Destinations
Follow our route and explore some of the things we've seen during our travels...
New Zealand
Setting off with "Bethell" on October 14 (after a bit of a delay), we headed into Northland, hoping to find the warm and sunny weather that escaped us during our first two weeks in Auckland. We had heard that the South Island is 'where it's at,' but seeing that we weren't in a rush, figured we would give it some time to work it's way into spring and summer and heat up a bit for us. We were pleased with our approach. Over the next 3 months, we explored New Zealand from tip to tip, reaching Cape Reinga at the top and Slope Point at NZ's southern fringes. In between, we hiked our way to mountain tops, hitch-hiked and biked our way through wine country, and spent some time 'holed up' in a post-earthquake experience that in the end blessed us with new-found friends and family. Eventually, we decided to settle into Taupo, find some jobs and explore the 'steamy landscape' of the geothermal Waikato region. Below, you can explore our route, as well as links to info on the things we did in each region. If you'd like to get in touch with us and chat about our experience in any one place, or in New Zealand overall, visit our contact page and drop us a line!
Northland
No doubt, our highlight was Tapotupotu Bay and the hike to Cape Reinga. But we also enjoyed getting acquainted with New Zealand at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, learning the history of Aotearoa's founding at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, and spelunking the Waipu Caves in the company of thousands of 'glowworms.' Whangarei Falls is also a worthy stop for a short walk and picnic lunch.
Oct 27 - Nov 8
Marlborough & Kaikoura
Speaking of abundant vineyards and great wines, New Zealand's Marlborough Region is world-renowned. You could easily spend days taking in all the cellar doors, but be sure to include some tastings from the Moa Brewery as well. Further south, you can visit the 'world famous in New Zealand' Seafood BBQ in Kaikoura, though we're not sure when this stretch of scenic, coastal State Highway 1 will re-open. If you can get through, balance out your Raglan experience and stop off in Mangamaunu first to surf the right point break there.
Nov 30 - Dec 8
Otago and Southland
It wasn't a strong element of our original plan, but after meeting a friendly couple from Dunedin during our wine tour in Marlborough, we decided to explore the nether areas of NZ - what? Huh? Along the way we were delighted by the quirkiness of Steampunk HQ in Oamaru, taken aback by the ruggedness of the cliffs at Tunnel Beach, and nearly blown away by the howling winds at Slope Point. We survived the gusts, however, as well as the sandflies of the Dart River area near Glenorchy and Kinloch. Our reward was a delicious Fergburger in Queenstown, though we sadly missed the famous meat pies in Arrowtown. Ending with gorgeous views such as Rob Roy Glacier outside Wanaka, we're glad we made it south.
Dec 18 - Dec 21
Tasman
Following Highway 6 inland along the gorgeous Buller River, we headed toward the finer weather of the Tasman region. Known for its royal gala, Braeburn, and "split" apples, Tasman is also home to Abel Tasman National Park, a kayaker's dream. After a night with the Collins family (fellow Kaikoura campers), we ventured to the endless sands of otherworldly Farewell Spit. Speaking of otherworldly, the array of yoga pants and dreadlocks at the Takaka Saturday market provided entertainment during a breakfast that gave us much needed energy for a walk around "Pupu" Springs and a windy kayak venture from Marahau toward Adele Island later in the day.
Dec 26 - Jan 7
Sept 30 - Oct 26
The Coromandel & North Island (round 1)
Seeing Cathedral Cove is surely a must for your tourist bucket list, but hiking the Pinnacles is rightfully one of the 101 Must Do's for Kiwis. Regardless of which category you fall into, if you're a surfer then getting into the lineup at Raglan's iconic left point break at Manu Bay is all you need. Of course there's always the abundant vineyards of Hawke's Bay and the craft beer (and actual) capital, Wellington - if you have time.
Nov 9 - Nov 30
Canterbury
After a bittersweet goodbye to our friends in Kaikoura, we joined a supervised convoy through the Inland Road and spent several days exploring Christchurch and Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Kelsey fell in love with the majestic lupins surrounding Lake Tekapo and Colin, with Kelsey's salmon cooking skills at Lake Pukaki. Though neither of us would say we adored the drenching hike up Hooker Valley in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the natural beauty of the Canterbury region was everything it is said to be.
Dec 8 - Dec 18
West Coast
It seemed as if the rain would follow us forever as we drove across the Haast Pass through the northeastern edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. Nonetheless, the drenched views of the West Coast between Haast and Karangarua were intermittently impressive, especially around Bruce Bay. In between downpours, we were able to view Fox Glacier up close and Mt Cook from a distance, reflecting off Lake Matheson. An early morning at Franz Josef Glacier helped us beat the tourist crowd and gave us time to explore the "Gatorade blue" waters of Hokitika Gorge later in the afternoon. Rising early again the next day also provided a thinner crowd at Punakaiki where we explored the infamous Pancake Rocks.
Dec 21 - Dec 25
the Coromandel & North Island (round 2)
Returning to the North Island, we hit "re-start" at the Auckland airport, collecting our Denver chums, "Norms" and "Bobert." First stop: Hot Water Beach. Over the next several days in "Whiti Citi" we enjoyed the sun and surf around Mercury Bay. Although kayaking was easier this time around, we must admit the 30-something's struggled to make it to midnight on NYE. 2017 began with a tour of Hobbiton, Rotorua's living Maori village at Whakarewarewa, and a geothermal dip at Kerosene Creek. A return to Taupo saw a rough sunset sail on the Barbary, though "black water rafting" the Waitomo Caves was wetter. Surprise attraction of the week: Hamilton Gardens.
Waiheke, Fiordland, & Queenstown
Life on the road pushed us out of our comfort zones. Needless to say, by the end of January we welcomed the visit from Kelsey's mother and step-father, as well as several destinations we hadn't reached with Bethell. The first was Waiheke Island. Known for its vineyards, olive oil, and artsy culture, it was right up Kelsey and Cathy's alley.
Jan 21 - ...
... - Jan 30
From beachy sunshine we moved on to the soggy sounds of Fiordland. While that may sound unpleasant, we actually quite enjoyed the coziness offered by Fiordland Lodge and our night on the Southern Secret in Doubtful Sound. For anyone who wants the majesty of Fiordland but not the crowds at Milford Sound, we'd recommend an excursion similar to ours. After drying off, it was time to revisit Queenstown & Glenorchy and hop on the Dart River Wilderness Jet. Its magnificent mountain views and overall thrill were impressive, but were no match for the final relaxing treat of our extraordinary visit from family - the Matakauri Lodge.
