NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Campervan Hire Travel Story

New Zealand, ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, is a small, sparsely populated country consisting of two major islands, North and South Island, and a scattering of smaller ones. Despite its size it is crammed with magnificent natural beauty and has an incredible amount to offer; the only complaint travelers have is that they hadn’t allowed enough time in the country. Fresh air, breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities are the main attractions of New Zealand, with a tremendously friendly, honest and helpful population, colloquially nicknamed after their country's distinct symbol, the unusual but amiable flightless kiwi bird. The two islands have surprisingly different characters. The North Island has dramatic volcanic landscapes and highly active thermal areas, long stretches of beautiful beaches and excellent sailing, ancient indigenous forests and a strong Maori cultural influence. The South Island has a slower pace of life dominated by a magnificent spine of mountains, the snow-covered Southern Alps, and the spectacular scenery of the southern waterways of the fjordlands, with glaciers, deep lakes and verdant forests. Click here for full map of New Zealand (see opposite) Click here for distance chart of New Zealand (in km's)

Area: 270,534 sq km
Population: 4 million
Population Density: 14 per sq km
Climate: Auckland Winter Ave 12c; Summer 23c
Currency: NZ1$=AUS$1.10

School Holidays 2005
16 April - 01 May
09 - 24 July
24 September - 09 October

Public Holidays 2005
New Year's Day & Holiday 1, 2, 3 Jan
Waitangi Day Sunday 6 Feb
Easter 25, 28, March
ANZAC Day 25 April
Queens Birthday Monday 6 June
Labour Day Monday 24 October
Christmas & Boxing Day 25, 26 Dec
Boxing Day Holiday 27th Dec

For all customs or quarantine enquiries please ring Auckland New Zealand:-
NZ Customs – 0011 64 9 359 6655 Quarantine & Agriculture – 001164 9 377 3008

Now below you will find a lot of general information on the sites to see in New Zealand. So I guess we should first talk about the ways to get around New Zealand. If you would like to drive and stay at hotels and lodges along the way, that is fine. We offer a choice of ten companies offering budget vehicles, new vehicles, 4WD's and mini-buses with trailers. If you tell us your requirements, we will match you up with the deal that best suits your needs. Alternatively, click here to browse around our site. New Zealand Car Hire

Experience the freedom with our Motorbike companies in New Zealand. We offer specialized Half Day, Full Day up to a fantastic 21 Day Legacy Tour with Harley Davidson Tours and Rentals. Alternatively you can cruise at your own pace with our daily Harley rental rates. For BMW lovers Kea Motorcycles offer Fully Guided and Independent Motorcycle Tours in New Zealand as well as motorcycle rentals. Feel the breeze, view majestic coastlines and magnificent mountains on a Motorcycle.
New Zealand Motorbike Hire

If you are a family, or want 'real freedom' - perhaps you should consider a motorhome. In New Zealand, we can offer you a choice of 7 companies. The problem though is that even though we represent 7 companies, we always run out of availability in Dec/Jan/Feb, so we do recommend you book promptly to ensure you are not disappointed. New Zealand Campervan Hire

We also have access to very specialised and personalised tours. So if you'd like a tailor made tour to perhaps take in fishing, golf, food & wine tours, eco/nature tours, extreme adventure or just a relaxing holiday, just let us know. Our focus is to create itineraries for visitors who wish to experience New Zealand in their own time, and in their own way. We can provide a personable and experienced guide to escort you during your stay. Our programs range from the deluxe boutique holiday, to the adventure-based outdoor holiday for individuals or corporate groups of up to 10 people.
We know you'll want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about time frames and other arrangements!
We take into account our clients interests, and match activities and accommodation to suit budgets and time frames.
click here for info: http://www.kiwivacations.com.au/Products/aroha_tours/index.shtml

Now here is some information on what to see and do...

AUCKLAND Known as the ‘City of Sails’, with a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colourful sails. The best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around the attractive harbour or on a ferry cruise to one of the many stunning islands dotted about the Gulf. Auckland is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand and a major gateway to the rest of the country. Yet it is also one of the least densely populated in the world, covering an area twice the size of London but with barely a million inhabitants. It has a friendly small-town atmosphere and a deliberate pace of life.

Hauraki Gulf Islands
The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands such as Rangitoto, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island and those close to the mainland make a good day trip. Some are recreation retreats, and others are conservation islands with restricted access, reserves for the protection of rare bird, animal and plant life. Waiheke is the most popular of the gulf islands, with picturesque bays and white sandy beaches, rolling farmlands and hills cloaked with vineyards and fine wineries. The town enjoys the slow and relaxed pace of island life, along with chic little restaurants and cafes, and is home to many art galleries and craft shops. The nearest island to the city is the uninhabited Rangitoto, a large volcanic cone with an unusual landscape of black distorted lava shapes that governs the view over the harbour. It is possible to hike up to the crater rim and explore the lava caves on the slopes. Each island has a different character with different things to do, whether it is to explore natural geological features or to enjoy the isolation, relax on white beaches or wander about the galleries and cafes. Some visitors prefer simply to sail around the islands on a yacht or ferry cruise and enjoy the scenery from on board.
Transport: Frequent ferries leave from the wharves around the Ferry Building

Sky Tower
The Sky Tower, at 1,076ft (328m), is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It is part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, with a casino, theatre, hotel and conference centre. Visitors to the tower can splash out on dinner in the revolving restaurant, or admire the view from one of the four circular observation decks, reached by a glass lift. There is an outdoor deck, glass floor panels, an audio visual guide and touch computer screens providing geographical information. The Sky Deck is the highest viewing level with spectacular 360-degree views.
Address: Sky City Complex, Victoria and Federal Streets; Telephone: (9) 363 6000; Website: www.skycity.co.nz Opening time: Daily from 8.30am to 11pm (12pm on weekends); Admission: NZD $15 (adults), NZD $7.50 (children). Other concessions are available. To climb to the Sky Deck level is an extra NZD $3.50

Events in Auckland

Pasifika Festival
Auckland boasts the world’s largest Polynesian population, and celebrates the art, culture and lifestyle of this vibrant native community with the annual Pasifika Festival. Venue: Western Springs Lakeside and Stadium, Great North Road; Date: 11-13 March 2005; Time: 9am to 6pm; Website: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/pasifika

Hero Festival
A feast of culture, arts, music, dance, drama and drinking makes up the packed program for Auckland’s Hero Festival, aimed at spreading ‘Gay Pride’ across the Pacific islands. Date: 13 - 26 February 2005; Website: www.gaynz.com/hero

New Zealand Fashion Week
International fashion buyers and writers descend on Auckland during October each year to celebrate in grand style the unique indigenous-inspired collections of New Zealand’s talented designers. About 50 designers show their collections at this major event
Venue: Auckland Town Hall; Date: 19 to 24 October 2004; Website: www.nzfashionweek.com

Auckland Anniversary Regatta
Being known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland of course is recognised as a yachtsman’s paradise, so it is no surprise to discover that its annual official Regatta is the biggest one-day Regatta in the world, attracting thousands of craft. This historic event was first held in September 1840 and has sailed on through turbulent years and changing social trends to become a family outing full of fun and excitement. Venue: Auckland Harbour; Date: 31 January 2005, TBC; Time: 9.30am to 5pm; Website: www.regatta.org.nz

WELLINGTON
The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, the second largest city in the country, is located at the southern tip of the North Island. It is situated on a splendid harbour and hemmed in by steep hills, creating a compact inner city centre with a mix of historic and modern buildings.

The bustling, pretty waterfront area is a sheltered refuge with a graceful promenade, featuring shops, restaurants and various leisure activities. Brightly coloured sails scud across the harbour, the reliable wind providing excellent sailing and windsurfing opportunities. The ferry to the picturesque Days Bay, one of Wellington's best swimming beaches, affords excellent views of the city from the water.

The cable car takes people up to the Botanic Gardens for vistas of the city centre and across the harbour to the Hutt Valley, one of the scenic locations used in the filming of ‘Lord of the Rings’. Another film site is Mt Victoria, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city and its suburbs, the surrounding hills and bays, and the harbour.

Must see and do...

Te Papa Museum
Wellington’s leading attraction and one of the world’s largest national museums, Te Papa is a tribute to all that is New Zealand; its people and history, natural environment, arts and culture. Interactive technology and superb displays bring the story to life. Motion simulators allow visitors to witness the explosive creation of pre-historic New Zealand, or to experience a virtual reality bungy jump
Address: Cable Street, Waterfront; Telephone: (04) 381 7000; Website: www.tepapa.govt.nz; Transport: City Circular Bus; Opening time: Daily from 10am to 6pm, Thursdays until 9pm; Admission: Free

Cable Car One of the most popular tourist attractions, the cable car takes people to the lookout at Kelburn, where there is a beautiful view over the city and across the harbour. Visitors can either take a return journey or walk back down through the beautifully landscaped Botanic Gardens. At the top terminus there is the small Cable Car Museum explaining its history. Address: Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay; Telephone: (04) 472 2199; Website: www.wellingtonnz.com/cablecar Opening time: Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 9am to 10pm; Admission: NZD $1.50 (adults), NZD $1 (children)

THE SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island is less populated than the North and appears to have a slower pace of life, with rural scenes of sheep-filled pastures and remote farm settlements backed by rugged snow-covered mountains. The scenery is magnificent, and with its alpine mountains, fjords, glaciers, lakes and forests it is possibly even more spectacular than the North Island. Often arrogantly referred to as ‘the mainland’ by South Islanders, the South is the main destination of New Zealand tourism.

Canterbury is the hub of the South Island containing the largest city, Christchurch, an English epitome, with punting on the River Avon and a grand Anglican cathedral dominating the central square. The Queenstown region is the capital for adrenalin-inducing activities and the home of the bungy jump, with a history of gold in the hills and rivers and set on a beautiful lake at the foot of the Remarkables Mountains. The southwest holds some of New Zealand’s finest scenery and natural wonders, including its

highest mountain, Mt Cook or Aoraki, ‘cloud piercer’; the Frans Josef and Fox Glaciers stretching down to within a few kilometres of the coast, the magnificent Fjordland National Park with beautiful fjords, waterfalls and forests, and several world-famous walking tracks.

CHRISTCHURCH
Dubbed the ‘Garden City’, it is the lively capital of the Canterbury region, priding itself on its green areas, arts and history as well as its sports. The surrounds offer beach suburbs, protected bays and dolphin swimming, green valleys and snow-capped mountain ranges for skiing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing. The city itself has a relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams rattling along the streets of the bustling downtown area, a lively pub and restaurant scene, theatres, street buskers, museums and art galleries

Must see and do...

Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is the hub of the city centre and is dominated by the city’s landmark, Christchurch Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with a tall spire, and a cool and spacious interior with marvelous acoustics. It is possible to climb the narrow staircase to the bell tower for a splendid panoramic view of the city. Nearby the giant chessboard painted on the square attracts avid players and spectators, with enormous pieces to be shifted during strategic moves, as challengers pit their skills against one another.
Telephone: (03) 366 0046; Opening time: Cathedral: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm (November to March); Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm (April to October); Admission: Free admission to the cathedral, tower NZD $4

Christchurch Tramway
Trams were part of the city’s transport system until 1954 and today these heritage trams have been beautifully restored, offering visitors a unique experience that takes one on a 1.5 mile (2.5km) loop of many of the city’s best features and main attractions. The drivers, who offer insight on the history, architecture, activities and points of interest, supply informative and entertaining commentary. Visitors can hop on and off at any of the stops to further explore the attractions at leisure. The most interesting sights include Cathedral Square, the Aquarium of Discovery, punting on the Avon River, the exquisite Botanic Gardens on the banks of the river, New Regent Street with its pretty Spanish mission-style architecture, the magnificent Gothic buildings of the Arts Centre, and Canterbury Museum, with an excellent Antarctic exhibition.
Address: 7 Tramway Lane; Telephone: (03) 366 7830; Opening time: Daily from 9am to 9pm (November to March), 9am to 6pm (April to October); Admission: NZD $10 (adults), valid for two consecutive days

Christchurch Gondola The spectacular ride takes visitors to the top of the crater rim of Christchurch’s extinct volcano on the outskirts of the city, unfolding magnificent views of the city, over the Canterbury Plains and towards the Southern Alps, and the sweep of Pegasus Bay and Lyttelton Harbour, as it rises to 1,460ft (445m) above sea level. At the summit the Gondola Complex features the Time Tunnel Heritage Show with a walk-through exhibition and video relaying the history and geological evolution of the Canterbury region as well as Maori mythology. From the summit it is possible to walk back down through the Port Hills to Sumner Beach. Address: 10 Bridle Path Road; Telephone: (03) 384 0700; Opening time: Daily from 10am to midnight (October to April), and from noon to 10pm (May to September); Admission: NZD $16 (adults), NZD $7 (children)

Mt Cook National Park Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier outside of the polar regions. Glacial melt gives the lakes their beautiful milky, turquoise colour and there are many walks in the area to take in the dramatic beauty. Mt Cook has always been the focus of climbing and mountaineering, most notably the expeditions of Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to be the first man to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. Website: www.mtcook.org.nz

Akaroa
The hilly Banks Peninsula is the result of two massive and violent volcanic eruptions, creating a sea-filled crater surrounded by green hills and a number of little bays that radiate out from the circular shape of land. The Maori name ‘akaroa’ means ‘long harbour’ and the little French influenced town of the same name is situated on the picturesque shores of the harbour, a long finger of water extending into the interior of the land. It is Canterbury’s oldest village and its French character, due to the first European settlers, is evident in the street names, quaint historical architecture and French inspired cuisine. The pretty town is surrounded by attractive scenery; a volcanic landscape of fertile green hills scattered with woolly sheep and vineyards, and crisscrossed by walking trails and winding narrow roads. The calm waters of the harbour are perfect for water sports and boat cruises, with an opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Swimming with dolphins The beautiful and sheltered Akaroa Harbour is the only place in the world where visitors can swim with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector’s or New Zealand dolphin. All necessary equipment is included such as wetsuits, masks and snorkels and supervision is provided throughout. It is also possible to simply watch the graceful antics from aboard the vessel.

QUEENSTOWN
With a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to indulge in almost every adrenalin activity imaginable. But Queenstown has more to offer visitors than action packed activities

Queenstown is a heavily commercialised, year round resort that is touristy, crowded and characterless, but with its magnificent scenery, set on the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and framed by the craggy Remarkables Range, it is appealing to adventurers and leisure seekers alike. The lake is the perfect setting for steamer cruises, there are many fine walking opportunities in the surrounding hills and valleys with breathtaking views, surrounding vineyards offer wine tasting, shopping at the town’s many boutiques, and the nearby historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a fascinating days outing. Scenic flights take visitors on unforgettable excursions, such as those around the majestic peaks of Mt Aspiring and Mt Cook, or to Milford Sound.
Queenstown’s popularity is also due to the fact that it is a year round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter and activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.

Must see and do...

Skyline Gondola
The gondola takes visitors to Bob’s Peak, the hill above the town and has incredible views over Queenstown, the lake and of the Remarkables Range. At the top of the gondola is the Luge offering three-wheel cart rides for all different ages and abilities, or there are numerous walks on the mountain with beautiful views of the area. At the bottom terminal is the Kiwi and Birdlife Park featuring nocturnal kiwi houses and other endangered species of New Zealand.
Address: Brecon Street; Website: www.skyline.co.nz Transport: Five minutes walk from the town centre; Admission: NZD $15 (adults), NZD $5 (children)

Arrowtown
Arrowtown sits at the edge of the Otago Goldfields and was one of the country’s biggest gold towns in its day. It still has reminders of the gold rush days with little miners' cottages along the tree lined streets, historic wooden buildings, and 19th century-style shops, preserved as they were during the gold rush. There are the interesting remains of a Chinese settlement, with interpretive signs, nestled along the banks of Bush Creek where gold was panned. The Chinese diggers often worked through the remains of previous miner’s claims in search of undetected fine gold and were subjected to much prejudice by the other diggers. The Visitors Centre contains the excellent Lake District Museum that has a small display on local history and gold mining.
Transport: 20 minute drive from Queenstown

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Nowhere else in the world, outside the polar regions, can one see glaciers so close to the sea, extending more than eight miles (13km) from the highest peaks of precipitous mountains to the valley floor and surrounded by rainforest. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are the two most famous glaciers, a small part of the Westland National Park, and the two small townships near to each are good bases from which to explore the area, although offering an expensive range of accommodation and cafes. They each have a good Visitors Centre with displays on the formation of the glaciers, the ice movement and the history of the region. The giant screen at Franz Josef shows the brilliant film on Glacier Country, ‘Flowing West’. The glaciers are moving at an average rate of three feet (one metre) a day, but the Frans Josef can move up to an incredible 16 feet (five metres) in one day. A wide range of companies offer guided trips to explore the spectacular ice formations, taking visitors beyond the looming terminal face of the glacier and up onto the mighty rivers of ice, through the carved passageways and channels. There are also scenic flights among New Zealand’s highest peaks and over the glaciers, and snow landings, one of the best ways to appreciate the magnitude and splendour of the area; or a chance to combine a flight and ice walking on a guided heli-hike excursion.
Transport: Eight-hour bus journey from Queenstown

Bungy Jumping
Undoubtedly the most prominent sport in Queenstown, bungy jumping takes place from four of the world’s most scenic bungy sites. Visitors can choose to throw themselves off a bridge or a gondola, or there are milder options that include cable swinging or the Bungee Rocket that shoots people into the air while strapped into a cage-like device on the end of a bungy cord. The first commercial bungy jump site in the world is on the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, situated 137.5 feet (43m) above the river, with viewing platforms for spectators. The urban option is Hackett’s Ledge, situated at the top of the gondola, and it is open even at night. The second highest is the Pipeline Bungy, operating from a suspension bridge across Skippers Canyon on the site of the 1864 gold-sluicing pipeline. The engineering masterpiece is the highest bungy jump, and the world’s first gondola jump, a pod suspended terrifyingly 440 feet (134m) above the riverbed, spanning a remote gorge. A glass-bottomed cable car takes the jumpers out to the gondola.

Hiking
The area around Queenstown offers some excellent hiking, known locally as tramping. Some of the country’s excellent multi-day hiking trails start from nearby, including the spectacular Routebourne Track, one of the best in the country for its variety of countryside and scenery. The Rees-Dart Track is a rugged circular track, and the Greenstone Caples Track is a less challenging option. All the tramps have well maintained paths and comfortable mountain hut accommodation.

Jet Boating
Hurtling up and down the churning rivers around Queenstown in jet boats is a very popular activity. The Shotover River surges through Skippers Canyon, the narrowest and deepest section, and trips include heart stopping 360-degree spins, last minute turns away from the canyon edges and high speed boating on either the Shotover or the Kawarau Rivers. It is an exhilarating experience that continues to draw the crowds.

Fjordland
The Fjordland is the most dramatic and beautiful part of New Zealand, a region of waterfalls and misty virgin forests, snow-clad mountains and towering granite peaks, crystal clear lakes, rivers and remote fjords.
The Fjordland National Park encompasses exquisite scenery and astounding natural splendour with some of the best walking tracks in the world. It is the largest national park in the country stretching along the southwestern corner of South Island, with a jagged coastline indented by numerous sounds and inlets.
Milford Sound is one of the most visited and famous sights within the national park, a spectacular glacier-carved fjord with waterfalls plummeting down the sheer granite walls into the ocean below. The walks in the park are world famous and the greatest of these is the Milford Track, considered to be the finest walk on earth.
Fjordland National Park can be explored on foot, on a boat cruise, by sea kayak or on a breathtaking scenic flight over the fjords, lakes and miles of ice and snow-covered mountains.

Te Anau
Set on the fringes of the Fjordland’s celebrated wilderness is the attractive resort town of Te Anau. The town rests on the shores of the beautiful lake of the same name with spectacular views of mountain peaks all around. It is the hub of the region and an excellent base from which to explore the Fjordland area. Te Anau has achieved the reputation of being the ‘Sightseeing and Walking Capital of the World’ having easy access to some of the most splendid Great Walks and scenery. It is also in close proximity to the fjords of Doubtful Sound, the deepest and most stunning, and Milford Sound, the most famous and more easily accessible. Lake Te Anau is the second largest in New Zealand and visitors are attracted by the wide variety of water sports available. The town also has a wonderful resource centre with information on tramping and other excursions, as well as offering aerial sightseeing or organising trips to the main attractions in the area. The beautiful Lake Manapouri, dotted with 35 pretty islands, is just nine miles (14km) away.

Milford Sound
The 14 mile (22km) long fjord of Milford Sound is the most famous attraction in the Fjordland National Park. Hemmed in by towering granite cliffs and dominated by Mitre Peak, the calm deep waters reflect ice-covered mountain tops, waterfalls plummet from the cliff tops to the water below and Bottlenose dolphins play in the foaming wakes of the boats. Its grandeur was carved out during the ice ages and a close up or aerial view of the awesome scenery is a must. A variety of boat cruises or popular kayaking trips are offered and these provide opportunities to see the fur seals, crested penguins and dolphins that inhabit the sound, while scenic flights give a unique perspective on the area. The road to Milford Sound is one of the finest alpine drives in the world with many points of interest along the way and view points to admire the sheer scale of the dramatic landscape. Traveling towards the sound, the road approaches a seemingly impenetrable wall of rock, and the tiny entrance of Homer Tunnel, unlit and roughly hewn out of the cliff face, suddenly appears as the way through, emerging again at the top of the stunning Cleddau Canyon before dropping into the valley below. Milford is synonymous with rain, and although the mountaintops might not be visible through the clouds, the streams of water and waterfalls coursing down the sheer rocky cliffs is a magnificent sight worth seeing that would not be apparent if it was dry. Tiny biting sandflies are the menace of the Fjordlands, although optimists say the rain tends to keep them away. Whether raining or fine it is impossible to ignore the powerful sense of beauty and grandeur that the landscape evokes.
Transport: Buses go from Te Anau (2-hour journey) and scenic flights can be taken from Te Anau or Queenstown.

The Milford Track
The Milford Track is considered to be the finest walk in the world, a four-day hike ending at Milford Sound that has been attracting tourists and locals for over 100 years. Following glaciated valleys and crossing an alpine pass it traverses some fabulous scenery, past towering snow-clad peaks, rivers and waterfalls, along grassy plateaux and through dense rainforests. The number of hikers is limited and accommodation is provided in comfortable mountain huts along the way.

If you would like to call us to make a reservation we are pleased to offer FREE Reservations phone numbers from:
Australia: 1800 338 817
USA + Canada: 011 800 8781 1120
New Zealand: 00 800 8781 1120
United Kingdom: 00 800 8781 1120
Germany: 00 800 8781 1120
Israel: (Berak) 013 800 8781 1120 - (Bezeq) 014 800 8781 1120

Now we hope you dont need this...but here are details of embassies and consulates
United States Embassy, Wellington: +64 (0)4 462 6000
British High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 924 2888
Canadian High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 473 9577
Australian Consulate-General, Auckland: +64 (0)9 303 2429
Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Auckland: +64 (0)9 977 2252

Distances are in Kilometres
   

 A SLICE OF HEAVEN

A New Zealand Motorhome Rental adventure around New Zealand’s Spectacular North Island By Anthony Healey

New Zealand was never high on my holiday hit list. It seemed too close, too familiar and, in contrast, Europe seemed to have just about everything to offer in the way of history, culture, cosmopolitan cities with exotic and alluring names, fashion, food and style.

It was not difficult developing a love affair with Europe; using London or Vienna as a base, driving our campervan ‘Bruce” from Salzburg to San Marco Square, the Cotswolds to Corfu. Never disappointed, and for a couple of decades I happily embraced driving around continental Europe and all it had to offer.

It was only by chance that I got to New Zealand. Ironically I had journeyed from London’s miserable winter weather, cold, rain and six dark daylight hours to arrive in an Auckland that glistened like a shining jewel.

What a delight – flying over Auckland’s stunning harbour with its sparkling waters dotted with hundreds of colourful spinnakers set against a backdrop of lush, volcanic mountains. It is certainly is up there with the world’s most picturesque harbours Sydney and Cape Town. Because of the many yachts that live and visit Auckland it is known as the City of Sails and is the shining jewel in New Zealand’s crown.

It was here we collected our four-berth motorhome and headed off on our NZ adventure. We spent the next day or so doing the rounds of this most surprising city. Auckland offered a blend of the best of east coast Australia with its family beaches and waterfront promenade and say, Melbourne or Boston with its classical architecture, fine dining and gracious gardens.

The city’s fabulous Viaduct Basin and Princes Wharf harbourside complex has transformed the once derelict strip into a swish blend of residential and commercial districts with great shops, promenades, snazzy restaurants, bars and cafes, a most impressive marina for the many private yachts and ships who visit or stay.

Mission Bay, just a few kilometres from the city centre, has several leafy beachside parks, trendy sidewalk bistros and is a popular hangout for parading walkers and scantily clad joggers who strut their stuff along the esplanade.

After a glorious 250km drive through the heart of New Zealand’s central north island we arrived at Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, hot springs and bloody hot exploding mud pools. Let’s face it the joint stinks - a putrid smell of rotten eggs which one can never quite get used to and has lead to Rotorua also being known as Sulphur City.

However, Rotorua’s awesome geothermal activities have made it one of the country’s most popular tourist spots attracting local and international visitors to see its abundant natural attractions. It situated in the well-named province Bay of Plenty, an absolute horticultural heaven with its lush vineyards, orchards and farms and the large Maori population who operate many of the craft shops and cultural exhibitions.

Rotorua is also blessed with stunning bush-lined lakes and streams that can be described as an angler’s paradise where one is almost certain to catch a trophy fish.

Well worth a visit is the aptly named Hell’s Gate, an awesome thermal area that looks somewhat like a demonic lunar landscape with its craters, steaming terraces of sulphur, violent mud pools and dramatic geysers. It’s local golf course the only course in the world with bunkers of boiling mud!

And after a full day trekking around there’s nothing better than the pure indulgence of luxuriating in your own private thermal bath. Heated to around 35c it is just the ticket to complete the day.

Next day we headed to Taupo, a small town best known for the gigantic rainbow and brown trout that attract anglers to the country’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Naturally, the 600 sq km lake is the major attraction for visitors with its many and varied aquatic activities including fishing, canoeing, motor boating, windsurfing, skiing and paragliding.

At Waikato river, with heart pounding and eyes closed I fell into my first Bungy Jump - from a 20 metre protruding cantilever platform into the spectacular river gorge 60 metres below.

Later hugging terra firma like a lost child I worked out the cost to be around about $20 per second for this adrenalin-packed buzz.

The very, very small town of Waitamo (population 314), has to rely on a unique series of limestone caves to make a living and it’s the humble glow worm that must be given most of the credit for the town’s healthy economic standing.

Waitamo (waterhole) boasts a series of eerie underground river chambers and terraces that provide the perfect habitat for the Glow-worm’s needs. Gliding along in a small boat in a dark cave we saw millions of the little buggers blinking their way to form a most impressive fairyland - a veritable Milky Way of glittering bud lights.

And motoring around this compact country is a breeze. It’s a delight to take in the unspoiled and varied landscape of evergreen fields, prosperous farms and native forests.

We cruised along the country roads to Ohakune, sited on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, (2800 metres) which is regarded as the north island’s premier ski location. During the winter Ruapehu’s superb ski fields cover a very active volcano that has erupted three times in the past 10 years.

And of course with our motorhome, finding a spot to stay posed no problems and we snuggledsin a cosy spot that had sensational views of the mountain that is snow-capped all year round.

I doubt that there is a country of its size anywhere in the world that offers such spectacular contrasts. And what a delight it is to drive around it its warm temperate climate, glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, clear, clean waterway through sub tropical bush and visit native forests, stay near to beaches, visit sleepy towns and bustling, cosmopolitan cities.

And that’s only the North Island.

Now I can’t wait to get into my comfy motorhome and cruise the stunning South Island. Maybe a few days in Christchurch and Queenstown, around the Milford Sound and sat a day or two in the Fiordland National Park.

Or I could go to Dunedin first; then some boating in the Marlborough Sounds and maybe ski from the top of Coronet Peak or visit the place where they filmed The Lord of The Rings, The Remarkables. Then there’s . . .

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