Discover New Zealand | Great Motorhome Journeys
76rate or flag this pageBy Tilly Holiday
New Zealand is an amazing
country to travel by motorhome. Two major islands connected by a reliable and
safe ferry service which carries vehicles make it possible to travel the length
and breadth of the country in the comfort of a campervan.
Most international travellers arrive in Auckland
or Christchurch.
Auckland is located towards the northern tip of
the North Island, and Christchurch is located
around one third of the way down the east coast of the South
Island.
Motorhome rental depots are located in both these major cities, making
it possible for travellers to drive their motorhome south from Auckland
or in a northern direction from Christchurch.
Driving from Kaitaia (New Zealand’s famously northern most town’) to
‘The Bluff’ (the Southern most point easily accessible from the road) , takes
around 30 hours and covers a distance of 2015 km (1252 miles).
90 Mile Beach
There are three beaches claiming the title ’90
MileBeach’
however only one of them is in New
Zealand. Located at the very tip of the
North Island, 90 mile beach is 55 miles of golden sand stretching into the
vastness of the Pacific Ocean. It is possible
to drive across 90 mile beach, and indeed it was used as a road frequently in New Zealand’s
settling years. However as the sign points out, it is easy to lose a vehicle to
the tide if one is not careful.
Coromandel
A mecca for ecotourisits, the Coromandel lays closer to the equator than
most other parts of New
Zealand, making it a warm, sunny and
cheerful place.
Taupo
A major lake created in prehistoric times by an explosion that is said
to have rivalled even that of the great Krakatoa. Today the lakeside town is a popular
destination for tourists looking to have a good time in its many bars, and to
enjoy the activities that the lake provides such as swimming, fishing and jet
skiing. Taupo also occasionally hosts
major events, such as the A1 Grand Prix.
Wellington
The capital of New Zealand,
Wellington is
well known for its compact city centre and abundance of arts and culture. The Kapiti coast lies nearby the capital city,
providing many acres of surf and sand for those who enjoy the beach.
Picton
The first port of call in the South Island, the small port town of Picton is where ferries depart and arrive for the NorthIsland.
Incredibly picturesque, Picton is a
great little town to take a break in, for a few hours or even a few days.
Nelson
Popular among alternative lifestylers, Nelson boasts some of the best weather
in New Zealand. People seeking natural lifestyles flock to
this region and a great many artists make their home here. Nelson is also home
to many of New Zealand’s
orchards and vineyards, and is an excellent location for those seeking seasonal
work.
West Coast
The West Coast, where the major glaciers Fox and Franz Josef reside, is
the rugged underbelly of New
Zealand. It is also an excellent place to
visit if you’re a fan of nature in its pure form. The town of Franz Josef provides welcome and shelter to
tourists wishing to visit the powerful glaciers.
Queenstown
Located in the deeper south, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ski snow and ice mecca.
A pleasant enough place in the summer
time, Queenstown truly comes alive in Winter with snow festivals and parties
for months on end. Skiers brave the
slopes of the Southern Alps, and for those
looking for something a little different, heliskiing is also on offer. Because if something is worth doing, its
worth doing after being pushed out of a helicopter.
With so many amazing places to visit, motorhomes provide the best means
of travelling around this unique and beautiful nation. Just drive the few hours
between destinations (most of the locations mentioned are an easy day’s drive),
take up residence in one of New Zealand’s
friendly campgrounds, and enjoy the New Zealand experience!

JamaGenee says:
8 months ago
I've always wanted to visit NZ, but this hub makes me wish I could leave tomorrow! Think I'll forego heliskiing, tho. Being pushed out of a helicopter is not my idea of "fun"!