14 days, 2400 kilometres, two calm ferry rides, one horrible virus, one broken contact lens, and countless family memories.
Dunedin to Waverley and back again by car, with various side trips along the way.
What a way to spend the school holidays.
Dunedin – Kurow – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch – Blenheim – Waverley – Wellington – Hanmer Springs – Methven – Dunedin
As I’ve been writing about the various places in New Zealand that we’ve visited, it suddenly occurred to me that some of you may not be able to visualise where this this journey is taking you. As I picture our country and map out a route that makes perfect sense to me, you might be left scratching your head.
Well, dear reader, wonder no more! Here is a very badly edited* map of New Zealand for your viewing pleasure.
So far, we’ve gone bush in The Catlins, eaten delicious seafood in Invercargill & Bluff, admired stunning landscapes in Fiordland, been adventuring in Queenstown, journeyed through Central Otago, relaxed in Wanaka, explored the rugged The West Coast, and enjoyed wine and sunshine in Nelson-Marlborough.
Now that we’re at the top of the South Island, we’re going to jump islands and tiki tour around the North Island, before heading back over the strait to visit the east coast of the south.
*I usually use PicMonkey to edit images, but it seems to be having a wee barney with the laptop at the moment. Sigh. Paint it is then.
Golden sand. Hot summer days. Crisp sauvignon blanc. These are the words that spring to mind whenever someone mentions Nelson and Marlborough. Having spent some time in this region in the midst of summer, I can confirm that this is certainly what you get.
Nelson
A visit to Nelson is about two things, really: beaches and national parks. Of the former, there are a number of gorgeous beaches to explore; Tahunanui and Kaiteriteri are the most notable. Of the latter, there are three within 90 minutes of the city: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi. They each offer something different and unique. In the city itself, you can climb up to the not-exactly-geographical centre of New Zealand, which affords fantastic views.
Blenheim
Wineries. That pretty much sums up why you’d visit Blenheim. There’s no shortage of them, but our recommendations are Wither Hills (mainly for the lunch, which is divine), Hunter’s Wines, and Allan Scott.
Picton
Known mainly for its ferry terminal for crossing Cook Strait to Wellington, Picton is a small town with one major tourist attraction: the Edwin Fox. It’s the world’s 9th oldest ship, permanently moored in Picton. You can wander through it; I’m not a ship fan normally, but when I went through it as a 16-year-old girl, I found it pretty interesting like, okay, I guess. Picton is also the gateway to beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound.
Tall, Short, Tiny & a Pickle 