Roadtrip in New Zealand with your best friends. The nature is beautiful, the New Zealanders hospitable, and here is everything one could wish for when it comes to adrenaline kicks; bungee jumping, paragliding, rafting, zorbing, kayaking and much, much more.
New Zealand is perfect for a road trip with best friends. The distances are manageable, the roads are good, it’s easy to find around – and a lot of incredible experiences and adventures await you in the magnificent nature.
We have arranged the first two nights in Auckland so you can catch up after a long journey. Then you pick up your camper and spend the next few weeks exploring and experiencing New Zealand as featured on themotorcyclers. The route is entirely up to you – the only thing is that you start in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Stay when and where you want – time is entirely your own!
Day 1-2: Sweden-Auckland
Day 3: Arrival in Auckland
You land in Auckland and go to your hostel. You have two nights in Auckland to get used to being on the other side of the world.
Day 4: On a voyage of discovery in Auckland
The day is free to explore Auckland. The city is also called the “City of Sails” because of the many boats that are always in the city’s marina. It is a modern city with everything you could wish for in terms of restaurants, cafes and not least good shopping opportunities. Auckland has a relatively small center, where Queen St forms the backbone. Most large chain stores, as well as well-known brand stores, are located along this street. You can go up in Skytower for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Day 5: Get your camper – the drive-yourself adventure begins
You pick up the camper and start your journey around New Zealand.
Day 6-26: Drive-yourself in a camper
The time is entirely your own, but here are some suggestions on what you can come up with:
Bay of Islands North of Auckland is the Bay of Islands . This beautiful area is known for its many hours of sunshine and lovely beaches. Various boat trips are made in the area, where you can sail around to explore some of the 144 islands that make up the area. There is a chance to see both dolphins and whales on the tours.
Rotorua One of the highlights of Rotorua is to experience a traditional Maori show, with a “Hangi” dinner, as well as the thermal areas. Wherever you are, you will see signs of geothermal activity underground. The city is famous and infamous for the stench of sulfur that hangs in the air.
Wellington Wellington has many cozy restaurants and cafes and fascinating museums. For example, you can visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s interesting national museum. It is also possible to go on a guided tour of the Parliament buildings.
Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest – but perhaps most beautiful – national park. You can camp in the park and try some of the many hiking trails. Kayaking is also one of the highlights here.
Kaikoura Kaikoura is Sydön’s election capital. The city is known for the sperm whales that can be seen along the coast all year round. Ge is out on a 2 ½-hour whale safari. The waters off the coast have a unique marine life, as they are so rich in nutrients that they attract some of the most amazing creatures on our planet. Among other things, you can see the giant and very impressive whale sharks, which can grow up to 20 meters long! During the boat trip you can also be lucky enough to see Dusky dolphins, the rare Hector’s dolphin, fur seals and a wide range of seabirds, including king albatrosses.
West Coast New Zealand’s west coast is barren but incredibly beautiful and usually you have a view of the foaming sea on one side and the fern-clad cliffs on the other side. The west coast of New Zealand is the wettest area in New Zealand. In some places it rains up to eight meters of rain per year.
The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are quite unusual, as some of the ice masses are actually in the rainforest. Go on a hike and get close to the glacier. It is also possible to take a helicopter ride and land on the glacier.
Queenstown Queenstown is beautifully situated between the mountain range “The Remarkables” and Lake Wakatipu. It is a city for all ages and souls. It has a cozy promenade and a plethora of different restaurants, cafes, casinos and a lot of shops, within a relatively small area. As I said, this community is also perfect for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. Here you can try bungee jumping, kite and paragliding, rafting and jet boating. Just outside the town at Glenorchy, you will find some of the places where The Lord of the Rings was filmed.
Day 27: You leave the camper in Christchurch
The camper is dropped off in Christchurch and you will start your journey home to Sweden – unless the journey continues to, for example, Fiji or Australia?
Day 28: Arrival in Scandinavia
Overnight stays
Two nights in a hostel in Auckland
21 nights in your own camper
