Take a road trip in the world’s most beautiful country, New Zealand and end with relaxation in paradisiacal French Polynesia.
New Zealand great for a road trip. The nature is outstanding, the population very hospitable, the roads good and the distances affordable. You experience everything in a rented mini-camper but you have full freedom to drive exactly where you want and be there for as long as you want. Almost.
After the trip around New Zealand as featured on best-medical-schools, the tour goes directly on to pure relaxation in French Polynesia. The dream of French Polynesia is not at all as unattainable as many believe. You stay six nights in a bungalow on the island of Moorea. The days are spent snorkeling, diving, kayaking, biking on the island, reading a book, taking a nap in the hammock and strolling along the water’s edge at sunset.
Day 1-2: Departure from SwedenDay 3: Arrival in New Zealand
You land in Auckland and head to your hostel. You have two nights in Auckland to get used to being on the other side of the world.
Day 4: On your own in Auckland
The day is free to explore Auckland. The city is also called the “City of Sails” because of the many boats that are always in the city’s marina. It is a modern city with everything you could wish for in terms of restaurants, cafes and not least good shopping opportunities. Auckland has a relatively small center, where Queen Street is the backbone. Most large chain stores, as well as well-known brand stores, are located along this street. You can also go up in the Skytower for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Day 5: Get your mini-camper – the self-drive adventure begins
You pick up the mini-camper at the depot and start your journey around New Zealand.
Day 6-19: 15: Drive-yourself in a camper Auckland-Christchurch
The time is entirely your own, but here are some suggestions on what to look for: North of Auckland is the Bay of Islands. This beautiful area is known for its many hours of sunshine and lovely beaches. Various boat trips are made in the area, where you can sail around to discover some of the 144 islands that make up the area. There is a chance to see both dolphins and whales on the tours. One of the highlights of Rotorua is experiencing a traditional Maori show, with a “Hangi” dinner, as well as the thermal areas. Wherever you are, you will see signs of geothermal activity underground. The city is famous and infamous for the stench of sulfur that hangs in the air. Wellington has many cozy restaurants and cafes and fascinating museums. For example, you can visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s interesting national museum. It is also possible to go on a guided tour of the Parliament buildings. Kaikoura is Sydön’s electoral capital. The city is known for the sperm whales that can be seen along the coast all year round. You can go on a whale safari. The waters off the coast have a unique marine life, as they are so rich in nutrients that they attract some of the most amazing creatures on our planet. Among other things, you can see the giant and very impressive whale sharks, which can be up to 20 meters long! During the boat trip, you may also be lucky enough to see Dusky dolphins, the rare Hector’s dolphin, fur seals and a wide range of seabirds, including king albatrosses. The west coast of New Zealand is barren but incredibly beautiful and you usually have a view of the frothy sea on one side and the fern-clad cliffs on the other side. The west coast of New Zealand is the wettest area in New Zealand. In some places it rains up to eight meters of rain per year. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are quite unusual, as some of the ice masses are actually in the rainforest. Go on a hike and get close to the glacier. It is also possible to take a helicopter ride and land on the glacier. Queenstown is beautifully situated between the mountain range “The Remarkables” and Lake Wakatipu. It is a city for all ages and souls. It has a cozy promenade and a plethora of different restaurants, cafes, casinos and a lot of shops, within a relatively small area. As I said, this community is also perfect for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. Here you can try bungee jumping, kite and paragliding, rafting and jet boating. Just outside the town at Glenorchy, you will find some of the places where The Lord of the Rings was filmed.
Day 20: You leave the camper in Christchurch
The motorhome is left in Christchurch and you go to your hotel in Christchurch. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the city.
Day 21: Departure for French Polynesia
Today you fly to the tropical paradise, French Polynesia. Here you will be picked up at the airport and driven to your guest house – you have the rest of the day to explore the capital Papetee.
Day 22 To Moorea
You drive to the port, from where you take the local ferry to Moorea. It is a short boat ride of 45 minutes, but you will definitely enjoy the breeze in your hair and the stunning views of the turquoise sea and the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. You spend five nights in a cozy local guesthouse in your own cottage with toilet, living room, terrace and kitchen. From here you can hike in the island’s volcanic landscape, swim in the turquoise sea, snorkel among colorful fish, kayak or just relax in the shade of the palm trees with a good book.
Day 23-26: The tropical paradise of French Polynesia
Moorea is a magical volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs. The island’s interior is lush with deep valleys covered by pineapple plantations, and along the coast there are both white and black sandy beaches. This is a total paradise! The days are free to use as you wish. Most guesthouses offer free rental bikes, kayaks and snorkeling equipment, but we can also definitely recommend that you rent a car for a few days. The coral reef around the island is unbeatable and if you are a diver you have ended up in paradise!
Day 27: Departure from French Polynesia
You travel from Tahiti via Los Angeles to Scandinavia. It is possible to make a stop in Los Angeles, if you want.
Day 28: Arrival in Scandinavia
Overnight stays
Two nights in a hostel in Auckland
Fifteen nights in your own camper
One night in a motel in Christchurch
One night in a guesthouse in Tahiti
Five nights in a guesthouse in French Polynesia
