Nicola Smith
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Wendekreisen Travel
4.0/5
We were on a budget so took an older model 4 berth.
It didn't take long to get used to driving it. The camper was clean and tidy, but showed its age. Overall a great and enjoyable holiday. We purchased an additional mirror to see the car seat way down the back, but the toddler was happy enough (most of the time) and loved being able to see out the windows as we went along. We got given great advise and told many things including - the water does not last as long as you think (we were caught out twice). The staff were friendly and helpful. A food recycling area set us up with our first night of food which was extremely useful. Our camper was S L O W on the hills and took a lot longer to get from Christchurch to Picton that the travel times for a car - not a problem if you know this in advance (it took us over 9 hours - with no traffic and quick stops). NZ is full of hills!!!! Once we realized this we adjusted our distance / time expectations and replanned the trip and had a fabulous holiday.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Grahams Bush Track
4.0/5
We walked to the peak next to Mt Cargill and took amazing photos before the clouds rolled in.
I wanted to continue the walk to Bathunes Gully but didn't have a pick up arranged to take me back to the car on the other side. This is a super busy track and we met many people. I walked this with a 10kg toddler in a baby back pack and met a lady carrying an 18kg toddler in a sling pack - a great motivator for me. The terrain was steep but we made it to the top. The track is starting to show its age / number of users as you could see metal spikes showing at the level the track should have been. This is a walk I have done a few times now and each time is different. The weather is changeable and the clouds move fast so you often don't have to wait long to see the views again. If you don't have time to go to the top I would recommend walking to the organ pipes then back to the car. This track is steep and definitely a NO GO for prams and wheelchairs but something any one can achieve with regular stops.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Tunnel Beach Track
4.5/5
This is one of my favourite walks.
It is fast to the bottom and a slow return. The track is in great condition and we took an off road pram (with downhill breaking) down to the top of the tunnel stairs (this is a NO GO with a normal street pram). The views are amazing and enhanced on a sunny day. The stairs down the tunnel can be slippery but it is worth the walk. The edges (fenced) off should be respected as the geology is delicate. The track has no shade so wear sunscreen. It is a long hard walk back to the car but if I can do it pushing a pram you can walk it. Expect to spend longer at the bottom that you intend.