8 (Brutally Honest) Pros & Cons. Living in Taranaki, New Zealand

[@ItsaDrama]

Hope you enjoyed meeting Maggie and her snoring wasn't too loud! 😂🐾Sending you all lots of love, Liz and Bri xx

[@peterpain6625]

It's fine. Could instantly relate ;) I am basically a chainsaw when asleep :D

[@ItsaDrama]

@@peterpain6625 😂

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I think Mags deserves a starring role in the show,she's been kept out of the limelight long enough!🥰

[@peterpain6625]

@@DomingoDeSantaClara True. That dog is my soulmate... sort of

[@ItsaDrama]

@@DomingoDeSantaClara 🥰🐾 I’ll tell her that ☺️

[@sluggyduggy]

I am a Kiwi living in Dunedin. I love watching you’re videos. It helps me appreciate this beautiful country but also see another’s perspective. Thanks so much for your videos and please keep them coming!

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank YOU Geoffrey for your kind words, it means such a lot to us, thank you 😊

[@debralodge-schnellenberg5093]

You two are hysterical. So so glad you made Enzed your home xx

[@maxineamon]

Another great video! You will eventually get the audience you deserve. And they will totally enjoy discovering your back catalog. Just keep doing you guys, you are amazing.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much, your support means a lot to us 🥰 Have a great week ahead. Liz and Bri x

[@paulinemeinung8949]

This is an amazing video. Your hearts are so gentle and full. Stay well and happy. Px

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much!

[@youtubemusic5210]

Your Dog is living her best life ❤

[@ianbarnett6027]

Great review. Very much enjoyed listening to it. Thank you

[@cheetos1768]

You can get the biggest ice cream from Iona Dairy use to walk along the water front and head to Iona Dairy for the ice cream.

[@ItsaDrama]

Love that dairy!! Our kids grew up on those ice creams! 🍦

[@davidfentonhancock6646]

Good work you two.......drop into Eltham, Taranaki next time you're down south. It took me 60 yrs to discover Taranaki.

[@pracillahay9407]

Love your relaxed presentation and your enthusiasm.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much!

[@Samaelwyn]

Greetings from Germany. I've just found your channel, after looking for clips from New Zealand, and I must say I love listening to you two talk about the country. It is easy to see how much love you have for your home. I look forward following you on your further journeys :)

[@ItsaDrama]

Glad you enjoy it Michael! Thank you for being here and for taking the time to say hi! Sending warm wishes to Germany 😊🇩🇪

[@Tim_Shu]

Coastal walk looks amazing, what a great idea! Awesome video guys, love your banter, bless ya both 💛

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks so much my friend, Taranaki is a very special place! Glad that you could join us, have a lovely week ahead 🥰

[@pshane4444]

Hi I'm a kiwi, I think NZ can be....just maybe really slow and even boring. Yet that is the appeal for me. The simplicity and the ability to exist in a slower paced existence is the crux of it all. Um its not totally quiet and non eventful, not at all. But you might understand my point. Love your channel 👍

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so very much. Your kindness and warmth means the world to us. Thank you 🥰

[@robert3987]

I climbed Mount Taranaki (it was called Mount Egmont then) with a school trip about 50 years ago. It was wonderful.

[@ItsaDrama]

Well done Peter, climbing the mountain is something we are yet to do but would love to...(Somehow always have an excuse, think we're scared we won't be fit enough). I would love to see some photos of that trip! 🥰 Have a great week.

[@judahmorrell3305]

It's always been called mount Taranaki dummy

[@sunitrakahu5214]

Another great poddy guys! Keep them coming 🙏🏽 love your pronunciation on māori words thank you for putting in the effort to correct yourselves and even try in the first place 🙂

[@ItsaDrama]

We promise to keep trying! Thank you for being with us Sunitra, we really appreciate your support. Have a lovely weekend, Liz and Bri 😊

[@Mcfreddo]

Hi, the sand is iron sand, but it doesn't rust because it's iron rich titanium. Titanomagnitite. Therefore, it will not rust. The Japanese loved it in their blast furnaces as a mix of ore.

[@ItsaDrama]

This is so interesting and something I never knew. Thank you for sharing this with us, haver a lovely week and thank you for taking the time to watch and say hi! 😊

[@banyaga-di-palawan]

Grew up in the Nak - New Plymouth, apprenticed at TNL and after a stint at Synfuels in the mid 80's headed for some OE, done over 100 countries on 7 (yes 7!) continents and are finally coming back at 65 years old!

[@halaloola12]

New Plymouth born and bred, so good to see this on youtube ...keep up the good work.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks Aaron! Really appreciate you watching and for taking the time to say hi 😁

[@craigbourbonevans]

bowl of brooklands....saw mark knophler and John fogerty their...just the greatest natural music venue on llanet

[@ItsaDrama]

Agreed Craig...absolutely beautiful ☺️

[@IlonaRuru]

welcome always nice to have nice people with us

[@IlonaRuru]

enjoy everything you are so lucky to have such a bubbly wife she s great need more people like her

[@WiZoRD_C45]

Actually, you can stay at the lodge for a small fee, so long as you're respectful. Also there is no chairlift, we have a small learners rope, a T-Bar and a top rope tow that requires a harness. And if your really onto it, you can surf at dawn, snowboard for lunch and get back to the ocean for a sunset surf. Just clearing up a couple of things, cheers.

[@ItsaDrama]

Brilliant! Thank you! 🤩

[@jillcadman8139]

it's iron sand, thats why it gets so hot, couldn't hear Maggie snoring, it's often said we have 4 seasons in one day.

[@michaelgrey7854]

Yay another video :)

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for being with us Michael, we really appreciate you 😊

[@haydengoodall6767]

Chubby rain!.... 💧☔

[@ItsaDrama]

Isn’t it?! 😆☔️

[@lancehone4566]

Hiya, fellow flightless birds, you solved a conundrum for me, so thank you. I recently moved from the BoP down to the middle of nowhere between Gizzy and Wairoa. Same as you, I wasn't fussed with my choice, it's been about 6 weeks now, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be, it just gets better and better. I'm a pretty solitary animal and you guys got me thinking about why I'm warming to this remote backwater.......til I realised, that's why! The world can go on without me....I'm happy in Nuhaka!

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for being with us and for sharing, we appreciate you! So glad that you have found your spot. It's what makes you happy that counts and it's lovely to hear you (like us) have found it. Have a great weekend and thank you again for sharing! 😊

[@moniquegin8444]

Maybe you can contact your local MP and have an traffic island put in the intersection where theyre spinning their wheels.Love Maggie, can't hear her snoring, "Wake up Maggie I think Ive got something to say to you!" (Rod Stewart). Same happened to me when I bought my bungalow in Gisborne "Why on earth Gisborne!?" but when you live overseas so long and travel alot, you open your eyes and appreciate how really anywhere in NZ is beautiful. Love those garden tours. New Plymouth is charming, Ive only been there once and when I went there for the first time, I was very surprised

[@ItsaDrama]

So true Monique...There is no place quite like New Zealand is there/ 🥰 haha! I forgot about that Rod Stewart song! Ahhh...that can be here theme song! 😂🐾Have a wonderful week my friend.Ohh! I almost forgot! We went to the restaurant you recommended in Dunedin. No7 Balmac. OMG! What a place! That was probably the BEST meal we have had in New Zealand (I know that I'm always saying that but this time I mean it...😂) Great recommendation, thank you! 🥰🇳🇿

[@spidermek5416]

I've been there twice. Loveit. I always say, oh I've been with my friend to the Naki or nakki. The naki.

[@robertedwards3147]

Hi guys I live in the Manawatu and the sun shines here too it rains and then sun but it is shining in my heart all the time I have spent in a lot time in a lot countries and NZ is my home can see mt Taranaki on a good day too

[@ItsaDrama]

What a lovely comment! Thank you so much for sharing, Robert We appreciate you 😀

[@trevorsergent4516]

The locals say " If you cant see the mountain its raining, If you can see the mountain it's about to rain "

[@ItsaDrama]

They do Trevor! I forgot about that one...😂Thanks for watching and for sharing that little gem 😊

[@stephensmith8227]

My Mother came from Taranaki so it has a special place in my heart. But I must say as a born and bread South Islander, you need to come to the South Island to see REAL mountains 😀😀

[@ItsaDrama]

We have just left the SI Stephen and as always we were blown away by the beauty…yes! Such majestic mountains 😊 Ps: if you’re reading this Mt Taranaki, we still love you the best 😉🗻

[@stephensmith8227]

​@@ItsaDrama Great stuff. Forgive me for a little humour. I mentioned my family connections with Taranaki. My Grandmother lived there all her life. She was traditional and had firm views on the name of the Mountain. She believed it should remain Mt Egmont. One of my cheeky brothers said "Grandma you want it to remain Mt Egmont, others want it called Mt Taranaki. Why don't we compromise and call it Mt Egganaki?" Grandma was not amused 😀😀

[@ItsaDrama]

@@stephensmith8227 😆 That’s funny!! 🥚🏔

[@jddallaslaw7263]

I grew up in New Plym. Lots of tar-sealed roads. But lots are only one and a half lanes wide. Earliest province with lots of tar-sealed roads, but money pinching meant vehicles have to be careful when passing

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks for sharing! From one Nakian to the other, thanks for watching and have a great week! 😊

[@monster10ify]

Thank you for your thoughtful videos. I have just watched another person from the USA making silly, not really valid comparisons and I just wish she would have watched your videos before moving here. It is difficult moving and adjusting to life in another country and it does take time. The mistake a lot of new immigrants make is to really only mix with their fellow countrymen and that can bring a lot of negativity. It is good to be with the people whose culture you grew up in and it is difficult to move away, but necessary if you want to make a go of it. We know our country isn’t perfect and to be quite honest we mostly already know what the imperfections are. To have them reminded to us all the time is truly irksome and frustrating I love your comments at the end about slowly being embraced by where you live. You are enthusiastic about life and we need that. BTW I live in the beautiful Tasman District which is also a great place in Aotearoa to live.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for being with us and for watching! We appreciate your support. Have a great week 😃

[@kellyheppleston7157]

As usual your blog was entertaining and informative and had the added bonus of the beautiful chilled out Maggie. Check out the Judith Collins moment at 15:30 when Maggie raises one eyebrow when you said that you were ALWAYS out walking the dog. Just sayin! Take care guys.

[@ItsaDrama]

🤣🤣 Gorgeous! She must have heard us starting to argue and thought…”oh no…here we go…” 😂

[@tyresetv3022]

Awesome video you two!!! Regarding 2:32, I learnt doing research a few years back that if you closely look at the North Island, you’ll be able to visualise the island as a fish (stingray) with the tip of the tail up on the top, the fins on each side and the head at the bottom!! the South Island on the other hand you can visualise a waka (canoe) from top to bottom!… so basically there is a story behind it!! I recommend checking it out!! Just look up Maui and the fish 😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks for sharing this Tyrese, you are awesome 🥰We are so lucky to have people share this information with us - have a great week! Liz and Brian x

[@myresponsesarelimited7895]

Hey Liz & B man, love the show as always, couldn't actually hear our dog snoring. You guy's are very lucky, Taranaki is of course beautiful but it's also steeped in Maori history, nz history, colonial history, and geological history, you guys also have more than your fair share of rockstars from the horse racing world, one of our most successful jockeys is a Waitara boy, kiwi won the Melbourne Cup in the 80s, Michelle Payne was the first female to win the cup, and Johnny wheeler is a legend amongst trainers, and his horses were almost a sure thing running at home. Well done with the pronunciation, oh by the way I felt for you trying to wrap your tongue around Paraparaumu in the last video, definitely not the easiest - pro tip - everyone down that way calls it pi-ram😁 ... it doesn't matter if you get it a bit wrong- it doesn't matter if you totally butcher it, we only care that people try because it's about being respectful, and that you guy's are, when you said to Bri "what over in Hawera?" ...I was like -😉👌 cheeeeeeee - check this proper full blow English accent woman putting the locals to shame 😁 good for you👏👏👏 Just wondering- it's pretty common knowledge in my generation and specially if you grow up around the sea, but can you spot a rip at the beach? ...if not - its easy as, its the bit where no waves are breaking, water comes in to shore as waves, but what comes in must go out, so every so many hundred metres along the beach, you'll have a column of water heading back out where no waves break- that's the rip, as a delinquent beach bum bunking school to go surfing - we would ride a rip out to save energy, especially if it was big, then just paddle laterally at the right point and boom - your out the back ready to rip again - oooh good times 😊 As for thc - its an acronym for... delta 9 tetrahydracannabinole, there are hundreds of cannabinoles in the devil's lettuce, but that's the most psycho active one, buzzy thing is there are receptors in your brain built especially for them, so evolution would suggest we've been passing the duchie for a very long time ...or so I heard ...I was asking for a friend ...honest!!! ...ok not honest but I never once got stoned and did anything terrible which is more than I can say for my drinking days, it was mostly a bit of coughing, alot of laughing and 1 or 2 pilgrimages to maccas for chocolate thick shakes 😆😆😆 Take care of you and yours, as always I look forward to the next video

[@ItsaDrama]

This is (as always) a brilliunt commment Mr Sam 🥰 Love the tip about the rip. (ohhh feeling a bit of a song coming on…) We are down in the South at the moment, seeing more of this mind blowing country. How come no one told us how bloody lovely Dunners was?? We might have to make a move down south 😊. Thank you so much for your encouragement with our language attempt. I was super nervous about the Maori pronunciation at first (silly I know but I’m being honest) - some words are easier than others (I still struggle getting my tongue around Rotorua for example) and I always get the “oo”sound wrong but the more I’m hoping that the more I practice the braver i will become 😊. Wish I’d known about param before making the vid 😂 Anyway our friend, lovely to hear from you as always, take care on those roads and make sure you don’t pass the dutchie on the left hand side 😉😂😂 All love from us both to you Sam, Liz snd B man x

[@johanmeischke9189]

Pardon from all the meteorological date I've seen suggests that Nelson malbourough receive the most sunshine hrs in NZ

[@laskinov]

Great pronunciation...well done. Respect.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you Sam, we appreciate your kind words of encouragement 😊 Have a great weekend!

[@davidlawton7845]

The climate of NZ is similar to living on the edge of Dartmoor in the UK-the weather can change with frightening ferocity ; I’ve spent lengthy periods travelling both islands and been close to being hypothermic on the S. Island, rain , hail and sun and all in between. You’d be better off in Queensland.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I've only ever caught glimpses of your dog, she's definitely very much like my mastiff/rotty X ( my username is his name). I've only been to New Plymouth once but one thing that always stuck in my mind was a tiny gun museum which I believe was North of town,it was pretty much a shed run by an old guy that had amassed the most amazing gun collection I've ever seen anywhere,not sure if its still there but that was back in the early 90s. My friends that lived in NP were into surfing and they would come down to Dunedin to go surfing at a beach south of Dn at a place called The Catlins,hope you get to visit when you're down that way. Great video as usual,all the best to you both from bloody cold Dorset.

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes, she's a mastiff cross lab cross a bit of something else 😂I have to say (and I know that I'm biased) but she is the most adorable breed in the whole world...she's so laid back but at the same time has lots of energy when it comes to walking with you. We love her immensely. 🥰Never seen the gun museum but we did go to the Catlins while we were in Dunedin and oh my....what a place. Pure paradise, mind blowing stuff. Thanks for being here my friend, have a lovey week. Sending lots of love over to beautiful Dorset 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

@@ItsaDrama Mastiffs are such an underrated breed,generally big cuddly doofuses,mine is anyway,so friendly and loyal,I think their size puts people off. Glad you got to see Dunedin and surrounds,can't wait to see your reactions to the area...don't worry I certainly won't be offended by any criticisms! Nowhere is perfect,and if you don't like hills... The museum wasn't an official one,just a sign outside a rural property,the old boy comes out and opens up a shed and voila,a truly fascinating place with all sorts of history,not just guns,I'd love to know if its still going,but he may well have passed on by now.

[@kiwionarope]

Im born and raised in New Plymouth. Left NZ in 2007 for Canada, no regrets. I dont miss NZ at all other then the beaches.

[@ItsaDrama]

That's great! Thank you for sharing and much love to Canada! 🇨🇦

[@JamesHurford]

I believe you. I've only visited a few times, but every time, it was nice, and I felt like it was, it's hard to describe, so beautiful and civilised, yet wild will have to do for the moment. Then that's describing a lot of NZ to me. I particularly like seeing Mt Taranaki. I grew up in Whanganui, which in itself is a beautiful place these days. Having said I grew up in Whanganui, I was actually born in the Hawkes Bay, in the 70s, where I vaguely remember the gravel roads around that area,. They're all mostly sealed now. So much improved since then. And yes I do vaguely remember the long hot dry summers in Wairoa, where I lived till I was 8,. I particularly remember getting sunburnt there. We used to go to Gisbourne a lot, as my parents had friends there. Not been to the South Island much, but I've been around most of the North Island. And yes I can relate to the alien country feel when you first moved there. I felt the same when I move to London. It hasn't grown on me though, and I do miss the NZ summers, my friends and having Christmas during summer. Oh and Feijoas, the food of the gods. I've been in London since 2015. I intend on moving back in a year or two, as despite my British Citizenship allowing me to stay here for as long as I like, and having a good job here, I miss the country where I was born. The bird calls, the summers, Christmas during summer, the coffee, some of the fresh produce like Avocados, which are crap here in the UK, and cheeses lik Epicure. I wouldn't mind living in New Plymouth, and maybe I will at some point, but not yet. I still find it interesting how others who weren't born and raised in NZ view it, which is why I watch your guys channel. Keep it up, I love the banter between the two of you

[@ItsaDrama]

What an absolute gem of a comment James. Thank you. You described my thoughts on NZ in a nutshell. I never imagined (not ever, ever) that a kiwi living in London would watch me and Bri talk about New Zealand. 🥰 I'm kind of glad in a way that I didn't know this, it might have made us tailor the content around trying to impress...as it is, we just say exactly what we think and it seems that the New Zealanders (especially those who are no longer at home) can resonate. I love it so much. Take care over there in the big smoke, if I could send you a feijoa through the post I would 😘 Liz and Bri

[@JamesHurford]

@@ItsaDrama I don't disagree with anything you say, because largely I think you're right, and also you're talking about NZ as you see it. If you didn't, I wouldn't find your guys videos that interesting. So just keep what you're doing and don't change, please

[@ItsaDrama]

@@JamesHurford thank you. 😊

[@eileenhildreth8355]

We have one road and intersection out Tahuna way that the 'boy racers' use for donuts etc.

[@ItsaDrama]

Do the kiwis call wild young drivers ‘boy racers??’ Eileen? 😂 Brian’s just pointed out that we maybe should have said person racers…😉🤣 Have a lovely week 🥰

[@NighthawkNZ]

One day... one day... I will visit the area again... I haven't been there since I left the Navy... :-/

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes! Bring the Ducati and blast around the mountain…that would be a special ride I bet 😊

[@NighthawkNZ]

@@ItsaDrama that would be fun...;-)

[@datjeepcray4188]

My wife is looking at taking employment at Taranaki Base Hospital- I'm trying to consume as much info as as I can about New Plymouth.

[@johntepu1869]

In case you haven’t been informed or told, the actual shape of the north island in Maori folklore is Maui’s great fish/stingray (Te ika nui a Maui). The head (Te upoko) is Wellington. The tail (Te hiku) is Cape Reinga. Taranaki and the East Cape are the wings.

[@fabianosoriani]

Love your videos! Question at 40:49 you guys mention a video comparing with Japan, is that out yet? Can't seem to find it

[@ItsaDrama]

Hi Fabiano, I'm sorry, that was our mistake...we have made the video but are releasing it later in the month. Sorry for any confusion. (I might just have to sack Brian...😉😂)

[@fabianosoriani]

@@ItsaDrama ohh thanks, looking forward to your content as always, and don't sack Brian he's too kind 😂

[@grim863]

naki local here. thankyou for the video. hope you two didnt get divorced after this

[@ItsaDrama]

Haha! Came close...😂Happy New Year! 🎉

[@TheIrishRossonero]

Coming from Ireland my mind was made up the instant you spoke about the rain, sorry New Plymouth

[@hbaykiwi]

I just looked up the rainfall - hawkes bay, nelson and bay of plenty have higher number of sunshine hours per year though taranaki is still pretty good. In taranaki, when it rains, it rains harder. So in hawkes bay, if its not sunny, its probably only lightly raining But in taranaki, if its not sunny, its probably raining heavier so taranaki has more rainfall in quantity of water than hawkes bay even though they only have slightly less sunshine hours each year.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks for this Ray! Much better explanation than my ‘radar thing that warms up with the sun’ theory 😂 And yes, now you say it it’s true…when it rains it really rains! We appreciate you watching snd for taking the time to share this with us, thanks so much 😊

[@areyoukidding9267]

Lived in Gisborne for 4yrs and don't think I ever saw a mosquito or sandfly ... too dry.

[@ItsaDrama]

Oh Crikey…every time we go to see my sister we are eaten alive…maybe it’s just us? 😉

[@paulinemeinung8949]

Much love. Px

[@Astrogamezz]

As a person who currently lives in taranaki it sucks and it’s horrible .. I hate it

[@kumarvikramaditya9636]

I would love moving somewhere mountaineous at this point. I haven't mountaineered for years now. The last mountain I climbed was Kanchenjunga, that too a decade ago. Being stuck in Vík for 2 years at stretch has been a little too peaceful and a bit torturous for my extroverted soul. Maggie is absolutely adorable. Our spitz Pondu would be as thrilled as to even start licking the camera during filming. 🤣Taranaki seems heavenly and absolutely deserved the title it's been conferred.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks so much Vik, lovely to hear from you as always 🥰I hope that one day you get to see Taranaki and all of its loveliness ❤️🇳🇿 PS: Maggie says hi 🐾

[@laurag7369]

Very lovely video. I must check out the Ozone cafe in London now :-)

[@ItsaDrama]

Please do Laura! They are the best! xx

[@snowsansa1527]

Just move in Hawera last June from Auckland, still trying to settle down.

[@julznz711]

Glad I found you I'm Waitara b and b.

[@ItsaDrama]

Welcome Lulz! So glad to have you with us! 😊

[@miamanalang9107]

Hi. We recently moved here in New Plymouth and sold what we have in Wellington. I am wondering what are the suburbs best to buy a house, starting a family soon and what are the less desirable areas. Please people don't get offended with the word "less desirable".. Thank you.

[@jamessuhr9667]

Bell Block on the northern edge of New Plymouth, Raised a Family there .

[@simonsayshomeassistant]

Great video, I am Simon and I moved from South Africa to Auckland. I also run a small KZbin Chanel.

[@ItsaDrama]

Welcome Simon! 😊

[@cadifan]

Whakatane is the sunniest which is hard for me to say because I'm an Aucklander

[@ItsaDrama]

😂Go on Davide...you can do it...spit it out. 😉

[@bubblemummy1]

Maggie is adorable! Taranaki looks like paradise, but I have to say, that rainy bike ride is my idea of hell! About the drifters, the police in my city have designated one of the council owned car parks for one night a week for the lads to do what they do in their cars. The police have a car there keeping an eye on them, and an ambulance sits near by (in my city ambulances sit in wait all over the place for a call so they're always really quick to get somewhere) and it's solved the problem of them tearing up privately owned car park. It's literally the only sensible thing my city council have done! Love your gorgeous plants by the way! 💕🌿🌿🌿

[@ItsaDrama]

That is so interesting! What a fabulous idea. Do you mind asking which country this is? It's great being able to hear about other peoples lives and how things work where they live...just fascinating. Thank you for sharing xx💕 PS: Yes..Maggie IS adorable and she is spoiled rotten 😂

[@bubblemummy1]

@@ItsaDrama I live in a city in Cambridgeshire, UK. Xx

[@ItsaDrama]

@@bubblemummy1 such a great idea! Thanks for sharing x

[@kumarvikramaditya9636]

The North island looks like a seal. NZ is a fishing friendly country. There are a ton of good fish n' chips shops in Invercargill(Though Dover still tops fish n' chips ranking for me😆😅). Even the First Gentleman of NZ loves fishing.

[@eileenhildreth8355]

Blake sands are iron sands....take a magnet to it to see

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes! Loved doing this with the kids on homeschooling lessons! 😊

[@elijahhall8637]

I live in Wanganui, Wanganui was votted the best city in New Zealand, I was very supprised

[@ItsaDrama]

We love Wanganui! Such a brilliant India restaurant there too! 🥰

[@davidfentonhancock6646]

You left the best till last. "That you didn't like it that much at first"! It's also "off the beaten track". Like I said it took me 60 yrs to discover and I had to go and live in Byron Bay first. My brother from Noosa was going to "drop by" on his way from Auckland to Wellington. I said so you're staying for a day or two? No, says he, we've only got one night to spare. Don't bother says I........" We're not a Wells Fargo depot". So go straight down the middle and he did. Still hasn't been here to see what we did with the Old Eltham Post Office. His Loss.......

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for sharing, David! Have a fabulous week ahead! 😊 L

[@gissyb1]

So nice to listen to cheerful poms. So many just whine and complain..ie NZ is too hot , too cold, no English shops, kiwis too relaxed blah blah.. . i just tell them " well go home to England and visit Sainsburys" lol

[@ItsaDrama]

😊Thanks for watching Rosina, we try our best to remain cheerful (might just struggle with staying polite to each other at times though...)😂Have a lovely week!

[@johne6479]

Hi guys, just a little heads up. to us Maori the North Island is a fish (Te Ika a Maui) Mauis' fish, in our legends he fished it up . .the South Island (Te Waka a Maui) is Mauis' canoe and Stewart Island (Rakiura) is the canoes' anchor ;-) . .another great watch guys thanks :-)

[@ItsaDrama]

Love this John, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful legend. We really appreciate it ❤️ we feel very very privileged to have first hand information given to us…so lucky. Have a great week John and thank you again for being here and supporting us 😊

[@richardsingh5827]

I snore like Maggie. I have never been to Taranaki although I hope to go there one day. Here in the BOP it’s sunny but I would like to compare places.

[@ItsaDrama]

😂You and me both Richard...💤 Love the Bay of Plenty...we always feel as though we are in a different country when we go there, it's so hot and dry. Have a wonderful week! 😊

[@areyoukidding9267]

Gosh, I think you got sucked in about New Plymouth having the highest sunshine hours. New Plymouth, being on the west coast, cops the prevailing wind and weather off the Tasman Sea ... where most of the rain comes from. Weather data has been collected in NZ for over a century. The NIWA website has accurate sunshine hours data: the average from 1981-2010 ... Blenheim, Nelson, Lake Tekapo, Tauranga, Napier, Gisborne (none of which are on the west coast) ... then New Plymouth

[@ItsaDrama]

Yeah nah...I have the tan to prove it...😉We do get a lot of sunny days that are glorious but boy do we get a lot of rain...😂Thanks for watching and for stopping to say hi! We really love having you here 😊

[@warrenjanine3745]

What I have noticed is that the rain in New Plymouth often happens at night. Especially during winter. That's how we get high sunshine. Just saying...

[@barbsmart7373]

Yeah, I remember when Blenheim was known for it's highest sunshine hours. But the latest is that Taranaki had the most sunshine hours. That was on the national news. So I am just wondering if you live here ? Your statistics are a bit old don't you think?

[@maxsteinberg8101]

you have black sand, cool, we have the white sands in new mexico

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks for sharing Max! We have never been to New Mexico but it is on our list! 😊

[@scottgroves6386]

Long time watcher this soooo came up on time Moving from manawatu to the naki in April For a beach loving country lad would you recommend south of New Plymouth or north of Waitara?? . Pick one direction for me 🙏 Great list... You nailed all the pros why I'm moving. So much to bloomin do 🏆 Liz... T.H.C 🤔🤦‍♂️😂 funny Well done both of ya 🏆🏆

[@ItsaDrama]

Hi Scott, how exciting! Where should you move??? Crikey...I can't even decide what to have for my tea so I might have to think about this for a while....😂You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches in the Naki, I'm sure wherever you live will be the right place for you 😊Good luck my friend and be sure to say hi if you bump into us!

[@jessicaheadwellnesscoach]

There's a lot more of the North Island above Auckland

[@TheKL105]

Good on yous for trying to pronounce Maori words and or names it obviously is like being a fish out of water but yous both love the country you call home now and trying to respect the Maori culture and language. The fact your trying and putting an effort don't feel bad or silly I'm Kiwi of Samoan and Maori parents and c

[@ItsaDrama]

Tēnā koe. We really appreciate you watching and for taking the time to leave such a supportive comment. Have a great week! 😊

[@TheKL105]

@@ItsaDrama I just noticed I didn't finish my comments oops haha sorry I meant to say I still need to learn Te Reo properly myself let alone the Samoan language as our mother could speak only a few Maori words herself and understand limited sentences as they weren't encouraged to speak Maori or allowed to at school back in the 40s and 50s basically back in the old days but it's encouraged these days which is good and as for our father who's Samoan who came to NZ in the 50s in his late teens didn't even bother to speak to us in Samoan when he met our mum and got married when us kids were born ! He probably thought we were better off speaking English as he's was trying to learn himself back in the days ! Apparently he came over on a ship with a bunch of 10 pound poms ! I'm not sure if you've heard of that term hope it's not offensive but I think they were English migrants encouraged to come and settle in NZ and Australia and given 10 pounds by the government to help settle hence the term 10 pound poms by the media you can google it I might be wrong Anyways enough of my history lesson basically I was trying to say is some of us Maori or those of us who are part Maori cannot speak fluently or at all and I'm sure a lot of migrants that call NZ home can speak Maori better than me like you guys ! shame on me ! Anyways may you and your Whanau have a good weekend too 👍🙂

[@ItsaDrama]

@@TheKL105 so glad that I came back to this comment otherwise I would have missed this brilliant piece of info. Yes, we are familiar with ten pound poms (no offence taken) it is so fascinating to think that back in the day they actually paid people to come (when these days people sell everything they own in an attempt to pay to get to NZ). Thanks again for your comment, we really appreciate it! 😊

[@tclrsons9272]

My family and I believe your dog is our dogs sister 🫶

[@samueldavid5731]

What can you say about Hawera and Stratford?

[@varisaraphiratthitikon9269]

My dad's maunga

[@bellajess100]

Hi Liz & Brian, As an ex kiwi now been living in Qld Australia I really love the way you 2 promote NZ. I have to disagree about the Sunshine though. I left NZ to come across the ditch to Brisbane 35 years ago. I now know why it’s named the sunshine state. All my family live in NZ and I do miss the NZ culture at times. Watching you guys on KZbin brings back memories so thanks and look forward to future videos.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much Brent! We really appreciate you watching and for taking the time to say hi! Sending you lots of kiwi love over to sunny Aus 🇦🇺☀️

[@deenonu6842]

Yow two deffs are my fave english people lol KIA ORA!

[@ItsaDrama]

Kia Ora Dee and thank you, that’s good to know! 😉😃 Have a lovely week!

[@stephendickson9000]

Hahahaha. What a hoot. I was there for 6 weeks and it rained every day!

[@ItsaDrama]

Oh dear...😂☔️I hope you saw a nice rainbow at least Stephen?! Thanks for watching and have a great week 😊

[@mikevowles5802]

Have u been to Manou's Waterfront cafe in New Plymouth he’s a great guy ands it’s amazing amazing little spot, you can watch the string rays and little blue penguins 🐧 and on the rocks around it

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes! Love that little spot, it’s so cool 😊 Always feels as though we are on a little Greek island when we go down there on a summers evening. Thanks for watching Mike and for taking the time to say hello, we really appreciate it! Have a great week ahead 😊

[@erinwilliams4911]

I’m not a fan of black sand beaches, too hot in summer

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes, they do get really hot (if you have a dog it’s especially important to keep them off the sand) I do live the way it sparkles though 😊

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

Greetings. Not sure where you got your "most sunshine" info from, but if you check the official facts, you will find that almost every year it is a toss-up between Blenheim, Nelson and Whakatane for the most sunshine hours in New Zealand.

[@ItsaDrama]

Kia Ora! Our information came from The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s (Niwa). “ September Climate Summary, released on Tuesday, shows Taranaki is still sitting pretty at the top of the sunshine table, with 1884 sunshine hours so far this year. It was followed closely by Hawke’s Bay with 1867 hours, Marlborough with 1855 hours, and wider Nelson with 1853 hours.” Thanks for watching, we really appreciate it! 😊☀️

[@barbsmart7373]

@It's a Drama Tena korua I am further north in the Waikato. We really love Taranaki. I remember when the sunshine hours were on the national news.

[@barryscott6222]

To another generation, and demographic: THC = Tourist Hotel Corporation. Thousands of Kiwi's started their working careers in Hospo, with THC.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for this information Barry (To be honest when he was talking about it I was thinking ..."too hot too cold??" ...😂anyway, glad to have you with us and thank you again! 😊

[@kerehihudson3107]

Sorry but Taranaki actually does not get the most sunshine hours in NZ. Bay of Plenty holds that record I'm afraid! Do some more research

[@craigbourbonevans]

pffft most sunshine hours ..lol...suppose your gnna say the Burleigh has the best pies i nz next!!

[@craigbourbonevans]

pork belly Burleigh is like no pie i ever tasted since....

[@craigbourbonevans]

I'm og from barrow in Cumbria...the best thing my parents ever did was emigrate to nz in 1981

[@ItsaDrama]

Ohhh Craig...don't get me started about those belly pork pies...🤣

[@shane5156]

You guys live on the fin of the fish Maui caught :-) Not the southern cross :-) :-) Awesome guys well done I'm packing now to move to the Nakki when the boarders open and I'm allowed back :-) Brian your of pronunciation kia kaha was very funny :-)))))

[@ItsaDrama]

I love it!! Being able to say we live on the fin of a fish is not something we ever thought we’d be able to say 😊 Thanks for watching Shane, we really appreciate it! 😊

[@stephenevans5648]

I'm sorry, I don't believe Taranaki has the most sunshine hours. How can you have the most sunshine hours and the most rain. I'm sure it is lovely, but the east of the north Island like Hawkes bay is sunny. Just saying🙂. You did put a very scientific case across though.

[@ItsaDrama]

We gave it our best shot Stephen 😆 Thanks for watching! 😊

[@samueldavid5731]

New Plymouth?

[@brucefale6132]

The southern cross is a constellation in the night sky😁 Have you not seen it?

[@ItsaDrama]

Yes Bruce, I have seen it but I thought the cross might be that shape because of the North Island?? (This is the way my brain works....)😉😁

[@brucefale6132]

@@ItsaDrama Btw..THC is the substance in marijuana that gets you high😂

[@eileenhildreth8355]

The Southern Cross was also the liner that my hubby emigrated to New Zealand

[@RedDeadPandaGaming]

No matter where you are there are idiots driving around, I always see tire marks, Rotorua, Hamilton, Tokoroa, Pukekohe

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for watching and for sharing this with us 😊

[@Kiwiboy1929]

Nelson has more sunshine

[@juliewilliams3579]

Like Australians Liz 😆

[@ItsaDrama]

Couldn’t resist could he Julie?? 😳😬😂

[@maltnz]

According to NIWA stats Nelson and Blenheim beat New Plymouth on a yearly basis.

[@loubserd]

As does Tauranga and Tekapo

[@clairefalvey6813]

Um, as a Marlborough lady where WE are actually one of the most sunny places over a year in the country, I can't believe the sunshine thing about Taranaki. It seems to rain way more there too!!!!

[@ItsaDrama]

What did we say??! 😂Nope...I'm sticking to New Plymouth being the winner...😉

[@loubserd]

I'm from Wellington, sunshine is not something we can make a claim to!

[@ItsaDrama]

@@loubserd 😂😂

[@roryhebberd9766]

You guys in Dunedin atm?

[@ItsaDrama]

We’ve been here for the week Rory and fly back tomorrow 😊 What a beautiful city this is! Really loved it 😊

[@roryhebberd9766]

@@ItsaDrama lol missed it just say something online. Could have shown you a couple of local secrets.

[@ItsaDrama]

@@roryhebberd9766 next time? That would be lovely! 😊

[@roryhebberd9766]

@@ItsaDrama I saw the Baldwin st photo. Botanic Gardens nearby is nice and there's some native bush near that.

[@johntepu1869]

I also want to commend you both for at the very least TRYING to pronounce Maori place names correctly. Mainstream media has changed and continues to support correct pronunciation the last 10 years. Many NZers unfortunately find change very difficult, so kudos to you. 80% of the names on the map are Maori therefore, the language and culture belong to the entire country. Maori are merely caretakers until the rest of the country catches up. Take care and God bless, noho ora mai

[@ItsaDrama]

Tēnā koe John for this lovely comment, it means such a lot to us 🥰

[@barrynichols2846]

Civil Asset Forfeiture

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks Barry! 😊

[@bloggsie45]

A person in NZ who doesn't know what THC stands for. Didn't take the recent referendum seriously did you?

[@davepunk2077]

nice place to retired yeah..

[@iallso1]

That must be second best behind North Canterbury.

[@ItsaDrama]

Seems there’s many regions after this title 😂

[@alisonmaryross]

It's a stingray.the shape of the NI

[@rollyrolly7729]

Lol thc, surely Liz didn't live that shelterred a life. You can smell it everywhere where I live

[@ItsaDrama]

I'm afraid I must have done...😂I had no idea...