Last updated August 21, 2017
New Zealand
Key Things to Know:
- The South Island is the iconic New Zealand. If you're looking for mountains and hobbits and fjords and wine, South is your spot
- Caravans are the way to go here and Iconic Motorhomes are the best we found but there are a ton of options. Cheapest would be Jucy or Wicked but you pay for what you get (read: don't expect much)
- When in a caravan , get the CamperMate App. It’s is by far the best and funs circles around Rankers
- Hotels are generally VERY expensive and generally VERY mediocre
- If you’re visiting a tourist office, only go to iTravel. They are unaffiliated with specifics companies and you have a better chance of getting objective advice
- The food is really not good. I mean, it should be better given they have some of the most lush greenery and healthy livestock, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Hopefully this changes but don’t expect much.
- Sandflies are everywhere and the worst, particularly near the water. Wear long clothes and bring spray as a few bites from these guys can ruin the trip
Auckland, North Island: A big(ish) city good for overcoming jetlag
[How long to go? 2 days]
Stay:
- Hotel DeBrett: Heart of the town if that's what you're into*
- Airbnb: Pretty legit here and some good options around Ponsonby Rd
See:
Ponsonby Rd: The Abbot Kinney of New Zealand. Killer shops and restaurants perfect for wandering around on a lazy afternoon
Do:
Eat:
Drink:
Waitomo, North Island: Good for maggots (AKA glow worms)
[How long to go? .5 days]
Do:
- Glow Worms: They market it as glow worms (they are really maggots) and it is totally worth the trip to this middle of nowhere. Skip the big tours and go with Spellbound as you go to a private farm and get a much better experience. Following a short hike, you’ll take a raft in the pitch black through the caves. After a few minutes your eyes adjust and the cieling lights up with tens of thousands of glowing worms.
- Photo Tip: At the end of the raft, you’ll get out onto a dock. This is the spot to set up a tripod and take a long exposure.
Wanaka, South Island: A great jumping off point to outdoor activities and the biggest city around for some R&R and better food
[How long to go? 2 days]
Stay:
- Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet: [High End] Beautiful location outside of town and the only 5-star resort around. *We did not stay here
See:
- The Wanaka Tree: If you’re into trees, well this is your place. A lone willow sits partially submerged in Lake Wanaka and makes for a ridiculous photo opp.
- Photo Tip: Go early for soft morning light and to avoid the crowds (trust us, the crowds get bad). Also, nighttime when the milky way is risen would be perfect
- Wanaka Farmers Market: Every Thursday from 3-6pm you can stop by this local market in Bullock Creek (between the Speights Ale House and Francesca’s Italian Kitchen). And on Sundays in the summer you can catch the Wanaka Artisans market there, too.
Do:
- Roy’s Peak: Amazing trek to get this pic (or this one for something really amazing). Start the trek here but make sure you’re there around 2am (depending on time of year). You have a pretty grueling 1300M vertical hike that will take 2-3 hours up the mountain and you don’t want to miss sunrise. Be prepared, depending on time of year it will be hot at the bottom and below freezing up top, especially early. Wear layers
- Photo Tip: The trail will drop you off at the peak. This is a beautiful picture but if you want that perfect shot of a figure standing on a lone peak with the water in the background, hike about 200M North down the ridge.
- Mt. Aspiring National Park: The lazy route is just to drive here, as you will see some gorgeous scenery that you can stop along the way. The more adventurous can set out for it’s many hikes
Eat:
- Francesca's Kitchen: Best Italian in town
- Federal Diner: Great indoor/outdoor spot with low-key eats and good coffee/drinks
Arrowtown, South Island: It’s Pleasantville
[How long to go? .5 days]
See:
- The Town: Put simply, it’s just a quaint little town that’s worth a stroll. If you’re lucky enough to see it in the fall when the leaves are changing you’ll see it puts Vermont and the leafers to shame!
Do:
- Queenstown Trail: One of the easier hikes you’ll ever do, this stroll along the river starting at the end of Buckingham St in town is a great way to pretend you got some exercise today
Eat:
- The Chop Shop: Best latte in town and good eats to accompany it
Drink:
- The Fork and Tap: Great for a pint on the patio, but not the best for food
Queenstown, South Island: Adventure capital, NZ. Also, tourist capital of NZ
[How long to go? 3-5 days depending on excursions]
See:
- Queenstown Gardens: Fancy a Victorian stroll? This is a good spot to break away from the city (without going too far) and having a walk in the woods
Do:
- The Luge: Take the Skyline to the top, buy a 6 pack (trust us) and hit the course. This is legitimately awesome and a good chance you’ll want more than 6 rides. Also, do expert course only (c’mon, you can do it!)
- Downhill Mountain Bike: Same area as the luge but some epic downhill courses if you’re so inclined
- Onsen Hot Pools: After you’re activity of choice, unwind at the Japanese Onsens outside of town. You’ll get a private tub overlooking the valley and if you want, some champagne to boot.
- Pro Tip: You can book this at night to soak under the stars
- Jetboats (maybe): You’ll see everyone doing it but if you want you can buy $$$ to take a jetboat up the Shotover river and do 360’s. Seemed a little anti-climactic to us which is why we skipped it but your call
- Bungee: A.J Hackett seems to be the best but for that price we’d rather skydive
- Milford Sound Plane Trip: A bit pricey but for the money you get an epic plane trip AND boat ride in the sound. Air Milford is a great company for this one.
- Pro Tip: Be strategic about the weather. You need a nice clear day to really enjoy the experience
Eat:
- Pedros House of Lamb: Our favorite meal in Queenstown. This place just makes lamb and potatoes and that's it. And they do it right.
- Bespoke Kitchen: Great for coffee and a quick bite
- Fergburger: Yes, everyone will tell you about this place. Yes, there will be a line. Is it the best burger you’ve ever had, no. But is it worth if you need some Americana, yeah it’ll do.
- Taco Medic: Before/after your luge sessions (depending on where the truck is), this is a perfect spot of authentic Mexican tacos
- Botswana Butchery: We did not go here but it looked legit. Also, received traveler's best 2016 award by TA so take that for what it’s worth
Te Anau, South Island: Don’t go for the town, go for whats outside of it
[How long to go? Multiple Days, depending on treks]
Do:
- Milford Track: 4 day trek from Te Anau to Milford Sound that was on our bucket list but we didn’t have the gear. This is true backcountry hiking but the cabins you stay at will be the best views of your life.
- Doubtful Sound: Beautiful and more remote (read: less tourists) than Milford Sound. If you decide to go here, definitely opt for a kayak specific overnight trip. It’s too far to do in a day and the kayaking here is otherworldly. iTravel in Queenstown or Te Anau will get you on a good trip.
Franz Josef, South Island: Good for an adventure stopover
[How long to go? 1 day or just skip it]
Do:
- ATV: We figured there would be epic ATV adventures all over NZ, but turns out this is the spot. If that’s your cup of tea, the town here has lots of options.
- Ice Climb on a glacier: TBH, we skipped this as the glacier looked small and dirty. Would probably skip it and opt to ice climb elsewhere
Mt Cook/Aoraki, South Island: Hiking at its finest
[How long to go? 2 days]
Stay:
- Glentanner Holiday Park Mount Cook: If you’re camping (rv and tent), this is a nice spot outside of town with some secluded sites and great views
- White Horse Hills Campsite: Right at the beginning of the hooker Valley Trail, this is a no boondocking first come, first serve site where you can stay the night
- Lake Pukaki: Along the east side of Lake Pukaki you can freedom camp with views of Mt. Cook
- Pro Tip: It gets crazy windy at night so make sure you find a spot with some protection.
See:
Church of the Good Shepherd: Famous chapel outside of Mt. Cook on Lake Tekapo
Photo Tip: Not much in the day but if you’ve timed the milky way right or with a clear sky you can get some amazing night shots
Do:
- Hooker Valley Trail: Really beautiful 3hr return with the trail head at the end of Hooker Valley Rd. Suspension bridges, beautiful mountains, and ending in a glacial lake. Totally worth it.
- Photo Tip: Start the hike right before sunrise a you can find some amazing sunburst shots along the trail
- Glacier Landing Flights: Short flight to the top of Mt Cook and a landing on a glacier. Amazing perspective and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mt. Cook Ski Planes are the best
Eat:
- Pack a lunch: The food in the Mt. Cook/Aoraki village is overpriced and terrible
[Key Resources: Official trail information]
Marlborough, South Island: Napa Valley of NZ. For wine, Blenheim is the spot to be
[How long to go? 1 day]
Eat:
- Wairau River Wines Cellar Door & Restaurant: Food and atmosphere you’d expect from much bigger wine regions
Drink:
- Nautilus: Ridiculous Pinot Noir
- Cloudy Bay: Everything about this property is amazing. Do a tasting but take your time and sip each one on the porch
- No. 1 Champagne: Lame name but some of the best champagne we’ve ever had. Owner from France so he knows or two about good wine
Christchurch: Earthquake ravaged but rebounding
[How long to go? 1 day]
See:
- Re:Start Mall: Not to be deterred by some fallen building, this container-built outdoor mall has some really amazing boutique shops. Our favorites were Happa and Hunters and Collectors
Eat:
- Costas Taverna Greek Restaurant and Ouzo Bar: Weird location but highly recommended Greek food. Usually a wait*
*We did not Stay + See + Do + Eat + Drink here but through research and recomendations can confidentaly say we would if we went back