NEW ZEALAND: NORTH + SOUTH ISLAND in 2.5 wks
Updated May 2016 // A few useful sites on the world wide web:
#alluvthethingsNEWZEALAND :: pinterest board to help with your planning.
100% Pure New Zealand This site not only shares alluvthethings to do + see but the Travel Time + Distance Calculator was super helpful in determining time frames and the best routes to take.
Lonely Planet is typically my go to when planning any big international trips.
TripAdvisor seemed to be a very popular source of updated information + reviews in NZ.
Beer Tourist :: a map of craft breweries, pubs, and bars located throughout NZ.
north island
auckland
vibes + things
City Lights, Sky Tower, Excellent Restaurants + Imbibe.
Auckland is the perfect location to fly in/out of + plan your trip around. At this point our biggest challenge was deciding between driving N to the Bay of Islands or S to the Coromandel Peninsula - Coromandel beaches won. Pick up a camper van from JUCY and just GO (well, maybe stay for a min. of one night).
Auckland | Remedy Coffee: Avo Toast + Fresh Fruit + Iced Coffee
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SKYCITY GRAND HOTEL Located in the heart of Auckland (90 Federal Street) and in great proximity to a number of great restaurants, shopping, bevis and more!
eat + drink
(a.m.)
REMEDY COFFEE Located DT Auckland (1 Wellesley St W). Go for coffee + small breakfast bites. Order the avo toast + fresh fruit plate. Expect a small, cozy space, with large window opening to the outside street seating area. NOTE: A favorite a.m. stop of the trip.
Shaky Isles Located at 22 Customs St. East (There are 4 Locations, One of which is in the AKL Airport). Go for breakfast bites + coffee. Order the soft boiled eggs w/ Danish rye soldiers.
(p.m.)
DEPOT EATERY AND OYSTER BAR Located DT Auckland (86 Federal Street - right next to Skycity Grand Hotel if you choose to stay there). Go for dinner + drinks + oysters. Order just about anything on the menu, you won't be disappointed. Expect incredible flavors, lots of share plates, a busy/but cool vibe + indoor/outdoor seating. NOTE: They do not take reservations and there is a good chance there will be a 1+ hr wait to get in (worth it). Also. Keep your eye out for "BEER" - they carry it in a number of NZ restaurants.
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Mt Eden Summit Located just outside Auckland. Go for the incredible views of the city.
Sky Tower Located DT on the crn of Federal & Victoria Sts. Go to the top to see 360 views of the city. NOTE: go to the sky lounge cafe & bar at the top for views and a bev. also. the Sky Tower is the southern hemisphere's tallest structure.
A few things to note...
Expect the travel time from the Airport to DT Auckland to take approx. 30-45 min. depending upon traffic.
Auckland is one city in NZ that does offer UBER - be prepared to spend approx $75 NZD if traveling directly from the Airport in a Taxi to the DT area (much less by Uber from DT to the Airport). If this is too spendy for you try the bus line which is super easy to jump on. Expect to spend $16 NZD one way / $28 NDZ RT.
Driving from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula
coromandel peninsula + area
vibes + things
On a mission to find the most beautiful beaches, we drove straight for the Coromandel Peninsula. Our first stop Hahei Beach. The drive was approx 2.5-3 hrs from Auckland + oh so beautiful. The trees that line the narrow/windy roads were as though you were driving through a mix of fern gully, forest and tropics.
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Hahei Holiday Resort Located in the heart of Coromandel's many must see destination's (41 Harsant Ave). Stay for the location and easy access to everything that surrounds you. Request to stay in the campsites with a beachfront view if you have a camper, the sunrise is spectacular. Expect for Hahei Holiday Resort to accommodate campsites for tents, classic cabins, sea view villas, beach bungalows and garden studios to fit all budgets.
eat + drink
(a.m.)
Hahei Beach Cafe Located at 3 Grange Rd (Tucked away behind the General Store). Go for coffee, breakfast/lunch, pastries. Order the toasted muesli w/ greek yoghurt and seasonal fruit. Expect indoor and outdoor seating, a large case of pastries (which will be difficult to choose from), and recommendations from the Baristas on how to spend your day (should you so kindly ask).
(p.m.)
The Pour House Located steps away from Hahei Beach (7 Grange Road). Go for the local craft beers/wine, mussels, wood fired pizza and live music. Order the Thai Curry Mussels if they have them (it was their daily special - quite possibly the BEST mussel's I've ever tasted). Expect friendly staff, indoor/outdoor seating and a laid back feel.
Serial Griller Located in the Hahei Holiday Resort. Go for the burgers!
Mizzoni Woodfired Pizza @ Hahei Located in the Hahei Holiday Resort (100 Hunt St.) Go for the woodfired pizza! Order the Margherita.
MK Brewing Co. Located on the 309 rd (20 309 Rd, On the corner with SH25/Manaia Rd) and a perfect stop after driving to the Waiau Falls. Go for lunch. Try the mussel pots, fries, and/or a smoothie. Expect to sit outside at a picnic table and enjoy the sun.
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Cathedral Cove Located just north of Hahei beach. Go for the adventure, an incredibly beautiful beach, the famous archway and the natural waterfall shower at the far end. Expect to make a full day of it, hike in approx 30-40 minutes, and a small car park at the top of the hill. NOTE: Occasionally the locals allow for visitors to park in their driveways/front yard if you have cash ($20 NZD) + to avoid parking/walking all the way from town. You can also access Cathedral Cove by walking the shores of Hahei beach (Expect to walk approx 70 min each way). Also. If you are looking for a lite snack to take with you, there is a small coffee/juice cart in the middle of the car park that also sells small bites. I recommend grabbing something from the Hahei Beach Cafe (listed above).
Waiau Falls. Located along the 309 Rd. Go for the beautiful waterfall and the many incredible watering holes that you will find along the way. Expect to hike in a minimum of 15+ min. during each of your stop offs. NOTE: Look for rope swings, boulders, tree stumps, and anything else you can jump off of at the watering holes and enjoy a refreshing dip at each stop.
New Chum Beach Go to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing beach + sunset after a fully day of chasing waterfalls (above). Body surf. Expect to hike in approx 30 minutes through many large rocks + branches before you get to the beach. Also. Be sure to go during low tide.
Waitomo Caves Located approx 3 hrs South of Auckland. Go to experience the famous glowworm caves. For adventure tour these dark lit, underground caves by wet-suit + a guided black water rafting experience. Expect to jump off small waterfalls into your raft, small tight spaces, and freezing cold water.
Raglan // The laid back, surf capital of NZ // Go for the surf, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and sunsets. Expect laid back feels.
(TOOK NOTE FOR NEXT TIME..)
Hot Water Beach known for their hot water, personal spa pools. Bring a shovel of sorts to dig your own personal bath on the beach. Expect large crowds on the weekends and be sure you plan your trip to align with the tides.
Rotorua known for steaming geysers and relaxing mud baths.
Hawke's Bay known for wine country.
Bay of Islands a top destination for many travelers for the beautiful waters.
south island
queenstown
vibes + things
Lonely Planet mentions Queenstown wears a"Global Adventure Capital" badge, and I now understand why. You will find beauty, adventure, touristy vibes, great food/drink + live music + a bit more of a scene all here in Queenstown.
Helpful Link: The Denizen Navigator for alluvthethings bars, dining, hotels, relax, shopping, to see, etc.
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You won't have any trouble finding a place to stay here. There are a number of accommodations that fit any budget.
eat + drink
(a.m.)
Bespoke Kitchen Located just up the hill, and on your way up towards the gondola (9 Isle St. ). Go for their coffee, smoothies, breakfast bites and baked treats. Try the avo toast, fresh orange juice, and the fresh fruit + yogurt + muesli. Expect the cutest space + local/fresh ingredients. NOTE: I went here two days in a row, clearly a fav spot.
Fergbaker Located right next to Ferburger (see below). Go if it's too early for a burger, but you'd like to indulge in their sweets/baked items (there are a number to chose from). Expect a line (unless you go laaaaate night).
Mrs Ferg Located right next to Fergburger (see below). Go for the gelato.
(p.m.)
The World Bar Located a block off the water in the heart of Queenstown (12 Church St.). Go for the atmosphere, drinks, and live music. Expect to chat with people visiting from all over the world + possibly some dancing (depending on the time of your arrival).
Little Blackwood Located in the Steamer Wharf (on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu). Go for their incredible selection of "build yourself" cheese boards and an Old Fashioned. Expect outdoor seating, a fireplace, and "cool" vibe. Rumor has it there is live music here on occasion.
Fergburger Located in the heart of Queenstown (42 Shotover) open 21 hrs a day. Go for the Burger (claimed to be the best burger on this planet by many). Expect a line (unless you go laaaaate night).
Cowboys Bar Located in DT Queenstown (7 Searle Ln). Go for the cowboy hats to be worn at the bar, saddles as seats, the electric bull, pool tables, and energy of this place. Order a "Quick Fuck" which is a New Zealand shooter, then jump on the bull (bc obviously).
Below Zero Ice Bar Located right next to Cowboys Bar (above). Go for the unique experience of a hand sculpted ice bar (including everything from your glass, to the walls, seating, sculptures, etc.). Expect to receive a huge jacket from the host who will take you down to the actual bar itself, enjoy one drink, take a picture in the photo area, and then head out to the next spot to hear some live music (not hard to find).
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Rent a bike a ride through the city.
The Ivy Box "Creating Outside the Square" - Artists Studio
Skyline Gondola Located just up the hill from the main city center of Queenstown (5 min walk). Go for the incredible views of the city and/or lunch at the top. If you're looking for a thrill, you may want to paraglide (or luge) down.
Paraglide Located at the top of Queenstown (once you ride up the Gondola). Go for the thrill and breathtaking views.
Take a Helicopter from Glenorchy (HeliGlenorchy is approx 45 min drive from Queenstown) and fly over the Southern Alps out to Milford Sound + Glacier Landing. Expect to see some of the most amazing sights considering you are flying through hidden lakes, mountains, glaciers and waterfalls.. all in one trip. unreal.
wanaka
vibes + things
Approx 1.5 hr drive N from Queenstown. A lot less touristy with alluv the charms.
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AirBnB is a great recommendation in this town. We found the Wanaka View House which was perfect for a large group and only a 5-10 min walk to the lake and main strip.
eat + drink
(a.m.)
Kai Whakapai Cafe and Bar Located on the main strip (Cnr Helwick & Ardmore St). Go for the coffee and breakfast bites. Order the veggie bake (in the case), a small order of their potato wedges (the menu only offers one size, which is huge, just ask nicely), fresh fruit bowl or the breakfast egg/bacon sammy. NOTE: The carrot cake (in the case) looked so delicious, unfortunately when we went back to order it they were completely sold out. Also. This spot also seemed pretty lively in the evenings although we didn't stop.
(p.m.)
Boa Boa Food Company Located on the main strip of Wanaka (137 Ardmore St). Go for the burgers, wraps + fries. Order a burger but NOTE that they are massive, I recommend sharing. Expect to take it to go perhaps for a picnic down along the water (just across the street).
Black Peak Gelato Located at Shop 5, 123 Ardmore St. Go for the gelato + sorbets. Expect to want everything in the case.
Rippon Winery Located just above the small town of Wanaka (246 Mount Aspiring Rd). "One family, five generations and a land farmed biodynamically with care and love". Go for the incredible views and wine.
Bistro Gentil Located just above the small town of Wanaka (76a Golf Course Rd). Go for the seven course French inspired tasting menu (which changes often) and opt for the matching wine pairing. Try out a wine card and sample their many wines + their Enomatic wine dispensing machines (pour a taste, a half glass or a full). Expect to look out over the Wanaka golf course + Lake Wanaka. NOTE: If you get as lucky as we did with the weather don't miss out on their bocce court and outdoor terrace for sunset!
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Rent bikes, kayaks, jet boat, stand up paddle boards and more. Walk down to the lake and you will see a small building where you can rent out any number of activities for the day.
That Wanaka Tree Located in Lake Wanaka. Expect to see photographers swarming along the lake side to get the "perfect shot".
Haast Pass Blue Pools Located about an hour or so drive from Wanaka. Go for the hike + beautiful ice blue waters. Expect to hike in approx 20 minutes through forest + ferns and walk across a couple swinging bridges to get to the main view point. NOTE The water is glacier fed (so pretty!).
(TOOK NOTE FOR NEXT TIME..)
Eat + Drink: Lalaland Lounge Bar
Sleep: Rippon Vineyard & Winery Homestead (AirBnB)
marlborough region
vibes + things
Wine country (!!) Roses, Vines + Vino.
We chose to stay in Blenheim perfectly situated between many world famous wineries. The small airport makes for easy transportation in/out of this town. Once you land look for a shuttle service to take to you where ever you plan to stay. Recommended mode of transport during your visit: bike, duh (many B&B's offer bikes as part of your stay).
Wine tasting: expect your tastings to have a very minimal fee // some places are free of charge.
Marlborough Wines :: New Zealand Wine Directory
sleep
St. Leonards Vineyard Cottages Located in the heart of wine country (18 St. Leonards Rd., RD1). Stay here for the location, the accommodating hosts, fully equipped cottages, and beautiful grounds. NOTE: The Woodshed is my recommended cottage choice. also. this particular cottage features a private claw foot bathtub overlooking the vineyard - perfect for stargazing after a full day of riding bikes through wine country.
eat + drink
(a.m.)
Our cottage offered a fully equipped kitchen + fridge filled with alluv the breakfast items (farm fresh eggs, jams, bread, juices and coffee/tea).
(p.m.)
Cloudy Bay Winery // Personal TOP10 //Located at 230 Jacksons Rd (Just a quick bike ride from St. Leonard). Go for the wine, small bites, outdoor seating + overall experience. RECOMMENDED: Plan to spend some quality time here. You do not want to rush your experience. Order the sparkling rosé + sit outside in their swinging chairs overlooking the vineyard. Also. Order the Burrata served with bread, tomatoes, olive oil and basil // pair this with their Pelorus NV.
Allan Scott Wines Located across the street from Cloudy Bay (Jacksons Road, RD3)
Rock Ferry Located at 80 Hammerichs Road. Go for lunch + wine tasting. Order the sweet potato and sesame pancake on Asian vegetable salad paired with the Corners Sauv Blanc. NOTE: They stop serving lunch @ 3p so make sure you give yourself enough time to get there.
Brancott Estate Located down an extremely long driveway + then a super steep hill (180 Brancott Road). Go for the views, lunch and a glass of wine. Order the soft goat's cheese, honey roasted local figs and walnuts OR the fresh baked flat breads . NOTE: You may not want to bike here (logistically, and due to the distance, it really just doesn't make sense), although if you do, you can always call a shuttle to pick you up and take you to the next destination if you're running short on time (learn from my mistake).
GIESEN WINES Located at 26 Rapaura Road. Order a custom cheese/meats board, they are quite impressive. Expect indoor seating and a fireplace OR outdoor seating in their beautiful courtyard (depending on the season).
MOA Beer Company Located at 258 Jacksons Road, RD3. Go for the premium handcrafted beers, created by brewer/winemaker Josh Scott (their beers are made through the use of wine making techniques which makes for super unique flavors). Order their MOA White Lager.
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Bike the "Golden Mile"
abel tasman national park + Nelson
VIBES + THINGS
Adventure (!!) Hidden Beaches, Kayaks + Baby Seals
The perfect ending to an incredible journey. We chose to stay in Takaka (located in the Golden Bay) which is perfectly situated if you only have a few days to explore the area.
home base
Shady Rest Bed & Breakfast Located in Takaka (139 Commercial St). Stay here for a clean place to stay + Mark (the host). Morning breakfast and coffee was great, but my love for this little B&B is in large part bc of Mark. He was super helpful in planning out our daily itinerary + seemed to know alluvthethings to know and helped in curating the most amazing ending to this NZ trip.
Dangerous Kitchen Located on the main strip in Takaka. Go for breakfast, lunch dinner and/or gelado (+ waffle cone). Order the Popeye Plus Pizza, Mexican Burrito, any of the salads, berry/chocolate/vanilla/almond gelado. Expect to see the locals / Vibe is super low key. NOTE: Honestly the best gelado I had during my NZ visit. Might have to plan a trip back just for the cone.
Roots Bar Located on the main strip in Takaka (1 Commerical Street). Go for the evening festivities + live music. Expect a this to be one of the liveliest spots along the (small) strip.
adventure: wharariki beach
Wharariki Beach: "It's like another world out there" - Local. "Truth" - Me, after exploring this paradise.
Expect to drive down a long gravel path to get there. Try to pick up a locals map before making the trek. You will eventually be greeted by horses, peacocks, cows, sheep, and a number of other animals once you make it to the end of the gravel road/car park. We were lucky enough to meet Axel who helped time out our day. I will try to quote him as I would give the same advice after experiencing it myself.
Take a picture of this map (located in the camp office) sketched onto the wall, then head towards the "Green Hills" track for approx 10km > jump three fences, find the hidden path down to the green hills beach which eventually leads to the "secret passage" > if you hit the tides right you'll be able to hike in and see the baby seals and the cape at sunset > then hike along the "Hill Top Walk" for 8km through heaps of sheep along the hill side to get back to the car park + finish at the mussel in for dinner and a beer.
Mussel Inn: Located in t he heart of Golden Bay. Go for Dinner + a Beer (after exploring the Wharariki Beach). Try the Lasagna. Expect to see the locals and if you're lucky snag a seat by the fire (If you're really lucky stick around for the live music).
adventure: golden bay
Golden Bay Kayaks Located in Golden Bay (29 Cornwall Place). Recommended by alluv the locals. They are super friendly + knowledgeable on where to explore.
ADVENTURE: SANDY BAY + Split apple rock
Kaiteriteri Beach: Located approx 1 hour from Nelson (perfect for your last adventure before flying out of Nelson if you only have a half day). Go kayaking and expect some of the most beautiful waters and golden + sandy beaches. Kayak is the best way to explore and find your own private beaches including the Split Apple Rock.
Hooked: Located on the waterfont at 229 Marahau Sandy Bay Road. Go for coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Expect super friendly staff and an outdoor patio for seating. NOTE: the is one of the only restaurants in the area.
That's all for now...
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