Road trip is definitely in a bucket list for everyone. I’ve been always wanted to have a road trip in New Zealand and finally I made it! Bear in mind that New Zealand’s custom is very strict so if you’re thinking to bring any fresh food or dairy product into the country, please do not make the attempt. Bet no one want to being question for several hours, get fine or even worse bar from entering the country right after you got off from a plane. They even check your boots to ensure clean from any soils! Yes, it is that strict and serious matter.
Day 1 : Hobbiton Matamata
For those whom watched The Lord of The Rings or The Hobbit films before, sure know what this place is. The 2 hours Movie Set Tour with lunch really worth it given the good food and splendid scenic view. They even provide you a complimentary beverage after the tour in The Green Dragon Inn. Sounds cool isn’t it?
Stay : Airbnb
Day 2 : Lake Tekapo
Flied to Christchurch and collect our Campervan from Maui Rental that fit up to six adults and basically come with toilet, beds, kitchen, television, microwave, oven, small fridge and basic kitchenette. It provide free shuttle from airport to their branch and there is New World supermarket nearby. Got the campervan, stock up the groceries and off to Lake Tekapo which took around 3 hours journey.
(Malaysia’s driving license can be use in New Zealand without switching to international license)
# Please abide the law and regulations as for campervan, it is not allow to park anywhere you want and pitch a tent. There are many campsite or holiday park designed for camper van to stay overnight. Campermate is a very handy app to reduce your headache when it come to travelling in New Zealand.
If you don’t want missed out such amazing view just from your bed, make an early reservation through their website. It is quite popular place and is fair enough to have the higher possibility of fully booked especially during peak season.
Stay : Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
Day 3 : Dunedin City
Don’t forget to drop by the Church of the Good Shepherd before you leave Lake Tekapo. It’s just around the corner and definitely a good spot for some cool pictures to fill in your social media. With the nice weather and you could easily lost the time track capturing every single angle of the view.
It took approximate 4 hours to our next destination, Baldwin Street which know for the steepest street in the world. Even a normal car has to give a good press on the gas pedal to make it up all the way to high end of the street, therefore heavy vehicle like campervan is unable to get it way up so a little foot hike needed here. (It’s a road side parking so please park appropriately to avoid blocking the resident’s porch or front lawn)
# One night stay at campsite next to The Kensington Tui Clubrooms, with all my heart and will I would not recommend to stay at the non powered campsite tho its free. It’s okay to stay a night for road trip experience but yeah better to just stay a night. I would call it parking area for campervan rather than a campsite. After being pampered with the facilities provided at powered campsite, it feel all inconveniently without able to have a bath or cooking a meal without worrying how much water has you used.
Day 4 : Queenstown
Cromwell Gorge is one of the stop you have to make on the way to Queenstown. Every angles are picturize and no matter how you pose the pictures would turn out nicely.
Check-in to Lakeview Holiday Park and it’s a best stay so far. Next to ski resort with undeniable amazing view and the happening town with lots of shops, restaurants,cafe and bars just a walking distance.
# Fergburger is a MUST TRY burger place. Be prepare for a queue and the big potion. The burger is HUGE and yummy..
Stay : Lakeview Holiday Park
Day 5 : Wanaka
Unexpecting journey for us to Wanaka when our skydive that supposedly in Queenstown has to be cancelled due to the windy weather. NZONE has been really considerate to offered us refund or switch to different place. We agreed for the location change to Wanaka skydive and shuttle has been arranged for the 1 and a half hours transfer.
Photo & Video Packages
a. Handicam : AUD 199
b. Camera flyer : AUD 289
c. Handicam + Camera flyer : AUD 359
Stay : Lakeview Holiday Park
Day 6 : Milford Sound
One good thing about staying in Queenstown is you can book your activities here. There are quite some travel agents around but you can get some discount if you book through your holiday park. The bus depart as early as 6 am! so remember to grab a quick go at Fergbaker. (Definitely a place for a bread lover and even if you are not, it still worth a go)
The 5 hours journey is not hard as you can imagine when your driver acting up as a funny tour guide. Your butt won’t get stiff either as you get the chance to hoop off for a toilet break and photo spots.
Stay : Lakeview Holiday Park
Day 7 : Arrowtown
Easily lost yourself and detour in this old gold mining town.
#Do take note that Crown Range Road is not suitable for campervan due to bad road condition. Be a considerate driver and check your routes beforehand. It took 5 hours to reach our next stay. A couples of hours drive in here become nothing much as the scenery along your way make everything better.
Stay : Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 8 : Fox Glacier
New Zealand is all about nature and it would feel wrong if you missed out some walking trails. It’s a great escape for those whom want a break from the hustle and bustle of a city life. Besides, you can take a helicopter up to a mountain and witness the glacier yourself. Check out the website to book your activities : Fox Glacier Activities Guiding
Stay : Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 9 : Hokatika
A little foolish of me for having the thought about spotting kiwi bird roaming around the bush whenever I want. New Zealand is all about its nature and nothing weird to have such thought isn’t it. Scratch that and forgive my lack of knowledge and senses because Kiwi are nocturnal which meant they are active at night time. Thanks to The National Kiwi Centre I’m able to save my regret and witnessed myself that chicken sized little bird.
During night time, remember to make a trip to Hokatika Glow Worm Dell. Its FREE and only 5 minutes walk from the accommodation.
Stay : 252 Beachside Holiday Park
Day 10 : Arthur’s Pass
2 hours drive from Hokatika and 1 hour trail walking to reach at the breathtaking waterfall.
Heading back to Christchurch and end the memorable road trip. Nothing can be more fun to have a bunch of your friends travel together, eat good food, challenge some extreme activities and crossed out the bucket list together.
Charmaine's Little Journey 