Category: New Zealand

Calmly staring at what seems to be the edge of the world, nestled in the southeast region of New Zeeland’s South Island, lies the city of Dunedin. Praised for its diverse cultural heritage and magnificent architectural and natural scenery, the city and its surrounding landscape present an idyllic couple’s getaway, or even a perfect adventure destination for young travellers. With so much to see and plenty to do in this thriving town, the only thing left is to grab a free transfer car and kick-start your budget-friendly exploration of Dunedin.

Experience the wildlife

Going to a zoo can be expensive, but witnessing the vibrant wildlife in all its glory along the walking paths around town is one activity that’s completely free of charge. Walking the beautiful beaches, and especially visiting the Otago Peninsula will grant you access to some of the most breathtaking sceneries, conveniently accommodating rich and diverse wildlife. Here you will get the chance to see exotic bird species, sea lions frolicking on the beach, penguins, and seals. Do remember to keep your distance though, and admire from afar.

 

Ride the waves at St Clair Beach

St Clair Beach is a true surfer’s paradise located just a few minutes from the city centre. The honey-hued beach provides the perfect backdrop for the expansive sea ahead and its roaring waves that readily welcome a diverse community of surf aficionados. Naturally, surfing here is completely free if you bring your own gear. If not, don’t worry, you can rent out a wetsuit and a surfboard for a reasonable price of $40.

Hunt for street art

Time to delve into the heart of the city and walk the Dunedin Street Art Trail that gives this beautiful city its unique charm and splendor. So pick up a map and head out on a street art treasure hunt around town, discovering the international works of art that grace over 28 facades and tackle numerous artistic, social, and political questions of the modern world. This wonderful little excursion should take more than 90 minutes out of your day.

Cycle the Numerous Bike Trails

Among numerous outdoor adventures the town has to offer, mountain biking has got to be one of the most adrenaline-fueled activities you can enjoy for free. Provided that you don’t forget to bring your own bike. There are plenty of exhilarating tracks to challenge your coordination and cycling skills, like the Signal Hill reserve, the Swampy summit circuit, and the Chain Hills road track. If you’re in need of a trusty set of wheels, though, you can hire a bike for the day for about $30.

Visit the Botanic Gardens

An absolute must-see attraction for all nature lovers among you is the Dunedin Botanic Garden, home to more than 6,000 plant species, all beautifully and meticulously arranged for your viewing pleasure along various walking paths each more breathtaking than the last. Enjoy a rejuvenating cup of coffee at the local café and revel in the beauty of exotic birds chirping from the neighbouring aviaries.

And the Otago Museum

Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori cultural heritage, with the town proudly and devotedly preserving the legacy of these native peoples in the Otago Museum. The best part? Not only is the exhibition rich and diverse enough to be enjoyed for hours on end, but the museum is also free. However, you have the option of supporting the workings of the museum with a small contribution of $10.

Revel in the Beauty of the Southern Lights

Few natural wonders can compare with the awe-inspiring beauty of Aurora Australis, more popularly known as the Southern Lights, sometimes visible from the shores of the southern hemisphere. Among the few places where this natural phenomenon is visible in New Zealand, the Dunedin region offers a spectacularly colourful view of the never—ending cosmos above. Visit the Otago Peninsula and Tunnel Beach when solar activity is expected to be highest.

Dunedin is a thriving city rich with numerous sightseeing spots and breathtaking natural wonders looking to steal your heart away and give you an adventure of a lifetime. If you want to experience the region in its entirety, be sure to find a free car or campervan to make the most out of your Dunedin escapade.

 

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Teeming with exotic animal species and wonderful opportunities for wildlife sightseeing across the map, New Zealand is a true save haven for nature enthusiasts and mindful travellers of the world. Among the country’s rich and diverse wildlife scene, the “impeccably dressed” penguins can be found in abundance, frolicking on the sun-laden beaches and swimming the crystal-clear waters beyond. However, New Zealand is a vast country, so if you want to reach all of the following destinations with ease, it’s best you find a free transfer car or campervan to ensure an adventure to remember.

The Marlborough Sounds

Located in at the north end of the South Island, Marlborough Sounds is comprised of an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys too beautiful not to be visited at least once in a lifetime. But what this magnificent region has to offer is not solely confined to riveting vistas, as it’s also the home of little blue penguins, as well as dolphins, seals, and even whales. Taking a boat cruise through the natural maze is the best way to experience it all.

Dunedin

The city of Dunedin is not only the home of a thriving community of student’s, nomads, and global backpackers, but it is also the place you want to visit on your penguin sightseeing tour around the country. Located in the southeast end of the South Island, the town offers numerous wildlife exploration tours where you are bound to see yellow-eyed penguins enjoying a warm afternoon.

The Banks Peninsula

Located just outside of Christchurch in the Southern Island, the Banks Peninsula is home to the largest colony of little blue penguins. The region of Canterbury is also the only place you can find the white-flippered penguins as well, so this destination is a double must! The Banks Peninsula has plenty of sightseeing spots from which you will be to admire the little blue penguins in their natural habitat.

Munro Beach

Munro Beach is situated some 30 kilometres from Haast in the South Island, and is by far the best place to find the world’s second rarest penguin species, the Fiordland-crested penguin also known as Tawaki. Although the chances of actually spotting one are not that great, the sheer beauty of the region and the possibility of witnessing this remarkable species makes the trip worthwhile.

Oamaru

Popularly named “Penguintown”, Oamaru is the largest town in the North Otago region, and is a great place to see blue and yellow-eyed penguins nestling along the coastline just before sunset. Be sure to keep your distance though, so as not to disturb their peace.

 

The Catlins

Travelling further south and we find ourselves at the shores of the Catlins Coast, home to the yellow-eyed penguin as well as numerous other marine species. The best spot to see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is at Curio Bay at dawn or dusk when the parents are feeding their younglings. No matter how inspiring the scenery might feel, be sure to adhere to the distance rules pointed out at Curio Bay in order to avoid disturbing the penguins.

Stewart Island

Rakiura, or Stewart Island, is the third-largest island in New Zealand, located 30 kilometres south of the South Island. It’s also home to numerous exotic bird species and is the place you should absolutely visit on your exploration tour in hopes of seeing the yellow-eyed penguins as well as the little blue penguins on its shores. If you want to improve your chances of spotting these beautiful creatures, head over to Oban located in Halfmoon Bay on the eastern fringe of the island.

 

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to revel in the beauty of thousands of exotic animal species and penguins are just the cherry on the cake. In order to reach every destination safely and quickly, you can get a free transfer car that will help you experience an adventure of a lifetime.

 

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New Zealand is lucky enough to boast an impressive 15,000 kilometers of coastline. That makes it the 9th longest coastline in the world! This means there is no shortage of coastal towns just waiting to be explored.  

New Zealand’s small coastal towns are some of the most inviting, laid-back and surprising places in the world. Every little town boasts its own special little something that the locals are proud of.

I could create an endless list of towns that you need to visit in New Zealand, however, this list is of my favorite 6 coastal towns in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  

1: Raglan

Raglan is one of my personal favorite coastal towns in New Zealand. There are a couple of main reasons why.

The first is the Raglan Fish fish and chip shop. Anyone will (or should) tell you that New Zealand is home to the world’s best fish and chips. In my opinion, Raglan Fish is New Zealand’s best fish n chip shop.

Grab a crumbed Snapper, a serving of fresh hand cut chips, a bottle of L&P, Watties sauce, crumbed mussels, scallops & oysters and you are in for one perfect classic kiwi dinner! Now all that’s left is to head down to Manu Bay to eat, check out the surf & watch the sun go down.

The second reason Raglan is so loved,  is due to  all the amazing cafes, boutiques & galleries that litter this little town. If you are lucky enough to be here on a weekday you will be constantly amazed by all the empty galleries.   

2: Kaikoura

A list of the best coastal towns in New Zealand would not be complete without Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a laid back, trendy, and inviting town with lots of cool little surprises. Not to mention home to some of the warmest and welcoming people you will ever meet!

For those of you who like your sealife, you will be pleasantly surprised when arriving in Kaikoura. You will be welcomed by the local seals, penguins, dolphins and if you are lucky enough, maybe even a pod of whales passing by. Kaikoura is New Zealand’s home of whale watching. The season generally runs from November to March.

Kaikoura is also home to Point Kean, one of the awe inspiring lookouts. On a sunny day in winter or fall, you get the stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green farmland, Kaikoura town and the South Pacific Ocean, it’s really is magical.

3: New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a playground for those who love a healthy and active lifestyle. Situated on the North Island’s wild West Coast, New Plymouth is set right at the foot of the glorious Mt Taranaki and wedged up next to the Tasman Sea. w Plymouth is famous for several things; the incredible 12.7km coastal walkway, the abundance of cafes, coffee shops & restaurants and the 105km state or ‘Surf’ Highway 45 coastal road. Surf Highway 45 heads south and boasts over 100 surf spots and endless options of beaches, coves and sand dunes.

If camping is your thing, New Plymouth has some amazing campgrounds and free camping options. Most of which with a stunning beach and mountain view. Sitting back with a glass of wine at your beachside campsite watching the sun go down is very hard to beat!   

4: Bluff

Bluff is pretty much as far south as you can get on the mainland of New Zealand. Bluff is mainly famous for one thing. Oysters. The oysters from Bluff are world famous and are a must for anyone that visits New Zealand.

The best spot to get some fresh Bluff oysters is Fowler Oysters. This little shop is amazing. The friendliest service you will ever receive, swiftly followed by the freshest & tastiest oysters you have ever set your eyes on, and at only $24 NZD a dozen for A grade you really can’t go wrong.

Bluff is also home to Stirling Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand. Here you will find a great lookout and the classic signpost depicting distances to major cities all over the world. There is also 2 awesome scenic walks, the Foveaux Walk & the Glory Track. Both worth checking out if you have the time.

5: Coromandel

Coromandel is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the North Island. Situated on the eastern tip of the North Island, Coromandel is surrounded by lots of beautiful beaches, coves and remote destinations.

My favorite spot is Ruffins Bay. Ruffins Bay is a beautiful private bay only accessible by boat or if you have a key to the private road. There are several small holiday rentals that are perfect for a little getaway. Make sure you bring your fishing rod, the fishing is always on at Ruffins!

The other cool attraction of Coromandel is the Driving Creek Railway. A narrow gauge train ride through the mountains and forests that surround the area. The railway 3 short tunnels, 2 spirals, and several viaducts. After winding up the hill you end up at the top with awesome views of the Island packed Hauraki Gulf.A really cool experience for any nature lover.

6: Ahipara

Right at the southern end of the world famous 90 mile beach in New Zealand’s Northland Lays the sleepy little town of Ahipara.

Ahipara is a town full of rich history also home to one of the best sunsets anywhere in the world. You will be pleasantly surprised at the suns beautiful glow glistening over 90 mile beach.

Shipwreck Bay is a situated to the left of the township and at low tide, you will see the various shipwrecks. A beautiful bay to get some alone time and soak up some of that beautiful New Zealand sun.

This is a small snippet of beautiful coastal towns you could explore. Hopefully this list inspires you to get out there and check out the beautiful coastline of New Zealand and discover your own favourite ‘must visit’ spots.  

About the Author

Jay is a New Zealander who discovered the joys of food, travel and exploring in 2010, after deciding a traditional office job just wasn’t quite working out. Fast forward 7 years and 28 odd countries later, Jay finds himself living a nomadic lifestyle with his partner Brittnay. Currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Together they travel around the world house & Pet sitting. They love to document their house sitting adventures, travels and favourite cheese & wine discoveries on their website The Travelling House Sitters and Instagram account.

There are so many reasons why you need to visit New Plymouth! It has been voted  one of the most livable cities in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of culture New Plymouth should certainly be your next stop. In fact, in addition to being rated one of the most livable cities, it also earned Lonely Planet’s number 2 spot for best up-and-coming holiday destination.

Here are 6 reasons you need to visit New Plymouth:

1. Surf Highway 45

Sea New Zealand Coast Volcanic Taranaki Mt Egmont

One of the best places to catch a wave in New Zealand is New Plymouth.  Take a drive along what’s known as ‘Surf Highway 45’, which runs from New Plymouth in a Southerly direction to Hawera. Take it slow and explore the full length of the surf highway. You will find plenty of places to catch a wave. Otherwise New Plymouth has plenty of surf beaches to keep you occupied. The coast boasts 180 degrees of ocean swells, with reef breaks, point breaks and beaches. Offering something for both beginners and advanced surfers.

2. Pouakai Circuit

For the even more adventurous, there’s a 2- to 3-day journey around Mount Taranaki. Here hikers can take in everything the Egmont National Park has to offer. There are 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of hiking trails to follow through the forest, a sphagnum moss swamp, and across fields. This trip also takes you across the Boomerang slip, an active erosion scar from volcanic activity and over the Kokowai Stream with its red water.

3. Bike Riding

For those of you who are not into surfing or hiking, New Plymouth also offers world class mountain biking, trail riding and dirt Jumping. For those who love downhill and trail riding head out to Lake Mangamahoe,  just 10 km South of New Plymouth on state highway 3. Here you will find kilometer after kilometer of professionally crafted cross country and downhill tracks, suitable for everyone from beginner to professional.

If dirt jumps are more of your thing head out to Rotoz Dirt Jump Park, which is situated at the entrance to Lake Rotomanu. Rotoz is a dirt jumpers paradise with hundreds of jump lines, wallrides, berms & drops. Rotoz also caters for beginners with pump tracks and a tonne of table top jumps to build your confidence.

 

4. The Coastal Walkway

The famous Coastal Walkway is a must-do in New Plymouth. The walkway is where you will find the locals jogging, cycling and working out. Head for a stroll along the sea-edge promenade and you will see some of the most beautiful coastal views New Plymouth has to offer. The walkway stretches 11km along the coastline. You will head past the black volcanic rock surf beaches, cliff tops and over the awe-inspiring bridge inspired by breaking waves. The walkway has recently been funded to be extended even further.

5. Pouakai Crossing

If you’re looking to spend a day hiking and taking in the beauty that is Mount Taranaki, the best way to do that is by heading to Egmont National Park. Here you will find Pouakai Crossing. At the Crossing you will encounter a magnificent waterfall, breathtakingly high cliffs, Ahukawakawa swamp, and a number of other amazing views along the way. Although it can be tough-going depending on the weather, it’s perfect for someone who wants to experience natural beauty that is New Zealand.

6. Art and Culture

For a more relaxing day in New Plymouth, you can take in the art and culture offered at several locations, starting with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. This art museum features contemporary art and recently added the Len Lye Center. The centre is has a display is devoted completely to kinetic sculpture and filmmaker Len Lye.

With stunning views of Mount Taranaki, the gorgeous long walkways and a relaxed vibe, New Plymouth is a perfect spot to spend a few days or (ideally) a week or two. Whether you are an adrenaline junky looking to get your fix or a hiking and nature enthusiast New Plymouth has you very well covered. You will leave refreshed with a new lease on life (and not to mention a memory card full of stunning photos).

Article by Brittnay Sharman for Transfercar.

Brittnay is a professional house sitter from Australia. She has been living in London for the past two years and recently moved to Dublin. She has visited over 21 countries in Europe and Africa in that time (including lots of cheese, wine & beaches). You can find all her adventures in housesitting and travels on The Travelling House Sitters.

 

There are more cows (10 million) and sheep (29 million) than there are people (4.7 million) in New Zealand, but the resource that’s hauling in major income for the island country in recent years aren’t farm animals, but hobbits. Although having zero population in real life, hobbits, along with the larger world of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings (LotR), have brought hordes of travellers to New Zealand, where the entirety of The LotR and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed.

In 2016, 3.5 million people visited New Zealand, a number that is expected to reach 4.5 million by 2022. Around 16% of these travellers – or over half a million people – cite The LotR as a motivation for their visit. Aside from its gains in tourism, the movies themselves contributed a lot to the New Zealand economy, where some 2,700 businesses worked in production and post-production.

The wonderful thing about the film locations is that many of them are incredibly well preserved and as stunning in real life as they are in Middle-earth, making a tour across New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes a dream for any Tolkien fan. Tourism New Zealand’s Gregg Anderson shares, “We’re not trying to sell the movie. We’re trying to say the sense of awe and grandeur that you get with the movie is very much what you’ll get with the experience.”

If you’re planning a campervan trip across this beautiful country soon, here are some of the most breathtaking LotR locations you can include in your list.

 

Matamata, Waikato

What better place to start your tour than the home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins? The lush farming landscape of the small town of Matamata serves as the onscreen village of Hobbiton.

Today, the Hobbit-sized village in the peaceful Shire region of Middle-earth is a permanent attraction open for tourists. Dance under the Party Tree to your heart’s delight; pay a visit to Bag End; or grab a drink at The Green Dragon Inn. PartyPoker even listed The Green Dragon Inn in its post on the top fictional pubs to play poker in, calling it “a welcoming place, particularly if you’re a Hobbit”. Luckily you don’t need to be the size of a Hobbit to enjoy the charms of this bar, as the reconstructed set is open to the public, along with a fine selection of brews. The attention to detail and overall charm of the area makes every inch of Matamata just as magical as its onscreen counterpart.

Mt. Ngaruhoe, Tongariro National Park

Another wonderful location to visit is Mount Ngaruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom, in the Tongariro National Park. The peak of the mountain is sacred to the Maori (indigenous people of the country), so majority of the scenes were filmed at the mountain’s lower slopes. From the Visitor Centre, follow the trail of Frodo and Sam by walking the Tongariro Crossing, and experience the drama of climbing ever closer to the fiery depths of Mordor.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, Wairarapa

The ominous-looking pillars that line the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve are instantly recognisable as “The Path of the Dead,” in Return of the King, where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rode the Dimholt Road. These pillars are all that remain after seven million years of erosion on the Aorangi mountain range, and suitably eerie-looking to pass for a place for the Army of the Dead. This makes any of the three hiking trails in the area a scenic route for fans and non-fans alike.

Fiordland National Park, Te Anau

The Snowdon forest in the Fiordland National Park stars as Fangorn forest in The Two Towers. At 1.2 million hectares, the park is a fascinating world of mountains, rainforests, lakes, and fjords, and is certainly a place where fantasy can easily blend with reality. Hardcore fans will enjoy exploring the area on horseback like Gandalf did.

Pelorus River

Located at the northern end of South Island, Pelorus River is the location for the movie’s Forest River, where Bilbo and the dwarves escaped from the wood elves in The Desolation of Smaug. Much of the scene itself was filmed in a studio, but some shots were done along the river, where tourists can enjoy a kayak ride through the rapids – a decidedly more comfortable ride than Bilbo’s barrel. During your kayak trip, you can stop at a few spots you might recognise from the film, but the scenery in general is breath-taking on its own.

There are dozens of LotR filming locations scattered across the New Zealand islands, from majestic mountain ranges to mythical forests and rushing rivers. On your next summer vacation, consider planning a getaway to these fantastic locations, which you can navigate easily with a reliable Transfercar rental vehicle.