Car R
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Bushy Beach
4.0/5
The penguins are fairly far from the viewing platform but some keen eyes, binoculars and a big lens we saw quite a number.
If you do go, don't give up although it says 4pm I think it was much nearer 6pm before they made an appearance and some people had left - we nearly did.
There are some places you can pay to see penguins but I like that this was authentic and wild, everyone peacefully waiting. There are also places you can see penguins, sometimes yellow eyed, closer but again I like that they are left alone not disturbed by humans as they should be.
Some sea lions for pre-entertainment. So glad we waited.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Camperco
4.5/5
Having left it rather late in the game to find a campervan for our tour of the South Island, I found Rankers and Nick at CamperCo got in touch with exactly what we needed, with a little adjustment to our
dates.
The booking system was easy and pretty relaxed.
Pick up was easy in Christchurch and after a quick intro to the van, a Fiat Ducato (manual - perfect), we were off. It would have been helpful to have info like the operation of the hot water in a booklet on board, some things can be easily forgotten and I later discovered after a cold shower that one switch needed to go on before the other.
Other than that, everything we needed was included, no hidden costs.
We had a few problems with the van - one of our own causing but this didn't affect our trip and was resolved quickly on return. The chip to the windscreen was fixed within hours after we contacted CampeCo and were directed to the nearest repair centre. We had an issue with the brakes, so were towed to a garage, part located as quickly as was possible (unfortunately this took two days as the wrong part was initially sent -the fault of the distributor not CamperCo or the garage). Nick was aware we were trying to get to the West to meet a mate for a tramp (hike) for his birthday and spent time locating a part closer to us than the North Island for us. This got us on the way and we made our rendez vous.
Overall a great experience, great company to deal with, sympathetic and reactive when required despite the number of times we'd to contact them, which we're sure was more than most customers. They reimbursed the lost days when the van was off the road too with no hassle.
I'd love to return and see the North Island and I'd seriously consider a Picton pick up and drop off from CamperCo for that.
Thank you guys for great service.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
Hooker Valley Track
4.5/5
We came up to Mount Cook area to see the scenery along the way, with the intention we'd turn back and find somewhere to camp up further along at Lake Takepo.
We landed up staying as we realised there were several good walks here. We set off in late afternoon along the path.
Do leave 4 hours, you spend longer at the end than you intend and as experienced walkers we knew the likelihood was that we'd get back just as dusk was setting in. Although it's a well worn track we took plenty water, some food, torches and layers, just in case. A few people were heading in as we were heading out and didn't know how long it would take them - they did turn back when we told them it wasn't just round the corner.
Late afternoon is a lovely time to go, far less people around and a very pleasant walk. Good view of the glacier. From reviews of Franz Josef and Fox I'd say this is easily up there as just a stunning and enjoyable but just less well known.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Papatowai ▷
Curio Bay Petrified Forest
4.0/5
Such a shame that many people don't come off the trail across from Dunedin to Queenstown to travel down and see this.
Yes, once you've had a good close look at a few of the fossilised trees and stumps the novelty wears off a little but it's really interesting, good fun jumping from petrified tree to petrified tree as you start to see the grain of the wood appearing. If you do go down to the Caitlins area, visit here. In fact, make a point of coming off the main tourist trail and head to the far south coast, lovely and quite, plenty of great surprises and things to see.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
5.0/5
One of the best things we did in NZ while touring South Island.
All the signs give serious warnings about being properly equipped, as long as you are sensible and follow the advice not to go further if the first pool is above your chest you'll be fine -definitely bring a torch, preferable one for your head. A reasonable level of fitness required in that you've to scramble up a couple of bits - a leg up is usually enough though. Worth having a warm layer on but if you don't hang about too long and it's warm outside you'll be grand. A real giggle with friends and take time to look about you, not just at your feet to see where you are going, some people were shooting off past us, I hope they took in the wonder of what was above them.
A fun activity to do outwith the usual organised tours/activities and a pretty unique traverse through a cave. So glad we ticked this one off.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Copland Track
5.0/5
So glad we made time to do this!
The hike is hard going and rocky but is varied enough and if you are an experienced hiker is perfectly manageable. In between the lush green passages with various creatures making noises you scramble over waterfalls and slip zones, jump streams, cross suspension bridges suitable only for one person at a time and can take time to briefly laze by the river.
We stayed in the Sierra room, a little more luxurious with electric lighting and our own space to chill out and cook together.
The view from the hot pools over the mountains topped with snow was just beautiful. Yes there are sandflies - but where in NZ other than indoors are there none?
Highly recommended if you can spare the two days and enjoy hiking. I've come away with brilliant memories and fantastic pictures.