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The following route from Christchurch to Auckland is approx. 3,500 km long.
If you wish to drive northwards from Christchurch along the coast to Picton in addition to the route suggestion below you will need to plan in a minimum of 350 kilometres each way.
This route takes you through Kaikoura, which is famous for its whales and dolphins, which can be seen close up all year round.
This route begins in Christchurch - New Zealand's garden city which is rich in its English colonial heritage. After enjoying Christchurch
we start our New Zealand adventure by heading south towards Dunedin. From there the terrain begins to become more undulated as we leave
the Canterbury plains. Heading inland the drive takes us via the magnificent turquoise lakes - e.g. Lake Tekapo, not far from the alps.
From here the trip heads south towards Dunedin on the East coast. Dunedin was settled by the Scots and is also flavoured by its vibrant
student life. The Otago peninsula is a close drive away where you can see Larnach Castle, seals, the rare albatross and yellow-eyed penguin
colonies in a protected environment.
Next we drive south from Dunedin towards New Zealand¿s third major island 'Stewart Island'. Arriving at the country's southern-most port of
Bluff, from there you can leave your motorhome at the safety of a camping ground or in the secure parking area of the Bluff ferry building.
A visit to Stewart Island, which is also New Zealand's newest national park, is an unforgettable experience and something so many tourists
miss out on. On this beautiful island you can experience New Zealand as it was before it was settled: try kiwi-spotting, take a nature tour
to the protected Ulva island and don't forget to try the freshest fish you will ever taste at the Church cafe.
Once you have sampled the delights of Stewart Island, if you get the chance, we recommend you take the trip north-west along the
'Southern Scenic Route' to Te Anau, gateway to the world'smost spectacular fiords and some of the most beautiful and untouched rainforest
landscapes on the planet. A day or overnight trip to/on Milford or Doubtful Sound is a highlight you will never forget.
After indulging in Fiordland we head east to Mossburn and then north past the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu and lake-side to the adventure
capital of the world - Queenstown, set in front of the 'Remarkables' mountains which are just that! Queenstown is famous for its adventure
sport activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, jetboating and mountain-biking to name just a few, but the beauty of the
surrounding landscape is still what you will remember most. Past the gold-mining town of Arrowtown and north to Wanaka you can enjoy
top wineries, stunning mountain views and the majesty of the southern lakes.
North along the West Coast we drive past the spectacular image of glaciers moving gently through the rainforest and within reach of the
ocean. When the weather is clear you get an amazing view of New Zealand's highest mountains Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring. Helicopter rides are
also available from Franz Josef township if you want to get up close and personal with them. Further up the coast we drive through
Hokitika - famous for its 'pounamu' or greenstone, then to the Pancake Rocks and blowholes and through the Buller Gorge before heading
north-east through Nelson Lakes National Park to Nelson.
Nelson is famous (among other things) for its arts and crafts boutiques. From here you can access the Abel Tasman National Park, with its
golden sand coastline and walkways among a thick forest canopy. A kayak tour along the coastline is a very memorable experience where you
might just come across some nosy seals. The trip from Nelson to Picton - preferably with a dogleg via the wineries of Blenheim, is highly
recommended.
From Picton you can take the interisland ferry to the North South Island (arrival in Wellington). The late afternoon sailing offers the
most picturesque journey and visiting dolphins are a not uncommon sight as you journey across the Cook Strait. Wellington is the capital
city of New Zealand. You can visit the ultra-modern museum Te Papa, which provides you with an unbeatable (and free!) insight into the
history, culture and personality of New Zealand and its people. Wellington actually has more places to eat per head than New York, and
the coffee at the Astoria Cafe is unforgettable. After enjoying the capital we drive northeast to Hawkes Bay and the pretty Art Deco city
of Napier. This area is very famous for producing quality wines and a meal at one of the wineries is a must. You'll be amazed at just how
good the cuisine is in New Zealand.
Next, we head further north via Tongariro National Park with its active and spectacular volcanoes - most recently made famous for their
role in the film trilogy 'The Lord of the Rings'. Approx. one and a half hours north of there is Taupo where we can sample the imposing
Huka falls and take a kayak ride out on New Zealand's largest lake: Lake Taupo (larger than Singapore!) to view stunning rock carvings.
Approx. one hour north of Taupo is the city of Rotorua, the beautiful geothermal centre of the North Island which is also alive with the
Maori culture. The Maori people will treat you to their warm hospitality as well as introducing visitors to all aspects of their culture
and traditions. This city will fascinate you with its geysers, stunning geothermally created colours, its thermal baths and boiling mud
'symphonies' which can be viewed in various parts of the city.
To take in dense Kauri forests, white sand surf beaches and amazing bush walks we need to drive north to the Coromandel Peninsula, a very
popular holiday location for the Kiwis themselves. From the Coromandel region it is less than two hours north to New Zealand¿s largest city
and the end of our journey in Auckland. Make sure you take the time to sample the restaurants and sights around the harbour area of the
city of sails to bring the trip to a sumptuous conclusion.
Recommended travel time (minimum): 3 - 4 weeks
If you wish to visit the subtropical Northland region - including the Bay of Islands, you will need to plan an additional 700km into your
journey.
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