New Zealand: the road trip of a lifetime
You have been hearing for years about the virtues of New Zealand with its epic landscapes. At last you start planning your trip and your goal will be to cover as much as possible in a few days. You can do it, as long as you are not afraid to spend most of your trip in road , something that should not be a problem if we take into account that this is the key to the experience.
DRIVING THROUGH NEW ZEALAND
Going on the left side of the road imposes a lot. However, it is true that once you get behind the wheel, within a few minutes your brain rewires itself and everything seems to make sense on the road.
It's not hard to change the routine of a lifetime by driving in the right lane. Yes indeed, look carefully when giving way, entering and exiting roundabouts and when merging onto motorways.
The most complex part is departure city: Auckland , which with a little more traffic, will be a challenge behind the wheel. Once you have left Auckland, the road will practically be yours.
Wharekauhau: the best kept secret in all of New Zealand
On this journey, to live the full experience, we will rent the car in the north island and travel to the south island by ferry. There are few companies that allow you to cross by car by ferry (which is usually the cheapest option), so take a good look at the options they give you.
The most famous brand in all of New Zealand, and the one you'll see all along the road, is jucy , which rents all kinds of caravans and cars in which you can sleep. In this case, we are going to make the trip more comfortable and we will give ourselves some other whim with luxury stops in the middle of nowhere, like Wharekauhau, and in enviable places, like Eichardt's.
DAY 1: AUCKLAND
Auckland is one of those cities that has it all: good university atmosphere, nature, varied cuisine, parks and shopping areas. We invite you to take a good day of walking, because it is the best way to experience this destination and to stretch your legs before spending several days locked in the car.
There are three places that you cannot miss. In the morning, head to Mount Eden to watch the sunrise from this volcanic crater that offers 360º views of the entire city and which, moreover, is free.
Spend the afternoon exploring the streets and harbor of Auckland, the Auckland War Memorial Museum (which offers you the opportunity to take a good walk) and put the icing on the cake watching the sunset in the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. If adrenaline is your thing, there is an attraction that allows you to plunge from the top of the tower.
Auckland: our departure city
DAY 2: HOBBITON - WAITOMO - ROTORUA
The first day on the road seems intense, but in reality it will prove to be a good balance between the hours you will spend in the car and the various activities of the day. If jet lag hasn't wreaked havoc on your body, it's best to get up early to enjoy **Hobbiton sets** first thing in the morning, recommended both for those who are fans of The Lord of the Rings, and for those who are not.
This is one of those destinations that leaves anyone with a good taste in their mouths and is just a couple of hours from Auckland. Buy your tickets before you travel to New Zealand, as they tend to sell out daily.
Just an hour and a half away, are the ** Waitomo Caves **, which offer a surreal experience to tourists and that you can only experience in this corner of the world. Thousands of worms give you a spectacle of nature by lighting up the caves using only their tiny bodies. This characteristic allows them to catch insects in the middle of the dark to feed throughout their lives.
It is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever. You can not miss this activity on a short boat trip or, once again, if action is your thing, go rafting through the caves. It is one of the oldest tourist activities in New Zealand, since the tours began back in the year 1900. Once the activities are finished, it is advisable spend the night in Rotorua.
The fascinating Waitomo Caves
DAY 3: ROTORUA
Rotorua is a small town with a peculiar smell. This smell is the prelude to what you will see on your tour the next day. Rotorua invites you to stroll through its streets, rest a little in the hotel Prince's Gate , full of history, and make a special plan for the night.
About half an hour from Rotorua is the curious installation of Redwoods Whakarewarewa , not suitable for those who have vertigo. A series of wooden suspension bridges span ancient redwoods in a walk that is worth it in the middle of the sunset.
One piece of advice: don't look down, Continue staring at the next platform in each tree. There is an intermediate point in the route where you can climb to another height or stay at the same height.
DAY 4: WAI-O-TOPU
The fourth day of the journey offers you an explosion of impossible colors of nature. The thermal waters they are a gift for the eyes and a punishment for the sense of smell. Nevertheless, The area, shaped over thousands of years by nature, is unique and one of the most curious in the world.
Wai-o-Tapu is made up of different volcano craters, with some activity, and its crown jewel: the champagne pool.
To purify your lungs, but keep the panorama colorful, after another half hour on the road you will run into the mighty, bluish Huka Falls. Parking is easy and it's nice to take a short walk along any of its trails. Finish your day early, rest and regain strength for the next day. It's going to be intense.
The famous champagne pool, in Wai-o-Tapu
DAY 5: TONGARIO NATIONAL PARK
ready to visit Mordor (in every sense) ? the path of Tongariro Alpine Crossing It lasts about seven or eight hours and in some of its routes the level of difficulty is moderate, so it is better to be physically prepared and have enough food.
The landscape is just volcanic, gray and with little vegetation. In some areas you will have to climb (especially if you want to reach the Tongariro volcano) and in total you will travel 19km. This adventure is going to take its toll on the body, so if after Tongariro, it's time for you to indulge yourself.
DAY 6: WHAREKAUHAU
Wharekauhau is a secluded, hidden place and we could describe it as the best kept secret in all of New Zealand. Most guests arrive at this lodge by helicopter, but we continue our journey along impossible roads, with cliffs and streams until we reach the end of the world.
** Wharekauhau Country State ** is located in the green grasslands of the southern North Island and is surrounded by the ocean. In the native Maori language, Wharekauhau means 'place of wisdom', and here you will find peace, luxury and all the kiwi hospitality.
Each guest has their own casita with ocean views, heated pool access, ATV rides, and delicious meals (in fact, we can assure you that the best New Zealand dishes are found in this hidden place).
Peace, luxury and all the 'kiwi' hospitality
DAY 7: WELLINGTON - SOUTH ISLAND
Let's hope you rested well in your luxury lodge, because Another day of travel is coming up, but it is one of the most special of the journey. Leave early, traverse the dizzying cliffside roads that connect Wharekauhau to Wellington, and if you have a little time to spare before your ferry leaves for the South Island, spend a few hours in the city.
Crossing from one island to another by ferry with the car is easier than it seems. The journey between the two islands takes just over four hours and is usually pleasant, unless the movement of the ship does not treat your body well – and this ship moves a lot.
Shortly before reaching Picton on the South Island, look out on the deck to enjoy the scenery. It is the prelude to the spectacular nature that the second part of your road trip has in store for you. The ideal is to spend the night in Picton, but if the body holds up and the sun's rays still reach the road, then Punakaiki guarantees you a good stay next to the beach.
DAY 8: FRANZ JOUSEF GLACIER
As we move south, temperatures drop and nature offers a greater variety of scenarios. In the distance, Franz Josef Glacier welcomes us, surrounded by an environment of absolute serenity.
There are two ways to enjoy the glacier: through a short path that takes you to the base of this historical monument or in a helicopter ride that flies over it (and with options to walk on the top of the glacier, if the weather conditions allow it).
Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN
The journeys in the South Island are longer, but they are short thanks to the diversity of landscapes. Five hours from the glaciers is one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Queenstown , surrounded by mountains and a lake that stretches to infinity.
It is also known as the city of action sports: you can go skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating and much more.
The best hotel in the city, without a doubt, is the Eichardt's Private . Located in the heart of the city, it offers a luxury getaway in a historic place with beautiful views of the nature of Queenstown.
The hotel exudes elegance throughout its walls. Put on classical music, open a bottle of cava, light the fireplace, prepare a bath and allow your body to rest after many hours on the road. Rest up for your last day of New Zealand adventures.
DAY 10: MILFORD SOUND
A four-hour drive away is one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes. The fjords of Milford Sound invite you to take a tour of its heart that lasts several days (so, if your schedule allows it, Milford Sound is worth it).
If you have limited time, a boat tour to enjoy the landscapes, waterfalls and fauna of the place will leave you well satiated.
Your trip through New Zealand will end for what some consider, the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Milford Sound, a show that will be etched in your retina