In September and October 2018, we did a 32-day road trip around the North Island of Nouvelle-Zélande followed by a 10-day cruise that brought us back to Australie via the South Island of Nouvelle-Zélande. I know, 32 days seems like an awful lot to spend on just the Nouvelle-Zélande North Island, right? Especially considering we visit some of those same places again on the subsequent 10-day cruise home. However, there are actually so many places to see and things to do here that are often overlooked. We could easily have spent longer here, and there are places I want to go back to and spend some more time in!
Table des matières
Spectacle
A quick question
What is your number one must see place, or wish list place to see on the North Island of Nouvelle-Zélande? Let me know in the comments after this article!
Disclaimer:
This article is all our own experience. Our bookings were all paid for by us, and no part of it was free or subsidised. That said, many of the links below are affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you click it and make a booking or purchase. I hope that you’ll use these links anytime you need to book a place to stay or activity! These small commissions help me to keep travelling so I can write and film more travel guides for you. I would never recommend anything I don’t or would not personally use!
Our Itinerary
Day 0
I call this day 0 because we haven’t left Australie yet. For us, we opted to spend the night at Sydney Airport so we didn’t have to get up quite so early for our morning flight to Wellington, Nouvelle-Zélande.
- Home to Sydney International Airport – 133km’s, approx 1hr, 45mins.
- Sydney International Airport
- Return voiture de location
- Stay: Aéroport Rydges de Sydney
- Booked a Superior Queen Room
- Received a free upgrade to a Deluxe Airport View King Room
- Free: Redeemed a Récompenses invité prioritaire loyalty reward night
- Sydney International Airport
Day 1 - Sydney to Wellington to Greytown - 3hrs 10 mins flight + 87km's drive approx, 1hr, 30 mins + stops
- Sydney to Wellington
- QF161 Reward flight from Sydney to Wellington Nouvelle-Zélande
- We arrived in Wellington at 2:40 pm
- Ramassez un voiture de location
- Wellington
- Lunch at The Hop Garden (read my review)
- Upper Hutt
- 35.8km’s from The Hop Garden, approx 31 mins.
- Pick up some groceries at Pak’n’Save
- Rimutaka Crossing Lookout
- 20.7kms from Upper Hutt, approx 20 mins.
- We planned to stop here but ended up skipping it as it was already dark by the time we passed this lookout, but it is definitely worth a stop if you are here during the day.
- The winding road through the mountains is pretty hairy, and locals seem to think they have to do it at the speed limit, drive with caution.
- Featherston
- 10.5km’s from Rimutaka Crossing, approx 12 mins.
- Greytown
- 12.6km’s from Featherston, approx 10 mins.
- Stay: Greyfriars Motel
- Booked a Queen Room
- Received a free upgrade to a Garden Studio (read my review)
- NZD $135/night
Day 2 - Greytown to Cape Palliser return - 202km's drive, approx 3hr, 50 mins + stops
- Martinborough
- 19km’s from Greytown, approx 17 mins.
- Lake Ferry
- 35.5km’s from Martinborough, approx 32 mins.
- Cape Palliser Lighthouse
- 41.3km’s from Lake Ferry, approx 48 mins.
- A short walk from the car park then climb 252 steps from the base to the lighthouse.
- Ngawi
- 6.6km’s from Cape Palliser Lighthouse, approx 12 mins.
- Putangirua Pinnacles Reserve
- 17.4km’s from Ngawi, approx 17 mins.
- There is a rather confusing walking track from the car park to the Pinnacles, but you’ll find it if you follow the stream!
- Greytown
- 83.8km’s from the Putangirua Pinnacles Reserve, approx 1hr, 10 mins.
- Via Lake Wairarapa, Western Lake Road.
- Stay: Greyfriars Motel
- Garden Studio (read my review)
- NZD $135/night
Day 3 - Greytown (Work/Rest Day)
This was a work and chill in one place day for us (which I really recommend having once in a while) so we just explored some of the local attractions including:
- Greytown
- Schoc Chocolates
- Cobblestones Museum
- St Lukes Anglican Church and the Historic Eucalyptus Tree
- Stay: Greyfriars Motel
- Garden Studio (read my review)
- NZD $135/night
Day 4 - Greytown to Masterton via Castlepoint - 159km's, approx 2 hrs, 41 mins + stops
- Carterton
- 8.2km’s from Greytown, approx 8 mins.
- Paua World
- A factory that produces a range of products using the Nouvelle-Zélande Paua shell.
- The visitor centre has a range of Paua products available as well as information on the shell.
- Masterton
- 15.7km’s from Carterton, approx 17 mins.
- Eat: Entice Cafe and Catering
- Corner Bruce & Dixon Streets, Masterton
- We stopped in here for breakfast and to get food to take out to Castlepoint for lunch.
- They do amazing food here, so good!
- They are opposite Queen Elizabeth Gardens which makes for a great outlook.
- Castlepoint
- 65.7km’s from Masterton, approx 1 hr, 6 mins.
- Castlepoint Lighthouse
- You’ll see it as you enter the town of Castlepoint.
- Head all the way through the town until you find the car park near St Peters By The Sea.
- From the car park, it’s a short walk, about 120m across the beach and up to the lighthouse.
- Deliverance Cove Walk
- 1hr 30 mins approximately at a leisurely pace.
- The walking track on the opposite side of the car park from the lighthouse takes you around Deliverance Cove for some fantastic panoramic views.
- You can do the circuit, or return the same way you came.
- It’s easier going if you head through the forest and come back via the beach.
- Masterton
- 63km’s from Castlepoint to Henley Lake Park, approx 54 mins.
- Henley Lake Park
- This wasn’t somewhere we originally planned to stop, but it is on the way into Masterton and we had time.
- Stay: Acorn Estate Motel
- Studio Room
- NZD $115/night
- Eat: Tripoli Bistro
- 452 Queen St, Masterton
- A tiny little place in Masterton that does great food!
Day 5 - Masterton to Taihape via the longest place name in the world - 224km's, approx 3 hrs, 30 mins + stops
- Masterton
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- ANZAC Bridge, Kaipororo
- 34.1km’s from Masterton, approx 22 mins.
- A historic bridge built by returning WW1 veterans.
- It isn’t listed in Google Maps, but you can find it Ici, or by going to these coordinates: 40°42’13.9″S 175°39’31.1″E
- Access to the bridge is on the Northern side of the new road bridge.
- Woodville
- 49km’s from the Kaipororo ANZAC Bridge, approx 34 mins.
- Herbertville
- 91km’s from Woodville, approx 1 hr, 25 mins.
- This little town is the ‘gateway’ to a beautiful beach. There isn’t much else here though.
- I would consider getting fuel in Herbertville if you are on the low side because there is not a lot until Waipukurau.
- Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
- 23.9km’s from Herbertville, approx 25 mins.
- Also known as the Longest Place Name in the world.
- Google Maps doesn’t know where this is, but you can find it Ici or by going to “748-382 Wimbledon Rd, Porangahau 4292, Nouvelle-Zélande”
- Whangaehu Beach
- Approx 25km’s from the longest place name, or about 30 mins. Google Maps is unable to get directions so I’m not 100% sure.
- The turn off for it is just before the town of Porangahau.
- Porangahau
- 20km’s from Whangaehu Beach, approx 25 mins.
- There is fuel at a mechanic here (Porangahau Garage) and it only operates while the store is open, so don’t get caught out like we almost did!
- Waipukurau
- 45km’s from Porangahau, approx 45 mins.
- Lots of fuel here.
- Norsewood
- 34.4km’s from Waipukurau, approx 25 mins.
- We didn’t stop here, but keep an eye out for the Viking signs.
- Dannevirke
- 19.4km’s from Norsewood, approx 15 mins.
- The viking theme continues through this town.
- We didn’t stop here either.
- Woodville (again)
- 28km’s from Dannevirke, approx 20 mins.
- This just happens to be the quickest way to Palmerston North after a long detour via the longest place name.
- Ashhurst
- 16.4km’s from Woodville, approx 18 mins.
- We took Saddle Road and got to see Te Apiti Wind Farm.
- State Highway 3, Napier Road (which follows the river and doesn’t involve climbing mountains), is the preferred route, but it was closed when we came through.
- The wind farm route is pretty cool though as you are often as high as the blades on some of the big wind turbines.
- Palmerston North
- 14.2km’s from Ashhurst, approx 15 mins.
- The Square
- Right at the heard of Palmerston North.
- Lovely gardens as well as the war memorial and Hopwood Clock Tower.
- Victoria Esplanade Gardens
- A must see in Palmerston North during cherry blossom season.
- There is a miniature railway here.
- We were here while the cherry blossoms were in flower and it was spectacular!
- Apiti
- 63.1km’s from the Victoria Esplanade Gardens, approx 60 mins.
- We didn’t stop here, but we used it as a waypoint on the GPS to follow the Manawatu scenic route to Taihape.
- Mangaweka
- 40km’s from Apiti, approx 45 mins.
- The Manawatu Scenic Route is pretty spectacular, if you can see it. It got dark just as we started onto it though so we missed a lot of it.
- Definitely drive this route during daylight for some beautiful vistas,
- Taihape
- 19.6km’s from Mangaweka, approx 15 mins.
- If you arrive after 7pm like we did, there isn’t a lot open for dinner. There is however, a new McDonalds that does stay open late.
- Stay: Safari Motel
- Kitchen Studio Unit
- NZD $126/night
Day 6 - Taihape to Napier via Gentle Annie - 247km's, approx 5 hrs, 11 mins + stops (excluding backtracking to Mangaweka)
- Mangaweka Camping Grounds
- 21km’s from Taihape, approx 16 mins.
- From the campground you get a great view of the river, cliffs and bridge.
- We backtracked here so we could get a proper look at some of what we missed the night before.
- Taihape
- The Giant Gumboot
- Tying in with annual gumboot day in Taihape, you can’t miss the giant gumboot.
- It’s on the way out of the northern side of the town.
- The Giant Gumboot
- Springvale Suspension Bridge
- 41.5km’s from Taihape, approx 50 mins.
- Follow the Gentle Annie route.
- Historic suspension bridge over the Rangitikei River at Erehwon (Nowhere).
- Hastings
- 103km’s from Springvale Suspension Bridge, approx 2 hts.
- Rush Munro’s Ice Creamery
- Famous for making great ice cream using local produce.
- Civic Square
- The war memorial is located here.
- There is also a number of traditional Maori sculptures around the park which are quite interesting.
- Havelock North
- Te Mata Peak
- 13km’s from Hastings, approx 22 mins.
- You can drive all the way to the peak, or park at various points and walk. We drove.
- The road to the peak is narrow, often only one lane wide with long drops off the edge, so drive with care.
- Maraetotara Falls
- 20.3km’s from Te Mata Peak, approx 26 mins.
- Beautiful twin falls.
- A short walk from the car park on a dirt track.
- We were delayed on the way here as first responders after almost being run into by a car that lost control around a bend and ran off the road.
- Te Mata Peak
- Ocean Beach
- 8.5 km’s from Maraetotara Falls, approx 10 mins.
- Napier
- 37.1km’s from Ocean Beach, approx 35 mins.
- Stay: The Nautilus
- Executive Studio with Spa
- NZD $249/night
- Eat: Room service from Burton’s Restaurant
- Not what we originally planned, but we were pretty shaken up after the car accident earlier and so were eager to chill and not go anywhere.
- The full menu is not available every night, but the simpler options are still very good.
Day 7 - Napier (Work/Rest Day)
We spent the first day in Napier working and enjoying our room and view over the ocean.
- Napier
- Stay: The Nautilus
- Executive Studio with Spa
- NZD $249/night
- Eat: Indigo Indian Restaurant
- 24A Hastings St, Napier
- These guys do fantastic Indian cuisine, including great vegan options. Definitely try some of the options that are a little bit different from the everyday curries.
- Stay: The Nautilus
Day 8 - Napier (Work/Rest Day)
Day 8 was a work and rest day for us, but we squeezed in some awesome sights in the morning as well!
- Napier
- Sunrise walk along the Esplanade to Tom Parker Fountain and back to our hotel via the CBD. Definitely see the Veronica Sunbay at sunrise.
- Eat: Breakfast at Burton’s Restaurant.
- Choose from the ala carte menu, or the buffet.
- Achats
- We did a little bit of browsing around town after lunch.
- Stay: The Nautilus
- Executive Studio with Spa
- NZD $249/night
- Eat: Room service from Burton’s Restaurant
- We didn’t really feel like going out again, and the room service food is pretty good!
Day 9 - Napier (Work/Rest Day)
Day 9 was also a work and rest day for us, but we did decide to head out after lunch and check out Cape Kidnappers, sort of. We were originally going to visit it on the way to Napier, but as we were delayed with the car accident we had to skip it.
- Napier
- Eat: The Black Shed
- 36 Awatoto Rd, Meeanee
- We had a tasty afternoon tea from the cafe here and did some shopping for local produce.
- Eat: The Black Shed
- Havelock North
- Arataki Honey
- 21.8km’s from Napier, approx 21 mins.
- Try out all of the different kinds of honey produced by the Arataki Honey company, including some uniquely Nouvelle-Zélande varieties and the world famous Manuka Honey.
- Arataki Honey
- Te Awanga
- 15.4km’s from Arataki Honey, approx 16 mins.
- You go through this little town on the way to Clifton. There isn’t much here, but there are some great views out to Cape Kidnappers and Napier from the beach here.
- Clifton
- 2.7km’s from Te Awanga, approx 5 mins.
- This is as close to Cape Kidnappers as you can get by car. It was too late for us to do the 17.5km walk the rest of the way.
- Napier
- 22.7km’s from Clifton, approx 25 mins.
- Stay: The Nautilus
- Executive Studio with Spa
- NZD $249/night
- Eat: Indigo Indian Restaurant
- 24A Hastings St, Napier
- We enjoyed our dinner here so much a few nights before so we decided to come back!
- Tom Parker Fountain
- The fountain gets lit up at night and worth seeing at least once as the colours and patterns change.
Day 10 - Napier to Gisborne - 306km's, approx 5 hrs, 14 mins + stops
- Napier
- The Spirit of Napier
- Tangoio Beach
- 25.8km’s from Napier, approx 27 mins.
- Put in 4 Beach Rd, Tangoio in Google Maps.
- Waipatiki Beach
- 13.6km’s from Tangoio Beach, approx 20 mins.
- Lake Tutira
- 22.4km’s from Waipatiki Beach, approx 32 mins.
- Shine Falls
- 20km’s from Lake Tutira, approx 26 mins.
- 653 Heay’s Access Rd, Putorino.
- The last 6km’s or so of the access road is gravel.
- The walk into the falls is about 45 minutes each way and does pass through private land. There are also some cliff drops so watch out for children!
- Wairoa
- 76.5km’s from Shine Falls, approx 1 hr, 12 mins.
- It’s worth a drive out to the river mouth and Historic Reserve.
- The drive out to the Historic Reserve is about 4km’s or 7 mins.
- Mahia
- 56.1km’s from Wairoa, approx 52 mins.
- Gisborne
- 87.3km’s from Mahia, approx 1 hr, 18 mins.
- Stay: Airbnb – Private Cosy Caravan
- AUD $69.72/night
- Eat: Burger Wisconsin
- 26 Gladstone Rd
- Really enjoyed their vegetarian burgers and chips!
Day 11 - Gisborne to Hicks Bay - 235km's, approx 3 hrs, 53 mins + stops
- Gisborne
- Captain Cook Statue
- Young Nick Statue
- Titirangi Domain
- Eat: Yoko Sushi
- 87 Grey St
- We got takeaway lunch, and it also ended up being dinner.
- They make much more than just sushi, and it is delicious.
- Pouawa
- 20.4km’s from Gisborne, approx 19 mins.
- Te Tapuwae o Rongokaka Marine Reserve – apparently the snorkelling here is good, but we didn’t have the time.
- Tolaga Bay
- 33.9km’s from Pouawa, approx 26 mins.
- Tolaga Bay Wharf
- Built in the 1920’s and reaching 600m in length, the Tolaga Bay Wharf is the longest on the North Island and the second longest in Nouvelle-Zélande.
- Kaiaua Bay
- 13.5km’s from Tolaga Bay, approx 18 mins.
- It’s one way in and out of Kaiaua Bay and unless you surf, there is not a lot here. We love to see as much of the coast as possible though, which is what brought us in here.
- Anaura Bay
- 23.2km’s from Kaiuaua Bay, approx 26 mins.
- This beautiful bay is one of the places that Captain Cook landed in Nouvelle-Zélande.
- Tokomaru Bay
- 28.9km’s from Anaura Bay, approx 28 mins.
- Another old town with a big old wharf along this rugged coastline.
- There are a lot of old shipping buildings in the wharf district. Much of it is inaccessible to the public but quite interesting to see how much industry used to be here.
- Waipiro Bay
- 17.3km’s from Tokomaru Bay, approx 19 mins.
- Off the main road, Waipiro Bay used to be the largest town in the region, until the road bypassed it.
- Tikitiki
- St Mary’s Church
- Lottin Point
- 97km’s from Waipiro Bay, approx 1 hr, 34 mins.
- Stay: Lottin Point Motel
- AUD $69.72/night
- Don’t follow the Google Maps all the way to the motel, it isn’t in the right place. Instead, get directions to 365 Lottin Point Rd, Lottin Point.
- Eat: Remaining sushi from lunch
- The only dining option in Lottin Point is the restaurant at Lottin Point Motel, so you will need to ensure you bring your own food, or be here during restaurant hours if you need food!
Day 12 - Hicks Bay to Opotiki - 234km's, approx 4 hrs, 28 mins + stops
- Lottin Point
- We left the Lottin Point Motel at 6:15 am to see the bay. We left Lottin Point itself at 7:00 am.
- East Cape Lighthouse
- 54.2km’s from Lottin Point, approx 1 hr, 22 mins.
- This is the most easterly point on mainland Nouvelle-Zélande.
- There is a climb of about 700 steps to the top.
- If you are up bright and early, you can catch the first sunrise in Nouvelle-Zélande here. We were going to, but we ended up sleeping in until 6 and missed it!
- Te Araroa
- 20.2km’s from Pouawa, approx 28 mins.
- Te Waha O Rerekohu – The Oldest Pohutukawa Tree
- Moana Parade, Te Araroa
- 21m high by 40m wide!
- It is located beside the school of the same name.
- Hicks Bay
- 12km’s from Te Araroa, approx 12 mins.
- Onepoto Beach
- Oruaiti Beach
- 40.3km’s from Hicks Bay, approx 37 mins.
- Waihau Bay
- 3.8km’s from Oruaiti Beach, approx 3 mins.
- Anglican Church of Raukokore
- Te Kaha
- 35.9km’s from Waihau Bay, approx 34 mins.
- Opotiki
- 66.4km’s from Te Kaha, approx 57 mins.
- Stay: Ranui Motel
- Studio Room
- NZD $120/night
- Eat: Kashish Indian Cuisine
- This is a really unique restaurant located in the old Masonic Lodge. It genuinely is like a maze inside, especially if you enter via the signed entrance for Kashish.
- Make sure to enter via the pub entrance instead!
Day 13 - Opotiki to Tauranga - 174km's, approx 2 hrs, 53 mins + stops
- Opotiki
- We took the opportunity to drive around the town.
- There isn’t a lot to see outside of the historic town centre. The old Masonic Lodge that houses Kashish Indian Cuisine is definitely one of the most interesting places here.
- Ohiwa Beach
- 13km’s from Opotiki, approx 13 mins.
- There isn’t a lot at this beach, but it does have great views out to White Island!
- Ohope Beach
- 28km’s from Ohiwa Beach, approx 24 mins.
- The Eastern end of this little town is partially is situated on a peninsula with a beautiful ocean beach on the North and wetlands on the South.
- The beach and town continues to the West, almost all the way to Whakatane.
- Kohi Point Lookout
- 8km’s from Ohope Beach, approx 12 mins.
- We spent a lot more time in Ohope Beach than anticipated, so we didn’t go all the way in to the lookout.
- There is, however, another lookout on the road to Kohi Point.
- It’s just after you turn off for Kohi Point Lookout and affords a beautiful vista across the Bay of Plenty.
- Whakatane
- 7.2km’s from Kohi Point, approx 11 mins.
- Eat: L’Epicerie
- 73 The Strand
- L’Epicerie is a French bakery and they do some fantastic fare. It’s well worth stopping in for a bite to eat!
- Whakatane Heads
- We took our lunch out to Whakatane Heads to eat. It’s a beautiful location.
- Whakatane Heads is also the historic landing place of both Maori and European explorers.
- Muriwai’s Cave
- Rotorua
- 89km’s from Whakatane, approx 1 hr, 20 mins.
- You will pass a number of gorgeous lakes on the way, including: Lake Rotoma, Lake Rotoehu, and Lake Rotoiti. We didn’t stop at any due to time constraints, but you definitely may wish to.
- Rotorua Markets
- Check what’s on during your visit. There are all kinds of markets here throughout the year.
- Lakeland Queen Lunch Cruise
- NZD $55 pp
- The Lakeland Queen is a heritage-styled stern wheel paddle-driven vessel, the only one of it’s kind in Nouvelle-Zélande.
- The cruise includes a buffet lunch and leisurely cruise around the lake.
- If you have never seen the lake surrounds before, it is a great way to experience it.
- Sulphur Point
- A small sample of what the geothermal activity around Rotorua is like (and it’s free).
- Hatupatu Dr and Scenic Point
- Kuirau Park
- Entrée libre.
- Often overlooked in favour of well-known geothermal parks like Wai-O-Tapu, Kuirau Park is located in the centre of Rotorua and is a great place to experience geothermal activity without the price tag.
- Put your feet in a surprisingly hot geothermal pool, something you can’t do at the paid geothermal parks.
- Explore boiling mud pools and steaming ponds.
- Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
- 17km’s from Rotorua, approx 19 mins.
- There is an entry fee to this reserve which is known for it’s crystal clear waters.
- Unless you plan on spending a lot of time here though, the fee is quite steep in our opinion.
- Fortunately, you can see the beautifully clear waters from the bridge outside, which is what we did.
- Okere Falls
- 10.3km’s from Hamurana Springs, approx 10 mins.
- The site of Nouvelle-Zélande’s first hydro-electric power station.
- There is a short walk in to the first viewing point from the car park.
- Te Puke
- 36.2km’s from Okerere Falls, approx 26 mins.
- The home of the big kiwifruit and a major kiwifruit growing region.
- 36.2km’s from Okerere Falls, approx 26 mins.
- Tauranga
- 25.6km’s from Te Puke, approx 24 mins.
- Stay: Quest on Durham
- One bedroom apartment
- NZD $210/night
Day 14 - Tauranga (Work/Rest Day)
Day 14 was almost entirely a work and rest day. So we got up early to watch the sunrise from our balcony at Quest on Durham. Otherwise, we just went out for a walk along the foreshore to get lunch.
- Tauranga
- Watch the sunrise
- Walk along the city foreshore
- Eat: The Cottage Cafe
- 20 Second Ave, Tauranga
- Stay: Quest on Durham
- One bedroom apartment
- NZD $210/night
Day 15 - Tauranga (Work/Rest Day)
Day 15 was also almost entirely a work and rest day. So we got up early to watch the sunrise from our balcony at Quest on Durham. Otherwise, we went out for a drive at lunchtime. We went out to Mount Maunganui where we got lunch at the Bayfair shopping centre. We made our way down Papamoa Beach, and then across to Bethlehem to check out a health food store before making our way back to Quest on Durham to get some work done for the rest of the afternoon.
- Tauranga
- Watch the sunrise
- Mount Maunganui
- Eat: Esquires Coffee @ Bayfair
- Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui.
- Eat: Esquires Coffee @ Bayfair
- Papamoa Beach
- Bethlehem
- Shopping: Bethlehem Health & Tea Shop
- 229C State Highway 2, Bethlehem
- Shopping: Bethlehem Health & Tea Shop
- Stay: Quest on Durham
- One bedroom apartment
- NZD $210/night
Day 16 - Tauranga to Taupo - 162km's, approx 2 hrs, 33 mins + stops
- Tauranga
- Sunrise foreshore walk
- We had some stunning sunrises while we were in Tauranga, and this was one of the best!
- Eat: Bethlehem Hot Bake (aka Bakers of Bethlehem)
- 6.9km’s from Quest on Durham, approx 7 mins.
- 225 State Highway 2, Bethlehem, Tauranga
- Right next to Bethlehem Health & Tea Shop and recommended to us by them.
- Drop in here for breakfast on your way through.
- Ils font des plats de boulangerie incroyables, assurez-vous d'avoir certains de leurs beignets pour plus tard, ils ne sont pas ronds comme un beignet normal et ils sont incroyablement incroyables !!! C'est un appel difficile, mais peut-être le meilleur beignet que nous ayons jamais goûté, et nous avons goûté beaucoup de beignets partout dans le monde…
- Sunrise foreshore walk
- Rotorua
- 63,4 km de Bethléem, environ 1 heure.
- Jardins du gouvernement
- Les jardins emblématiques de Rotorua.
- Promenade dans les séquoias
- Nous ne pensions pas avoir le temps de faire la promenade dans les arbres, mais la forêt est magnifique et mérite d'être visitée malgré tout. Il s'avère que nous aurions eu le temps de faire la promenade la plus courte.
- NZ RiverJet Thermal Safari
- 48,4 km de Rotorua, environ 37 minutes.
- 1 chemin Tutukau, Mihi
- Remontez la rivière Waikato, traversez les gorges de Tutukau jusqu'au parc géothermique d'Orakei Korako
- Une expérience très unique.
- Taupo
- 33,9 km de NZ RiverJet, environ 24 minutes.
- McDonald's Taupo
- 48, rue Roberts, Taupo
- Elu le McDonalds le plus cool du monde.
- Comprend un avion DC3 déclassé dans le cadre du restaurant.
- Eat: Kéfi
- 47 rue Horomatangi, Taupo
- Nourriture délicieuse et saine et friandises sucrées.
- Séjour : Tiny House – Airbnb
- $85,13 AUD / nuit
- Payé avec un Airbnb bon de bonus super hôte.
Day 17 - Taupo (Work/Rest Day)
Le jour 17 pour nous était principalement une détente et un rattrapage sur une journée de travail tout en profitant de la petite maison dans laquelle nous avons séjourné. Nous avons cependant marché jusqu'aux jardins botaniques Waipahihi à proximité, qui valent vraiment le détour.
- Taupo
- Jardins botaniques de Waipahihi
- Entrée libre.
- Séjour : Tiny House – Airbnb
- $85,13 AUD / nuit
- En partie payé avec un Airbnb bon de bonus super hôte.
- Eat: Restaurant et bar au bord de l'eau
- 3 rue Tongariro, Taupo
- Ces gars-là font de la bonne nourriture si vous cherchez une bonne soirée.
Jour 18 - Taupo au parc national - 175 km, environ 2 heures, 16 minutes + arrêts
- Taupo
- Bateau à réaction des chutes Huka
- NZD $129.00 / personne
- Nous avons trouvé le meilleur prix sur Viateur et réservé là-bas.
- Eat: Kéfi @ Le Hub
- 415, chemin Huka Falls, parc Wairakei
- Comme leur homologue en ville, vous pouvez y déguster un excellent repas sain.
- Il y a aussi un vieil hélicoptère ici que vous pouvez vérifier.
- Rapides d'Aratiatia
- Stationnement disponible près du pont du chemin Rapids.
- Une courte promenade jusqu'au belvédère des rapides inférieurs.
- Visible uniquement lorsque les portes sont ouvertes à heures fixes chaque jour.
- Consultez les horaires d'ouverture ici.
- Chutes de Huka
- Une courte promenade à travers la rivière et jusqu'aux chutes depuis le parking.
- Vous pouvez regarder le Bateau à réaction des chutes Huka d'ici.
- Bateau à réaction des chutes Huka
- Waiouru
- 112 km de Taupo, environ 1 h 29 min.
- Sur le chemin de Waiouru, vous passerez par la zone militaire de Waiouru et si vous êtes chanceux, vous pourrez voir des exercices militaires en cours.
- Si vous ne tournez pas immédiatement vers Ohakune et continuez à traverser la ville, vous passerez devant le musée national de l'armée qui expose un certain nombre de chars et de véhicules blindés à l'extérieur.
- Ohakune
- 27,4 km de Waiouru, environ 22 minutes.
- parc national
- 35,5 km d'Ohakune, environ 26 minutes.
- Stay: Le Park Hotel Ruapehu
- NZD $145 / nuit
- Chambre Lit Queen-Size
- Eat:
- La salle dispose de très peu d'équipements de cuisine et est conçue pour vous inciter à dîner au restaurant de l'hôtel. Nous avions prévu de manger de la nourriture que nous avions avec nous, et heureusement, il y a une bouilloire que nous avons utilisée pour faire bouillir de l'eau pour les nouilles instantanées que nous avions avec nous.
Day 19 - National Park
- parc national
- Turoa, Mont Ruapehu
- 54 km du parc national, environ 45 minutes.
- Pass touristiques – $35.00 / personne
- Permet à chaque personne de monter et descendre une fois dans la nacelle.
- Site Web du mont Ruapehu
- Whakapa, Mont Ruapehu
- 75 km de Turoa, environ 1 h 10 min.
- Passes Visites – $25.00 / personne
- Nous avons passé trop de temps à Turoa et n'avons pas eu le temps de monter en télécabine ici aussi.
- Site Web du mont Ruapehu
- L'iconique Château Tongariro est en route pour Whakapapa.
- parc national
- 22,2 km de Whakapapa, environ 21 minutes.
- Stay: Le Park Hotel Ruapehu
- NZD $145 / nuit
- Chambre Lit Queen-Size
- Eat: Schnaps Bar Ruapehu
- State Highway 4, Parc national
Jour 20 - Du parc national à New Plymouth - 231 km, environ 3 heures, 15 minutes + arrêts
- parc national
- Piriaka
- 31,6 km du parc national, environ 21 minutes.
- Taumarunui
- 10,4 km du parc national, environ 10 minutes.
- Whangamomona
- 6 km de Taumaranui, environ 5 minutes.
- Stratford
- 61,7 km de Whangamomona, environ 52 minutes.
- Manger: Le Wall Café & Restaurant
- 200 Broaway, Stratford
- Tour de l'horloge du Glockenspiel
- Se produit tous les jours à 10h, 13h, 15h et 19h.
- Nouveau Plymouth
- 39,8 km de Stratford, environ 33 minutes.
- La baguette à vent
- Nouvelle passerelle côtière de Plymouth
- Centre Len Lye
- Rocher Paritutu
- Domaine du Mont Moturoa
- Stay: L'hôtel Devon
- NZD $170 / nuit
- Studio Lit King-Size de Luxe
- Eat: Gréement 66, New Plymouth
- 280, rue Devon Est
Day 21 - New Plymouth (Work/Rest Day)
- Nouveau Plymouth
- Waitara
- 15,1 km de New Plymouth, environ 14 minutes.
- Plage et parc marin
- Waitara Floral Studio et cadeaux.
- Une jolie petite boutique de cadeaux vendant beaucoup de produits locaux de la région de Taranaki.
- Plage de Bell Block
- 11 km de Waitara, environ 13 minutes.
- Centre d'accueil North Egmont, Mt Taranaki
- 30 km de Bell Block, environ 30 minutes.
- Malheureusement, il était fermé lors de notre visite.
- Nouveau Plymouth
- Eat: La cuisine de Koby
- 221, rue Devon Est, New Plymouth
- Des dim sims, des boulettes et des rouleaux de printemps absolument incroyables.
- Eat: Egmont St Deli
- 43 rue Egmont, New Plymouth
- Délicieuse cuisine de style café.
- Stay: L'hôtel Devon
- NZD $170 / nuit
- Studio Lit King-Size de Luxe
- Eat: La cuisine de Koby
Day 22 - New Plymouth (Work/Rest Day)
- Nouveau Plymouth
- Eat: Gilles Chocolatier
- 169, rue Saint-Aubyn,
Nouveau Plymouth - Chocolatier local absolument incroyable.
- Essayez certainement un chocolat chaud.
- Si vous aimez le fromage bleu, assurez-vous d'essayer les truffes au fromage bleu. ÉPOUSTOUFLANT !
- 169, rue Saint-Aubyn,
- Eat: La bonne maison
- 21 rue Ariki, New Plymouth
- Nous avons dîné ici. Vraiment de la bonne nourriture.
- Eat: Gilles Chocolatier
- Stay: L'hôtel Devon
- NZD $170 / nuit
- Studio Lit King-Size de Luxe
Jour 23 - New Plymouth à Waitomo - 220 km, environ 3 heures, 27 minutes + arrêts
- Nouveau Plymouth
- Parc Pukekura
- Pont Te Rewarewa
- Plage de Bell Block
- Parc marin de Waitara
- Urenui
- 21,3 km de Waitara, environ 21 minutes.
- Falaises Blanches
- 17,5 km d'Urenui, environ 20 minutes.
- Tongaporutu
- 43,4 km de White Cliffs, environ 40 minutes.
- Les trois soeurs
- Rocher de l'éléphant
- Têtes d'Awakino
- 20,4 km de Tongaporutu, environ 17 minutes.
- Piopio
- 52 km d'Awakino Heads, environ 42 minutes.
- Chutes de Waitanguru
- 20 km de Piopio, environ 26 minutes.
- Il y a une courte promenade, environ 200 mètres de marches et une pente raide.
- Comptez environ 10 minutes dans chaque sens.
- Waitomo
- 22 km des chutes de Waitanguru, environ 30 minutes.
- Stay: Chambre d'hôtes Waitomo Big Bird
- NZD $110 / nuit
- Chambre Queen Homestead attenante.
- Délicieux petit déjeuner fait maison inclus.
- Si vous arrivez plus tôt, il y a aussi un tour d'animaux miniatures.
Jour 24 - Waitomo à Hamilton - 194 km, environ 3 heures, 57 minutes + arrêts
- Waitomo
- Grottes de Waitomo
- Visite de la grotte des vers luisants
- NZD $45.90 / personne
- Toutes les demi-heures pendant les heures d'ouverture.
- Grottes de Waitomo
- Pont naturel de Mangapohue
- 24,4 km de Waitomo, environ 32 minutes.
- Boucle de 700 m à pied, environ 45 minutes.
- Chutes de Marocopa
- À 5 km du pont naturel de Mangapohue, à environ 7 minutes.
- Plage d'eau chaude de Kawhia
- 61,8 km des chutes de Marokopa, environ 1 heure et 20 minutes.
- Il y a apparemment une source d'eau chaude ici quelque part. Mais nous ne l'avons pas trouvé !
- La plage est encore assez jolie néanmoins avec quelques dunes de sable massives.
- Chutes du voile de la mariée
- 36 km de Kawhia Hot Water Beach, environ 60 minutes.
- 30 à 40 minutes de marche aller-retour en bas et en arrière.
- Raglan
- 20 km de Bridal Veil Falls, environ 21 minutes.
- Nous avons eu droit à un magnifique coucher de soleil ici, et il y a de superbes plages de sable blanc.
- Hamilton
- 46,4 km de Raglan, environ 41 minutes.
- Stay: Motor Inn Ballinor
- 295, rue Ulster, Hamilton
- NZD $153 / nuit
- Chambre Studio Standard
- Eat: Restaurant indien et népalais en queue de poisson
- 4/39, rue Ward, Hamilton
- Vraiment impressionné par les plats que nous avons eu ici. Très miam !
Jour 25 - Hamilton à Pukehina Beach - 178 km, environ 2 h 34 + arrêts
- Hamilton
- Eat: Les beignets de maman
- 67, rue Duke, Hamilton
- Un régal savoureux!
- Jardins de Hamilton
- Hungerford Cres, Hamilton
- Eat: Restaurant indien et népalais en queue de poisson
- 4/39, rue Ward, Hamilton
- Nous l'avons tellement apprécié que nous sommes revenus pour le déjeuner et pour prendre des plats à emporter pour le dîner.
- Eat: Les beignets de maman
- Tirau
- 50,9 km de Hamilton, environ 37 minutes.
- Big Tin Sheep et Ram
- Gros chien en étain
- De grosses structures en tôle partout !
- Putaruru Bleu Printemps
- 12,5 km de Tirau, environ 13 minutes.
- Superbes eaux de source claires!
- Quand vous partez d'ici, retournez par où vous êtes venu. Google Maps pense que l'autre chemin passe et est beaucoup plus court, mais il se transforme en une route privée fermée.
- Myrtilles Mamaku
- 33,8 km de Putaruru Blue Spring, environ 27 minutes.
- En fait, nous ne nous sommes pas arrêtés là. Nous avons décidé de continuer à bouger et d'arriver à destination un peu plus tôt, en plus il s'avère que nous y sommes allés en 2013 et que nous l'avons oublié !!
- Ils font de délicieuses glaces aux myrtilles 🙂
- Plage de Pukehina
- 74,4 km de Mamaku Blueberries, environ 1 heure.
- Stay: Maison de plage de martin-pêcheur
- 18 Défilé de Pukehina, Plage de Pukehina
- $416,67 CAD / nuit
Day 26 - Pukehina Beach (Rest Day)
- Plage de Pukehina
- Détendez-vous et profitez de la plage !
Day 27 - Pukehina Beach (Rest Day)
- Plage de Pukehina
- Détendez-vous un peu plus.
- Détendez-vous un peu plus.
Jour 28 - De la plage de Pukehina à la plage de Waihi - 111 km, environ 1 h 36 + arrêts
- Plage de Pukehina
- SLSC de la plage de Pukehina
- Réserve de la pointe Dotterel
- Parc de Bledisloé
- 25 km de la plage de Pukehina, environ 24 minutes.
- Côté opposé de l'estuaire de Waihi depuis Pukehina.
- Maketu
- 3,2 km de Bledisloe Park, environ 5 minutes.
- Vues sur l'estuaire de Maketu.
- Te Puke
- 14,5 km de Maketu, environ 14 minutes.
- Nous sommes juste passés par Te Puke pour éviter la route à péage.
- Tauranga
- Réserve de Motiti
- 14 km de Te Puke, environ 15 minutes.
- L'extrémité sud-est de Papamoa Beach.
- De là, nous avons suivi la plage Nord Ouest.
- Eat: Esquires Coffee @ Bayfair
- Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui.
- Vraiment apprécié la nourriture que nous avions ici plus tôt dans notre voyage, et c'est pratique.
- Réserve de Motiti
- Katikati
- 44,1 km de Bayfair, environ 40 minutes.
- Longue Plage
- Bowentown
- 21,4 km de Katikati, environ 19 minutes.
- Une belle petite ville située sur une péninsule avec une plage océanique d'un côté et une baie protégée de l'autre.
- Plage de Wahi
- À 8 km de Bowentown, environ 10 minutes.
- Stay: Beachaven Top 10 des parcs de vacances
- 15, route de la plage, plage de Waihi.
- Studio Lodge Loisirs
- NZD $110 / nuit
- Notez qu'il y a deux Top 10 Holidays Park à Waihi Beach.
- Eat: Café blanc plat
- 21 chemin Shaw, plage de Waihi
- Miam miam!
Jour 29 - Waihi Beach à Hotwater Beach - 149 km, environ 2 heures, 43 minutes + arrêts
- Plage de Wahi
- Whiritoa
- 27,7 km de la plage de Waihi, environ 27 minutes.
- Whangamata
- 13,1 km de Whiritoa, environ 14 minutes.
- Onemana
- 9,3 km de Whangamata, environ 11 minutes.
- Opoutère
- 11 km d'Onemana, environ 11 minutes.
- Pauanui
- 27,8 km d'Opoutere, environ 30 minutes.
- Tairua
- 28,2 km de Katikati, environ 31 minutes.
- Situé de l'autre côté de l'embouchure de la rivière Tairua de Pauanui mais à une distance assez décente en voiture.
- Mont Paku
- Il y a une promenade au sommet que vous pouvez faire. Nous avons fini par l'ignorer.
- Baie de Te Karo
- 8 km de Tairua, environ 12 minutes.
- Plage d'eau chaude
- 20,6 km de la baie de Te Karo, environ 22 minutes.
- Stay: Top 10 des parcs de vacances Hotwater Beach
- 790, chemin de la plage d'eau chaude, plage d'eau chaude
- Cabine de Luxe
- $93,75 AUD / nuit
- Nous avons trouvé le meilleur prix sur Agoda et réservé par leur intermédiaire.
Day 30 - Hotwater Beach
- Plage d'eau chaude
- Débarquement du ferry
- 17,5 km de Hot Water Beach Beach, environ 18 minutes.
- Belvédère de la falaise de Shakespeare
- 2,3 km de Ferry Landing, environ 5 minutes.
- Plage des cuisiniers
- 1,9 km de Shakespeare Cliff, environ 4 minutes.
- Plage d'eau chaude
- 15 km de Cooks, environ 15 minutes.
- Assurez-vous de vérifier les heures de marée basse avant de partir. Le Top 10 des parcs de vacances les répertorie chaque jour sur un tableau blanc.
- Aussi, louez une pelle si vous n'en avez pas !
- Hahei
- 8 km de Hot Water Beach, environ 9 minutes.
- Crique de la Cathédrale
- 2,5km à pied du parking à la calanque.
- Prévoyez 1,5 heure de retour plus le temps sur place.
- Vous devez vous garer dans le village de Hahei pendant les mois de pointe.
- Une navette dessert le départ de la promenade Cathedral Cove pour $5 par personne pendant les mois de pointe.
- Vous pouvez également vous promener le long de la plage de Hahei, mais cela ajoute 40 minutes à la marche de retour.
- Plage d'eau chaude
- 8 km de Hahei, environ 9 minutes.
- Stay: Hot Water Beach Top 10 des parcs de vacances
- 790, chemin de la plage d'eau chaude, plage d'eau chaude
- Cabine de Luxe
- $93,75 AUD / nuit
- Nous avons trouvé le meilleur prix sur Agoda et réservé par leur intermédiaire.
Jour 31 - Hotwater Beach à Coromandel via la baie d'Opito - 121 km, environ 2h40 + arrêts.
- Plage d'eau chaude
- Baie d'Opito
- 57 km de Hot Water Beach Beach, environ 1 heure, 5 minutes.
- Une si belle plage hors des sentiers battus.
- Baie de Matapaua
- 2,7 km de la baie d'Opito, environ 10 minutes.
- Chemin de terre étroit et sinueux.
- Plage des Anneaux
- 16,4 km de la baie de Matapaua, environ 30 minutes.
- Matarangi
- À seulement quelques minutes en voiture de Rings Beach si la route côtière est ouverte, sinon c'est à quelques kilomètres de plus.
- Whangapoua
- 18,5 km de Matarangi, environ 25 minutes.
- Coromandel
- 20 km de Whangapoua, environ 925 minutes.
- Stay: Indigo Bush Studios
- 19 chemin Flays, Coromandel
- Studio inférieur
- $145,13 AUD / nuit
- Utilisation d'un bon $30 Qantas Hotels.
Jour 32 - Coromandel - 98,6 km, environ 4 heures + arrêts.
Le jour 32 était prévu comme une journée de travail et de repos en plus de visiter Driving Creek Railway, cependant, notre hébergement devait inclure le wifi. Malheureusement, ce n'est pas le cas, alors nous nous sommes définitivement reposés, mais nous avons également décidé d'aller faire un tour en voiture !
- Coromandel
- Chemin de fer Driving Creek
- À 900 m d'Indigo Bush Studio's, à environ 2 minutes.
- Baie Kennedy
- 11,1 km de Driving Creek Railway, environ 30 minutes.
- Route sinueuse, cela peut donc prendre plus de temps que prévu.
- Tuateawa
- 7,2 km de Kennedy Bay, environ 11 minutes.
- Sur le chemin de To Tuateawa, nous avons traversé une petite baie et une rampe de mise à l'eau située juste à côté de la route à ces coordonnées, 36°38'42.7″S 175°34'15.6″E. Je n'ai vu aucun signe indiquant un nom, mais vous pouvez trouvez-le sur Google Maps ici.
- Le trajet prendra évidemment plus de temps si vous vous arrêtez ici comme nous l'avons fait.
- Petite Baie
- 6,4 km de Tuateawa, environ 13 minutes.
- Baie de Waikawau
- 2,5 km de Little Bay, environ 4 minutes.
- Port-Charles
- 14 km de la baie de Waikawau, environ 30 minutes.
- Quai de Port-Charles
- En fait, nous nous sommes arrêtés pour vérifier le quai sur le chemin du retour car vous devez revenir par Port Charles.
- Sandy Bay
- 1,1 km de Port Charles, environ 3 minutes.
- Baie pierreuse
- 6,4 km de Sandy Bay, environ 20 minutes.
- La route vers Stony Bay est un peu poilue - très étroite et sinueuse avec beaucoup de virages aveugles et les habitants vont trop vite sur le gravier.
- Baie d'Otautu
- 25,6 km de Stony Bay, environ 60 minutes.
- Quai de la baie d'Otautu
- L'ancien quai se trouve à l'extrémité d'Otautu Wharf Rd, de l'autre côté de la baie d'où vous entrez.
- Colville
- 5,6 km de la baie d'Otautu, environ 8 minutes.
- Baie de Waitete
- 9,2 km de Colville, environ 12 minutes.
- Baie d'Amodeo
- 1,7 km de Waitete Bay, environ 4 minutes.
- Baie d'Oamaru
- 10,2 km de la baie d'Amodeo, environ 13 minutes.
- Coromandel
- À 4 km de la baie d'Oamaru, à environ 5 minutes.
- Stay: Indigo Bush Studios
- 19 chemin Flays, Coromandel
- Studio inférieur
- $145,13 AUD / nuit
- Manger: Cuisine Zagnos
- 105 chemin Kapanga, Coromandel
- Excellentes brochettes !
Jour 33 - Coromandel à Auckland - 260,4 km, environ 5 heures, 21 minutes + arrêts.
- Coromandel
- Baie de Wyuna
- 8,4 km d'Indigo Bush Studio's, environ 13 minutes.
- Te Kouma
- 15,2 km de Wyuna Bay, environ 20 minutes.
- Tamise
- 51,5 km de Te Kouma, environ 1 h 2 min.
- Kaiaua
- 42,7 km de la Tamise, environ 36 minutes.
- Pointe de l'Orère
- 23 km de Kaiaua, environ 25 minutes.
- Clevedon
- 28,2 km de Orere Point, environ 30 minutes.
- Plage de Maraetai
- 16 km de Clevedon, environ 17 minutes.
- Quai des plages
- À 5,5 km de la plage de Maraetai, à environ 9 minutes.
- Marina du port de pin
- À 4,3 km de Beachlands Wharf, environ 7 minutes en suivant la côte.
- Auckland
- Réserve de Cockle Bay
- 19,3 km de Pine Harbour Marina, environ 22 minutes.
- Plage d'Howick
- À 1,8 km de la réserve de Cockle Bay, à environ 4 minutes.
- Plage de Bucklands
- 5,3 km de Howick Beach, environ 9 minutes.
- Terminal de ferry Sealink Half Moon Bay
- 2.6km’s from Bucklands Beach, approx 5 mins.
- Snake and Ladders Park
- 4.3km’s from Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal, approx 8 mins.
- This park wasn’t as exciting as the name sounds, you could definitely give it a miss.
- Mt Wellington War Memorial Reserve
- 6.9km’s from Snake and Ladders Park, approx 11 mins.
- This is a little odd as you have to drive through a golf course to get to it.
- It’s quite an unusual war memorial and well worth a visit.
- Point England Reserve
- 2.2km’s from Mt Wellington War Memorial Reserve, approx 5 mins.
- Tahuna Torea Reserve
- 3.3km’s from Point England Reserve, approx 6 mins.
- Achilles Point
- 4.8km’s from Tahuna Torea Reserve, approx 10 mins.
- St Heliers Beach
- 1.2km’s from Achilles Point, approx 4 mins.
- Mission Bay
- 2.6km’s from St Heliers Beach, approx 5 mins.
- Orakei Domain
- 2.2km’s from Mission Bay, approx 3 mins.
- Paritai North and South Reserves
- 1km from Orakei Domain, approx 2 mins
- Orakei Bay
- 2km’s from Paritai South Reserve, approx 4 mins.
- Ellerslie
- 6.1km’s from Orakei Bay, approx 10 mins.
- Stay: Best Western Ellerslie International Hotel
- 2 Wilkinson Rd, Ellerslie
- Superior Studio
- NZD $220 / night
- Eat: Room Service
- They do a great meal!
- Réserve de Cockle Bay
Day 34 - Auckland to Golden Princess
This is the end of the road trip portion of the itinerary. Our original plan was to fly home, but after finding the cruise on Golden Princess that lined up perfectly with our times, we decided to cruise home instead! The only difference to the itinerary is going to the cruise terminal instead of the airport.
- Auckland
- Return the voiture de location.
- Get a taxi to Shed 10 cruise terminal.
- Board Golden Princess.
Bonus: Cruise
Day 35 - Tauranga
There is so much you can do in a day in Tauranga, and it is especially easy since the ship is docked. Having just had some busy days (and already having spent a number of days in Tauranga on this trip) we decided to just stay on the ship and enjoy it!
Day 36 - At Sea
Day 37 - Akaroa
We spent a few days in Akaroa in 2013 on our honeymoon and fell in love with the historic French town. It’s a beautiful place and access is via tender from the cruise ship. We opted to go ashore and just walked around town, reliving some of our past memories.
Day 38 - Dunedin
The dock for most cruise ships in Dunedin is actually at the town of Port Chalmers, about 15km’s from Dunedin proper. We spent time in Dunedin in 2013 on our honeymoon and we didn’t really feel like doing much so once again we just stayed aboard and enjoyed our time on the ship.
Day 39 - Fiordland National Park Cruising
This is really special. Cruising Fiordland on board a cruise ship is so worthwhile. Weather permitting, you will go through Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. The weather was good to us and we saw all three. Again, we’ve been to Doubtful and Milford Sounds in the past. We’ve actually been to Doubtful Sound twice, once in 2013 and once in 2014, but it is worth every second of another visit.
Dusky Sound is extremely inaccessible, and Doubtful Sound is only accessed via limited tour operators (I highly recommend the Real Journeys Overnight Doubtful Sound Cruise). Milford on the other hand is very accessible with road, plane and boat access. Cruising through them on a big ship, you definitely miss out on the experience that a small boat has (eg most of the tour boats), however, it’s an unforgettable experience on a big ship with a sense of perspective totally unlike what the small ones offer. There is nothing quite like standing on an upper deck in Milford Sound and realising that in spite of how high you are above the water, towering over the small boats, the cliffs are still standing tall well above you.
Day 40 - At Sea
Day 41 - At Sea
Day 42 - Sydney
Almost home!
We picked up a louer une voiture de Avis at Circular Quay and drove home.
It is so good to arrive home after a long, full, trip and be well rested!
Summary
This was a really amazing trip to Nouvelle-Zélande. The North Island has so much to see and do. As beautiful as the South Island is, the North Island can easily compete. Sure, it doesn’t have the massive Southern Alps or Fiordland, but it is full of contrast and geothermal activity. There are volcanos, beaches bubbling with boiling water, beautiful swimming destinations, snowy peaks, gorgeous rolling hills and rich cultural history and experiences. Don’t miss out on a spectacular trip by skimping on your time in the North Island of Nouvelle-Zélande. We are so glad we came back and spent so much time in the North Island. After a similar amount of time spent in the South Island in 2013, we were not at all disappointed by the North Island.
What do you think of the North Island of Nouvelle-Zélande? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget, I’d love to know what your number one must see place, or wish list place to see on the North Island of Nouvelle-Zélande is? Let me know in the comments below!
First Published: April 7, 2019
