Stay at the Hilton Hotel, Auckland
Jan 8–9 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 22 °C
Flight to Auckland
Jan 8–9 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Took over 2 hours to get through customs, immigration, bio- security etc! Luggage searched and boots and walking poles sprayed!
Bay of Islands
Jan 9–11 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Two day trip involving a ferry trip to the town of Russell and a boat tour of the islands and surroundings. The trip involved an internal flight from Auckland to Kerikeri. Staying at the CopthorneRead more
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
January 10 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Protected site of the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people. Well presented account of the historical events that culminated in 1840.
Boat tour of the islands
January 10 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Tour among the islands culminating in a visit to the Hole in the Rock. Stopped at Waewaetorea island - of Captain Cook fame - for a walk to the lookout point. Lots of birds seen!
Campervan & Coromandel
Jan 11–13 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Picked up the campervan from Maui in Auckland and headed to the Coramandle peninsula, staying at Hahei on a campsite next to a gorgeous beach.
Walk to Cathedral Cove
January 12 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
An up and down 1 hour coastal walk from the campsite at Hahei, with spectacular coastal views featuring the pristine waters of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. It's framed by native pōhutukawaRead more
Tauranga pit stop
Jan 13–14 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
A stop near Mount Maunganui in Tauranga at the north end of the Bay of Plenty. Bad traffic delayed our arrival so not much tourism activity! It was our first stay at a 'Freedom' campsite - noRead more
Hobbiton
January 14 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
In full touristique mode we had a tour of the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movie set in Matamata - called Hobbiton.
It's a magical location and easy to see why Peter Jackson chose it. The work that wentRead more
Rotarua
Jan 14–16 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
A two night stop in Rotorua, a town on its namesake lake and renowned for its geothermal activity (see video) and Maori culture. A pleasant place, much of which has a strong sulphurous whiff! We alsoRead more
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
January 16 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
A visit to the active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. It included the eruption of the Lady Knox geyser (see video)!
Taupo
Jan 16–19 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
A three day stop in the town situated on the edge of lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. First up was a visit to the nearby Huka Falls. Day 2 included chilling on the lake shore,Read more
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
January 18 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
An epic 22 km hike summiting at 1886 m / 6187 ft crossing part of Tongariro National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a spiritual and cultural landmark recognizing both the Maori cultureRead more
Wellington
January 20 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
A chill day soaking up the Wellington waterfront after a long travel day before and a night in a regional park.
In Wellington we stayed in a free van car park in the middle of the waterfront. LunchRead more
South Island arrival
Jan 21–22 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
The ferry crossing across the infamous Cook Straights was very pleasant, with the water like a millpond. The entrance to the port of Picton was very scenic! An overnight stay at Picton before headingRead more
Abel Tasman: Totaranui Campground
Jan 22–25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
A long but glorious drive from Picton to the Abel Tasman national park, over mountains and along coasts. It's famous for its stunning coastal scenery, crystal clear waters, golden sand beaches andRead more
Abel Tasman: Coast Explore
January 23 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
A day exploring the coast by foot and sea - there are no roads in the region. A stunning coastline with several gorgeous bays and beaches.
On a cloudless night - the 'starscape' is truly amazing, dueRead more
Murchison Pit Stop
Jan 24–25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
An overnight stay on the road from Abel Tasman to the west coast at Murchison Motorhome Park, situated on the bank of the Buller River in a picturesque mountainous area. A lovely site with its ownRead more
Punakaiki
Jan 25–27 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 19 °C
A grey day with our first drops of rain as we reach the wild west coast at Punakaiki, after a journey that followed the Buller River with its dramatic gorges. Staying at a lovely scenic site on theRead more
Pororari River Track Hike
January 26 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
A 14 km circular hike along the spectacular limestone gorge of the Pororari river, with great views and atmospheric forests. A particular highlight was a sighting of a Tomtit, an endemic NZ bird, plusRead more
Pancake rocks - part 2
January 27 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 14 °C
On leaving Punakaiki we revisited the pancake rocks as there was a strong south westerly wind and a rising tide.
Fox Glacier
January 27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
After another stunning scenic drive we arrived at the Top 10 campsite, not far from the end of the Fox Glacier. First up was a walk around the nearby Mathison Lake.
Glacier Flight
January 28 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
A helicopter ride and landing to the top of Fox Glacier, with great views of Mounts Cook and Tasman. Awesome trip! A couple of short video clips are included.
Journey to Wanaka
Jan 29–31 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
A long drive to the next location, but once again it was characterised by wonderful scenery - along the western coast on world heritage state highway 6, up the mighty Haas river valley and pass withRead more
Wanaka Lakeside Walk
January 30 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
An 18 km walk mainly on the shore of Lake Wanaka around the Wanaka township. One of the most stunning walks of this kind we have ever made! Wanaka is a gem of a place.















































































































































































































































































































































































































TravelerTasting white wine!
Traveler
My first 'flight' of Sauvignon Blanc and winner was Vavasour.