Welcome to part 2 of my series about our 55-day trip to New Zealand and Australia with Fantasy RV Tours. If you missed part 1 you can find it here. I hope you enjoy the tips, information, and photos of our journey to the amazing land down under.
New Zealand North Island: Apr 13-Apr 25
After our 2.5 weeks exploring the South Island in our rental RVs, we boarded the ferry for a 3-hour ride over to Wellington on the North Island. The RVs were in the bottom of the ship while we had comfortable seating up top with food and drinks. Once we arrived, we headed north into the interior of the island. We marveled at the gorgeous scenery along the way.
Both islands are home to some of the friendliest people we have met. As American tourists, we found the local New Zealanders to be quick with a welcoming “Kia Ora.” This Maori greeting literally means have life or be healthy but is used commonly to say hello, good morning, good luck, or take care. The vast majority of New Zealand’s Maori population resides on the North Island and we had the chance to experience some of their history and tradition during our time on the “land of the big white cloud.”
As with their roads and RVs, the New Zealand campgrounds are on the smaller side compared to many in the US. However, we found that they offer much in the way of community gathering areas. We mostly stayed at Top 10 Holiday Parks which offered a nice communal kitchen, often with full cooking and serving supplies, so that families had a place to prepare and serve meals. Campers shared these spaces and often met new friends along the way.
Tongariro National Park
Home to three active volcanic mountains and majestic landscapes, Tongariro National Park has attracted adventurers of all ages since 1887. We stopped at the visitor center to learn about the area and the country’s first national park. Although we visited before the wintertime activities, it was fun to ride the glass-bottomed Sky Waka gondola ski lift up to the top of the Mt Ruapehu for amazing views of the otherworldly volcanic terrain. After riding New Zealand’s longest gondola, we had a delicious high tea at their highest restaurant (6,627 feet high).
Taupo
Next, we continued north to the town of Taupo. This region is a center of volcanic and geothermal activity and is known for its beauty and wide range of outdoor recreation options. Lake Taupo is the namesake of the town. The largest lake by surface area in the country, it sits in a caldera created by a supervolcanic eruption over 25,000 years ago.
We enjoyed a relaxing day at the Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Spas. Its pools offer 4 different temperature levels and draw their healing properties from silica terraces and underground geothermal mineral waters. The self-guided Terrace Walk showcases Maori carvings, geysers, and silica terraces and pools.
Another fun activity was our river cruise to Huka Falls, the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. We could hear the sound of its nearly a quarter of a million liters of water per second thundering into the Waikato River below even before we could see it! Our river cruise gave us an up close look at the mesmerizing waterfall.
Next we walked to the nearby Aratiatia Dam to watch one of the daily water releases. Several times a day the spill gates are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past at 90,000 liters per second. This natural drop has been harnessed for environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power for this region.
Rotorua
We made a stop enroute to tour the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. New Zealand’s most colorful and diverse geothermal attraction is akin to Yellowstone National Park and even has their own Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily. Afterwards, we drove on to the town of Rotorua which was one of my favorite stops. We had an extra day here to enjoy all of the available sights.
The Redwood Tree Walk among the large trees was breathtaking. Who knew they had redwoods in New Zealand?! We actually learned that lumber is a big industry here on the north island. We loved our peaceful walk along 28 suspension bridges through redwood trees that are over 120 years old.
The Agridome is a 350-acre working farm where we saw an informative and entertaining performance that showcases the country’s different types of sheep. We were very excited to book a tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery (on the same property) to learn about the native bird and conservation efforts to help the species. The icing on the cake was a visit to the nearby Timberline Racing Huskies to see the sled dogs in action. Afterwards we all enjoyed cuddle time with the dogs!
We finished our time in Rotorua with a Maori Cultural Show and Traditional Hangi Feast. Our hosts were very welcoming and shared their history and culture with us through local foods, dance, and shows.
Waitomo
We made a quick stop in Waitomo to see the magnificent cave systems there. We toured Ruakuri Cave, the largest in the area with its spectacular man-made, multi- level spiral entrance pathway. Once down inside we explored extensive limestone formations and crystal structures, culminating with seeing their famous glowworms up close. Not actually worms, glowworms are the larvae of a fungus gnat and are known for their mesmerzing blue and green glow which can be seen at night or in dark caves.
Hobbiton
Another enroute stop and crowd favorite was Hobbiton, the Lord of the Rings movie site. I will have to admit that I am not a big science fiction/fantasy fan, but I loved the rolling hills and lush green pastures of The Shire! A large staff of gardeners and landscapers keep the flowers and plants in glorious bloom and everywhere you look there is picturesque beauty.
Our tour guide led us past the 44 Hobbit Holes and entertained us with facts about the movie filming. A newly added tour through the inside of one Hobbit Hole revealed the most fantastic details of these charming dwellings.
Paihia
A long drive up to the very north of the North Island brought us to Paihia. Here we visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where we saw a carved meeting house, a museum, and a giant Maori canoe which marks the site of the founding of modern New Zealand. The 123-foot-long war canoe needed at least 80 men to safely paddle all 6 tons of it!
From Paihia, we made a fun ferry trip to the town of Russell, the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. We took a short guided tour of the town and then visited the Pompallier Mission and Printery. Here Catholic missionaries translated religious texts into Māori, then printed and bound them in leather.
On the way north we also stopped to see the Kauri Museum to learn the story of the ancient kauri forests and the people who developed industries to harvest the rich timber resources. Our drive took us by Tane Mahuta, which is considered the oldest and largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. This impressive tree, known as “The Lord of the Forest,” stands over 167 feet tall and 42 feet wide.
Auckland
Our very full time on the North Island ended in the city of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. We turned in our RVs and stayed at the Sky City Hotel for a few days of sightseeing. We had dinner one night at the rotating Orbit Restaurant atop the hotel and gazed out over the beautiful city as night fell.
During the day we were entertained on a bus tour of the city and then took the Pride of Auckland harbor cruise. It was a fun way to end our time in New Zealand.
Stay tuned for part 3 of our journey where we explore Australia!
What breathtaking scenery and amazing facts about New Zealand!! I love love love this blog! You made it all come alive ! Thanks!
That’s so sweet, Tammy. So glad you enjoyed all of the details about New Zealand. I highly recommend this beautiful destination:)