In the previous couple of weeks I’ve been exploring the bottom of the North Island. My last article was focused around Masterton and Lake Ferry and this article starts in the outskirts of Wellington and finishes north in Fielding.

Caravan site close to Wellington

There is an NZMCA park specifically for members on the outskirts of Wellington. Each park is different, but this one is basically just a large carpark with a dump station in the middle and a cabin with a welcome book. The advantage is the location – close to Wellington for only $3 per night.

There are not many campground options in Wellington and I’ve only found a very expensive Top 10 Park in Lower Hutt or a dodgy feeling campground in Porirua. I’ve since heard Ngatitoa Domain is a good freedom camping spot and am keen to try it. If you have a small motorhome or campervan there are a couple more options but they looked very tightly packed.

I stayed at the park for a couple of nights before moving on. Partly because my caravan shower is not particularly enjoyable and I personally found it too much like a carpark with no privacy.

How to access the NZMCA park

You need to be a NZMCA member and have a self contained vehicle. They have a new app for paying which I used for the first time and found easy. Better than trying to find the correct amount of coinage and makes things simpler for the caretaker at the park. To find the parks around New Zealand, you get a printed book when you join or have access to an app similar to CamperMate that shows where they all are.

Campground with ensuite cabins

I only moved a little way up the coast to Paraparaumu and have fallen in-love with this campground. Kapiti Holiday Resort only has powered sites between massive hedges and every single site has it’s on ensuite in a little cabin. It felt amazing knowing there was no chance of a queue with previous peoples hair in the drain and having the ability to leave my products out. The little things.

They have quite a few permanent residents and a very relaxed office attitude. I extended my stay but found it hard to get anyone to take my money at the office! It sounds like the campground is just a side business for them. It was a little more expensive than some campgrounds but still a good price for being so close to a city. And have I mentioned the ensuite cabins! I’ll be back.

Beach nearby

Another great thing about this campground is how close it is to the beach. Just one block away. I started going for a walk at lunchtime and in the evening for the sunsets. It’s the type of wind swept beach that really clears the mind and wakes you up!

Fixing greywater pipe & holes

As I had a bit of space and privacy, I crawled under the caravan and had another look at the grey water pipe that wasn’t as firmly connected as I wanted and the 2 holes that people thought needed fixing to make sure water didn’t get in and affect the caravan.

For the grey water pipe, it’s been suggested that I disconnect (unscrew) the connecter holding the pipe to the caravan enabling the pipes to connect more firmly together. It worked! I’ve also been told I need to get a sealant or something to make sure it won’t leak. This is something I still need to do…

With the two holes, one is showing the insulation material. For now I’ve cut two coke cans up and used the metal sheet to cover the two holes. I used duct-tape to seal up (which hasn’t lasted long from the dirt and shaking of the caravan). Luckily I also screwed it in to place and have been looking into how to permanently fix it.

Freedom camping in park

My next campsite was freedom camping in a park in Feilding. Timona Park is a large area with a sports field, playground and stream. It seems well set-up for self contained vehicles with private spots and plenty of trees.

I was genuinely nervous that night as I rarely freedom camp and a few teenagers in modified cars had previously roared past. I have heard locals sometimes hassle freedom campers and I wondered if they would be back. The gate apparently closes at night, but was still open when I went to bed. But I was fine and awoke to see that I even had a couple of neighbouring vans.

My ideal campground is having plenty of privacy and surrounded by nature, but when I freedom camp it’s always nice to think that if I’m bothered, there is someone nearby to help.

I’ve been enjoying this trip around the bottom of the North Island and it’s always interesting exploring, trying new campgrounds and finding new favourite spots.

I’ll be working more on my caravan soon so please let me know if you have any tips.

The post Paraparaumu Campground With Ensuite & Freedom Camping appeared first on Travelling K.

My highlights have been exploring Castlepoint beach and lighthouse, enjoying sunsets from my caravan at Lake Ferry, climbing the 252 steps to the lighthouse at Cape Palliser and exploring the strange rock formations at Putangirua Pinnacles.

Masterton

I had an unplanned stop in Masterton for a few days after getting a shredded tyre.

But I’ve been surprised and impressed by the town after imagining a slightly rough place. There are beautiful large wooden houses  and plenty of shops.

My new favourite campground

The showgrounds in Masterton was the perfect place to relax for a few days. It’s only $5 per person for non-power or $15 if you plug in and there’s a huge grassy area with only 4 other vehicles staying while I was there. There are some beautiful big trees and the odd horse riding past. The toilets and showers are old but work well and just require a gold coin donation. You’re left on your own and they assume you’ll honestly leave the right amount of money. I already know I’ll be back!

Wool Shed

It seems like Masterton previously had a booming wool industry which would explain the richly decorative old wooden buildings. I went to the wool shed museum for $8 and found it surprisingly interesting. I think my favourite part was a video about a country event involving competitions with work dogs. If I can find the event I want to go!

Castlepoint

I’d initially planned to stay out here for a couple of nights, but decided not to risk it on my only spare tyre. Instead I did a day trip from Masterton. I was wondering if it was worth a visit but the information lady said it was one of the top beaches.

It’s more populated than I expected as I was imagining a place similar to the sparsely populated Herbertville further north. There are plenty of carparks along the beach so I’m assuming it can get busy. I visited on a blustery day with stormy clouds in the distance.

There is a loop walk up around the lighthouse with some amazing views. You can also walk (or drive in a 4×4) along the beach to the right. There’s some interesting rock formations with waves crashing over them. I’ve since learnt you can climb to the top of castle rock at the end of the beach for more views, there’s even a walk that I missed… next time.

Lake Ferry

Further down the coast at the bottom of the North Island is Lake Ferry. It’s a tiny little town by the ocean with an inlet and only has a few houses including the campground and hotel / restaurant. I stayed at the campground for three nights to work from the caravan and explore the area.

From my caravan I could look out to the inlet and enjoy some sunsets and sunrises. There are quite a few permanent holiday sites but the strip along the front of the water is for the temporary travellers. It’s a pricey campground compared to others, but I think you’re paying for the view and the isolated location. Toilets are run down, the showers were $1 per three minutes and they discouraged you from leaving your rubbish with them.

The first night, I was asked if I wanted to join three other RVing couples for a drink. I’m so glad I joined as they were all lovely. Two couples were travelling from the South Island in beautiful NZ made caravans that were a lot wider than mine. The other couple were from Whanganui and funnily enough know the one person I know in their town…. NZ is a small place.

The wind picked up on the last two nights with even a wind warning. I didn’t sleep at all well with the caravan swaying.

Cape Palliser

The lowest point on the North Island with a road that is partly washed away and becomes gravel. There’s a great looking freedom camping spot at Ngawi. I wouldn’t take a caravan all the way to the end as the road gets very narrow and bumpy.

Ngawi has a couple of quirks… a golf course with electric fencing around the putting green and sheep everywhere. I did see one couple playing.

The other interesting aspect is all the fishing ships on the gravel beach are attached to long metal bars with a bulldozer! I’m  guessing the shoreline is always changing and needs smoothing out.

The coast is wild with a lighthouse at the top of 252 steps. The view from the top makes the climb worth it.

I finally managed to get my drone out again for a fly. The weather was good and I’m pretty sure there are no restrictions in the area. I’ve recently learnt there are a surprising amount of areas that you can’t fly a drone or need permits or permission first. Completely different to a camera.

Putangirua Pinnacles

If you are in the area, seeing the pinnacles is a must as they are the strangest rock formations.

It has a DoC campground with plenty of flat space and a long drop toilet. There were a couple of buses and motorhomes staying.

The walk is about 1.5-2 hours to the pinnacles following a small stream. Tips are to wear long trousers as there’s plenty of gorse and to wear waterproof shoes as you’re jumping the stream back and forth. I also found it easier walking on the gravel with my hard hiking boots.

The pinnacles are fascinating. There are three main forks that you can walk into and be surrounded by these pillars. I’ve heard it was a setting for Lord of the Rings and I can see why.

There is a longer route uphill that gives you a birds-eye view of the pinnacles, but I was having a lazy day…

There are lots of cute towns in the area. If I’d had the time, I would have explored Greytown and Martinborough. I’ll just have to visit again…

Have you been to the Wairarapa region? What would you recommend?

If you like learning about out of the way New Zealand destinations or campgrounds you might like to learn about the Gisborne Region.

The post Lighthouses, Wind & Snow in the Wairarapa appeared first on Travelling K.

The town seems to have a viking flavour… I’m still not sure why. Where did the name come from? There’s a viking ship in the children’s playground and viking shields on the town railing.

I’ll admit that there is not a whole lot to do in Dannevirke… There’s a couple of nice looking restaurants and a good size supermarket. I’ve heard about a fantasy cave but I’m guessing it’s aimed at children. I’ve ended up relaxing with one exploration to the coast, visiting Waihi Falls and Herbertville Beach.

Dannevirke Campground

It’s actually at the bottom of a park! The narrow road snakes down the hill with plenty of speed bumps. There’s a duck pond, deer and it’s just an interesting place to walk around.

The quirk is that the gate closes at 8pm for the park so no wild nights out in Dannevirke!

The campground has a large grassy oval surrounded by tall trees and there are plenty of birds in the morning.

I was only charged $8 per night for non-powered in the tent area – no extra charge for the shower. Very happy with this price.

There’s actually quite a few camping areas in the Tararua District.

Waihi Falls

It really is hidden down some narrow roads. I nearly drove past the sign for the falls down Oporae Rd. It didn’t help that the convoy of 3 had just passed a slow motorhome and I was sandwiched in the middle. After an awkward turn into the road, I drove and drove and drove, wondering if I’d missed a turn off. The road is narrow and gravel in parts and looks like it’s had plenty of land slides. Eventually there was another sign for the falls and I was surprised to see 8 other cars had already arrived.

The Waihi Falls are down a narrow path with a few viewing platforms on the way down. There is a grassy area surrounding the falls and you can walk to one side of it.

All the grass and small trees surrounding the falls were completely flattened. There had been a patch of heavy rain recently and a huge amount of water must have come over the falls… I wish I had seen it.

Herbertville Beach

Reading a brochure about the area, it mentioned the two closest beaches, Herbertville and Akitio Beach. I picked Herbertville beach because it had a campground to check out and the photos online made it look more intriguing.

It’s a longer drive than I expected. Getting stuck behind slow moving motorhomes that refused to pull over probably didn’t help. Funny that even though I’m now an RVer I still get grumpy being stuck behind one. On Google Maps it really doesn’t look that far from Dannevirke, but the drive took over an hour.

Herbertville is a tiny town with watchful neighbours. I kept driving until I found a grassy area to pull onto and walked out to the beach. It doesn’t feel set-up for visitors and felt very isolated. There is a river that snakes to the ocean with plenty of wood scattered around. Plenty of the the locals drive out onto the beach.

The campground looked nice and I still had phone reception. Readying my brochure, it said self contained motor caravans could stay on Council land and there was a motorhome with a washing line out set-up on a grassy area overlooking the beach.

Reading a sign, it sounds like there are seals by the point over winter.

I’m now curious to know what Akitio Beach is like.

It’s been a relaxing time here and I’ve enjoyed the view of the trees out my caravan window. I do enjoy exploring the quieter towns and getting a feel for the area. This is a definite advantage to the caravan lifestyle.

Have you explored the area before? Is there anything you would recommend? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post Dannevirke – an unknown town with falls & beaches appeared first on Travelling K.

I hadn’t been to Gisborne since I was a kid and was keen to explore the surrounding area.

On this trip, I walked through Eastwoodhill Arboretum, swam at Rere Falls and Tolaga Bay, walked to Cooks Cove, enjoyed Morere Hot Pools and drove along a random gravel road with surprising views to Mahia Peninsular.

Below is more in-depth with tips about my trip to the Gisborne Region.

Walk through park

Eastwoodhill Arboretum

A 131 hectares park with lots of different paths. Eastwoodhill Arboretum was started in 1910 by William Douglas Cook. He bought over a huge range of trees from the Northern Hemisphere and you almost feel that you are in another country.

If you are in a self contained vehicle, you can stay in the carpark for $10. Such a peaceful setting and I was the only one there for 2 nights.

Rere Falls

Rere falls

Along the same road as the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, it’s a wide waterfall with plenty of water. A great place for a picnic.

I came here as a kid and remember a tree right next to the falls with a swing which has gone. There was a warning sign saying the water quality isn’t good enough for swimming in, but plenty of people went in anyway – myself included. I’ve seen quite a few of these signs this summer and am genuinely concerned that so many of our waterways are not classed as safe for swimming – what is going on! Is it all from farm run-offs or is something else going on?

Tolaga Bay

Tolaga Bay

The Bay is known for it’s wharf. It’s the 2nd longest wharf in New Zealand and you can walk right to the end. Kids jump off and people fish from the end.

The beach is wild with plenty of wood piled up on the sand from previous storms. It’s a good swimming beach with waves.

There is a nice sized carpark with diagonal carparks. Caravans tended to park on the grassy verge leading up to the carpark.

I stayed at the Tolaga Bay Holiday Park for 5 nights. It’s right next to the beach and is really a great setting. There were a good number of school kids staying for summer camp but the campground is large enough for us all… plus they were put far from us RVers.

Tips for the area:

• Stock up on food in Gisborne. The local “supermarket” is just a diary.
• You can only use the dump station at the campground if you stay for 2 days or more and it’s kept locked. It’s for black water only.
• In summer, they don’t want people fulling up their fresh water tanks. Imagine there is limited water.
• Good internet signal through my modem.
• Good showers that you don’t need to pay extra for.
• I heard Anaura Bay a little further north is a stunning beach.

Cooks Cove

This is a 2.5 hour return walk right next to Tolaga Bay. The Cooks Cove walk goes straight up through farm land and has a good view overlooking Tolaga Bay. Actually, there are plenty of panoramic views on the whole trip. Heading back down you walk through bush and reach the hole-in-the-wall. Further along is the cove.

When I went, there were plenty of sheep just standing around on the sand. I didn’t met a single person on my walk there but it got busier on my return.

Well worth an explore.

Morere Hot Pools

This place had been mentioned to me a few times before I visited.

I stayed at Morere Tearooms & Camping Ground which looked extremely cute on the CamperMate App. It’s literally right opposite the hot pools. A well planted area with a small stream running along the bottom. There’s a old school room which had been moved from another area. Lovely staff – the owner has the business up for sale.

The Morere hot pools also have a few walks through Nikau Palms. There is a short 25min walk on a good walking track or a couple of proper hiking options. I was quite late in the day so did the shorter walk and just wandered up part of Mangakawa Track that showed me to the original site of the hot pools (early 1890s).

Tips for the area:

• I had an internet connection at the campground.
• There is a tasty looking cafe.
• Non-powered sites.
• Only 1 toilet and shower for females but fine for the small number who stay.
• You can hear the sound of traffic along the highway.
• There is a private pool option at the hot pools.
• It costs a small amount of money to go on the walks.

Mahia Peninsular

I was planning to stay on the Peninsular but wasn’t sure if there was internet or what to expect. One evening after working online I went for an evening drive from Morere along Tunanui Rd – just to see what was there.

The road was a surprise. It’s basically a gravel 1 lane road through farmland but it’s right on top of the hills and the views were stunning! I could see all of the peninsular and didn’t come across another person.

Eventually I popped out by Mahanga. Looks like a few other people have found this beautiful peninsular and there were a few buildings newly started. One side of the peninsular had rough surf and the other had calm water.

I came across a nice looking freedom camping spot by the water at Opoutama with a few motorhomes set-up for the night.

Driving back along Nuhaka Opoutama Road, there were fanatic views along the long stretch of rough ocean and I ended up coming back the next day to enjoy the beach again. Definitely not a swimming beach as it was too rough but I spotted a few locals fishing.

Freedom Camping

The Gisborne Council has a different set-up to most. You pay a small amount for a permit that enables you to stay at set sites along the coast. Most of the camping spots are open just for summer. You don’t have to have a self containment vehicle and can even stay in a tent. You’re even given a rubbish bag!

You can get the permit from most of the i-sites in the area or online. There are a few other businesses mentioned on the website too.

I had heard mixed stories about freedom camping with some saying they had no problems and others being bothered by locals not wanting them there. This trip was to see if I could imagine myself freedom camping in the Gisborne region on a future trip… I still don’t know. I did learn that there was no internet connection along a beautiful looking freedom camping site by Pouawa.

There is still so much in the Gisborne Region for me to explore and am keen to go back soon.

Do you have a favourite spot in the area? Have you freedom camped there? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

The post Exploring the Gisborne Region by Caravan appeared first on Travelling K.

I recently went on a short trip with the caravan to explore Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Cape Kidnappers is known for it’s nesting gannet birds and there were plenty! The freedom camping spot was perfect – right by the water and I was able to watch a spectacular sunset.

Freedom Camping Spot

I stayed at a freedom camping that is on the way to Cape Kidnappers called Clifton Road Reserve – right by the ocean with a pebble bay.

View from Freedom Camping Spot

I arrived on a very windy Friday and found a spot at the front on the grass. That night, there was a stunning sunset with intense colours. One of the reasons I love caravan life is that you are more aware of nature and it’s changes. I’ve never seen so many sunrises and sunsets since embarking on this lifestyle. I eventually went to sleep with the caravan rocking from the wind, but awoke to stillness.

This camping spot looks like a popular one on the weekends. Cluster of vehicles with camping chairs out. I’ve since heard people get territorial with their spot on this reserve… which doesn’t really seem fair. Luckily the spot I picked seemed argument free.

Tips for this freedom camping spot:

• 2 nights max stay
• Parking on grass
• Large space
• Nice toilets
• There’s a place to fill up with water
• Donations box by toilet

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Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers

How to get there

Cape Kidnappers is at the bottom of the Hawke’s Bay. Drive towards Clifton, then the road finishes at a campground. There is plenty of parking and a toilet.

You have the option of pre-booking a tour, going on the tractor, driving your own 4×4 vehicle or walking.

I walked and found it took me just under 5 hours return. It feels like a surprisingly long walk – particularly walking back. A fisherman on a 4×4 quad bike offered a lift for the last half and hour, which I really appreciated.

The tractor tour looked like an easy option. It takes you to the bottom of the hill where you then walk up to see the gannet colony.

One 4×4 car became stuck in the muddy sand and was firmly trapped for a decent length of time. The quad bikes and motorbikes had an easier time.

Gannet Colony

The birds were really interesting to watch. Plenty of movement and noise with some entertainingly ungainly landings. You’ll walk past a smaller colony on the rocks, then walk up the hill to stand right next to another colony overlooking the ocean. If you look towards the point, you’ll see yet another colony on the land below.

Time your visit with the nesting season – go between early November and late February. I went at the start of November and there were only a couple of cute chicks.

Tips for the Cape Kidnappers Walking Track:

• Visit between early November and late February to see the birds
• 5 hr return
• Start at least 3 hours after high tide
• Start walking back no later than 1 hour 30 minutes after low tide
• Flat track along beach until the last section which is uphill
• There is a toilet when you start up the hill

Learn more about the walk on the DoC website here.

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Do you know of an interesting walk in New Zealand? I’d love to know in the comments below.

The post Freedom Camping in Caravan & Exploring Cape Kidnappers | Hawkes Bay appeared first on Travelling K.

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I didn’t know what to expect for the Wairere Falls hike. It was described on the DoC website as the highest waterfall in New Zealand’s North Island and was a half day walk near where I was staying, just outside of Matamata.

The start of the track is at the end of a narrow country road. You could see the waterfall in the distance and it seriously looked an impressive size.

Two parts to the trail

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Lower Falls Lookout

The first part takes 45min to a viewing platform of the complete waterfall. The path was really enjoyable with moss covered boulders and it kept crossing over the river with bridges. It does become very steep with never ending stairs and eventually reaches a seating area to view the Wairere Falls. I highly recommend a zoom lens to get a better photo of the waterfall, as it’s a bit further away than I expected.

Top of Falls Lookout

The next stage took another 45min with more stairs. In winter, the path is muddy and I found it was a great conversation starter with the people I passed. I also noticed that plenty of people use to have beautiful red or pink shoes, now coated with a layer of brown mud.

It’s worth going to the top. The power of the Wairere Falls is spectacular and there is a great platform right on the edge to get the full impact. On a clear day, you can see all across the Matamata area with its pretty farms.

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Tips for walk

• If it’s been wet, wear shoes that can handle mud
• Parts of it are straight up steep steps
• There is a toilet at the start
• Take a camera with a good zoom for the first stop at the lower falls lookout

Directions for walk

On Goodwin Road off Te Aroha-Okauia road, south of Te Aroha.

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I was seriously impressed by this fall and think it’s now one of my favourite North Island walks.

If you are in the area, consider the Blue Springs walk too.

Do you have a favourite walk you’d recommend? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post Wairere Falls outside of Matamata appeared first on Travelling K.

Rotorua has been a real surprise. Growing up in New Zealand, I always thought of it as a place to avoid. Too touristy and smelly from all the thermal activity in the area. But I decided to have a proper explore this time and have been impressed.

What impressed me?

• I stayed at a fantastic affordable lakeside campground just outside of Rotorua with some great sunsets.
• I found it extremely easy to go hiking in some nearby forests.
• The town is large enough to have a couple of good sized supermarkets and they are even building a Kmart.
• There is no painful Auckland traffic!
• Looking at the map, it’s in a great location for freelancing with Tauranga, Taupo, Cambridge and Hamilton surrounding it.

I know I will be visiting again soon to see if it would be a good base.

Walks in the Rotorua area

As I’m being cautious with money on this roadtrip, I avoided all the touristy and expensive activities. I managed to make the most of the good winter weather and explore some of the walks in the area. If you are a fan of bikes, Rotorua seems to be the place!

Below are three walking spots that I would recommend.

Redwood Forest

It has a touristy entrance with a treetop walkway, but the forest is so big you can get away from the crowds. I happened to visit over the school holidays and managed to avoid the family outings. There are walking tracks criss-crossing the forest. The giant trees are unusual in New Zealand, but if you walk further afield, it becomes New Zealand bush.

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Blue Lake & Green Lake

I wanted to see the lookout, but did my usual thing of charging off down the path without checking the signs. It was only after a long walk exploring other tracks that I realised that the lookout was behind me in the carpark! Highly recommend stopping at the lookout with fantastic views of both lakes. There is an easy walking trail down to the Blue Lake, which is very peaceful and pretty. Then there are plenty of other walking and biking trails deep into the forest.

Lake Tarawera

This hike has been high on my to-do list. But the track was extremely muddy on this visit and I decided to wait until the weather improves. You can walk around the lake in 5-6 hours, swim in the hot water at the end, then take a water taxi back to the start. I’ve heard you need to pre-book the water taxi and confirm before walking. I drove down to the lake and had an explore. Definitely a walk I will be doing in the near future.

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Have you been to Rotorua? What is your favourite thing to do in the area? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post Great Campground & Free Activities in Rotorua appeared first on Travelling K.

When I went to visit, I ended up starting at the wrong end of the walk and had it in my mind that it was 1.5 hours one way. I went charging off! Marched passed a seating area after a few photos and carried on, dodging other groups of walkers. Just after an hour, I realised I could hear the sound of a road again. That’s when I clicked. I’d just walked from carpark to carpark! I had already passed the Blue Spring.

Back tracking, I came across a map and finally realised that I’d actually started at a shortcut carpark, which is about a 15min walk to the Blue Springs. Great to know if you want a short walk!

It really is a lovely walk along a river which keeps changing personalities. From calm green, to dense black, to raging rapids. Parts are through farmland and through native bush.

Tips for the walk

• There is a drinking fountain at the Blue Spring which you can drink straight from the spring or fill up a bottle.
• The main carpark is along Whites Road.
• If you want a very short walk, park the carpark down Leslie Road.
• You can no longer swim in the water.
• Visit www.hamiltonwaikato.com for more details.

I had heard a rumour that a business is wanting to start bottling the water. I really really hope this was just an internet rumour. The idea of foreign companies taking our resources and not giving back to New Zealand sits wrong with me. It’s a bit much that they have stopped locals swimming in the water, yet a company will take all the water and export it overseas. And no money will go back into the community.

So it might be worth visiting sooner rather than later – the Blue Springs might not be as beautiful in the future as they are now.

The post Waikato’s Blue Spring Walk appeared first on Travelling K.

The South Island of New Zealand is full of stunning spots. In this list, I’ve included some of my favourites, with reflective lakes, waterfalls, dense bush and plenty of great hikes. I’ve realised they are all far from the cities and require a bit of organisation before visiting.

Do you have any you would recommend? Leave them in the comments at the end and I’ll explore.

Milford Sounds

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Milford Sound in New Zealand is a fiordland with incredibly beautiful scenery tucked away at the bottom of the island. Every time I visit, I’m in-love and wonder why I don’t come more often. Water is everywhere – waterfalls appear down the mountains after it rains, clear blue rivers, reflective lakes, snow even in summer and the sea comes in around the fractured land.

The trip from Te Awau to Milford Sound is a great scenic drive. There are so many hiking tracks in the area, it’s crazy! I still haven’t managed one of the famous multiple day hikes like Milford Track or the Routeburn Track, but there are plenty of unbelievably beautiful day hikes like Key Summit Track or Lake Marian Track. Then there is the option of cruises on the sound or even kayaking. If you are after THE photo of Milford Sound, go on the Piopiotahi Milford Foreshore Walk, which is right next to the Milford Sound carpark.

Tips before visiting

• It’s very isolated once you leave Te Anau. There is only an emergency petrol station that is not always working and a bad cafe. Best to buy everything you need in Te Anau.
• Check the weather beforehand on metservice. Sometimes the road is closed due to bad weather.
• The road is very winding, steep and narrow in parts. Consider leaving your caravan around Knots Flat before carrying on.
• Take warm clothes! I needed a hot water bottle in summer.

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Glenorchy

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Glenorchy is a small town surrounded by Lord of the Rings quality scenery. Where is it? Just an hour from Queenstown!

Driving beyond Glenorchy, the road eventually forks and becomes a gravel road. If you carry on after Paradise (yes, there is a place called Paradise), the road becomes more rugged with rivers fording the road and feels more like you’re on someones private land. There are a crazy number of hikes in the area and even one right in town.

Tips before visiting

• The are limited campgrounds and currently no dumping station.
• Only a few small shops with Mrs Woolly’s General Store selling fresh product and some nice bars and restaurants. Best to stock up with general food in Queenstown.
• There is a small petrol station.
• The road becomes gravel beyond Gelnorchy and some river fording is required.

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Karamea

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Karamea is a small town 99km north of Westport, on the South Island of New Zealand. The area has been described as “New Zealand’s best-kept secret”. Because it’s out of the way, a lot of people don’t bother visiting.

The main reason for it’s multiple accommodation options are from people completing the Heaphy Track. But there are other activities in the area with plenty of shorter hikes. It feels untouched and has a lot more wildlife than other parts of New Zealand. There are wild beaches, red rivers, mossy forests and caves – plenty of natural beauty.

Tips before visiting

• There is a Four Square supermarket for basics and a petrol station with a surprising number of restaurants and cafes.
• There are a couple of dumping stations.
• Beware of the weather. After a lot of rain, you might be trapped until the water goes down.

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Abel Tasman

Generally thought of as the warmest part of the South Island – it has a beautiful coastline and dense bush. There is a 3-5 day hike through the national park. You can easily do a day walk and just explore a section of the track by organising a water taxi (Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle  or Wilsons Abel Tasman). It’s advertised as an easy walk, but I know people who struggled with the hills and nearly missed the water taxi!

Tips before visiting

• The road beyond Motueka becomes extremely winding.
• There are campgrounds on both sides, with a Doc campground in the park that you can drive to on the far side.
• Motueka is a good sized town with supermarkets and petrol stations. There are just a couple of petrol stations beyond this town.

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Mt Cook

The drive along the intense chalky blue Lake Pukaki is the perfect entrance to this park. After a decent length drive, the road becomes a gravel carpark with a Doc campsite and toilet. There are a plenty of walking options and not all for mountaineers. The Kea Point Track is an extremely easy and short walk. I started the Hooker Valley Track, but realised I didn’t have enough time… will just have to go back.

Tips before visiting

• The closest town is Twisel with a supermarket and petrol stations. There are no shops at Mt Cook except an information centre.
• The campground is a Doc campground with just a toilet.
• The road is only gravel for the last tiny section.
• Take warm clothes!

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The rest of the South Island

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There is such a variety of landscapes in the South Island – far more diverse than the North Island. Below are a few more destinations that I ALSO love:

• The Catlins are at the very bottom of the island and are extra green. It does get a lot of rain and can get extremely windy. I enjoy the rough beaches, sealions and many waterfalls. The towns are cute too!
• Fox Glacier and Frans Joseph Glacier are close to each other on the west coast. I was very excited to finally see Lake Matheson on my last trip – with a mirror finish.
• Poor Kaikoura hasn’t had an easy time with the recent earthquake. I’d heard the road north was opening soon, but it still looks closed. Kaikoura is north of Christchurch and is usually a sleepy town until tourist season. I highly recommend swimming with the dolphins – I’ve never seen so many in one spot! There is also a great coastal walk and plenty of sealions.
• Nelson Lakes has a great campground in the park where you can instantly be on a peaceful bush walk. Each time I’ve visited, it’s ended up raining while the coast is dry. But even in the rain, it’s a special place.

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I imagine there are a few spots I’ve never heard of and there are a couple high on my wish-list.

Stewart Island would be amazing to see. It always sounds isolated, relaxing and beautiful.

Doubtful Sound is also a place I would love to visit. I can’t get enough of Milford Sound and I imagine Doubtful would be similar yet with less tourists!

Do you have a recommendation? I’d love to hear what spot you would recommend visiting in the comments below.

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