Road Trip to New Zealand, 25 January – 09 February 2025
Motueka
The seaside village is a perfect overnight stop, offering accommodation at a 3-star garden motel. The motel provides 2-bedroom apartments equipped with a bat...
This charming town, located in the South Island, is a gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Known for its thriving arts scene, it is a haven for artists and creatives who are inspired by the natural beauty of the region. The town is also a hub for the local horticulture industry, with many orchards and vineyards surrounding the area.
Historically, the town was a significant area for the Maori people before European settlement. The fertile land and abundant resources made it an ideal location for early Maori tribes. The town's history is still evident today, with several historical sites and buildings scattered throughout the area.
One of the main highlights of this town is its proximity to the Abel Tasman National Park. This national park is renowned for its golden beaches, clear waters, and native forests. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
The town itself is also worth exploring. It boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town's main street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, offering a range of local produce and crafts. The local market, held every Sunday, is a popular event where locals and visitors alike can purchase fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food.
The horticulture industry plays a significant role in the town's economy. The surrounding area is dotted with orchards and vineyards, producing a variety of fruits and wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours and pick their own fruit during the harvest season.
Despite its small size, this town offers a rich cultural experience. The local iwi, or Maori tribe, plays an active role in the community. Visitors can learn about Maori culture and history through various cultural experiences and events. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating its diverse culture and community.
Overall, this town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and artistic vibrancy. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or an art lover, there's something for everyone in this charming South Island town.
Historically, the town was a significant area for the Maori people before European settlement. The fertile land and abundant resources made it an ideal location for early Maori tribes. The town's history is still evident today, with several historical sites and buildings scattered throughout the area.
One of the main highlights of this town is its proximity to the Abel Tasman National Park. This national park is renowned for its golden beaches, clear waters, and native forests. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
The town itself is also worth exploring. It boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town's main street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, offering a range of local produce and crafts. The local market, held every Sunday, is a popular event where locals and visitors alike can purchase fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food.
The horticulture industry plays a significant role in the town's economy. The surrounding area is dotted with orchards and vineyards, producing a variety of fruits and wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours and pick their own fruit during the harvest season.
Despite its small size, this town offers a rich cultural experience. The local iwi, or Maori tribe, plays an active role in the community. Visitors can learn about Maori culture and history through various cultural experiences and events. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating its diverse culture and community.
Overall, this town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and artistic vibrancy. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or an art lover, there's something for everyone in this charming South Island town.
Auckland
Known for its stunning harbours, it's a place where the urban environment perfectly blends with the natural beauty. The cityscape is a mix of high-rise build...
Queenstown
Known as the Mecca of outdoor leisure activities, this small town of 16,000 people offers over 220 different activities, including bungy jumping. It's nestle...
Fiordland National Park
This expansive reserve, one of the largest in the country, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It is a place where towering peaks mee...
Te Anau
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride across the River Shotover in Fiordland National Park. This high-adrenaline activity lasts about 3 hours, offering unmatc...
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Milford Sound
Located in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu region, this area is rich in waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains, filled with fjords. It boasts lush vegetati...
Pukaki
It's a village next to a lake of the same name, where a hotel is situated. It's a 5 1/2 hour journey, covering 358 km.
Castle Hill Park
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, this area is known for its karst rocks and is historically significant for bouldering with nearly 6,000 cli...
Lake Tekapo
Known for its striking turquoise hue, the lake's color is a result of finely ground rock particles, known as rock flour, carried into the lake by the melting...
Paroa
Located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, it's a small seaside village known for its hotel offering double rooms with bathrooms.
Pancake Rocks
A rocky shore of eroded limestone cliffs, underground caverns and strange formations. High tide compresses waves in the caves, creating natural fountains.
Cape Foulwind
This scenic spot on New Zealand's west coast offers a walking path with various stops to observe seals breeding.
Abel Tasman National Park
It's the smallest National Park in New Zealand, situated on the northern side of the South Island.
Motueka
The seaside village is a perfect overnight stop, offering accommodation at a 3-star garden motel. The motel provides 2-bedroom apartments equipped with a bat...
Wellington
The capital of the North Island is reached by a 4-hour ferry crossing from Picton port. The journey features impressive landscapes and turquoise waters.
Picton
A port town known for its ferry services to the North Island and the capital, Wellington. The ferry journey across the strait takes about 4 hours.
Te Papa Museum
Explore the rich history of New Zealand, captured in wonderful snapshots at a renowned cultural institution in Wellington.
Tongariro National Park
Lake Taupo
Situated on the south side of the country's largest lake, formed in a supervolcano crater, is the village of Turangi. It's a gateway to the spectacular Tonga...
Tongariro
Experience a full-day hike through a unique triple volcanic complex, passing through Soda Springs, the Devil's Ladder, and the rim of Red Crater. Weather per...
Wai-O-Tapu
In the heart of the Pacific, there exists a geothermal wonderland, a testament to the Earth's raw power and beauty.
Lake Rotorua
This picturesque body of water, the second largest in the region, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike
Pohutu Geyser
In the heart of the Pacific, there lies a natural wonder that has been a source of fascination for centuries
Hell's Gate Geothermal Field
The area is renowned for its unique geothermal features, including hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents. The landscape is a stark contrast to the lush gre...
Hobbiton
This enchanting location, a sprawling 12-acre landscape, is a living, breathing tribute to a beloved literary world. It is a place where visitors can step in...
Waitomo Cave
Known for the glowing fireflies Arachnocampa luminosa, endemic to New Zealand, it offers an impressive spectacle with live lights. Explore it by boat.