New Zealand Holiday Itinerary — Travel Costs, Things To Do & Best Places To Visit | Daneger and Stacey
- 00:00 Introduction
- 00:28 Reveal NZ Series
- 00:44 5 Things We'll Cover
- 01:02 NZ Travel Guide
- 01:24 Transport
- 02:24 Timings & Seasons
- 03:26 Our Route Decisions
- 03:46 Video Sponsor
- 05:09 Recommended Route
- 06:55 Where To Go: North Island
- 09:59 Where To Go: South Island
- 21:48 Travel Expenses & Costs
- 22:12 Transport Costs
- 22:56 Accommodation Costs
- 23:39 Activity Costs
- 25:38 You Made It!
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Exploring New Zealand: The Ultimate Itinerary
After wrapping up an intensive six-week video series capturing the essence of New Zealand, excitement still lingers in the air. What was depicted as the journey of a lifetime through the beautiful landscapes of this Pacific paradise is now your chance to consider your own adventure. For those who missed the in-depth journey, or are seeking guidance for their own travels, this article will delve into an ultimate itinerary covering transport, location specifics, accommodation, and expenses.
Your Recommended Transportation: Embrace the Campervan Experience
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New Zealand emerges as an idyllic country for road tripping, and the most favored method of travel is by campervan. This way of exploration offers an intimate connection with the landscape and provides flexibility, unlike scheduled tours or rigid flights. Our experience involved renting a spacious six-berth campervan, which allowed for thrilling adventures across both the North and South Islands.
With winter travel in mind, it’s essential to be mindful of driving conditions. Snow chains are a precaution, although we found that the roads were manageable during our visit. On average, our campervan journey allowed us to travel between 400-450 kilometers per tank, costing about 80 New Zealand dollars in diesel.
Discovering New Zealand's Timing and Seasons
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Choosing when to embark on your New Zealand adventure directly impacts both your experience and expenses. Our journey took place largely in winter—an unconventional yet rewarding choice. Despite initial fears of unpleasant weather, we were pleasantly surprised by lighter crowds and stunning natural beauty. However, one downside was the impossibility of freedom camping due to frigid temperatures. Instead, we opted for powered sites that allowed us to stay warm and charge equipment.
The balance of planning ahead is crucial; six weeks provided enough time to explore while not feeling overly rushed.
The Unfolding Journey: North Island to South Island Highlights
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Starting our expedition from Auckland, we initially paved our way southward through key spots. The Bay of Islands, famed for its beautiful beaches, captivates those who venture north. We chose to immerse ourselves in the Taranaki region, while many may prefer to explore Tongariro Crossing or the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay.
The journey continued with a ferry ride to the South Island, connecting via Wellington. This segment of our journey was particularly noteworthy for the stunning views through the Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Once on the South Island, we explored a host of breathtaking destinations like Abel Tasman National Park, known for its pristine beaches; the rugged west coast; and iconic spots such as Franz Josef Glacier. We spent ample time hiking and reveling in the raw beauty of our surroundings, with exhilarating experiences like heli-hiking on a glacier marking the high points of our journey.
Arts, Nature, and Adventure: Specific Activities and Must-See Locations
Delving deeper into the activities and places, we recommend an array of experiences across various regions. Here are some highlights:
Coromandel Region: Explore Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.
Rotorua: Engaging in adventurous activities like white-water rafting, mountain biking, and soaking in thermal pools.
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Wellington: A hub of culture featuring Te Papa Museum, the waterfront, and coffee hotspots.
Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park: Ideal for hiking and beach excursions.
West Coast Adventures: Witness stunning geological formations at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and visit the wild beauty of the area.
Queenstown: This iconic location serves as a paradise for adventure seekers, offering bungee jumping, skiing, and exceptional vistas.
Accommodation: Balancing Comfort and Cost
The cost of staying in New Zealand varies significantly, particularly between budget campsites and luxurious lodgings. On average, we spent around 850 New Zealand dollars on campsites during our journey. Our list of accommodation included:
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Premium Sites: Deluxe lodgings like tree huts and holiday parks range from 100-400 dollars nightly, depending on group size and facilities.
Budget Options: Campsites offered powered sites around 40 dollars per night, typically inclusive of Wi-Fi.
Tracking Expenses: A Summary of Costs
Understanding traveling expenses assists in effective budgeting. For our six-week trip, expenses totaled approximately 4,500 New Zealand dollars covering transport, accommodation, and activities.
Transport Cost: Totaling 3,400 dollars, primarily for campervan rental and petrol.
Accommodation Reads: Ranging from budget to premium choices, averaging around 40 dollars for campgrounds.
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Final Thoughts: A Journey to Remember
Through this extensive account, from choosing your vehicle to embracing the cultural richness of New Zealand, we hope to inspire your next adventure in this enchanting country. As you set out to craft your own itinerary, remember to build in flexibility to allow for spontaneous discoveries—because those moments often lead to the greatest adventures.
If you are eager to learn more or have specific questions, feel free to comment below as you take steps towards exploring the wonders that New Zealand has to offer. Safe travels!