New Zealand, 21 Days and a Campervan
There is nothing quite like getting off the beaten track to explore places and parts of a country that many have never seen.
You can do just that when you book flights to New Zealand [http://www.skyscanner.net/flights/uk/nz/cheapest-flights-from-united-kingdom-to-new-zealand.html], rent a campervan and head off into the great unknown to have exactly the holiday you want. No rules, no itineraries, just you and the open road and the spectacular New Zealand countryside!
For those who need a little inspiration, here is a 21 day tour that you can tailor to your hearts desire.
Day 1: Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland, first take some time to explore the city. The best way to do this is by making use of the Auckland Explorer Bus. The bus stops at the major attractions, such as Kelly Tarltons, Auckland Museum, Parnell Village, the Sky tower and Victoria Park Market.
Day 2: Auckland ' Bay of Islands
Morning:
Pick up your camper van and start this New Zealand driving tour by heading for Paihia
Afternoon:
Discover this scenic part of the Bay of Islands with the Excitor, an amphibious vehicle/vessel that takes you from Paihia to Cape Brett and the Cathedral Cave.
Day 3: Bay of Islands ' Waitomo
Start the New Zealand driving tour by driving back to Auckland and from there, continue to Waitomo. If you arrive in time, visit the glow-worm caves of Waitomo. In summer, the last tour to the Waitomo Caves departs at 5.30pm.
Day 4: Waitomo ' Rotorua
Morning:
If you didn't visit the Glowworm Caves yesterday, take some time to do so today.
Afternoon:
Drive to Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua
Spend the whole day in Rotorua exploring the geothermal pools and mud baths. This is definitely one of the top attractions of your New Zealand driving tour!
Day 6: Rotorua ' Napier
Morning:
Leave for Taupo, but stop 30 min south of Rotorua, to visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. Make sure you get there before 10.15am; because that's the time the Lady Knox geyser erupts. Then hit the road again, to stop again just before Taupo at the Huka Falls Lookout. After reaching Taupo, enjoy a nice lunch on the shores of Lake Taupo and, if you like, try your luck at the Hole-in one driving range on the Lakefront.
Afternoon:
Drive from Taupo to Napier (147km, 2 hrs) and admire the numerous examples of Art Deco architecture in this small, pleasant town or go on a half day wine tasting tour.
Day 7: Napier ' Wellington
Morning:
Drive to Cape Kidnappers to have a look at the gannet colony (one of the largest in the world).
Afternoon:
Continue your journey and drive to Wellington. It may be a good idea to stop for a short break at the Martinborough Wine Centre. Here you can taste some of the excellent Wairarapa wines (or maybe just enjoy the atmosphere and have an afternoon coffee or snack at the Cafe of the Wine Centre).
Day 8: Wellington
Morning:
On the eighth day of this New Zealand driving tour, you don't drive, but instead spend the day discovering the highlights of Wellington! There's one thing you really shouldn't miss here, and that's the excellent Te Papa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand. Allow at least two hours for this visit.
Afternoon:
After lunch, take time to explore Wellington's beautiful Botanic Gardens and take a 1-hour tour through the Parliament Buildings.
In Wellington ends the first part of this New Zealand driving tour. Here you'll take one of the ferries to Picton, on the South Island.
Day 9: Picton and the Marlborough Sound
Spend your first day on the South Island by exploring Picton and its fabulous surroundings, the Marlborough Sounds. For example, walk part of the famous Queen Charlotte track or rent a kayak.
Day 10: Picton ' Nelson
Morning:
Continue our New Zealand driving tour and drive to Nelson (110km, 1.45 hrs) via the Queen Charlotte Drive. Take your time, as this drive is one of the most scenic of New Zealand!
Afternoon:
Wander around the town centre of Nelson and enjoy its many arts and craft shops. Another nice way to spend the afternoon is by checking out the unique 'World of Wearable Art & Collectible Car Complex'.
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park
Start your day early, and drive to Marahou to explore the Abel Tasman National Park by boat or kayak. At the end of the day, drive back to Nelson.
Day 12: Nelson ' Punakaiki
Drive to Punakaiki. At about 20km before reaching Punakaiki, stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony. At Punakaiki, marvel at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Day 13: Punakaiki ' Franz Josef Glacier
Drive from Punakaiki to Hokitika, a small town, famous for its greenstone carving and glass blowing. Then continue your journey to Franz Josef Glacier. This is the place to book a helicopter flight for the next day (for example, with Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Heliservices); this is a fantastic way to admire the glaciers.
Day 14: Franz Josef Glacier ' Wanaka
Morning:
Early morning, drive to Lake Matheson, which is famous for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The walk around the lake will take about 1 hour. The cafe at the lake is open from 7am. Drive back to Franz Josef Glacier for the glacier tour.
Afternoon:
Time to drive your New Zealand camper van to Wanaka (287km, 4 hr) and recharge your batteries on the shores of Lake Wanaka!
Day 15: Wanaka ' Queenstown
The New Zealand driving then takes you to Queenstown. Some 28km before Queenstown, stop at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge to have a look at (or jump from) the world's first bungee jump site!
Once you arrive in Queenstown, one of the first things to do is take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak. There's a lot to do up there and Bob's Peak offers fabulous views on Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 16: Queenstown ' Te Anau
Before you leave for Te Anau, try one of the other Queenstown attractions like the famous Shotover Jet Boat Ride. At the end of the afternoon, drive to Te Anau 172km.
Day 17: Te Anau ' Milford Sound ' Queenstown
Drive to the Milford Sound to explore this wonderful and famous part of New Zealand by boat. In the afternoon drive back to Queenstown. If you think this is too much driving for one day, book a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown and fly back.
Day 18: Queenstown ' Mount Cook Village
Day 18 of your New Zealand driving tour will take you from Queenstown to Mount Cook Village. Discover the Mount Cook region by foot or the Mount Cook Salmon Farm. Enjoy a scenic flight over the Mount Cook region with Tekapo Helicopters.
Day 19: Mount Cook Village / Tekapo ' Christchurch
The trip to Christchurch will be one of the longest stretches of your New Zealand driving tour. Once you arrive in Christchurch, enjoy a relaxing walk in the Botanic Gardens or check out the Arts Centre, the former university building with over 40 retail outlets selling all kinds of arts and crafts. If you have more time to spend, check out some other Christchurch attractions.
Day 20: Kaikoura or Christchurch
If you'd like to go whale watching, Kaikoura is the place to drive to. It's also possible to book a whale watch day tour from Christchurch. If you'd rather stay in Christchurch, visit the Canterbury Museum before driving to the International Antarctic Centre, also one of New Zealand's top attractions.
Day 21
Time to drop off your New Zealand camper van and maybe do some last minute shopping for New Zealand souvenirs to take back home. Develop your photos so you have something fun to do on your flight home!
If you have more time to spend on the road, there are several possibilities to extend your New Zealand driving tour.
On the North Island:
Drive to Cape Reinga in the far North and on your way back visit the giant kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest (west coast)
Drive to Coromandel and at Hot Water Beach dig a hole in the sand and take a bath in the hot water
Walk the Tongariro Crossing, regarded as New Zealand's greatest one-day hike.
On the South Island:
Drive to Dunedin to visit The Otago Museum
Drive to the Otago Peninsula, to see Larnach Castle and see albatrosses and yellow eyed penguins
Book an excursion on the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth. This train journey is considered one of the five most spectacular in the world.
Happy Camping!
You can do just that when you book flights to New Zealand [http://www.skyscanner.net/flights/uk/nz/cheapest-flights-from-united-kingdom-to-new-zealand.html], rent a campervan and head off into the great unknown to have exactly the holiday you want. No rules, no itineraries, just you and the open road and the spectacular New Zealand countryside!
For those who need a little inspiration, here is a 21 day tour that you can tailor to your hearts desire.
Day 1: Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland, first take some time to explore the city. The best way to do this is by making use of the Auckland Explorer Bus. The bus stops at the major attractions, such as Kelly Tarltons, Auckland Museum, Parnell Village, the Sky tower and Victoria Park Market.
Day 2: Auckland ' Bay of Islands
Morning:
Pick up your camper van and start this New Zealand driving tour by heading for Paihia
Afternoon:
Discover this scenic part of the Bay of Islands with the Excitor, an amphibious vehicle/vessel that takes you from Paihia to Cape Brett and the Cathedral Cave.
Day 3: Bay of Islands ' Waitomo
Start the New Zealand driving tour by driving back to Auckland and from there, continue to Waitomo. If you arrive in time, visit the glow-worm caves of Waitomo. In summer, the last tour to the Waitomo Caves departs at 5.30pm.
Day 4: Waitomo ' Rotorua
Morning:
If you didn't visit the Glowworm Caves yesterday, take some time to do so today.
Afternoon:
Drive to Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua
Spend the whole day in Rotorua exploring the geothermal pools and mud baths. This is definitely one of the top attractions of your New Zealand driving tour!
Day 6: Rotorua ' Napier
Morning:
Leave for Taupo, but stop 30 min south of Rotorua, to visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. Make sure you get there before 10.15am; because that's the time the Lady Knox geyser erupts. Then hit the road again, to stop again just before Taupo at the Huka Falls Lookout. After reaching Taupo, enjoy a nice lunch on the shores of Lake Taupo and, if you like, try your luck at the Hole-in one driving range on the Lakefront.
Afternoon:
Drive from Taupo to Napier (147km, 2 hrs) and admire the numerous examples of Art Deco architecture in this small, pleasant town or go on a half day wine tasting tour.
Day 7: Napier ' Wellington
Morning:
Drive to Cape Kidnappers to have a look at the gannet colony (one of the largest in the world).
Afternoon:
Continue your journey and drive to Wellington. It may be a good idea to stop for a short break at the Martinborough Wine Centre. Here you can taste some of the excellent Wairarapa wines (or maybe just enjoy the atmosphere and have an afternoon coffee or snack at the Cafe of the Wine Centre).
Day 8: Wellington
Morning:
On the eighth day of this New Zealand driving tour, you don't drive, but instead spend the day discovering the highlights of Wellington! There's one thing you really shouldn't miss here, and that's the excellent Te Papa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand. Allow at least two hours for this visit.
Afternoon:
After lunch, take time to explore Wellington's beautiful Botanic Gardens and take a 1-hour tour through the Parliament Buildings.
In Wellington ends the first part of this New Zealand driving tour. Here you'll take one of the ferries to Picton, on the South Island.
Day 9: Picton and the Marlborough Sound
Spend your first day on the South Island by exploring Picton and its fabulous surroundings, the Marlborough Sounds. For example, walk part of the famous Queen Charlotte track or rent a kayak.
Day 10: Picton ' Nelson
Morning:
Continue our New Zealand driving tour and drive to Nelson (110km, 1.45 hrs) via the Queen Charlotte Drive. Take your time, as this drive is one of the most scenic of New Zealand!
Afternoon:
Wander around the town centre of Nelson and enjoy its many arts and craft shops. Another nice way to spend the afternoon is by checking out the unique 'World of Wearable Art & Collectible Car Complex'.
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park
Start your day early, and drive to Marahou to explore the Abel Tasman National Park by boat or kayak. At the end of the day, drive back to Nelson.
Day 12: Nelson ' Punakaiki
Drive to Punakaiki. At about 20km before reaching Punakaiki, stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony. At Punakaiki, marvel at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Day 13: Punakaiki ' Franz Josef Glacier
Drive from Punakaiki to Hokitika, a small town, famous for its greenstone carving and glass blowing. Then continue your journey to Franz Josef Glacier. This is the place to book a helicopter flight for the next day (for example, with Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Heliservices); this is a fantastic way to admire the glaciers.
Day 14: Franz Josef Glacier ' Wanaka
Morning:
Early morning, drive to Lake Matheson, which is famous for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The walk around the lake will take about 1 hour. The cafe at the lake is open from 7am. Drive back to Franz Josef Glacier for the glacier tour.
Afternoon:
Time to drive your New Zealand camper van to Wanaka (287km, 4 hr) and recharge your batteries on the shores of Lake Wanaka!
Day 15: Wanaka ' Queenstown
The New Zealand driving then takes you to Queenstown. Some 28km before Queenstown, stop at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge to have a look at (or jump from) the world's first bungee jump site!
Once you arrive in Queenstown, one of the first things to do is take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak. There's a lot to do up there and Bob's Peak offers fabulous views on Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 16: Queenstown ' Te Anau
Before you leave for Te Anau, try one of the other Queenstown attractions like the famous Shotover Jet Boat Ride. At the end of the afternoon, drive to Te Anau 172km.
Day 17: Te Anau ' Milford Sound ' Queenstown
Drive to the Milford Sound to explore this wonderful and famous part of New Zealand by boat. In the afternoon drive back to Queenstown. If you think this is too much driving for one day, book a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown and fly back.
Day 18: Queenstown ' Mount Cook Village
Day 18 of your New Zealand driving tour will take you from Queenstown to Mount Cook Village. Discover the Mount Cook region by foot or the Mount Cook Salmon Farm. Enjoy a scenic flight over the Mount Cook region with Tekapo Helicopters.
Day 19: Mount Cook Village / Tekapo ' Christchurch
The trip to Christchurch will be one of the longest stretches of your New Zealand driving tour. Once you arrive in Christchurch, enjoy a relaxing walk in the Botanic Gardens or check out the Arts Centre, the former university building with over 40 retail outlets selling all kinds of arts and crafts. If you have more time to spend, check out some other Christchurch attractions.
Day 20: Kaikoura or Christchurch
If you'd like to go whale watching, Kaikoura is the place to drive to. It's also possible to book a whale watch day tour from Christchurch. If you'd rather stay in Christchurch, visit the Canterbury Museum before driving to the International Antarctic Centre, also one of New Zealand's top attractions.
Day 21
Time to drop off your New Zealand camper van and maybe do some last minute shopping for New Zealand souvenirs to take back home. Develop your photos so you have something fun to do on your flight home!
If you have more time to spend on the road, there are several possibilities to extend your New Zealand driving tour.
On the North Island:
Drive to Cape Reinga in the far North and on your way back visit the giant kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest (west coast)
Drive to Coromandel and at Hot Water Beach dig a hole in the sand and take a bath in the hot water
Walk the Tongariro Crossing, regarded as New Zealand's greatest one-day hike.
On the South Island:
Drive to Dunedin to visit The Otago Museum
Drive to the Otago Peninsula, to see Larnach Castle and see albatrosses and yellow eyed penguins
Book an excursion on the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth. This train journey is considered one of the five most spectacular in the world.
Happy Camping!
