23 days traveling by motorhome through New Zealand (Travel Map).
New Zealand
New Zealand is a magical place, beside is between the South Pacific and the Tasman Sea, is a universe that brings together all the attractions in one area, considered the world capital of extreme sports.
Can walk on the banks of active volcanoes or in remote virgin jungles, through geysers and hot springs or lush forests with the oldest trees on earth.
You can also swim with dolphins, spot whales, watch a glacier descend on the jungle, fish for trout in crystal clear streams, and watch penguins, dolphins, and seals around boats as they plunge into hidden fiords.
In a few hours be in modern cities with the luxury and comfort of the best in the world.
The trip to New Zealand is part of my travel project around the world.
Check here my round the world trip.
The Plan.
I love outdoor adventure and New Zealand is the paradise for it. I planned on getting to know as much as possible.
Although it is a relatively small country moving from one attraction to another requires very large planning and is wasted of time.
Researching found out that the infrastructure for motorhome travel is amazing. They have the most varied options for any pocket. It is much simpler and cheaper to be motorized.
I had a dream of traveling this way, so I joined the useful to pleasant. I was initially going with the camper vans as they are simple and very cheap. My son decided to go with me and then did a nice upgrade. First I got this.
Then due to problems in the motorhome, however before my arrival I received a ne upgrade received this one.
The Auckland arrival.
We arrived via Santiago, Chile, and after 13 hours of flight, one of our bags did not show up. Luck was that it was equipment, not clothes.
First problem: We stayed for 2 hours waiting, then we did the documents, but since we were going to get a motorhome, we did not have a fixed place.
Second problem: The motorhome company should pick up us at the airport and did not show up, as it was too early, we waited until we could talk to them.
Third problem: They had no way to go and asked us to take a taxi, which they would pay.
But no one wanted, because it was very close and if they lost the place in the queue, it would take along time to egt another race. Lots of arguments and we managed to get a taxi.
I figured it would be a very bad vacation.
Luckily, these were all problems in 23 days of travel.
Motorhome pickup
After we settled the cab issue, we arrived to pick up the motorhome.
A mansion on wheels.
It has two double beds, full kitchen, separate bathroom and shower and a comfortable living room. Accommodates 4 people very well and we were in two. With that the autonomy was very great.
I’ll write about choosing the motorhome in another post.
We had difficulties as they drive as English hand, ie, drove in the other side of street, and it was large 7.5 meters.
We stopped at a supermarket, on the way, to buy food, drink, and everything we would need for the next few days.
It has a parking lot right near the city center, Z Pier, which accepts motorhome. We parked and this would be our home for the next few days.
Do you remember the lost suitcase? After the comings and goings the air carrier took the suitcase to the management center of Z Pier and we went to look for it.
Auckland
It is the largest city in New Zealand, with more than one million inhabitants.
Known as the cities of the sails, due to water sports.
It offers the best of gastronomy, culture and nautical sports. My favorite downtown locations include Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbor and the Britomart Auckland campus
Those who likes museum go to the Auckland Museum, which has a complete collection of maori culture and objects, and the Hobsom Wharf Maritime Museum, exploring more than a thousand years of New Zealand’s seafaring history.
Just walking we could know the most important places of the city.
Around the city you have many other options if you want to know more check here.
Now that we’ve recovered the lost bag, it’s time to head south.
One of the main goals was to get to know The Lord of the Rings movie set.
The Shire.
I’m glazed on everything about The Lord of the Rings.
Being able to be inside the place where it was filmed, most of the County’s external footage of both the initial trilogy and The Hobitt was done here.
Following the path we went to Rotorua.
Rotorua
It is famous for its rich Maori culture and geothermal activity. Consider the starting point to explore all that the region has to offer.
known as the “Sulfur City” due to intense thermal activity throughout the area.
On a tour of Lake Rotorua, you will visit the Maori village of Ohinemutu, where you will see the Maori Anglican Church of Santa Fe, beautifully carved and decorated with paintings by native artists.
We stayed in a parking lot in the center that made it possible to get to know the city on foot.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
We went to visit this geothermal park. Carved by volcanic activities thousands of years old and still evolving. Considered to be the most colorful and diverse geothermal attraction in New Zealand
It seems like another planet, with each step is a natural and singularly different landscape.
The whole region is above the circle of fire of the Pacific.
Time to go south.
One of our main goals was to make one of New Zealand’s most famous crossings, Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
But first stop on the Waikato River for a jetboat ride.
We were not very lucky, because the weather was bad and it rained in the end, but the ride was very good.
Following the trip, we pass through the city of Taupo, where there is a lake of the same name.
We rest, have lunch, and went to Villa Whakapapa, where the circuit begins.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
One of the most famous trails in the world. As it is an alpine environment, the change in weather is fast and drastic.
It is essential to be well prepared and aware of the difficulties.
Due to the great infrastructure I do not consider it difficult, but for those who have no experience can be quite challenging.
Hike through a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – geyser, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and living crater lakes all with breathtaking views.
We left the motorhome at the end of the crossing and hired a shuttle to the beginning. So when we got to the end we’d be home. After a day of rest we went to Wellington.
WELLINGTON
Situated at the southern of the North Island, it is the capital of New Zealand. Among its main attractions is the Port Nicholson.
Cosmopolitan city and has looks of country side. We got a parking lot, which was 200 meters from the main street, right in the center. It was amazing to be in the motorhome and even so too closed all attractions.
The best view of Wellingtom is from the belvedere on the summit of Mount Victoria. Several ways to access, but it is best to go walking through residential neighborhoods a climb on a trail through the park.
Also worth a visit to the botanical gardens and the zoo.
Here comes the end of the North Island, now is to follow further south.
Crossing the Cook Straits
Just the crossing has already been a sui generis experience. The view of Wellington from the sea and the entrance of the fiord on the south island, are unforgettable.
Before arriving in Picton passes through Marlborough sounds a beautiful fiord with unspeakable sights. It is made up of numerous bays, islands, caves and canals. The waters formed deep valleys after the last glaciations
South Island
Our first goal was the Nelson city.
Picton is a village where it is the base of the South Island for the ferry service connecting the main islands of New Zealand. The city has a border full of cafes, restaurants and various types of galleries.
Marlborough is the land of wine in New Zealand, there are more than 40 wineries, ideal place to try the local wines.
Try the visit to Giesen, Framingham, a lunch amidst the vineyards at the Saint Clair Family Estate.
There are several styles of rides from a car with driver to bike rides.
Nelson
Famous for having the best craftsmen in the country and is one of the oldest cities, founded in 1840 by Lutheran immigrants. The Nelson coast is full of sheltered bays and very safe beaches.
Our goal now is to get to Fox Glacier, but due to the distance, we stop in Greymouth to know the city and sleep.
After a city tour, we went to a beach where we spent the night.
Breakfast, new stroll through the city and follow path to Fox Glacier.
Fox glacier
In this region, we have two famous glaciers one is Franz Joseph and other is Fox Glacier.
We went to Fox because I have a friend who moved to New Zealand and she is a mountain guide.
The village is very small, meet found Bia. Have some beers and at the end of the day went to a deserted beach 20 km from the city to spend the night.
Returned the other day for a helicopter ride on the glacier.
Fantastic tour and on the return more beers and rest so we had a long day to get in Queenstown.
Continuing south, to Haast, with a rest stop, we went further inland and arrived in Wanaka, where decided to spend the night, as it would still take a few hours to get to Queenstown.
Wanaka is one of those villages that enchant anyone, in the banks of Lake Wanaka.
It is similar to Campos do Jordão 20 years ago. The city is a haven for people from the “big” Queenstown.
QUEENSTOWN
Continuing south we arrived in Queenstown, on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. As you approach from the mountains you have some beautiful views of the valley below.
If New Zealand is the capital of sports, Queenstown is the center of the capital.
Once again we took a place for the spectacular motorhome called Queestown Lakeview Holiday Park, as an incredible view of the city and surrounding area and were just 400 meters from the center.
More information about Queestwon here.
Although the city is small, about 20 000 inhabitants, it has a great infrastructure of bars, cafes and restaurants.
Milford Sound
One of the great goals, on the southern island, was to make one of the world’s best tracks Milford track. However, we were following the weather and it was not good. Due to not being in the season, some bridges were removed and the volume of rain left everything very dangerous.
So we decided to go to boat ride in Milford Sound. As it is far about about 3 hours drive to go and the same to go back we decided to take a tourist bus.
Then, on the way, I rediscovered the reason why I do not use this type of transportation anymore. But it was much more comfortable then drive 6 hours.
Information for Milfrod track.
The bus ride.
The bus was super comfortable, it took about 3 hours from Queenstown to Milford Sounds, where we took a boat to tour the fiords to reach the Tasman Sea and back.
From Te Anau to Milford is a beautiful road. With valleys, lakes and snowy mountains.
Although the weather in the area was not good, we trusted the weather forecast and chose the perfect day to visit the fiords.
As we had planned 4 days for the trail and it was not possible we resolved to change the path and went to Dunedin (on the other side of the island).
Dunedin
Known as New Zealand’s Edinburgh, it is surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbor, nightlife thrilled with bars and great restaurants beyond the natural attractions.
Heading north and bordering the coast has incredible beaches. At Katiki’s Lighthouse, we could see a colony of dolphins estimated at about 200, by locals.
Following, we stop for lunch in Moeraki to see the beaches with round stone (Moeraki boulders) that no one can explain how they are there.
We now enter the interior with the intention of going to the base of Mount Cook.
But the prediction did not help. I got in touch with the park that informed me that a cold front was entering with forecasts of winds of over 100 km on the trail, and with that would be very dangerous.
Again change of plans and we went to Lake Tekapo.
It was icy-cold (5 degrees), not wanting to know how cold it would be on Mount Cook.
Unfortunately now was to start the last journey of this trip. We were headed to Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH
The largest city on the South Island. It is called the “garden city” due to its monumental parks and gardens throughout the metropolitan area.
The city center is a supermodern due to a major earthquake having almost completely destroyed the center, a vibrant and cosmopolitan place with festivals, theater, modern art galleries, cafes, restaurants and great shops.
Although parts of Christchurch are still closed due to damage from the earthquake (mainly the center), most areas around the city are operating normally and tourism companies are open.
Well, there were 3 300 kilometers, 23 days and many adventures, but it’s time to go home.
