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New Zealand 2025
  • Karen Hechinger
  • Karen Hechinger

New Zealand 2025

3 weeks toodling around the north and south islands Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 6, 2025
    Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Auckland skyline
    Taking the ferry to Waiheke IslandApproaching Waiheke portWaiheke is known for its many beautiful beachesWe used the hop on hop off bus to explore the islandThe manager of "the Local" restaurantMaking friends with the locals at the bus stop. Best part of travelling.Trivia night at the bar is ubiquitousEnjoying the view with a glass of wine at Mudbrick before departingThe start of a peaceful sunset for the ferry ride back to Auckland

    2. Arrival and Waiheke Island

    April 8, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    Despite leaving Sacramento on the morning of 4/6, we arrived in Auckland late on 4/8 due to crossing the international date line. Our tour driver was waiting patiently for us, and we got to our hotel and checked in without ado.

    Our first full day was spent on Waiheke Island, accessed via a 40 minute ferry ride 12 miles east of the Auckland ports. Waiheke, with multiple scenic beaches, wineries, and restaurants is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike. We chose to explore the island through the hop on hop off bus. It was a pleasant casual day, much needed after our long travel day.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Strolling through the backstreets of Auckland to pick up our carOur rental - GMW 300Stay to the left MikeEnjoying a refreshment upon arriving safely in RotoruaSheep & cattle farming are big here

    3. Heading South

    April 11, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    We picked up our rental car and headed south from Auckland to Rotorua. Most vehicles here are from Asian companies - Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai. Ours is a Chinese model - GWM tank. A nice looking car with completely unnecessary (for our purposes) 4 wheel drive. The roads are all well signed and paved. There is.a heavy indigenous people presence here (more to come on that later). The country is filled with green rolling hills (at least so far) and Mike is handling the opposite side of the road driving deftly.Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    1View from the visitor centerSmoldering geothermal lakeSW Austrailasian swamphen. Striking colors. (Big feet, no?)Stoats pose a predatory problem in NZ. Traps are not an effective method of controlling themWe caught a geyser eruption!A bus ride back from the lake

    4. Rotorua-Waimangu Volcanic Valley

    April 12, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    This morning we enjoyed a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

    WVV is the world's youngest geothermal valley, whose surface activity commenced in June 1886 via a violent eruption. We strolled down the 3.6km gravel path from the visitor center through the valley to Lake Rotomahana, and engaged in a short guided lake cruise. The walk to the lake featured lush forest, smoldering geothermal lakes and streams, stagnant mildewed pools, and multi-colored SW Australian Swamphen feasting on whatever grows in the gross green slimy moss.Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    1Men looking like idiotsWomen looking like idiots

    5. Rotarua - Te Pa Tu

    April 12, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    We were scheduled by our tour company for a cultural experience at Te Pa Tu, which embraces many indigenous Maori traditions. We watched (and participated in - ugh) some singing, dancing and other rituals before sitting down to feast on traditional cuisine. At least they fed us after making us look like idiots.

     Looks like I didn't get many pix of this...    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Haku Falls - spectacular water color
    Upriver from Haku Falls - serene & peacefulTutanekai, ancestor of local Te Arawa people.Sights from the roadLake Taupo, largest lake in NZLake TaupoApril is the start of autumn hereHimatangi Beach - the long fairly unpopulated beach was physically and mentally refreshingHimatangi BeachDescending into the port city of WellingtonOur delayed arrival had a silver lining with this view

    6. Rotorua to Wellington

    April 13, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Our 450 km drive from Rotorua to Wellington was slightly delayed by the flashing lights of the kiwi police who wanted to have a friendly chat with Mike. And it wasn't to welcome us to Wellington. The fine was <$100 US, so, minimal damage.

    On our way down we stopped to see the Huka Falls. Fed by the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, the falls generate enough power to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just 11 seconds. The water color was spectacular.

    Along our drive we passed Taupo Lake, a crater lake located in the caldera of Taupo Volcano, and the largest surface area lake in NZ (238 sq mi).

    We detoured briefly to the west coast to stretch our legs at Himatangi Beach, which allows cars to access and drive it (the last thing we needed on our 6+ hour journey). It was a refreshing reprise from the drive.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Our hotel was approximately where the red do isWe had nice views of the harbor from our 10th story roomSnapped a few shots when I went out for a run..."The Beehive" - executive wing of NZ parlimentParliament HouseGovt debating chamber - just like British PM question hour!First referendum - this must have been an unpopular decision, no?Manhole covers are artsy and attractive here.Not sure what the message is here, but I think I like it

    7. Wellington-south end of North Island

    April 13, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Trivia question for my friend AT. What is the windiest city in the world? Nope, not Chicago. Yep, its Wellington.

    Wellington is a harbor town located at the south end of North Island and is the capital of New Zealand.

    We strolled along the harbor and through the city, taking the cable car up though the hillside town of Kelburn, and walking back through garden paths with a stop at "the Beehive", which is the locals name for the executive wing of NZ's parliamentary buildings. (The photo explains the nickname).    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    This is no joke
    Cable car ride - the kids loved it! So did Mike, by the looks of itView of the pitch on the way upView of the city from top of the cable carCafe at the top of the cable carA pleasant stroll back down the hillGreat climbing trees hereCactus garden

    8. Wellington ll

    April 14, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    The city's architecture was eclectic and interesting - a few shots here.

    Our cable car ride left us at a cozy cafe where we grabbed a beverage before descending. A few more pix here.

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    The ferry was large, but we experienced a bit of rockin' & rollin' due to active sea weatherLooks like we were lucky our ferry wasn't cancelled.We spent our ride on the 7th & 8th floors - almost got blown overboard on the viewing deckThe ferry was quite spacious inside......with plenty of different style seating areasThe lookout was a pleasant covered area on the back deckFerry entertainment!The tug boat is guiding us into the harbor. Very windy day!We've arrived!View of Picton Harbor from our roomCute shops and cafes along the harbor. Grabbing a coffee before heading out

    9. Picton & Marlborough Sound

    April 15, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    A 3 hour ferry ride brought us comfortably from North Island across the Cook Strait (which connects the Tasman Sea to the west with the South Pacific Ocean to the east) to South Island. This ferry had baggage check-in and collection at the other side like an airport - very efficient and a far cry from the baggage storage mayhem I had experienced on the ferry from Estonia to Finland last year.

    We settled in at our hotel overlooking the harbor of Picton, a small town of about 5,000, and the northern most populated town in the Marlborough area that has amenities.

    The 1500 sq mi section of islands, inlets & peninsulas along the northern part of South Island is known as the Marlborough Sound. The steep, wooded hills and small quiet bays of the sounds are sparsely populated, largely because access is difficult. Many of the small settlements and isolated houses are only accessible by boat - groceries and other goods are shipped in by small ferries from Picton.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    We hiked the 10km from Resolution Bay to Endeavor Inlet
    The start of our trek. We just got let off at the pier below.Departing Resolution BayThia little guy was very friendly. Came right up to us, begging for food like a dog.Waiting for our boat ride back at the end of the track.Remote area locals come to the dock to pick up goods they've ordered from Picton

    10. Queen Charlotte Track

    April 16, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    The word "track" generally means hiking trail. The full Queen Charlotte Track is a very popular 3-5 day hiking/mountain biking route spanning 71 km of the Marlborough Sound with picturesque views of the coastline. As time is limited, we opted to do a one day 10 km portion of the track.

    A local boat cruise company took us about an hour from our base in Picton up to Resolution Bay, where we picked up the trail that would eventually lead us to Endeavor Inlet. Our route was a little more coastal that the map indicates, and took us through a lush forest with occasional running creeks and mini-waterfalls. We ran into a few hikers/ bikers along the way, but otherwise had the trail to ourselves. What a beautiful way to spend the day.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    The drive was pretty despite sketchy weather
    The eastern coastline is rocky and ruggedWe stopped for food at a restaurant on the coastline in the middle of nowhereHotel management greeted us at the car upon our arrival in KaikouraHeadline news in a small town focused on nature - luv it!Priorities!Sign at the cafe register on Good Friday.The landscape is dotted with vineyards......and cows......and sheep. There is a ratio of 4.6 sheep per person in NZFirst time I've ever watched the sun rise instead of set over the Pacific OceanPacific Ocean - KaikouraPleasant pathways run along the coast of Kaikoura

    11. Picton to Kaikoura to Christchurch

    April 17, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 59 °F

    Our route now takes us south down the eastern seaboard to Christchurch, before heading inland. We had an overnight stop in Kaikoura so as to keep the daily drive times down. Our weather has turned a bit, so we're not as unhappy to be in the car.

    A few pics from the road...    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Entryway to the marketplace
    View of the marketplace from the 2nd floorWe found a place that would serve beer on Good FridayCastro's - love the tablesThe Kiwis love American politics!Delicious paellaGaza political supportersOne bdrm suite - fridge, m/w, d/w, stove & oven, kitchenette & LR with separate BR. Best place yet

    12. Christchurch

    April 18, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Christchurch, the largest city on South Island, is our last coastal stop before heading inland.

    We're fortunate to be here on Good Friday; most NZ shops and restaurants are closed for the holiday, but the hotel clerks directed us to a hip nearby indoor marketplace that catered to tourists. Despite that, many pubs were closed, and the place we stopped for a beer (@ 3P) said that the law allowed them to serve beer only if it was accompanied by a meal. So, we ate early!Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Lake Tepako
    TepakoTepako - people are into the cairns thing hereThe famous Church of the Good ShepherdTepako's turquoise watersTepakoDriving up the west side of Lake Pukaki - the weather is turningCloudy & gray, but still beautifulYes, there was some flat boring farmlandThe sun was out early on. Weather changes quickly hereWe stopped at a cafe that had some highland cattle in their yardThis on charged Mike as he approached the fence. Haha. Maybe he doesn't like men

    13. Christchurch to Mt. Cook

    April 19, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    The first 2 hours of our 4 hour drive from east-coastal Christchurch heading due west gave us the rare experience of tedious flat farmland. I'm posting this a little late - we've now been through much of our journey through South Island, and I have to say when it comes to mountains & lakes, this country has some of the most spectacular landscapes I've seen. Part of the joy of it is how remote, uninhabited and even inaccessible these mountains are. We are currently in the Autumn shoulder season here, so tourism levels are moderate to low as well. Heading to NZ? I highly recommend April travel.

    About halfway through our drive, we eventually came upon the glacially formed lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Both lakes are known for their stunning turquoise colored waters, largely attributed to their glacial tributaries. Tekapo, at 32 sq miles, is a source of hydropower for the area. Situated on the shore is the Church of the Good Shepherd, which, built in 1935, is one of the most photographed churches in NZ. Needless to say, a very popular tourist stop!

    The weather became a bit sketchy as we passed the lakes and started approaching Mt. Cook. A few pix from the road attached here.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Mt Cook rising above the clouds
    Edmund Hillary, the 1st to summit Everest in 1953, summited Mt Cook in 1947Breakfast with a viewLocal flora & faunaA paradise shelduck, found throughout NZ, asking for some handoutsThe Tasman River distributes glacial outflows to Pukaki Lake, and eventually to the Pacific Ocean

    14. Mt. Cook

    April 19, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    At 12,219 ft, Mt.Cook, located in the Canterbury region on South Island, is the highest peak in NZ, and is a popular mountaineering destination.

    Part of the fame of the area is attributed to mountaineer enthusiast Sir Edmund Hillary, a local mountaineer who summited Cook in 1947. His future fame is attributed to the distinction of being the first man to summit Everest in 1953.

    Mount Cook is known throughout the world for its alpine beauty and remoteness. At the foot of the mountain sits the village of Mount Cook where we (and everyone else who comes to this area) stayed. On every side of the village/valley, the Southern Alps scrape the sky, with Mt Cook surrounded by 22 peaks exceeding elevations of 10,000 feet.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    At the top of Sealy Tarns Track in Mt. Cook / Aoraki National Park
    A cloudy, drizzly day as we get startedOur first steps...one down, two thousand one hundred ninety nine to goKeep going Mike!Damp and sweaty, but not discouragedApres- hike reward and chores

    15. Stairway to Heaven - 2,200 Steps

    April 20, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Mt. Cook (cont.)

    On Sunday we donned our rain jackets and baseball caps & headed out on a cloudy drizzly day for a trek up Sealy Tarns Track, a 3.3 mile, 1791 ft elevation gain path out of Mt.Cook Village. The path is nicknamed "Stairway to Heaven" due to the 2200 stairs that are part of the path.

    Am I getting too old for this? Heck, no! The trail was taxing but really fun. I proudly accept the nickname "billy goat" that Mike has bestowed upon me.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    We did an 8 mile out & back portion of the trailOur group was delightfully small - 3 plus the guideSo many beautiful viewsBen, our guide from "Trips and Tramps" was very knowledgeable & personableThe Drunk Pigeon. Read my post to see why this bird has such a nickname.Tutu plant is highly toxic to humans and will cause death with small amts ingested. Good to know.Suspension bridge was our turnaround pointSuspension bridge & waterfall viewingThanks for a great day Ben!

    16. Milford Sound (Hike) Track

    April 22, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    The Milford Sound Track (trail) is a popular 33 mile track located in the tropical forest of the Fjordlands in the southwest part of South Island. The scenic, rugged landscape is known for its natural beauty, making it a very popular sight-seeing and filming location. We did an 8 mile out and back portion of the trail from Sandfly Point.

    (As an fyi to those who are interested - Milford Sound and areas of Fiordland National Park were used to depict the Misty Mountains during filming of The Lord of the Rings, and the area again used extensively in The Hobbit Trilogy. )

    The trail was pretty easy, nothing like our Mt.Cook hike, offering views of pristine, unadultered nature. While the focus was on the flowing river, waterfalls, flora & fauna, one of the birds we saw was a NZ pigeon, also known as the drunk pigeon. I couldn't snap the photo fast enough, but added an online pic to this post. The pigeon is frugivorous, preferring fruit from native trees. After gorging, they sun themselves to help with digestion. This in turn causes the fruit to ferment into alcohol, intoxicating the bird. They then exhibit corresponding behavior like falling out of trees and flying into things. I kid you not! Our tour guide actually got hit in the head by one!

    A beautiful way to spend the morning on a beautiful day.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Stunning scenery
    Rooftop windows - love itFur seal - great day for a suntanOmg - so cuteMy new bestie Susan from Dunedin NZ

    17. Milford Sound Cruise

    April 22, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    A trip to NZ cannot be complete without the proverbial cruise on the Milford Sound. One of the most famous places in NZ, the Sound is a fjord, which, by definition, is a deep inlet of the sea, surrounded by high cliffs. As with most fjords, a picturesque environment is created by majestic, almost vertical mountains, dramatic waterfalls, and, in this case, lush rainforest.

    We enjoyed our 2 hour cruise immediately after our hike. Great way to end the day.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Wakatipu Lake as we head toward Queenstown
    Our first glimpse of QueenstownView from our hotelI saw this from the hotel room and knew I wanted to do it! (see post 19)Taking a spin on the lakeFrom the kayak - beautiful day to be out thereReally pretty hillside town1An apparently popular local artist. Not my thing, but I'm told collectors pay a lot of $ for thisScooby dooby doo, where are you?Sweet relaxation

    18. Queenstown & Wakatipu Lake

    April 23, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

    Our next stop is Queenstown, a charming city with an urban population of around 28,000, noted for its ski and adventure tourism. It is located on the nw corner of Wakapitu Lake which is the longest (50 mile) lake in NZ.

    We enjoyed more amazing views of mountains & Wakapitu Lake as we approached Queenstown. Once there we spent our first day strolling through the town center which is filled with street vendors, water activity options, and plenty of cute shops & restaurants. I took a kayak for a spin to get some time on the lake.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Taking the gondola up to the launch point
    Cemetery at the gondola. Maybe they get their business from unsuspecting novice paragliders?Putting my life in Ben's hands! (He's awfully cute, no?)Bye Mike - been nice knowing youMy orders - walk fast, then when he tells me, run off the edge of the cliff. Uh, ok.Now jiggle your butt back KarenSuper fun after that whole "run off the edge of the cliff" thingWanna do a few loops? Sure! Wait...on second thought...is that my stomach in my throat?Spectacular viewsGood times!Ben did a great job - I felt safe the whole timeAre we about to be upside down?

    19. QT - Paragliding!

    April 24, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

    The first thing I saw when glancing out from the balcony of our room was the paragliders soaring like birds down from the mountain top.

    I am so doing that! 😎

    I signed up, headed up the gondola, got my marching orders and off we went. I'll let the pix tell the rest of the story.

    A super fun experience.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    The start of our ride
    Tally-ho!The trail will take us over that bridgeSuch a beautiful time of year to rideStopping at the winery for a drink (of water)Reached the summit!The rest of the trail runs along the lakecantilever bridge along the wayThank you Lake Dunstan

    20. Lake Dunstan Mountain Biking

    April 25, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    The Lake Dunstan Hiking / Cycling Trail is a newly constructed (2021) 55km trail that runs from Smith's Way to Clyde in the south central part of South Island. The trail was an instant success, and was awarded "Great Ride" status after a year.

    We opted to skip the flat parts and do 25.5 miles from Cromwell to Clyde. Total elevation gain of 1,982 ft.

    What a beautiful ride - what a beautiful day.    Read more

  • Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Southern Alps, South Island
    Our assigned car was crowded, we opted to move & found plenty of elbow room in another carChristchurch tour via trolley carLots of wall art...Christ College - most prestigious private school in South IslandThe city is filled with a combination of both old style architecture...old style architecture.......and newThere are some very pretty parks here

    21. XC Train & Christchurch (again)

    April 28, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Leaving Queenstown we buzzed up the coast to Franz Josef, which boasts Franz Josef Glacier as its main (and possibly only) attraction. With sketchy weather & a lack of interest in seeing another glacier, Mike & I used the time to do laundry & have an impromptu meal with a NZ couple travelling in their RV.

    Another two hours' drive north found us in Greymouth, where we surrendered our car and caught the TranzAlpine Scenic train that would take us back across the country, through the southern alps, to Christchurch.

    The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' of the alps, transversing 139 miles in just under 5 hours. (No, this is definitely not a bullet train). It is, however considered one of the world's great train journeys. The mountain range was beautiful to be sure, but based on our prior 3 weeks of stunning mountain/lake landscape views, (plus being a little travel-weary), we took it all in stride. A few pix attached.

    We had one day in Christchurch before catching our evening flight back to Auckland. We jumped on the tourist trolley for a tour of the city's architecture (an eclectic mix of the old and new) building murals and shops.    Read more

    Trip end
    April 30, 2025
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