Foto: The lighthouse at Cape Reinga (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
New Zealand - Several buses are running today. The second one to arrive is ours. Marvin is the driver and welcomes us onboard. Since multiple buses are operating, Marvin first drives all the way to Cape Reinga and then returns via the beach. This does mean we’ll have a late lunch, he warns us. As we head north through the rolling landscape and past beautiful bays, Marvin gives commentary about the day’s program, the destinations, and the history of New Zealand. He is Māori himself and proudly shares his heritage. He talks non-stop through the microphone while driving the bus. Even after the coffee stop, his enthusiastic and tireless commentary continues. Just before 11:30, we arrive at the northern tip of New Zealand. The iconic lighthouse appears to separate the Tasman Sea from the Pacific Ocean. The bright blue waters of the Tasman mix with the greener hues of the Pacific. The white lighthouse stands out beautifully against the backdrop. At one of the sand dunes, we stop for sandboarding. Sandboards are stored in the bottom of the bus. I grab a board and climb the dune. The loose sand makes the climb challenging. The slope is steeper than I had expected—around 45 degrees, I estimate. Marvin explains that you should lie on the board and hold the front tightly with your hands. Your legs stick out behind, and you can brake with your feet. When it's my turn and I lie down, I find the instructions easier than the execution. Still, I slide down the dune shortly after. It turns out not to be scary or difficult at all. I actually enjoy it! I grab my board and climb up again. The second run goes even faster—fun! From the dunes, the bus heads onto Ninety Mile Beach, a long stretch of coastline accessible only to 4x4 vehicles. Rental cars are not allowed. Even for the bus, it’s a challenge. On some parts, it’s essential to keep moving; if the bus stops, it gets stuck in the sand. To reach the beach, the bus drives through the dunes. When two cars approach from the opposite direction, our driver takes a shortcut to avoid stopping. Unfortunately, this path has too much loose sand, and the bus sinks down to its axles. There’s nothing to do but wait for a tractor. Just behind us, a second bus has also gotten stuck. It takes nearly an hour before the tractor arrives. It easily pulls both buses out of the sand. Without further issues, we reach the beach. The tide is still low, so we can drive comfortably over the firm sand. Marvin tells us the police often conduct speed checks here—some cars exceed 100 km/h. We stick to a maximum of 60.
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand - At eight o’clock, we drive onto the grounds of Abel Tasman Kayaks. We have booked a kayak tour in Abel Tasman National Park. We are immediately introduced to Balwi. Our guide for today is of Indian origin. He has been living in New Zealand for four ...
Cathedral Cove
New Zealand - Around half past one, we approach Hahei on the peninsula. At the edge of the town, there is a large parking area for cars. We decide not to use the shuttle bus but to walk to Hahei beach. Hahei beach is often called the most beautiful beach in New Zealand. ...
Jetboat and Funyak at the Dart River
New Zealand - Today, we’re going on a boat trip on the Dart River. First, we need to drive to Glenorchy, about an hour away. Upon arrival, we’re given a wetsuit, wet shoes, a fleece, a rain jacket, and a life vest. In the changing room, I switch into the gear. ...
Milford Sound Fjord
New Zealand - Outside, it is still dark when the alarm goes off. It’s 5:30 a.m. We shower and have breakfast in our cabin. Just before 6:30, we head out. At 9:00 a.m., the boat departs in Milford Sound. The distance to Milford Sound is still 120 kilometers, and it’s ...
Otago Peninsula
New Zealand - In the afternoon, we booked a wildlife tour to the Otago Peninsula. Since the tour lasts until the evening, we decide to eat now at one of the small restaurants in the center. At half past three, Tony picks us up at the hotel. Together with eight other ...
Queenstown
New Zealand - Queenstown is a town with over 10,000 inhabitants, located on the South Island of New Zealand. It lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables mountain range in the background. We’re halfway along the route to Queenstown. ...
The Glaciers around Mount Cook N.P.
New Zealand - A thrilling day today. Would the glacier tour go ahead? When we wake up, it is cloudy. Yesterday, the weather forecast seemed better. We can call at nine o’clock to find out if the helicopter trip will take place. To be safe, we decide not to do a mountain ...
Thermal Wonderland Wai-O-Tapu
New Zealand - Just about half an hour’s drive below Rotorua lies the Thermal Wonderland park, Wai-O-Tapu. Besides the geothermal pools, the Lady Knox geyser is also located here. Every day at quarter past ten, the geyser shoots water into the air. We leave early ...
Tongoriro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand - At exactly 7:30, we drive onto the grassy field. Several people are already waiting for the 8:00 a.m. bus. It's another 25 minutes by road to the starting point. On the way, the driver tells us that it’s cloudy today and that wind gusts of up to 100 ...
White Island Volcano
New Zealand - At quarter past seven, we check in for the boat trip to White Island volcano. The check-in is at the reception of our hotel, where we can also check out of our room immediately. At the dock lies the Pee Jay VI, the ship that will take us to the island. ...