Road Trip to New Zealand, 25 January – 09 February 2025
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.
This picturesque location, nestled in the heart of the South Island, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The area is dominated by a stunning turquoise lake, the result of glacial meltwater from the Southern Alps. The lake's vibrant color is due to fine rock particles, known as glacial flour, suspended in the water. The lake is the second largest of three roughly parallel alpine lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin.
The area's history is steeped in Maori legend. According to local lore, the lake was created by the tears of a young warrior named Haerenga. He wept for his lost love, and his tears formed the lake. The name of the area is derived from a Maori term meaning 'source of precious stone', a reference to the greenstone found in the surrounding hills.
The region offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Hiking, cycling, and fishing are popular pastimes, with numerous trails and spots to explore. The lake itself is a haven for water sports, including kayaking and boating. The area is also a popular destination for stargazing, as it is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.
The area is also home to the Mount Cook National Park, which boasts the highest peak in New Zealand. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views of the Southern Alps. The park is a popular destination for mountaineering and offers a range of trails for all levels of hikers.
The region's unique landscape has also made it a popular location for filmmakers. The area was used as a filming location for the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, with the lake and surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop for the epic fantasy saga.
The area's natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, this location has something to offer everyone.
The area's history is steeped in Maori legend. According to local lore, the lake was created by the tears of a young warrior named Haerenga. He wept for his lost love, and his tears formed the lake. The name of the area is derived from a Maori term meaning 'source of precious stone', a reference to the greenstone found in the surrounding hills.
The region offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Hiking, cycling, and fishing are popular pastimes, with numerous trails and spots to explore. The lake itself is a haven for water sports, including kayaking and boating. The area is also a popular destination for stargazing, as it is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.
The area is also home to the Mount Cook National Park, which boasts the highest peak in New Zealand. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views of the Southern Alps. The park is a popular destination for mountaineering and offers a range of trails for all levels of hikers.
The region's unique landscape has also made it a popular location for filmmakers. The area was used as a filming location for the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, with the lake and surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop for the epic fantasy saga.
The area's natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, this location has something to offer everyone.
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.