All recommended sites & everything else can be located & checked out with a few clicks - most have 10 photos showing views, food, beds, scenery, facilities, goods - everything you need to make an informed decision & links to all of them.
Just click on any marker, then on the traffic arrow and a 2nd location for instant detailed public & private travel information including routes, distances, times, frequency, transfers & stop locations.
Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
Land of the Long White Cloud
BEST TIME TO GO - The further south you go the colder it gets
-
December to February is summer - fine weather and crowded camp sites
-
March to May is Autumn / Fall - leaf peeping
-
June to August is winter - ski season
-
September to November is is spring - blossoms
STAY - If you're travelling in a camper van there will only be a few nights in a hotel before and after the trip. A few days when you arrive to get organised and have a look at the place. Then one night at the end after you've dropped the camper van off.
If you are doing the car and hotel option all hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. They will have parking available.
It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area and check they have parking.
VISAS - Click here for information
FLIGHTS -
-
Wellington International Airport (WLG) - has direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and Auckland in NZ
-
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - has the same plus Singapore and Hong Kong
-
Auckland Airport (AKL) - has direct flights to 60 destinations in 23 countries, including Australia, North and South America, Asia and Dubai
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Once you have bought your airline tickets be sure to get some travel insurance to cover your investment
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
TIPS - These trips can be done in camper vans in campsites or cars in hotels
-
Go through the trip and book everything online well ahead
-
Take your International Drivers License with you
-
Take handy camping accessories like headlamps etc
-
Download the CamperMate app
-
Take some warm clothes
-
If you think you need more or less time somewhere just adjust it when you're booking everything
-
Many places have BBQ facilities so drop into the butchers or fishmongers during the day and finish the day / start the evening with a barbie and a few beers / wines
POPULATION - 5 million people / 30 million sheep
CAPITAL - Wellington
FUN FACT - New Zealand has around 600 islands, not just 2
RELIGION - 12% Catholic, 11% Anglican, 8% Presbyterian, 7% other Christian, 42% do not identify with a religion and 6% Islam, Hinduism, or Judaism.
ETHNICITY - European 70 %, Maori 16%, Asian 9%, Pacific peoples 5%
LANGUAGE - English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Northern Chinese (including Mandarin), and Hindi.
NATIONAL DRINK - L&P (Lemon & Paeroa)
NATIONAL DISH - Hangi - buried steamed meat and veg
GOVERNMENT - Unitary parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
CURRENCY - New Zealand Dollar NZ$ NZ$1 = 65 cents
BIRTHDAY - 26 / 09 / 1907
BIG MAC in $US - $5.20
LITERACY - 99%
MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL $US - $25,686
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 82.36
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 3.8 million
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - Milford Sound
CHEERS - Cheers M8
NORTH ISLAND LOOP 21N
Campervan Trip
Road Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - Te Ika-a-Māui
Wellington 2N
New Plymouth 1N
Pouakai Hut 1N
Auckland 1N
Paihia 2N
Russell 1N
Rotorua 2N
Lake Taupo 2N
Napier 2N = 21N
Wellington 1N (or Auckland to Auckland)
-
Te Papa Museum - a must
-
Zealandia Ecosanctuary
-
Wellington Cable Car
-
Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes
-
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
-
Eat a Hangi
-
Ngongotaha Stargazing
-
Iconic Pipi Pomb @ the Pipi Patch Bar
-
Visit the Art Deco capital of the World
-
The world famous Hundertwasser Toilets
-
The best view of Taranaki @ Sunset & Sunrise
-
Hannah's Laneway, Cuba Street, Hobbiton Village
-
Discover the wonder of Waitomo - Glow worm caves
-
Giant Lemon & Paeroa Bottle - World Famous in New Zealand
-
2,000 year old Tane Mahuta - the Largest tree you'll probably ever see
-
The Northernmost accessible point of NZ and sacred Maori area
-
Bay of Islands, Napier, Corramandel Peninsula, Rotarua
-
Cape of Kidnappers the world's largest gannet colony
1 Wellington - 2N
-
Fly in and out of the capital Wellington or Auckland and do a clockwise loop. These are your options for transport from the airport.
-
These itineraries can be done either by campervans in campsites or cars staying in hotels. Both have their benefits. Some people love camping and the great outdoors while others prefer a few luxuries. The budget for either will depend mainly on how much you spend on the vehicle. There's nothing stopping the car drivers getting a cabin at the campgrounds which are likely cheaper than their hotels. The car option🚗 will likely be as cheap and more comfortable also. There are no motels unless there are no other options.
-
The campervan option will be more adventurous and spend more time in nature. New Zealand is well catered for Camper-vans🚙 and you can save money on accommodation, meals and drinking. As well as having the freedom to come and go where you please and providing security for your belongings. If the van is self contained (Has it's own toilet) you will have more options on free camping. You will need to book either vehicle for 19 days, starting and finishing in Wellington. There will be several camping options for each place. Free with responsibilities when practicable. Sometimes with the car option you will be staying in a different town and the itinerary will be slightly altered.
-
Wellington is a very pleasant city, on the water and not too hectic. Great food, coffee culture and drinking spots. There are some pretty impressive museums like Te Papa and natural attractions. Stay downtown where everything is within easy walking distance.
-
Stay at or near The Cambridge Hotel *** - great location minutes from everything, good value, a Wellington icon since 1883, gastropub, range of room options including dorms
-
On your first day just stroll around and get to know the city. If you get in early it's just a 10 minute walk from the hotel to the amazing Te Papa Museum. If you're here at the right time you might be able to have a night at the cricket or rugby if it's on. Or Courtney Place is only 2 minutes walk away. If you have any extra time while you are here there are a number of Wellington Tours below the map👇.
2
-
After some breakfast spend the day sight seeing. Drop in to the hire place just to make sure everything is in order to pick up your vehicle tomorrow morning. Your Wellington Walk might look something like this -
-
Lunch at Hannah's Laneway
Cape Reinga
Photo by Abin Thomas on Unsplash
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
Head downtown for another night out. Cuba Street is one of the more famous places for or a meal and a few drinks.
3 New Plymouth - 1N - 5h / 350km
-
Have a hearty breakfast then pick up your vehicle for the next few weeks. Head north through the Hutt Valley and along the coast to New Plymouth. Morning Smoko and lunch along the way. You will have your permit that for Pouakai Hut tomorrow night that you booked a long time ago online. Shop for some supplies to take with you.
-
Camper Van - See a few of the local sights then find your spot for the night.
-
Car - Stay at or near The Devon Heritage Hotel **** - Heated outdoor swimming pool, free parking, guest laundry, restaurant and bar
4 Pouakai Hut - 1N
-
It's about a two hour climb up to the hut. If you are climbing make an early start to make sure you get a bed. Take a good book and some treats with you. It's a 20 min walk from the hut to the reflective tarn where you will get the iconic view of Mt Taranaki.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Photo by Sophie Turner on Unsplash
Iconic photo of Mt Taranaki
5 Lake Ngaroto - 1N - 3H / 225km
-
After your sunrise viewing or sleep in head down the mountain and get a hot breakfast. En-route today be amazed by the wondrous glow worm caves of Waitomo. Then it's off to the town mentioned in the famous Crowded House song - Mean to me - Te Awamutu. To stop and smell the Roses. Te Awamutu has world renowned rose gardens and is the self proclaimed "Rose Capital of New Zealand", check out the blooms next to the visitor centre. There is a good museum here which has an exhibit on Finn Brothers Neil* and Tim of Split Enz, Crowded House and then Fleetwood Mac* fame. The brothers were born here. As well as a large collection of Māori treasures and information about the Waikato land wars. There are some great walks including lakes, wet lands and forest canopies and a Lavender farm with tours and produce as well.
-
Camper Van - Spend the night at Lake Ngaroto.
-
Car - Stay up the road from Te Awamutu in Ohaupo at the Beautiful Rural Hilltop Studio Unit - with free parking, a fully equipped kitchen, mountain views & washing machine.
7 auckland - 1N - 2H / 150km
-
Head up to Auckland and stay in the city centre in a hotel for the night. Spend the afternoon and morning looking around.
-
Stay at or near City Lodge Accommodation ***** - private secured parking, must be reserved and costs NZ$25 a day, good value, 10 minute walk to Sky Tower and the centre of town, another 5 minutes to Viaduct Harbour
Pick some of these to fill in your afternoon
-
Daredevils can head to Sky Tower or the Auckland Bridge. Or you may just want to go for the views.
-
Head to Eden Park the home of the greatest sporting team ever - the All Blacks. You can do a stadium tour and even learn the Haka.
-
Long lunch at Viaduct Harbour
-
Get acquainted with the city on a free walking tour
-
Come Ice Cream O'clock don't miss the chance for a sweet treat from one of these places
-
A visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum will give you great insight into the Kiwi culture
-
Before the sun starts to set go up to one of these rooftop bars
-
For dinner head to the Maori Kitchen on Queens Wharf for some traditional Hangi. Spend the evening checking out the night life in the CBD and Viaduct Harbour.
8 Waipoua Forest - 1N - 3H / 230km
-
After a nice breakfast head north on nearby Hwy 1. En-route do the 20 min climb to the scenic Tokatoka Peak Lookout. Have lunch in Dargaville and see the Kauri Museum and maybe a visit to a master wood turner's studio. Stock up with supplies for a few days and get something nice for dinner. No fires at the campsite tonight so you'll have to cook indoors. Continuing North to the Waipoua Forest the last remaining patch of Kauri Forest that once covered much of the North Island.
-
Do some forest walks and visit the Lord of the forest, Tane Mahuta.
-
Do a night safari walk hopefully seeing the resident Kiwis, Glow Worms and Eels in the streams. Ask about it at the visitors centre or join this one.
-
Camper Van - Spend the night camping in the forest.
-
Car - Stay at or near Highland Forest Retreat - Glamping, bit of a splurge - double the normal rate but worth it, outdoor bath surrounded by nature, not on Booking.com. Get picked up for this popular night tour.
-
Or for a cheaper option Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park **** - riverside, BBQ facilities, small onsite shop or stock up for BBQ at Dargaville on the way through, free parking and a variety of rooms. Get picked up for this popular night tour.
9 Cape Reinga - 1N - 4½H / 255km
-
Off to Rawene for breakfast or a coffee at the Boatshed Cafe out over the water. Then take the ferry across to Kohukohu and up to the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes for a play (rent a surfboard).
-
Continue up to the top and do the Cape Reinga Lighthouse walk.
-
Camper Van - Finish up at the Taputaputa Campsite by the beach.
-
Car - After the lighthouse walk head south to Pukenui and try North Hideaway - or any others nearby
10 -11 paihia - 2n - 3H / 215KM
-
Take Hwy 1 South to Pahia the Gateway of the Bay of Islands. You could stop for lunch at the Mangonui Fish Shop looking out over the water. Spend two days seeing the sights. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn all about the birth of modern day New Zealand complete with a lively cultural performance, concert and a Hangi. Get out on the bay and have a look around, see dolphins, go to a waterfall, see historic sites or just relax on the beach. Check out the local tours below⬇️.
-
For a nice waterside meal try Zane Grey's - Charlotte's Kitchen - CBK Craft Beer & Kitchen - and for ribs Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack & Craft Bar.
-
Camper Van - Check out these campsites and pick one you like, all are by the water - Waitangi Holiday Park - Bay of Islands Holiday Park - Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground
-
Car - Stay at or near the Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel ***½ - 2 swimming pools, free parking, close to the beach, hot tub, fitness centre, tour desk, BBQ
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Photo by Andres Iga on Unsplash
Hobbiton
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
12 Russel - 1N - ¾H / 15KM
-
Catch the car ferry across from Opua to the first capital of New Zealand for a whole year - Okiato. From here it's a short trip to the country's first seaport, quaint little Russell with it's dark past. There are many historic buildings, restaurants, cafes and pubs along the waterfront. Very hard to believe that back in the day Russell, then called Kororareka was known as the “Hell hole of the Pacific”. Check out the surrounding countryside or just enjoy the town. Make sure you have a sea side table occupied in time for the glorious sunset. Enjoy a meal in a former brothel and down a few pints with the locals at the Duke of Marlborough all along the sea shore.
-
There are electric mopeds available for rent.
-
Camper Van - Stay at either Russell Top 10 holiday Parks or Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park
-
Car - Stay at or near The Duke of Marlborough **** - Iconic waterfront property, restaurant, pub, garden bar, free parking, fitness centre, tour desk
13-15 Coromandel peninsula 6H/400
-
From one amazing place to another via the very famous Kawakawa public toilets. There are so many things to see and do on the Coramandel Peninsula you'll have trouble picking what to try and cram in. There's the Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, Lost Spring Thermal Complex, Gold mining, the , a narrow gauge railway climbing up through the Kauri Forests, a homegrown food trail, unique water park, a zipline tour and so much more. Spend three nights in the area here or more if you need to.
-
Camper Van - Stay at Hahei Beach Resort or - (both maybe) -
-
You can stay for $5 at the Waterworks which is taken off your entry fee
-
Car - Stay at or near Hahei Beach Resort **** - Free parking, beachfront, hot tubs, BBQ, patio or balcony, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor seating, restaurant, cafe, minimart
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
16-17 rotarua - 2N - 4H / 275km
-
First stop will be a photo op with the Giant L & P Bottle New Zealand's national drink and a local icon. Then the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway. Probably best to take the 45 minute walk. A tour of the Hobbiton Village and lunch, then on to Rotorua. Everyone knows what this town is about. See the sights, soak the muscles and perhaps a few things Rotorua is not known for such as white water rafting. Never miss the opportunity to have a mud spa and enjoy a sunset while soaking away in a hot spring. This is a good area to take in some cultural shows which are combined with a Hangi dinner. Then there is the Tamaki Maori Village. Check out Eat Street and the Rotorua Night Market as well as the local nightlife. Perhaps a night time illuminated tree-walk or nearby Ngongotaha has the best stargazing on the North Island.
-
Camper Van - Have a look at this comprehensive guide to campsites around Rotorua
-
Car - Stay at or near Addictive View - Lakeside Studio - Free parking, beautiful sunset lake views from the deck, kitchenette, BBQ, outdoor dining - whole holiday home for a bargain price, keep this one to yourself.
-
Or for a good location in town near eat street and the bars is the Ambassador Thermal Motel - with free parking, heated outdoor pool and 2 x mineral baths, BBQ facilities and laundry.
-
Or Wai Ora Lakeside Lakeside Spa Resort ****½ - Free parking, outdoor Jacuzzi, sunset views over the lake, swimming pool overlooking the lake, wellness centre, beachfront, bar, private balcony or courtyard, massage and sauna, restaurant with high tea, bar, barber / beauty shop.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Image by Holger Detje from Pixabay
Lake Taupo
18 - 19 Lake Taupo - 2N - 1H / 80 km
-
Lake Tuapo is the largest lake in New Zealand and it is the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. It is a uniquely beautiful area and being New Zealand adventurous activities abound. Sky Divers and Fishermen are well looked after and if you want to eat trout you'll have to catch it yourself as local laws prevent it from being bought or sold commercially. Once again the number of activities here are only limited by your budget. Along with Rotorua these are the North Island's premier resorts.
-
There are tours available to see the lake and the Maori rock carvings.
-
Lakefront drinking - The Deck - Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
-
Camper Van - Campsite guide including 5 free ones
-
Car - Stay at or near Taupo Debretts Spa Resort ***** - Free parking, has a natural thermal spa, 3 swimming pools, 2 heated hydro-slides, outdoor and private thermal pools, Spa and Wellness Centre, restaurant, cafe, BBQ
-
OR in town a 2 minute walk from everything the Absolute Lake View Motel **** - free parking, spa and wellness centre, 2 indoor pools 1 heated, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness equipment
-
OR Lakeland Resort Taupo ***½ - Free parking, lakeside on 2.8 acres of landscaped grounds, outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, restaurant and bar
20-21 Napier - 2N - 2H / 140km
-
Last stop the "Art Deco" city of Napier. After the city was flattened by an earthquake in 1931 it was rebuilt in the art deco style making it a very attractive place. See the city by foot, bike or vintage car. Take a visit to the wine area that surrounds Napier and have a nice long winery lunch looking out over the vineyards and Hawke's Bay. Visit the haunted prison where capital punishment was practiced and dress up like an inmate. Go for a Ghost walk in the evening. If you can afford it, stay another day and play a round of golf it the incredible Cape Kidnappers course. You can visit the Gannets while you're there. Named by Captain Cook when the locals stole his cabin boy. And enjoy the nightlife.
-
For breakfast - the Thirsty Whale
-
Ice Cream - Lick This - Danish Delight Napier
-
Drinks and food - The Gintrap - Paddy's Irish Pub - It's Your Shed 2 - The Boardwalk
-
Camper Van - Free camping and other places around Napier
-
Car - Stay at or near Harbour View Seaside Accommodation Napier **** - (Studio with sea-view for two) Free parking, beachfront, sea views, short walk to cafes and restaurants
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
22 Wellington - 1N - 4¼ H / 320Km
-
Half day trip back to Wellington, drop your gear off at the hotel then take the camper van back. Or keep going to the Picton Ferry and see the amazing South Island. Or this trip does both islands in 30 nights.
SOUTH ISLAND LOOP 30N
Road Trip
Campervan Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - Te Waipounamu
Christchurch 3N
Mt Cook 2N
Cromwell 1N
Clyde 1N
Dunedin 2N
Portobello 1N
Invercargill - 1+1N
Oban 1N
Te Anau 1+1N
Queenstown 3N
Wanaka 2N
Hokitika 1N
Westport 1N
Nelson 2N
Kaikoura 2N
Christchurch 1N = 30N
-
International Antarctic Centre
-
World Heritage Mt Cook
-
NZ's English City, Scottish City
-
Niagara Falls - NZ style
-
The World's fastest Indian
-
Bluff oysters - World's best
-
World famous Hokitika Sunset
-
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves
-
The Centre of New Zealand
-
Pic's Peanut Butter World
-
The Cardrona Bra Fence
-
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
-
The World's smallest Penguin
-
The Catlins - Natural Wonderland
-
The mainland’s most Southern Point
-
The ultimate New Zealand road trip
-
Aurora Australis - the Southern Lights
-
Top 10 Marine experience in the World
-
The "Adventure Capital of the World"
-
Stargazing in Dark Sky Sanctuaries
-
New Zealand's most photographed Tree
-
New Zealand's most photographed Lake
-
New Zealand's most photographed Pub
-
New Zealand's most photographed Building
-
Fiordland the most beautiful part of New Zealand
-
Milford Sound - The “Eighth Wonder of the World”
-
The Crown Range - New Zealand's highest sealed road
-
The World's only mainland colony of Royal Albatross
-
Baldwin Street the steepest residential street in the World
-
Nin's Bin Crayfish Experience rated 7/500 in the World by Lonely Planet
1-3 Christchurch - 3N
-
Fly in and out of Christchurch. you can take the shuttle from the airport into town.
-
These itineraries can be done either by campervans in campsites or cars staying in hotels. Both have their benefits. Some people love camping and the great outdoors while others prefer a few luxuries. The budget for either will depend mainly on how much you spend on the vehicle. The car option 🚗will likely be as cheap and more comfortable also. There's nothing stopping the car drivers getting a cabin at the campgrounds which are likely cheaper than their hotels.
-
New Zealand is well catered for Camper-vans🚙 and you can save money on accommodation, meals and drinking. As well as having the freedom to come and go where you please and providing security for your belongings. If the van is self contained (Has it's own toilet) you will have more options on free camping. You will need to book either vehicle for 27 days, starting and finishing in Christchurch. There will be camping options for each place. Free with responsibilities when practicable. Sometimes with the car option you will be staying elsewhere and the itinerary will be slightly altered.
-
Stay at or near BreakFree on Cashel *** - great value and location, self-check in 24 hours, Cafe and Bar - 1 minute walk from Pink Lady rooftop bar and Wanderlust dessert bar - and less than 10 from Mr. Brightside rooftop bar and the Great Pastry Shop patisserie.
-
Spend your first three days exploring the city and getting organised for the trip. Christchurch has been in the news in recent years for all the wrong reasons. Before this most people wouldn't have known much about the place. Spend a few days here and get to know one of New Zealand's major attractions. Stay in the inner city close to the cafes, restaurants, bars, rooftop bars for sunset and sites of interest. Don't miss the International Antarctic Centre for something fun and educational, there is an Earthquake Museum and memorial, a cable car ride to the top of Mt Cavendish with a time tunnel, cafe and spectacular views of Christchurch. Visit the Canterbury Museum and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. You can also do a guided city tour on the heritage Trams. Organise your campervan and get ready to hit the road.
-
If you have any extra time for this city there are plenty of tours below to get to know the place.
Mount Cook
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
Maori Flag
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
The road to Mount Cook
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
4-5 Mt Cook - 2N - 3¾H / 325km
-
Have a hearty breakfast then pick up your vehicle, back to the hotel to load up and you're on your way. Stop at a supermarket on the way out of town and stock the van up with all of the necessities. Head on down to Hwy 76 west, which leads on to Hwy 1 and up to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Cook National Park. This is a part of a world heritage area and you will love the scenery. Go for hikes, see the Tasman Glacier, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Center, eat and enjoy sunset with an amazing view, take in the other worldly night sky at the Dark Sky Reserve and generally commune with nature. You might need some warm clothes up here.
-
Camper Van - Stay at the White Horse Hill campground
-
Car - Stay at or near Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge **** - Free parking, huge kitchen and lounge area with mountain views and deck, BBQ, tour desk.
-
For a cheaper option 15 minutes south of the village Glentanner Park Centre **** - Free parking, BBQ, visitor information centre, souvenir shop, cafe.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
6 Cromwell - 1N - 2H / 200km
-
Make your way towards Cromwell in the food and wine region of Central Otago. Lots to see and do here, such as a few laps around the Highlands Motorsport Park driving a Super car or the more budget friendly go-cart track. Visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct where the old town has been relocated and reassembled after the previous Cromwell was flooded by the Clyde Dam in 1990. If you like Cinnamon scrolls head over to Pinot Junction and eat them sitting on the balcony enjoying a view of Lake Dunstan. At some stage have a meal at the Stoker Room Cromwell. Then make your way next door to Misha's Vineyard Tasting Room. Finally on the other next door side is Freeway Orchard where you can stock up on your fruit and veg and be sure to have a real fruit ice cream while you are there. You can also pop into the Little Picnic Company, pick up a basket of treats then head out to the lake for a little picnic and siesta.
-
Camper Van - Freedom Camping sites
-
Car - Stay at or near Lodges on Pearson Unit 1 or 2 - Free parking, apartments with patio and mountain views, outdoor furniture, great location out of town, kitchenette.
-
Or for a cheaper room in town is the Cromwell Motel *** - with free parking, outdoor pool, BBQ facilities, fully equipped kitchen and walking distance to the lake and the old town.
7 Clyde - 1N - ¾H / 45km
-
Go for a walk or a ride along the Lake Dunstan Trail, one of the world's great bike rides. Have a nice long alfresco lunch at the Carrick Winery Restaurant & Cellar Door overlooking the picturesque Bannockburn Inlet. Make your way to the town of Clyde and have a look at their museum to learn about the dam. Have dinner at affordable Oliver's the star of the Central Otago foodie scene. This is a good area to pick up fresh produce for your meals. Have a few beers outside the Dunstan Hotel and enjoy this charming little town.
-
Camper Van - Stay at Champagne Gully free overnight camping
-
Car Dunstan House - Free parking reservation required, iconic local building, restaurant, free breakfast included.
-
Or The Tinkers Cottage - a charming little stone cottage in the main street close to everything and reasonably priced, free parking, adults only, kitchenette
8-9 dunedin - 2N - 2¾ / 230km
-
Breakfast at the Courthouse Cafe in nearby Alexandra. then continue on to the "Scottish town" of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South and the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. You have a choice of backtracking over the same 50 kms or driving an extra 40 kms to avoid it. See the map below.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
A couple of nights here seeing all the sights. One great thing to do here is to go for a historic train ride through startlingly beautiful countryside to the Taieri Gorge and the living museum that is the Edwardian Baroque train station will leave you in awe. If you're here on a Saturday don't miss the Farmers Market out the front. Or if you're into wild-life and plant-life you might like the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. This is an University town so there is a youthful and energetic nightlife to be had. Horse lovers can check out the amazing rides at Hare Hill Horse Treks. Good for both beginners and advanced riders. Visit rare penguins or how about Speight's Brewery Tour in their Heritage listed building and the Olveston Historic Home.
-
Ice Cream - Candied Pear and Blue Cheese - Pumpkin Dulce de Leche & Beer Ice Cream
-
Car - Stay at or near Law Courts Hotel *** - Free parking reservation is needed, great location everything walkable, restaurant and bar, ATM
-
Or for a cheaper option On Top Back Packers ***½ - Parking may have charges, 4 minutes walk from the Octagon, cafe and bar, free breakfast, laundry, shared kitchen, outdoor dining area
10 Portobe;llo - 1N - 1½H / 70km
-
Spend the day exploring the Otago Peninsula. For wildlife visit the OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance) - the Royal Albatross Centre - Sandfly Bay and Allan's Beach.
-
Other sites include the Otago Peninsula Museum and Lanarch Castle and Gardens.
-
Have a coffee at the 1908 Cafe - have lunch at Nature's Wonders Cafe and dinner and drinks at the Portobello Hotel & Bistro (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
-
Camper Van - Stay at the Portobello Village Tourist Park.
-
Car - Stay at Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay **** - Free parking, superb free breakfast, stay in the castle grounds, free entry to the castle and access to the gardens, can reserve traditional NZ dinner in the castle dining room, restaurant, tour desk.
-
Or Treetops B&B - Free parking, free very good breakfast, patio with magnificent views.
11 Purakaunui Bay 1N - 3½H / 200km
-
After breakfast take the scenic route towards Invercargill via the Catlins Coast. Spend the night in Purakaunui Bay and over two days see wildlife, nature, waterfalls, penguins, caves along the way - an estuary boardwalk, a 180 million year petrified forest and some good food, coffee and bakeries. Spend the night communing with nature and gazing at the stars. Whitebait fritters are the local delicacy so try them whenever you can
-
Camper Van - Stay at the Purakaunui Bay Campsite
-
Car - Stay at or near Seascape Accommodation - Kaka Point Beach - Free off street parking, opposite the beach and next to the pub / restaurant, fantastic sea views, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, patio, outdoor dining, terrace.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
12/ 14 Invercargill 1 + 1N - 3H / 200km
-
If your lucky you might see the Aurora Australis (the southern version of the northern lights) while you're in the Invercargill area. The best chance is in the colder months between April and September. Bill Richardson’s Transport World is a popular spot with the world's largest private collection of vehicles. The same people also have the Classic Motorcycle Mecca with an equally impressive collection of motorbikes while you're on the transport theme. There are more unique places worth a visit and don't forget to pop in and see the World's Fastest Indian made famous in the movie with Anthony Hopkins about local legend Burt Monroe. Make sure to pop into Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters for some of the world's best oysters. Go to the supermarket and get some lemons, mirin, Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise, wasabi, pickled ginger and soy. Mix the lemon juice , mirin, Kewpie and wasabi into a well balanced zingy dressing. For the other half season with the pickled ginger, soy and wasabi. Thank me later 🦪🦪🦪🦪🦪🦪
-
Camper Van - Have a night here each side of going down to Stewart Island and stay at the Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels
-
Car - Stay at or near IN TOWN - Southern Comfort - free off parking, short walk to town, free bikes, BBQ, terrace and garden
-
IN THE BUSH - Tui Hideaway - Free parking, BBQ, bike rental, shared kitchen, free buffet breakfast
-
BY THE FERRY - The Eagle - Free parking, classic local pub next to the ferry, happy hour and darts, great fish and chips, free continental breakfast, washing machine and dryer, packed lunches
13 Oban - 1n - 1H ferry Trip
-
One of the great things to do here is visit New Zealand's third island - Stewart Island. Park the van up next to the Bluff Visitor Terminal. There is a fee. Jump on the ferry for the hour long cruise over to Stewart Island.
-
Stay at or near South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island - local icon that is the heart and soul of the town - great location on the beachfront, cafe and restaurant featuring local fresh seafood, local pub with happy hour - splash a bit extra for a room with a sea view
-
Spend the day exploring the coastline. Seafood Chowder is one of New Zealand's specialties and you will find one of the best at the South Seas Hotel. Make sure to try the Blue Cod as well. This is a great spot for lunch with some outdoor tables and chairs overlooking beautiful Halfmoon Bay. Or you could get some fish (blue cod) and chips from Kai Kart.
-
Hire a scooter or e-bike and go sight seeing - have a quick round of of at the 6 hole Ringa Ringa Heights Golf Club - go hiking or cycling, for a boat cruise or just relax down the beach. Stewart Island is a good place for Kiwi spotting as they out number humans by about 40 to 1. Go for a night time safari to see them. It is also a Dark Sky Sanctuary so make sure you look up. Spend the night at the pub chatting to the locals.
-
How many ferries back depends on the time of year. Stick around for another half a day if you can then head back to Invercargill for another night. Have a look at the Bluff Camping Ground and see if you want to spend the night there.
15/17 Te Anau - 1 + 1N - 2½H / 210km
-
Time to start heading north again to New Zealand's jewel in the crown and #1 tourist attraction Milford Sound in Fiordland. Make your way to lakeside Te Anau the gateway to Milford Sound and a stunning destination in its own right. Stop for coffee and the fantastic Te Hikoi Museum in pretty Riverton on the way. Check out the sights, especially the Glowworm Caves and bird lovers won't want to miss the Punanga Manu o Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and the chance to see some very rare birds. And it's free! There are a few watering holes in town you may want to visit too.
-
Camper Van 1N + 1N - Stay at Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park
-
Car 3N - Stay at or near Accommodation Fiordland The Bach - One Bedroom Cottage at 226B Milford Road - Free parking, whole cottage, full kitchen, garden, BBQ, outdoor furniture, deck - stay here for three nights and just drive up to Milford Sound once or twice. Accommodation up the top starts around $500 per night.
-
You could overnight at the Eglinton Valley Camp. (see map below)
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
16 Milford Sound - 1n - 1½H / 120km
-
Fill up the tank the night before and get an early start in the morning to beat the crowds. Travel on the most scenic road in a country that has way more than it's fair share. There are many pit stops along the way such as Mirror Lakes and the Chasm Viewing Bridge. See most of them on the way back out so you stay ahead of the masses. Go for a cruise around Milford Sound when you get there and get to enjoy the day away from the masses as much as possible. Free parking while you're out on the water. Check out the cruises below. If you don't feel like driving there are several trips that leave from Te Anau.
-
Don't forget to get a few photos on the 20 minute foreshore loop walk. A picnic along the way back to Te Anau with some Miles Better Venison pies might be nice. Pick them up in Te Anau before you leave. If you want to do the day trip cruise to Doubtful Sound just spend an extra night in Te Anau. You should have your boat cruise booked well in advance. Just look through the tours below
-
Camper Van 1N - To save driving all the way back to Te Anau and then back to Milford Sound in the morning you might as well stay overnight about half the way back. There are four campgrounds and one hotel you can pick from. In order after Mirror Lakes they are Deer Flat Campsite - then Eglinton Valley Camp where you can luxuriate in a real bed for the night - then Kiosk Creek Campsite - then the Upper Eglinton Campsite and then finally - Historic Cascade Creek. This one is about 45 kms and 45 mins away from Milford Sound. You will start to come across them after you pass the mirror lakes.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Photo by Eyrie Photography on Unsplash
Milford Sound
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
18