrating for photographers and outdoor adventurers, But that won’t be an issue for aurora seekers.

Can you describe Iceland in one sentence

Iceland is like no other place on earth.

Renato Gruenenfelder, General Manager, GJ Travel Iceland
From Reykjavik, Iceland, age 51.

Check out our latest young explorers family self drive vacation package on Iceland.