The numbers, the planning, and the highlights behind the diary
Actual GPS route from Paul's phone — drag to pan, scroll/pinch to zoom, click a dot for the place name.
| Place | Dates | Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | 13–14 Feb | 2 | Explored on foot and by tram; TranzAlpine day trip to Greymouth |
| Ashburton | 15 Feb | 1 | Collected the campervan |
| Timaru | 16 Feb | 1 | Via Geraldine |
| Oamaru | 17 Feb | 1 | Via Waimate, Otematata, Deep Hole |
| Portobello (Dunedin) | 18 Feb | 1 | Moeraki Boulders, Scottish band festival in Dunedin |
| Newhaven (Catlins) | 19 Feb | 1 | Sea lions at Cannibal Bay |
| Invercargill | 20 Feb | 1 | Cathedral Caves, McLean Falls, Curio Bay |
| Pinders Pond | 21 Feb | 1 | Freedom camp near Tapanui |
| Balclutha | 22 Feb | 1 | Via Roxburgh, Alexandra, Ranfurly |
| Manapouri | 23–24 Feb | 2 | Doubtful Sound day tour |
| Mackay Creek (Fiordland NP) | 25 Feb | 1 | Milford Sound drive |
| Bannockburn (Cromwell) | 26 Feb | 1 | Via Te Anau, Queenstown |
| Albert River (Wanaka) | 27 Feb | 1 | Via Omarama and Lindis Pass |
| Haast | 28 Feb | 1 | Haast Pass, Blue Pools, Jackson Bay |
| Fox Glacier | 1 Mar | 1 | Waiatoto River Safari |
| Lake Ianthe / Matahi | 2 Mar | 1 | Fox & Franz Josef glacier walks, kiwi at the Wildlife Centre |
| Westport | 3 Mar | 1 | Via Hokitika, Greymouth, Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki |
| Berlin's (Buller River) | 4 Mar | 1 | Cape Foulwind, Karamea |
| Motueka | 5 Mar | 1 | Via Reefton, Murchison, St Arnaud |
| Nelson | 6 Mar | 1 | Farewell Spit via Takaka Hill |
| Blenheim | 7 Mar | 1 | Via Nelson, Picton |
| Cheviot | 8 Mar | 1 | Marlborough wineries, Kaikoura |
| Brighton (Christchurch) | 9 Mar | 1 | Akaroa day trip |
| Christchurch → home | 10 Mar | — | Return van, fly home |
From memory Kayleen did most of the planning for this trip. She researched and booked the flights, the first three nights' accommodation (we arrived at midnight on the 12th) the campervan and the TranzAlpine train. For the rest of the trip we booked caravan park spots as we went. We made use of their wonderful camp kitchens most of the time, rather than cooking in the van. We booked the Doubtful Sound tour a week or so in advance when the weather report looked good. The rest of the route was configured to see as much of the South Island as possible. The campervan was a bit of a disappointment, it was built on a very old chassis, so it had none of the mod cons like cruise control. It also struggled to get up hills, of which there are an awful lot in New Zealand. On the plus side we loved the "van life" experience, and the freedom to stop and stay wherever we wanted. When you stop you have your kitchen, wardrobe and bed with you!
I loved the scenery. NZ is just jam packed with postcard views. I was surprised by how cold it got, but that is also part of the charm. I think my favourite spot is still Queenstown. This was our first time there apart from skiing. I think I could spend a month just there.
[Kayleen's best memory from this trip]