Category: New Zealand

There is no wrong time of the year to travel across and explore New Zealand, but the summer is when almost all options are open and you’re free to pick your favorite spot or activity without any limitations. The persistent sun and the booming nature simply beckon us to venture out and make good use of our limbs.

Whether it’s hiking, swimming, sailing or surfing, New Zealand has us covered. Before you start packing for a summer road trip to remember, here’s a short list of our favorite NZ spots for various outdoor activities. And if you’d like to save a pretty penny and travel in style, remember to rent a free campervan or a transfer car to your favorite outdoor destination.

Chilling at the Maruia Hot Springs

We will ease into our selection with what is technically the opposite of activity. The Maruia Hot Springs experience is designed for absolute calmness, relaxation, and tranquility. The hedonistic cluster of natural geothermal springs is located at the Lewis Pass, only a two-hour drive away from Christchurch. The water temperature is always between 36 and 42 degrees, and there are 19 wellness stations to choose from in your quest for the state of Zen. The view at the surrounding Southern Alps from a hot spring is better experienced rather than described, and The Lewis Pass itself represents one of the finest scenic drives in all of New Zealand, making for a road trip of pure joy and pleasure.

Surfing at Raglan

A charming little beach town that doubles as a surfing hotspot, Raglan sits only a two-hour drive outside of Auckland. The town has carried its old-timey relaxed surf town vibe deep into the 21st century, and it still has some of the best surfing spots in all of New Zealand, including the iconic Manu Bay, immortalized in the classic film “Endless Summer”. Surfing is an absolute must here, and even if your foot has never touched the board the local surfing schools will ensure that you’re riding a wave in no time. And if you’d still like to keep it super chill, the town is also known for its gorgeous black sand beaches. Win-win!

Cruising the Milford Sound

The weather conditions in the Milford Sound can be treacherous even in summer months, so it hardly qualifies as a typical summer destination, but the glory of gliding through the glacial majesty of the fiord is well worth the extra clothes. The glorious imposing vistas lurking behind virtually every bend around the towering cliffs will fill you with wonder and amazement at the natural forces that have shaped the terrain ever so dramatically. The drive towards the Sound, two-ish hours from Te Anau and twice as much from Queenstown, is a perfect appetizer for what lies ahead with its everwinding serpentines and views that make it difficult to keep the eyes on the road ahead.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

An Unesco World Heritage area set in the heart of the North Island, only a 4-hour drive away from both Wellington and Auckland, the Tongariro National Park has some of the most otherworldly scenery across its vast territory. It contains a number of extraordinary hiking routes, but the most popular and the most rewarding one has to be the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The track takes you through diverse and dramatic volcanic terrain, complete with an active crater, lava flows and steam vents set amidst the backdrop of blue-green mountain lakes and shrubbery. The daily hike is a bit challenging, but rewards the effort with a visual experience unlike any other.

Exploring the Great Barrier Island

Despite the fact that it lies less than 100 km away from the Auckland city center, Great Barrier Island is delightfully wild, nearly uninhabited, free of the majority of modern-day infrastructure, and packing more visual delights than you would expect from a 15×30 km island. The fourth biggest island is an easily accessible off-the-grid destination perfect for campers, backpackers, surfers and lovers of nature. From challenging hikes across mountainous terrain, to peaceful lagoons, and all the way to great surfing spots and vast water spaces for kayaking and diving, the island has it all in its ancient untouched form.

We hope this quick overview has fired up your wanderlust and set you planning. Wherever you choose to venture out you will not go wrong, since New Zealand hides wonderful surprises begging to be explored.

 

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The outdoor season is almost upon us, and we’re sure that many of you are already mentally waxing your surfboards. And if surfing is your forte, there’s hardly a place better suited for a base for your wave chasing than Auckland. The city’s two-coastal geography makes it a bonafide surfer’s Mecca.

The city’s surroundings, both on the East and the West Coast, are dotted with beaches suited for all types of surfer, from beginner to pro. Over the following lines we will provide an overview of our favorite surfing spots around Auckland and their main features, but we urge you to explore for ourselves and find your own perfect slice of wave. There is no road trip like a surfing road trip, and Auckland has plenty to offer even for the pickiest traveler.

Before packing up your board, consider money saving options such as renting a campervan for free in order to get the most out of your Auckland trip. From the East Coast to the West Coast, here are the top surfing spots surrounding Auckland.

West Coast

Wild and untamed, with powerful waves crashing against the craggy coastline, Auckland West has some of the most enticing beaches for experienced surfers. The unspoiled nature is not for the most casual of surfers (or swimmers, for that matter), but the waves can reach epic proportions, enticing swarms of experienced surfers looking for an extra degree of challenge and adrenaline rush.

• Piha: Probably the best known beach in the Auckland Area (after all, it has its own TV show), Piha is very popular among experienced surfers. More casual surfers could give it a go on a quieter day, but when it gets big it’s probably best left to the pros. The beach also has all the necessary accompanying facilities, complete with equipment hire, lifeguards, and surfing lessons, as well as cafes, eateries and stores.
• Maori Bay: Another challenging beach with a strong hollow beach break and point breaks both on left and right, Maori Bay is a popular choice among surfing veterans, with several peaks to choose from. The beach is short on any type of facilities, but you can stop by the nearby Muriwai if you need to rent gear, get lessons or grab a drink.
• Muriwai: The beach tends to get a bit crowded during the season months, but the waves are well worth it. Depending on the day, the waves can be quite challenging, and unpredictable currents are a constant, and it’s probably better to stay off the board on a big day. The beach has lifeguards and a surfing school during summer months, as well as a few cafes and restaurants.

East Coast

Auckland East is far less popular among seasoned surfers, due to the fact that it can go flat for extended periods of the summer and generally has less consistent waves, but this also makes it an ideal option for beginners and more casual surfers.

• Tawharanui: Also known as Anchor Bay, this sandy beach break is very popular with casual and mid-level surfers, due to its strong, yet not insanely challenging left-hand and right-hand points. It is part of a gorgeous nature sanctuary, and the beauty makes up for the complete lack of infrastructure.
• Te Arai: A popular spot with several breaks along the beach and occasionally powerful hollow waves. The beach is well suited for all levels of surfers, and you can also rent gear and grab lessons during the summer months.
• Daniels Reef: A bit of challenge on the otherwise fairly tranquil east Coast, Daniels Reef is a rocky beach break frequented by experienced surfers. A strong and hollow wave is the beach’s calling card, with both left-hand and right-hand points. Due to its lack of appeal for casual surfers, the beach has no facilities.
• Forestry: A left-hand point beach break with waves suitable for all levels of surfers, Forestry is a popular surfing spot located just south of Te Arai. While there are no facilities at the beach itself, you can take care of equipment rental and take lessons at Te Arai.

If your summer plans involve a surfboard, there’s no better place to go than Auckland. The city surroundings offer plenty of choices for all types of surfer, and there’s plenty of other things to see and do when the waters are flat.

 

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With the whole of New Zealand fished out of the sea, according to a Maori legend, it is no wonder that the Pacific island country represents one of the finest fishing destination in all of the world. New Zealand is filthy rich with inland rivers and lakes loaded with fish, as well as over 15.000 kilometres of oceanic coastline, providing prime fishing opportunities both for beginners and seasoned angling veterans.

Fishing is practically the part of the national culture, and you will have no problems finding excellent fishing spots in any part of the country with a water surface nearby. Fantastic locations are abundant, giving you a perfect excuse for a road trip disguised as a fishing excursion.

Before you go, there’s two things to keep in mind. The first is that you must respect the fishing laws, because they are put in place for a reason. The second is a bit of “trip smarts” – always try and find a free transfer car to save a few pennies for a proper fishing extravaganza. Now that you’re set to go, let’s see what kind of water awaits in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Freshwater feast

The freshwater offering of New Zealand primarily consists of trout, with a bit more trout thrown in for a good measure. In fact, trout is such a dominant New Zealand fish that not one, but two different towns claim to be the trout capital of the world. And while we would love to see the towns of Turangi and Gore battle it out in a winner-takes-all match for the title of Trout Fishing Capital, it’s probably better to simply enjoy them both for the fishing opulence they promise. Still, if you’d like a bit of diversity in your fishing diet, South Island also offers a number of spots where you can also catch salmon.

Obviously, the list of best freshwater fishing spots has to start with the two above mentioned “capitals”. The town of Gore and its Mataura River are world-renowned among anglers, with the prime fishing season lasting between October and April. Turangi’s Tongariro River has an enormous population of rainbow and brown trouts, while the nearby Lake Taupo also offers some fine trout angling. Among countless other locations, we’d also highlight the city of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region for the year-round trout population in the Ngongotaha River, while the less experienced, more casual fishers will surely enjoy the Motueka River in Nelson/Tasman,  with its high population of small-size trout.

Saltwater smorgasbord

Aside from the gorgeous coastline spanning thousands upon thousands of miles, the greatest thing about saltwater fishing in New Zealand is its all-year-round nature. Yup, there are no seasonal restrictions, and aside from a few restricted areas, you can swing the line almost anywhere and have a good chance of making a catch.

New Zealand’s surrounding waters are rich with a wide variety of species, ranging from marlin and broadbill to tuna, various sharks and beyond. If you still can’t decide between shore and boat fishing, Gisborne, Eastland and Coromandel, Waikato have both options on offer. For some prime boat fishing and a chance to catch some mighty fine snapper, marlin fish or kingfish, visit Bay of Islands, Northland or Auckland’s Inner Hauraki Gulf. A more quaint fishing experience of sheltered waters can be found in places such as Dunedin, Otago and the Marlborough Sounds.

Word of caution

Before you settle on a location or two, make sure you familiarize yourself with local regulations for any potential restrictions. Certain areas may limit the type, size and amount of fish you can keep, while certain areas are off limits to fishers. Disrespecting these restrictions may result in serious fines and even prosecution, and it is in everyone’s best interest to stay out of trouble.

New Zealand provides an abundance of prime fishing options for all levels of fisherman. Choosing only a few among many is a bit of a mission impossible, and you will want to experience as much locations as possible. Explore the locations beforehand, mind the rules, educate yourself on the importance of sustainability and protecting the ecosystem, and don’t forget our tip about finding a free transfer car or a campervan! Happy fishing, anglers!

 

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You will have a hard time finding scenic driving routes better than New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route (SSR). The U-shaped drive takes you across a wildly diverse terrain that recalls an abundance of scenes from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, because, well, it was actually filmed there.

Springtime is the perfect time for driving across New Zealand, as the days are clear and the weather is still below unbearably hot. The total length of the route is a bit over 600 km and you can cover it in a single day, but we will presume that you will want to take your time and enjoy some of the attractions along the way, so we will split the drive into several daily stages.

Depending on your starting point, you can go from Queenstown to Dunedin, or the other way around. Both places have international airports, but since the Queenstown airport is the busier, we will start off from there.

Once you arrive to Queenstown, all you need for your road trip is a car. There are many rental companies operating in the area, but if you’re working on a budget you may consider the alternatives and rent a free transfer car. Then all you need to do is press the gas pedal and soak up the scenery.

Stage 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is a nice introduction to the diversity of landscapes awaiting you throughout the length of the SSR. It does not deliver the highlights, but provides a gorgeous appetizer as it takes you through dramatic mountain roads down to more tranquil inland routes.

The town of Te Anau provides its share of side activities to enjoy, particularly a boat ride taking you to the popular glowworm caves. However, its greatest significance lies in its position as the base for the exploration of the Milford Sound. It is one of few spectacular New Zealand fiords, and the only one that can be accessed by car.

Just the drive to Milford Sound is worth it, as it takes you through a seemingly endless array of diverse microclimates, from rainforests to farmland to snowy mountains and beyond. Once there, you will want a boat ride to enjoy Milford Sound first hand. Boat rides depart every fifteen minutes. If you don’t like big crowds, consider departing later in the afternoon when the tourists are fever (also, the fares are lower at this time of the day). If possible, schedule your trip during warm and dry days, because the Milford Sound shines the brightest in sunny weather.

Stage 2: Te Anau to Invercargill

This section of the SSR captures the drama and the glory of one of the most breathtaking coastal roads anywhere in the world. If time is not an issue, consider venturing slightly off the route and exploring the lovely “hidden” lakes of Southland scattered across the southern tip of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.

The impressive coastline is dotted with charming little settlements like Riverton and Tuatapere, perfect for a rest stop and a quaint walk along the beach. Aside from being Southland’s capital, the city of Invercargill is a nice little city that gets a bad rep simply for being remote to pretty much anything, filled with charming architecture and some phenomenal parks and other outdoor places. Make sure you visit the Hayes Hardware store to see one of the motorcycles driven by the city’s proudest son Burt Munro as he set a cast of world speed records in the 1960’s.

Stage 3: Invercargill to Dunedin

The final stage of our proposed 3-day itinerary first takes us from Invercargill to the Catlins, through a broad, lush farmland terrain made for a relaxed drive. The Catlins area represents the meeting point between the coastline and thick rainforests, filled with magical waterfalls, jagged coastal bays and peaceful river valleys. The area is also rich with wildlife and represents a premium spot for seal and penguin watching.

Along the way you should also grab the chance to visit Lake Waihola or stop in one of the charming coastal villages to enjoy some light hiking along the sandy beaches. Dunedin, the final destination of our itinerary, is a lively university city with rich culture and architecture. It is a great place to sit down for a cup of coffee and process all the impressions gathered along the drive.

The Southern Scenic Route is one of the most striking New Zealand experiences that will delight anyone with a passion for the open road. You will have a hard time keeping your eyes locked on the road with so much beauty around it. To fully immerse yourself in one of the planet’s most gorgeous regions, carve out some extra time and search for a free campervan to make your journey both comfortable and affordable.

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New Zealand offers plenty  of phenomenal hiking trails that can be traversed for days on end, and there’s no better time for it than springtime, when days are bright and clear, yet not sweltering, and nights are fresh and nourishing. Still, whether due to time constraints or simple personal preference, many of us are not enthused by the idea of marathon hikes spread across several days with a gigantic backpack and camping gear weighing us down.

For those who belong in this category, yet don’t want to miss out on some breathtaking hiking scenery, New Zealand still provides a variety of options for excellent one-day hikes that will satiate your appetite for wandering. Keep in mind that the best tracks are usually remote, and getting there will require some planning and some driving. If your operating on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to search for a free transfer car heading close to your destination. Now, let’s explore our options.

Tongariro National Park

For a showy start, our first selection comes with a proven Hollywood pedigree. Made famous by featuring prominently in the Lord of the Rings, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is commonly considered the finest single-day hike New Zealand has to offer. With its alien-like volcanic landscapes dotted with a wealth of colourful springs, lakes, and steam vents, your breath will be taken away practically at every step. With a length of 20km, the Tongariro trail is a full day affair, but those who are more nature-ready should not miss out on a side-visit to the otherworldly Mt Ngauruhoe, which many of you know as Mt Doom.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you like your one-day hike as intense as possible, the unrelenting steepness of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park will provide many a sore muscle as a memento of your visit. Popular among climbers and adrenaline addicts, the park also boasts a number of “doable” hiking trails that will compensate for your aching legs with a series of stunning views at the surrounding peaks. Start off at the highly informative visitor centre to examine the trails and find one that suits you best.

Charming Creek

For an old-timey Indiana Jones-type experience packed with a variety of gorgeous natural and human formations, the scenic trail along the Ngakawau River gorge delivers in abundance. The aptly named Charming Creek Walkway follows an old coal railway and rewards the hikers with an eclectic mix of creaky suspension bridges, dilapidated tunnels and curious ancient machinery spread about the landscape filled with peculiar natural formations topped off by the stunning Mangatini Falls. The full walk will take away a semi-casual six hours of your time, while the trail is also excellent for mountain biking.

Twilight-Te Werahi Loop

To soak up the full scope of the dramatic landscape of the Far North in a single day, a journey to the Twilight-Te Werahi Loop delivers the full experience. With its magical interplay of light across the decor of the untamed sea slamming into mighty rock columns and the green hillside crossed with sandy patches, the gentle flat trail never truly tests your physical limitations, but bring a wealth of gorgeous vistas ideal for photos that will raise envy in your social circles. And since the hike shouldn’t last for more than 5-6 hours, consider pairing it with a visit to the mysterious Cape Reinga where the Maori spirits begin their journey to the afterlife, if the legends are to be believed.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

If your idea of eye candy includes pristine beaches and lush green coastlines, walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track will give you a visual sugar rush! The full length of the trail is well-worth traversing, but it will take three (optimistically) to five (more realistically) days to complete. Thankfully, the trail is accessible by boats, so you can easily reach a select portion of the track for a one-day hike filled with postcard-worth beach scenery. The 11km stretch from Medlands Beach to Anchorage won’t exert your stamina, and it may very well be the most gorgeous part of the track, with the trail winding in and out of the rich coastal forest and onto clearings overlooking the coastline. For a more up-close experience of the Abel Tasman National Park, you can also take a kayak tour or combine it with your hike.

This brief selection of one-day hikes only scratches the surface of what New Zealand hides in its vast and opulent nature. Getting lost in it is a big part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to venture out into the unknown and find your own slice of hidden paradise. The journey can be made both comfortable and affordable if you choose to get a free transfer car or campervan for a head-first jump into the scenic wealth of New Zealand.

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Famed for its wines, but also known as a region of numerous other delights, Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s shiniest pearls, and it shines even brighter in winter time. While a lot of New Zealand will see some harsh weather during the winter, Marlborough is an oasis with a pleasant microclimate with clear days and refreshing nights.

The joys of Marlborough are too many to be packed in a single day, so make sure you spare some extra time to enjoy the full extent of the scenery and the accompanying pleasures. Better yet, try to find a free campervan to travel in style and comfort that such a divine region deserves. This is our short selection of its most interesting places and activities.

Wine Country

Marlborough is home to what many wine connoisseurs consider the finest Sauvignon Blanc in all of the world. With the production of Sauvignon Blanc introduced to the region in the 1970’s, it has taken the fast lane to global success. Nowadays, local wineries are dotted along idyllic country roads, so close to one another that you can hop on a bicycle and go from one to the other in quick succession.

Whether you opt for an organized guided tour around the wineries or choose to make your own schedule, what awaits you is an absolute treat for your palates. A choice of over 30 wine cellars is at your disposal, so give in to the temptation of a wine tasting marathon. And since drinking wine on an empty stomach is not advisable, we strongly encourage you to visit one of numerous vineyard restaurants. The staff will know just what goes with your Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Sounds

The 1500 km of winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds are a great experience at any time of the year, but if we had a choice, we’d always choose wintertime, due to the specific calm of the waters. Clear blue skies and steadily calm weather of winter are perfect for the exploration of secluded bays, small settlements and island sanctuaries sheltering indigenous species of flora and fauna.

Kayaking is a popular option among the more adventurous, but the most common and pleasurable way to experience the Sounds is a boat cruise. There is a number of quality guided tours that cover all the essentials and provide a wealth of information about the region. The most popular option, however, is to hop onto one of the mail boats – actual service boats that deliver mail and other necessities to the inhabitants of remote secluded settlements, which means that you get to experience the less “touristy”, but just as fascinating side of the Sounds.

The Queen Charlotte Track

One of the most scenic hiking tracks in all of New Zealand (and that’s saying a lot!), the Queen Charlotte Track spans 70 km of thick Marlborough Sounds forests, untouched nature and breathtaking ocean sights. Hiking or biking the length of the track is popular among adventurers and nature lovers, but it is a multi-day endeavour not suited for everyone. Thankfully, you can take a water taxi that will take you to one of trail’s checkpoints that will provide you with the Queen Charlotte experience n a more reasonable time frame.

French Pass Road

Every driver know the joy of driving down the winding roads through a glorious landscapes, and the French Pass Road is one of the most spectacular drives you will ever get to enjoy.

The 38 km road leading to the north end of the South Island is a rollercoaster of diverse landscapes, taking you through idyllic farmland (complete with sheep and cattle scattered across the gentle hillsides), steep forest roads and the mesmerizing ocean views. The scenery looks as if nature’s elements have conspired to try and distract the driver from the road ahead. You will be tempted to make a stop and enjoy the sights almost around every corner, and if you forget to bring a camera you will be kicking yourself for the rest of your life. Seriously, bring a camera!

The Marlborough region has many faces, yet all pleasurable and all worth exploring. It is not a destination for a quick visit. It is means to be savoured slowly and relaxedly, over a stretch of long, clear, and lazy winter days, and we suggest you find the time to do it right. Remember, you can always get a free transfer car or a campervan for an affordable and enjoyable journey.

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