New Zealand
In September I’ll be traveling through New-Zealand. It’s one of my top destinations and a must do on my world trip. It’s THE place for an outdoorsy like me with its snowcapped mountains, rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches. The trip starts at Auckland. From there I’ll take the KIWI experience through the north and then south island of New Zealand. New Zealand is quite an expensive country for backpacking. That’s why I want to stay here longer and look for a job (wwoofing or as an au pair) to lower the costs.
Planning details
- Arrive: Auckland
- Planned arrival: September 2022
- Duration stay: 60 days of traveling (> days if working)
- Weather then: mild temperatures around 15 degrees , long hours of daylight
- Visa: 3 months
Details country:
- People: 4,917,000
- Currency: New Zealand dollar. 1 euro = 1,69 NZD
- Language: English, Maori
My route map
My plans to do:
Auckland
The New Zealand Metropolis. I’ll be stopping here for 1 or 2 nights to rest and from there I’ll start my trip on the KIWI bus.
On my to do list: Sky Tower, bungee jump, Coromandel Peninsula (KIWI tour)
Duration stay: 2 days
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is known as one of the top sights in New Zealand. The bay is located on 150 islands surrounded by turquoise water, white sand beaches and fairytale coves.
On my to do list: Swim with wild bottle nose dolphins, kayak, hike trails, learn the Maori culture in Waitangi
Duration stay: 5 days
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is the northernmost tip of New Zealand. At the Cape, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular swirl of currents.
On my to do list: learn more about the history and Māori legends of the area, visit the Puketi Kauri Forest, surf down the dunes of Te Paki Stream
Duration stay: 2 days
Waitomo caves
A magical cave!
On my to do list: the 5-hour glow worm tour with abseiling, jumping down waterfalls and tubing down the cave.
Weekday Price: NZD$195 Adult = 115 euro
Duration stay: 3 days
Photo’s from www.waitomo.com
Rotorua
Sprouting geysers, steaming hot springs and exploding mud pools! Welcome to Rotorua. This is one of the most dispersed areas in New Zealand. This city is a sacred place for the Maori. Although the smell of rotten eggs suggests otherwise. They don’t call Rotorua “Sulphur City” for nothing.
On my to do list: take a visit to the Tamaki Maori village, Hobbiton Movie Set tour, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Ruakuri Bushwalk, visit the volcanic craters & thermal springs, do outdoor activities like Sky-diving; luging; mountain biking and Zorbing
Duration stay: 6 days
Taupo
In Taupo there is lots to do. The main attraction is lake taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. It was formed by one of the largest volcanic explosions ever.
On my to do list: hike the Tongariro Crossing, Wai-O-Tapu Sulpher Springs, volcanic lakes, lake Taupo, Te Puia Geothermal wonderland, Huka Falls, Skydive Taupo, Sail Barbary Cruise
Duration stay: 6 days
River valley
River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding and an amazing dinner with homegrown produce.
On my to do list: Taranaki falls walk in Tongariro National Park, River Valley Rafting, River Valley Horse Riding
Duration stay: 4 days
Wellington
Wellington, not only the capital of the country. Windy Welly, called by locals, is by far the most exciting and attractive city in the country. The city is located in a beautiful bay, sandwiched between green hills.
On my to do list: Mount Victoria lookout, Te Papa museum, Cuba street nightlife, Weta Studio tour, Zealandia
Duration stay: 3 days
Abel Tasman
At the very top of the South Island, explore the beautiful beaches, impressive rock formations and cheeky wildlife of glittering Abel Tasman National Park.
On my to do list: Abel Tasman Coast Track (3 days), Split Apple Rock, sailing, Skydiving jump from 16,500 feet
Duration stay: 6 days
Westport
Westport is the Northern West Coast regions largest town. It’s a popular place to spend time enjoying the sea, the seals and exploring the coastline. I’ll be stopping here for 1 night on my way to the franz jozef glaciers.
On my to do list: Explore the Nelson Lakes, Surfing/Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Duration stay: 2 days
Lake Mahinapua
Driving down on the spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometers along the rugged Tasman shoreline I arrive at lake Mahinapua. I’ll be stopping here for 1 night on my way to the Franz Jozef glaciers.
On my to do list: Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Green stone carving, Fancy dress party night
Duration stay: 2 days
Franz Josef
Get blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps. While other glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are still flowing almost to sea level. The mild climate makes these glaciers the most accessible glaciers in the world to visit. Easy walks will take you to the foot of the glaciers, where you will experience their sheer enormity.
On my to do list: Explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Trek around Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier, mountaineering, Mount Cook Village, outdoor activities scenic flight; ski touring; hiking; stargazing.
Duration stay: 7 days
Wanaka
Wanaka a city in Mount Aspiring National Park located on the lake Wanaka. Together with Queenstown it lays on one of the most beautiful locations on the south island. But Wanaka is a lot more quieter.
On my to do list: That Wanaka Tree, Lake Matheson Lake Walk, Mount Iron walk, Roys Peak
Duration stay: 4 days
Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the most picturesque places in the world. A great places for a nice walk around the lake or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.
On my to do list: Bungy Jump (for example: Nevis high or Kawarau Bridge Bungy), Milford Explorer, Shotover Jet
Duration stay: 7 days
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is an unforgettable scenic boat cruise through the sound exploring soaring peaks and towering waterfalls. Seeing New Zealand’s scenery and nature at its best.
On my to do list: Milford track, Explore the fjords by sea kayak, Milford sound cruise
Duration stay: 1 day trip
Lake Tekapo
‘Lord of the Ring’ territory with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone – relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
On my to do list: Lake Pukaki, Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount John walk, Dark Sky Project star gazing
Duration stay: 5 days
Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, and explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.
On my to do list: the International Antarctic Centre, Whitewater Raft Class 5 Rapid, Quake City, Hagley Park
Duration stay: 4 days
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small town a few hours north of Christchurch. Most famous for – its whale watching or swimming with the dolphins.
On my to do list: coastal hikes, whale watching tours, swimming with dolphins
Duration stay: 1 day
Coming blog posts!
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