New Zealand or Bust

[funflair]

Well the foundations have been laid, flights are booked and a motorhome has been hired for 7 weeks touring North and South island, we land in Aukland at the end of January and have a few days acclimatising in an apartment before picking up a sub 7m motorhome, not a lot of storage, no inverter, no coffee machine, microwave only on hook up ah well I am sure we will cope, oh and a cassette toilet so that will be a "blast from the past" after nearly 5 years with a black tank.

We don't have much of a plan at the moment, we have joined the NZ motor caravanners association and have several apps for parking places, we have booked a ferry North to South after 10 days on North island, we have 5 more days on North island on the way back to Aukland, one snippet I picked up on another thread was to travel Clockwise so unless anybody can offer a good reason to do the opposite that will be part of the plan.

There are a few obvious thing that we know we want to do/see,

Rotorua
Coromandel peninsula and I fancy a Kayak trip
Bay of islands

Dunedin and Otago peninsula as it seems to be the place for penguins
Franz Josef and Fox glacier
Milford Sound
A vineyard and wine tasting I am sure

Any suggestions and advice gratefully received

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
All of the above....Rotorua..." Duck tours ".... Well remember this,good fun. You all get given a plastic imitation duck caller and off you go down the streets " Calling " away. Everyone waves back and if you look ahead,they start to wave before you get to them. Super trips out on the water and the guide in her safety talk said words to the effect.." DON'T worry about it sinking,but if you see my bottom going out of the window........ FOLLOW ME ". loved New Zealand. Some "Maori villages " do a tour,show old skils and crafts and you get a meal later,so you are in there for a while,if you have time,a must. Have a great time.Go back again in a shot.
Tea Bag

 

[wiljoy]

We did it a few years ago, fantastic trip. Careful with the thieves on unregistered campsites.

 

[paddymcc]

Have a great trip. We spent most of our 8 weeks on S Island. On the N enjoyed the Bay of Islands , went kayaking there. We also kayaked on S Island , Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson Dunedin, Wanaka Christchurch all great. We went pre the earthquake, friends from Christchurch say it's still not back to normal.
We really enjoyed the hot springs in various places.
Does the van need looking after whilst you're away?

 

[Carpmart]

Wellington is a great city, probably slightly biased as I’ve spent a lot of time there for work trips over the years. Like stepping back in time. The museum and the history of the indigenous population I found fascinating, went at least twice!

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[Gaston aires]

Some very good choices but a visit to the bay of islands area is well worth it. Don’t miss Napier for a real art deco experience. We loved the Coromandel area and stayed air BB at Cooks Bay Area, we were warned about the crowds over bank holiday weekend, we saw about 3 people.

We did all those places and loved it.
Their meat pies are incredible like their “fush n chups”
We lived on them.
South Island more dramatic but North island most enjoyable in a different way.
Phil n Gill

 

[JockandRita]

one snippet I picked up on another thread was to travel Clockwise so unless anybody can offer a good reason to do the opposite that will be part of the plan.

Possibly to keep you clear of the craggy rocks sticking out Martin. I wish we had gone clockwise when touring Southern Ireland........as the tour coaches do.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[funflair]

Have a great trip. We spent most of our 8 weeks on S Island. On the N enjoyed the Bay of Islands , went kayaking there. We also kayaked on S Island , Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson Dunedin, Wanaka Christchurch all great. We went pre the earthquake, friends from Christchurch say it's still not back to normal.
We really enjoyed the hot springs in various places.
Does the van need looking after whilst you're away?

Thanks for the kind offer but I have tucked it up in a shed for a few months now I hope it doesn't sulk.

 

[KASPAR]

Some thoughts:

Clockwise on North Island starting from Auckland, anti on South taking the west coast. The bit from Christchurch up to Picton for return ferry is a bit bland imho.

North island poi Auckland, Coromandel peninsula, Rotorura but the geyser is false using soap to break the meniscus (Iceland its free and real), follow coast round Hicks bay, Gisborne onto Napier (lovely fish restaurant upstairs in the shopping arcade). Search for seals at Cape Paliser. There are guides for the Lord of the Rings locations that give a good idea of where to visit.

On South Island from ferry exit at Picton, head over to Nelson, then Able Tasmin, then west coast down via Hokitika. Glaciers then south to the southern fjords. Inland to Queenstown, Wanaka, Twizel for St Johns observatory (book in advance as its high season) Dunedin, Otago for the penguins but there are non pay places to wait till dusk for them to come ashore with fewer people.

Then back up west coast of North Island then up to the tip then back round and down to Auckland.

 

[funflair]

Possibly to keep you clear of the craggy rocks sticking out Martin. I wish we had gone clockwise when touring Southern Ireland........as the tour coaches do.

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Cheers,

Jock.

Hi Jock

The explanation was to be on the coast side of the road for a photo etc, I understand it is against the law to pull over and park facing oncoming traffic.

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[olley]

Son in law recommends Luke's kitchen at the end of the coromandel peninsula for a pizza, he worked there a few years ago.

 

[Chipster]

Extreme Mororhomes on you tube are releasing vids of New Zealand tour. May be of some use?

 

[berni109]

Amazing places all over NZ take it slowly and explore.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - This we found was the best at rotorua although the meal at the one very near town was good. Out behind the museum there are quite a few thermal vents and mud pools for free.
Go see the biggest kuari tree up in the NE of north island.
We spent hours waiting to see 3 penguins.
Visit the fastest motorcycle in the world(the one they made the film about) in Invercargill.
If you enjoy a good ramble take some sturdy shoes and if the local tourist office tells you it's just a couple of hours take a good look at the milage on the guide they give you.
Enjoy!

 

[Riverbankannie]

We chose the Doubtful Sound trip over Milford sound. Only did the one so cannot compare but worth reading up about both.

https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/queenstown-l498/from-queenstown-doubtful-sound-day-trip-cruise-t179873/

We stayed overnight at Manapouri Holiday Park which where owners had collected all the Morris Minors ever exported to NZ (it seemed)

On the day you collect the MH, go straight to an area where returning MHers leave all their unwanted goodies. These hire vans come with minimal things so pick up useful items like buckets or bowls, sharp knives and any other kitchen stuff, just grab what you can, if someone bought it they needed it!
We had a 4 berth for 2 and were grateful for the extra pillows and duvets on chilly nights.

 

[rb62]

Just sent our itinerary to some friends of ours so I'll put them on to give you some idea of times and distances we thought Doubtful Sound was far better than Milford,but we did go on the local crab fishermans boat and it was 12 years ago

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[HarryML7]

All the above Queenstown for adrenaline rushes - Shotover jet - luge etc, Hamner springs, and on North Island "90 mile" beach. Enjoy.

 

[Holly's mum]

We are also travelling over at the end of January for 12 weeks.

I found applying for our NZeTA's very easy using the App. You can also do your NZTD via their app but not more than 24 hours before you leave on the first leg of your trip.

I've sent you a DM with a copy of our Google Map which we have used to plan our trip on.

Have fun and we may bump into you on our respective travels.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

A word of caution about Corommandel. Check the weather forecast for the next few days.
The area is prone to slips in heavy rain and you can end up trapped for a couple of days until they clear the roads again.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Huka falls near Taupe lake well worth a visit and if you can get a helicopter flight over the falls and geysers it’s stunning. We also did a trip in a sailing yacht once owned by Errol Flynn on the lake, you get to see Māori rock carvings.

 

[Holly's mum]

Twizel for St Johns observatory

Is that for the Star Gazing? I couldn't find St Johns Observatory at Twizel on Google Maps but did find Twizel Stargazing there or I found University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory at Tekapo.

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[KASPAR]

Is that for the Star Gazing? I couldn't find St Johns Observatory at Twizel on Google Maps but did find Twizel Stargazing there or I found University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory at Tekapo.

The University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory. There are campgrounds at Twizel.

 

[Mikey RV]

Happy travels.I spent three months touring New Zealand in a camper van and loved every minute.

 

[PaddyM]

Maybe see you there ! (We leave on Feb 4 , will be in NZ for 5 weeks ) . It’s our second trip , we are hiring a car and doing a mixture of apartments / hotels and Airbnb .
North and south islands for us and concentrating on wine and cycling tours .
DM me if you’d like our itinerary.
Have a great time !

 

[Langtoftlad]

Just did a 3 week coach tour.
Just the highlights
But very enjoyable.
Distances between "attractions" is quite large, so plan your timings appropriately.
Be alert for cruise ships visiting as they tend to overwhelm the tourist destinations.
Bay of Islands... hole in the rock cruise.
Hobbiton, especially if you're a fan. Surprisingly good.
Napier, a let down. Yes buildings are Art Deco but spoilt by standard high street shop fronts.
Gallipoli exhibition in Wellington worthwhile.
Christchurch still rebuilding, and yes the Anglican Cathedral is still propped up. Enjoyed the Tram tour.
Thought the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass a bit underwhelming.
Did the helicopter ride out to the Franz Joseph glacier but availability is very weather dependent.
Queenstown itself is just a tourist centre, nothing initself but Enjoyed the TSS Earnslaw steamship, the Shotover Jet and Skippers Canyon by 4x4, not motorhome accessible.
Glowworm caves
Milford Sound
Dunedin & Larnach Castle.
Mount Cook & light aircraft scenic flight

 

[nicholsong]

[I wrote this post before and lost it but here goes again]

Great country for the outdoor life.

I have been 3 times, travelling both through Far East and through Los Angeles. Which route are you using, which airline?

I am another one voting for Russel and Bay of Islands, which would give you the experience of the sub-tropical part. I think you would have to do it in the first days of your 10 days on N. Island, even then it would be a stretch to get your ferry unless the booking is flexible.

I was not impressed with Wellington(known as Windy Wet), so would not plan much time there, but it has some good restaurants.

As an alternative to campsites there are lots of chalets to rent in nice spots, for a stop for a 'wash 'n brush up', which have a living area incl. kitchen facilities and usually a garden or deck for sitting out. Call in at one for a look-see early on to see whether that would suit you for the odd night.

Beware that there are some parishes that vote to be alcohol-free, no pubs no sales. My girlfriend lived in one in Auckland but I do not know how widespread they are. Food in general - keep well-stocked as in country areas shopping can be patchy and local shops expensive.

I would like to do what you are doing but I know what a killer the flights are, even if one does a layover, because then you have two consecutive night flights.

I had decided to move there but although I had enough points for their visa requirements from my 2 qualifications and sufficient funds, but no age points being >50, not enough to qualify then, but requirements have since changed. I gave up.

Martin you and Jen should have a great time.

Meanwhile Happy Christmas to you both, from Basia and Geoff.

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[Riverbankannie]

Is that for the Star Gazing? I couldn't find St Johns Observatory at Twizel on Google Maps but did find Twizel Stargazing there or I found University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory at Tekapo.

On our way from Camping Park at Manipoura to Queenstown, we stayed overnight just at this viewPoint on the side of the road, very quiet and very dark so had a lovely time stargazing and and toasting daughter who just sent a message saying boyfriend had proposed.
I can recommend installing a night sky app on your phone to help understand what you are seeing

I have Skyview Lite

 

[bladerunner]

My daughter is out there at the moment in a hired PVC.
Her polar steps look great
So far:

Picked up van in Auckland
Coromandel \Driving creek railway into native forest - 1200 yr old Kuari tree
Cathedral cove
Jurassic park hot springs
Karan
Hobbiton
Blackwater rafting through waitomo glowworm caves
Ruakari bushwalk
Omanawa falls
Orakei korako thermal pools
Lake Taupo mauro carving
Mount doom tangariro hike
Wellington cable car
Orca Whales in Kaikoura
Abel Tasman national park - coquille bay
Whahariki beach
Nelson lakes
Pancake rocks
Hokitika gorge
Quad biking
Hooker valley walk to mount cook
Lake Tekapo
Lake Hawea
Roy's peak
Wine tasting Gibbston Valley
Cycling Arrowtown
Queenstown luges
Milford sound boat trip
Doubtful sound



She is heading towards my brother in South Island

Will return after Fiji, Cook Islands, Japan, Galapagos and South America

Bay of islands and 90 mile beach


tough life eh?

 

[funflair]

We are also travelling over at the end of January for 12 weeks.

I found applying for our NZeTA's very easy using the App. You can also do your NZTD via their app but not more than 24 hours before you leave on the first leg of your trip.

I've sent you a DM with a copy of our Google Map which we have used to plan our trip on.

Have fun and we may bump into you on our respective travels.

I have amassed a significant number of extra apps just for this trip including the NZeTA (done) and NZTD, thanks for your message

 

[philann]

Must do the rafting through the glowworm caves at Waitomo near Hamilton

 

[ivorantony]

We chose the Doubtful Sound trip over Milford sound. Only did the one so cannot compare but worth reading up about both.

https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/queenstown-l498/from-queenstown-doubtful-sound-day-trip-cruise-t179873/

We stayed overnight at Manapouri Holiday Park which where owners had collected all the Morris Minors ever exported to NZ (it seemed)

On the day you collect the MH, go straight to an area where returning MHers leave all their unwanted goodies. These hire vans come with minimal things so pick up useful items like buckets or bowls, sharp knives and any other kitchen stuff, just grab what you can, if someone bought it they needed it!
We had a 4 berth for 2 and were grateful for the extra pillows and duvets on chilly nights.

We did both, and doubtful sound was exceptional, we also liked the Jet boat experience on the Wairue river If you don’t mind getting wet,
For wild life Stewart island takes some beating, penguins/ seals / albatrosses/Orcas and so much more,

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