Travel Tips | Transfercar Blog

New Zealand’s Secret Havens for Dreamy Summer Getaways

This time of year is perfect for exploring the scenic landscapes of New Zealand, the land of majestic mountains and sandy beaches. Whether you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, or you just want to unwind on a secluded beach, New Zealand certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Here are some truly amazing off-the-beaten track destinations to help you in your summer quest.

Earnslaw Burn

Although this alpine region is among the most popular destinations in New Zealand, you can still get off the beaten track and enjoy it in solitude. Located on the Glenorchy, 40 kilometres from Queensland, Earnslaw Burn is a glacier and one of the locations where The Hobbit was filmed.

After a challenging hike of four to six hours, you’ll have an opportunity to admire beautiful waterfalls that the glacier has created and retrace the footsteps of Bilbo and his company. In addition, there’s a variety of activities that you can try, including horse-riding through river crossings and unspoiled beach forests, paragliding in the Glenorchy area, and kayaking in some of the most beautiful waters of New Zealand.

Himatangi

The coastal climate providing plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, beautiful sun-drenched sandy beaches, and almost no rain will welcome you to Himatangi. You can get to know the small local community, learn how to surf among the waves and explore the coastline that was once a Maori gathering place.

The Maori used to catch fish and shellfish there, and then they would leave the shells in piles known as middens, thus creating the archaeological record of the place. If you head inland, you’ll come across a series of lagoons and the oldest middens in the area. Other activities that you can participate in are hiking, fishing, whitebaiting, bowling, golfing, camping or just relaxing and sleeping.

Mokoia Island

The Mokoia Island, which is just 1.35 square kilometres large, is located in Lake Rotorua, on the North Island. You can access the Island only by joining a small boat tour group, since it’s considered sacred by the locals. The Mokoia Island has the reputation of the location where the most famous love stories have taken place.

This area is also renowned for its many natural wonders, including the eruption of a rhyolite lava dome approximately 200,000 years ago and many geothermal springs, one of them being the famous Hinemoa pool or Waikimihia, as the locals call it. You can go on a cruise around the island, soak in the Waikimihia pool and find out more about the Maori history.

Mount Hikurangi

Mount Hikurangi is located southwest of the East Cape, on the North Island and it’s the area of the highest non-volcanic peak of New Zealand. If you’re ready for an adventure, you can hike for seven hours following the Mt Hikurangi Track and reach its peak. However, keep in mind that this is quite an endeavour, so make sure to be fit and prepared for undertaking it.

Mount Hikurangi is considered sacred by Ngati Porou Maori, since they believe that it’s the resting place of Maui’s waka (canoe). While you’re in Eastland, you can explore the wild Urewera national park, known for many lakes and unspoiled forests, or enjoy panoramic views from the East Cape Lighthouse.

Waipu Caves

If you’re ready to try something daring, then exploring the Waipu Caves is right up your street. Since there aren’t paths and tracks in the cave that you can follow, you’ll have to go through water, mud, and narrow passages. Don’t worry about getting a bit dirty – there’s a cold shower waiting for you outside the cave. If you ever imagined what a cave would look like, the Waipu Caves will be just like that – stalactites hanging from the ceiling, bones of birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians lying around and pitch dark.

After exploring the caves, you can go bird, dolphin and whale-watching. Make sure to include a decent camera in your equipment to take some truly memorable pictures of the local flora and fauna at its finest. You should also take some time to visit the nearby Waipu town and discover the Waipu history at the local museum.

Rere Falls

Down the Wharekopae River you’ll come across the beautiful Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide, one of the main attractions in the area. The running water of the Wharekopae River has smoothed the rocks, thus providing tourists with the opportunity to slide on boogie boards and inflatable mattresses.

The picturesque Rere Falls are on the other side of the river and you can walk behind its cascading water. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the view by having a picnic next to the Rere Falls. While in the area, you should visit the New Zealand’s National Arboretum Eastwoodhill, where you can take a look at both the exotic and native trees, shrubs and other plants.

Summertime is the perfect period to pack your bags, get your free transfer car, and explore the secret natural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. This land of countless breath-taking sites won’t make it easy for you to choose some of them, but whatever choice you make, you won’t regret it. On the contrary.

Image credits:

Snacks & Drinks for a Fabulous Summer on the Road

Summer is the time for adventures, so many of you might decide to engage in a fun road trip. Whether it’s a cross country trip or a short one, you will need something to keep you fresh and energized. That is why you should always be prepared and pack some snacks and drinks.

Nuts for Snacks

The most popular snacks are crisps, but they are packed with sugar,they help when you have cravings as any other safest appetite suppressant. For hot days on the road, you will need something that has more nutrients. Thus, nuts make a perfect snack for the road. They are travel-friendly, salty and can satisfy your daily cravings. Grab a few plastic containers or bags and make your favourite nutty mix with walnuts, peanuts, almonds and so on. You can even throw a few dried pumpkin seeds and raisins into the mix and have a healthy snack filled with the good stuff only. In case you need some inspiration, here are several great mixes.

Plenty of Water

Let’s face it – you will be stuck in a metal box for a good part of your trip. It is hot outside, but the AC might only cause more damage than good. You will be sweating a lot, therefore losing a lot of water and energy. That is why you really need to hydrate your body.

The best solution is water, of course. However, bottled water is quite expensive and it’s not really eco-friendly. That is why you should prepare your own water. You could use, for instance one of those reverse osmosis water filters with cartridges to remove the bad stuff and keep the water in a thermos or recycled bottles. This way you can save some money, since you will need plenty of water for the trip, and manage to stay hydrated and happy.

Trip-Friendly Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables offer a perfect light snack that hydrates your body. Berries, apricots, grapes, apples, peppers and tomatoes are perfect refreshments, but you can also eat most of them dried. You can easily store fruits in smaller lidded containers and keep them in a travel cooler, so your healthy snack will always be at hand. However, you might want to stay away from fruits that could cause a mess in your car, such as cherries and watermelon, since you wouldn’t know what to do with the pits.

Cooling Cocktails

If you are looking for some additional fun on the road, you can always rely on alcohol. However, never drink and drive; this type of refreshment is only suitable if you are going to park you campervan and stay somewhere overnight or if you are travelling by bus or a train. Mix a few of your favourite cocktails and put them in a thermos bottle or a flask to keep them cool. Whether you like them fruity and sweet or not, they will certainly cheer you up, hydrate you and make the heat and travelling more bearable.

fruit

Energy Bars

Most of us turn to candy bars for energy while on the road. However, those delicious treats are packed with sugar and bad calories. So, whenever you are craving sweets on the road, you should turn to energy bars that have less sugar and more nutrients. You can pack a few granola bars to boost the protein and fibre intake or you can make your own energy bars. With these you will surely get the energy you lack during a hot summer day, but avoid the sugar trap.

Cheese and Crackers

For some extra boost during your trip you can turn to this classic combination. Cheese and crackers are filled with protein with whole-grain carbohydrates that will keep your hunger at bay. Prepare slices of your favourite cheese and some crackers and store them in a cooler. As soon as you start craving some food, take a few of those and you will be good for the rest of the trip. However, if you wish to combine them with something sweet, you can always throw a little peanut butter or apple slices on top.

Yogurt the Almighty

This dairy product can serve both as a light snack and a refreshing drink. Whether it is in a travel-friendly tube, mixed into a smoothie or combined with fruits and granola, it will be perfect for you and your family. It keeps you fresh, adds calcium and vitamin D to your daily nutrition and contains plenty of probiotics to keep your stomach healthy and prevent diarrhea. Just make sure to keep it in a cooler and you are good to go.

sandwich

Healthy Sandwiches

Sandwiches are one of the most perfect and favourite snacks, and they can provide you with enough protein and grains to keep you well-fed. Not to mention how delicious and satisfying they are. Depending on the ingredients you choose, you might have to store them in a cooler. However, you can opt for some peanut butter jelly combinations that will satisfy both your hunger and a sweet tooth, but you don’t have to keep them cooled.

Nearly everyone loves road trips, but making frequent stops to get some food and drinks can be expensive and tiring. In order to solve both of these problems, make sure you have some of these snacks and drinks packed before you start the engine of your free campervan.

Image credits:

Summer Campervan Escapades in Australia

If you’ve decided to visit Australia in summer and have a trip of the lifetime, cruising across it in a campervan is probably the best way to explore this marvelous country. Once you set the dates for your visit, you need to take a look at the options for a road-trip that might prove to be an unforgettable experience for you and your companions.

As you know, Australia is a vast country, offering every landscape you can imagine, which means it’s only up to you to decide what kind of treat you’re going to be served. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting routes before you get your free campervan and hit the road.

Great Alpine Road

All the way from Wangaratta to amazing Gippsland Lakes you have a great opportunity to enjoy the most amazing and breathtaking scenery that Victoria has to offer. If you’re looking for mountain ranges and valleys, stunning dense forest or vineyards covering hillslopes, this road is for you.

Although you can enjoy it all-year-round, summer is particularly attractive, since you can go hiking, fishing, cycling or even camping along the route. What you have to be careful about is driving, since the road is quite narrow in parts. Needless to say, even though you plan to drive in the hottest season, you still need to have plenty of warm clothes, because the temperature can quickly change in the mountains.

gippsland-lakes

Bass Highway

If your plan is to spend time in Tasmania, you should definitely consider heading along Bass Highway. It starts in Launceston and ends on the northwest coast. The most attractive features along the road are definitely the towns, such as Penguin, Burnie, Wynyard, Stanley and Smithton.

Yes, you’re right, there’s a town called Penguin and you can guess what kind of street installation dominates the place. So, if you have a thing for places with peculiar names or simply have children in tow, you’re bound to have a great time there.

Other renowned features include the juiciest and sweetest cherries in the world, according to the locals. Be prepared to pay a bit more than you’re probably used to, but everyone says you won’t regret it.

penguin

Grand Pacific Drive

If you think that your road trip along the Californian coast will never be matched by anything like it, think again. Fabulous views of the ocean, amazing stretches of sandy beaches and rainforests are just some to the treats you can enjoy if your destination is New South Wales.

If you make the right turns, you can visit the Royal National Park or one of the word-famous beaches along the way. One of the highlights on this route is a walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended in mid-air between Clifton and Coalcliff. From there you can see Sydney in the north and Wollongong in the south. This route also gives you an opportunity to take a break on one of secluded sandy beaches and treat yourself to fish and chips.

thredbo-river

Alpine Way

Another option in New South Wales is this road leading from Snowy Mountains to Corryong in Victoria. This long and winding road passes through some parts which offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking and hiking. You’ll also see many people camping along the banks of the Thredbo River.

If you have a modern wireless trail camera with you, you might be able to capture some local wildlife, such as wallabies and wombats, since they are known to roam around the area. What you need to be careful about is the fact that a day pass for driving through Kosciuszko National Park costs $16 per vehicle. Also, it’s wise to get your fuel and food in Cooma, since the prices in Jindabyne are much higher, since it’s a popular tourist destination.

Landsborough Highway

If you’re looking to experience the outback, this might be just the thing for you, particularly the section between Longreach and Cloncurry. You can visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, if you’re interested in fossils, or the Qantas hangar monument in Cloncurry.

As you can expect, one of the crucial things to remember is to bring enough water and fuel, since the temperatures can be extremely high and petrol stations are scarce in the outback.

Whichever option you choose, you are bound to have a whale of time. If you plan carefully enough, you might make the most of the offer along the road you take, which will probably be enough for everyone involved to remember this escapade for the rest of their lives.

Image credits:

Family-Friendly Springtime Activities in Adelaide

Adelaide is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the South Australian tourism, with an array of attractions and activities suited for all family members. With everything from glorious beaches and food festivals to cultural and historical routes, you can hardly find a reason not to visit this amazing place as the spring is approaching. Take a look at our selection of family-proof springtime activities in this great city.

The “Postcard” Park

Let’s open up with one of the most affordable outing ideas – Elder Park. The “postcard” park nickname comes from the fact that the scenes from this park are found on almost every mailing-card picturing Adelaide. After all, who can complain about the sight of magnificent rotunda, and pastimes like Popeye ride and paddleboats. This site can be easily accessed via train with a nice water-view perk on the side. The park is ideal for strolls, runs, paddling or chilling in the shade with a beverage of choice.

Storybook Trail

If your kids are avid book readers, or even more so if they’re not, the Children’s Storybook Trail is ideal for a whole-family trip (dogs are welcome as well!). The journey includes a splendid walk through a set-up filled with plot elements of 12 different classic tales. This will allow the youngsters to experience the benefits of tactile learning as they interact with the environment by climbing, jumping, feeling and touching everything around them. Spark up their imagination with sights like Frog in a Log statue from The Water Hole book, Hobbit’s and fairy house, and scenes from Charlotte’s Web and The Jungle Book.

Haigh’s Chocolates Experience

There’s nothing that unites people quite as easy as their common love for chocolate. This confectionery outlet placed in the heart of Adelaide is the closest you can get to being a character in Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

A little patch of heaven on earth for chocolate lovers, Haigh’s Chocolates produces one of Australia’s finest cocoa-based delights. The location is a factory-store amalgam with a hint of historical flair that offers a variety of truffles and out-of-the-ordinary treats fresh off the line.

Excursion to Barossa Valley

As one of the three most famous wine regions in Australia (other being Hunter Valley in SW and Yarra Valley in Victoria), this location is definitely worth the trip for both the connoisseurs and enthusiasts. This unofficial wine capital can take pride in its production volume, as well as in variety and quality of their wine, Shiraz in particular.However, this place is not all about the grapevine tours. An entire family can taste the locally produced cheeses, fresh meats and pastries in one of their best restaurants.

Art Gallery of South Australia

To get a hefty dose of Adelaide-related culture, taking your family members to the Art Gallery of South Australia will doubtlessly fill the bill. This place is conveniently rid of the standard modern, clinical look and offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere with the meandering hallways and themed displays.

Its signature colonial-style walls house an eclectic combination of the old and the new, presenting some compelling pieces for people of all ages. Brush up on your knowledge of art history and allow your kids to learn about it on-the-go.

Hahndorf Exploration

By visiting this unique site you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the old-times ambience that’s characteristic for the area. This German settlement features a series of craft shops, pubs, bakeries and other distinguishable European specialties throughout the main street. Apart from its shopping and sightseeing potential, Hahndorf’s valley location also offers beautiful and soothing green surroundings your family will appreciate.

Dolphins at the Glenelg

Kids are invariably drawn to animals and wildlife of all kinds, and Glenelg seaside is sure to offer all of this in one place. Come here to swim with the playful dolphins (non-swimmers will get a flotation device!), chat with the sea lions or simply enjoy the coastal sights and fresh salty air.

If you’re eager to start your family vacation with one of these activities, it is good to know that you can now rent a free car and set off on a comprehensive and magical Adelaide spring-time family adventure. No matter if you’re leaning more towards the educational or the fun content, this selection of sites is certain to meet your preferences.

Images:

5 Reasons You Should (Re)Visit NZ’s North Island This Spring

If you live in the South Island, a trip up North is always worthwhile. Even if you live on the North Island, you haven’t seen it all. The variety of wonderful natural attractions and interesting cities is just too great. Here are 5 reasons why you should plan a spring road trip!

Spring Festival in Wellington

ships-in-the-bay-in-wellington-new-zealand

It’s logical that your spring visit to New Zealand and its North Island starts in its capital – Wellington. Due to its southernmost position, this town is a great starting point for a tour de Te Ika-a-Māui for people coming from the South Island.

Apart from being the gate of the North Island, Wellington also hosts a wide range of interesting spring events, the most important being the Spring Festival. Here you can see the natural treasures of the local Botanic Garden, as well as buy plants for your home collection. When your feet start to hurt from all the plant-seeing, relax and try some tasty food and first-class wines at Picnic Café, inside the Garden.

Moreover, if you’re in Wellington’s Botanic Garden this spring, don’t miss the Victory Medal cultural installation, in memory of the New Zealand’s soldiers who died in WWI. It’s going to be on display from 9 September to 13 November this year.

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

This region is situated on the geographical horn that dominates the middle of the North Island. It was named for Mount Taranaki – the dominant geographical feature of the entire area. Since this mountain is actually an old volcano, the slopes around it have fertile soil. Thanks to a God-given combination of volcanic rocks and rainforests, Taranaki is famous for its lush gardens, the most prominent being Te Kainga Marire. If you want to see some endemic rhododendrons or samples of original New Zealand-grown roses, come and observe how these and other plants create one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Garden-lovers should come to Taranaki at the end of October, to witness the Taranaki Garden Spectacular – a large garden festival, during which you can visit more than 50 enchanting gardens and see some fine examples of garden design and landscaping. The easiest way to get to Taranaki region is to rent a free car and enjoy a 250-mile drive along the west coast of the North Island.

The Waitomo Caves are Less Crowded

waitomo-caves

Situated in the continental part of New Zealand’s northwest, The Waitomo Caves are famous for Black Water cave rafting, which is an endemic extreme sport – a blend of mountaineering and rafting. Check out this ideo to See what this thrill-provoking activity looks like.

Since you can’t squeeze the visit to this site in one day, you’ll need some fine accommodation. Although you can find dozens of hotels and bungalows in this area, try camping in Waitomo. Combined with a cave rafting tour, it will give you the best experience this region can offer.

The easiest way to get here is to go along the coast from New Plymouth to Awakino and then follow the signs to Waitomo.

Blossoming Orchards in The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is a great follow-up to a visit to The Waitomo Caves. The reason this part got such a sound name is definitely the plentitude of natural wonders it displays. First of all, there are eight rivers that flow into the sea in The Bay of Plenty (take a look at the map). Apart from the rivers, in spring, you can see the beautiful sights of blossoming kiwi orchards throughout the region. It’s interesting that this branch of agriculture is developing rapidly there, so use this opportunity to visit those orchards of plenty.

As for sea activities, surfing is the most popular sport in this region. But the real eye candy and a holiday treat every visitor to this part of the North Island should experience is definitely White Island. It’s a volcanic island located about 35 miles from Whakatane. You can visit it by boat or by helicopter. Here you can read more about the island and the preparations necessary for a visit to this Pacific gem.

Rotorua: It’s always good there!

If you’re visiting Bay of Plenty for the first time, you might be surprised that this waterfront region also hides some wonderful attractions in the continental part, too. The most interesting inland area of this bay is located around the town of Rotorua. In spring, you can go for endless strolls around one of 18 beautiful lakes located in the vicinity of this town.

Moreover, you can go to river jet tours, hiking adventures and casual walks. Finally, when every single muscle in your body starts aching from all these activities, visit one of numerous geothermal pools and relax your mind and soul.

Images:

Mount Taranaki

Waitomo Caves

Rotorua

Springtime Beach Escapades in Australia

Springtime is usually associated with beginnings, awakenings and other dynamic notions. So, no wonder Australia, vibrant and joyful, attracts so many people between September and November. Apart from the always popular city breaks, hiking tours and visits to outposts, the most in-demand destinations are the magnificent and renowned beaches.

Despite the existence of coastline paradox, which makes it impossible to say exactly how long Australia’s coastline is, it’s safe to say that it’s among the longest ones in the world. It happens every now and then that great potentials simply don’t deliver. However, this can’t be further from truth when it comes to the beauty of Australia’s beaches and what they have to offer.

Surfing

The obvious first choice. There are few keen surfers who haven’t heard or dreamed of hitting the waves at Bells Beach in Victoria, Byron Bay in New South Wales and, well, the name says it all, Surfers Paradise in Queensland. Naturally, there are hundreds of less famous and less frequented beaches which offer amazing surfing experience, as well. Whatever your preference, there is a wave waiting for you at one of Australia’s pristine and breathtaking beaches.

Beach festivals

These are becoming increasingly popular, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists, some ready to travel more than 15 hours just to feel the world famous atmosphere. Bands and DJs heat up the stages all over the continent in spring, while after-parties may either cool everyone down or keep the temperature up, depending on the crowd.

Since these festivals last for several days, it’s vital to book accommodation early enough. Luckily, you can choose from a wide offer of private accommodation units, campsites and hotels in the vicinity of the beaches. Depending on the part of Australia you’re visiting and the dates of your visit, you might be lucky enough to attend one of the many festivals organized there

One of the premier surf beaches in Australia. Unfortunately, we could not get any closer as they were setting up for some big surf competition. On to our next scenic stop.

Diving and snorkeling

There aren’t many more awe-inspiring places for divers and snorkelers than the Great Barrier Reef and the area around it. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete novice who’s never donned the equipment before, you’re bound to find your own piece of heaven underwater.

You may organize your own trip or decide to join a guided tour. If you’re interested and can afford the time and money, you could take a diving course and become at least a certified recreational scuba diver.

Canoeing and kayaking

Usually associated with tranquil backwaters and inlets or inland white-waters, canoeing and kayaking off the shore provide you with an opportunity to see the marvelous coastline from another perspective. Plus, you’ll be getting an excellent workout while doing something fun.

Chances are, whichever part of Australia you choose, dolphins are quite likely to keep you company while you paddle your way off the coast. They might be accompanied by seals or other curious sea creatures, which would only bring the experience to a whole new level.

Chilling and eating

Perhaps an adrenalin rush is not what you’re after this spring, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some extraordinary time by the water. For example, you can throw your own beach party for your family or friends. What better way to celebrate one of Australia’s greatest contributions to the culinary world – a barbecue breakfast, than having it at one of nature’s greatest gifts to us – a beach in Australia.

Millions of people flock to the beaches in Australia each year in search for fun, excitement or relaxation and an overwhelming majority of them find what they want. A lot of them find even more than they bargained for, while some find exactly what they need, though they didn’t have that particular experience in mind before embarking on their journey.

You’re probably not a jolly swagman who’s going to camp by a billabong, but someone looking for a spring holiday with a twist. Well, look no further, because you’ve chosen your destination wisely. Now all you need to do is make up your mind about what you’d like to experience, but keep it open. What might happen could be just the thing you need.

Image:

Byron Bay