Nina Rittmann
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Pagoda Lodge & Camping
4.5/5
One of the cutest places I've stayed during 6 months of travel trough the whole country!
$15 p.p. for a van in mid April, I think it's $20 during summer which would be too much.
Kitchen a little bit old, but provides everything you need, even things like free milk, eggs, oil, jam and so much more.
You must eat in the provided area, in a beautiful tent next to the river.
Showers are hot, bathrooms are cute, providing everything you need (shampoo, lotions etc.).
Only negative aspect is that these facilities were not that clean, the doors are always open, so insects can come in any time.
Staff is a cute couple, very friendly.
This lodge is definitely worth a stay. They even provide little bungalows, villas, caravans and more.
Only 2 minutes to town centre.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Rainbow Falls Walk
5.0/5
Only a 3 minute walk from the car park.
One of the most impressive falls in NZ.
We were there during heavy rain, so the falls were even bigger and faster than normal. The pool was nearly twice as big.
Don't try to go behind the falls during or after rain.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaeo ▷
St Paul's Rock
5.0/5
10 points for the beautiful view!
An incredible hidden walk.
We did it during rain, therefore it was a dangerous and extremely slippery climb up and especially down!
We slid down several times in the mud.
So I would recommend to do this when it's dry.
Takes about 15-20 minutes. A little steep, but no problem because of the short way.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Sandboarding
5.0/5
Don't use a wooden or plastic board, even if it's waxed, that's not working on the sand.
Hire a board for $10-15, they know what's working.
Surfing itself is awesome!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Coca Cola Lake
3.5/5
Nice and kinda funny spot, but nothing special.
A big brown lake next to a nice beach!
The lake is called Roto Po Kaka and a bit hard to find. Park at the marked spot, where the toilets are, and walk along the beach where the motorhomes are in the freedom camping zone. There's a sign, which shows the lake on the right.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Waipu ▷
Waipu Caves Track
4.5/5
ATTENTION - DON'T GO THE CAVE TRACK, JUST GO STRAIGHT INTO THE CAVE!!
We did the signed Cave Track (2km/1,5h return) and this was average. The track goes trough the forest, up & down hills and ends up on a hill top, on private land! The view was ok, but not worth it. You have to go back the same way. If it's wet it's also very slippery, which is annoying on the steep parts. After that we found the cave entrance right next to the carpark. The cave itself deserves the 9/10, it's an amazing experience! Lots of glowworms, nice limestone and really big inside! Take a strong torch, phone flashlight was like nothing inside. Besides that you have to pass some water, so take flip flops with you. We chose to walk barefoot, which was ok too.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Truman Track
5.0/5
One of the most beautiful spots I have seen in New Zealand!
10 minutes walk to the bay! Cute little waterfall, beautiful sandstone and wild waterplay! Only negative aspect are thousands of aggressive sandflies!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Blenheim Motor Camp and Backpackers
4.5/5
We decided to stay at this working hostel to work in Blenheim and this was the best decision for us!
A van-site costs $90 per week which is totally OK. The facilities are clean. There are 3 showers which is sometimes a little bit less after work. The kitchen is combined with a TV room with lots of movies on it.
The best part about this hostel is the swimming pool for chillin' after work or on sunny days!
Only negative aspect is the near railway line and that the owner gets grumpy sometimes.
All in all a place I would recommend!