"Access at your Fingertips" | Oyster Accessible Travel NZ Blog

New Zealand's FIRST Changing Place is to be built in HAMILTON!

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:25:23 +1300

Hamilton is set to have the first Changing Places accessible bathroom in New Zealand. The announcement comes on World Toilet Day – 19 November. The Changing Places facility will be sited at Hamilton Gardens and is the result of a partnership between Hamilton mother Jenn...

Experiencing Milford Sound with a Wheelchair

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 09:40:53 +1300

Most visitors to Milford Sound depart from Queenstown via scenic flight, coach or a combination of the two. Unfortunately, in New Zealand, we are yet to have 'wheelchair' accessible coach options and the scenic flights that go in and out of Milford Sound are generally small...

Accessibility at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 10:12:08 +1300

The Distinction Luxmore Hotel is perfectly located right on the main street of the Te Anau township. The hotel is close to bars, restaurants, a supermarket, post office and a beautiful lake. It boasts three spacious deluxe one-bedroom accessible rooms....

The Hilton Hotel, Auckland - Wheelchair Accessible Accommodation - Central to Everything

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:33:47 +1300

Hilton Auckland Hotel has an enviable location, surrounded by Auckland's Waitemata Harbour at the end of the nautically inspired Princes Wharf complex. The hotel is just a short walk or wheel from Auckland CBD , Viaduct Village, Wynyard Quarter, home of an abundance of...

The Auckland Zoo Experience with a Wheelchair!

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:21:07 +1300

At Auckland Zoo, visitor's could easily spend a good day. It covers 16.35 hectares and is home to 875 individual animals. It is nestled amongst the expansive Western Springs Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is surrounded by a natural spring-fed lake. The park is an accessible destination in...

Wheelchair access at Sculptureum, Matakana

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:03:59 +1300

Wheeling around Sculptureum! A private collectors dream has been put on show for all to enjoy. Boasting three sculpture-filled gardens, six galleries, its own vineyard, an events space, restaurant, and bar. This place is something to put on the list to visit. We drove through the wide-open...

Planning a trip to New Zealand?

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:15:08 +1300

All commercial accommodation in New Zealand must provide a certain amount of access rooms depending on the number of beds they supply. However, the standard access room can vary greatly from one place to the next. New Zealand has a number of different types of visitor accommodation....

Prepping your Vehicle for a Road Trip - 10 things to do before you set out!

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 12:47:46 +1300

A recent experience in Rotorua has prompted me to include some valuable lessons we gained to save ourselves some unwanted grief. There is nothing quite like breaking down in a remote area. Breaking down becomes an even bigger issue when you rely on a wheelchair adapted vehicle for your...

The Tall Ship Tenacious is in New Zealand!

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 12:59:58 +1300

The Jubilee Sailing Trust | Changing Lives It would be an experience of a lifetime to be part of a crew on one of these incredible journeys and the opportunity is here right on our doorstep in New Zealand. Of course, when we heard they were coming we couldn't wait to check out...

Wheelchair accessible accommodation in Matakana!

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:58:53 +1300

There is plenty to do in the area and a wonderful place to relax. Judith has multiple sclerosis and gets around with the use of a walking frame and a wheelchair. This makes her the perfect person to build a fully accessible home as she knows what is needed to ensure good access. On my...

Top 5 Aquatic Centres in New Zealand for Inclusive Facilities

Wed, 17 May 2017 12:51:37 +1300

Stumbling on something exciting like a well-equipped changing room! So there we were this Christmas holidays driving through the North Island with our van loaded to the gunnels with three kids, one in a wheelchair, the dog and me. And we rolled into Paraparaumu and decided to go...

A Weekend in Raglan

Thu, 11 May 2017 08:56:48 +1300

Raglan is a picturesque coastal town located 45 minutes from Hamilton and a 2-hour drive south of Auckland. It is a magnet for Kiwi holiday makers and a weekend playground for Hamiltonians . It has world-class surfing out at the infamous Whale Bay, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and an...

On the Road

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:30:39 +1300

Things you can plan for when 'on the road'... Plan ahead your route and take lot of breaks - The Crohn's & Colitis NZ website is a wonderful resource for searching out the public toilets along the way. Check out the...

Packing options for the holiday!

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:42:04 +1300

What do we need to think about? Mobility & Medical Equipment Organise medication for the time away. Handy pill containers are always good for keeping things compact. Particularly the labelled weekdays containers with breakfast/lunch/tea divisions. Being out...

Introducing the ViMo All-terrain wheelchair

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 10:34:50 +1300

Making Our National Parks & Beaches Accessible To make these wonderful locations easier to access let me introduce you to an all-terrain wheelchair that can allow you to explore further while you are visiting the South Islands' rugged West Coast and...