#new zealand motorhome caravan association

[samclaflin-daily]

rv tour of new zealand

[pidge-greenhorne-blog1]

Authentic and typical accommodation in New Zealand

>h2>Novotel Auckland Airport

The spectacular rugged coastline of the West Coast awaits you in this beautiful Holiday Park with cosy, stylish wooden chalets right on the beach in Hokitika. As soon as it gets dark, the enchanting firefly grotto of Hokitika (directly opposite) invites you to explore its sweet secret. Agoda users need an email address and unfortunately we were not able to find an email address to your Facebook account. You can try again after adding an email address to your Facebook account or register on Agoda directly with your email address. We cannot find an email address associated with your Facebook account. Please provide an email address so we can create an Agoda account for you. They offer an extremely peaceful atmosphere, lots of personality and uniqueness - perfect for a relaxing and authentic New Zealand stay.

>li>The pitches are designed for both holidaymakers with motorhomes and campers with tents.

For your safety you cannot use the previous password again.

The eco-friendly accommodation in Pohara near Takaka in Golden Bay, is located only a few meters from the beach and welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere.can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our privacy policy.

|}

Everywhere you stay, whether hostels, hotels, guest rooms or temporary rental apartments, we can advise you and with our partners we can find a suitable accommodation in New Zealand for you.

>/ul> At Caravan Tours you will find a wide selection of hotels, lodges, guesthouses and B&B accommodation in New Zealand, both on the North Island and the South Island. We will be happy to arrange a suitable car rental tour in New Zealand with the accommodation of your choice. Our small Hideaway Eco Lodge Hippie House right next to the northwestern end of the Abel Tasman National Park was my personal highlight of the trip. The house itself is not only called Hippie House but was actually built years ago by a hippie (there are still several of them in Golden Bay). Since he somehow didn't stick to the name of the owner of the land, the current owner was lucky when he bought the land including the hippie house many years ago. The food was freshly cooked, there was local New Zealand cuisine with a strong French touch. John, the owner of the B&B, gave us a warm welcome, explained everything in the house and about Rotorua and served us a good breakfast the next morning.

Work & Travel Packing List

If you want to be on the safe side with accommodation, tax number, bank account and so on, you should take a closer look at the Backpacker Intro Package. Airbnb is more personal than a hostel by contacting the owner of the accommodation. You have a kind of base in New Zealand to which you can come back after travelling. Once you have paid, you are guaranteed a place to stay for the night. The lodge was built 20 years ago by German architects and does not miss its effect. Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

[mileyplanet-blog2]

CMT 2019: all new motorhomes

News from the world of WEINSBERG

Without constraints. Without obligations. Completely independent. Get out of everyday life. Discover the world and nature. Convince yourself of first-class quality "Made in Germany". Feel the high quality workmanship.

As an alternative to the single beds, a queen bed is available. The Mageo 170 is another Challenger model that measures cheap New Zealand motorhome less than six meters in length. The Dethleffs Eighty-Eight owes its lavish decor and name to the brand's 88th birthday. New are the single bed models T 663 G, T 701 and T 732 as well as the queen-size bed layout T 752. The Comfort line has recently made its name even more honorable, as the equipment has been increased. A naviceiver and a heated floor in the driver's cab are now just as standard as isofix eyelets on the rear seat. The premium versions are now also characterized by distinctive taillights with flashing turn signals.

The interior of the motorhome impresses with the generous feeling of space, which is mainly due to the flush with the ceiling " sunken “fold-down bed is created.

Our reliable contacts for buying or renting a Dethleffs caravan or motorhome will be happy to advise you.

There are 3600 so-called mobile home ports with a total of 62,000 spaces Tourism association DTV in Germany, in order to meet the demand 5000 systems would already be needed.

In addition to some competitors, the companies mentioned are among the well-known producers of motorhomes with high quality and large numbers.

In addition, it offers interesting security products for your financing and your vehicle.

Both the integrated and the partially integrated receive two new floor plans - called 550 and 600. The 600 series shown here has longitudinal single beds that are installed quite high, but there is a huge, stable rear garage underneath. "A motorhome usually also occupies two parking spaces - this can lead to resentment in the neighborhood." However, the automobile club is itself one of the largest motorhome rental companies in the country. We produce high quality mobile homes of all types (alcoves, semi-integrated, integrated). The company was founded in 1959 as a manufacturer of caravans. The XL Integrated opens the door to the mobile luxury class of motorhomes. In two equipment lines, it offers all the comfort that meets high motorhome requirements.

HYMER B-Class ModernComfort I

With an automotive design, striking light edges, a flat connection between the driver's cab and the GRP body, you can see the high standards of our designers. With ALKO low frame, Alde hot water heating, heated double floor and the Fiat Ducato chassis, driving and travel comfort are also revved up. The successful Cara-Compact in the Pepper Edition is again available in the 2019 model year with the familiar 600 MEG and 600 MG layouts. For a surcharge of 2,000 euros, the Peugeot-based models are equipped with a 163 hp engine, ESP, cab darkening and a new body door. There will be no changes to the semi-integrated series Nova from La Strada in 2019.

[mynameis-notholly]

motorhome rental New Zealand

Travel expenses from New Zealand holidays: overview in detail

Pacific Horizon offers excellent service, the motorhomes are fully equipped. The 6-bed camper is the only model in New Zealand in which all passengers can sit in the front and in the direction of travel. Traveling in a motorhome is still one of the most popular vacation options in New Zealand. You can stay wherever you like, linger and enjoy as long as you like and do not have to do without any comforts with your rolling apartment. Wendekreise is a family business and has specialized in the rental of mobile homes, campervans and cars since 1991.

How cold is it in New Zealand in winter?

When is the best time to travel to Australia? May to October: Australia's red heart. May to October: The north of Australia. October to April: The south of Australia. October to April: On the way between Sydney and Brisbane. November to March: Travel to Tasmania.

With an honest & fair rating you help us and other readers. Thanks a lot!

Here you will find useful information about the vehicle fleet, the services, rental conditions and offers of our camper rental companies in New Zealand:

Because then the Arrowtown Autumn Festival will take place there.

In this area many scenes for "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" were filmed.

Our colleague Natalie Bremke has took ten months to go to the other end of the world.

The entire spectrum is offered here, from spartan to luxurious.

The site is surrounded by scrubland and is surrounded by varied vegetation with opportunities for rock climbing. The corresponding certificate is only available after the vehicle has been carefully examined by a responsible inspector. The inspection may be carried out by registered plumbers / plumbers as well as facilities such as the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA - ONLY for members !!!). The blue sticker is only available if there is only a minimal risk to the environment and your own and the health of others. So it's best to rent a vehicle with a toilet and self-contained certificate. If you need a large equipment, you have to look for a campground or holiday park. You can usually also rent bungalows or apartments there. Barbecues / campfires in public In New Zealand campfires are allowed if there is no "Fire Prohibited" sign on them.

You should therefore have an international driver's license issued for your New Zealand motorhome holiday. Always have both your German and international driving licenses with you. A tour around Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand is basically possible all year round, after all, there is a subtropical climate here. Together with the Coromandel Peninsula in the southwest of the city, this is truly the perfect destination for a summer road trip. Due to the abundance of campsites and holiday parks, a trip with a motorhome in New Zealand can not be better than relaxing for a week in one of these coveted holiday destinations. Pick up your campervan cheap New Zealand motorhome in one of our most popular cities (Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown) and follow the highways and country roads wherever your heart takes you. The country is home to a lot of farmland and forests, but since it is very small, you are never too far from an inhabited area with facilities and supply centers for visitors. A credit card is not yet necessary to book on CamperHero, it can also be paid by bank transfer (if the booking is not made less than 21 days before departure). In Australia there is left-hand traffic. In addition, some roads are only accessible with a 4WD (especially in the outback). For safety reasons, you should always have a well-filled petrol can with you as a reserve, because petrol stations can become rare, especially in the outback. In general, daily stages should not be planned for more than 300km. The Voyager is the ideal campervan for the budget-conscious family. Compact like the HiTop Camper and with two double beds. Wendekreise Travel Ltd is a long-standing, family-owned and operated New Zealand company in the rental and manufacture of motorhomes. We strive to be able to offer reasonably priced quality vehicles at fair and transparent conditions.

[farmaiye]

Camper New Zealand: rental

To save costs, make sure that you don't pay more than $ 18 per person and that the (hot) showers are free. Often these have to be paid separately ($ 2 per person). Are you traveling New Zealand for 6 weeks or less?

Your penultimate stop is in Cambridge, a city in the Waikato region. Near the city is the Lake Karapiro, where residents and tourists can row perfectly. After a tour of the lake, you will travel to Hamilton. The beautifully landscaped Hamilton Gardens are also worth a visit, as is the Hamilton Zoo, where visitors can observe countless local animals. Our employee Natalie Bremke took ten months to go to the other end of the world.

Luggage included Dates until July 2020!

How much does a box of cigarettes cost in New Zealand?

Travel expenses New Zealand • Overview of costs 6 weeks road trip with the camper 2015 Item Expenditures Total costs (WITHOUT FLIGHTS) 7,162.62 euros (Per person: 3,581.31 euros) Motorhome 4,364 euros Hotel 364 euros Flights Not in total included because routing! ще 7 рядків • 9 лют. 2017 р. Most of the festivals take place outdoors. If you have a little more time, Wellington is the perfect starting point to explore the North Island. Due to the high travel costs and the distance, New Zealand is more of a "once in a lifetime" travel destination for most travel planners. The more interesting is the question of where you can save costs and time to enjoy your vacation. Therefore, we would like to share our experiences and tips on traveling and renting a motorhome in New Zealand. Would you like to travel without being tied to a hotel or a rental car?

A so-called caravan is a trailer without its own drive, which has to be pulled by a separate vehicle.

While it is around 15 ° C in June and August July the coldest month in New Zealand.

The 2-bed motorhome based on the Volkswagen Crafter is equipped with all the comforts you need for a holiday in New Zealand.

Also When it comes to parking, a smaller motorhome is more comfortable.

If your request has just been made and you are unsure, you can also ask the Camperoase team again for safety.

No other city in New Zealand has so many lovingly designed museums, galleries new zealand motorhome and theaters. Auckland, the metropolis in the north, on approx. Even with your Class B driver's license (purchase from 01/01/1999) driving a motorhome with a total weight of over 3.5 tons is permitted in New Zealand. The corresponding certificate is only available after the vehicle has been carefully examined by a responsible inspector. The inspection may be carried out by registered plumbers / plumbers as well as facilities such as the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA - ONLY for members !!!). The blue sticker is only available if there is only a minimal risk to the environment and your own and the health of others. Whether skydiving or paragliding is entirely up to you. Water sports such as jet skiing or canoeing are also possible there. In the winter months you can also go skiing in the Alps. If you are then ready for longer distances, you can, for example, drive to Akaroa, about 80 km away.

What are the dangerous animals in New Zealand?

The geographic midpoint between New Zealand and Germany is 9,192.73 km between the two points at a bearing of 315.86 °. The shortest distance (air line) between New Zealand and Germany is 18,385.47 km. It's actually just like plane tickets. The fewer there are, the more expensive it becomes. Car rental companies only rent about 30% of their vehicles directly through their websites.

[cleodadalek]

Book New Zealand vacation with Mighty Campers. Rent a motorhome with Mighty Campers today.

The equipment with dishes and electrical kitchen appliances is complete and included. German employees can speak. The stations in Auckland and Christchurch have been with other providers since the end of 2012 (e.g. Britz, Maui etc.) At KEA we rented a motorhome from the upper price range, but we received very good consideration for it. If you take over the camper outside of this data, you will find the details regarding the bookable extras in the associated rental conditions for your rental period. Squeeze 40 cm high gap, which is designed as an upper bunk bed for two people. Dear Nico, the question of storage space is a very good one. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to estimate how much space a campervan offers.

More details about Camper Ultima Plus

All dimensions and size specifications are approximate values ​​and are based on the information provided by the lessor, errors and transmission errors reserved. The information about this on our website is subject to change without notice. This practical camper is ideal for 2 adults.

It is not allowed to drive access roads to ski areas between June 1st and October 31st.

for longer rents Most campers (except hi-top campers) have economical diesel engines.

There is an extensive fleet of vehicles at a high level.

Information.

Lothars travel reports

Our partner travel agency will then make you an appropriate offer. When traveling through New Zealand in a motorhome, you will simply feel the freedom. Wild camping in New Zealand is inexpensive on the one hand, and on the other hand you can get to indescribably beautiful places such as here right on the water. Fantastically beautiful landscapes are waiting to be explored by you with the camper in New Zealand. From Christchurch to the Southern Alps, the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura to the most beautiful glaciers and the Doubtful and Milford Sound. Booster seat is possible. Super Inclusive PLUS package includes insurance (liability and comprehensive insurance) without excess. It insures personal injury, damage to your own vehicle and in the event of accidents with third parties (vehicle, property and personal injury). Damage to the roof and underbody as well as the vehicle rolling over / tipping over without external influence are also insured. Baby or With a larger interior and additional extras, these campers are for travelers who like to spend a little more on comfort on their New Zealand vacation. Every year tens of thousands of vacationers embark on a great trip to New Zealand. Campers are becoming more and more popular because they can travel freely around the area and save money. Since not everyone has the necessary resources to buy such a vehicle themselves, the number of campers, mobile homes and caravan rentals is increasing year by year. You will also find the right offer for volunteering abroad or language trips. If you already have your apartment with you, including a filled refrigerator, in your motorhome, you have the freedom to stop at every beautiful spot and cheap New Zealand motorhome spontaneously prepare a meal or even a cup of coffee. Especially the larger RVs with self-containment options - i.e. a self-contained sewage system with a toilet and fitted kitchen - have it particularly easy in New Zealand.

[dominion-of-dreams-blog]

RV New Zealand. Camper New Zealand.

Make your personal choice of models - whether motorhome, campervan or camper, our range is diverse. We have numerous motorhome rental companies on offer, a large selection of vehicles and many rental stations. Simply enter your travel dates in the search mask on the left. Find your suitable vehicle model and simply book your motorhome holiday online. On our New Zealand camper highlight tour you will learn why you should venture adventurously over a suspension bridge, watch a geyser from a helicopter and collect no jade stones. You don't have to worry about a place to sleep. New Zealand has a good campground infrastructure. Holiday Accommodation Parks are one of the leading campground chains that you can find throughout New Zealand. Other well-known associations include the Family Parks Association and Kiwi Holiday Parks.

Advice on cookies

Wait for help or other vehicles. Notify the landlord. This will endeavor to get you a replacement vehicle. However, this can sometimes take a few days. Cheapa Campa was awarded the top certificate by Qualmark in the category of visitor transport in New Zealand. Qualmark is the tourist quality label for New Zealand. Located just outside Auckland, the Northland region is waiting to be discovered. The coastal areas around Whangarei and Mangawhai offer pure postcard idyll and are regions in which the kiwis themselves like to spend their holidays. A camping holiday in beautiful coastal landscapes can hardly be more beautiful than at the other end of the world. And dozens of motorhomes, campervans and caravans in New Zealand can be booked easily and easily over the Internet using SHAREaCAMPER. With the camper you are flexible and enjoy the comfort of a hotel room.

The Beach model may have a maximum of

You want to feed your travel budget while working abroad?

Compare the prices of the products in peace .

Otherwise we had collected what we want to look up or do on the net and "worked through" this at the next Spark station.

At Lake Te Anau you can go to the great fauna visit the new zealand motorhome Fiordland National Park and discover the flora.

20% discount, one-way fee and the ferry crossing for the vehicle free of charge for rentals from August to October.

A trip to the hiking paradise of the Abel Tasman National Park is particularly worthwhile. Along the west coast it goes over the 900 m high Arthur's Pass with viaducts, bridges and deep waterfalls. In Christchurch you can end your road trip in the numerous bars.

Camper New Zealand rentals: What are the costs of the trip?

Time zone There are three time zones in New Zealand. The North and South Island are in one zone. Chatham Island is the second time zone and it is about 45 minutes later than on the main islands.

How far is it from Hamburg to New Zealand?

Нова Зеландія Населення At Lake Te Anau you can visit the Fiordland National Park and discover the flora after the great fauna. Head north to Milford Sound. This estuary is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Then it goes a bit inland to Queenstown. The capital of adrenaline and adventure offers a lot of fun and action.

[charllieeldridge]

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand

In a land far away where snowcapped mountains dot the country and rugged coastlines shape it, New Zealand is a magical place. Although a journey to get to, there are so many reasons why New Zealand should be your next backpacking destination.

Filled with world-class adventure activities such as hiking, skiing and bungee jumping, this country has become a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure junkies.

Boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountains in the world, New Zealand urges to be explored.

It comes as no surprise, that it is a mecca for tourism with double-digit growth in annual visitors.

While it is also a popular destination for vacationers and honeymooners, the best way to see the country is to strap on your backpack and spend some quality time exploring.

Mount Awful, Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com

Backpacking New Zealand is the trip of a lifetime! Check out this in-depth guide for all you need to know about travelling here.

When to Visit New Zealand

Tourism in New Zealand is very seasonal.

Unless you are looking for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, it’s best to visit between November and May.

The summer, from December to February, gets very busy at tourist attractions. Campsites and backpackers tend to fill up quickly during this time.

Our favorite time of the year is April and May.

The temperatures start dropping quickly, but so do the tourists. This is a great time to hike and you should still be able to access the entire country before snowfall hits.

The best time to visit New Zealand really depends on what you’re interested in doing. But in reality, there’s no bad time to visit the country!

Visa Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Visitor Visa – If you want to stay longer than three months or you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply online before your trip. This visa is valid for up to nine months stay in New Zealand.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa – If your passport is from a visa waiver country, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving. Visas are granted for three months. Some of the visa free countries include Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Working Holiday Visa – If you are between the age of 18 and 30 and mostly want to come to New Zealand to travel, but also want the option to work or study, this may be a perfect option. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof of $4,200 NZD ($3,000 USD) equivalent in your bank account as well as full medical insurance.

To read more on visa options related to your country and interest, check out the New Zealand Immigration page.

A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Sim Card

Skinny Direct was our preferred mobile carrier of choice. They have the best rates for a prepaid monthly plan and very good service backed by the Spark Mobile network.

Prices are $30 ($21 USD) per month for 3GB of data or $50 ($36 USD) per month for 10 GB of date. All plans come with unlimited text and minutes.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand. It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and travellers. Enter your details below to get a free quote.

  Banking in New Zealand

If you are planning to work, you may consider opening a local bank account. We recommend a free basic checking account with ANZ Bank.

A document, such as a vehicle insurance or registration, with a local address and a working holiday visa was enough to open an account. 

This was also very useful when selling a car. We could transfer New Zealand dollars to our own bank for under $100 ($72 USD), less than any other wire transfer option. ATMs are wildly available and most establishments take credit card.

Get a car that (hopefully) will not cause you any problems

Transportation

There are numerous ways to get around when backpacking New Zealand. Here are some of the popular options:

Shared Rides

Shared rides are very common with backpackers. This could include hitchhiking. The best way to partner up with another traveler is by posting on Backpacker Boards or the New Zealand Backpackers Facebook group.

Public buses

Between major cities there are some public buses, however, we felt their prices were very high considering the distances. For example, a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown cost $50 ($36 USD) for an hour drive.

Campervanfinder

One great option for finding a campervan around New Zealand is Campervan Finder.

They’ve been helping travellers and road trippers source the best deals on motorhomes, campervans and 4×4 campers since 2006 and they work with over 30 rental companies across New Zealand to help you find the best deal.

Their website works much like any booking site. Just enter your pick up & drop off locations, as well as the dates and times you’d like to rent and their algorithm will search through their 30+ partner rental companies to find the best deal.

Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

There are two major companies in New Zealand, Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel. Prices range from $650 NZD ($470 USD) for a two-week package to $1200 NZD ($860 USD) for a 6-week package. These services gear towards a younger backpacker crowd.

Rent a Vehicle

Renting can get expensive, but is the best choice for those coming for only a few weeks or one month. New Zealand is perfect for self-driving enthusiasts and having your own vehicle allows the freedom to create your own itinerary.

If you are looking for a smaller campervan, check out Wicked Campers and Jucy.

Costs range from $700 ($500 USD) to $1,500 ($1,080 USD) for one month. They come stocked with beds and cookware.

For those looking for a larger motorhome, check out Maui Rentals with prices ranging from $2,000 ($1,440 USD) to $6,000 ($4,300 USD) depending on the camper size.

Buy a Vehicle

If you’re staying for more than two months, buying a car or campervan is the most economical option.

This is very popular in New Zealand and a great way to save money. Try to find a vehicle with good resale value and consider the timing of buying/selling.

It is common to buy in the summer and sell just before winter. Depending on when you sell there is sometimes potential for a serious loss.

We recommend buying a station wagon such as a Nissan Wingroad. The seats fold flat and can sleep two, they are much better on petrol, and have a better resale value.

There is a lot of information to read in advance before making a purchase. Check out Beard and Curly’s article the Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Buying a Campervan in New Zealand.

Self-Contained Vehicles

Many areas of New Zealand allow freedom camping.

There are approximately 350 free campgrounds that are allocated only for self-contained vehicles. Although not as plentiful, there are free options for regular campervans.

There is a large cost increase to purchase a self-contained vehicle, but you can almost always find a free campsite to sleep at. For more on self-containment, check out the NZ Motor Caravan Association.

Some camping essentials. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

☞ Click here for more free travel guides!

Accommodation in New Zealand

There are lots of options for accommodation, many of which are great for budget backpackers.

Campsites 

A great option to cut down on costs is to camp. Campsites are either private or run by the Department of Conservation. They can range from basic with only vault toilets and no running water to full kitchens and shower/laundry facilities.

Costs range from $6 to $18 ($4 to $13 USD) per person. There are also a decent number of free campsites for both self-contained vehicles and non-self-contained vehicles.

In cities, there are limited campsites available and freedom camping is almost always prohibited.

Holiday Parks

If you are looking for an upgrade from camping, holiday parks are your best bet. They usually come stocked with wifi, electric hookups, showers and laundry facilities. Prices typically range from $40 to $60 ($28 to $43 USD) per camper.

Backpackers 

In cities, backpackers are a great choice to meet other travelers and to stay right in town.  Check out Base Backpackers or Nomads, both have hostels in major cities. Backpackers charge between $20 and $30 ($14 and $21 USD) for a dorm bed.

Airbnb 

We stayed at AirBnB’s while we were in a few of the major cities. As a couple, we often found prices lower than staying at a backpackers hostel. You can find a nice private room for $30 – $40 ($21 – $28 USD). Click here to check out Airbnbs in New Zealand, and click here to get your discount coupon.

Hotels 

Not many backpackers stay at hotels while in New Zealand, but if you want to splurge, hotels start from $100 ($70 USD) per night.

☞ Click here to compare costs of hotels in New Zealand on Booking.com

Must-Have App For New Zealand

Before going to New Zealand, download the Campermate App on your mobile device. It is crucial and we used it daily.

It provides information such as top things to do, wifi hotspots, toilet locations, supermarket locations, and most importantly, campsite information. The user reviews and comments are also helpful, especially when picking between campsites.

Recommended Campsites

There are hundreds of campsites in New Zealand, but these stuck out to us as a great deal or just an overall amazing campground:

Whatipu campground – $7.50 ($5 USD) Earl’s Paradise Coromandel – $10 ($7 USD) Mangaowkewa Gorge Scenic Reserve – Free Kidd’s Bush Lake Hawea – $8 ($5.75 USD) Lake Pukaki Reserve – Free Mrs. Woolly’s campground Glenorchy – $16 ($11.50 USD) Moke Lake – $13 ($9 USD) Lumsden parking area – Free Milford Sound Lodge – $27 ($19 USD)

Wwoofing

Wwoofing is an opportunity to work on a farm in exchange for housing and food. Although typically unpaid, during high season, paid jobs may be offered.

This is one of the top travel jobs for backpackers! Check out more information at www.wwoof.co.nz.

What to Eat in New Zealand

Restaurants are expensive in New Zealand and are not ideal for most backpackers. In cities such as Wellington or Queenstown there are some more affordable and great cheap eats for dishes under $12 ($8.50 USD).

Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Takeaway is widely available throughout New Zealand and is typically fish and chips, Chinese food, or burgers. Takeaway can be cheap with meals for $6 ($4 USD), but at times could creep up to $10 ($7 USD).

Cooking for yourself is the best idea since most campervans come equipped with a stove and cookware.

Where to Stock Up

Four Square – small convenience store size supermarkets with all basic needs. Slightly higher priced, but not by much, sometimes with cheap veggies Countdown – large supermarket chain, often with the best prices New World – more upscale supermarket with good quality products, some prices are good Pak’N’Save – only located in larger towns and cities, has very good prices and good options for dry food and bulk The Warehouse – some stores carry dry food, cheapest option for canned chickpeas, four bean, peanut butter, chocolate, and candy Bunnings or Mitre 10 – building supplies stores (fuel and kerosene options)

Specialty Stores

Fruit and Veg – there are many fruit and veg stores throughout NZ, especially located within proximity to farming areas. There are also often fruit and veg stalls or fresh produce sold directly from farms with signs on the road. Asian – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and some other cities have good Asian supermarkets with great specialty Asian/Indian items.

Awesome Food Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Cheese – Mainland Vintage Cheddar 1kg $11.49 ($8.25 USD) Tuna pouches – Sealord Lemon, Sesame & Ginger Tuna pouch $2.50 ($1.80 USD) Soba noodles – Hakubaku organic noodles from $3 ($2.15 USD) Indian spice mixes – Mother’s pre-made sauce and spice mixes $1.79 ($1.29 USD) (Only saw these in Auckland so stock up) Watties WOK creations – Thai Coconut Chili and Lime, Ginger and Sesame 3 for $5 ($3.60 USD) Pad Thai noodles –  Erawan noodles from $2 ($1.45 USD) Thai curry paste –  Mae Ploy green curry paste (spicy) $1.50 ($1.10 USD) Ramen: Just Noodles – Mexican Salsa, Indian Butter Chicken $6 for 5 packets ($4.30 USD) Bars – Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice bars, Afghan and Sultana & Manuka honey flavors 2/$6 ($4.30 USD) Dehydrated Peas –  Continental Surprise Garden Peas $6 large bag ($4.30 USD) Hot Sauce –  Mr Number One Sriracha hot chili sauce $6 ($4.30 USD)

Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com

How Much Time Is Needed?

The more time the better. We spent three months in New Zealand, with one month in the North and two months in the South Island.

We could have stayed much longer.

While it is not always possible to come for several months, we do not recommend going less than two weeks. With less time, focus on a smaller area such as Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands on the South Island.

How Much Will Backpacking New Zealand Cost?

New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but road trips and epic hiking does not have to be expensive. Renting a vehicle will be the biggest expense, but if you are staying long enough to buy a vehicle, this can significantly cut down costs.

To save money, cook your own meals and try to stay at free campsites.

If you enjoy hiking, especially multi-day hikes, consider the DOC Hut Pass. It costs $92 ($66 USD) and covers any hut aside from Great Walks and a few others.

We spent on average $85 ($60 USD) per day between two people, and sold our car the same price we bought it for, making New Zealand an affordable destination for us.

For more budget tips and ways to save money when travelling in New Zealand, check out this 3 week road trip itinerary for budget travellers.

Typical Costs when backpacking New Zealand

Total Daily Budget – $60 to $100 ($42.50 – 70 USD) per couple, not including cost of renting/buying a vehicle

Basic Campgrounds – $6 – $10 ($4 – 7 USD) per person

Dorm Rooms at a Backpackers – $20 ($14 USD) per bed

Fuel/Petrol – $1.70 – $2.20 ($1.20 – 1.55 USD) per liter

Eating – $5 – $15 ($3.50 – $10.50 USD)

Alcohol – $8 ($5.70 USD) pints at a bar, $12 ($8.50 USD) for a six-pack at a supermarket, $8 – $12 ($5.70 – 8.50 USD) bottle of wine or $20 ($14.20 USD) box of wine at supermarkets

Things To Do in New Zealand

There are many amazing things to do and places to visit in New Zealand. Here are some of the best.

Road Trippin in New Zealand

Road Trip

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without an epic road trip. Whether you plan to search for the best surf spots, waterfalls, mountain hikes, or complete the drive from Cape Reinga down to Bluff, road-trippin’ should be #1 on your list. It is a perfect way to explore New Zealand.

For the best road trip, we recommend starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Spend more time on the South Island. There is much more to see!

Go Surfing

New Zealand has some stunning coastline. While the water is cold, it does have some pretty good surf.

Some of the popular surf spots are Raglan, Piha, Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara Bay, Fitzroy Beach, St Clair Beach, Kahutara, Westport and Colac Bay. Don’t forget to bring a wetsuit!

Adventure Activities

Take your pick at one of the ohh so many adventure activities. Queenstown is a perfect base and known as the adventure capital of the world.

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, white river rafting, canyoning, cave exploring, jetboat tours, and for those craving some fresh winter snow, nothing tops heli-skiing.

Activities are very expensive in New Zealand and can range from $100 ($70 USD) to several hundred for tours. Heli-skiing starts at $1,000 NZD ($700 USD) per person.

Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hiking

Great Walks – There are nine Great Walks in New Zealand (soon to be 10) and these are the most popular tracks in the country. They are marketed by the DOC and have world-class infrastructure and huts. Because of their popularity, they can feel like a highway at times and are not good for solitude.

We recommend the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the Routeburn track, the Kepler track, and the Milford Sound.

These hikes require bookings in advance and cost between $30 and $70 ($21.50 and $50 USD) for a bunk. Read Beard and Curly’s full article on the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand for more information.

Hut System – With over 1,000 huts across New Zealand, this is a perfect way to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself into some Kiwi culture. The DOC manages 950 huts, most of them are very affordable.

Buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for $92 ($66 USD) for 6 months which covers your stay at nearly all the DOC huts. There are only a few popular huts which are excluded from the pass in addition to the Great Walk huts.

Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Day Hikes – There are so many day hikes with views that are completely out of this world. Our favorite day hikes were Mount Taranaki, Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak, Diamond Lake, Mueller Hut, Ben Lomond, Gertrudes Saddle, Key Summit, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak.

Multi-Day Hikes – Where to begin. One of the main reasons we went to New Zealand was for this alone. While it does require more gear (portable stove, sleeping bag, camping gear), it is completely worth it. Our best memories of New Zealand were days in the middle of the mountains with no people or towns in sight.

Our favorite multi-day hikes were the Tongariro Northern circuit, Travers-Sabine circuit, Cascade Saddle, Gillespies Pass, Mount Brewster, Copeland track, Routeburn track, Kepler track, and the Milford Sound track.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Trekking & Camping the “O” Circuit, Paine del Grande Chile

Places To Visit in New Zealand – North Island

90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Northland

The northernmost region of New Zealand has stunning coastline and many places to see. The drive through the Northland on its own is worth it. Check out the Bay of Island, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Waitakere Regional Park

Piha is one of the country’s most popular black sand beaches and great for photos. Our personal favorite beach was nearby Whatipu with very few people and a great coastal walk called the Omanawanui Track.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Coromandel

One of our favorite spots on the North Island, Coromandel has white sand beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove. Check out New Chumms Beach, Hot Water Beach (low tide only), Cathedral Cove (low tide), and the Karangahake Gorge.

Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Rotorua

Bursting with volcanic activity and geothermal hot springs, Rotorua is one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations in New Zealand. Wai’o’tapu is the main attraction, but Hellsgate Geothermal Park and Kuirau Park are other options.

Entry prices are around $30 ($21.50 USD) per person. Also, check out the Redwood Forest for some short hikes and world-class mountain biking trails. If on a budget, soak in the free natural hot springs, kerosene creek and secret spot.

The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

There are numerous hot pools (both natural and manmade) around the North Island. There’s no better way to relax your aching muscles after backpacking and hiking around New Zealand. Check out this epic list of 40 pools that can be found in and around Aukland.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is known for its famous alpine crossing, the most popular day walk in New Zealand. This hike is truly something special. The Lord of the Rings has made this location even more famous.

Mount Ngauruhoe, the main volcanic peak on this track was filmed as Mount Doom. The stunning emerald lakes alone are reason why this is a must-stop for all visiting New Zealand.

Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Taranaki

This volcanic peak stands alone and on a clear day can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away. It is strikingly beautiful and one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. It also is one of the hardest, so for those not able to make it to the summit, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns is much easier and might have a better view.

Castlepoint Lighthouse. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.

Castlepoint

One of the most stunning coastal areas and New Zealand’s best lighthouse resides at Castlepoint. It is only a 45-minute walk out to the lighthouse which comes with amazing views along the way.

Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Cape Palliser

Check out the seal colony on the way to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. The nearby Pinnacles is a great 1 hour walk through unique rock formations that were featured in a scene of the Lord of the Rings.

Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wellington

Ferries between the North and South Island depart from Wellington, so this likely will be in your travel plans. With that said, it was our favorite city in New Zealand.

There are so many great cafes to lounge during the day and hipster bars for the evening. The Te Papa National Museum is one of the best in the world (and free), and still to this day talk about our two for $40 ($28.50 USD) offer on large pizzas at Tommy Millions.

Places to Visit in New Zealand – South Island

Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Abel Tasman

One of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, Abel Tasman has stunning coastline and emerald water. Boats offer shuttles to nearly any beach in the park.

As a result, the coastal track which is a Great Walk, is like a superhighway. We recommend skipping the walk and sticking to a kayak rental with R&R Kayaks starting from $60 ($43 USD).

Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Golden Bay

The cute hippy town Takaka is a great stop for some grub on the way to our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach.

Come in the afternoon for sunset. From the seal pups, caves, rock arches, and reflections, this might be one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.

The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Nelson Lakes

The pier at Lake Rotoiti is one of the best in New Zealand for photographs, but aside from this, the national park is best explored by hiking.

Mount Robert is a good day hike and with time, stay at Angelus Hut for some spectacular views. If into trekking, a visit to the Blue Lake is a must. It is considered the clearest lake in the world. It takes a couple of days to hike to Blue Lake, usually part of the Travers-Sabine circuit, a 7-day hike.

Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hokitika Gorge

This glacier-fed river cuts through a forest creating the Hokitika Gorge. The short walk over a suspension bridge is a must. This is some of the brightest emerald green water we have ever seen.

Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

West Coast

When driving down the West Coast, the main attractions are the glaciers. We felt these are over-hyped. These glaciers have receded significantly in the past twenty years. For those not intending to do hiking in the South Island, it is worth the one hour walk at Franz Josef Glacier.

For those intending to hike, skip this altogether. Head up to Brewster Hut and get up close to the Brewster Glacier or save your glacier moments for while at Mount Cook. The best sight near the glaciers is not the glaciers themselves, it is Lake Matheson.

Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wanaka

Wanaka was our favorite town in New Zealand. A smaller more laid-back version of Queenstown nestled on a picturesque lake with mountains towering in the backdrop.

Some of the best day hikes in New Zealand are around Wanaka. The incredible Roys Peak hike is only 6km from town. Nearby Lake Hawea is maybe even more picturesque and is much quieter. Check out Isthmus Peak for a similar hike but a tenth of the crowds of Roys Peak. Don’t forget a picture of that Wanaka Tree.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring National Park was our favorite for multi-day hikes.

From Wanaka, head over to Rob Roys Glacier where there is an abundance of hikes to Aspiring Hut, French Ridge, Livermore Hut, or our favorite hike in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle over to the Rees Dart Track.

This climb is not technical, but it is challenging and is a deathtrap in poor weather conditions. On clear days, this may be the best mountain shot in New Zealand.

Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Cook

Ohh Mount Cook. Where to begin. The tallest mountain in New Zealand has its own national park.

The drive in from Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic, and arriving into Mount Cook village truly has a special feel. Massive peaks, glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and the glacier-fed lakes beneath Mount Cook are stunning.

There are several great hikes in the park. Mueller Hut is one of the best day hikes in the country, and if you score a reservation, you can stay the night watching the last sunlight on Mount Cook. The complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience.

Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Queenstown – Glenorchy

Queenstown has become very popular and is the most touristy city in New Zealand. From hiking the Ben Lomond or skiing the Remarkables in the winter, Queenstown is a must-stop on the South Island. It is the adventure capital of the world and every other storefront is selling tours.

The drive to Glenorchy is considered one of the best in the world, and the surrounding area has endless spots that leave you in awe. The famous Routeburn track begins near Glenorchy.

McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Te Anau – Milford Sound

Te Anau is a small town that is the last frontier of the wild Fiordlands National Park. From here, the Milford Sound road leads you on a two-hour journey of one of the most picturesque drives we ever experienced.

Finishing at the Milford Sound is the icing on the cake. Mountains rise vertically from the glacier-carved fjord. It is a magnificent sight.

Nugget Point Lighthouse, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Catlins

The Catlins Forest Park is a large area, mostly uninhabited, with coastal rainforest and stunning, rugged beaches. It is also home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Known for waterfalls, check out McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and the Matai Falls. One of the most beautiful rocky coastlines is at Nugget Point.

A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Dunedin & East Coast

Dunedin is a college town with some good nightlife and proximity to amazing nature. Tunnel Beach is a famous sunset location, the rugged coastline near Sandymount has a great walking track to view the Chasm and Lovers Leap, and there are heaps of animals including seals and penguins. Just north of Dunedin are the famous Moeraki Boulders.

Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Banks Peninsula

Christchurch was our least favorite city in New Zealand, so instead head out to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming little town with a French influence and a perfect city getaway for those looking for a romantic B&B.

Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Packhorse Hut and hike up to Mount Herbert.

The Pros of Backpacking New Zealand

Nature – OK I know it has been stated several times already. But the truth is, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. If you enjoy the outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, your vacation or extended holiday probably will turn into a research project on how to immigrate to New Zealand. 

Hiking – This is one of the best places in the world for hiking. Not only can you get lost in the mountains completely alone and get connected with nature, but you can also do so with access to an amazing hut system.

For beginner hikers, it is also very special because a short hike can result with amazing alpine views. If hiking is your thing, New Zealand will leave you wanting more.

Road Trips – For self-driving enthusiast, pack your gear and hit the road. The scenery is stunning from the rugged coastlines to the Southern Alps. Driving is safe and easy in New Zealand, resulting in a top destination for a perfect road trip.

Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example…glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com

The Cons of Backpacking New Zealand

Weather – Not only is the winter very rough and cold, but the weather in general is also completely sporadic. Because New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, the subtropical weather can change very quickly. In our three months, we experienced two major cyclones.

The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Every day in New Zealand we looked up weather reports and we always found ourselves chasing the good weather.

Costs – New Zealand is an expensive country. We made it cheaper by spending 30 nights in huts while hiking, and always looked for free campsites. Most of all, we never went out to restaurants or bars.

Staying in backpackers hostels and doing some of the activities in New Zealand will add up quickly, making it very easy to blow a budget. Because of this, we recommend trying to do all activities independently.

Lots of Tourists – The downside of how beautiful New Zealand is, is the number of tourists flocking in each year. Because the tourist season is short, the summer is just straight up hectic. I

t is not a large country. We would see people on the North Island and bump into them two weeks later somewhere on the South Island. As a result of the crowds, we recommend going in autumn to avoid the summer crowds.

What our picture looks like:

Reality:

Should You Visit New Zealand?

Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. We met some amazing people, saw some epic landscapes, and had a killer time with one of our favorite passions, hiking.

After spending forty-five days hiking over 800 kilometers, we still to this day dream of going back to hike some more.

We never thought we would fall in love with a place so much that it was truly hard to leave. New Zealand was definitely that place for us. It is time to book your flight and pack your bags. New Zealand is waiting…

SaveSave

Like This Article? Pin it!

  The post The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand appeared first on Goats On The Road.

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand published first on https://travelaspire.weebly.com/

[licencedtoretire]

Just a few kms back down the road from Elliot Bay is the turn off to Bland Bay and our usual go to destination Puriri Bay the DOC camp at the end of the road. This time however without a DOC pass the thought of paying $15 per person per night to park on a bit of gravel/hardstand (winter camping) with long drop toilets and nothing else left us feeling rather cold. When for an extra $1 per person we could stay at the Bland Bay motorcamp plug into power and connect the heater.

We have been coming north and staying at Puriri Bay for  the last 18 years driving past the Bland Bay camp each time and never once staying. This time we had made a point of coming to stay. As I mentioned above the price was basically the same as the DOC camp in fact when you factor in running our large fridge and heating system on power rather than gas it was probably cheaper staying in the campground.

Currently a one night stay is $18 per person but if you are a member of the NZMCA and stay 2 nights or more the rate reduces to $16 per day. If you are wanting to stay longer term up till labour weekend they offer $125 per week. The camp managers are very thorough checking electrical certificates and NZMCA memberships to make sure these are current.

With the cost of a DOC passing rising to $295 and us not sure how many nights we would spend staying in them we hadn’t purchased a pass for this current season. I cannot work out why DOC camps and places like the regional parks in Auckland don’t  have off season rates. If it was say $5 per night at the DOC camp till labour weekend I think at this time of the year you would feel it was value for money and people might actually pay rather than just stay.

Bland Bay is this wonderful cove with a sandy beach that gently slopes to the water making a very safe swimming beach, although it was a bit to cold for us to consider in August. We did however have a couple of wonderful days mostly with the sun shining, allowing for pleasant walks along the beach. As you can see from the photo we pretty much had the beach to ourselves, so very restful.

This time of the year the office is unmanned with a note on the door, to call a mobile phone number find yourself a spot and they will be round to see you later. The lady who answered the phone told us to introduce ourselves to Bill McMurray and his dog Abbie in the Kea motorhome who had the keys to unlock toilet/kitchen etc. It didn’t take long for Abbie to to make herself at home in our van. A very welcome visitor.

Later that evening the camp managers came around to collect the fees and during the course of discussions we discovered that they were also living in the house on the beach and running the camping area at Elliot Bay for the owners. They must be really busy people during the summer.

The campground is to the right of the centre of the beach so it’s a decent stroll down the beach to the far left end. Passing a couple of rocky outcrops the yellows of wild daffodils growing caught my eye, reminding us that spring was getting closer.

Standing on some rocks that jut out into the water we actually saw a couple of decent size Paraoe swimming around and although the water was clear enough to capture them in this photo they suddenly disappeared as soon as I got out the camera.

It seems like a long time since I have featured Sarah and the pink raincoat but we had quite a heavy passing shower while we were at the far end of the beach that necessitated getting our raincoats out of our backpack.

After a cracking sunrise the following morning we decided that we would get the bikes out of the back of the motorhome and ride over to Puriri Bay to look at what changes if any, there had been to the campsite since our last visit almost 12 months previous.

It seemed strange to arrive at the camp and find virtually nobody there just one solitary bus tucked up next to the toilets. There have been some major changes over the last 12 months with a large hard stand area now available, making camping during the winter possible as the ground used to get too boggy to drive over. As I mentioned earlier in the blog it’s now $15 per night per adult to stay here which I have no problem with during peak periods but do seriously wonder why so much in winter. If the NZMCA can in association with a number of camping grounds offer $20 per night with power what does it say about a place like this.

Interestingly the move to improve facilities at the camp whilst probably welcomed by most, is to me, another nail in the coffin for such a remote site. Over time we have seen the camp managers move from a tiny caravan to larger buses to the now permanent structures. Roadways are taking over grass it probably won’t be long before flush toilets and hot showers arrive I am not sure this is a good thing we need to preserve some of the more remote spots or am I just to nostalgic.

We stopped on the way back at the top of hill overlooking Bland Bay it’s a view that I don’t think I will ever get tired of.

Back at the motorhome and after putting the bikes away we took advantage of low tide to head down to the far right hand end of the beach and beyond. There are a couple of beaches as you round the headland and then some rather rocky areas, Sarah decided to see what was around the next corner, sadly more of the same but a good walk was had.

Just down the road from the camping area is the Bland Bay Recreational Reserve it was here that we noticed a freedom camper spending a couple of nights and wondered about if this was legal or illegal. So when we got home we did quite a bit of research online and discovered that despite the sign with the line through the tent you can actually freedom camp here provided you are self contained a link to the relevant DOC webpage is here so maybe on the next visit in summer – well who knows.

Bland Bay, I really do wonder how it got this name so I did a bit of research and found this on the Ngatiwai.iwi.nz website the local Iwi and guardians of the campground. The website is full of stories of locals remembering the history of both their families and the area.

Bland Bay’s original name was Tūparehuia and how it got its name was that the place was overrun with huia birds in the old days. When the huia bird got angry the plume on its head used to stand up and the plume in Māori is ‘te pare’. Hence when the huia bird became angry ka tū te pare o te huia bird or tū pare huia in short. Then Captain Cook circumnavigated New Zealand into the map of the world – when he got back to England, he named it Blind Bay because he missed it when he went past. When they had the track down from the junction there, it was no road just a track down to Bland Bay and they had the sign up there ‘Blind Bay’. When the kaumatua saw it, he pulled it down and threw it away. Then it was Bland Bay because there was nothing there. So there you go now you know why it’s called Bland Bay.

☕ If you liked this post (click here) to buy me a cup of coffee and help keep future posts coming ☕ To view the places we have visited click here to see them on Google maps. You can click the links to read the blog about that area. [cardoza_facebook_like_box] To view the Ratings we have done for places we have stayed click here 

Follow Blog via Email

Click to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow

The Beauty of Bland Bay Just a few kms back down the road from Elliot Bay is the turn off to Bland Bay and our usual go to destination…

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand

In a land far far away where snowcapped mountains dot the country and rugged coastlines shape it, New Zealand is a magical place. Although a trek to get to, there are so many reasons why it should be your next backpacking destination.

Filled with world-class adventure activities such as hiking, skiing and bungee jumping, this country has become a haven for outdoor lovers and adventure junkies. Boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountains in the world, New Zealand urges to be explored.

It comes as no surprise, that it is a mecca for tourism with double-digit growth in annual visitors. While it is also a popular destination for vacationers and honeymooners, the best way to see the country is to strap on your backpack and spend some quality time exploring.

Mount Awful, Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com

When to Visit New Zealand

Tourism in New Zealand is very seasonal. Unless you are looking for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, it’s best to visit between November and May. The summer, from December to February, gets very busy at tourist attractions. Campsites and backpackers tend to fill up quickly during this time.

Our favorite time of the year is April and May. The temperatures start dropping quickly, but so do the tourists. This is a great time to hike and you should still be able to access the entire country before snowfall hits.

Visa Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Visitor Visa – If you want to stay longer than three months or you are not from a visa waiver country, you must apply online before your trip. This visa is valid for up to nine months stay in New Zealand.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa – If your passport is from a visa waiver country, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving. Visas are granted for three months.

Working Holiday Visa – If you are between the age of 18 and 30 and mostly want to come to New Zealand to travel, but also want the option to work or study, this may be a perfect option. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof of $4,200 NZD ($3,000 USD) equivalent in your bank account as well as full medical insurance.

To read more on visa options related to your country and interest, check out the New Zealand Immigration page.

A waterfall in the Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Sim Card

Skinny Direct was our preferred mobile carrier of choice. They have the best rates for a prepaid monthly plan and very good service backed by the Spark Mobile network. Prices are $30 ($21 USD) per month for 3GB of data or $50 ($36 USD) per month for 10 GB of date. All plans come with unlimited text and minutes.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand. It’s the one thing you should always pack. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and travellers. Enter your details below to get a free quote.

Banking in New Zealand

If you are planning to work, you may consider opening a local bank account. We recommend a free basic checking account with ANZ Bank. A document, such as vehicle insurance or registration, with a local address and a working holiday visa was enough to open an account.

This was also very useful when selling a car. We could transfer New Zealand dollars to our own bank for under $100 ($72 USD), less than any other wire transfer option. ATMs are wildly available and most establishments take credit card.

Get a car that (hopefully) will not cause you any problems

Transportation

Shared Rides

Shared rides are very common with backpackers. This could include hitch hiking. The best way to partner up with another traveler is by posting on Backpacker Boards or the New Zealand Backpackers Facebook group.

Public buses

Between major cities there are some public buses, however we felt their prices were very high considering the distances. For example, a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown cost $50 ($36 USD) for an hour drive.

Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

There are two major companies in New Zealand, Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel. Prices range from $650 NZD ($470 USD) for a two-week package to $1200 NZD ($860 USD) for a 6 week package. These services gear towards a younger backpacker crowd.

Rent a Vehicle

Renting can get expensive, but is the best choice for those coming for only a few weeks or one month. New Zealand is perfect for self-driving enthusiasts and having your own vehicle allows the freedom to create your own itinerary.

If you are looking for a smaller campervan, check out Wicked Campers and Jucy. Costs range from $700 ($500 USD) to $1,500 ($1,080 USD) for one month. They come stocked with beds and cookware. For those looking for a larger motorhome, check out Maui Rentals with prices ranging from $2,000 ($1,440 USD) to $6,000 ($4,300 USD) depending on the camper size.

Buy a Vehicle

If staying more than two months, buying a car or campervan is the most economical option. This is very popular in New Zealand and a great way to save money. Try to find a vehicle with good resale value and consider the timing of buying/selling. It is common to buy in the summer and sell just before winter. Depending on when you sell there is sometimes a potential for a serious loss.

We recommend buying a station wagon such as a Nissan Wingroad. Seats fold flat and can sleep two, they are much better on petrol, and have a better resale value. There is a lot of information to read in advance before making a purchase. Check out Beard and Curly’s article the Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Buying a Campervan in New Zealand.

Self-Contained Vehicles

Many areas of New Zealand allow freedom camping. There are approximately 350 free campgrounds that are allocated only for self-contained vehicles. Although not as plentiful, there are free options for regular campervans. There is a large cost increase to purchase a self-contained vehicle, but you can almost always find a free campsite to sleep at. For more on self-containment, check out the NZ Motor Caravan Association.

Some camping essentials. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

☞ Click here for more free travel guides!

Accommodation in New Zealand

Campsites – A great option to cut down on costs is to camp. Campsites are either private or run by the Department of Conservation. They can range from basic with only vault toilets and no running water to full kitchens and shower/laundry facilities.

Costs range from $6 to $18 ($4 to $13 USD) per person. There are also a decent number of free campsites for both self-contained vehicles and non self-contained vehicles. In cities, there are limited campsites available and freedom camping is almost always prohibited.

Holiday Parks – If you are looking for an upgrade from camping, holiday parks are your best bet. They usually come stocked with wifi, electric hookups, showers and laundry facilities. Prices typically range from $40 to $60 ($28 to $43 USD) per camper.

Backpackers – In cities, backpackers are a great choice to meet other travelers and to stay right in town.  Check out Base Backpackers or Nomads, both have hostels in major cities. Backpackers charge between $20 and $30 ($14 and $21 USD) for a dorm bed.

AirBnB – We stayed at AirBnB’s while we were in a few of the major cities. As a couple, we often found prices lower than staying at a backpackers hostel. You can find a nice private room for $30 – $40 ($21 – $28 USD).

Hotels – I do not know any backpackers who personally stayed at any hotels while in New Zealand, but if you want to splurge, hotels start from $100 ($70 USD) per night.

☞ Click here to compare costs of hotels in New Zealand on Booking.com

Must-Have App For New Zealand

Before going to New Zealand, download the Campermate App on your mobile device. It is crucial and we used it daily. It provides information such as top things to do, wifi hotspots, toilet locations, supermarket locations, and most importantly, campsite information. The user reviews and comments are also helpful, especially when picking between campsites.

Recommended Campsites

There are hundreds of campsites in New Zealand, but these stuck out to us as a great deal or just an overall amazing campground:

Whatipu campground – $7.50 ($5 USD) Earl’s Paradise Coromandel – $10 ($7 USD) Mangaowkewa Gorge Scenic Reserve – Free Kidd’s Bush Lake Hawea – $8 ($5.75 USD) Lake Pukaki Reserve – Free Mrs. Woolly’s campground Glenorchy – $16 ($11.50 USD) Moke Lake – $13 ($9 USD) Lumsden parking area – Free Milford Sound Lodge – $27 ($19 USD)

Wwoofing

Wwoofing is an opportunity to work on a farm in exchange for housing and food. Although typically unpaid, during high season, paid jobs may be offered. Check out more information at www.wwoof.co.nz.

What to Eat in New Zealand

Restaurants are expensive in New Zealand and is not ideal for most backpackers. In cities such as Wellington or Queenstown there are some more affordable and great cheap eats for dishes under $12 ($8.50 USD).

Great Backpacker Food Options. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Takeaway is widely available throughout New Zealand and is typically fish and chips, Chinese food, or burgers. Takeaway can be cheap with meals for $6 ($4 USD), but at times could creep up to $10 ($7 USD). Cooking is popular since most campervans come equipped with a stove and cookware.

Where to Stock Up

Four Square – small convenience store size supermarkets with all basic needs. Slightly higher priced, but not by much, sometimes with cheap veggies Countdown – large supermarket chain, often with the best prices New World – more upscale supermarket with good quality products, some prices are good Pak’N’Save – only located in larger towns and cities, has very good prices and good options for dry food and bulk The Warehouse – some stores carry dry food, cheapest option for canned chickpeas, four bean, peanut butter, chocolate, and candy Bunnings or Mitre 10 – building supplies stores (fuel and kerosene options)

Specialty Stores

Fruit and Veg – there are many fruit and veg stores throughout NZ, especially located within proximity to farming areas. There are also often fruit and veg stalls or fresh produce sold directly from farms with signs on the road. Asian – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and some other cities have good Asian supermarkets with great specialty Asian/Indian items.

Awesome Food Options for Backpacking New Zealand

Cheese – Mainland Vintage Cheddar 1kg $11.49 ($8.25 USD) Tuna pouches – Sealord Lemon, Sesame & Ginger Tuna pouch $2.50 ($1.80 USD) Soba noodles – Hakubaku organic noodles from $3 ($2.15 USD) Indian spice mixes – Mother’s pre-made sauce and spice mixes $1.79 ($1.29 USD) (Only saw these in Auckland so stock up) Watties WOK creations – Thai Coconut Chili and Lime, Ginger and Sesame 3 for $5 ($3.60 USD) Pad Thai noodles –  Erawan noodles from $2 ($1.45 USD) Thai curry paste –  Mae Ploy green curry paste (spicy) $1.50 ($1.10 USD) Ramen: Just Noodles – Mexican Salsa, Indian Butter Chicken $6 for 5 packets ($4.30 USD) Bars – Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slice bars, Afghan and Sultana & Manuka honey flavors 2/$6 ($4.30 USD) Dehydrated Peas –  Continental Surprise Garden Peas $6 large bag ($4.30 USD) Hot Sauce –  Mr Number One Sriracha hot chili sauce $6 ($4.30 USD)

Our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com

How Much Time Is Needed?

The more time the better. We spent three months in New Zealand, with one month in the North and two months in the South Island. We could have stayed much longer. While it is not always possible to come for several months, we do not recommend going less than two weeks. With less time, focus on a smaller area such as Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands on the South Island.

How Much Will Backpacking New Zealand Cost?

New Zealand can be an expensive country to visit, but road trips and epic hiking does not have to be expensive. Renting a vehicle will be the biggest expense, but if you are staying long enough to buy a vehicle, this can significantly cut down costs.

To save money, cook your own meals and try to stay at free campsites. If you enjoy hiking, especially multi-day hikes, consider the DOC Hut Pass. It costs $92 ($66 USD) and covers any hut aside from Great Walks and a few others. We spent on average $85 ($60 USD) per day between two people, and sold our car the same price we bought it for, making New Zealand an affordable for us.

Typical Costs:

Total Daily Budget – $60 to $100 ($42.50 – 70 USD) per couple, not including cost of renting/buying a vehicle

Basic Campgrounds – $6 – $10 ($4 – 7 USD) per person

Dorm Rooms at a Backpackers – $20 ($14 USD) per bed

Fuel/Petrol – $1.70 – $2.20 ($1.20 – 1.55 USD) per liter

Eating – $5 – $15 ($3.50 – $10.50 USD)

Alcohol – $8 ($5.70 USD) pints at a bar, $12 ($8.50 USD) for a six-pack at a supermarket, $8 – $12 ($5.70 – 8.50 USD) bottle of wine or $20 ($14.20 USD) box of wine at supermarkets

Things To Do in New Zealand

Road Trippin in New Zealand

Road Trip

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without an epic road trip. Whether you plan to search for the best surf spots, waterfalls, mountain hikes, or complete the drive from Cape Reinga down to Bluff, road trippin’ should be #1 on your list. It is a perfect way to explore New Zealand.

For the best road trip, we recommend starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Spend more time on the South Island. There is much more to see!

Surf

New Zealand has some stunning coastline. While the water is cold, it does have some pretty good surf. Some of the popular surf spots are Raglan, Piha, Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara Bay, Fitzroy Beach, St Clair Beach, Kahutara, Westport and Colac Bay. Don’t forget to bring a wetsuit!

Adventure Activities

Take your pick at one of the ohh so many adventure activities. Queenstown is a perfect base and known as the adventure capital of the world.

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, white river rafting, canyoning, cave exploring, jetboat tours, and for those craving some fresh winter snow, nothing tops heli-skiing. Activities are very expensive in New Zealand and can range from $100 ($70 USD) to several hundred for tours. Heli-skiing starts at $1,000 NZD ($700 USD) per person.

Hiking the Kepler Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hiking

Great Walks – There are nine Great Walks in New Zealand (soon to be 10) and these are the most popular tracks in the country. They are marketed by the DOC and have world-class infrastructure and huts. Because of their popularity, they can feel like a highway at times and are not good for solitude.

We recommend the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the Routeburn track, the Kepler track, and the Milford Sound. These hikes require bookings in advance and cost between $30 and $70 ($21.50 and $50 USD) for a bunk. Read Beard and Curly’s full article on the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand for more information.

Hut System – With over 1,000 huts across New Zealand, this is a perfect way to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself into some Kiwi culture. The DOC manages 950 huts, most of them are very affordable.

Buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for $92 ($66 USD) for 6 months which covers your stay at nearly all the DOC huts. There are only a few popular huts which are excluded from the pass in addition to the Great Walk huts.

Brewster Hut. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Day Hikes – There are so many day hikes with views that are completely out of this world. Our favorite day hikes were Mount Taranaki, Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak, Diamond Lake, Mueller Hut, Ben Lomond, Gertrudes Saddle, Key Summit, Lake Marian, and Avalanche Peak.

Multi-Day Hikes – Where to begin. One of the main reasons we went to New Zealand was for this alone. While it does require more gear (portable stove, sleeping bag, camping gear), it is completely worth it. Our best memories of New Zealand were days in the middle of the mountains with no people or towns in sight.

Our favorite multi-day hikes were the Tongariro Northern circuit, Travers-Sabine circuit, Cascade Saddle, Gillespies Pass, Mount Brewster, Copeland track, Routeburn track, Kepler track, and the Milford Sound track.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Trekking & Camping the “O” Circuit, Paine del Grande Chile

Where to Go – North Island

90 Mile Beach, Northland. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Northland

The northernmost region of New Zealand has stunning coastline and many places to see. The drive through the Northland on its own is worth it. Check out the Bay of Island, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Piha Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Waitakere Regional Park

Piha is one of the country’s most popular black sand beaches and great for photos. Our personal favorite beach was nearby Whatipu with very few people and a great coastal walk called the Omanawanui Track.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Coromandel

One of our favorite spots on the North Island, Coromandel has white sand beaches and the famous Cathedral Cove. Check out New Chumms Beach, Hot Water Beach (low tide only), Cathedral Cove (low tide), and the Karangahake Gorge.

Rotorua geothermal springs. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Rotorua

Bursting with volcanic activity and geothermal hot springs, Rotorua is one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations in New Zealand. Wai’o’tapu is the main attraction, but Hellsgate Geothermal Park and Kuirau Park are other options.

Entry prices are around $30 ($21.50 USD) per person. Also, check out the Redwood Forest for some short hikes and world-class mountain biking trails. If on a budget, soak in the free natural hot springs, kerosene creek and secret spot.

The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is known for its famous alpine crossing, the most popular day walk in New Zealand. This hike is truly something special. The Lord of the Rings has made this location even more famous.

Mount Ngauruhoe, the main volcanic peak on this track was filmed as Mount Doom. The stunning emerald lakes alone are reason why this is a must stop for all visiting New Zealand.

Puakai Tarns, Mount Taranaki. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Taranaki

This volcanic peak stands alone and on a clear day can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away. It is strikingly beautiful and one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. It also is one of the hardest, so for those not able to make it to the summit, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns is much easier and might have a better view.

Castlepoint Lighthouse. Photo by @mitchperfect.nz.

Castlepoint

One of the most stunning coastal areas and New Zealand’s best lighthouse resides at Castlepoint. It is only a 45-minute walk out to the lighthouse which comes with amazing views along the way.

Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Cape Palliser

Check out the seal colony on the way to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. The nearby Pinnacles is a great 1 hour walk through unique rock formations that were featured in a scene of the Lord of the Rings.

Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wellington

Ferries between the North and South Island depart from Wellington, so this likely will be in your travel plans. With that said, it was our favorite city in New Zealand. There are so many great cafes to lounge during the day and hipster bars for the evening. The Te Papa National Museum is one of the best in the world (and free), and still to this day talk about our two for $40 ($28.50 USD) offer on large pizzas at Tommy Millions.

Where to Go – South Island

Abel Tasman National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Abel Tasman

One of the most popular national parks in New Zealand, Abel Tasman has stunning coastline and emerald water. Boats offer shuttles to nearly any beach in the park. As a result, the coastal track which is a Great Walk, is like a superhighway. We recommend skipping the walk and sticking to a kayak rental with R&R Kayaks starting from $60 ($43 USD).

Wharariki Beach. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Golden Bay

The cute hippy town Takaka is a great stop for some grub on the way to our favorite beach in New Zealand, Wharariki Beach. Come in the afternoon for sunset. From the seal pups, caves, rock arches, and reflections, this might be one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.

The Pier at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Nelson Lakes

The pier at Lake Rotoiti is one of the best in New Zealand for photographs, but aside from this, the national park is best explored by hiking. Mount Robert is a good day hike and with time, stay at Angelus Hut for some spectacular views. If into trekking, a visit to the Blue Lake is a must. It is considered the clearest lake in the world. It takes a couple of days to hike to Blue Lake, usually part of the Travers-Sabine circuit, a 7-day hike.

Hokitika Gorge. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Hokitika Gorge

This glacier fed river cuts through a forest creating the Hokitika Gorge. The short walk over a suspension bridge is a must. This is some of the brightest emerald green water we have ever seen.

Lake Matheson, West Coast. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

West Coast

When driving down the West Coast, the main attractions are the glaciers. We felt these are over-hyped. These glaciers have receded significantly in the past twenty years. For those not intending to do hiking in the South Island, it is worth the one hour walk at Franz Josef Glacier.

For those intending to hike, skip this all together. Head up to Brewster Hut and get up close to the Brewster Glacier or save your glacier moments for while at Mount Cook. The best sight near the glaciers is not the glaciers themselves, it is Lake Matheson.

Roys Peak, Wanaka. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Wanaka

Wanaka was our favorite town in New Zealand. A smaller more laid-back version of Queenstown nestled on a picturesque lake with mountains towering in the backdrop. Some of the best day hikes in New Zealand are around Wanaka. The incredible Roys Peak hike is only 6km from town. Nearby Lake Hawea is maybe even more picturesque and is much quieter. Check out Isthmus Peak for a similar hike but a tenth of the crowds of Roys Peak. Don’t forget a picture of that Wanaka Tree.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Aspiring

Mount Aspiring National Park was our favorite for multi-day hikes. From Wanaka, head over to Rob Roys Glacier where there is an abundance of hikes to Aspiring Hut, French Ridge, Livermore Hut, or our favorite hike in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle over to the Rees Dart Track. This climb is not technical, but it is challenging and is a deathtrap in poor weather conditions. On clear days, this may be the best mountain porn in New Zealand.

Mount Cook. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Mount Cook

Ohh Mount Cook. Where to begin. The tallest mountain in New Zealand has its own national park. The drive in from Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic, and arriving into Mount Cook village truly has a special feel. Massive peaks, glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and the glacier-fed lakes beneath Mount Cook are stunning.

There are several great hikes in the park. Mueller Hut is one of the best day hikes in the country, and if you score a reservation, you can stay the night watching the last sunlight on Mount Cook. The complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience.

Hiking on the Routeburn track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Queenstown – Glenorchy

Queenstown has become very popular and is the most touristy city in New Zealand. From hiking the Ben Lomond or skiing the Remarkables in the winter, Queenstown is a must stop on the South Island. It is the adventure capital of the world and every other storefront is selling tours.

The drive to Glenorchy is considered one of the best in the world, and the surrounding area has endless spots that leave you in awe. The famous Routeburn track begins near Glenorchy.

McKay Falls on the Milford Track. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Te Anau – Milford Sound

Te Anau is a small town that is the last frontier of the wild Fiordlands National Park. From here, the Milford Sound road leads you on a two-hour journey of one of the most picturesque drives we ever experienced. Finishing at the Milford Sound is the icing on the cake. Mountains rise vertically from the glacier carved fjord. It is a magnificent sight.

Nugget Point Lighthouse, Catlins. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Catlins

The Catlins Forest Park is a large area, mostly uninhabited, with coastal rainforest and stunning, rugged beaches. It is also home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Known for waterfalls, check out McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and the Matai Falls. One of the most beautiful rocky coastlines is at Nugget Point.

A rainy morning at Moeraki Boulders. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Dunedin & East Coast

Dunedin is a college town with some good nightlife and proximity to amazing nature. Tunnel Beach is a famous sunset location, the rugged coastline near Sandymount has a great walking track to view the Chasm and Lovers Leap, and there are heaps of animals including seals and penguins. Just north of Dunedin are the famous Moeraki Boulders.

Driving to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Photo by beardandcurly.com.

Banks Peninsula

Christchurch was our least favorite city in New Zealand, so instead head out to the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is a charming little town with French influence and a perfect city getaway for those looking for a romantic B&B. Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Packhorse Hut and hike up to Mount Herbert.

The Pros of Backpacking New Zealand

Nature – OK I know it has been stated several times already. But the truth is, there are few places in the world like New Zealand. If you enjoy the outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, your vacation or extended holiday probably will turn into a research project on how to immigrate to New Zealand. Just check out a few of my favorite photographers from New Zealand such as Rachel Stewart, Brent Purcell or Lee Cook (@rachstewartnz, @brentpurcell.nz, or @leecook_images respectively).

Hiking – This is one of the best places in the world for hiking. Not only can you get lost in the mountains completely alone and get connected with nature, you can do so with access to an amazing hut system. For beginner hikers, it is also very special because a short hike can result with amazing alpine views. If hiking is your thing, New Zealand will leave you wanting more.

Road Trips – For self-driving enthusiast, pack your gear and hit the road. The scenery is stunning from the rugged coastlines to the Southern Alps. Driving is safe and easy in New Zealand, resulting in a top destination for a perfect road trip.

Hiking can bring you to amazing places. For example…glaciers. Photo by beardandcurly.com

The Cons of Backpacking New Zealand

Weather – Not only is the winter very rough and cold, the weather in general is completely sporadic. Because New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, the subtropical weather can change very quickly. In our three months, we experienced two major cyclones.

The weather in the mountains can change in a matter of minutes. Every day in New Zealand we looked up weather reports and we always found ourselves chasing the good weather.

Costs – New Zealand is an expensive country. We made it cheaper by spending 30 nights in huts while hiking, and always looked for free campsites. Most of all, we never went out to restaurants or bars. Staying in backpackers hostels and doing some of the activities in New Zealand will add up quickly, making it very easy to blow a budget. Because of this, we recommend trying to do all activities independently.

Lots of Tourists – The downside of how beautiful New Zealand is, is the number of tourists flocking in each year. Because the tourist season is short, the summer is just straight up hectic. It is not a large country. We would see people on the North Island and bump into them two weeks later somewhere on the South Island. As a result of the crowds, we recommend going in autumn to avoid the summer crowds.

What our picture looks like:

Reality:

Should You Visit?

Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. We met some amazing people, saw some epic landscapes, and had a killer time with one of our favorite passions, hiking. After spending forty five days hiking over 800 kilometers, we still to this day dream of going back to hike some more.

We never thought we would fall in love with a place so much that it was truly hard to leave. New Zealand was definitely that place for us. It is time to book your flight and pack your bags. New Zealand is waiting…

The post The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking New Zealand appeared first on Goats On The Road.

via Travel Blogs http://ift.tt/2zvEfzf

[trademycampervan]

$9,500 Toyota Hiace Campervan Located in Christchurch

Our Tiny Home on Wheels

 1995 Hiace 2.8 Diesel, Long Wheel Base with bumper guard and Brush Guard.

Just over 100k on motor and transmission, mechanically sound and well maintained. Starts first turn, every time.

 Professionally built with wood floors, Dim-able LED lights and automated in-drawer lights. Canvas celling with wood runners. Full AC Power to run blender, charge laptop/phones etc.

 Many more features, including Bose Surround-sound, red LED map lights, built in refrigerator and de-humidifier, Acoustic Guitar and Fishing rod. Professional Glass top Gas stove with 4kg LPG bottle and exhaust fan, Espresso maker and Blender, Cast Iron cook ware, stainless steel food storage containers. Full drawer of quality kitchen tools. Two Fold-Out Cutting boards and large fold down stainless steel work table.

Full size stainless steel sink, Foot pump and 25L water storage. Dish rack and tea towels.

 The camper runs off of a secondary Deep Cycle Gel 12v Lorry Battery that charges as the car runs. Fully powered 240v 500w inverter, Pure Sine wave. Full monitoring computers and three fail safe shut offs, with full fuse box and cooling fans. The battery is isolated and connected to a 10A charger that can Charge the van when it is stationary through AC hookup.

The van comes with a red leather suede folding couch that sleeps two people very comfortably. Feather down pillows and Queen down feather duvet with nice sheets. Custom upholstered seat covers and window shades. Professionally laid Astroturf carpet in cab.

 Tons of storage, three large closet drawers and enclosed ski/snowboard compartment, with drains for melting snow. Large pull-out pantry with durable food storage containers. Two large LED lit drawers that easily hold 60 L. with backpack.

 Comes with a good tent, tarp, 2 warm sleeping bags and sleeping pad.

Adequate tool box with RYOBI Power Drill and Orbital Jig Saw, 80w Soldering Iron. Extension cord, jumper cable and miscellaneous parts.

Regulation toilet with chemicals, never used.

 NZMCA(New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Association) Financial Member till 9/2017 comes the “Holy Grail” Camping Guide, WOF till August, 3K left on vehicle Registration. Fully insured at $5,000 for vehicle, $4,500 in receipts for property insurance. appraised at $10,000NZD asking $9.500.

 Average 500k per tank of Diesel, runs great, good suspension, no weird noises or shakes. Well maintained with lots of love.

 See more photos and what you can do with the van on Pinterest: LivinitupNZ or Instagram @livinitupnz #livinitupnz!

Call or text Cam or Kim 0hidden146

[licencedtoretire]

This week I realised that it’s 40 years since I first purchased a caravan and adopted or at least partially adopted the gypsy lifestyle. So I thought I would dedicate this blog to some of my memories in the hope that it might jog memories in some of the other people that read it. I have lifted some photos from Google as I don’t have any myself that cover a lot of the early period.

Back in 1978 at the age of 20 with my then partner Sue we purchased a caravan from Bryan Jackson Ltd . Brian was a real character in the industry who when he had difficulty importing caravans from England ended up copying the floor plans and constructing them here as Jackson caravans. At one time Jackson was the largest seller of caravans in New Zealand.

If I had been able to join the NZMCA at that point, my member number would be somewhere round 1400-1600 instead of the number 18180 that we got when we joined in 2002. it’s just amazing to think that the numbers are now well past 80,000.

Ours was orange but this is as close as I could find

I know I could not have joined with a caravan in those days but I just though the number exercise was interesting. I cannot remember meeting anyone in those days who actually was a member of the association.

With the help of my trusty tow vehicle, a Vauxhall Cresta 3.3, we set off on our adventures. Initially travelling the huge distance from Mt. Wellington to Manukau City to stay at the Meadowcourt Caravan Park whilst continuing to work for a little while and saving for the trip. Then from there we where to begin the hippy lifestyle by spending a year living at the Tauranga Bay Motorcamp.

The camp these days is very similar to how it was in 1979 just with more people staying there. We chose Tauranga Bay because it was cheap and such a pretty place to stay. One of my all time favourite memories was when out swimming one day, then turning round in the water to see 3 Orca not 50 feet from me. To say I got out of the water fairly rapidly would be something of an understatement.

Both of us had learnt various crafts which we made and sold in Kerikeri at either the market or craft shops. We didn’t quite make a year and as funds began to run down it was time to take a real job. I ended up spending the summer of 1979/1980 working as a barman/wine steward at the Bella Vista restaurant in Pahia whilst living in the caravan at the campground in Waitangi.  At the time the Bella Vista was one of only two licensed restaurants in town, imagine that today! It is just incredible how much both of these towns have changed since those simpler days.

When that relationship fizzled out in the early 1980’s, caravaning and camping fizzled out with it until I met my wife in 1988. Turns out that Sarah was just as keen on camping as I was. With us getting away to places like Papa Aroha in the Coromandel and back to Tauranga Bay to show her a place I had come to love during my time there.

Turns out Sarah’s family had a long history of caravaning with family holidays taken in Waihi and Whangaparoa well before it became a suburb of Auckland. So you could say the lifestyle was in her blood. We found these old photos from the 1960’s showing the caravan at her parents house. As well as this photo of Sarah from 1980 enjoying tenting.

Our first true motorhoming experience came in the 1980’s when we had the chance to rent a Maui camper and took our (at the time) two sons away with us spending time at the mountain and visiting Rotorua. I just remember my boys saying how cold the snow was. But also how much we enjoyed the freedom of the motorhome.

With the passing of time the four of us became five as we added our third son getting away for short holidays at places like Matauri Bay where we rented a beachside caravan giving us quality time as a family. It was these experiences that cemented our desire to make these sort of holidays happen more often.

Then in 2002 we took the leap and purchased our first motorhome, an ex Maui 6 berth Mitsubishi Canter that was to be ours for the next 16 years. Our first trip away took us to Otamure Bay the DOC Camp just out of Whangarei. This became a very popular destination for us when almost every weekend we would jump in the van and head north from Auckland.

It was during this time that we got to know Ron and Dot who were the custodians of the campsite. The two of them convinced us that we should join the NZMCA which we did and have been members ever since.

In 2003 we started heading to Puriri Bay as it had phone signal and Otamure Bay didn’t. As it became more essential to stay in touch with work Puriri Bay became the new destination of choice and over time our favourite place to stay.

It’s funny looking back at these photos as it’s shortly after these photos were taken that we lost the awning in a wind storm and never got round to replacing it. Thinking back on it now and just how quickly it happened still scares me and has made us very cautious with putting out the awning on the new motorhome.

So in these photos you can see us minus the awning but with the new addition of the Zodiac. At the time we purchased the boat very few motorhomers had one of these, but they have since become almost a must have. The boat was 3.4 metres long with a 15hp Mercury that our boys could wakeboard behind. Such great fun.

We had the motorhome specially modified to allow for the outboard to be carried at the back of the motorhome. Which often caused people to enquire about our unusual power pack. It also served as a great way to get talking to other people in the campground.

Time as it does moves on, our boys got older with other things going on in their lives. Going away with mum and dad became less of a priority for them. Business pressures became greater and the motorhome didn’t get used as much as we would have liked. During the years 2010 to 2017 we barely used the motorhome. Managing to sneak away for 3 or 4 days at a time, a couple or three times a year usually in March or April. We always seemed to go back to Puriri Bay knowing that the fishing would be good and the sunsets even better.

Well almost every time to Puriri Bay we did manage to get back to Tauranga Bay for the first time in 20 years as well as places like Port Jackson and a trip to Cape Reinga. The old Mitsubishi was such a faithful servant even if I was frustrated with the snails overtaking us on some of the larger hills at least we always got there.

In winter 2017 with the sale of my company imminent we took the Mitsubishi on one last great adventure (or at least under our ownership). With a trip to Taranaki and surrounds as well as travelling the Forgotten Highway. The photo above shows the motorhome at the NZMCA camp in Tamaranui one the first times we had stayed at an NZMCA camp.

So in September 2017 with the business sold it was time after 16 years to consider an update for the old Mitsubishi. With this in mind we visited a number of motorhome dealers in Auckland. As well as the Motorhome Show at Mystery Creek in Hamilton. spending three days wandering round and round looking at all sorts of options. Eventually we had narrowed it down to either the Jayco above or a Dethleffs Globetrotter.

Leaving the show we spent our final night in the Mitsubishi at Ray’s Rest pondering our options. A fitting farewell spot after years of faithful service. We sold the old Mistubishi at what was then the Bus Stop in Pokeno but has since been renamed. We hope that whoever purchased it has as much fun as we did. Maybe we will see them on the road one day.

In the end we chose the Dethleffs and as a tribute to the years of service from the Mitsubishi we took the new motorhome back to Otamure Bay for the first night spent in the van.

Funny how things change but remain the same. With my trip away with two of my boys last year and one of them choosing to sleep in a tent just like 13 years  beforehand. That we still have the same inflatable but now it’s not an unusual thing with so many motorhomers having one and so many models available for sale.

And of course continuing to return to our favourite spot Puriri Bay in Northland. Although if you have been reading my blog you will know that we toured extensively in the South Island in the new motorhome. Which is certainly getting much more use than the Mitsubishi ever did.

I started out writing this blog to celebrate 40 years since I brought my first caravan and to maybe spark some debate on Facebook or by people commenting on this post with people sharing their own memories. I know I won’t have another 40 years as that will make me 100 if I wrote this post again. But I do hope for many more years of happy motorhoming.

Finally I think that if my family had not emigrated from England when I was 13 that this lifestyle would have been lost to me. I think that camping in NZ is still affordable with DOC and NZMCA camps that the lifestyle choice is an easy one to make. Long live motorhoming in New Zealand.

To view the places we have visited click here to see them on Google maps. You can click the links to read the blog about that area. [cardoza_facebook_like_box] To view the Ratings we have done for other camps click here  [jetpack_subscription_form]

  Memories of a Motorhomer This week I realised that it's 40 years since I first purchased a caravan and adopted or at least partially adopted the gypsy lifestyle.

[trademycampervan]

$9,500 Toyota Hiace Campervan Located in Nelson

Our Tiny Home on Wheels

 1995 Hiace 2.8 Diesel, Long Wheel Base with bumper guard and Brush Guard.

Just over 100k on motor and transmission, mechanically sound and well maintained. Starts first turn, every time.

 Professionally built with wood floors, Dim-able LED lights and automated in-drawer lights. Canvas celling with wood runners. Full AC Power to run blender, charge laptop/phones etc.

 Many more features, including Bose Surround-sound, red LED map lights, built in refrigerator and de-humidifier, Acoustic Guitar and Fishing rod. Professional Glass top Gas stove with 4kg LPG bottle and exhaust fan, Espresso maker and Blender, Cast Iron cook ware, stainless steel food storage containers. Full drawer of quality kitchen tools. Two Fold-Out Cutting boards and large fold down stainless steel work table.

Full size stainless steel sink, Foot pump and 25L water storage. Dish rack and tea towels.

 The camper runs off of a secondary Deep Cycle Gel 12v Lorry Battery that charges as the car runs. Fully powered 240v 500w inverter, Pure Sine wave. Full monitoring computers and three fail safe shut offs, with full fuse box and cooling fans. The battery is isolated and connected to a 10A charger that can Charge the van when it is stationary through AC hookup.

The van comes with a red leather suede folding couch that sleeps two people very comfortably. Feather down pillows and Queen down feather duvet with nice sheets. Custom upholstered seat covers and window shades. Professionally laid Astroturf carpet in cab.

 Tons of storage, three large closet drawers and enclosed ski/snowboard compartment, with drains for melting snow. Large pull-out pantry with durable food storage containers. Two large LED lit drawers that easily hold 60 L. with backpack.

 Comes with a good tent, tarp, 2 warm sleeping bags and sleeping pad.

Adequate tool box with RYOBI Power Drill and Orbital Jig Saw, 80w Soldering Iron. Extension cord, jumper cable and miscellaneous parts.

Regulation toilet with chemicals, never used.

 NZMCA(New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Association) Financial Member till 9/2017 comes the “Holy Grail” Camping Guide, WOF till August, 3K left on vehicle Registration. Fully insured at $5,000 for vehicle, $4,500 in receipts for property insurance. appraised at $10,000NZD asking $9.500.

 Average 500k per tank of Diesel, runs great, good suspension, no weird noises or shakes. Well maintained with lots of love.

 See more photos and what you can do with the van on Pinterest: LivinitupNZ or Instagram @livinitupnz #livinitupnz!

Call or text Cam or Kim 0hidden146

Buy this Toyota Hiace Campervan for only $9,500 Contact the owner or find out more info HERE - > http://trademycampervan.co.nz/buy-a-Campervan/in-Nelson/Toyota-Hiace/for-sale/1212/ Located in Nelson Buy and sell Campervans with http://trademycampervan.co.nz #Campervan #Nelson #Toyota #Hiace #NewZealand #NZ #Backpackers #Backpacking #Summer2015 #Travel #NorthIsland #SouthIsland #Camping #Glamping #NZMCA #newzealand #summer #kiwi #hobbit #LOTR #buy #sell