On the Road - The New Zealand Travel Guide

To begin we have provided just the major routes with the towns and areas to visit. More detailed information is available when you click on the highlighted areas. It is planned so you can pick and choose the trip you are able to do in the time you have allocated.

Month by month we will continually traverse the South Island for nine months and then the North Island for three months letting you know about what we locate. All the information should be there to help you plan for the best holiday you ever had. Any questions let us know.

Picton - the South Island’s northern gateway
via ferry from Wellington -

Picton early morning........Picton Harbour......Marlborough Sounds
(click to enlarge photos for a better view)

Wellington to Picton to Kaikoura -

Depending on what time you get off the ferry will decide the amount of time you allow in Picton. I suggest a day in Picton is well worth it and a great place to re-group before moving on or take advantage of what else is available. The Holiday Park to stay is:
Picton Campervan Park.

From Picton to Blenheim is just 26 kilometers. You are entering Marlborough the largest wine District in New Zealand. The area is fabulous to explore especially if you enjoy good wines. Some of the best in the world is grown here. Many fine restaurants are in combination with the wineries also.
One of the finest way to visit the vineyards is to take a bicycle tour. Have a look at the Blenheim page for complete information.
If you want to cycle the vineyards and enjoy a friendly B&B go to: The Olde Mill House B&B.

From Blenheim one leaves the vineyard strewn hills and pass through great brown and barren lands via a winding road until finally you reach the sea.
This is one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand around Kaikoura and the place to visit the whales and much, much more. The place to stay in comfort is south of town at the:
Kaikoura Coastal Camp Grounds.

Be sure to check it out:

From Picton a drive along the scenic Marlborough Sounds via the QueenCharlotte Drive to Havelock. The drive will provide you with aspectacular view of the Sounds area. The road winds and twists up anddown the hills along the water and is narrow in places but in excellent condition plus a lack of traffic. The vistas are worth it as the areais one of New Zealand’snaturally beautiful locations. A great place to stay is at the Havelock Motor Camp right on the waterfront and marina. Havelock Motor Camp.

You pass through a place named Canvastown. For the adventuresome a turn on the left takes you to the Trout Hotel/Pub. If you continue on the side road past the pub you can follow the Wakamarina River road along until you find a wonderful campsite on the river.

Whatever you decide be sure to stop just before the Pelorus Bridge on the right at the marked campsite and pull down along the Pelorus River. This is one of New Zealand’s perfect post card vistas. Good spot to try some trout fishing also or swimming if the weather is right.

A place I really recommend for anyone to really experience a real family farm far out in the Marlborough Sounds is The Nikaus, Waitaria Bay. This is a beautiful spot where a person can enjoy a relaxed time of enjoyment. Check out the web page above for full information.

On the right at the turn off the road to Okiwi Bay there is a great little spot beside the river to park for the night but limited in size. Lots of stopping places along Route 6 on the way to Nelson from here on though.

Now it is on to Golden Bay one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Make sure your engine water and oil are checked, as you are about to tackle the Takaka Hill. You will be awe inspired with the outlook from the mountain as you descend upon the town of Takaka and Golden Bay. Plan to spend a couple of days here so you can go on to the town of Collingwood, Farewell Spit, perhaps out to Mangarakau and the Aorere River basin.

From Kaikoura continue south on Highway One. The scenery along this part of the coast is fantastic. Lots of good picnic spots along here too. We recomend one of the finest places to stay while in the Kaikoura area is at the Kaikoura Coastal Campgrounds . Just south of Kaikoura scattered along this fantastic coastline you will find several camping areas. Stop at Goose Bay for full informaiton. See there web page above.

If you continue on south of Route One toward Christchurch you will pass through the town of Cheviot. Great little gallery called the Crossroads worth stopping to have a look. Local artists usually have a display there. Also if you go on toward the coast you will find Gore Bay one of the top places to stop for the night right on the ocean with electric and showers for $5 per. On e of our favourites.

You will cross the Hurinui River as you go south. One fine place to freedom camp just north of the bridge. At Greta Valley take a short detour to Waikari that is well worth the few minutes difference due to the fact one of the best gallery/cafes can be found there - The Rocking Frog. One of the best coffees to be found and I doubt if anyone creates better muffins. The gallery side of it is quite unique also. The owners Vicky and Kate will provide a good Kiwi welcome.

You are now in the Waipara Valley area and home to this regions finest wines. To get a good idea of what is on offer stop by Pukeko Junction on Route One near Leithfield. If you really want to experience top end stop by Pegasus Bay Winery.

Anyhow now back to the turnoff below Kaikoura if you are heading toward the West Coast. Go on to south of the town of Hawkeswood where a right turn on a secondary road toward Waiau is next. South from Waiau on Route 70 to Route 7 then take a right toward Hanmer Springs.(2 1/2 hour drive). A stop is a must to enjoy the mineral pools and the town of Hanmer Springs.

Stop in Reefton overnight if you left Kaikoura early enough (9-10am) to get over Lewis Pass to enjoy it or if you decided to linger in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs best to stay there overnight and go over Lewis Pass the next day. Whichever be sure to stop at Reefton

From Greymouth turn south on Route 6 to the turnoff on Route 73 toward Kumera. This is the road back across the South Island known as Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy the spectacular drive. Lying between these two routes only 42km from Greymouth is one of the West Coast's most beautiful places, Lake Brunner. If you want to catch a trout here is the opportunity. Have a look at the web page: Lake Brunner Motor Camp .

It is a very impressive four-hour drive to the city of Christchurch. There is only one hoilday park in this area we recommend North South Holiday Park They are located near the airport and are easy access from any direction. Makes a great base and the owners are tops.
Check out their web page.

From Route 73 you take Route 75 through Christchurch to Akaroa. It is 75kms of good road through the low lying region and then climbs a long winding road to the summit and a long winding road down to Akaroa. You'll love it.

Return on Route 75 from Akaroa to the Christchurch area to meet up with Route One. Easier than going through the city take the turn off left at Tai Tapu through Lincoln and Springston till you reach Burnham on Route 1. Turn south. You will cross the Rakaia, Ashburton and Rangitata Rivers. The place to try your luck at catching one of those giant salmon that run these rivers.

You will pass through the town of Ashburton that is about an hour's drive south of Christchurch. There is a very beautiful holiday park right in town we recommend
Coronation Holiday Park. Great place to use as a base in this area.

Have you noticed a lot of sheep in the fields? Just read in the paper New Zealand had over 40 million ewes alone with a 123% lambing rate. Now that's a lot of lamb racks.(Sorry vegetarians). Through the flat plains of the Canterbury area you begin to see a lot of deer farms, alpaca farms, ostrich farms, horse ranches. All over New Zealand there is quite a variety of farming. There is a real story about how deer farming began here. Perhaps I may do a page on it in the future. Quite exciting really.
Here is more information:

There are two choices at this point. If you are in a hurry and need to go on south missing the Mackenzie Country leave Geraldine on the direct road south back to Route One (11 kms) connecting at Winchester turn south. Next town is Temuka (7 kms). A very interesting side road tour of just a few kilometres west. Take the road to Pleasant Point (10kms) turning off Route One west at Arowhenua just south of Temuka. A strange type rail car is the major feature but there is also one of the best butchers and he is open on Sundays. A few kilometres out of Pleasant Point to the north is one of the secrets of the area - the Opiho Winery. Worth a stop for a taste or a bite to eat.Also the home area of New Zealand's bat colony and a river outside of town where we parked by one day and I sighted two brown trout of at least 5 lbs. each. Both spotted me before I did them so I got to watch as they disappeared not to return. I will have another look with more caution next time.

From here a return on Route 8 out of Pleasant Point back to Route One and south.

By going this route you get to visit Timaru one of the "camper van friendly" towns in New Zealand. If you plan to stay in Timaru we recomend the Timaru Top Ten Holiday Park, check out their website:
Timaru Top Ten .

One of the most exciting detours off Route One is just south of Timaru. Take Route 83 to Waimata and visit the Kelceys Bush Farmyard Holiday Park. Enjoy the host of animals, wallaby, emus, alpacas, and much much more all friendly and fun to be around.
website: Kelceys Bush Farmyard Holiday Park

On this route leave Geraldine after a stop at the Easy Way Cafe, one of the best in the South Island, take Route 79 west to Fairlie (46kms) where you meet up with Route 8. Fairlie is not to be rushed through actually. A very small town but with some great cafes and an Ostrich Hatchery to visit. The Old Library Cafe is well done for ambiance and the food and coffee to match. (Hummingbird coffee).

You may also want to stop at the Farm Barn on the right at the top of the hill just before Fairlie for a bite or a look through their gallery. The view alone is worth the stop.Lake Opuha lies just 8 kms down the road that runs along the Farm Barn property and is fantastic to park and stay over. Not on a lot of maps but well used by the locals.

After you pass the Farm Barn there is a real special treat on the right after you reach the valley. Slow down and look for the Allandale Lodge. The treat is they also have the Fat Albert Smokehouse where you can buy smoked salmon, duck breast, chicken, venison,
and chorizo sausage.
Have a look at their website: Fat Albert Smokehouse.
If you are searching for a b&b have a look at their place. The Lodge was built in 1909 as a school converted to a community hall in 1945. it has been renovated now into a beautiful character home with very nice folks, Keith and Alison Hatton running it.
The website is at: Allandale Lodge.

Lake Tekapo (42kms), Lake Pukaki (47kms). Photo opportunities abound. If you can take the time to go up Mt John to the observatory. Good road and one of the most spectacular scenes in the region. Guided tours are available. The best place to stay in the area we recommend the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park right on the lake and in the middle of everything. Check out the we page for complete information.

(Omarama to Omaru is about a 2 hour drive)

From there go East( 2 hr drive) on Route 83 until you reach the coastal Route One again north of Oamaru, the town famous for the beautifully carved stone. Artists throughout New Zealand have used Oamaru stone for exquisite work. You might get there in the evening in time for a colony of little blue penguins to come ashore and settle into their hillside nests.

Oamaru details

(click here for more details).

Moeraki to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula -

Just south of Moeraki on the coastal cliffs are two good rest stops, one with a toilet. The next place to see I probably shouldn't even mention as it has not been exploited and sometimes I feel I will cause this to happen. if you do go there please respect the area. You come upon the turnoff to the left to Shag Point. Take that road out to the end where you get one of the best up close looks at the large fur seals basking the day away. Just don't disturb them. No one likes to be awakened during their sleep period. These will be all young bulls separated from the group until big enough to sort out a harem of their own.

The history of the place is interesting. I will leave that for you to read on the information plaques.

(click to enlarge photos)

Heading south (80kms) on Route One to the fabulous city of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. The road after the descent into Blueskin Bay then begins the hard core roller coaster hills until you actually get into the city. The fields around are covered with the yellow gorse. This is where it all began. Now let's go into Dunedin and on to the Otago Peninsula. The place to stay in Dunedin in order to get everywhere and see everything is the
Aaron Lodge Top 10 Holiday Park.

(Be sure to click here for Dunedin details)

Leaving Dunedin is very easy from downtown. Just take Route One, the major route. Before leaving town on the left is a Mobil station with easy access to fill up. On over the hilltop and away. It is 211 kilometres to Invercargill by Route One through wide valleys and rolling farm land covered with sheep it seems ever field manicured to golf green appearing meadows by munching sheep. Love the early trip we do in September when everywhere you see the new born lambs. Their antics are hilarious.

Dunedin, the Catlins, Lawrence,
Gore and Invercargill -

A must is a side trip to Lawrence, a historic town of significance. Have a look at the page on Lawrence

Route One from Dunedin to Balclutha, the Big River Town straddling the Clutha River,(63kms)and the turnoff to the left into the Catlins region. (alternate if the weather is miserable is to bypass the Catlins staying on Route One to Invercargill(217kms - 5 hrs).

The Catlins is a very special location
(see website:Catlins) Worth the drive along a beautiful coastline with plenty of spots to take a walk, watch the wildlife and enjoy the wilds of New Zealand. Visiting by camper you can stay at: Newhaven Holiday Park at Owaka and for the top B&B stop at: Waikava Harbour View at Waikawa Bay.

The Maniototo Region of Central Otago

check the Maniototo Region out here!

This is one of the highlights of any trip when you go to the dry interior. The visit to the smal towns once the prosporous height of the gold discovery era and now exciting for their past history and the work to keep the buildings and the places authentic such as in Naseby. This is a town not to miss.

The full side trip may be in order depending on your desires and time frame. I recommend this way if you have been through before actually. Will add more to this in time to come but for now this route encompasses the Art Deco town of Ranfurly, one of the most impressive communities and St. Bathans with its haunted pub (don't miss this place and drive down to the lake across from the pub too), Alexandra where you take Route 8, Roxburgh where you can find orchard after orchard of fresh fruit in season and then Route 90 to Gore. Take a look at the map and decide your alternatives.

Gore is known as the Brown Trout Capital of the World by the way and has the Hukonui Moonshine Museum plus is the Country Music Capital of New Zealand. Busy little place at various times of the year. The Green Room Cafe is our favourite stop.

We have had a visit at the Moonshiner's Festival and have to say we were more than impressed. Held right in the middle of town between the museum and the gallery that you get to visit free during the day. Worth that alone but the added attraction to us was th quality of the food stalls. Generous offerings such as Horopito rubbed hare back strap with a beetroot & orange relish. Ummm!
Wood smoked venison on sourdough bread with onion & whiskey jam! Wild roast pork with honey chilli glaze!
an lots lots more. It was a very nice family oriented festival seemingly with mostly locals attending. We'll be back!

At Gore you also have an alternative route depending on your time frame or what direction you may wish to travel. Route One on to Invercargill or Route 94 west directly to Te Anau missing most of Southland. We never go Route 94 as we call Riverton our southern "home" on the circle of the South Island always staying at the Globe Backpackers (best pizza in NZ) and stopping at the top Southland cafe and coffee at the Beach House Cafe, Rocks Highway, Riverton. Be sure to go on to the Riverton Rocks from there.

(Back to Gore) When you get to Gore, either way you go Route One or Route 94, take the ten minute drive north on Route 94 to the Moth Restaurant and the Croyden Airfield where they have bi-plane flights and restore Gypsy Moth airplanes. The restaurant has a wall full of awards for its culinary efforts plus beautiful ambiance along with it.

A place not very well known off the beaten track is one of our favourite overnight stays. Probably regret telling everyone this one as we may not continue to enjoy the lack of other people but I guess that is what this is all about so here goes.........

Taking Route 94 again toward Te Anau just a few minutes out of Gore (11kms) on the left is the turnoff of 8kms (or a road just as you leave town on the left both signposted) to a very hidden and absolutely beautiful scenic reserve known as Dolarmore Park. 95 hectares of the largest broad leaf/podocarp forest in Eastern Southland surrounds a large area of well maintained and exotic planted park where the morning songs of Bellbirds and Tui greet you. Next to the 80 hectare Croydon Bush Reserve is the starting point for several great short walks ranging from 10 minutes to four hours. Fabulous playground for children in the park. A night walk will also reveal the glowworms population.

The manager is Vic Herring and is proud of the place especially the 500 plus rhododendrons planted on the place. A great story he tells of how that happened. The place is manicured and lovingly cared for. Great place for rallies I reckon. There is an educational room also that can possibly be used. Contact Vic at herrvic@esi.co.nz. and tell him Ron sent you.

The Park provides toilets, shower, dump station and twelve power points, electric BBQ's and a kitchen block for only $5 per person with school children free.Just make sure you get in before dusk when the gate closes. There I have done it! See you there.

Map of Dolamore Park and the Croyden Bush Reserve with walks.

(Mentioned before)Another shorter side route is to take a right at Milton on Route 8 to the town of Lawrence (34kms) one of the major gold areas of early New Zealand days and wonderfully restored and maintained.

Be sure to have a look at Gabriel's Gulch.
Lawrence Information)

If off to the Catlins get an early start so you can enjoy the day in the region. You have to get off the main route and explore the side roads to get the true benefit of this excursion. The Holiday park to stay at is at Owaka: Newhaven Holiday Park and the best B&B is at Waikawa: Waikava Harbour View .

(click here for more Catlins details).

You might want to stay the night or go on to the city of Invercargill. There is only one place that comes highly recommended by everyone who has ever been there:
Lorneville Holiday Park.
It is onl 10 minutes from the city centre just off the Southern Scenic Route so is an ideal base if you are off to Stewart Island. Genial hosts as one writer said,
"Ken Field's attention to detail is refelected everywhere." This amounts to both grounds and to facilities. The Park is small and intimate place in a rural park-like setting just perfect for a comfortable stay.
Qualmark has given them a 4-star rating and they captured the prestigious Southland Tourism Award.
So check it out and stay the night when in the area.

(click here for Invercargill details)

Invercargill to Bluff and Stewart Island and on to Riverton

(click here for Bluff details) .

Stewart Island Information

Then return to Invercargill and turn west on Route 99 toward Riverton (30kms) where you stay the night. As we said before this is our favourite town in the south and try to find time to hang out here a few days when we can. Check out the details.

(click here for Riverton details).

Riverton to Te Anau and Milford Sound -

From Riverton it is now north on Route 99 to Manapouri (87kms), Te Anau (+21kms) and the road to Milford Sound.(100kms to Homer Tunnel plus 16kms to Milford Sound. A one way road.)All of it awesome scenery.

Take your time and stay the night before a morning trip to Milford Sound so you can enjoy the entire day there. We try to time our departure after the bulk of scenic buses come through. There is only one holiday park to stay at in the area and it is Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park. They also have transportation to Milford. Be sure to check the web page out. You will find it one of the finest places to stay in the country. Fantastic owners.

(click here for more details on Milford Sound and Te Anau.)

One highly recommended holiday park to stay at is the Fiordland Great Views Holiday Park about a kilometre out of town driving toward Milford Sound. The name says it all and the people who run it are fantastic.

The Anau to Queenstown and Glenorchy -

From Te Anau take Route 94 to Lumsden (77kms) and turn north on Route 6 toward Queenstown. Stop at Fairlight(61kms) and Kingston(18kms more) to have a look or perhaps a ride on the Kingston Flyer train. The town of Kingston is where they keep the train at the end of the road. This is where we recommend to stay while in the area the Kingston Motels & Holiday Park This is a pleasant place to walk along the Lake, grab a ride on the train or have a bite at the cafe. Not as "busy" as Queenstown so you can actually enjoy the scenery without distraction.

From Kingston to Queenstown it is a beautiful ride along the lake. Lots of pull off areas along the way. Be ready for a twisting and turning road in the mountains. Fabulous scenic drive!

(click to enlarge photos)

Going toward town on Route 6 from the south you cross the Kawarau River on a one-way bridge. On the right at the top of the hill there is a turn-off toward the airport and the large shopping centre. This is the easiest place to go for what you may need when driving a camper or bus. Queenstown is not camper van/bus friendly in street sizes and/or parking.

When getting in to downtown Queenstown you will be on Frankton Road (6A) from the circle on Route Six at Frankton. Close into town turn right on Stanley Street and on the right you will see a parking lot. Go past to the circle and turn right on Ballarat Street for access on the right. We very seldom ever cannot find space there except in the heart of the season. Three hours for two dollars and easy walking all over the Queenstown downtown area.Other than that go on through town on the road to Glenorchy and try to find a park.

Don't miss the drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy.(45kms) It is a must! A visit to Moke Lake on the right along the way if you got the time. It is one of the most beautiful DoC camps in the country.

(click here for Queenstown area details).

Queenstown to Arrowtown, Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra

From Queenstown take Route 6 to Arrowtown via Lake Hayes or Arthur's Point both very scenic drives. (19kms)

Chard Farm Winery - Bungy Jump Bridge - Lake Hayes
click on photos for better view

(click here for Arrowtown photos/ details)

Two roads out of Arrowtown north to Wanaka. One over the Crown Range to the left just out of town, a switch-back road that will test your engine and your nerve on the way up. An interesting back road route(good road) that takes you by the Cardrona Ski Fields and the historic Cardrona Pub that automatically invites you to stop for a beer after the long haul up.

The other route is continuing on Route Six through the Kawarau Gorge one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. This is my favourite way. Not too far along on the right you see the Chard Farm Winery somehow hanging on the side of the cliffs. Still find it an awesome (sorry the word seemed to fit this time) sight.

Next on the left is the world famous beginning of AJ Hackett's bungy empire where adrenaline junkies throw themselves 43 metres off the Kawarau bridge. A lot different than when I first was there in 1989 and their headquarters was an old hippie bus. Now it is a multi-million dollar complex not to be missed even if you don't want to jump off the suspension bridge. The interior of the building is an architectural wonder alone and they will be soon offering bungy tours to have an up close encounter behind the scenes.

After the excitement of the bungy palace just a few kms down the road on the right in the area's winery district is the Gibbston Winery where for $5 you get to taste four of the finest wines in the world. They also offer a restaurant that serves food to compliment their exquisite wines. In the complex also is a cheesery that I defy you not to find a taste you cannot resist.

Gibbston Winery - bungy jump

The rest of the drive through the Gorge will have you spell-bound for the natural wonder of it all. The raw beauty of the area along with the old stone miner's huts still visible makes one wonder the tenacity of th early settlers. To me one of the most rugged areas I have ever seen. Lots of places to pull off for photos and the Old Gold Field area where you can see how it was in the early gold mining days.

From the Arrowtown Junction on Route 6 to Cromwell is 40 kms.

This is New Zealand's fruit basket so there are a lot of stands along the road where you can stop for the freshest in season.The whole area is fast becoming one vineyard after another on both sides of the road. Not a bad thing. The wines from here are receiving rave reviews. Just before Cromwell there is a place called The Big Picture you must have a look for it has truly different experiences offered. Essential wine adventures as they state and truly so. The brainstorm of Phil Parker and his talented artist partner Cath. They have produced an exciting way to learn wines and also provide top quality dining. Just the place to stop in summer for that mid-day lunch and a glass of the local wine.

Have a look at a few photos taken there and at their website to learn about the room where you learn about the smell of wine.

Now let's slip off the beaten path and take Route 8 outside of Cromwell to Clyde and Alexandra. The short trip will be more than worth it. More about it later. The Courthouse Cafe for top eating and coffee. We rate it right on top in New Zealand. At Clyde you can stop and see the dam that created Lake Dunstan.
Lots of places to pull off the road and also stopping spots with toilets along the road by Lake Dunstan from Cromwell north. Very scenic area.

Alexandra to Wanaka and on to Haast

Retrace your steps from Alexandra to Route 6 turning north to Wanaka

The area toward Wanaka turns from the rolling farmland and soon the mountains in the distance become a closer reality. You are entering the mountain ranges. The holiday home area of Shania Twain where she has purchased a large tract of land for her get-away place. As you will note coming into Wanaka it seems as if it is all up for sale. More real estate signs than properties. When you get to Wanaka you will see why so many people flock here.

Just before Wanaka are two very interesting places to stop for everyone especially families, the famous Warbirds over Wanaka display of vintage fighter planes along with a Transport and Toy Museum. Every Easter there is an air show where over 50 of these vintage aircraft take to the air.

At the same place you can also experience the Wanaka Beerworks with tours and tasting daily. You can also book air flights and skydiving.

Across the road is something very new and a real experience with Wayne Palmer's "Have a Shot". He provides a golf driving range, claybird shooting, rifle ranges, archery ranges and an outdoor battlefield. (check this one out! Nine cannons mounted in their own fortress that fire rubber tennis balls.) If you want to try your luck trout fishing in this region's world famous trout rivers and lakes here is where you can book with the Riversong Guides. Ask for Jacob Berry.

(click here for Wanaka details).

Head north from Wanaka on Route Six through the breath-taking drive along Lake Hawera and Lake Wanaka on to the Haast Pass. Stop by the town of Lake Hawera and visit the pub at the Lake Hawea Motor Inn for real Kiwi hospitality. Ask for Fred and tell him Ron the traveling bus man sent you.

You are in the mountains and driving along the lakes with every turn a photo opportunity. Plenty of pull offs for that on the way to Makaroa. Three good rest stops along the way plus a top DoC Camp at Boundary creek 12 kms from Lake Hawea.

From Makaroa through to Haast is what I consider one of the most startling drives in the country up to Haast Pass and down the other side to Haast and the Tasman Sea. You are driving through the Mount Aspiring National Park.

I am fascinated with the giant moss covered native forest you drive through following the path of the Haast River. It is a land of deep gorges and waterfalls everywhere during most of the season especially early in September and October. Lots of walks in the area plus some short stops to places like the Blue Pools a thirty minute walk about 10 kms past Makaroa. A DoC Camp at Cameron Flats just past the Blue Pools and about 10 kms from Haast Pass. From here it is downhill into Westland and on to the West Coast. A few pull off spots along the way until reaching the big descent. it is one of those special experiences the first time over this route. Cross the bridge and stop at the parking area to take the time to see the magnificent river rapids.

Just past the bridge a very short distance it is worth another stop to see Thunder Creek Falls. From here the road soon levels out to flats along the Haast River. Coming from the West Coast I recommend stopping at the Pleasant Flat DoC Camp if you are running into evening or tired from the long haul before going into the Haast Pass drive.

Just by chance we had stopped along the road to take a photo of three massive waterfalls all very near to one another. A man stepped out of the bushes and commented jokingly who introduced himself as Warren, "That will be $20 please." We struck up a conversation as he was joined by his wife Fiona. They had just purchased one of the rare pieces of land not belonging to Mt Aspiring Park and spent their weekends here from their home in Queenstown. Fiona is a watercolourist. This will be a great place to stop when they complete their plans. Watch this space. It is a long way from anywhere else in the heart of paradise as they call it.

The end of this drive through the mountains brings you to Haast after the 145 kms drive from Wanaka. The best place to stop after your drive whether it is from the north or the south is McGuire's Lodge right on Route Six. Great food and fabulous coffee at their cafe, restaurant and bar and accommodation if you need it. The only place we stop and rest before going on. Sometime if we are running late we will take the next road left by the bridge and go to Haast Beach and spend the night freedom camping. We do go on to Jackson Bay, time permitting, where a feed of crayfish is a must. More later on this side trip.

Here also is a must stop at the Haast Visitor Information Centre just down the road from McGuires so you can see what all is going on in this region that is internationally recognised as a World Heritage Area.

At McGuires enquire about HeliVentures. If you want to truly experience the tops in scenic helicopter flights this is the one. It is owned and operated by a pioneer in the business ( a true legend) Dave Saxton and his son Morgan who have over 40 years combined flying experience. The tales Dave can tell alone are worth the visit to see them. Not only scenic flights to the Lost Valley, the glaciers, Mt. Aspiring, Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, they also provide fishing and hunting trips. What a way to really experience this wild country of the West Coast and south to the Sounds. Areas one could never dream of seeing otherwise and from a perspective that illustrates the massive depth and dimension.

Sometimes the crowds at Franz Josef and at Queenstown overwhelm the time allowed for everyone to take a flight from there. One of the ways not to get bogged down with too many people and no place to park as in some of the higher trafficked areas is to go to Haast. From here at Haast with Heliventures it is easy. If you are planning any kind of helicopter flights check this one out. Paula had positive experiences with Dave Saxton in the pioneer days when he used to fly her and her partner in to remote areas to gold mine.

Another very special way to really get to see this wild area is to take the Haast River Safari in a boat especially built for this area. Fully enclosed and protected they take you onto the Haast River where you get to enjoy being there with experienced guides. Be sure you understand the times involved. Here is an email I received from them to better explain:

"We have an interesting time convincing our independent travellers that the 2pm departure time (off the river at 3.30) leaves ample daylight hours (esp during the summer months) to drive on to either the glaciers or southern-lakes regions (2-3 hours) if those places are their overnight destination. There are many travel guides still listing here to Queenstown, for example - as 5 hours! Must be from the days when the Pass was a narrow, winding  gravel road!
Best advice (of course) is to plan longer on the Coast - at least 2nights. So many travellers regret not having done this once they're here!"

Cheers
Colleen Monachan
Manager- Sales & Marketing/PR
Haast River Safari
Phone: +64-3-7500101 Fax: +64-3-7500181
Web: http://www.haastriver.co.nz Email: info@haastriver.co.nz 
Address: The Red Barn, Haast Junction, West Coast, N.Z.Qualmark Licensed ... be assured
NZ Tourism Award Winners 2006

Have a look at their website:
Haast River Safari

It is now time to head on to experience even more fabulous country and people...............

Click here first for a complete rundown on the route from Haast to Greytown.

From Haast North up the West Coast to Franz Josef -

From Haast north on Route 6 takes you along the West Coast of the South Island. Visit the glaciers either by walking to them or better yet by helicopter. One of the most thrilling adventures in New Zealand. The place to stay while in this area is: Rainforest Resort. They have wonderful accommodation plus bar and restaurant.
You'll love it.

South Island Information Welcome

to the constantly traveling website. "We take our travel seriously so you can take it easy"

Bluebridge Information click on centre photo for better view

Picton - the South Island’s northern gateway via ferry from Wellington -

Picton early morning........Picton Harbour......Marlborough Sounds (click to enlarge photos for a better view)

Wellington to Picton to Kaikoura -

Another Route to take - From Picton to Havelock

A place I really recommend for anyone to really experience a real family farm far out in the Marlborough Sounds is The Nikaus, Waitaria Bay. This is a beautiful spot where a person can enjoy a relaxed time of enjoyment. Check out the web page above for full information.

Fish & Game Access Sign..Pelorus River.....Dan the Man... (click to enlarge photos)

Nelson and Motueka Region and on to Golden Bay -

Now lets go back to The Route south from Kaikoura -

Reefton to Greymouth via Blackball -

Greymouth to Christchurch & Akaroa via Arthurs Pass -

From Akaroa to Ashburton and Geraldine -

Route south to Timaru -

(Omarama to Omaru is about a 2 hour drive)

Oamaru details

(click here for more details). Moeraki to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula -

Moeraki to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula -

Dunedin, the Catlins, Lawrence, Gore and Invercargill -

Be sure to have a look at Gabriel's Gulch. Lawrence Information)

(click here for more Catlins details).

(click here for Invercargill details) Invercargill to Bluff and Stewart Island and on to Riverton

Invercargill to Bluff and Stewart Island and on to Riverton

(click here for Bluff details) .

Riverton to Te Anau and Milford Sound -

The Anau to Queenstown and Glenorchy -

Queenstown to Arrowtown, Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra

Chard Farm Winery - Bungy Jump Bridge - Lake Hayes click on photos for better view

Have a look at a few photos taken there and at their website to learn about the room where you learn about the smell of wine.

Alexandra to Wanaka and on to Haast

You are in the mountains and driving along the lakes with every turn a photo opportunity. Plenty of pull offs for that on the way to Makaroa. Three good rest stops along the way plus a top DoC Camp at Boundary creek 12 kms from Lake Hawea.

Here also is a must stop at the Haast Visitor Information Centre just down the road from McGuires so you can see what all is going on in this region that is internationally recognised as a World Heritage Area.

Have a look at their website: Haast River Safari It is now time to head on to experience even more fabulous country and people............... Click here first for a complete rundown on the route from Haast to Greytown. From Haast North up the West Coast to Franz Josef -

Click here first for a complete rundown on the route from Haast to Greytown.

From Haast North up the West Coast to Franz Josef -

Franz Josef to Hokitika -

Hokitika to Westport and on to Granity-Denniston -

North to Karamea-

Karamea, Westport to Murchison -

Murchison to Nelson and back to Picton. South to Christchurch -

South Island Information

Welcome

to the constantly traveling website.
"We take our travel seriously so you can
take it easy"

Bluebridge Information

click on centre photo for better view

Picton - the South Island’s northern gateway
via ferry from Wellington -

Picton early morning........Picton Harbour......Marlborough Sounds
(click to enlarge photos for a better view)

Fish & Game Access Sign..Pelorus River.....Dan the Man...
(click to enlarge photos)

(click here for more details).

Moeraki to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula -

Dunedin, the Catlins, Lawrence,
Gore and Invercargill -

Be sure to have a look at Gabriel's Gulch.
Lawrence Information)

(click here for Invercargill details)

Invercargill to Bluff and Stewart Island and on to Riverton

Chard Farm Winery - Bungy Jump Bridge - Lake Hayes
click on photos for better view

Have a look at their website:
Haast River Safari

It is now time to head on to experience even more fabulous country and people...............

Click here first for a complete rundown on the route from Haast to Greytown.

From Haast North up the West Coast to Franz Josef -