Rain

April 2 & 3: Leaving Franz Joseph, we headed out to the coast to camp for the night between Hokitika and Greymouth. Found a nice spot at a private residence that allows campers, called Cameron’s Beach Front. We explored both Hokitika and Greymouth the next day, but were hampered by the steady rain, so we […]

Franz Josef

4/2/25: We visited the West Coast Wild Life Center in Franz Joseph, where they are working to increase the population of 2 rare kiwi birds – the Rowi and the Tokoeka. They also have another endangered species, a rare lizard like creature, the Tuatara. We saw 2 Rowi, but no photos are allowed, so we […]

How to better appreciate a black water holding tank!

No words necessary…

Out West

3/31/25: After spending the next day exploring some more wineries, we headed out to the west coast. The plan was to get to Fox Glacier, stopping along the way at points of interest. However, we learned that there was a three hour road closure along our route that would start just about the time we […]

Cardrona

3/30/25: Stopped at the famous Cardrona Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand. There’s a bar and restaurant, and you guessed it – free camping for the night! Had an excellent leg of lamb for dinner and Randy had dirty eggs for breakfast ( I had a cheese scone).

Chard Farm Winery

3/30/25: Found some amazing Pinots at Chard Farm Winery near Queenstown…but ohhhh- the road up to the winery was very scary!

Purakaunui Falls

3/27/25: Stopped for a short 20 minute round trip walk to see these falls while driving through the Catlins area at the bottom of the South Island. This was before we went to Curio Bay, also in the Catlins.

Milford Sound

Arrived in Te Anau on 3/28, ready for the Milford Sound cruise on 3/29. The cruise we signed up for includes a bus from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca – Invercargill

On our way to Te Anau we stopped in Invercargill to visit Classic Motorcycle Mecca. This museum has the best collection of scooters and sidecars that we’ve seen, as well as classic motorcycles.

Curio Bay

3/27/25- Found another campsite with an awesome ocean view in Curio Bay. Next morning we saw a seal underneath the camper van next to us!