Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[worldfan]

As part of a RTW, my bf and I are spending 3 weeks in NZ. Hoping to do at least 7-10 days in campervan on S. Island, then heading north to fly out of Auckland. We fly into Christchurch around end of Feb. Some questions (and ScottWoz, if you're still around, i'd love some of your invaluable advice...
1. Are there any recommended discount camper companies? Would kinda like a shower, so we can park up in some remote spots - is that worth the extra expense?

2. What about the insurance packages they offer? $54 NZD for full insurance, camping gear, sleeping gear seems a lot - is it worth it?

3. For logistics - if we round trip the S Island: Cchurch - Cchurch, then caught the train / bus (?) to Picton for the passenger ferry, can we make our way easily up to Auckland? Or should we attempt to take the camper all the way up?

4. And while we're at it - tell me your top three 'don't miss' spots....

Thanks for your feedback everyone! I just booked our tickets TODAY and we leave in less than 3 months!!!! So excited )
about first trip of this kind, and your stories and blogs have been brilliant inspiration.

[ScottWoz]

Hey there worldfan, welcome to the Travelpod forums..

I'm currently getting kicked off the net here and have just found your post, bad timing. 7-10 days campervanning in the South Island? You'll have a BLAST - it'll be tight but you should get round the majority and see some of the top hotspots. There's lots to consider. 3 months? You must be about to explode. I'll be back soon with some angles and suggestions for yers. Hang in there..

[worldfan]

Cheers Scott - i knew you'd turn up somewhere!! Definitely more interested in S Island than North, so this part of trip could go for 10-14 days, as long as we get time to get to Auckland for next flight. And of course i need to count in a day for a skydive in Q-town!!! I found the AA '101 Best of' list which looks like a good place to start. But always seeking moe insider info.

Thanks for your help. Hope you're still having fun too!

[fourloves]

Abel. Tasman. (f you like hiking or kayaking that is) I would at least rent kayaks for the day at motueka. I had never gone kayaking in my life, and now I'm hooked from that one experience.

The drive to takaka is amazing. If you take the camper across to the north by ship (will run you $200 at least), I recommend the less-used Queen Eliz. II highway to picton from nelson. It is full of hairpin turns that will have you gripping the wheel with some fervour, but the exended time and scenery gained is really worth it. (I guess it depends on the size of your camper!)

Even if you can't get onto the Milford Sound trek, you should still drive to the town! It's pretty stunning as well, and you could have a day picnic on the way there (stop at the hollyford area or such for a nice spot) Steep driving though, but this is south NZ, get used to it! The waterfalls on the way alone are worth it.

I think alot of people used the new 'spaceships' (orange nissan van things that have lots of cool gagedtry), and I would give that a look for sure. Otherwise Keas and other generic campers are going to be pretty straightforward, so find the best price with those 'uns. I don't have much experience with campers myself, so maybe others would be more helpful here.

"don't miss" HELL PIZZA! Oh my word, what a great pizza they make. Oh yeah, mac's beer - especially the cloudy weissbeer.

Tongariro park will blow your mind - If you do just the one day in-out trek, plan to spend some time wandering around the 'mount doom' area, many people just hike in, take pictures, and hike out - the area around it is what make it what it is - a buildup of many diverse landscapes that point to the culmination of evil that is the sulfurous mountain. (I must say that the three day trek is really worth it, go counterclockwise for the best kind of "Lord of the Rings" dramatic suspenseful buildup)

Wellington is better than Auckland. Ha. So there, I've started a flame post.

Have a great time, it's SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY! I know I sound like a teenage girl on MSN here, but holy crap I get excited when people talk about New Zealand, what a great country. Don't forget to post and let us know how you enjoyed it!

Cheers, MacK

[ScottWoz]

Hi again Worldfan,

Sorry for the delay. I've been sorely connection-less for far too long but not anymore. Was thinking about your logistics issue. Do you have to return the camper to Christchurch or can you 'do the loop' so to speak and then zig-zag your way up through the North Island and over to Auckland? This will have a significant impact on your options but will still be workable either way. 10-14 days will be tight of course but I think you could stil fit in your must-do's depending on what your interests are and what fires you up. Can you shed any light?

Agree with Mack, (and his Wellington comment) the drive to Takaka is a MUST. And the Spaceships. These little beauties were launched (no pun intended) while I was campervanning over there myself. They're a subsidiary company to Stray Travel (one of the better backpacker bus networks) and are impressively equipped (loads of surprising gadgets) for two people touring NZ. I'd certainly consider doing NZ by spaceship. Check them out here.

In the meantime let us know your interests and inklings and we'll see what we can do to help. Catch yer soon..