One of the best ways to see New Zealand is by taking a road trip. You just have to decide which part of the country you want to visit. The island is sectioned into the North and South Islands. Many first-time visitors, however, begin with the South Island as it offers many great scenic attractions that you can view through a road trip on the isle.
Marlborough Sounds
If you take a ferry ride from Wellington to Picton, you can experience the majesty of Marlborough Sounds. However, you don’t want to stop at the ferry ride. You can hike the area and view more of the grandeur of the region. The Marlborough Sounds are bush-adorned mountains that overlook the sea. The colour of the water is, to say the least, mesmerising. If you want to begin your New Zealand holiday in a fantastic locale, you should start your adventure at Marlborough Sounds.
Abel Tasman National Park
When you get off the ferry at Picton, you can take a two-hour drive to the western part of the South Island. Motueka is an ideal place to stay as it is close to Abel Tasman National Park. You can also visit Golden Bay, which is found just past Takaka Hill. When you visit this area, you will be rewarded with gorgeous beaches of golden sands and beautiful water. Combined with the bush landscape, the place reinvigorates both the mind and soul. Plan to go for a lengthy hike along the coast.
Book a Car Before Your Holiday
You have to travel by car to see this part of New Zealand. There is just no other option that allows you to experience all the landscape has to offer. That is why you need to book car rental in NZ before you arrive. Make sure you tell the booking agent where you will be travelling and the number travelling in your party. That way, they can help you select the best vehicle for your needs.
Travelling the West Coast
Indeed, planning a road trip in this part of the country will make it possible for you to see stunning landscapes as well as breathtaking rock formations. For example, the rocks at Punakaiki are simply amazing. You can make a short stop at Punakaiki whilst you travel along the West Coast. It takes about three hours to go from Motueka to Punakaiki.
Check the Driving Times
Go online and check the driving time and distances between cities and towns on the South Island to make the most of your holiday. Needless to say, you will want to drive the expanse of the West Coast as the ruggedness of the coastline is so impressive.
Visit a Seal Colony
Also, on your visit, you will want to see the colony of seals near Mangatini Falls and Westport. This area boasts a coal mining history. However, the spectacular part of the trip is the large cascade. To top off the experience, book a glacier hike on the Fox Glacier or the Franz Josef Glacier near Lake Matheson.
