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One-Day Hikes in New Zealand in Spring

New Zealand offers plenty of phenomenal hiking trails that can be traversed for days on end, and there’s no better time for it than springtime, when days are bright and clear, yet not sweltering, and nights are fresh and nourishing. Still, whether due to time constraints or simple personal preference, many of us are not enthused by the idea of marathon hikes spread across several days with a gigantic backpack and camping gear weighing us down.

For those who belong in this category, yet don’t want to miss out on some breathtaking hiking scenery, New Zealand still provides a variety of options for excellent one-day hikes that will satiate your appetite for wandering. Keep in mind that the best tracks are usually remote, and getting there will require some planning and some driving. If your operating on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to search for a free transfer car heading close to your destination. Now, let’s explore our options.

Tongariro National Park

For a showy start, our first selection comes with a proven Hollywood pedigree. Made famous by featuring prominently in the Lord of the Rings, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is commonly considered the finest single-day hike New Zealand has to offer. With its alien-like volcanic landscapes dotted with a wealth of colourful springs, lakes, and steam vents, your breath will be taken away practically at every step. With a length of 20km, the Tongariro trail is a full day affair, but those who are more nature-ready should not miss out on a side-visit to the otherworldly Mt Ngauruhoe, which many of you know as Mt Doom.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you like your one-day hike as intense as possible, the unrelenting steepness of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park will provide many a sore muscle as a memento of your visit. Popular among climbers and adrenaline addicts, the park also boasts a number of “doable” hiking trails that will compensate for your aching legs with a series of stunning views at the surrounding peaks. Start off at the highly informative visitor centre to examine the trails and find one that suits you best.

Charming Creek

For an old-timey Indiana Jones-type experience packed with a variety of gorgeous natural and human formations, the scenic trail along the Ngakawau River gorge delivers in abundance. The aptly named Charming Creek Walkway follows an old coal railway and rewards the hikers with an eclectic mix of creaky suspension bridges, dilapidated tunnels and curious ancient machinery spread about the landscape filled with peculiar natural formations topped off by the stunning Mangatini Falls. The full walk will take away a semi-casual six hours of your time, while the trail is also excellent for mountain biking.

Twilight-Te Werahi Loop

To soak up the full scope of the dramatic landscape of the Far North in a single day, a journey to the Twilight-Te Werahi Loop delivers the full experience. With its magical interplay of light across the decor of the untamed sea slamming into mighty rock columns and the green hillside crossed with sandy patches, the gentle flat trail never truly tests your physical limitations, but bring a wealth of gorgeous vistas ideal for photos that will raise envy in your social circles. And since the hike shouldn’t last for more than 5-6 hours, consider pairing it with a visit to the mysterious Cape Reinga where the Maori spirits begin their journey to the afterlife, if the legends are to be believed.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

If your idea of eye candy includes pristine beaches and lush green coastlines, walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track will give you a visual sugar rush! The full length of the trail is well-worth traversing, but it will take three (optimistically) to five (more realistically) days to complete. Thankfully, the trail is accessible by boats, so you can easily reach a select portion of the track for a one-day hike filled with postcard-worth beach scenery. The 11km stretch from Medlands Beach to Anchorage won’t exert your stamina, and it may very well be the most gorgeous part of the track, with the trail winding in and out of the rich coastal forest and onto clearings overlooking the coastline. For a more up-close experience of the Abel Tasman National Park, you can also take a kayak tour or combine it with your hike.

This brief selection of one-day hikes only scratches the surface of what New Zealand hides in its vast and opulent nature. Getting lost in it is a big part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to venture out into the unknown and find your own slice of hidden paradise. The journey can be made both comfortable and affordable if you choose to get a free transfer car or campervan for a head-first jump into the scenic wealth of New Zealand.

South Australia: Enjoying the Springtime of Your Life

While the rest of the world is getting ready for the autumn rains and getting their ankle boots out of the closet, Aussies are the envy of the globe as they’re having a great time enjoying beautiful spring breezes and planning out their next picnic in the countryside.

This spring is shaping up to be a proper gem on the Southern shores, which means that nothing short of a weekend trip or a full holiday will suffice. What’s more, you can see it all for almost free of charge by planning wisely and finding a free car or campervan destined for the region of your choice.

So, here are some of the best tips and picks to make your road trip through South Australia a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wander around Kangaroo Island

Although an obvious tourist attraction, this island is well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for gorgeous hiking paths, pristine beaches, and fascinating scenery. The island’s picturesque landscape will help you feel at ease, no matter how many tourists hike through this land on daily basis. The surrounding wildlife is also a popular draw, and it is not hard to see why. Besides the expectedly large number of kangaroos, the island is the natural habitat of a wide variety of birds, koalas, seals, penguins, and sea lions. Finally, be sure not to miss the Flinders Chase National Park and its Remarkable Rocks, a name that suits them perfectly.

Live a true romantic fantasy in Adelaide

Not only is it well-known for its exciting nightlife, Adelaide is also a place to go if you’re planning a romantic getaway. Each spring, jacarandas come into bloom and Adelaide becomes the epicenter of this natural wonder. Besides the town’s Botanic Garden and its gorgeous Wisteria walk, other places you should see include Terrace LeFevre, Fullarton Road, and Wakefield Street.

Have a sip of wine in the Clare Valley

While Adelaide has its own purple rains, the Clare Valley is literally swimming in gold. In other words, if you like canolas, you must take the road to Clare, settle down, take a deep breath and an even deeper glass of wine, since the region is well-known for high quality wines. The valley is also home to a number of old wine cellars, vineyards, and old bars, but if we had to pick one place to visit it would definitely be the Mintaro Maze, a beautifully hand-crafted living hedge maze, and a truly surprising gem.

Extend your vacation at Fleurieu Peninsula

The best place for an early taste of summer on Australia’s southern shore is the Fleurieu Peninsula. Filled with marvelous beaches and top-notch resorts, as well as doubling as one of the top destinations for youngsters, Fleurieu will not disappoint. The newly formed resort of Goolwa, also known as New Orleans of Australia, attracts many paddle steamers and young tourists looking for fun.

Swim with tuna fish in Victor Harbor

If you’re looking for a one-day adventure to remember for the rest of your life, here’s a suggestion for you: Oceanic Victor provides a truly unique experience of swimming with the world’s fastest fish – tuna! The aquarium is located in the Encounter Bay near Granite Island and it also has an underwater observatory. We urge you to give it a try. Because, you know, swimming with sharks is so passé.

This would be the short list of some of the best travel destinations in the southern part of Australia. But don’t stop there. This place has a lot more to offer and it is up to you to find the other magic wonders around. Driving along the scenic coast is a wonderful experience on its own. And you can make the trip budget-friendly by renting a free transfer car (or even a campervan, if you don’t want to think about accommodations). The coast awaits!

Uncovering Tasmania’s Best Kept Winter Secrets

There’s this special quality to the winter in Tasmania that smooths out some if the island’s rougher edges, giving the air an extra dose of crispness that clears the thoughts and sharpens the sights.

Tasmanians feel a “special something” in the air this time of the year, with diverse activities springing up all around the island, celebrating everything from apple cider to winter solstice, while the clear nights call for stargazing underneath an open sky, and there’s solid chances for the Aurora Australis.

Tasmania’s winter attractions are many, and it would be a shame to limit yourself to just a few. We strongly suggest you take a road trip to explore the affluent winter offerings, and you can even find a transfer car or campervan for free to fulfil your quest. Before you start planning, here’s a list of some of our favourite winter events and activities in Tasmania.

Enchanted Walk

The Cradle Mountain National Park is a must-see Tasmanian attraction at any time of the year, but in winter time everything is emphasized and truly brings out the wonder of the ancient rainforest, with frost covered trees showing their best face.

The entirety of the national park is worth exploring, but if you’re looking for a reader’s digest version, we strongly recommend the Enchanted Walk, a brief guided tour that presents the wealth of natural wonders found in the park and is accompanied by an abundance of information about the wildlife and what we can do to preserve it. Nature lovers will wish to make it a whole day affair, though.

Tasmanian Whisky Trail

Tasmanian whisky is steadily growing into one of island’s most popular global exports, and the Tasmanian Whisky Trail places you straight into the epicentre of the recent boom. Sample some of the region’s award-winning blends, learn about the history and the techniques of whisky production, meet the makers of the divine liquid and explore the terrain responsible for the extraordinary product. If you don’t fancy yourself a whisky connoisseur, we believe you will enjoy the trail, and the brown fuel will add some much-needed warmth to the chill of the day.

Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Experience a dark spot of Tasmania’s history on a thrilling, lantern-lit tour through the historic site of Port Arthur, one of the most infamous penal settlements in Australia. Over years, Port Arthur has gained a reputation as a ghost site, and the tour explores the tales of unexplained mysteries and gory fates as you are led through the dark holes of old abandoned buildings. The eerie effect of the tour is particularly strong in the winter, ensuring that this visit will stick with you long after, especially when the lights are off.

Dark MOFO

When a museum is described by its founder and owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, its annually held winter festival can be no less intriguing. Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) holds two annual festivals that combine music and art, MONA FOMA and its winter edition, Dark MOFO. It takes place over a span of few weeks, with the distinction of all events taking place at night time.

Aside from a rich and eclectic offer of music performances, the festival includes a variety of events culminating with the annual tradition – the Winter Solstice Nude Swim in the nearby Derwent River. Dark MOFO was first held in 2013 and continues to ignite controversy from year to year. During its premiere edition, the police tried to ban the nude swim, but it was eventually allowed to take place, and even the mayor of Hobart took part! In each subsequent year, the festival was able to stir the spirits of the Tasmanian community, and we believe that’s a good thing!

Try to catch as many events as you can and brave the cold waters of Derwent at the dawn of the year’s shortest day, if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you choose, we promise it will be fun, interesting and provocative.

These are just some of the examples of the natural and cultural offerings of Tasmania, with dozens more left unmentioned. Consider these a must-see, but make sure you venture into the unknown and let your senses guide you to new discoveries. Keep in mind, learning how to get a free transfer car can make the trip both affordable and memorable. Tassie awaits!

Fun and Relaxing Wintertime in the Marlborough

Famed for its wines, but also known as a region of numerous other delights, Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s shiniest pearls, and it shines even brighter in winter time. While a lot of New Zealand will see some harsh weather during the winter, Marlborough is an oasis with a pleasant microclimate with clear days and refreshing nights.

The joys of Marlborough are too many to be packed in a single day, so make sure you spare some extra time to enjoy the full extent of the scenery and the accompanying pleasures. Better yet, try to find a free campervan to travel in style and comfort that such a divine region deserves. This is our short selection of its most interesting places and activities.

Wine Country

Marlborough is home to what many wine connoisseurs consider the finest Sauvignon Blanc in all of the world. With the production of Sauvignon Blanc introduced to the region in the 1970’s, it has taken the fast lane to global success. Nowadays, local wineries are dotted along idyllic country roads, so close to one another that you can hop on a bicycle and go from one to the other in quick succession.

Whether you opt for an organized guided tour around the wineries or choose to make your own schedule, what awaits you is an absolute treat for your palates. A choice of over 30 wine cellars is at your disposal, so give in to the temptation of a wine tasting marathon. And since drinking wine on an empty stomach is not advisable, we strongly encourage you to visit one of numerous vineyard restaurants. The staff will know just what goes with your Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Sounds

The 1500 km of winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds are a great experience at any time of the year, but if we had a choice, we’d always choose wintertime, due to the specific calm of the waters. Clear blue skies and steadily calm weather of winter are perfect for the exploration of secluded bays, small settlements and island sanctuaries sheltering indigenous species of flora and fauna.

Kayaking is a popular option among the more adventurous, but the most common and pleasurable way to experience the Sounds is a boat cruise. There is a number of quality guided tours that cover all the essentials and provide a wealth of information about the region. The most popular option, however, is to hop onto one of the mail boats – actual service boats that deliver mail and other necessities to the inhabitants of remote secluded settlements, which means that you get to experience the less “touristy”, but just as fascinating side of the Sounds.

The Queen Charlotte Track

One of the most scenic hiking tracks in all of New Zealand (and that’s saying a lot!), the Queen Charlotte Track spans 70 km of thick Marlborough Sounds forests, untouched nature and breathtaking ocean sights. Hiking or biking the length of the track is popular among adventurers and nature lovers, but it is a multi-day endeavour not suited for everyone. Thankfully, you can take a water taxi that will take you to one of trail’s checkpoints that will provide you with the Queen Charlotte experience n a more reasonable time frame.

French Pass Road

Every driver know the joy of driving down the winding roads through a glorious landscapes, and the French Pass Road is one of the most spectacular drives you will ever get to enjoy.

The 38 km road leading to the north end of the South Island is a rollercoaster of diverse landscapes, taking you through idyllic farmland (complete with sheep and cattle scattered across the gentle hillsides), steep forest roads and the mesmerizing ocean views. The scenery looks as if nature’s elements have conspired to try and distract the driver from the road ahead. You will be tempted to make a stop and enjoy the sights almost around every corner, and if you forget to bring a camera you will be kicking yourself for the rest of your life. Seriously, bring a camera!

The Marlborough region has many faces, yet all pleasurable and all worth exploring. It is not a destination for a quick visit. It is means to be savoured slowly and relaxedly, over a stretch of long, clear, and lazy winter days, and we suggest you find the time to do it right. Remember, you can always get a free transfer car or a campervan for an affordable and enjoyable journey.

Memorable Winter Road Trip Destinations Down Under

There’s something about winter that makes us wish to be anywhere else but our current dwellings. Luckily, Australia provides us with a broad spectrum of stunning getaways for the colder months. And if your winter fatigue calls for the sacred Aussie tradition, a road trip, then we have just the right tips for you. Gloss over our list of our favorite winter road trip destinations, and keep in mind that you can find a campervan for free and enjoy your excursion to the fullest.

Dove Lake, Tasmania

You will have a hard time finding a more idyllic winter setting in all of Australia than that of a snow capped boatshed on the edge of Dove Lake. And although the aforementioned boatshed lives in the collective Aussie consciousness as a summer spectacle, its winter edition is truly an awe-inspiring sight. The lake and its surroundings shine with a special sparkle in winter, making the 6km hike around the lake’s shore an absolute must for all true nature enthusiasts. Warm winter clothes and footwear go without saying, and even though the hike will take up a large portion of your day (particularly in the case of heavier snowfall), but your effort will be rewarded with an array of winter sights hardly found in this corner of the world. How to get there: get your vehicle onto the overnight ferry from Melbourne to Devonport (trust us, overnight is much better than day crossing), and from there it is a 1.5 hour drive to the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

Albany, Western Australia

There are countless scenic roads to travel in Australia, but not all of them keep their magical sheen in winter time. The one that does so admirably is the south-bound trip from Perth to Albany. The whole drive spans about 400 km, and it provides a variety of sights, smells and impressions that make for a complete road trip. From the palate-soothing wineries along the Margaret River to whale spotting on Little Beach (voted as the 5th best Australian top secret spot) in the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, with a whole bunch of history, local culture and cuisine in between in places such as Bridgetown, Pemberton or Denmark, this road trip can fill a whole campervan with memories and impressions. How to get there: travel from Perth to Margaret River across Busselton, and make sure you take a few stops along the way. The second leg from Margaret to Albany is much shorter, but also provides an array of gorgeous local places to visit.

Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria

When life gives you winter, some will make a proverbial “winternade”, while others will seek out some warmth for the frozen bones. If it’s warmth you seek, warmth you shall find in a magical place known as the Peninsula Hot Springs. As their name suggests, the Peninsula Hot Springs are mineral hot water springs scattered about in a busy order across winding paths. Each individual spring is marked for water temperature and designed in a unique spa fashion, so you won’t have a hard time finding a pool that’s just right. Once you do, just enjoy the pleasing sensation of warmth on your naked body as you think of all the poor cold souls you left behind. How to get there: From Melbourne, the Hot Springs are a relaxed hour and a half drive away as you traverse the Mornington Peninsula.

The Prairie Hotel, South Australia

It wouldn’t be a proper road trip selection without venturing into South Australia’s outback, now would it? Not only is the drive there a sensational experience in any season, but the glorious sights awaiting at the final destination are alone worth the trip. Established in 1876, The Prairie Hotel is a slice of cowboy heaven located in the grassland flats looking over the remote Flinders Ranges. It offers dining fit for a king, as well as numerous trails for hiking and cycling. In wintertime the days are usually clear and warm, but rarely annoyingly hot, while the nights are quite fresh and the temperatures can sometimes even drop below zero, calling for some obligatory extra blanket time, which we consider an essential part of the experience. How to get there: With Adelaide as your starting point, you’re in for a serious drive. Take a three and a half hour ride from Adelaide to Port Augusta, and then another two hour drive to Parachilna, although some of the sights you come across may nudge you towards a detour or two.

Port Douglas, Queensland

Released under a Creative Commons license by Malcolm Jacobson – www.24track.net

Finally, for those of you who like your summer all year round, we’ve saved a slice of summer heaven for last. Winter rarely comes to Australia’s north in any semblance of its true form, and the water temperatures are pleasant throughout the year. Better yet, in winter months you will miss the brunt of the usual tourist onslaught, savoring this slice of tropicana without worrying about any stray elbows. How to get there: Port Douglas is only a one-hour drive away from Cairns, but we strongly urge you to consider the (admittedly far longer) road from Brisbane. It will take you well over a day to reach your destination, but if you can carve out the time you will have a fame scenic route to keep you company all the way. As you can see, Australia has plenty to offer to road trip aficionados this time of year. Make sure you grab yourself a free transfer car to make your splendid winter adventure even more convenient and affordable. Image1 Image2 Image3 Image4 Image5

Best Spots for Family-friendly Skiing Holidays in New Zealand

Planning a holiday with kids can be a bit of a head scratcher, as finding activities for all parties to enjoy is a difficult balancing act, as there’s a limited supply of destinations offering fun for the whole family. Thankfully, winter provides us with an easy solution, and when it comes to skiing in New Zealand we’ve got you covered. And while you’re planning your winter holidays, keep in mind that you can always find a free campervan that will allow your family to travel in style even if you are on a tight budget.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Even though its outside face is primarily aimed at experienced skiers, Cardrona offers plenty for the entire family. The resort provides a ski school for the younglings and the less experienced, and there’s a number of beginner runs to hone your skiing skills. Of course, if the parents or the children are already well-versed in the arts of snow, Cardrona has some of the finest skiing facilities in this part of the world. As an added bonus, families can actually sleep on the mountain, unlike many other skiing resorts in NZ, which makes it far easier for the family to reach skiing tracks.

The Remarkables

With the majority of its facilities consisting of relatively easy tracks intended for beginners and intermediate skiers, The Remarkables are an ideal winter destination for the whole family, regardless of its collective skiing level. And if, by chance, you have a daredevil or two among your ranks, they’ll be happy to explore the three terrain parks dedicated to ski and board acrobatics. It is a bit further from Queenstown than some other options, but certainly worthy of extra mileage.

Snow Farm New Zealand

If you are looking to introduce your young’uns to the magic of snow, circle Snow Farm on your map! The resort caters to winter casuals, as it is completely free of any nasty slopes and tracks that require a high skill level. Snow Farm New Zealand is there for the simple winter pleasures, like building a snowman or enjoying a good old snow fight. And if you’d still like a bit of physical activity on your holiday, the resort also offers a number of groomed trails for cross country skiing.

Treble Cone

Blessed with the longest vertical runs in all of the South Island, Treble Cone is a dream come true for experienced skiers and winter adventurists. Fortunately for families, it offers a diverse set of trails suitable for all skill levels. The less versed can also use a free chair lift, while the maestros can enjoy some of the numerous steep slopes on offer, and even go off map and explore the less beaten paths without the hassle of a crowded track.

Coronet Peak

Finally, we’re topping the list off with a skiing resort capable of meeting the needs of the whole family with Coronet Peak . About a quarter of its facilities is reserved for beginner trails, making it a perfect starting point for an education in skiing or snowboarding, particularly if you factor in the early learning centre for children of six and under. This comes handy if you’d like some alone time while being sure that your kids are safe and cared for.

At the same time, the resort provides a number of testing runs for skilled skiers, while on weekends you can also enjoy a bit of night skiing. And even if your children (or any other family members) care not a thing for skiing, they can still enjoy some winter magic in the form of a tubing park for sliding downhill on large inflatables.

New Zealand provides a number of phenomenal winter facilities to suit all types of enthusiasts and travellers. Make sure you take everyone’s interests and abilities into account before you make your decision, and don’t forget – that free transfer campervan is still waiting!