Category: New Zealand

The Ultimate NZ Experience for Birdspotters

Before humans arrived, New Zealand was a world of birds and plants. New Zealand has an impressive list of selling points, including stunning coastal scenery, breathtaking mountain ranges and the refreshingly down-to-earth Kiwi charisma. It is also home to some of the most unique birdlife in the world, with more than 60 endemic species. Get your free transfer car and let’s explore the best places for birdspotting that this beautiful volcanic archipelago has to offer. 

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre

The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, located in a segment of an ancient forest around 30 kilometres north of Masterton, is a breeding sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species. This place offers a great educational experience – but also a lot of fun.

You can enjoy the frolics of kaka (bush parrots) at the feed stations, talk to a takahe (a big, bright blue, grass-eating flightless bird), see kiwi poking through leaf-litter in the nocturnal house, and follow different forest trails in search of stitchbirds, saddlebacks and kokako. 

Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers, named by Captain Cook after local Maori tried to abduct a member of his crew, is a marvelous sandstone headland east of Hastings, in Hawke’s Bay. It is home to the most numerous (and most accessible, for that matter) gannet colony in the world. 

Getting to the gannet colony is half the fun – you can reach it on foot, by kayak or sitting on a tractor trailer. The Australasian Gannet belongs to the booby family, which includes pelicans, shags and frigate birds. Adult birds have a wing span of up to two metres and weight two kilograms on average. Although they appear a bit clumsy on land, gannets are amazing flyers and conduct impressive high dives into the water to catch fish. These birds nest over summer, with the first chicks hatching in November and the last chicks departing the colony in May.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, in South Island’s Waitaki District, provides its visitors with a unique opportunity to see the world’s smallest penguin. Blue penguins can be found around the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia, but they are as close to human activity as they can be in Oamaru. These adorable birds nest around the harbour area and the colony gives you a chance to observe them arriving home from the sea and returning to their nests.

Every evening, large groups of penguins gather offshore and wait for the sunset. When the night falls, they start swim towards the shore below the viewing stands. Once they reach the shore, they quickly go up a steep bank, and then rest for a while at the top. After that, they cross the parade area heading towards the nesting sites, where they are greeted by hungry chicks and mates.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island, about 30 km south of the South Island and largely untouched by humans, is a paradise for bird watchers, teeming with different New Zealand’s native and endangered species, including the iconic kiwi, which outnumber people by 50 to 1.

The Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (or Tokoeka), with the population estimated at 20,000, is an omniturnal bird (active during both the day and night). The Island’s Southern Sanctuary of offers a truly unique kiwi-watching experience, so you can find these birds literally on your doorstep. They live in forested areas and forage for food on the beach, and the residents share their gardens with them and other native birds. Summer evenings around Oban township resound with the melodies of cheeky weka strut and kākā.

Ulva Island, a brief water taxi ride from Stewart Island, is a predator-free open bird sanctuary and a must-visit place for those on the lookout for native birds. Covered in pristine forests, the island is home to the species as rifleman, fantail, tui, as well as the endangered saddleback.

From the elusive kiwi to some of the rarest endangered species and renowned bird recovery programs, a New Zealand birding holiday offers a pure backdrop of breathtaking beauty. To enjoy it to the fullest, you’ll need to travel across much of the three main islands. For this reason, renting a free car can be of a great help, making your experience wallet-friendly and comfy.   

NZ Music Festivals You’d Be Crazy to Miss This Spring and Summer

Aside from offering exceptional sights and adrenaline-pumping adventures, New Zealand also boasts a vibrant music festival scene, frequented by hundreds of thousands of people each year. With our selection for the upcoming spring and summer, all you need to do is gather your friends, rent a free campervan and get the party started.  

Hidden Valley (Matakana, December 27)

After a wildly successful inaugural event last year, which brought Fisher to the New Zealand soil, Hidden Valley is back to offer electronic music fans another memorable boutique festival experience. The festival takes place at the Matakana Country Park, just a bit north from Auckland, and this year’s line-up features What So Not Live, Wilkinson feat. MC Adapt, Chris Lake and Culture Shock. The tickets aren’t available yet, but you can sign up for the first right to buy them on the official website.  

Rhythm and Vines (Gisborne, December 29-31)

Rhythm and Vines is one of NZ’s prime music and camping festival, taking place at the stunning Waiohika Estate, surrounded by vineyards, just outside of Gisborne, on the east coast of the North Island. With more than a hundred artist, both local and international (this year’s line-up includes Disclosure, Alison Wonderland, RL Grime, Calyx & Teebee and Green Velvet), five stages and about 20,000 party goers each year, it is globally recognized as the first festival in the world to welcome in the sunrise of the New Year. You can purchase day passes or general admission for all three days here.   

Rhythm & Alps (Wanaka, December 29-31)

Rhythm & Alps is the most iconic festival on the South Island, attracting around ten thousand partygoers each year. Over fifty international and local acts will be performing this year (Jon Hopkins, Shapeshifter, Floating Points and the Upbeats are the headliners), on four stages, with arguably the best sound and lighting in the entire country. The event takes place at the stunning Robrosa Station, Wanaka, and you can find ticket packages with onsite camping included. 

Shipwrecked Festival (Te Arai, February 7-9)

Nestled between three lovely lakes in an idyllic landscape of Te Arai, about 90 km north of bustling Auckland, the Shipwrecked Festival takes inspiration from the European festival scene, but gives it some truly unique Kiwi vibes. This 3-day event is not only about music, as it also includes visual and interactive art performances. The 2020 line-up has yet to be confirmed, along with the ticket info.

As you can see, the offer of music festivals in New Zealand in the following months is quite ample and diverse, catering to different tastes. Assemble your festival squad, choose the events you like, get a free transfer car and…rock on.  

Kayaking in New Zealand: 7 Best Spots

As a country that is surrounded by the sea and has an abundance of lakes and rivers, New Zealand provideskayaking enthusiasts with plenty of great opportunities. If you are one of them, now’s the time to get your free car and explore the best kayaking spots that this country has to offer.

Marlborough Sounds

Located at the very top of the South Island, the Marlborough Soundsboasts countless hours of sunshine, in addition to being adorned by the marvelous turquoise seas. It consists of around 1500km of coastline, so finding a spot you can call your own is anything but difficult. If you are a fan of Tolkien, you can paddle to the Pelorus River, the filming location of the famous barrel scene in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The region is globally renowned for its viticulture, so you can enjoy a glass or two of some truly exquisite wines after your kayaking expedition. 

Kaikoura

Kaikoura, one of New Zealand’s best spots for wildlife encounters, provides a truly unique kayaking experience – paddling amongst a plentitude of dolphins, fur seals, penguins and sea birds. Just imagine absorbing the stunning scenery with mountain tops, craggy rocks and sheer cliff faces while you casually paddle around the coastline in the fresh breeze that comes off the ocean, enjoying the marine life from up close up. You can simply hire a kayak or opt for one of the daytime or sunset tours. 

Whanganui River

Whanganui, New Zealand’s third-longest river, is a great destination on the North Island for those interested in spending several days onsome serious freshwater kayaking. One of its legendary routes, which you can do with a local guide or on your own, is the five-day river expedition, (145km) from Taumaranui to Pipiriki. Throughout the journey you’ll be immersed in lush native forestry, historic sites and some really interesting local gems. If you need a brief rest along the way, the Bridge to Nowhere is the iconic stopover frequented by both kayakers and inland trekkers. The three-day trip from Whakaroro to Pipiriki is a viable, slightly shorter alternative.

Cathedral Cove

Arguably the most popular attraction in the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove and its magical surroundings are best experiencedeither by taking a long stroll across the pristine coastline or by setting off on a kayak journey. You’ll get a chance to revel at numerous exciting rock formations, the surrounding marine reserve and, naturally, the famous arched cave after which the beach was named. And if you’re lucky, some dolphins may accompany you for a while during your paddling journey.

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake by surface, is the go-to destination for watersports aficionados. Whether you decide to embark on a tour or hire a kayak, you’ll be amazed by the seemingly endless sightseeing opportunities: volcanic hot pools, the local Maori rock carvings, turbulent river rapids and gushing waterfallsare just some of the wonders you’ll bask at during your paddling endeavour. The lake is also quite a popular for trout fishing, and aside from local chartered boat fishing tours, there’s even an option for kayak fishing. Just how good does that sound?

Abel Tasman National Park

Encompassed by majestic forests and sheltered beaches, the Abel Tasman National Park is the place to be if you are looking for the perfect balance between the ocean and the land. As the paddling activity is immensely popular among the park’s visitors, a number of kayak tour operators and rental companies can be found in the area. With its resident fur seals, Tokangawhā (Split Apple Rock) is the number one attraction for many. Golden sand beaches, intimate lagoons and islands are some of the other picturesque gems you can enjoy seeing and visiting. 

The Bay of Islands

With more than 140 subtropical islands, breathtaking beaches and magnificent marine reserves, it’s no wonder that the Bay of Islands attracts so many kayakers. The charming towns of Paihia and Russell are the mainspots for guided tours and kayak hires. The former often include tasty meals prepared with local produce, fresh seafood and home-made desserts. The scenic highlights are the islands of Urupukapuka and Motorua, the Haruru Falls and the Waitangi River.

These were just some of the great spots for kayaking in New Zealand, yet it is fair to say thatwherever you find yourself in this beautiful country, there’s probably going to be somepaddling right around the corner. For this reason, getting a free transfer car is a good idea, as it will allow you to comfortably go from one location to another in pursuit of this exciting sporting activity.   

South Island: 5-Day Itinerary

When it comes to exploring the magical spots of New Zealand’s South Island, there are some amazing places to see on your adventure. If you don’t have tons of time but want to see a lot of beautiful places at a relaxed pace, then getting a car rental for freefor a 5-day itinerary that focuses on the island’s incredible scenery will really be up your street.

Day 1 – Lake Tekapo and Lindis Pass

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and say goodbye to the city for a short while, journeying southwest towards Lake Tekapo which is renowned for its beauty and stargazing opportunities. The water has a specific opaque turquoise colour, which is a natural phenomenon caused by tiny pieces of ground rock from the glacier floating close to the surface. Also, the largest designated dark sky reservein the world is located here and should not be missed.

On your way through to Lindis Pass, you’ll encounter a pretty town recognisable for its gigantic merino sheep statue, before being surrounded by a sea of golden hill-top forests and snow-capped peaks. 

Day 2 – Wanaka and Haast Pass

Extraordinary night skies and picture perfect autumn scenery await you in Wanaka. If you feel like a bite to eat, it’s recommended to take a small excursion south through the valley where you’ll discover the very quaint and historic Cardrona Hotel (one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, by the way) where you can stop for lunch.

On your way through Haast Pass, take a break from driving and experience the Blue Pools Walk. The path will take you across Makarora River via an incredible swing bridge where you will continue the trail to find the legendary and magnificent Blue Pools.

Day 3 – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier

On the way to and way past the glaciers, you’ll get to travel the west coastal road which will display the magnificent Tasman Sea to your left and towering mountain ranges to your right. You’ll first encounter Fox Glacier which spills down from the Alps virtually to the sea, and later, after some exploring and sightseeing, you’ll find Josef, the other Glacier, both of which are located in a World Heritage area. 

Nearby Franz Josef is a good place to stay as it’s a friendly touristic town, with a selection of great restaurants and activities such as hot pool bathing, forest walks, photography, and a behind the scenes view of kiwi birds hatching.

Day 4 – Greymouth and Lewis Pass

Before you reach Greymouth, the last stop along the west coast leg, take the Brunner Mine walk where you will discover relics such as an old brick factory and momentous coke ovens from the areas rich gold mining past. In Greymouth itself, you’ll find and experience the flourishing local food scene, remarkable heritage buildings, New Zealand Jade (known as pounamu), and outstanding seascapes. 

You can then head over to Lewis pass through Victoria Forest Park where you can stop at Maruia Hot Springs for to bathe in hot mineral water straight from the Earth. 

Day 5 – Hanmer Springs and Waipara Valley

The forests around Hanmer springs display an array of colour creating a relaxing atmosphere in unity with the alpine spa village which has been welcoming guests since 1883. Here you can enjoy public or private naturally heated pools and can indulge yourself in a massage and facial treatment. There are also a number of forest walks which will reveal a variety of streams, parks, colours, and wetlands.

On the way to Waipara, stop for lunch in the wine valley region to sample an assortment of locally produced wines from their cellar doors and restaurants: drivers of course, taking care to drink responsibly. Then continue along the charming east coast route through a series of attractive country towns, looping back to your original starting point a few beautiful nights ago.

As you can see, the South Island abounds in gems waiting to be discovered. Getting a free car or campervan that is great for both short and long rural adventures will make your experience not only cheaper but also much more convenient.

Hawke’s Bay Uncorked: A Guide for Wine Aficionados

On the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find the spectacular Hawke’s Bay, the oldest wine region in the country and the second largest after Marlborough. Charming Napier, located close to Hastings, is a great central and coastal hub from which to explore the region. The area was once leveled by an earthquake in 1931, but the town was rebuilt with the style of the day in mind: Art Deco, leading to the highest concentration of this architectural style in the world. Before you start exploring Hawke’s Bay, make sure you rent a free car to explore the are properly and at your convenience.

Introduction

Different varieties of grape thrive along this stretch of coast thanks to a year-round mild climate. Although unusually difficult to find in Australia, Hawke’s Bay wines are renowned globally, even more so over the last 20 years, surpassing Australian shiraz at prestigious events. New Zealander’s use the French term ‘syrah’ to distinguish their blend of full-bodied red wines, the cultivation of which was shaped by another natural disaster, a flood that exposed a large area of new land in 1867 which later became used as plots for winemaking in the 1980s.

The region is made beautiful by the varying landscapes, from ocean to coast, luscious countryside, hills, mountains, the 5 major rivers that flow through the region, the 200 km of cycling tracks, and of course the vineyards and wineries, of which there are over 70 in the region. With so many options on the table of where to sample and experience great wine and hospitality, it’s best to narrow it down to a handful of the very best cellar doors.

Mission Estate

This spectacular cellar door was established by French missionaries in 1851 making it the oldest winery in New Zealand and as a result, is somewhat of a living museum, with the added bonus of stunning views of the coast, and incredible wines. Mission Estate stays true to its heritage, implementing viticulture and winemaking skills directly from the Brothers of the Order in France, and keeping a row of muscat grapes growing in the front garden from the original clusters bought to Hawke’s Bay. This place also offers accommodation and award-winning cuisine at its restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner every day.

Elephant Hill

This residence is a real architectural masterpiece, it is stunning, and state of the art, complete with ocean views, an amazing restaurant, and topnotch wines which are elegant and balanced in flavour. The wines are full of complexity and character and the grapes that make them have been hand-picked in order to carefully select only the best fruits.

The food here is also spectacular, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner through the seasons. You can also stay at Elephant Hill Lodge which, like the rest of the architecture, is super modern, comforting and in balance with the surrounding nature.

Church Road

Tours of the fascinating underground museum and cellar door wine tastings are held daily, and being paired with splendid food and top wines means that Church Road is an essential place to visit. A lot of thought and expertise has been put into matching the dishes on their restaurant’s menu which is all sourced from the local area and is available 7 days a week.

Not only does the museum hold the oldest wine-making relics in the country, but the ‘behind the scenes’ wine tasting tour will be accompanied by food matching to give the complete wine and food experience.

Trinity Hill

The concept of this Hawke’s Bay winery that produces world-class wines was born in London in 1987 between two restaurateurs who saw great potential and opportunity in the land. A collection of traditional Hawke’s Bay and European varieties were planted and gained critical acclaim with the first release of chardonnays, merlots, and cabernets in 1998.

The warm atmosphere of the cellar door will allow for maximum comfort during your wide selection of beverages, and in the summer months, a picnic can be enjoyed on the expansive lawn.

Apart from the award-winning wine, a local hill also resides in the Guinness Book of Records, who’s 90 character name will not be presented here, but makes for good further reading material for the curious. You can also reach this spot in a free one-way rental car to get more mileage out of your trip, just make sure you’ve had plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.

Photo: Millar Road

A Spectacular Autumn in New Zealand

A particularly awesome time to explore New Zealand is during the autumn, as the magnificent nature really bursts into deep shades of red and shimmering gold, and the calmer, cooler, and dryer weather allows for more heart-racing goings-on.

Both the North and South Islands have a lot to offer in terms of unique and varied activities, and wondrous sites to behold. New Zealand is a large country and the optimal way for explorers to get around is with a free transfer car or campervan. Here are some cool reasons as to why autumn is a striking season.

Bungee jumping for the bold

High above the Kawarau River stands a walkway bridge, and upon the bridge stand the brave, the bold, and the adrenaline junkies. As they teeter on the edge, heart racing, anticipating one of the most exciting experiences of a lifetime, they’ll be thinking whether to ramp up the thrill and choose to be able to touch the water or even get dunked in it on their way down. The professional staff here will have you in good hands should you choose to try the experience yourself, or simply have a great time watching your friends in admiration.

Smooth sailing and incredible scenery

Autumn allows for predictably calm waters which enable even the most timid of would-be sailors a chance to relax and see some spectacular sites up close and personal. Milford Sound is a remarkable area and the icon of the South Island. Full day excursions allow you to get deep into the heart of the sunken valleys and soak up the sites of many natural wonders such as Stirling Falls and rainforests that cling to the mountainsides.

Darting Jet Boats in the wilderness

Over at Mount Aspiring National Park which is a world heritage site, you can explore the Dart River Valley by dashing around in a jet boat that gets you to places that you could not normally reach. You will be immersed in the lush scenery as you take an exhilarating ride down the weaving river and will get the chance to learn about innumerable Maori Legends and the area’s rich history. You’ll even get to spend a bit of time in the ancient atmospheric forests where you will witness an abundance of birdlife.

Rejuvenating mud bathing

Towards the centre of the North Island on routes between Auckland and Wellington, you’ll find Rotorua and Taupo, concentrated areas of geothermal activity which are a hotspot for mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. The area attracts visitors all year round but is perfect for taking warm, healing, mud baths in autumn as the surrounding temperature drops slightly.

Over on the South Island, the ominously named ‘Hell’s Gate’ waits for you, but don’t worry – the term comes from the many natural attractions such as mud volcanoes and hot waterfalls.

The night skies are out of this world

As the autumnal nights roll in, clouds dissipate leaving the night sky a deep canvas speckled with glittering stars and planets which you can easily enjoy with the naked eye, or if you prefer an even closer look, with a visit to one of the many observatories.

There’s nothing quite like a proper stargazing adventure far from civilization.  One such place is the south side of Lake Tekapo, which is a great spot due to low light pollution and Cowan’s Observatory which will allow you to see the Milky Way through very powerful telescopes.

Amazing seasonal landscapes

In New Zealand, there are many precious locations that offer impressive views. The aforementioned Lake Tekapo which the daytime reveals is a magnificent expanse that combines deep blue waters that contrast blazing, rusty trees, clasped by snow-capped peaks. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most snapped areas in the country. Not far to the southeast, you’ll find Mount Cook, the highest peak in Australasia It’s really a sight to behold and the breathtaking surroundings will beg you to hike across the land.

There is so much to see and do all around New Zealand, from the activities that are thrilling and breathtaking, to those relaxing and pampering, so what are you waiting for? Take advantage of a free campervan rental and properly experience New Zealand this autumn.II