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In this post I write about my trip to New Zealand: in one month I did so many sports activities, and it is a country that I think is truly beautiful!
Day 1 – 5 of the New Zealand trip : Taupo
The trip to New Zealand began in Taupo, a fantastic town on the lake of the same name where I spent five nights.
The first day I did a beautiful ride around the lake (Great Lake Trail, about 80kms).
The second day still mountain biking to Huka Falls and doing some downhill biking.
The third day was devoted to the wonderful geothermal area of Waiotapu. I reached this geothermal area with a rented car; Waiotapu is indeed difficult to reach by vehicle. In Waiotapu it is possible to observe several hot springs of different colors. The most beautiful, in my opinion, are Champagne Pool and Artist’s Palette.
The fourth day was the big day of the Tongariro Crossing, which deserves a closer look!
Day 6 – 8 of the New Zealand trip: Coromandel
From Taupo by a long bus ride I arrived in the Coromandel.
Here I did two hikes: one near Coromandel Town, the second up to the Pinnacles (I reached the beginning of the trail with a rental car).Both hikes are very nice, and I must say that the trek around Coromandel Town is generally little considered by travelers but is wonderful.
Day 9 of the New Zealand trip: Auckland
From Coromandel Town I went to Auckland by ferry. After only one night I took a flight to Queenstown: thus I left the North Island of New Zealand and headed to the South Island.
Day 10 – 14 of the New Zealand trip: Queenstown
Queenstown is a very touristy lakeside town. The list of things to do in Queenstown is virtually endless. Bungee jumping (my first and last time, it definitely freaked me out!), Nevis Swing (a sort of 200-meter-high swing), 100 km by road bike to Glenorchy, mountain biking/downhill in Queenstown, Queenstown Luge, Canyoeing, hiking to the top of Ben Lomond-these were my activities in five days in Queenstown. All these together make me come to the conclusion that Queenstown is one of the most fun (and expensive) towns I have ever seen. Queenstown also has a vibrant social life: no shortage of bars and craft breweries!
Among the most fun activities is the Nevis Swing!
Day 15 – 18 of the New Zealand trip: Milford Track
Milford Track. An incredible 65-kilometer hike in one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking areas. One of the most famous and….one of the wettest! It was a wonderful trek and the Sutherland Falls, with its 580 meters high divided into three jumps, leaves one speechless! At the end of the four-day trek I arrived at the Milford Sound fjord by boat.
Day 19 of the New Zealand trip: Milford Sound
Speaking of rainy spots, here I touched perhaps the wettest place in the world, with its 7000mm of annual rainfall. Punctually, during the boat tour I found only rain. I had better luck with the kayak tour, which allowed me to fully appreciate the fjord, full of waterfalls and impressive cliffs.
Day 20 – 23 of the New Zealand trip: Catlins
After finishing the kayak tour, I left Milford Sound to reach the small town of Te Anao, where I spent an overnight.
The next morning I took a bus to Invercargill: here I rented a bike and set off in the direction of the Catlins, the southernmost point of the South Island. This 240-kilometer ride gave me wind and rain, but also wonderful beaches (such as Curio Bay and Surat Bay), sea lions and especially Nugget Point, the most spectacular point with its wonderful lighthouse (it is about 8 km from Kaka Point).
Day 24 – 25 of the New Zealand trip: Dunedin
From Kaka Point I pedaled 20 km against the wind to reach Balclutha: from here I took a bus to Dunedin, where I left my bike.
Dunedin is a typical English-style city with a good nightlife and most importantly with wonderful nature nearby. Thanks to the Elm Wildlife Tour in the Otago Peninsula, I was able to meet penguins, albatrosses, sea lions and wonderful beaches!
Day 26 of the New Zealand trip: Wanaka
In Dunedin I rented the third car of the trip to reach, after about four hours, the lakeside town of Wanaka. As soon as I arrived I immediately went for an easy hike to the summit of Roy’s Peak: as Queenstown has Ben Lomond, Wanaka has Roy’s Peak, as the views are equally stunning.!
Day 27 of the New Zealand trip: Auckland
From Wanaka I returned to Dunedin, from where I caught my flight back to Auckland. Again I only had time for a quick walk: the trip to New Zealand was now over.
Budgeting for a trip to New Zealand
I found New Zealand expensive, but not at the levels of Australia. The only exception is Queenstown: the extreme activities are beautiful but also extremely expensive.
PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED
My podium of the most beautiful things on my trip to New Zealand consists of the Tongariro Crossing, Waiotapu and Milford Sound.
Travel to New Zealand: When & how much
The best season is from November to February. To visit all the natural beauty of New Zealand, three months would not be enough: one month however was a good compromise. I definitely would not recommend flying to New Zealand for only a two-week trip, as it takes about 27 hours of flying time to get to Auckland.
WHAT TO PACK
The important thing is to prepare for rain! Some places in New Zealand are famous for being some of the wettest on the entire planet, such as Milford Sound. A KWay, a jacket and technical clothing for various walks are necessary!
Tips and recommendations for a trip to New Zealand
What to say about New Zealand? For nature lovers and people who enjoy outdoor sports, this is the place to be. In these 27 days I covered 147 km and cycled 470 km. The people are really friendly and the local beer is a must! I have only good memories of this trip, I just hope to have better weather on the next trip. Among the hostels to sleep in during a trip to New Zealand I recommend. AQ Hostel in Queenstown, Haka Lodge in Taupo, YHA in Te Anau, Lions Den in Coromandel, Surat Bay Lodge and the Lazy Dolphin Lodge in the Catlins. Instead, the places that most convinced me about eating and drinking are Speights Ale House in Wanaka, the Point Cafe in Kaka Point; in Te Anau I had a good pasta at Toni’s and drank an excellent caipirinha at the Redcliffe bar.
