Route: New Zealand itinerary 4-8 weeks Part 1 (2017) Giving yourself some time to explore New-Zealand? Then this is the ideal route for you, perfect when staying from 4 up to 8 weeks in New-Zealand. The best way would be to start in Auckland and finish in Christchurch (or travel in opposite direction), that would get a rough 1.000km of this travel route. This route will get you to almost all corners of New-Zealand, showing you both the most Northern and Southern part of the country and almost everything in between, from amazing beaches to one of the best day hikes in the world; the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Duration: 1 dag(en) 10 uur 29 min Distance: 2545 km
-37.00145594210081, 174.78930473327637-35.28157072352238, 174.0922737121582 90 Mile Beach 90 Mile Beach is, unlike the name suggests, only 90 kilometers. Long it was used as a main road between Kaitaia and Cape Reinga. Now it is mainly special tour buses that use it as a tourist attraction and thrill seekers who want to experience what it is like to ride on a beach. That it can go wrong can be seen on the beach, car roofs sometimes stabbing just above the sand. It is therefore not suitable for every car, we ventured out to our bus. And to this day I sometimes regret it. -35.035697853671, 173.16779138753 The road is when the tide is low only passable. so make sure you are aware of when the water is at its lowest state. Only the hard sand is in fact driveable. The risk 's are completely on their own account, so you get stuck then the chance that no one comes to the rescue exists. Be careful!
Cape Reinga Maybe some touristy but this certainly is not something so skip. The road and walk to it alone are worth it. But the main attraction has to be the unique face of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean that converge here. A clear dividing line that runs through the sea, with waves storing a result. Cape Reinga through Abel Tasman has a small Dutch flavor so a nice explanation for our national history. Note also the vegetation, herein you can clearly see the effect of this place. -34.426824888621, 172.67759084704 Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank. The nearest gas station is 80 kilometers from Cape Reinga. Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) The Kauri tree is estimated to be 2,000 years old and is the oldest (known) Kauri tree in New Zealand. The Kauri Tree is unique to New Zealand and the reasons why a visit. 52 meters high and a circumference of 13 meters is more than an impressive sight. This mighty tree next to his age and size also Maori mythology. It would be the son of "Ranginui the Sky father" and "mother Papatuanuku the earth." -35.600911995498, 173.52832317352 There is no one path from the parking lot to Tane Mahuta (5 min). Here are two "viewing platforms ". Kauri trees have very weak roots so there should not be shut up in the vicinity of the tree.
Cathedral Cove A short walk (45 minutes) goes to one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. Tucked between the high rock walls lies a snow-white beach. Actually, the two beaches, which are connected to each other by the Cathedral Cove. There is more than just the Cathedral Cove, the path is clear also by Stingray Bay (you can see them swim!) and Gemstone Bay where a nice snorkel route is plotted. Take beach and snorkel gear so too it! -36.8277506, 175.7906892 can be parked at the Grange Road. From the parking lot starts the path that runs to the Cathedral Cove. Be sure you badspullen not, it is the ideal place to relax for a few hours. Do you take your snorkel gear sure to take the route in Gemstone Bay! Hot Water Beach During low tide will be a part of the beach where a free hot spring just is hidden below the surface. This warm groundwater is easy to reach by digging a hole. Allows you to own Hot Water Pool are made. The part of the beach where it is possible, just not that big, so it soon looks like a bunch of flies on honey. The phenomenon is nice to see, but do not expect to relax can sit in your Hot Pool. -36.886714336075, 175.82316126826 Two hours before or after low tide, the hot springs are accessible. Keep this in mind in planning, online consulting the tide. In can be hired to create the village of Hot Water Beach, but this is not necessary.
Rotorua Rotorua is a unique place, if only for a moment, certainly must be done. The closer you get, the stronger the smell of sulfur. Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal areas of New Zealand and this is the reason of this remarkable fragrance. Behold volcanic craters, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools or soak in geothermal hot pools. -38.136881554543, 176.2538230577 More information: http://www.rotoruanz.com/ Definitely wrong with is the view of the lake where Rotorua. Besides the many paid pools, hot pools, etc. There are also some free accessible in the area. Huka Falls The passage of the Huka Falls water passes is not so great, and by the type of rock wear this not so easy, so the water is pushed with great force through. Although there is not much visible height remains an impressive sight to see how much and how fast the water flows through the Waikato River. -38.648636, 176.09005 From the parking lot will direct a short walk (and on) the Huka Falls. More water violence can be seen at the lower dam, but this is at regular intervals. Hot Stream (Spa Thermal Park) Spa Thermal Park is free and is a large park (in itself not very special from what I've seen). Especially fine Hot Stream which flows into the Waikato River. An ideal mix of hot and cold water, lovely to relax! Many locals come on weekends to the park, and specifically this Hot Stream. At these times it may therefore be busier. -38.669445078982, 176.0854446888 There are several pools, which are closer to the source. Here, the temperature of the water varies, therefore, and may even be called. You can park on the parking lot of the park, there are, however hours. Keep this in mind!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing The Tongariro Alpine Crossing i one of the most beautiful one day hikes in New-Zealand, and the world. An absolute most do when you have enough time. The walk is 20km and takes around 7 hours. Side tracks are possible to extend the hike. During the hike you get treated with amazing views on volcanos (Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings), lava fields and epic blue lakes. -39.1010522, 175.6488574 More information: http://www.reizenin.net/de-tongariro-alpine-crossing/ The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is NOT a loop, so it has a different start and finish point. Make sure to arrange a pick up service or something similar (around 30$). Check the weather before heading out, as it can get dangerous out there. Climbing Mt Taranaki / Egmont Maori legend says that Mount Taranaki was first among the mountains in the Tongariro National Park. After a fierce fight which he lost Taranaki left (or was exiled) to where it is now. The mountain can be climbed from the car park at the information center. From here, considering the ascent is 1.6 kilometers, almost vertically upwards. The ascent and descent takes about 8 hours and can be done unaccompanied. It is a horrible climb with the best views with eternal snow. And therefore probably the most climbed mountain in New Zealand. -39.29498546816, 174.06463623047 The weather is treacherous, therefore always walk into the information center. You can also find more information about the climb there. High hiking shoes are recommended! Don't be that guy/girl on sandals or sneakers..
Wellington Botanic Garden The Wellington Botanic Garden covers an area of 25 hectares. Grass Plains are interspersed with landscaped flower / plant beds. But also a rose garden. The garden is built on a hill so there is quite some height. There is a cable car to the top part, this special is not real. But it's run upwards. A return ticket is required. -41.283063287313, 174.76666688919 The red cable car is mentioned everywhere, exciting is not however. If you still want to experience it, just buy a ticket to the top and walk through the Botanic Garden down. Do not forget to visit the Begonia House. Te Papa Museum It's a shame not to visit the Te Papa Museum if you are in Wellington. Most of it is free and gives a good picture of New Zealand. Emphasis will be put on the ground floor on the rich New Zealand nature, but also the emergence of the country and the effects of the volcanic activity. Also in the museum are the cultural influences of the Maori offerings. You walk therefore easily around all day! -41.290421281935, 174.78209308731 There is a lot of variety within the museum, the time also flies. Do you really want to get everything with it might be wise to make two (half) days before pulling out. Besides the free section there are also paid for temporary exhibitions.