New Zealand has numerous microclimates within its regions. We quickly learned that the weather between the eastern and western sections is remarkably different, with the western side suffering from stronger winds, more rain, and a prevailing wind. The east coast boasts milder weather, more sunshine and lower rainfall. We found these generalizations to be on…Continue reading New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty (Napier, Opotiki, Rotorua)
Category: Oceania
New Zealand – Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Taranaki
Our Interislander ferry crossing was originally scheduled for 13 July but a few days prior to our departure, we received an ominous warning that all ferry crossings would be cancelled due to a massive winter storm. Since making Interislander ferry changes was free, so we decided to err on the side of caution and depart…Continue reading New Zealand – Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Taranaki
New Zealand – Tasman, Nelson & Marlborough (St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti, Abel Tasman, Nelson, French Pass, Picton)
We saved the northern section of the south island for last because we were scheduled to meet the ferry in Picton for the short ride across the Cook Strait to Wellington. This section of New Zealand did not disappoint with some spectacular sights for our last 2 weeks. First up was pretty Nelson Lakes National…Continue reading New Zealand – Tasman, Nelson & Marlborough (St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti, Abel Tasman, Nelson, French Pass, Picton)
New Zealand – Westland (Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Oparara Basin)
After crossing Arthur’s Pass, we entered the Westland region. Quaint Hokitika welcomed us with its scenic gorge, glow worms and driftwood beach. From there, we hit Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and got up close and personal with the glaciers on a couple of scenic hikes. After camping at remote Gillespies beach, we were up…Continue reading New Zealand – Westland (Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Oparara Basin)
New Zealand – Canterbury (Christchurch, Lake Clearwater, Mt Cook, Timaru, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs)
It was a shock to our system to fly in from tropical Samoa to New Zealand during winter! Thankfully, there were tons of op shops (second hand stores) for us to score some cheap winter gear. We flew from Auckland to the gateway of Canterbury (Christchurch) where we kicked off our adventure, linking up with…Continue reading New Zealand – Canterbury (Christchurch, Lake Clearwater, Mt Cook, Timaru, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs)