Grab Your Wheels, Let's Travel

21/04/2025

Currently in Japan and wanted to show you the accessible toilets on the Bullet Trains! My wifi is a bit sketchy so hope this finds you okay. Notice the luggage areas for your extra bits and pieces. Automated doors connect all carriages🚅

07/04/2025

A Truly Living Village Experience – Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 🧡

While staying at Rydges Rotorua, Finlay and I discovered a gem right on our doorstep – Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village. This isn’t your usual tourist attraction – it’s a living, breathing community, home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people who have been welcoming visitors for over 200 years.

After a hearty breakfast, we strolled (and rolled!) just five minutes around the corner to begin our adventure. From the moment we stepped through the wide glass doors of the visitor centre, we felt welcomed and included.

✅ Accessible parking? Tick.
✅ Guided cultural tour? Highly recommended!
✅ Performance? Powerful and moving.
✅ Geothermal trails? Surprisingly accessible and totally unforgettable.

From the Wāhiao Meeting House to the steamy communal baths and the incredible Pōhutu Geyser, we were immersed in rich history, powerful storytelling, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. We even got to taste sweetcorn cooked in a geothermal pool – how cool is that?!

The village blends ancient traditions with modern accessibility. Most buildings had ramps or level entryways, and the boardwalk through the geothermal trails was impressively wheelchair-friendly. Finlay’s powerchair handled it like a champ.

If you’re ever in Rotorua, don’t miss this special place where Māori culture, geothermal beauty, and genuine hospitality come together in one unforgettable experience.

Check out our review https://grabyourwheels.nz/2025/04/06/discovering-whakarewarewa-by-wheelchair-a-living-maori-village-in-rotorua/

While staying at the Rydges Rotorua, we found ourselves right next door to a truly special place, Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village. This is no ordinary attraction. It’s home to the Tūhourang…

06/04/2025

ACCOMMODATION REVIEW: RYDGES ROTORUA – A COMFORTABLE STAY WITH AN UNFORTUNATE TWIST

Last weekend, Finlay and I headed to Rotorua for the launch of the Outdoors Accessibility Design Guidelines, a project three years in the making. While the launch was the main event, we also took the opportunity to stay at Rydges Rotorua and review their accessible accommodation. And wow, what a setup for families and wheelchair users!

I loved that we could park right outside our ground-floor room, no lifts, no hassle. The accessible room was well thought out, with helpful features like a higher toilet, grab rails, fold-down shower seat, and well-placed plug sockets and switches. Even better, adjoining rooms are available if you're travelling with whānau or a support person.

Unfortunately, halfway there, I caught Finlay’s stomach bug 🤢, so we spent more time resting than expected. But weirdly, it let me really experience the room’s comfort and accessibility, which turned out to be a silver lining.

In the morning, we managed a quick visit to the buffet breakfast (delish) and scoped out the pool area. While not yet fully accessible, it has so much potential, maybe a pool hoist one day?

Bonus: Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is right next door, we’ll share more on that in our next blog post!

Link to the blog https://grabyourwheels.nz/2025/04/04/accessibility-review-rydges-rotorua-experience/

31/03/2025

Exploring Bay of Plenty: McLaren Falls Park

Throwback to an adventure in the stunning Bay of Plenty when we set out to explore McLaren Falls Park, just a short drive from Tauranga. This place isn’t just beautiful, it’s a paradise of accessible walks, cascading waterfalls, and lush native bush.

The Waterfall itself was an absolute highlight, and guess what? You can see it right from the side of the road!

McLaren Falls Park is home to picnic areas, friendly wildlife (hello, ducks!), and stunning glow worms at night making it a must-visit. If you’re looking for an inclusive, nature-filled escape, this one’s for you!

Have you been to McLaren Falls? Or do you have a favorite accessible nature spot? Drop it in the comments!

📖 Read the full story here:

McLaren Falls Park is 190 hectares of pastoral and horticultural parkland set alongside Lake McLaren. The Park is popular for camping, fishing, kayaking, wedding photo’s, picnics, bush walks …

29/03/2025

This is something all travellers need to know! Makingtrax has some great equipment for loan/hire with your holidays! Saves bringing it all with you :)

Adaptive advisory is not just for businesses.

Sue requested a power attachment for her wheelchair to assist in getting around.

Visiting from Australia (flying international), it's difficult to fly with heavy and bulky equipment, especially if the equipment has batteries.

The Klaxon pictured was purchased by the Makingtrax Foundation, so visitors like Sue can travel light. We courier the Klaxon to you for your tour, and you courier it back at the end of your adventure.

Simple as that..

29/03/2025

Going Off-Grid: Our Accessible Adventure to Great Barrier Island

Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to completely disconnect, and that’s exactly what we did on our unforgettable trip to Aotea / Great Barrier Island! No power, no Wi-Fi, just raw, untouched beauty and the kind of adventure that stays with you forever.

One of the absolute highlights? Kaitoke Hot Springs! With the help of an all-terrain wheelchair, we navigated through lush native bush, over bridges, and along winding tracks until we reached the steaming, mineral-rich waters. Sitting in the springs, surrounded by the sounds of nature, was pure magic.

Great Barrier isn’t just about escaping, it’s about rediscovering freedom in the great outdoors. From accessible trails to breathtaking coastlines, this island proved that with the right gear and a bit of planning, adventure is for everyone.

It may be off-grid, but the memories? They’ll last a lifetime. Would you take on an off-grid adventure? Let me know in the comments!

🔗 Read the full experience here:

We were pretty excited to see how accessible the track to the Kaitoke Hot Springs would be. We put a post out on Barrier Chit Chat before we arrived, the Island’s page asking about w…

28/03/2025

Throwback to an unforgettable adventure at Hot Water Beach!

Digging into the warm sand, feeling the natural hot water bubbling beneath us, and watching the waves roll in,our trip to Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel was nothing short of magic! With a bit of planning and the right equipment, we made it a fully accessible experience, proving that everyone should have the chance to enjoy this incredible spot.

Looking back at these memories makes me want to do it all over again! If you're curious about how we navigated the beach with a wheelchair and made the most of this unique destination, check out our blog: 👉 https://grabyourwheels.nz/2019/10/24/hot-water-beach-with-wheelchair-the-coromandel/

Who else has had a Hot Water Beach experience? Would love to hear your stories!

Digging into the warm sand, feeling the natural hot water bubbling beneath us, and watching the waves roll in, our trip to Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel was nothing short of magic! With a bit of planning and the right equipment, we made it a fully accessible experience, proving that everyone should have the chance to enjoy this incredible spot.

Hot Water Beach is located along the coast of Mercury Bay between Tairua and Whitianga. To access the hot bubbling water you have to be there within 2-hours either side of low tide. This is one of …

28/03/2025

THE TRAIL GUIDELINES ARE FINALLY MADE PUBLIC

We are here in Rotorua for the launch, however, halfway from Auckland to Rotorua I became ill after caring for Finlay's illness this last few days. He is in recovery and I'm struck down. So, sad we can't be there with all the friends we've made over the last three years feeding into these guidelines but so happy they are finally here and they can be put into action.

So, Tauranga City Council Auckland Council Christchurch City Council Queenstown Lakes District Council Dunedin City Council Otago Regional Council Wellington City Council to tag just a few! Make sure you get access to these guidelines to help you build more accessible and inclusive outdoor places where we can all enjoy recreation.

Learn more here https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/news/new-outdoors-accessibility-design-guidelines

Please share widely

26/03/2025

Rotorua, here we come!

This weekend, we’re heading back to Rotorua, and it’s bringing back memories of our last incredible visit! We explored the stunning bush tracks with the TrailRider All-Terrain Wheelchair, giving Finlay the chance to experience the beauty of the Redwoods and beyond. The freedom, the adventure, and the accessibility of these trails made it an unforgettable trip!

If you’re keen to check out how we made the most of Rotorua’s trails with the TrailRider, have a read of our blog: 👉 https://grabyourwheels.nz/2020/10/13/rotorua-bush-tracks-with-the-trailrider-all-terrain-wheelchair/

Looking forward to another weekend of adventure, who else loves exploring Rotorua’s accessible outdoor spaces?

25/03/2025

✈️ Have Your Say on Accessible Air Travel! ✈️

Air New Zealand is researching ways to improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities, and they want to hear from you! 🗣️

This is our chance to share real experiences and insights to help shape a more accessible future in the skies. They’re all ears, let’s make our voices count!

📢 Complete the survey here: https://www.research.net/r/accessible_air_travel

Your feedback matters spread the word! 🙌

Exploring the access needs of travellers

22/03/2025

Love these wheels!

24/02/2025

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION IN PICTON

If you're planning a trip to Picton and need wheelchair-accessible accommodation, we found this affordable option worked a treat.

Check out my latest review of the Jasmine Court Motel, located near the Interislander & Bluebridge Ferry Terminal. It’s a reliable, choice for wheelchair access. I’ve shared all the details about their one-bedroom access unit, booking tips, and more!

Read the full review here in the comments below ⬇️

Don’t forget to book ahead, as accessible options in Picton are limited!

23/02/2025

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION | SUDIMA HOTEL, CENTRAL CHRISTCHURCH

We had a wonderful stay at the Sudima Hotel in central Christchurch just before Christmas while travelling from Auckland. One highlight was how proactive the Duty Manager was about improving accessibility. He was eager to learn how they could enhance access even further, taking detailed notes and already looking into sourcing bed raisers for guests who travel with a mobile hoist.

For more details about the accessible features this fantastic accommodation offers, including important information like the bed height, please check out our full review in the comments. ♿️⬇️⬇️⬇️

19/02/2025

OUR WEST COAST ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION IN HOKITIKA

Just put together a review of this wonderful affordable accessible two-bedroom motel in Hokitika. I've even included my first walk-through video and hoping you might like to subscribe to my new YouTube channel to see more as they upload. A video is a quick way to see if access works for you. However, I do hope my narration can become a little more exciting over time.

My poor kids never complain when they have to remain in the van for me to review the accessible room. Yes, I do these reviews out of passion even when I'm on holiday 😀

Hokitika is located just a short two-hour drive up the West Coast from Franz Josef. We planned a shorter travel day to allow time for a stop at the West Coast Tree Top Walk, which we’d heard was wh…

16/02/2025

🌟 HASTINGS: THE MOST INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND IN AOTEAROA! 🌟

Just visited an incredible playground that’s setting the standard for inclusivity in New Zealand! Whether you're on wheels, feet, or anything in between, this space is designed for everyone to play, explore, and have fun together.

Check out my latest blog to see why Hastings is leading the way in accessible play! 👇

Have you been here yet? Let me know your thoughts! ⬇️😊

Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga Hawke's Bay New Zealand Tourism Industry Aotearoa - TIA

On our return road trip from Central Otago to Auckland, we decided to take a slight detour and visit Hawke’s Bay for the first time. With the Desert Road closed for maintenance, this seemed like th…

10/02/2025

HIGH-SPEED THRILLS AND ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGES

We recently visited Highlands Motorsport Park in Central Otago, eager to experience its world-class supercar rides, go-karting, mini golf, and famous "Loo with a View." While the park offers plenty of high-octane fun, we also took a closer look at how accessible it really is for visitors with mobility challenges.

From awesome inclusive features like a hand-controlled supercar to some frustrating barriers, our latest blog takes you through the highs and lows of visiting Highlands with a wheelchair in tow.

✅ The Good: Thrilling experiences, welcoming staff, and some well-thought-out accessibility features.
❌ The Challenges: Steep paths, tricky viewing areas, and limited accessible toilets.
💡 The Quick Fixes: Small improvements (like offering a golf cart ride) could make a big difference!

Check out our full review below ⬇️

Have you been to Highlands Motorsport Park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

Central Otago NZ Central Otago District Council Tourism Industry Aotearoa - TIA

During our recent trip to Central Otago, we couldn’t wait to experience the thrill of Highlands Motorsport Park, one of Cromwell’s top-rated attractions. With its international race circuit, superc…

02/02/2025

🚗 Accessible Accommodation Review: Turangi Leisure Lodge 🏡♿

Our road trip to Cromwell kicked off with a two-night stay at Turangi Leisure Lodge, the perfect stopover after a long drive from Auckland. It was myself, Finlay, and his teenage siblings, so, as you can imagine, good WiFi was a lifesaver!

We arrived in the sweltering heat, and that’s when Finlay made an unexpected discovery, the beer fridge at the local liquor store! Turns out, it was fully accessible (after I wrestled the door open for him), and we both enjoyed the much-needed cool air. Not sure what the sales assistant thought, but they didn’t bat an eyelid, Finlay must finally be looking his age… almost 20 on Boxing Day!

Check out our full accessible accommodation review here ⬇️

With school out for the Christmas break, we set off on a road trip to Cromwell in the South Island to celebrate Christmas Day. As usual, our van was packed to the brim with every piece of adapted e…

26/01/2025

🌲✨ A Family Adventure at the West Coast Tree Top Walk! ✨🌲

We absolutely loved our visit to the West Coast Tree Top Walk near Hokitika! This was an unforgettable experience that left us feeling truly included as a family. 💚

With incredible staff, delicious food, great coffee, and the stunning beauty of native bush and birdlife, this is a must-do for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. 🐦🌿

Want to know more about our adventure (and a few ideas for making this experience even better)?

West Coast, New Zealand West Coast Treetop Walk, Cafe & Tower Zipline

Wheelchair accessible activity that includes everyone.