10 entries tagged with "north-island"
Driving into Wellington felt like entering a different energy — Te Papa, waterfront, and the end of our North Island chapter.
After Waitomo's glowworm caves, Day 13 felt grounded — Volcanoview, Kowhai Park, and the beauty of in-between days.
Silent boat ride under thousands of glowworms — one of the most magical, otherworldly moments of the journey.
After Rotorua's intensity, Taupō felt like an exhale — DeBretts Spa Resort, thermal pools, Taupo Domain Playground, and our reset day.
Sulfur in the air, Redwoods Treewalk, Wai-O-Tapu, Whakarewarewa, and Hobbiton — Rotorua made the trip feel educational without being forced.
By Day 7 we were living the trip, not just adjusting. Tauranga Tourist Park, Mount Maunganui beach, Soul Bowl, and the first place we said: we could live here.
After Piha's drama, Day 5 brought softer east coast calm — Seabreeze Holiday Park, Whitianga, Hahei, and the day we truly felt like long-term travelers.
After the soft turquoise of Tawharanui, Piha felt like a different New Zealand — black sand, wild surf, Mercer Bay Loop, and Kitekite Falls.
Our first real driving day in New Zealand — north to Leigh, Tawharanui Marine Reserve, and the moment campervan life truly began.
Our first days in Auckland — two nights at the Holiday Inn, campervan pickup at Maui, waterfront walks, and the Devonport ferry.
