6. Waiotapu Geothermal Area
This had some pretty cool geothermal pools and the kids seemed to love it. The only disappointing thing was the geyser. If you’ve ever seen Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be disappointed by their man-made geyser. To activate it, they have to pour soap down into it and then we sit and watch while it bubbles and eventually bursts probably 20 feet for a few seconds. We left and we promised the kids we’d take them to go see a real geyser at Yellowstone National Park (which we did!).
7. Huka Falls
Another must-see on our New Zealand road trip is Huka Falls! It’s amazing! Not only is it so powerful, but the color of the water is identical to the blue Glacier Freeze Gatorade. It is really cool! (Make sure you walk the little trails that take you downstream to see different views.)
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
One of the many views!
8. Flat Hills Cafe & Campground
Campgrounds in this area are scarce, co we didn’t have any other choice than to stay at this one. Luckily, it was the best campground out of all the campgrounds during our New Zealand road trip! If you’re traveling as a family, don’t miss this stop! They have a bounce house, small farm animals to feed and pet, playground, bikes of all sizes, acres of soft green grass, and a huge maze! After a day of traveling, it was perfect for the kids to get out and have fun. The staff was phenomenal, too – super friendly!
9. Castlepoint
I love lighthouses and this one didn’t disappoint! It was a small hike and had a great view. Right beside it, there’s a good beach for the family to play on. We stayed at the Castlepoint Holiday Park. If you’re lucky (like we were), you’ll get a spot right on the beach with a great view of the Lighthouse!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Castlepoint Lighthouse
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Our campsite with a view of Castlepoint Lighthouse!
10. The Weta Cave
This was cooler than I thought! My husband really wanted to go here because he’s a big fan of special effects and Peter Jackson movies. We did the Weta Workshop Tour and it didn’t disappoint. We saw some amazing things that were used on set of popular movies like Lord of the Rings; King Kong; The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe; and a lot more. I even got to carry around the same sword that Tom Cruise used on the set of The Last Samurai! They didn’t allow a lot of pictures, so you’ll have to go see it for yourself.
11. North Island Harbor
We rode a ferry to the South Island. It was our first time experiencing anything like this, so it was really cool to us! It is really crazy how they organize all the vehicles (even big semi-trucks) on the ferry. The trip was about 3 hours long.
12. South Island Harbor
We drove off the ferry and headed right to our next destination.
13. Bethany Park Campground
This was a very relaxing campground. Although the playground was VERY outdated, the kids still had plenty of room to run around and play. (We were right by the famous Abel Tasman National Park, but didn’t do anything because it was all so expensive or included extremely long hikes. If Brandon and I go back as a couple, we will definitely do it, but it didn’t work out this time with the fam.)
14. Riverview Holiday Park
This is a huge campground with some spots right on the river. (Bring your bugspray!!)
15. Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
We had not planned on making this stop; in fact, we didn’t even know this existed until we drove right by it! We had the extra time, so we tried it out. The swing bridge was the scariest thing I’ve ever done!! But, once you get across, take the short hike to the river! It was beautiful and a perfect nature break for the family. We all had a blast! On the way back, we decided to go biplane instead because I refused to go back on the swing bridge! haha It was a very good surprise stop! I highly recommend planning this stop into your New Zealand road trip!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Buller Gorge Swing Bridge – the scariest moment of my life!!
16. Cape Foulwind
Beautiful views!!!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Gorgeous rocky beach view at Cape Foulwind.
Leave A Comment