Went on a road trip all around South Island but one of our highlights is definitely Lake Tekapo. These pics were taken during Dec (summertime in NZ, but for a tropical berry like me the winds can be a little startling). Best hour to visit Sunset/Sunrise (timing dependent on season of travel) Ideal for those who are looking for scenic spots in NZ. Would not recommend for individuals who require mobility aid as the ground can be rocky.
Seaside town of Oamaru, New Zealand Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago, is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is the main town of the Waitaki District, 120 kilometers south of Dunedin. City highlights: Blue Penguin Habitat, historic Victoria District, Steampunk Headquarters. To see the little blue penguins return to their nests, this is the right place. You can also see many little sea lions basking in the sun on the shore. Accommodation chose a retro and artistic hotel located in the city center.
Life advice! You must take the amazing journey to New Zealand's South Island Here, you'll be captivated every day by the beauty of the lakes and mountains, snow capped glaciers, azure seas and skies, and vast grasslands! ❤️ I've just finished a half month self drive tour of New Zealand's South Island, and now I'm sharing my 9 favorite places with you all
- Lake Tekapo This place is where you'll fall in love at first sight, with the milk blue waters of the lake set against the snow mountains, and the lupins blooming along the shore, so beautiful it moves you to tears In my heart, this is the ultimate beauty spot of New Zealand!
- Dunedin·Tunnel Beach This is a beautiful coastal walk, somewhat like the White Cliffs of Dover in England, with majestic rocks rising from the sea, spectacular to behold. Sitting on the cliff edge gazing out to sea, enjoying the undisturbed tranquility, is just too pleasant!
- Wanaka·The Lone Tree I absolutely love Wanaka, where life moves at a leisurely pace: strolling by the lake, feeding seagulls, sunbathing, enjoying the gentle breeze, and feeling relaxed and happy, it's just too enjoyable!
- Akaroa Sharma Alpaca Farm Located in a French town in the bay, it's very peaceful and pleasant. Even on cloudy days, the sea is a beautiful blue-green. Spend the morning wandering around town, and the afternoon feeding alpacas at the farm, those freshly sheared alpacas look both ugly and cute
- Kookaburra Here you'll find a magnificent coastline, with snow capped mountains and the sea complementing each other, the milk blue sea water, the sky full of seagulls, and seals playing along the shore, it's truly unforgettable.
- Wanaka Commander Peak A popular spot for wedding photos in New Zealand, accessible by helicopter, with grand mountain views. Compared to the 16 km hike to Roys Peak, this is more friendly for the lazy.
- Mount Cook National Park Definitely worth the hike in New Zealand, super impressive, and you can get up close to glaciers. Even on cloudy days, it's breathtakingly beautiful.
- Queensland Park Heights This is a self-service entry private farm, one of my favorite places. Each car ticket is $55, and you can drive right up to the top of the mountain to overlook the whole of Queens town. There are many animals and few tourists, so you can play here all day.
- Queens town Skyline Take the cable car to the top of the mountain to overlook Queenstown. Although the scenery and value for money are not as good as Deer Park Heights, it's very fun to play on the mountain luge, and taking photos of the cable car and lake together on the mountain is incredibly beautiful.
Hamilton Gardens Highlights Tour Enjoy a guided tour of Hamilton Gardens, a 133 acre (54 hectare) site located along the Waikato River. Stroll among 18 themed gardens that exemplify botanical history and style. You’ll explore museum style exhibitions of garden collections that represent civilizations throughout the world, from a Chinese dynasty to the Italian Renaissance. Learn from your docent how the garden was transformed from a garbage dump to this international treasure and popular attraction.
The garden comprises of more than 600 glass sculptures, set in an acre of manicured grounds in an idyllic rural setting. A boardwalk takes you on a 500 metre amble around ponds, through fields of glass flowers, and amongst stunning sculptures. You can sit and enjoy the water tumbling down the fifteen piece glass waterfall, then continue your browse through a native tree bird area. The newest additions to the garden are New Zealand themed, with giant cast glass korus and three colourful glass lancewoods. The glass sculptures have been designed and created by award winning master glass artist Lynden Over, co-owner of Lava Glass Christine Robb, and their team of accomplished glass workers. Some of the sculptures are the largest works of glass ever blown in New Zealand. They are bursting with colour and creativity.
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There is something for everyone at Rapaura Water gardens including native trees, ferns, rhododendrons, orchids, irises and bog plants while scores of hydrangeas feature in the summer. There is a magnificent display of water lilies in many colors in season in the 14 ponds, and sculptures by an award winning artist are placed throughout the garden. Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies are encouraged with some success by growing swan plants and nettles. Meandering walks across lawns over bridges and streams and through native bush lead to a cascading waterfall. A mandala vegetable garden is planted with garlic along with vegetables and flowers against a background of orange canvas. Chickens and ducks range freely in an adjoining area.
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Pleasantly situated just across from the lake, this garden is unexpected in such a locality. A children's railway runs through one part and it also includes a much-used playground and Superloo. The lake side portion is devoted entirely to a well-chosen and well cared for selection of native trees ornamented by stone sculptures. A long mixed border leads along the far perimeter where a fine selection of plant material can be seen. An excellent and quite large rose garden well labelled and well tended can be found on the other side of the museum building. Maintenance throughout is of a high standard. Noteworthy too is the Ora Garden (gold award at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show) which has been faithfully recreated within the Museum complex. It is permanently on view.
The remarkable gold medal winning New Zealand entry to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show in May 2004 has been rebuilt and replanted at the Taupo Museum on a central site close to the main Taupo shops. Known as the '100% Pure New Zealand Ora Garden of Well being' it is the result of the combined creative energy of six talented New Zealanders who were delighted when a permanent home in a secure courtyard was offered. The original creators rebuilt and replanted this unique native bush garden with its geothermal landscape and bird song sound track - a living exhibit. There are close to 1000 plants in Ora, all are native, some are endangered or species of significance to this region. Others have been chosen for their medicinal, culinary and bird attracting qualities. Maori cultural aspects are an integral part of the design and give the garden its special magic. Explore the relationship between nature and Maori; each feature of the garden has a Maori name and has strong links to the local environment.
Hamilton Botanical Gardens Take the scenic route from Auckland to New Plymouth and stop off in Hamilton along the way. Stock up on picnic supplies at the Hamilton Markets, held every Sunday at the Te Rapa Racecourse, just a 10-minute drive away from the famous Hamilton Botanical Gardens. This garden is Waikato’s most popular tourist attraction and a top thing to do in New Zealand. The gardens are located in the heart of the city. Spend a few hours exploring the extensive gardens. Stop and smell the roses at Rogers Rose Garden and roam through the Italian Renaissance Garden. Then pick the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a picturesque picnic.
Make the most of New Zealand’s epic scenery and embark on the great kiwi road trip. Hit the open road in a Britz camper and enjoy the freedom of being your own tour guide, travelling at your own pace. New Zealand’s most famous driving routes will get you where you want to go and provide you with some dazzling scenery along the way. Some of our favourite driving routes in the North and South Islands are chock-a-block with brilliant backdrops and lend themselves perfectly to parking up to appreciate the views. And, as the weather turns warmer, what better time to park up your Britz camper and enjoy a picnic. Remember to leave the land as you found it and dispose of any rubbish properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some paper towels and hand sanitizer in your camper so you can clean your hands before you tuck in.
Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay Visit Hawkes Bay and enjoy the mild climate, local apples and delicious wine. Venture up Te Mata Peak, a short 10-minute drive from Havelock North. If you don’t feel like hiking the summit, you can drive your camper to the top. The road is open from 5.30 am until 9.59 pm. Pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy the stunning sunrise over the rolling hills. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Ruapehu in the distance. If you want to treat yourself, head across the road to the Craggy Range Winery for a little slice of luxury. Don’t forget to grab a bottle for the road!
Make the most of New Zealand’s epic scenery and embark on the great kiwi road trip. Hit the open road in a Britz camper and enjoy the freedom of being your own tour guide, travelling at your own pace. New Zealand’s most famous driving routes will get you where you want to go and provide you with some dazzling scenery along the way. Some of our favourite driving routes in the North and South Islands are chock-a-block with brilliant backdrops and lend themselves perfectly to parking up to appreciate the views. And, as the weather turns warmer, what better time to park up your Britz camper and enjoy a picnic. Remember to leave the land as you found it and dispose of any rubbish properly. It’s also a good idea to keep some paper towels and hand sanitizer in your camper so you can clean your hands before you tuck in.
