New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide by Motorhome Republic

7/28/2019 New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide by Motorhome Republic

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http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Map of New Zealand 4

A Rundown of the Regions 5

Driving on New Zealand Roads 8

Ten Practical Things You Need to Know 10

Handling Your Campervan 11

Mapping the Way 12Crossing Cook Strait 13

Invaluable Campervanning Tips 14

NZ Distance Calculator 16

All the Camping Information You Need to Know 17

What You Can Expect from the Weather 19

Geography, Scenery and Wildlife 21

The Indigenous Culture - Maori 23

An Oenophiles Paradise 25

Famous Pubs 27

Eating, Kiwi-Style 28

The Ten Best Beaches in New Zealand 29

50 Places You Absolutely Must Visit! 31

These Boots Were Made For... 39

Lesser-Known Gems from Local Insiders 41

Experiencing Middle Earth 43

Hot n Steamy! 44

Speaking Kiwi 46

Forgotten Anything? A Checklist of Final Things to Consider 47

Planning your Route 48

Touring Routes 49

Sample Itineraries 50

More Handy Sites to Check Out 55


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INTRODUCTION

For generations of New Zealanders,

or Kiwis, setting off in the family

campervan (motorhome or RV) to explore

their magical country at their own pace is

the kind of relaxed, free-spirited holiday

they take for granted. If youre reading

this book, congratulations on making the

decision to follow in their footsteps!

Consisting of two main islands and

several other small ones, New Zealand (or

Aotearoa in Maori meaning Land of the

Long White Cloud) is a perfect destination

for a campervanning holiday. Its friendly,

uncrowded, compact, and is like nowhere

else youll go, in that the landscapeschange from one spectacular vista to

another every 20 minutes or so.

New Zealand is notable for its stunning

scenery (including recognisable locations

from the Lord of the Rings trilogy); its

unique flora and fauna (even if its national

emblem, the kiwi, is a rather odd-

looking flightless bird); its geographical

remoteness (even Australia is nearly

2000kms away); its innovative people (it

was the first country to give women the

vote and Kiwi Sir Edmund Hilary was the

first man to climb to the top of Mt Everest);

its delectable food and wine (Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc and Bluff oysters

anyone...?) and its love of adrenaline-

pumping extreme sports (bungy-jumping

was invented there!).

In New Zealand you can absorb the

fascinating Maori culture, experience

sophisticated cosmopolitan society with a

laid-back twist, and travel to remote spots

its possible no other human has ever even

set foot on.

CAMPERVANNING IS AN IDEAL WAY

TO EXPERIENCE THIS LITTLE SLICE

OF HEAVEN YOU CAN TRAVEL

AT YOUR OWN PACE AND STOP

WHEREVER YOU LIKE, FOR AS LONG

AS YOU LIKE!

Theres a vast number of campsites and

holiday parks dotted all over the country

to accommodate you and campervans to

suit any budget and best of all, theres

an extremely favourable exchange rate to

take your money a lot further.

Read on to get the BEST advice, tips, tricks

and secrets on where to go, what to do,

how to plan and mistakes to avoid, to truly

get the most out of your New Zealand

campervanning holiday.


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4

MAP OF NEW ZEALAND


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North Island

A RUNDOWN OF THE REGIONS

Auckland

The largest and most cosmopolitan city,

with the balmiest climate.

Known as the City of Sails, set amongst

49 volcanoes and surrounded by beaches,

it offers some of the worlds finest sailing,boating and fishing, and in the aftermath

of the 2002-2003 Americas Cup yachting

challenge, many great restaurants, hotels

and bars are thriving.

Galleries and museums abound, and the

city is hugely multicultural with a unique

Polynesian flavour. A great base if yourejust touring the North Island.

Northland & the Coromandel Peninsula

Both regions are within two hours of

Auckland. The beautiful Bay of Islands

to the north is popular with tourists,

travel further upwards and youll find

more secluded beaches. Fishing, diving,

and camping are just some of the major

drawcards, and the region is steeped in

Maori culture. The Coromandel is south of

Auckland, a little more craggy and remote,

and its east coast boasts some top surfbeaches.

Waikato & Bay of Plenty

While the Waikato is home to some pretty

scenery, its main city Hamilton lives in the

shadow of Auckland somewhat and there

isnt a whole lot to attract tourists. The

Waitomo Caves are a highlight though.The Bay of Plenty, however, has a vibrant

beach culture, particularly Mt Maunganui.

Come here for boating, fishing, surfing,

sunbathing and golf.

AUCKLANDS DISTINCTIVE

SKYLINE FRAMES THE

WAITEMATA HARBOUR.


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Rotorua, Taupo &

Tongariro National Park

Home to the majority of NZs thermal

activity, Rotorua offers a uniquegeographical and Maori cultural slice of

NZ life, as well as a plethora of adventure

tourism activities. Combined with Taupo,

the central region is unbeatable in terms

of volcanic landscape, Maori attractions

and things to do. Choose from trout

fishing, mountaineering, skiing (water and

snow), biking and tramping to name a few.

Gisborne & Hawkes Bay

East Cape and Gisborne offer hype-free

insight into Maori culture and the area has

some of the most underrated beaches

and surfing. Gisborne and Hawkes Bay

are significant wine-producing areas, and

while Gisborne is sometimes a little toolaid-back to appeal to tourists, Napiers

Art Deco charms are legendary.

Taranaki & Wanganui

This is where the heart of small-town,

provincial New Zealand lies. Youll also

see breathtaking mountain scenery this

is where Tom Cruises The Last Samurai

was filmed.

Wellington

The capital city of New Zealand,

Wellington is renowned for its rich arts

culture and second-to-none restaurants

and bars. The Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa (known as Te Papa) is

its major attraction and will give a unique

insight into understanding the countryshistory and culture. Pack your scarves

though Wellington is not nicknamed

The Windy City for nothing!

South Island

Nelson & MarlboroughCharacterised by three national parks

and gorgeous golden beaches, Nelson

is known for its hippy feel and arts and

crafts emphasis. The wine-growing region

of Marlborough coupled with the majestic

scenery make this a must-see destination.

THIS PARLIAMENT

BUILDING IN

WELLINGTON ISFONDLY KNOWN

AS THE BEEHIVE.


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Christchurch & Canterbury

A primary starting-point for exploring

the South Island, Christchurch is famed

for its old English feel, Victorian-Gothic

architecture and stunning gardens.

Choose from over 40 wineries, or several

ski fields within a two-hour drive. From

here, day trips to Kaikoura, Hamner and

Methven are all viable.

West Coast & the Glaciers

The top of the West Coast (Westport toKaramea) and the bottom (Haast to the

glaciers) are amazing. The middle bit, not

quite so much. Apart from greenstone

shopping and the Hokitika Wildfoods

Festival (more on that later) its best to just

swiftly make your way to the other end.

Queenstown and Wanaka

This region of New Zealand is astounding

in terms of physical impact. Some say

Queenstown itself is too touristy but its

easy to see why they flock there. Theres

lots to do, lots to see and lots of people.

Wanaka is just as beautiful but has a more

low-key personality than Queenstown.

Milford Sound

This fjord in the south-west is New

Zealands most famous tourist destination,

meaning it also draws thousands of people

each year, even with its remote location.

Its a stunning place, even with up to 50

tourist buses arriving per day.

Dunedin, Southland and Stewart Island

Invercargill and Southland are sleepy, slow

and very friendly, epitomising the famous

Kiwi hospitality.

Dunedin is Gothic-influenced and

somewhat grim during winter, but the

region enjoys a clear, crisp summer. The

volcanic Otago Peninsula is steep, rugged

on one side and with a sheltered micro-

climate on the other and brimming with

wildlife penguins, albatross, seals and

sea lions. Further south are the Catlins

Coast and Stewart Island, magical and

totally unspoiled.

MILFORD SOUND

IS ONE OF NEW

ZEALANDS MOST

POPULAR TOURIST

DESTINATIONS.


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So, youve got your campervan and youreready to go! But driving on New Zealand

roads, not to mention driving a campervan

on New Zealand roads, may be an entirely

different experience than youre used to.

New Zealanders drive on the left side

of the road. If you arent used to driving

on the left side of the road, it might payto rent an automatic campervan and be

extra careful at turns. Remember you

the driver should always be in the

centre of the road.

With its low population densities away

from the cities, New Zealand has only

around 150km of freeway or motorway,but almost 9500km of sealed rural main

roads.

New Zealand roads are generally good

if theyre sealed/bitumen but can be

quite narrow and winding out in the

country. Be aware that many campervanrental companies will not allow you to

drive on unsealed roads, however with

an estimated 98% of the county having

sealed roads, you can get to almost

anywhere in a campervan.

Most roads are two lanes with the

occasional passing lane, with multi-lanehighways in the larger cities.

There are some unique road rules, for

example if youre turning left at a corner

and an oncoming car is turning right at

the same time, the oncoming car has

right of way. Its generally just a good

idea to always give way to the right.

You may have to stop for flocks of sheep

of herd of cattle being moved across the

roads.

DRIVING NEW ZEALAND ROADS

NEW ZEALAND ROADS

ARE GENERALLY GOOD

IF THEYRE SEALED BUT

CAN BE NARROW ANDWINDING OUT IN THE

COUNTRY.


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All drivers, including visitors, must

carry their license with them at all

times, although you dont need aspecial license to drive a campervan.

Wear your seatbelt: its an instant $150

fine if youre caught without it. The

police do spot checks for seatbelts and

drunk drivers regularly.

The open road speed limit is 100kmph(62mph); in towns and built-up areas,

50kmph (31mph). The police use speed

cameras, both fixed and mobile.

Maps, speedometers and road signs

are all in kilometres.

At traffic lights, a green arrow means

you can go in the direction indicated

even if the main light is red.

Look out for the green man crossing

sign when turning at traffic lights.

Often your light could be green but you

have to give way to pedestrians before

you can turn.

People under 20 must have a

zero breath alcohol reading, and

people over 20 must not exceed 400

micrograms per litre of breath. Its

hard to judge this for yourself, so the

best advice is to not drink at all before

driving your campervan.

If you hold a valid and current overseas

driver license or international driving

permit, you can drive for a maximum

of 12 months from the date you arrive

in New Zealand.

Many roads in New Zealand have one

lane bridges on them, where vehicles

travelling in one direction must give

way to vehicles going in the other

direction. The smaller red arrow on

the sign shows which direction has

to give way.

MAKE SURE YOU STAY

WITHIN THE SPEED

LIMIT AT ALL TIMES

AS POLICE USE BOTHHIDDEN & MOBILE

SPEED CAMERAS.


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TEN PRACTICAL THINGSYOU NEED TO KNOW

1. For emergency services police,

ambulance and fire dial 111.

2. You need a passport valid for three

months after your departure date

and fully paid tickets for your return,

but you dont need vaccination

certificates or visas if you dont intendto work. During your stay youre

covered by Accident Compensation

including free medical care, although

this doesnt cover loss of earnings

outside new Zealand. Its still a good

idea to get travel insurance.

3. Electricity is using a three-prongedplug and is 230 volts, so American

110 volt items should not be used

(the exception being electric shavers

which often have special outlets).

Adaptors can be purchased easily.

4. Internet cafes are prolific in New

Zealand, almost every small town willhave at least one.

5. ew Zealand operates a decimal

currency system based on dollar and

cent denominations as follows:

Single Coins: 10; 20; 50; 1$; 2$.

Single Notes: $5; $10; $20; $50; $100

6. Tipping isnt expected for service

anywhere however if you feel it

was exceptional, it is most definitely

appreciated.

7. NZ time is 12 hours ahead of GMT,

and in the summer (Oct-Mar) clocks

are put one hour ahead.

8. Many payphones accept credit cards

and all towns and cities and most

places in between have cellular

coverage. All major credit cards are

accepted in most places.

9. The country code for New Zealand is+64. When calling from outside the

country, first dial the country code,

followed by the city code (eg 03),

but without the zero. For directory

assistance within NZ, call 018.

10. Tourist Information FM radio

provides visitors with a history andculture of each area, the availability

of local services, accommodation

and activities 24 hours a day. A blue

road sign will tell you if youre in a

broadcast area with transmission

on frequency 88.2FM (100.4FM for

German language and 100.8FM for

Japanese).


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HANDLING YOUR CAMPERVAN

Check with your individual campervan

company, but generally your insurance

will be deemed invalid if you drive

on the following roads as they are

unsuitable for campervans: 90 Mile

Beach (the Far North); North of Colville

Township (top of the Coromandel

Peninsula); Ball Hut (Mt Cook region);

Skippers Canyon (Queenstown region);

or above the carpark at any ski field.

Snow chains may be required in certain

areas, again, check with your rental

company.

Campervans are taller than most

passenger vehicles so know the

clearance height required and consider

things like service station canopies andlow-hanging branches.

Some highways either restrict or

recommend non-use for vehicles over a

certain length, so research which roads

you can travel and how to access them.

Always bear in mind that campervans

are heavy and require longer braking

distances than youre probably used to.

If you are going to tow something

behind you, consider whether your

campervan can carry the extra

weight up steep mountains or

slippery surfaces. Make sure the

hitch attachment is secure, and

also consider the total length of the

campervan and attachment combined.

Before each leg of your trip, make sure

you thoroughly check the following

on your campervan: electrical and

plumbing systems; integrity of the LPG

tank; fluids, brakes and tyres; angleof mirrors; and the hitch and coupling

system.

Be aware of driver fatigue. Stop

regularly and if you feel sleepy, make

sure you pull over.

KEEP IT CLEAN, GREEN AND SAFE

Protect plants and animals theyre unique

and often rare

Remove rubbish carry out what you

carry in

Keep streams and lakes clean whenwashing, take the water and wash things

away from the source, and let soapy water

soak through soil to be filtered

Take care with fire douse with water and

check ashes before leaving (preferably use a

portable fuel stove)

Keep to the tracks theres less risk of

damaging fragile plants and ecosystems Respect the countrys heritage many

places in New Zealand have spiritual

and/or historical significance


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MAPPING THE WAY

New Zealand is the perfect country for

touring by campervan as its big enough

to have a huge array of attractions, and

small enough that you can actually get to

see most of them.

New Zealand is 1,600km long and 450km

at its widest part. Covering an area of

approximately 270,500 square kilometres

(all islands combined), its about the size

of Japan or the UK (although with far

less people 4.1 million) or the state of

California.

ITS SUGGESTED IF YOU WANT

TO TOUR BOTH ISLANDS THAT

YOU SPEND 40% OF YOUR TIMEIN THE NORTH ISLAND AND

60% IN THE SOUTH.

Another good rule is to plan to travel

around 2-300km comfortably per day.

Allow a few nights in one location to avoid

having to travel every day.

Youll receive a set of maps when you hire

your campervan. One of the best general

maps is issued by the AA, who also

sell other, more detailed maps. Wises

also produce an excellent map which is

available at most bookshops, stationers

and petrol stations.

There is also a series of seven incredibly

useful highway route planners available

at visitor centres throughout the country.

They include titles like The Twin Coast

Discover Highway and The Classic New

Zealand Wine Trail, and detail the best

features along the way.

The websitewww.nztourmaps.comhas

an excellent map of scenic routes in New

Zealand including scenic locations, and

detailed maps of both islands.

HERDS OF SHEEP

MAY SOMETIMES

CAUSE TRAFFICJAMS ON REMOTE

RURAL ROADS.


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CROSSING THE COOK STRAIT

Most of the campervan hire companies

will book this for you at a discounted

rate when you hire your campervan.

Be careful though the price they

charge to do this varies wildly. Most

will be cheaper than booking it

directly some wont. Do the math.

Remember, though, that you wont

be able to book direct tickets from

overseas.

You can purchase flexi-tickets if you

havent decided on the date of your

crossing, although these are subject to

availability. Its preferable to pick a date

and be guaranteed.

When comparing the rates your rental

company is offering against booking

directly, remember there are two ferry

companies that cross the strait The

Interislander and Bluebridge Ferry

Services.

There are several sailings a day in both

directions across Cook Strait but try to

make the crossing in daylight - the run

down Queen Charlotte Sound is quite

beautiful.

Other options (if you leave your

campervan behind for the day) are The

Lynx, a fast catamaran that operates

in the summer months (which takes

an hour and three quarters), or flying

over with SoundsAir. You could even

send the campervan over on the ferry,

shuttle to the airport and fly over to get

more time on the other side.

THE 92KM VOYAGE

TAKES 3 HOURS AND

HAS BEEN DESCRIBED

AS ONE OF THE MOSTBEAUTIFUL FERRY

RIDES IN THE WORLD.

If you plan on touring both the North and South Islands in your campervan, youllneed to book a Cook Strait ferry crossing between Wellington and Picton.


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Take soft and collapsible luggage, not

rigid suitcases, to fit in the often small

storage compartments in campervans.

Be aware of nocturnal animals such

as possums when driving at night. Too

often people lose control of their vehicles

trying to dodge them. Just keep driving!

Baggage areas at the international

airports are patrolled by sniffer dogs

whose priority is actually finding fruit and

vegetables, not just drugs! Forgetting

an apple in your backpack can cost you

$200 in an instant fine.

Dont try and tick off too may sights intoo short a time, or you will spend your

whole trip looking out the window of your

campervan.

Get off the well-trodden tourist routes

and interact with the locals to discover

parts of New Zealand that are generally

reserved for local knowledge.

Youll also find many of your fellow

campervanners are New Zealanders

getting out of the cities. Successful

campervanning relies on matey-ness,

at which Kiwis excel.

Visitors underestimate the power of

the sun in New Zealand because the

temperatures arent extreme. In fact,

a combination of very little air pollution

and a thinning of the earths protective

ozone layer over New Zealand means

the burn times are vicious (as short as

12 minutes). Apply waterproof SPF30+

frequently, and cover up with sunhats,clothing and sunglasses.

If you do get badly burnt, take an

anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen,

moisturise frequently, drink loads of

water and avoid more sun.

INVALUABLE CAMPERVANNING TIPS

SUCCESSFUL

CAMPERVANNING

RELIES ON MATEY-NESS,AT WHICH KIWIS EXCEL.

Photo from KEA Campers.


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Also avoid applying aloe vera unless

you are certain its pure many highly-

coloured versions actually have a highalcohol content which further dry out the

skin.

Two Kiwi favourites that are highly

accessible when travelling are mince

pies (a flaky, high-calorie meat pie),

and battered fish and chips wrapped

in paper. Approach both with caution unless you brought elastic pants.

When parking at a holiday park,

unspoken etiquette is to position your

van so your sliding door does not face

your neighbours door. That way you can

avoid enforced chit chat and retain some

privacy.

Levelling blocks can be handy if you

dont like sleeping on an angle, but

planks (or VERY thick cardboard) are

also worthwhile to place under your

wheels as you park if it looks like it will

get very muddy.

Bring all the essentials, but dont

overpack. Do you really need more than

one pair of the same type of shoe? Youllbe glad for any square inch of extra

space to live in inside your campervan

IF YOU WANT TO TOUR

BOTH ISLANDS, PLAN TO

STAY AT LEAST THREE

WEEKS. YOULL NEED TENDAYS TO DO EACH ISLAND

COMFORTABLY

Remember not to leave any valuables in

your vehicles or use the safes provided

in some vehicles to avoid theft, which is

unfortunately quite common in NZ.

If you are travelling in rural and remote

country areas around New Zealand

make sure that the gas and petrol or

diesel tank is full as fuel stations are

more widely spread.

MAKE SURE YOU PLAN

FOR PLENTY OF TIME

TO PROPERLY ENJOY

EACH SIGHT.



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These travel distances

are shown in kilometers,

with 1km equalling

.621miles. For example,

the distance to travel

by road from Auckland

to Paihia is 241 km or

150 miles, from Kaitia to

Paihia is 116 km or 72

miles.

North Island Travelling Distances

South Island Travelling Distances

NZ DISTANCE CALCULATOR

Be aware that although

you may have calculated

the distance to get

somewhere, you should

allow for the fact that

many New Zealand

roads are very winding

and it might take you

considerably longer than

you estimated simply from

the length in kilometres.

Auckland

Cape Reinga

Gisborne

Hamilton

Kaitia

Masterton

NapierNew Plymouth

Paihia

Palmerston North

Rotorua

Taupo

Thames

Wanganui

Wellington

441

647

538

509

426

235

126

368

279

454

325

241

114

657

1088

979

950

867

676

567

809

720

895

116

232

450

1098

448

393

215

291

400

609

334

467

834

750

415

547

521

412

300

109

242

153

328

451

367

108

531

962

863

751

560

693

594

779

116

441

982

109

233

450

346

368

181

888

581

99

178

229

415

147

252

667

360

332

237

319

289

163

609

350

356

779

476

520

695

346

898

341

259

74

472

143

82

313

159

460

231

213

378

436

591461

Athurs Pass

Christchurch

Dunedin

Franz Josef

Haast

Hanner Springs

Hokitika

Invercargill

Kaikoura

Milford Sound

Mt Cook

Nelson

Picton

Qeenstown

Westport

150

253

914

451

102

412

248

668

390

560

399

311

468

200

135

764

360

252

418

408

578

428

487

579

183

340

333

495

402

570

331

567

217

790

283

424

545

702

695

395

686

140

500

581

470

408

146

510

531

280

549

554

294

356

435

615

262

658

677

426

899

256

466

714

306

620

137

285

218

825

478

720

330

547

373

392

145

280

445

1107

187

947

919

861

947

514

245

669

157

329

558

1155

307

1104

966

759

266

671

664

914

110

226

826

288688


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CAMPING INFORMATIONYOU NEED TO KNOW

When you arrive in each new town,

its best to head straight to the Visitor

Information Centre, or i (information)

site, generally located in the centre

of town. The staff will give you advice

and brochures on anything thats of

interest.

Campgrounds or holiday parks in

New Zealand are generally of a high

standard and usually cost around

$7-$15 per person, per night. Booking

isnt usually necessary except in peak

season (around Christmas and New

Year). You can choose to stay everynight at a campground, or certain

nights to use the extra facilities.

Most campgrounds will let you use the

facilities without staying the night for a

small charge.

Luckily, New Zealand has pretty liberal

laws when it comes to free camping.

As a general rule you are okay to park

up in most places such as off the

road or by a beach or riverside unless

theres a sign prohibiting overnight

camping. All thats asked in return isrespect for the environment and the

locals. Be sensible and dont park

anywhere that restricts others, or

anywhere that might interfere with

nature.

Also make sure youre not on private

property!

Some councils are now making certain

regions no free camping zones

though, so just be aware of this. Its

usually best to pull off the road and

park behind some trees.

BE SENSIBLE AND DONT

PARK ANYWHERE THAT

RESTRICTS OTHERS,

OR ANYWHERE THATMIGHT INTERFERE WITH

NATURE.



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Its generally legal to do this, but if

you arent sure, or havent seen the

sign, you could have yourself rudely

awakened! Discretion usually helps.

The backbone of New Zealands

amazing opportunities for holidays

like this is the huge number of

campsites available. The range from

having self-catering facilities such as

hookups, pools, barbecue areas and

cabin accommodation, to being simple

grassed areas with toilet facilities (and

yes, this may just be a long drop, or

pit toilet).

There are too many campgrounds in

New Zealand to list them all here

the DOC runs 235 alone. Check

out http://www.jasons.com/New-

Zealand/camping-and-holiday-parks

for a comprehensive list.

What to do with rubbish and waste

EACH CITYS I-SITE

WILL POINT YOU

TOWARDS THE BEST

ATTRACTIONS.

The website:

http://www.tourism.govt.nz/Our-Work/Our-Work-Summary-page/Dump-Station-Guide/

has a list of over 600 dump stations throughout the country for campervan users toilet and

waste water. Youre doing the environment a favour when you use these.

Most holiday parks will have a rubbish collection facility.


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MOST PLACES IN

NEW ZEALAND GET

OVER 2000 HOURSOF SUNSHINE PER

YEAR.

New Zealand is described as having a

temperate maritime climate, but that

makes it sound less complex than it really

is! Ranging from warm subtropical in the

far north to cool temperate climates in the

far south, with severe alpine conditions in

the mountainous areas, its often a little

unpredictable and can change rapidlywithin a short time.

New Zealand doesnt experience a

large temperature range, but cold

fronts or tropical cyclones can quickly

blow in, so be prepared with your

clothing when youre away from your

campervan

The North Island has a warmer,

milder climate. The Auckland average

summer temperature is 21C/70F and

winter is 11C/52F, and the west of the

island receives slightly more rain than

the east

The South Island is cooler. Dunedins

average summer temperature is

15C/59F and winter 6C/42F. The

contrast in rainfall is much greater

due to the Southern Alps, with the

west coast being the wettest place in

New Zealand and the east coast the

driest

Most places in New Zealand get over

2000 hours of sunshine per year, and

during summer months daylight can

last until 9pm. In winter it generally

starts to get dark around 5.30pm

Sometimes during winter, in theSouth Island and the centre of the

North Island roads may be closed due

to snow and ice. The New Zealand

AA can provide you with up to date

conditions in these areas

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTFROM THE WEATHER


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SPRING

Spring lasts from September to

November, and can quite unpredictablybe almost any combination of warm,

dry, humid, raining, cold, frosty or hot!

Its an exciting time in New Zealand,

with thousands of newborn lambs, lots

of beautiful blossoms (check out the

blossom festivals in both Alexandra in

Central Otago or Hastings in Hawkes

Bay), and melting snow making riverwater levels exhilaratingly high if you

want to go white water rafting.

SUMMER

Summer spans December to February

(although sometimes carries on a

bit later if youre lucky!). Expect high

temperatures, lots of sunshine, long days

and mild nights. This is the time to visit

New Zealands many amazing beaches

and lakes (most of which are safe for

swimming) and get into some of the

watersports on offer.

AUTUMN

Lasting from March until May, its

starting to cool down but it is stillpossible to squeeze in a few last swims

at the beach. New Zealands native flora

is evergreen but there are also many

deciduous trees around so its still a

colourful season.

WINTER

June until August sees much colder

temperatures all over the country and

more rainfall in the North Island. If youre

going to New Zealand in winter, thermal

and waterproof clothing are musts. The

mountain ranges become snow-covered,

providing great skiing and snowboarding.

Although the South Island is colder

than the north, the east coast in fact

experiences very little rain so this is a

great time to visit glaciers and mountains.

THE CHURCH OF THE

GOOD SHEPHERD AT

LAKE TEKAPO IN THESOUTH ISLAND HAS

SPECTACULAR VIEWS.


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GEOGRAPHY, SCENERY & WILDLIFE

North of Auckland are sub-tropical

beaches and huge kauri and giant fern

forests, and to the south is the central

thermal plateau. You can see some

of the largest planted forests in the

world, steaming volcanoes, ski-fields,

and New Zealands largest lake, Lake

Taupo, all within a few hours as youmove down the island.

In the South Island, the Southern Alps

divide its entire length, creating some

of the most beautiful, rugged tracks on

earth. There are around 360 glaciers in

the Southern Alps, the largest of which

is the Tasman Glacier, 29 kilometres

long.

Fiordland, named a World Heritage

site by the UN, is the home of Milford

and Doubtful Sounds, and Mitre Peak,

which Sir Ernest Rutherford described

as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The coastal plains of Canterbury and

Southland round off the South Islands

unique geography.

New Zealand was once part of

Australia (although never mention

that to a Kiwi!) but drifted away on adifferent tectonic plate long enough

ago to have its own distinctive flora

and fauna.

These include flightless birds such as

the kiwi and the yellow-eyed penguin,

and a primitive lizard called a tuatara.

Introduced predators have killed off

many of the original inhabitants, and

possums are so prolific and damaging

to New Zealands native bush even

the WWF approves their commercial

harvesting.

LAKE WAKATIPU

IN QUEENSTOWN

IS HOME TOFASCINATING

WILDLIFE.


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New Zealand wildlife is notable for

its lack of poisonous creatures (aside

from the very rare katipo spider)

and you dont have to watch out for

snakes - there are none in the country

whatsoever.

The native forests are warm-

temperate, evergreen rainforest of

podocarps (rimu, totara, matai and

kahikatea) with associated evergreen

tree species and giant tree ferns.

FIVE TIPS FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY1. Simplify

Less is more. Emphasise the main

point - although not at the expense of

perspective. Eliminate the unimportant,

but keep things in context.

2. Sharpen

Know your limitations when it comes to

handheld images. Obtain a good tripod

and learn to use it youll be amazed at

the difference.

3. Use good equipment

Disposable cameras are out of the

question! They have fisheye lenses

that cram everything in. The better the

camera, the better the picture.

4. Rule of Thirds

Rather than placing subjects in the

middle, position them a third of the way

from either side, implying motion. Place

horizons a third of the way up or down.

5. Safety

No shot is worth injury! Dont hurry, and

lose better judgement. Watch out around

rocks, cliffs, trails and streams.


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THE INDIGENOUS CULTURE - MAORI

MAORI IS A HUGELY

SPIRITUAL CULTURE,

WHICH CONSIDERS

STATUS AND PRESTIGE

TO BE PASSED

DOWN FROM THEIR

ANCESTORS SPIRITS.

New Zealand is home to the Tangata

Whenua (people of the land), the Maori.

History says New Zealand was first

sighted by Polynesian navigator Kupe,

in around 950AD. Around 1350AD, seven

huge migratory canoes (waka) brought the

first Maori to New Zealand from Hawaiiki.

Geographically isolated, they developedtheir own unique culture as they settled

throughout the land.

Maori legend has travelled down history

through song and dance, telling stories

of creation and the gods such as Tane

Mahuta, god of the forest. Maori is a

hugely spiritual culture, which considersstatus and prestige to be passed down

from their ancestors spirits. Ancient Maori

artforms are now considered precious

taonga (treasure) of modern Maori,

therefore artforms such as bone carvings

and greenstone necklaces are considered

tapu (sacred) as they are believed to carry

the original owners spirit.

The marae, or meeting house is still the

centre of Maori communities today. The

whakapapa (family tree) of each iwi (tribe)

is retold through intricate carvings. Visitors

are welcomed to maraes with strict formalprotocol such as a powhiri (welcome) and

hongi (pressing of noses).

NEW ZEALANDS LARGEST

KNOWN KAURI TREE IS ALSO

NAMED TANE MAHUTA.

ITS BETWEEN 1250 AND

2500 YEARS OLD ANDNEARLY 170 FEET TALL.

VISIT IT IN THE WAIPOUA

FOREST IN NORTHLAND.


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Youll be able to experience Maori culture all over New Zealand,

but in particular at:

Rotorua (Tamaki Maori Village, Mitai Maori Village and Te Puia)

Waitangi, Northland (The location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

between Maori Chiefs and the British Crown in 1840)

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington

Auckland War Memorial Museum

National Marae, Christchurch

If youre visiting a marae, there are some important cultural rulesto observe (although they vary with each iwi):

Dont drink, smoke, chew gum or eat inside the whare hui (meeting house)

Take off your shoes before going inside

Dont hang clothes on pictures or carvings

Dont sit on pillows or tables

Dont walk in front of a speaker

MAORI TATTOOS ARE

AMONG THE MOST

DISTINCTIVE IN THE

WORLD.


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AN OENOPHILES PARADISE

VINEYARDS, LIKE

THIS ONE IN

MATAKANA, AREDOTTED ALL OVER

THE COUNTRY.

Chances are, youve it heard mentioned

that New Zealand produces some of

the best wine in the world. Whether you

salivate over sauvignon blanc or go gaga

for gewrztraminer, youre sure to find

the perfect drop in one of the many wine-

growing regions that span the country.

Auckland/Waiheke Island

Thirty minutes west of the city there are

several wineries along Henderson Valley

and Lincoln roads. Try Soljans Estates

winery and cafe, Kumeu River, Matua

Valley and Nobilo. Waiheke Island is east

of Auckland by ferry and is notable for

Stonyridge Estate, Goldwater Estate and

Te Whau. Fullers and Ananda Tours both

offer wine tours.

Gisborne

A small region to the north of Hawkes

Bay, this has the worlds most easterly

vineyards. Go for the chardonnay and

gewrztraminer.

Hawkes Bay

The second-largest wine producing

region. Sample Napiers gorgeous grapes

amongst its pretty Art Deco architecture.

Bordeaux blend reds are prominent here,

as are syrah and chardonnay. In Hawkes

Bay youll find famous wineries such as

Craggy Range, Villa Maria, Babich and Esk

Valley.

Check outwww.onyerbikehb.co.nz/wine-

by-bike-routes.asp for something a bit

different!

Wellington/Wairarapa

One of NZs smallest yet most highly-

acclaimed wine-growing regions, it

includes Gladstone, Masterton and Opaki,

as well as Martinborough in the south.


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Martinboroughs mix of topography,

climate and soil lend it perfectly to

the production of fantastic pinot noir

and other red varietals. See www.martinboroughwinetours.co.nz for a

unique, customised tour.

Marlborough

This is the biggest wine producing region

in New Zealand. Come here for arguably

the worlds best sauvignon blanc the

perfect partner to scallops and green-lipped mussels! Check out www.

marlboroughwinetours.co.nz.

Waipara Valley

Recommended are the Omihi Hills,

Pegasus Bay and Muddy Water pinot

noirs. You may also want to drop in on

international wine consultant Daniel

Schuster at his pretty vineyard, Daniel

Schuster Wines.

South of Waipara

This area includes Amberley, West Melton,

and Banks Peninsula.

The wines round here are generally white,

including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc,

riesling and pinot gris. Wineries include

French Farm and Giessen Estate.

Queenstown and Central Otago

Surrounded by mountains interlaced with

lakes and deep river gorges these are the

most spectacular vineyard settings in New

Zealand. Try Amisfield Winery overlooking

Lake Hayes, Mt Difficulty Wines Cafe and

Olssens Garden Vineyard.

Contact www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz

or www.appellationcentral.co.nz.

INTERESTING FACT -

ST HELENA WINERY NORTH

OF CHRISTCHURCH IS ONE

OF THE FEW NEW ZEALAND

PRODUCERS TO MAKE A PINOT

BLANC.

TRY THE FAMOUS

PINOT NOIR OF

WAIPARA, NORTH

CANTERBURY.


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FAMOUS NEW ZEALAND PUBS

Mussel Inn

New Zealands remotest boutique

microbrewery (producing all their beer,

ales, ciders and house wines on site) is

two hours away from Nelson in the heart

of Golden Bay. Very subtly signposted and

rather like a Kiwi woolshed in appearance,

it is an icon of the region where youcan enjoy live music and simple fare.

Environmentally-oriented, the owners

famously used to use the bribe of a free

beer for every possum killed in a bid to

eradicate the critters!

Pub Cardrona

Cardrona is also the name of a goldrush township between Queenstown

and Wanaka, a ski field and a Wanaka

local beer. The often-photographed local

pub was made famous by an advertising

campaign by the Speights Brewery in

Dunedin, which then capitalised on its

popularity by building replicas of the

distinctive building throughout the country,

including Auckland. Relax at the original in

front of the open fire after a days skiing.

Puhoi PubOne of the first structures to be built by

Bohemian settlers in the 1860s, the relics

of their kauri-felling lifestyle still live on

inside the authentic colonial tavern, which

is just as much museum as pub.

Nestled in the charming historic village

north of Auckland, the pub is saved frombeing fusty by fantastic food and the

friendly bikers who congregate there,

displaying their motorbikes in a shining

array outside.

PUB CARDRONA IS

PART OF A FAMOUS

NEW ZEALANDADVERTISING

CAMPAIGN.


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EATING, KIWI-STYLE

In keeping with the laid-back ethos,

Kiwi dining is generally enjoyed in a

relaxed and informal style. Barbecues

are a huge part of New Zealand

culture.

The cuisine is described as Pacific

Rim, a fusion of European, Asian and

Polynesian influences. Dishes with a

distinctive New Zealand flavour might

include lamb, pork, venison, crayfish,

shellfish (such as scallops, oysters,

pipis, tuatuas, mussels, and paua),

salmon, snapper, kumara (sweet

potato), kiwifruit, or tamarillos .

A traditional Maori feast (hangi) is

cooked in an underground pit lined

with hot stones, where meat and

vegetables are covered up with earth

and left to cook for several hours.

Kiwis sometimes use the Maori word

for food kai.

At the annual Hokitika Wildfoods

Festival, brave people can sample

some slightly more out-there New

Zealand foods such as mountain

merino, venison tongue, sheep eyes,

cicada and pistachio ice cream, or bug

larvae.

New Zealand has many highly-

acclaimed restaurants, serving not

only New Zealand cuisine but Italian,

Indian, Turkish, Thai, French, Greek,

Chinese, Japanese and more. Happily,

many restaurants in New Zealand are

BYO wine it pays to check first as this

can save you a lot of money when you

go out for dinner.

Other Kiwi treats include Gingernut

biscuits, Pavlova (the national dessert),

Pineapple Lumps, hokey pokey ice

cream, and Marmite.

NZ HAS MANY

EXCELLENT

RESTAURANTSSERVING ALL

TYPES OF CUISINE.


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THE TEN BEST BEACHESIN NEW ZEALAND

Coopers Beach

One of the safest beaches in Northland,

it is a small township between two

Maori fortified settlements and one of

the beautiful beaches of Doubtless Bay.

Partially shaded by native red-emblazoned

pohutukawa trees, its perfect for running,

walking, swimming, or just lying.

Cape Kidnappers

Situated in Hawkes Bay, southwest

of Napier, here youll find spectacular

geological cliff formations and a gannet

colony soaring seabirds that nest on the

cliffs. You can get there by overland bus,

beach tractor or on foot (mind the tides).

Kawhia

An old whaling port situated on the North

Islands west coast, much of Kawhias

appeal is its quietness and isolation. When

the tides low, you can sit in your own

hot pool dug in the black sand of Ocean

Beach, where Te Puia Springs bubble up

through the sand.

Whale Bay, Raglan

Famous for its left hand break and

consistently good waves, surfers come

from around the world to this beach in

the Waikato region with its black volcanic

sand to compete in the international

competition held there every summer.

Even if you dont surf, you can still enjoy

the laid-back bohemian lifestyle it creates.

Onetangi Bay, Waiheke Island

Accessible by ferry from Auckland, this

bays wide stretch of golden sand lets you

see for miles. Gaze at the steep pinnacles

of Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier

in the distance, and indulge in deliciously

warm swims.


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Matauri Bay

30kms north of Keri Keri in Northlands

Bay of Islands, Matauri Bay offers

sheltered white sand beaches, fantastic

walking tracks, amazing views and crystalclear waters. The Rainbow Warrior, a

famously ill-fated Greenpeace vessel, was

given its final resting place near Matauri

Bay (at the Cavalli Islands) where it has

now become a living reef, attracting

marine life and recreational divers.

Haast BeachFittingly wide open and windswept for the

South Islands west coast. Strewn with

thousands of huge pieces of driftwood,

this desolate and remote black sand

beach is known as one of New Zealands

most hauntingly beautiful.

Ohope BeachLocated in the Bay of Plenty, here you can

take in breathtaking views of the active

volcano White Island as you stroll around

11kms of unbroken pristine sand which

slopes gently into a wide expanse of safe

warm waves. A great family beach.

Wharariki Beach

An hours drive from Takaka in Golden Bay

(at the tip of the South Island), and a thirty

minute walk over farmland from the road,

this is one of the most dramatic beachviews youll see. Rolling dunes, caves,

rock formations, cliffs, islands and the odd

seal make this surreal landscape almost

Dali-esque.

Piha

A major day-trip destination for

Aucklanders, 45 minutes away on thewest coast, Piha is famous for its rugged

natural beauty, excellent surf, black sand,

treacherous waters and iconic Lion Rock.

Its also worth doing the forest walk to the

pretty, three-tiered Kitekite Falls, where

you can also take a freshwater swim.

PIHA BEACH ON

AUCKLANDS

WEST COAST ISFAMOUS FOR ITS

RUGGED BEAUTY.


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50 PLACES YOU ABSOLUTELYMUST VISIT!

Boat Trip Down Milford Sound1.

Amazing, even in the rain when the

waterfalls pour off the hills that edge

the Sound. The scale of the landscape

is phenomenal.

Scenic Flight Over Mt Cook2.

Well worth the NZ$270 or so it costs.

Even the people who slog through the

snow to get there dont get such a view.

Fiordland3.

Even better on a wet day (not hard, as

its the rainiest place in New Zealand)

a living set of Lord of the Rings. Some

would say its the ultimate must-see.

The East Cape Road4.

Journey back in time as you travel this

remote highway and see wild horses,

stunning coastline, Maori culture and

empty beaches. Its also the first place

in the world to see the sun.

Skippers Canyon5.

Relive the pioneer days as you travel

to an old gold-mining area via a

treacherous road, and bring yourself

back to reality with a bungy jump!

Rental vehicles arent allowed on this

track, so leave the camper behind and

do a 4WD safari.

Kaikoura6.

The Dolphin Encounter lets you

swim with or watch the delightfully

exuberant dusky dolphin. Dont be

surprised to see whales off this

beautiful coastline either.

Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki7.

These thirty-million-year-old

limestone formations on the South

Islands west coast are huge and look

like sky-high stacks of grey pancakes.

MAKE SURE YOU SEE

THE PANCAKE ROCKS

AT PUNAKAIKI ONTHE SOUTH ISLANDS

WEST COAST.


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A GUIDED WALK

ON FRANZ JOSEF

GLACIER IS ANEXPERIENCE YOU

WONT FORGET.

Queen Charlotte Sound8.

Take the scenic loop from Picton to

the little fishing village of Havelock

to admire the bush-clad sounds andindulge in green-lipped mussels.

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers9.

One of the few places on earth youll

see glaciers this close to the ocean,

creeping down from the Southern

Alps to the untouched rainforest.

Hamilton Gardens10.

Stretched along the banks of the

Waikato River, this relatively new

143-acre reserve contains an English

herb garden, an Italian Renaissance

garden, a Japanese contemplation

garden and scented gardens to name

a few.

Blue and Green Lakes, Rotorua11.

From the stately redwood forest on the

edge of town, past the Blue and Green

Lakes to the Buried Village and Lake

Tarawera, there are plenty of jaw-

dropping sights to see.

Aucklands Waterfront12.

Drive from downtown along the curving

seaside Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay

for a fabulous view of the North Shore,Rangitoto and Browns Island plus a

peek at Aucklands cafe culture.

Hicks Bay13.

Stop at the high point above Hicks Bay

before you descend into Te Araroa to

see New Zealands largest pohutukawa

tree and the East Cape Lighthouse.

Wellingtons Kelburn Cable Car14.

Above the busy shopping street, youll

catch a view of glass-faced high rises

silhouetted against the harbour. Step

off the cute red cable car and into the

Botanical Gardens which have great

sea views.

Sky Tower, Auckland15.

The best city view not only in New

Zealand, but in the whole Southern

Hemisphere. Enjoy 360 degree views of

Auckland and walk over glass floors to

test your courage.


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Hundertwasser Toilets, Kawakawa16.

Hold on until Kawakawa to have

your most memorable public toilet

experience ever! Designed by ecologist,

architect and artist Friedensreich

Hundertwasser, they feature quirky

copper handwork, sculptures, mosaics

and tufts of grass on the roof.

Cape Reinga17.

The windswept northernmost tip of

New Zealand, where the Tasman

Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

Its marked by a lighthouse and a

pohutukawa tree that holds great

Maori spiritual significance.

The Blue Spring at Putaruru18.

Wander the Te Waihou walkway at

remote Putaruru (between Tokoroa

and Tirau on SH1), along the Waihou

Stream. Its fed by an underground

spring that produces the most amazing

turquoise, crystal-clear water thats

then bottled in the town and sold

nationally and internationally.

Mt Taranaki19.

This picture-perfect mountain is

arguably the most impressive-looking

in NZ and only a thirty minute drive

from most towns in the region. Enjoy

stunning views of waterfalls and forest,

go for a day-long hike, or take your skis

or snowboard.

Mt Maunganui20.

A favourite holiday spot for Kiwis

thanks to its golden bay and busy

beach culture in summer. Trek 45

minutes to the summit of The Mount

for a great view of the Bay of Plenty.

Dunedin21.

A unique combination of cultural

riches, fine architecture, and world-

famous wildlife reserves. A university

city with strong Scottish heritage, its

also New Zealands oldest city.

CAPE REINGA

LIGHT HOUSE AT

NORTH CAPE IS ATTHE NORTHERNMOST

TIP OF NEW ZEALAND.


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Auckland War Memorial Museum22.

After a significant revamp, this

beautiful structure houses some

excellent interactive attractions,as well as the largest Maori and

Polynesian section in the world.

Eastwoodhill Arboretum23.

Situated near Gisborne and said to be

one of the most magical places in the

country, this is one mans lifes work

and contains over 3,500 species. The

colours are particularly amazing in

autumn.

Nugget Point24.

You may not have seen another human

for hours by the time you get there.

From the wild, windswept Catlins

promontory youll see seals, penguins

and seabirds galore.

Rangitoto Island25.

Created by a volcanic eruption

around 600 years ago, this stunningly

symmetrical, circular island is

accessible by ferry from Auckland

and offers a walk through forested

wilderness to the cones tip to view the

city from a new angle.

Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua26.

The NZ Tourism Awards Supreme

Winner in 1998, this recreation of an

ancient Maori village shows Maori life

pre-European settlers. Learn about the

culture and eat from a traditional hangi

(dug-out ground oven).

Puzzling World, Wanaka27.

After experiencing the huge maze, the

Illusion Rooms, the Forced Perspective

Room and the Tilted House, you may

never view the world the same again! A

family attraction with a difference.

Craters of the Moon, Taupo28.

Named for its other-worldly

atmosphere, this 30-minute walk

through a geothermal park gives you

amazing views of bubbling craters,

mud pools and steam vents from well-

formed pathways and elevated viewing

platforms.

RANGITOTO ISLAND

IN AUCKLANDS

HAURAKI GULFOFFERS A NEW

VIEW OF THE CITY.


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THE GOLDEN SANDS

OF ABEL TASMAN

NATIONAL PARK ARE

WORLD-FAMOUS.

Horse riding at Pakiri Beach29.

A fabulous nature experience. Ride

through native bush, over rolling

farmland and down dramatic Pakiri

Beach with views out to the islands.

Arrowtown30.

After checking out the arts and crafts

and local wineries in this quaint town,

take a walk to see fantastic views,

historic places, or relics from the gold

rush of the 1860s.

Marlborough Sounds31.

A stretch of deep coves and remote

bays surrounded by native forest, this

is a lush wilderness full of rare birds,

dolphins, penguins and seals, as well

as an array of pursuits such as fishing,

diving, kayaking and hiking.

White Island32.

New Zealands only active marine

volcano is accessible by boat off the

coast of Whakatane.

Youll see steaming tunnels and sheer

cliff faces, a crystal blue crater lake

covered in white mist, and the eerie

ruins of an old factory.

Aucklands West Coast33.

Just a short drive from the city lies

a native rainforest and rugged wild

coastline flanked by the Waitakere

Ranges, formed by volcanic eruptions

millions of years ago. These also

created the distinctive black sand at

these famed beaches such as Piha,

Muriwai, Karekare and Bethells.

Abel Tasman National Park34.

Located at the top of the South Island,

this park features golden sandy

beaches, rocky granite outcrops and

the world-famous Abel Tasman CoastTrack. If you dont make it to the track,

hiring kayaks at Motueka will make for

a very memorable experience.


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The Putangirua Pinnacles35.

This trek can be done in a day, but it

is recommended to stay overnight in

the hut. Climb to the peak and see

360 degree views of the Coromandel

Peninsula, the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay

of Plenty and the Hauraki Plains.

Stewart Island36.

New Zealands third-largest Island is

accessible from Bluff over Foveaux

Strait. Its a trampers paradise, a

stunning ecological sanctuary and

extremely peaceful. Youve got a good

chance of spotting a kiwi in the bush

here.

Queenstown37.

Mountains and lakes provide the

backdrop to New Zealands adventure

capital. Go white water rafting, bungy

jumping, skydiving, jet boating or

zorbing, where youre rolled down a

grassy hill in an inflatable clear plastic

ball.

Napier38.

A huge earthquake in 1931 and the

subsequent rebuilding made it one of

the purest Art Deco cities in the world.

SIP DELICIOUS HAWKES

BAY WINES AMONGST THE

ARCHITECTURE AND CHECK

OUT THE HUGE ART DECO

WEEKEND IF YOURE THERE

IN FEBRUARY.

Te Papa39.

One of the largest national museums

in the world, this giant new structure

on Wellingtons waterfront is said to be

five years ahead of its time. A magical

interpretation of New Zealandsbicultural heritage, you could spend

all day here.

ENJOY QUEENSTOWN

AT DUSK WITH

THE REMARKABLERANGES IN THE

BACKGROUND.


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Christchurchs Botanic Gardens40.

Christchurch is known as The Garden

City, so this place has a lot to live up

to and does.

WEEPING CHERRIES,

DAFFODILS, BLUEBELLS

AND HUGE OAKS CAPTURE

CHRISTCHURCHS

DISTINCTLY ENGLISH

FLAVOUR.

The Milford Road41.

Called one of the best drives in the

world, it offers primeval rainforest,

mirror-like lakes, waterfalls, colourful

moss and lichens and snowy sheer

mountain faces, as well as the slightly

daunting historic Homer Tunnel.

Waiheke Island42.

35 minutes ferry away from Auckland,

Waiheke boasts a sub-tropical climate,

100kms of biscuit-coloured beaches,

award-winning wineries, galleries and

museums and a strong sense of island

community.

Tongariro National Park43.

New Zealands oldest national park

and a dual World Heritage area, a

status which recognises the parksimportant Maori cultural and spiritual

associations.

Queenstowns Skyline Gondola44.

The steepest lift in the Southern

Hemisphere, this cableway will take

you to Bobs Peak for some clean

crisp mountain air and unsurpassedviews of The Remarkables and Lake

Whatipu.

Lake Taupo45.

New Zealands (and the Southern

Hemispheres) largest lake, it offers

swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing,

boating and more, next to a laid-back

little town. You can also snow ski,

mountain bike, hike and trout fish in

the area.

TREES BLOSSOM IN

CHRISTCHURCHS

FAMOUS BOTANIC

GARDENS.


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38

Auckland46.

Sometimes seen as just a landing

port, Auckland is worth staying in fora few days to experience fantastic

specialty shopping, exciting nightlife

and attractions such as the Harbour

Bridge Climb and Kelly Tarltons

Underwater World.

Te Puke47.

The self-proclaimed world kiwifruitcapital, this is evident by a giant

kiwifruit sculpture.

Paihia48.

The gateway to the balmy Bay of

Islands and close to the scene of

some of New Zealands most poignant

history. A great base to jump on a boatand explore the 144 islands and see

some amazing marine life.

Waitomo Caves49.

Take a subterranean journey and

discover an underground labyrinth oflimestone caves and formations.

TAKE A CAVE ECO-TOUR,

SEE THOUSANDS OF GLOW

WORMS, OR GO BLACK

WATER RAFTING NOT FOR

THE FAINT-HEARTED!

Cathedral Cove50.

Accessible from the northern end

of Hahei beach or a track from the

carpark, the beautiful sandy beach

of Cathedral Cove is separated from

Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay by astunning natural rock arch.

CATHEDRAL COVE IN

THE COROMANDEL

PENINSULA IS PERFECTFOR TAKING AMAZING

PHOTOGRAPHS.


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39

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR...

EMERALD LAKES,

IN TONGARIRO

NATIONAL PARK,

ARE PART OF NEW

ZEALANDS BEST

DAY WALK.

NEW ZEALAND HAS MANYGREAT HIKING (TRAMPING)

TRACKS, THE DIVERSITY OF

WHICH WILL AMAZE YOU.

The New Zealand Department of

Conservation (DOC) maintains them all

as well as managing bookings. Here is a

sample of the best, with varying lengths

so you can match them to your skills and

abilities, and have the choice of getting

back to your campervan for the night or

having a mini-adventure over a few days.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

This is said to be the best day walk in NewZealand, which winds its way over Mt

Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe. Its

a combination of many unique and diverse

landscapes like volcanic craters and

glacial valleys, culminating in the huge

sulphurous mountain.

The average walker takes 7-8 hours tocomplete this trek, although make sure

you spend some extra time wandering

around the Mt Doom area.

The Routeburn Track

An internationally renowned and popular

alpine track between Fiordland and

Lake Wakatipu through Mt Aspiring and

Fiordland National Parks, its one of the

DOCs Great Walks.

It has some of the most spectacular

mountain scenery youll ever witness.

Its 32km long and takes around 2-3 days.

Huia Loop Walk, Waitakere Ranges

This is a beautiful scenic track through

young Kauri forest with a view of the

Manukau harbour and a great waterfall

for swimming in.


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40

Its a nice easy one for beginners or those

not looking for too much exertion, and

takes about 3-4 hours (if you dont stop for

a dip).

Milford Track

New Zealands most-renowned track is

a breathtaking alpine journey through

Fiordland National Park. Its so popular

there are some restrictions only 40

people may start it per day, and it must

be completed in the 3-night time frame.

YOULL SEE GLACIER-

ENCRUSTED MOUNTAINS,

THE TALLEST WATERFALL

IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE

SECOND-LARGEST LAKE.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Another of DOCs Great Walks, this is an

easy 3-5 day tramp that offers stunning

coastal views, golden sands and excellent

swimming. Its a popular walk and far

from remote as youll see other people

doing kayak tours, day walking and

coming in to the beaches by water taxi.

Waitakere Dam, tunnels and Anawhata

Stream Loop

This easy 4.5 hour-long walk takes you

through kauri forest, pretty streams, up

ridges for amazing views and past spots

of interest to engineering types (water

supply) and history buffs (kauri felling).

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

A 3-4 day track that follows the shore

of the lake for most of its length and

combines moderate tramping and

amazing opportunities for fishing and

swimming. There is a range of terrain and

bird life is abundant.

For a full list of DOCs Great Walks, visit

their website at www.doc.govt.nz.

Booking is essential.

They also have all the information of

what youll need to bring, planning,

preparation and safety.

MACKINNON PASS ON

THE MILFORD TRACK IS

ONE OF NEW ZEALANDSMOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS.


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41

LESSER-KNOWN GEMS

Theres a lot of information to be hadabout New Zealands main attractions

- but there are also a few places kept a

little more hush-hush to preserve their

specialness from the madding crowds.

But youre about to be let in on a few of the

best ones...

Awana Bay, Great Barrier IslandYoull marvel at why barely 1,500 people

make their home on this 110-square-

mile island. Theres a cosy beach town

that seems a world away from the manic

hustle and bustle of Auckland, and lots of

walking tracks to explore and enjoy the

amazing scenery and wildlife. Get there by

boat or seaplane.

Lake Alexandrina

You would never see this from the road,

or know it was there unless you had spied

it from the summit of Mt John on the

McKenzie Plains. The lake is a cool dark

blue oasis on a dry brown landscape,

only accessible by gravel road and onlysurrounded by very few baches and fishing

huts. Row boats are the only types of

vessels permitted on the lake.

Kerosene Creek, Rotorua

Not a luxury bathing experience by any

means, but one full of charm. Beside a

steaming creek of geothermally-heated

water is a natural spa bath with millions

of bubbles jetting up to the surface, and

further down the path is a small heated

waterfall. About 30km down the highway

towards Taupo from Rotorua, turn into Old

Waiotapu Rd and the springs are about

2km down.

Matai Bay, Northland

While thousands of tourists visit the

nearby Cape Reinga, Matai Bay on the

Karikari peninsula is a stunning expanse

of pure white sand and turquoise water

akin to a tropical island.

MATAI BAY IS ON THE

KARIKARI PENINSULAIN THE FAR NORTH.


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42

Kaikoura Seafood Barbecue

Hidden near the end of Fyffe Quay in

Kaikoura is a little-known mecca forseafood-lovers, serving the freshest ocean

bounty for jaw-droppingly reasonable

prices. Its open seven days a week from

10am till dark.

Waitomo Glow Worm Walk

Dont feel like paying for a cave tour to

see glow worms? Known officially as theRuakuri Natural Tunnel Walk, it snakes

along Waitomo Stream and starts 4km

from the village at a carpark off the

Tumutumu Rd. The 40-minute walk is

lovely in the day, but at night tens of

thousands of glow worms light up the

fern-lined walls.

Dorothy Browns, Arrowtown

A well-kept secret of this historic mining

town, visit this chic boutique cinema

tucked away off the main street.

You can sit on a red fur-lined bean bag

next to a roaring fire and read a book with

a glass of wine underneath the crystalchandeliers while waiting for the movie.

New Chums Beach, Coromandel

You have to clamber over the rocks from

Wainuiototo Bay and ascend a dirt track

through rainforest to access this secluded

strip of sand that looks like a shipwreck

setting out of a Defoe novel, only ablazewith pohutukawa. One of the most

beautiful beaches in New Zealand.

Moeraki Boulders

Hundreds of huge spherical stones, some

up to four metres wide, are strewn along

the beach for a truly magical sight. Their

formation was much like that of an oysterpearl, only on a much larger scale!

WATCHING THE FIRST

LIGHT HIT THE MOERAKI

BOULDERS IN OTAGO IS

A MAGICAL SIGHT.


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EXPERIENCING MIDDLE EARTH

For many visitors, no trip to New Zealand

is complete without a tour of the film

sets that made it so famous. When Peter

Jackson decided to film the Lord of the

Rings trilogy there, the country even

appointed the venture its own minister

to oversee the project! There are several

guided tours of Middle Earth but

just remember that some scenes wereamalgamations of various landscapes

into one, and digital manipulation renders

many unrecognisable. But of course its

still an excellent way to see the countrys

magnificent scenery with an interesting

twist. If you want to do your own tour,

below is a list of some of the locations

used.

North Island

Otaki Gorge Location for much of the

Shire countryside around Hobbiton.

Tongariro National Park Mt Doom and

Mordor were mainly shot here.

Putangirua Pinnacles Aragorn journeyed

through on the Dimholt Road.

Wellington Helms Dep was in the now-

inaccessible Dry Creek Quarry; parts of

the hobbits flight from Nazgul were on

Mt Victoria; the Embassy Theatre saw the

premiere of The Return of the King; and

the city was temporary home to most ofthe actors while filming.

South Island

Nelson Jens Hansen Jewellers made The

One Ring to Rule Them All.

Takaka Hill A beech forest here became

Chetwood Forest.

Mt Owen Near Nelson, this was the

location for Dimrill Dale.

Mt Sunday The foothills of the Alps

became Edoras, capital of Rohan.

Twizel Barren fields to the west of the

town were used for the Battle of Pelennor

fields, although Queenstowns The

Remarkables were put in as the backdrop.

Wanaka The Black Riders chasesequence occurred near here.

Arrowtown and Skippers Canyon

The Ford of Bruinen were shot here.

Queenstown The Pillars of the Kings were

filmed on the Kawerau River near the

bungy bridge; scenes were shot at Deer

Park; parts of The Remarkables became

Dimrill Dale.

Glenorchy Scenes of Isengard and

Lothlorien were filmed here and

Sarumans tower, Orthanc, was digitally

placed into the landscape.

Mavora Lakes The island of Nen Hithoel

was shot here.


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44

THE CHAMPAGNE POOL

AT WAIOTAPU THERMAL

WONDERLAND IS A MAIN

ATTRACTION.

HOT N STEAMY!

The North Island is part of the Pacifics

Ring of Fire and has many active

volcanoes (caused by the Earths

Pacific Plate cramming against the

Indo-Australian Plate). White Island is

constantly erupting, and Mt Ruapehu

last blew in 1995. In Rotorua and Taupo,

hot rocks cause water to boil up as hot

springs, and steam as fountains called

geysers.

Thermal activity is most intense here,

although theres a subterranean band of

it across the North Island, from the Bay

of Plenty down to Tongariro National Park

where Ruapehu sits.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

A 20-minute drive south of Rotorua, the

visitor centre here is the gateway to one

of New Zealands most colourful thermal

environments.

THE WORLD-FAMOUS

CHAMPAGNE POOL, GEYSERS,

HOT MUD AND BUBBLING

LAKES FORM A RAINBOW OF

COLOUR AND STEAMY CHAOS

IN A NATURAL BUSH SETTING.

Its absolutely worth arriving by 10.15am

for the guaranteed daily eruption of the

Lady Knox Geyser.

Craters of the Moon, Wairakei Tourist

Park

This sprang up in the 1950s when

the nearby power station loweredunderground water levels. Its a 30-minute

walk where you can witness not only

steam vents and bubbling geysers but

also lots of interesting plants that have

adapted to thrive in the hot steamy

conditions.


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THE POHUTU GEYSER

CAN BE SEEN AT

WHAKAREWARENA

THERMAL VALLEY.

Hells Gate, Rotorua

One of Rotoruas award-winning

geothermal reserves, Hells Gate

definitely lives up to its name. But

alongside the violent boiling mud of the

Devils Cauldron, and the hot pool where

Maori Princess Hurutini lost her life,

is also a form of heaven a spa facility

featuring mud baths, sulphur pools and

traditional massage.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

In 1886, Mt Tarawera erupted, splitting it

in two and exploding Lake Rotomahana

to 20 times its original size, forming the

seven craters that make up the valley

now. Walk through, or take a cruise on the

lake to view the worlds largest hot springand other geothermal activity. The most

dazzling feature though, is the turquoise

pool known as Inferno Crater. It looks

refreshingly cool but could easily cause

third-degree burns.

Whakarewarewa

This thermal valley incorporates a living,

breathing Maori village that relies on

geothermal power for everyday living.

Its homes, shops and even kindergarten

are surrounded by boiling mud pools and

steaming pavements. Locals act as tour

guides between the hours of 9am and

5pm.

Orakei Korako

Considered one of New Zealands best

geothermal attractions, here youll find

the largest number of active geysers,

plus hot springs, mud pools and large

silica terraces. The natural landscapes

preserved in time are so primordial-

looking that scenes from the BBCsWalking with Dinosaurs were filmed

here. You can also take a bush walk to

the sacred Ruatapu geothermal cave

and thermal mirror pool.


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SPEAKING KIWI

Bach - Small holiday home,

pronounced batch

Bonnet - Car hoodBoot - Car trunk

Bumper - Fender

Boy Racer - Young person in a fast car

with a very loud stereo

Capsicum - Green or red pepper

Chilly bin - Sealable polystyrene or

plastic box for keeping food or beer cold

Choice - Good

Chook - Chicken

Dairy - Corner store selling bread, milk,

newspapers, cigarettes and the like

Duvet - Quilt

Flannel - Face cloth

Good on ya, mate - Congratulations,

well done

Gumboots - Rubber boots, wellingtons

Ice block - Popsicle

Jandals - Thongs, flip-flops

Jersey - Pullover

Jumper - Sweater

Judder bar - Speed bump

Lollies - Candy

Loo - Toilet

Pakeha - Non-Maori person

Panelbeater - Auto body shopPiss - Beer, as in get on the piss

Pissed - Drunk

Pissed off - Angry

Pissing down - Raining hard

Reserve - A park in a town or city

Ring - Phone someone, as in

Ill give you a ring

Rubbish - Trash or garbage, as in

throw it in the rubbish

Sealed road - Paved road

Serviette - Paper napkin

Shell be right - It will be ok, not a

problem

Sparrows fart - Crack of dawn

Ta - Thanks

Tea - Dinner, evening meal

Tiki tour - Roundabout way of getting

somewhere, scenic route

Tip - Dump or recycling depot

Togs - Swimsuit

Wop-wops - Out-of-the way location

Zed - Z, the last letter of the alphabet

Although the official language of New Zealand is English, like any country it has its own

colloquialisms. Below is a list of a few you might encounter on your holiday.

Youll be sweet as in no time!


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47

FINAL THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Most campervan hire companies in NewZealand are reputable and thorough.

However, there are some important things

to double check:

That you have a copy of, and

completely understand, your rental

agreement, eg your responsibilities

and those of the renter, as well asyour liability

That you have gone over and

understand all the costs involved

Whether they have a 24-hour number

you can call if you have any problems

Whether there are manuals for all the

electrical equipment and facilities

Whether you get a spare set of keys

Whether certain things are included,

such as wooden levelling blocks for

uneven sites, and extension cables

and hoses to accommodate electrical,

sewer and water hook-ups

Whether everything is workingproperly, eg doors, windows,

appliances, controls, fixtures, and

smoke alarms

Whether the gas bottle has been filled

by the rental company or if it needs

filling first

Things Youll Be Glad You Brought: Lots of Ziploc bags for storing

everything from bottles that might

leak, to damp clothing

Your address book for postcards

Travel size alarm clock

Small flashlight with new batteries

Pocket knife

Spare pair of cheap sunglasses

One set of clothing that dries fast

Disposable camera (just in case!)

Small, collapsible umbrella

Notepad and several pens

Books and games for night time

Car phone charger

DOUBLE-CHECK

EVERYTHING, THENRELAX AND ENJOY.


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PLANNING YOUR ROUTE

Planning an itinerary obviously depends

on what style of traveler you are, and whattypes of things you want to see. You might

be a relaxed traveler who prefers to drive at

a relaxed pace, allowing yourself the time

to stop at whatever river or park takes your

fancy on the way, or you may want to travel

at a fairly swift pace. You might be interested

in scenery or hiking alone, or you may

want a balance between nature, culturalattractions, and seeing the main centres.

Think about what youll be doing day to day.

Do you want to be in a holiday park each

night, or just some nights? Do you want to

stop at a destination each day, spend a few

nights in each place, or spend a few days

just driving, absorbing the sights from your

van? If youre travelling with kids, consider

what family-friendly attractions exist in

each place. Be conscious of whether youll

want a day here and there to just rest and

relax, without travelling or doing strenuous

activities. How much flexibility do you wantto give yourself? Do you want to plan a rigid

schedule or play it by ear some of the time?

Also make sure you consider interspersing

rest or relaxation days after days that will be

particularly strenuous, such as a day-long

hike. This is particularly important if you are

doing a long drive the next day.

TIP: CHECK OUT THE KRUSE

AUDIO GUIDE SYSTEM

(WWW.KRUSENZ.COM) WHICH

USES GPS TECHNOLOGY

TO PLAY INFORMATIVE

COMMENTARY ABOUT EACH

PLACE YOU ARE VISITING.


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TOURING ROUTES

There are also some main signpostedtouring routes in New Zealand that

you may want to incorporate into your

itinerary. (They usually take a few days

to complete and there are brochures

on each one available at any i-site,

giving you more details on exact length,

attractions and points of interest. Check

out the websites that most of them have

as they may influence your route! Below

is a brief description of each.

Pacific Coast Highway

Linking Auckland, Coromandel, Bay

of Plenty and the East Cape, youll see

spectacular coastline and get a taste of

the Hawkes Bay wine regions.

See www.pacificcoast.co.nz.

Twin Coast Discovery Highway

See stunning beaches and great Kauri

forests as you head north of Auckland

and travel along both the East and West

coast of Northland.

See www.twincoast.co.nz

Thermal Explorer

Take in the wondrous sights of the

tourist hotspots (literally!) of Taupo,

Rotorua, Ruapehu and the Waikato

region.

See www.thermalexplorerhighway.co.nz.

The Classic New Zealand Wine TrailExactly what it sounds like perfect for

following if you want to travel through

Hawkes Bay, the Wairarapa region and

Marlborough chasing the perfect drop.

See www.classicwinetrail.co.nz

The Treasured Pathway

Through the Marlborough Sounds andinto Nelson through Kahurangi National

Park and up to Farewell Spit at the tip of

the South Island - if stunning scenerys

your thing, this is a must-do.

Alpine Pacific Triangle

Hamner Springs, Kaikoura and the

Waipara Valley are some of the most

popular spots in the South Island and

this highway links the three.

See www.hurunui.com

Inland Scenic Route 72

Travel from North Canterbury inland

down State Highway 72, past Mt Hutt ski

fields and through rural NZ until you link

up with State Highway 1.

The Southern Scenic Route

Drive from the Southern Alps past some

of New Zealands wild, rugged coastline

and mountain country, finishing up in

Dunedin.

See www.southernscenicroute.co.nz


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SAMPLE ITINERARIES

7-DAY SAMPLE ITINERARIES

North Island

Day One Arrive in Auckland, drive north to the Bay of Islands

Day Two Drive around to explore Northland

Day Three Leave early, drive down to geothermal region Rotorua

Day Four Spend the morning in Rotorua, drive to the Coromandel via Mt

Maunganui

Day Five Explore the Coromandel include Whitianga and Cathedral Cove at Hahei

Day Six Drive back and spend the day in Auckland, have lunch at a winery on

Waiheke Island

Day Seven Depart Auckland

South Island

Day One Arrive in Christchurch and spend the day. Include a visit to Banks

Peninsula

Day Two Head to Hamner Springs, visit Thrillseekers Canyon

Day Three Drive to Kaikoura and go whale-watching from the sky

Day Four Drive to Blenheim a

Documents

New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide by Motorhome Republic