Month: August 2017

You’ve been counting down to this day. The first week, fortnight or month in a while you’ve had to call your own, but you’re not sure where or how to start planning for a New Zealand holiday with a difference… a quick Google of motorhome holidays doesn’t reveal much. Let us help you out.

Commuting

Do Know Where You’re Going

There’s nothing more soothing than the robotic tones of a GPS in a country you’ve never seen before, let alone self-toured, but don’t put your directional eggs in one basket. Maps and guides are available from a number of information sites around New Zealand, ensuring you can pick the best route for you based on recorded roads. We know, GPS usually fulfils every navigational function, but it’s better to be safe than in the middle of nowhere and very sorry.

Don’t Get Hung Up on How to Get There

Travel isn’t algebra. Location A plus location B does not always equal location C – why not make time to visit location D, E, F and J too, taking a few roads off your determined path and sampling a New Zealand beyond the guide books? Motorhome holidays are all about exploration.

The Weather

Do Pay Attention

Seeing the Land of the Long White Cloud on your own steam (or in this case, hired vehicle) is arguably the best way to tour the winsome and occasionally windy roads of New Zealand – but the local weather may have other plans for you. When in doubt, stay put, as a heavy shower can soon turn a gentle stream into a surging river, flooding essential byways.

Don’t Drive in Storms

It sounds obvious, but every year, somebody takes a risk with potentially tragic consequences. Don’t be that person. If you’re already half-way between your last destination and the next, and conditions become less than ideal, find a pull-out and stop where it’s safe to do so. Safe means away from flood-prone riverbeds and clear of any trees or potential falling rocks.

Activities

Do Pre-Book Essential Activities

Sadly, we no longer live in a world where you can turn up to things like Funyaking, boating tours and bungee jumping without booking ahead. Although there are slower seasons in New Zealand, there’s no tourist-free times, as both the North and South islands remain popular places to be all year round. Don’t leave it to chance and regret it later, book ahead online, by phone or through Relaxing Journeys – we’ll get you the best price AND take the sting out of planning.

Don’t Be Late

Be on time. Always. If you’re running behind, there’s every chance you will miss out and lose whatever money you’ve already paid for the pleasure. We know, sometimes things don’t work out and delays can’t be helped (to a point); failing natural disasters and medical emergencies, however, operators see that unexpected traffic jam or accidental wrong turn as an error of planning, not a refundable excuse.

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Hitting the road in New Zealand is easy with Relaxing Journeys – we’re ready when you are. Contact us today!

New Zealand – A land of mountains, snowfields, caves, glow-worms and vast wonders, it’s hard to believe anybody would take such a magnificent place for granted. While the do’s are easy enough – and we’ll solidify five of our very own below – figuring out the no-no’s of such a laid back destination is no small task.

Don’t Assume Petrol is Available at the Next Town Over

…or assume that it isn’t, but there can be a couple hundred kilometres between you and a petrol bowser. Account for the long, meandering roads of New Zealand in your self-drive plan and research general fuel stops ahead of time.

Do Stop in the Designated Bays and Pull-outs Along the Road

You may spot a driver or two parked on the side of the road, on a mountain side or by a highway, determined to snap a spectacular memory. While we can hardly blame them for falling in love with the landscape, it must be noted just how dangerous it can be to pull over outside a marked area. People have lost mirrors, broken bones and caused accidents.

Do Pay Attention to Road Signs

Although some roads may be heart-stoppers – not every mountain pass has a guard-rail between you and a sheer cliff – the local roads and transport authority has done a solid job in accurately marking any upcoming challenges and obstacles, signing sudden declines, inclines, bends, junctions etc with yellow and black road-signs, along with approaching speed limits to keep you safe.

Don’t Restrict Yourself to the Beaten Path

New Zealand is covered in walking and hiking trails (the locals call it tramping), delving into some of the most visually arresting scenery you’ve ever seen – certain areas are also untamed wilderness. Sticking to the beaten path in any National Park is a sure fire way to keep safe, have fun and see everything there is to see, without the need for a search party.

Don’t Disrespect the Maori Culture

New Zealand takes its collective relationship with its indigenous heritage very seriously. The island nation was formed on a treaty between the British colonists and the Maori chiefs – today, Maori culture is an intrinsic element of everyday life in New Zealand.

Do Be Camper Conscious

There’s no better way to see New Zealand than on the open road, driving a hired campervan. Knowing which one is right for you and your circumstances can take a lot of research, but to give you a general idea, most people don’t need an SUV unless you’re planning off-road action, creek-crossings and a lot of beach driving, and families prefer vehicles capable of plugging into powered sites during the winter months. Not sure what you need? We’ll help you fill in the blanks.

Don’t Ignore the Weather

New Zealand weather warnings are not cautionary, they’re mandatory. Check road conditions daily, keep yourself updated on weather patterns, listen to the locals and don’t drive Lewis Pass, Arthur’s Pass or Haast’s Pass in inclement weather, or anytime you’re told not to. Landslides happen regularly in heavy rain and in the winter months – and since New Zealand is prone to changeable conditions, you need to be adaptable in your plans. Don’t take any chances.

Do Fall in Love with New Zealand

It’s impossible not to fall head over heels in love with both the south and the north islands. Don’t fight it.

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Ready to go? Got your do’s covered and don’ts noted? Map your great New Zealand road trip with Relaxing Journeys.

The land down under is expansive, beautiful, diverse and… well, home. You want to go on a short overseas jaunt, preferably somewhere spectacular, away from familiar streets and accents. But how easy is it? Friends and family say it’s quick to book online and yet, we come to another but – what if you don’t know where to start? Where to go? What to do? What should you see and what can you miss? How much should you pay for flights? Auckland or Christchurch? North or South?

We have the answers. We’ve listed what you need to know to secure the best short breaks to the great island nation of New Zealand with Relaxing Journeys.

Where Should You Go?

Only you can decide. The luscious north rolls off the tongue, tantalising those tastebuds with world-class wines and delighting your eyes in the nearby Rotorua – both locations are an easy, scenic drive from the northern capital of Auckland. Head south instead and channel your inner zen on the shores of Lake Tekapo or add a little adrenaline to your day with the Nevis Swing, just outside of Queenstown. If you’re uncertain about your holiday style or how to organise your itinerary, get in touch – we’re experts on all things New Zealand or Experience Auckland in 5 Days

Getting Around

Before you leave, let alone land, you need to nail down how you’ll navigate the rolling hills and lush valleys of your chosen destination. Hiring a car or camper doesn’t need to be difficult – we’ll help you simplify costs, pick-up, fuel allowance, extras and return. Get Going: New Zealand Self Drive Hire

What Should You Do

What you’ll do will be determined by where you’ve landed and what you like to do. Don’t let TripAdvisor be your only guide – speak to a New Zealand enthusiast about potential must-sees or any bucket-list entries you want to tick off. Maybe you’re a big Lord of the Rings fan or you’ve been dreaming of caverns of blue ice, identical to those found of the Franz Josef Glacier – there’s something for everybody in New Zealand.

What to Eat

New Zealand satisfies cravings with a cornucopia of dishes unique to the region. If you’ve elected Auckland as your short-break destination, make sure you sink your teeth into Tuatua, an indigenous shellfish, that may remind you of a creamier pippi. Or, if you feel like something a little homelier, take a deep-dive into Maori culture and have a hangi feast; the local people will bury a spread of chicken, pork, potatoes, sweet potato and other vegetables in an underground oven, cooking it all slowly for a number of hours. The result is mouth-watering.

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Are you ready to get away from the grind? Speak to Relaxing Journeys today and line up a package to suit your needs