Grab Your Wheels, Let's Travel

24/04/2026

Tuff Crater Reserve is a really beautiful walk on Auckland’s North Shore, with its boardwalks, native planting, and those wide views out over the mangroves and the city skyline.

On paper, it’s described as “step-free”, and in a lot of places it really does live up to that. There are smooth boardwalk sections and well-made paths that make it a genuinely enjoyable and doable walk for many people using mobility devices.

In this latest review, I’ve also looked a bit closer at the in-between bit, the transitions between surfaces, the uneven sections, and how “accessible” can still feel quite different depending on where you are along the route. One of the most noticeable parts is the first stretch of boardwalk, which creates a strong vibration through a wheelchair or mobility device. I’ve shared a short video in the review so you can actually feel what that experience is like.

I’d really love to hear from others who’ve walked or wheeled it too, or who’ve noticed similar design details on other tracks around Aotearoa.

Kaipātiki Local Board

23/04/2026

So true!

22/04/2026

Great to see these conversations happening. Air New Zealand?

The Airbus Airspace U Suite, tested in the air last month and demoed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, could be the future of air travel for wheelchair users.

21/04/2026

📣 Have your say: Access to Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Parks

Researchers from Massey University and the University of Otago are seeking lived experience from disabled people, whānau, and support networks about access to our national parks.

This short 10-15 minute confidential survey explores what helps access, and what creates barriers, whether those are physical, informational, or environmental.

Your voice will help shape better understanding and future improvements for access in Aotearoa’s natural spaces.

🔗 Take the survey: Survey disability access to national parks https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nWBQFws88UnJGJ

You can also request a phone interview or paper copy if that works better for you.

If you’d like more information or support with the survey, you can contact Dr Karen Jillings at [email protected]

Ngā mihi to the researchers working to centre lived experience in this important space, and to everyone sharing their story.

21/04/2026

Kauri Glen Reserve, a treetop walk worth revisiting!

A few years ago, Finlay and I explored Kauri Glen Reserve on Auckland’s North Shore, and it left a lasting impression.

This short but unique walk takes you up into the forest canopy on a 60m treetop boardwalk, surrounded by mature kauri and tānekaha trees. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how special our backyard can be.

Since that first visit, Finlay’s mobility needs (and my ageing knees!) have meant we now rely on his powerchair more than ever, so revisiting accessible spaces like this becomes even more important for us.

In this post, I’ve shared:
• Parking and access notes (including the Northcote College/Kauri Glen Road entrance)
• The treetop boardwalk experience
• Accessibility considerations, including gradients, edging, and side tracks with steps
• What worked well, and what still makes things tricky

It’s a beautiful, shaded walk and a great example of how design can open up nature in new ways, even in the middle of suburbia.

👉 Read the full blog in the comments below!

Would love to hear if others have been recently, and have things improved since your visit?

Auckland Council Councillor John Gillon Kaipātiki Local Board

10/04/2026

Following on from my post earlier this week about Auckland’s inconsistent PlusOne travel rules, I’ve now put together a deeper look at what this means in a wider context, and how New Zealand compares internationally.

What stands out most is not just the inconsistency here at home, but the fact that in many other countries, there is a clearer recognition that support is not optional, it’s essential for access.

In New Zealand, we still see gaps across transport, funding systems, and companion recognition, which often result in people with disability and their families carrying extra costs just to participate in everyday life.

Other countries are not perfect, but many are further ahead in recognising carers and companions as part of access rather than an added expense.

I’ve explored this in more detail in my latest blog, including what this looks like in practice and why it matters for fairness and inclusion.

If you’re interested in the bigger picture behind the Auckland conversation, you can read it here:
👉 https://grabyourwheels.nz/2026/04/10/why-new-zealand-is-falling-behind-on-carer-and-companion-travel-support/

Keen to hear your thoughts and experiences on this too.

New Zealand still lags behind many countries when it comes to caregiver and companion travel discounts. A comparison of support policies, transport concessions, and why disabled people should not pay more to participate.

08/04/2026

Love seeing this! Well done Otago Fish and Game Council ♿️🎣

08/04/2026

We gave the Mayor’s swimming pool in Auckland a visit the other day!

The powerchair handled the steep ramp up and down like a champ, however to make this space accessible, we need:

- A proper wheelchair-friendly access route (a lift or a long gradual ramp)

- A pool hoist so wheelchair users can safely get in and out of the water

- and accessible changing facilities that actually meet the needs of people with disabilities and their supports.

We made it down there, but we want the chance to actually jump in too.

Mayor Wayne Brown… how about it? You said you’d consider it if your pilot was a success. By the look on all the happy faces during our visit I think it is.

A Changing Places NZ facility here and at Britomart would make a massive difference to so many lives.

Let’s make Auckland a city where everyone can fully participate, not just get to the edge.

Auckland Council Mayor Wayne Brown

05/04/2026

Anyone keen for something a bit magical?

Today we checked out the Dreamer Light Show at the new New Zealand Convention Centre (NZICC) it was so much fun!

👉Running from 3rd to 12th April.

It’s wheelchair accessible, and we’ve managed to get our hands on a carer discount code.

👉 If you’re interested in going, just comment “PM code pls” below and we’ll send you the link 🤩🔗

Find out more here 👉 https://www.dreamer.nz/

Accessibility information (from website)

Dreamer takes place in the main Expo Hall at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), a fully accessible venue in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

The experience features low lighting and ambient audio (not loud). Most interactive installations are designed to be accessible for people using wheelchairs, with level access throughout the exhibition space.

For detailed information about venue accessibility - including parking, drop-off points, mobility access, and facilities - please visit the NZICC accessibility page on their website.

https://nzicc.co.nz/about-us/accessibility/



Auckland Live

03/04/2026

Getting around Auckland shouldn’t cost more just because you need support.

Right now, people using the Total Mobility concession get 40% off public transport, which is a great step forward. But here’s the part that doesn’t make sense…

On buses, a carer can travel for free as a “PlusOne.”

On ferries and trains, that same carer has to pay full price.

For us, that means a simple return ferry trip between Devonport and the city costs around $27 a day, because the person who has to travel with support is effectively paying for two people.

Meanwhile, SuperGold card holders travel free off-peak across all modes bus, train, and ferry.

So how is it fair that someone who physically cannot travel independently ends up paying more than someone who can?

Support people aren’t optional. They’re not a luxury. They’re the reason travel is even possible.

Consistency, dignity and equity matters.

If Auckland Transport recognises the need for a companion on buses, that same recognition should apply across ferries and trains too.

Accessible transport isn’t just about ramps and spaces, it’s about making sure the system works fairly for the people who rely on it.

Time to extend the “PlusOne” policy across all public transport in Auckland.

Auckland Transport, Mayor Wayne Brown, Auckland Council Simon Watts MP for North Shore Winston Peters

Access Matters Aotearoa

25/03/2026

Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa Accessibility Review

Te Papa delivers one of the most accessible museum experiences we’ve had as a family. From tactile exhibits at wheelchair height to NZSL content and a stunning waterfront location, there’s a lot to love, plus a few important gaps, including the lack of a Changing Places facility....

Wellington City Council, Te Papa

A detailed accessibility review of Te Papa in Wellington, including parking, exhibits, NZSL features, waterfront access, inclusive playground, and the need for a Changing Places facility.

23/03/2026

Great news!

Fantastic News for the West Coast Wilderness Trail!
Thanks to the incredible support of Te Matapuna Waiora a Io Trust and a generous grant from a private trust, we’re delighted to announce that a Motom has been purchased for riders with accessibility needs on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. This will open up our trail to so many more people who otherwise may not be able to experience this amazing environment.
The Motom will be managed and cared for by Trustee, Cindy Hopper, and her family—right on the trail at West Coast Scenic Waterways.
We’ll be holding a special launch and christening this Tuesday. If you’d like to be part of this celebration, please send us a private message.
A huge shout out to Natalie Gauld and Cindy Hopper, who have championed this project every step of the way. Sincere thanks also to Natalie’s father Brian and the Trust that funded the purchase, to the Te Matapuna Waiora a Io Trustees for their support in applying for the funding, Mitre 10 Greymouth for helping with the storage shed, and Vehicle Adaptations, who manufactured the Motom, helped get it here and have been incredibly supportive throughout.
Details on how to book and use the Motom will be available soon via Cindy at West Coast Scenic Waterways.
We can’t wait to see this making the trail more accessible for everyone!

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