Category: New Zealand

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. If you are spending more time in New Zealand, a rental car would do you a lot of good.  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. This is a great area to explore with your vehicle aswell, just remember that is quite remote, and having a Stanley Portable Jump Starter along for ride is good idea. Always better safe than sorry I always say.

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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Planning a holiday with kids can be a bit of a head scratcher, as finding activities for all parties to enjoy is a difficult balancing act, as there’s a limited supply of destinations offering fun for the whole family. Thankfully, winter provides us with an easy solution, and when it comes to skiing in New Zealand we’ve got you covered. And while you’re planning your winter holidays, keep in mind that you can always find a free campervan that will allow your family to travel in style even if you are on a tight budget.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Even though its outside face is primarily aimed at experienced skiers, Cardrona offers plenty for the entire family. The resort provides a ski school for the younglings and the less experienced, and there’s a number of beginner runs to hone your skiing skills. Of course, if the parents or the children are already well-versed in the arts of snow, Cardrona has some of the finest skiing facilities in this part of the world. As an added bonus, families can actually sleep on the mountain, unlike many other skiing resorts in NZ, which makes it far easier for the family to reach skiing tracks.

The Remarkables

With the majority of its facilities consisting of relatively easy tracks intended for beginners and intermediate skiers, The Remarkables are an ideal winter destination for the whole family, regardless of its collective skiing level. And if, by chance, you have a daredevil or two among your ranks, they’ll be happy to explore the three terrain parks dedicated to ski and board acrobatics. It is a bit further from Queenstown than some other options, but certainly worthy of extra mileage.

Snow Farm New Zealand

If you are looking to introduce your young’uns to the magic of snow, circle Snow Farm on your map! The resort caters to winter casuals, as it is completely free of any nasty slopes and tracks that require a high skill level. Snow Farm New Zealand is there for the simple winter pleasures, like building a snowman or enjoying a good old snow fight. And if you’d still like a bit of physical activity on your holiday, the resort also offers a number of groomed trails for cross country skiing.

Treble Cone

Blessed with the longest vertical runs in all of the South Island, Treble Cone is a dream come true for experienced skiers and winter adventurists. Fortunately for families, it offers a diverse set of trails suitable for all skill levels. The less versed can also use a free chair lift, while the maestros can enjoy some of the numerous steep slopes on offer, and even go off map and explore the less beaten paths without the hassle of a crowded track.

Coronet Peak

Finally, we’re topping the list off with a skiing resort capable of meeting the needs of the whole family with Coronet Peak . About a quarter of its facilities is reserved for beginner trails, making it a perfect starting point for an education in skiing or snowboarding, particularly if you factor in the early learning centre for children of six and under. This comes handy if you’d like some alone time while being sure that your kids are safe and cared for.

At the same time, the resort of Verbier provides a number of testing runs for skilled skiers, while on weekends you can also enjoy a bit of night skiing. And even if your children (or any other family members) care not a thing for skiing, they can still enjoy some winter magic in the form of a tubing park for sliding downhill on large inflatables.

New Zealand provides a number of phenomenal winter facilities to suit all types of enthusiasts and travellers. Make sure you take everyone’s interests and abilities into account before you make your decision, and don’t forget – that free transfer campervan is still waiting!

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Calmly staring at what seems to be the edge of the world, nestled in the southeast region of New Zeeland’s South Island, lies the city of Dunedin. Praised for its diverse cultural heritage and magnificent architectural and natural scenery, the city and its surrounding landscape present an idyllic couple’s getaway, or even a perfect adventure destination for young travellers. With so much to see and plenty to do in this thriving town, the only thing left is to grab a free transfer car and kick-start your budget-friendly exploration of Dunedin.

Experience the wildlife

Going to a zoo can be expensive, but witnessing the vibrant wildlife in all its glory along the walking paths around town is one activity that’s completely free of charge. Walking the beautiful beaches, and especially visiting the Otago Peninsula will grant you access to some of the most breathtaking sceneries, conveniently accommodating rich and diverse wildlife. Here you will get the chance to see exotic bird species, sea lions frolicking on the beach, penguins, and seals. Do remember to keep your distance though, and admire from afar.

 

Ride the waves at St Clair Beach

St Clair Beach is a true surfer’s paradise located just a few minutes from the city centre. The honey-hued beach provides the perfect backdrop for the expansive sea ahead and its roaring waves that readily welcome a diverse community of surf aficionados. Naturally, surfing here is completely free if you bring your own gear. If not, don’t worry, you can rent out a wetsuit and a surfboard for a reasonable price of $40.

Hunt for street art

Time to delve into the heart of the city and walk the Dunedin Street Art Trail that gives this beautiful city its unique charm and splendor. So pick up a map and head out on a street art treasure hunt around town, discovering the international works of art that grace over 28 facades and tackle numerous artistic, social, and political questions of the modern world. This wonderful little excursion should take more than 90 minutes out of your day.

Cycle the Numerous Bike Trails

Among numerous outdoor adventures the town has to offer, mountain biking has got to be one of the most adrenaline-fueled activities you can enjoy for free. Provided that you don’t forget to bring your own bike. There are plenty of exhilarating tracks to challenge your coordination and cycling skills, like the Signal Hill reserve, the Swampy summit circuit, and the Chain Hills road track. If you’re in need of a trusty set of wheels, though, you can hire a bike for the day for about $30.

Visit the Botanic Gardens

An absolute must-see attraction for all nature lovers among you is the Dunedin Botanic Garden, home to more than 6,000 plant species, all beautifully and meticulously arranged for your viewing pleasure along various walking paths each more breathtaking than the last. Enjoy a rejuvenating cup of coffee at the local café and revel in the beauty of exotic birds chirping from the neighbouring aviaries.

And the Otago Museum

Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori cultural heritage, with the town proudly and devotedly preserving the legacy of these native peoples in the Otago Museum. The best part? Not only is the exhibition rich and diverse enough to be enjoyed for hours on end, but the museum is also free. However, you have the option of supporting the workings of the museum with a small contribution of $10.

Revel in the Beauty of the Southern Lights

Few natural wonders can compare with the awe-inspiring beauty of Aurora Australis, more popularly known as the Southern Lights, sometimes visible from the shores of the southern hemisphere. Among the few places where this natural phenomenon is visible in New Zealand, the Dunedin region offers a spectacularly colourful view of the never—ending cosmos above. Visit the Otago Peninsula and Tunnel Beach when solar activity is expected to be highest.

Dunedin is a thriving city rich with numerous sightseeing spots and breathtaking natural wonders looking to steal your heart away and give you an adventure of a lifetime. If you want to experience the region in its entirety, be sure to find a free car or campervan to make the most out of your Dunedin escapade.

 

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Teeming with exotic animal species and wonderful opportunities for wildlife sightseeing across the map, New Zealand is a true save haven for nature enthusiasts and mindful travellers of the world. Among the country’s rich and diverse wildlife scene, the “impeccably dressed” penguins can be found in abundance, frolicking on the sun-laden beaches and swimming the crystal-clear waters beyond. However, New Zealand is a vast country, so if you want to reach all of the following destinations with ease, it’s best you find a free transfer car or campervan to ensure an adventure to remember.

The Marlborough Sounds

Located in at the north end of the South Island, Marlborough Sounds is comprised of an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys too beautiful not to be visited at least once in a lifetime. But what this magnificent region has to offer is not solely confined to riveting vistas, as it’s also the home of little blue penguins, as well as dolphins, seals, and even whales. Taking a boat cruise through the natural maze is the best way to experience it all.

Dunedin

The city of Dunedin is not only the home of a thriving community of student’s, nomads, and global backpackers, but it is also the place you want to visit on your penguin sightseeing tour around the country. Located in the southeast end of the South Island, the town offers numerous wildlife exploration tours where you are bound to see yellow-eyed penguins enjoying a warm afternoon.

The Banks Peninsula

Located just outside of Christchurch in the Southern Island, the Banks Peninsula is home to the largest colony of little blue penguins. The region of Canterbury is also the only place you can find the white-flippered penguins as well, so this destination is a double must! The Banks Peninsula has plenty of sightseeing spots from which you will be to admire the little blue penguins in their natural habitat.

Munro Beach

Munro Beach is situated some 30 kilometres from Haast in the South Island, and is by far the best place to find the world’s second rarest penguin species, the Fiordland-crested penguin also known as Tawaki. Although the chances of actually spotting one are not that great, the sheer beauty of the region and the possibility of witnessing this remarkable species makes the trip worthwhile.

Oamaru

Popularly named “Penguintown”, Oamaru is the largest town in the North Otago region, and is a great place to see blue and yellow-eyed penguins nestling along the coastline just before sunset. Be sure to keep your distance though, so as not to disturb their peace.

 

The Catlins

Travelling further south and we find ourselves at the shores of the Catlins Coast, home to the yellow-eyed penguin as well as numerous other marine species. The best spot to see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is at Curio Bay at dawn or dusk when the parents are feeding their younglings. No matter how inspiring the scenery might feel, be sure to adhere to the distance rules pointed out at Curio Bay in order to avoid disturbing the penguins.

Stewart Island

Rakiura, or Stewart Island, is the third-largest island in New Zealand, located 30 kilometres south of the South Island. It’s also home to numerous exotic bird species and is the place you should absolutely visit on your exploration tour in hopes of seeing the yellow-eyed penguins as well as the little blue penguins on its shores. If you want to improve your chances of spotting these beautiful creatures, head over to Oban located in Halfmoon Bay on the eastern fringe of the island.

 

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to revel in the beauty of thousands of exotic animal species and penguins are just the cherry on the cake. In order to reach every destination safely and quickly, you can get a free transfer car that will help you experience an adventure of a lifetime.

 

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