After the night spent in Oamaru I drove to Pukaki! The weather forecast was pretty good but with my travelmate we preferred to wait until the second day on the spot to go to Mount Cook because it was announced without a cloud! Around Pukaki lake After a cloudy early morning the weather got a little up for a nice view of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook: I had seen that Lake Benmore was pretty nice. The best view is…
From Dunedin to Oamaru
23 December 2018After visiting the Catlins, I went to visit Dunedin, my colleague receiving me to her beautiful home! Then on the way to Mount Cook I stopped at two “penguins” spots before spending the night in Oamaru. Tunnel beach It’s really the mythical beach of Dunedin. Finally not too much beach is rather a rock 😉. After a short downhill walk (beware of the climb!) We arrive on this beautiful tunnel rock. After a small mud accident 😅 I went down…
Catlins – For animal lovers
9 December 2018After leaving Wanaka I drove first to Invercargill and then to the Catlins! From Invercargill to Curio bay Bluff The only detour that seemed interesting before the Catlins at Invercargill is Bluff to take the mythical picture of the signals. This is the end of Route 1 which starts at Cape Reinga. Apart from that, not much tourist interest in the area (and especially when the weather is not good …). Waipapa ligthouse First stop in the Catlins to meet some…
Queenstown – Wanaka
4 December 2018Arriving from the West Coast, Queenstown was the first stop. Maybe not the most logical order but my travelmate had planned a couchsurfing in Queenstown immediately. The walks around Wanaka were therefore done in a second time. I didn’t pass that much time in Queestown as I already visit it in april. Glenorchy The first day we went for a walk in Glenorchy. Knowing that the sky was quite cloudy but no rain! On the road you will see signs…
West coast and Arthur’s Pass
28 November 2018After the hike in Abel Tasman and a day in Golden bay I went to the West Coast. Here clearly when there is a big sun is that you are lucky 😉. Pancakes rocks On the west coast, a first stop is to note: pancakes Rocks. These are eroded rocks in stacks of pancakes! A small way forward is made to have views on all parts. Arthur’s Pass After a night by a lake I went to Arthur’s Pass. Do not…
Abel Tasman Coast Track – Great Walk
18 November 2018During my stay in New Zealand I wanted to do at least one great walk! It was my first hike on few days in autonomy. I chose Abel Tasman Coast Track because it’s known as “easy” and is the sunniest region of New Zealand! Booking The reservation is made on the DOC website. For information, if you have a WHV and at the time of the hike you’ve been in NZ for more than 6 months you can have the…
Nelson area
2 November 2018After the ferry on Sunday October 14, I spent two days around Nelson. Then a day in the Golden Bay after the Abel Tasman Track. Cullen Point On the road between Picton and Nelson I stopped at Cullen Point. A short walk of one hour. Not bad in the forest but from time to time a small thinning between the branches allowed to have a nice view. I advise you to stop there only if you really have the time,…
A week road trip in North Island
25 October 2018After my road trip day in Cathedral Cove, I packed my stuff, loaded my van and left on the roads Monday, October 8th afternoon! I had a week in the North Island before I took the ferry on Sunday morning. Taranaki The weather is a little capricious that week in the North Island I adapted my ride with the weather application by my side 😅. I would ideally go down quietly to mount Taranaki but it was raining from Wednesday…
Cathedral cove again! A beach day
12 October 2018Before officially going on a road trip I wanted to see Coromandel and particularly Cathedral Cove one last time! Journey The Coromandel and its mythical Cathedral Cove are not really on the way to another destination. That’s why I preferred to make an express round trip from Auckland. I probably would not have time to come back after … After the escape room organized by my collegues on the occasion of my leaving I drove directly to Whitianga. Well, almost,…
New Caledonia – Summary, tips and budget
19 September 2018Taking the opportunity of a running race organized in Noumea I went to spend a week in New Caledonia. It was not especially on my list of islands / countries to visit but I was really conquered! Trip – Day 1-3 : Noumea (“capitale” of Caledonia): Airbnb at Jane‘s house for 13663Fr (144,5E). => The perfect host that will bring you shopping or Magenta Airport if needed. – Day 3-5 : Isle of Pines : Atchu ca;psite in hut for 4250Fr per night…