Category: New Zealand

Most people will know of New Zealand’s North and South Islands but perhaps not of the many smaller islands surrounding them. Each one offers pristine, secluded beaches which are a great escape from the world, thriving wildlife, and a rich history. These islands lay in wait to be discovered, so why don’t you get a free car rental to help you get from the tip of the North to the very bottom of the South?

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Despite being New Zealand’s third biggest island, it’s still viable as a getaway spot, seeing as the very welcoming local population of 381 people mostly reside in Orban to the northeast. Found 1-hour by boat from the South Island, 85% of Stuart Island has been given over to lush green Rakiura National Park. As you can imagine, the scenery is wonderful here and there is plenty of space to get that sense of complete freedom. In addition, you can engage in hunting, fishing and diving activities.

D’Urville Island

A medium sized island sitting amongst a huge cluster of sea-drowned valleys known as The Marlborough Sounds, at first glance is reminiscent of Scandinavian Fjords in the peak of summer. Located on the South Island and named after the French explorer who discovered it, D’Urville offers astonishing views from its peaks and is a great place to hike or even take out a kayak in search of dolphins and seals.

Kapiti Island

Heading over to The North Island you’ll find the much smaller Kapiti Island to the north of Wellington, the country’s capital city. By obtaining a permit to stay overnight, you’ll get the rare opportunity to sight the elusive kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, which is nocturnal. Many endangered species of bird call this island home, including a few that are extinct elsewhere in the country.

Whakaari/ White Island

To the northeast of Tauranga is the secluded White Island which you can visit via boat or seaplane, the latter of which allows for a fantastic aerial perspective. The island is a 200,000 year old active marine volcano which will give you an experience of a lifetime. Upon arrival, you’ll be issued with a gas mask and hard hat so that you can marvel at the mysterious scenery for a day, listening to the hiss of steam and sulphur as they emanate from the earth’s core.

Great Barrier Island

Slightly larger than D’Urville and located off the east coast of Auckland, with no electricity apart from solar power or the odd generator here and there, is The Great Barrier Island. You can spend a week here in one of the cosy beach houses, giving you the freedom to hit the surf from your very own beach and to then take a timeout in the relaxing hot springs to soothe and rejuvenate you for the next wave.

Kawau Island

Smaller than the Great Barrier Island and closer to the mainland, you’ll discover Kawau Island, the centrepiece of the magnificent Kawau Bay, which you can reach from Sandspit by ferry, located 1-hour drive north from Auckland. Here you’ll encounter native birds, exotic plants, and plenty of wallabies; the smaller, cuter, friendlier member of the kangaroo family which was introduced to the island by Sir George Grey, an early New Zealand statesmen. You can also visit a 19^th-century mansion that he renovated, complete with enormous, outstanding gardens which give a glimpse in to the colonial past.

Urupukapuka

Sitting in the aptly named Bay of Islands alongside 143 others, Urupukapuka relishes in the country’s sub-tropical climate. Both experienced sailors and more casual boat lovers enjoy this area for the bright sunshine and pristine cerulean blue waters. The island is the biggest in the group but is predominantly undeveloped with the exception of a few simple campsites and basic amenities. You’ll also get to meet native birds such as the kiwi and dotterel, and can explore the island fully on foot via the numerous walking tracks, and by taking a kayak out from the untouched beaches.

You can get around to seeing all of these lovely locations with ease with the help of free transfer cars or campervans close to your destination. Don’t miss out on a chance to get away from it all and make your very own adventure.

With the nice summer we’re having, we must assume that your wanderlust is reaching peak levels. The countless natural wonders of New Zealand are beckoning, and few are louder than the Mount Aspiring National Park.

This sprawling national park on New Zealand’s South Island is a part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and offers an endless array of activities for the outdoorsy type. From hiking to mountain climbing, fishing, or simply driving around, the summer in the Mount Aspiring National Park offers an abundance of activities and sights to explore and experience.

How to get there

Located in the southern corner of the Southern Alps, running alongside the Fiordland National Park, the Mount Aspiring National Park is reached by SH6 by car. There are several towns serving as hubs for further exploration of the national park, most notably Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka and Glenorchy. Queenstown has a major international airport, while Wanaka has a smaller airport that serves domestic flights.

There are also smaller settlements serving as access points for a number of attractive hiking routes. Check the local tourist info offices for additional information on those, since some of the nicest tracks are hidden out of reach of the main roads.

What to do once you’re there

The filming location for The Lord of the Rings’ Isengard, the Mount Aspiring National Park holds 100 permanent glaciers, including the three biggest ones in the region flanking Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake.

Mountain climbing: At 3,033 meters, the mountain itself is second only to Aoraki/Mount Cook in all of New Zealand, providing wonderful opportunities for skiing and mountain climbing. There are various guided climbing tours offered by local organizations, from day-trips to week-long expeditions. While the degree of difficulty varies depending on the location and the duration of the trip, it is generally recommended for experienced climbers who can handle the strain of more demanding climbs..

Hiking: with some of the most idyllic scenery, featuring everything from dramatic mountain peaks, sprawling green valleys and imposing glaciers, the Mount Aspiring National Park is an absolute must for all fans of hiking. The park is best experienced through a multi-day hiking trip, with three phenomenal routes to choose from: the Routeburn Track cutting through the park all the way to Fiordland, the Greenstone & Caples Track following the traditional Maori road between the West Coast and Otago, or the Rees-Dart Track that follows the Rees and Dart rivers all the way to the Dart Glacier. Of course, if time and fitness are short, there are a few excellent day-hikes, such as the Rob Roy Glacier track or the Haast Pass Walks.

Driving: The national park and its surroundings provide a number of scenic driving routes that are so captivating they make it difficult for drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead. The main roads connecting Queenstown with both Wanaka and Glenorchy are renowned for their surrounding scenery, but the main prize is the Haast Pass drive through the national park, with its mountainous and glacial surroundings. Just make sure you’ve got a reliable vehicle, because the terrain will surely put it to the test. 

Where to stay

There is a variety of accommodations in and around the Mount Aspiring National Park. As the regional tourist center, Wanaka certainly offers the most diverse accommodations, ranging from hotels and winter resorts to private lodgings. Probably the most popular sleeping facilities are the huts located inside the park, as they place you right at the centre of the untouched natural magic.

Additionally, perhaps the best way to experience the Mount Aspiring National Park is to find a free campervan and take your lodgings with you, allowing you to explore the park in all of its variety.

If you have even the slightest inclination towards the outdoors, Mount Aspiring will provide a bundle of challenging and rewarding activities and more stunning scenery than you can fit on your camera.

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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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