coming to NZ on holiday
Discussion
Hi all
next Janaury am coming to NZ for a three week holiday and am wondering if someone may pass me some information we usually do not find in touristic guides.
Needless to say but.... I love driving.
No idea to drive stupid, of course, but still I love driving so I would appreciate suggestions regarding amazing roads, scenic or whatever that usually only residents might suggest.
Am going to spend the first week in Matapouri (home exchanging) planning to explore the northern part of North Island.
Second week is for wandering in the central part of North Island and for sure going to East Cape.
Third week will be in Queenstown (home exchanging again) and the idea is to get there from Picton via Greymouth and Haast Pass.
Second question: how strict is speed control on B roads?
Do you have policemen hiding behind cactus same as in US deserts?
This is just to know how much attention I have to pay on the right foot. Again, am going to be a polite guest and my second half sitting beside me is the best possible speed limeter, but, you know...
Many thanks for your advises.
Claudio
next Janaury am coming to NZ for a three week holiday and am wondering if someone may pass me some information we usually do not find in touristic guides.
Needless to say but.... I love driving.
No idea to drive stupid, of course, but still I love driving so I would appreciate suggestions regarding amazing roads, scenic or whatever that usually only residents might suggest.
Am going to spend the first week in Matapouri (home exchanging) planning to explore the northern part of North Island.
Second week is for wandering in the central part of North Island and for sure going to East Cape.
Third week will be in Queenstown (home exchanging again) and the idea is to get there from Picton via Greymouth and Haast Pass.
Second question: how strict is speed control on B roads?
Do you have policemen hiding behind cactus same as in US deserts?
This is just to know how much attention I have to pay on the right foot. Again, am going to be a polite guest and my second half sitting beside me is the best possible speed limeter, but, you know...
Many thanks for your advises.
Claudio
Hi Claudio. You will find our roads, especially our B roads, narrow and in many cases, poorly surfaced. However, that being said,there are some brilliant roads to drive in both the North and South islands. You will also find that traffic density here, especially in the South Island, is usually very light. Your trip from Queenstown north via Greymouth will be excellent. You should also try to do the drive into Milford Sound and back. Speed is very strictly enforced 
, especially during holiday periods where there is only a 4kph tolerance allowed. Other times in is a 9kph tolerance. Police and camera vans are supposed to park in clear view of oncoming motorists, but don't rely on it. Cruising police cars are mostly equipped with radar and may be marked or unmarked. Be aware that many New Zealand drivers are morons and some are quite aggressive. As such, they will not extend you the same courtesy that you might experience in Europe. And remember - Keep Left. As long as you are moderately careful, you should have a wonderful time.
, especially during holiday periods where there is only a 4kph tolerance allowed. Other times in is a 9kph tolerance. Police and camera vans are supposed to park in clear view of oncoming motorists, but don't rely on it. Cruising police cars are mostly equipped with radar and may be marked or unmarked. Be aware that many New Zealand drivers are morons and some are quite aggressive. As such, they will not extend you the same courtesy that you might experience in Europe. And remember - Keep Left. As long as you are moderately careful, you should have a wonderful time.You won't find many cops on quiet B-roads (in the South Island at least, can't speak for North Island), they generally tend to stick to main roads.
Mind you some of our main roads might seem like B-roads to you
and some of our back roads can provide plenty of fun without breaking speed limits.
Mind you some of our main roads might seem like B-roads to you
and some of our back roads can provide plenty of fun without breaking speed limits.Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 2nd December 23:26
Interesting and often scenic roads are many so just drive safely, enjoy the scenery as it presents itself (which you'll miss if you race through it) and you should have a great time without problems.
E.g. a day trip somewhat like this...... http://goo.gl/maps/UNtgO
will take you down some of these roads...
http://goo.gl/maps/b9vON
http://goo.gl/maps/qAoQT ......... (State Highway 1 through a typical NZ gorge... http://goo.gl/maps/PV3WG )
http://goo.gl/maps/pSvfN
http://goo.gl/maps/YtlM0
http://goo.gl/maps/UvaXs
http://goo.gl/maps/JdVFX
The above are six random examples of New Zealand that are not unlike hundreds of other parts of the country. All of the links show street views on major State Highways.
For the record, if you get caught doing +40kph over the speed limit then you will be walking for the remainder of your holiday. They take your keys.
There is also no tolerance to drinking and driving. The limit is 400 micrograms per litre of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.
When in January?
January is still holiday season so traffic will be a bit heavier than other times, especially on weekends. But also, hopefully, the roads will be a lot drier than if you were here over winter.
Unfortunately the Cannonball is on February 2nd so you might be a week too soon.
What I'd ask locals is to verify what some of the tourist guides do state. I.E what to see and do; other than the driving they don't talk about. Sometimes many attractions in these guides are just expensive tourist traps and the real New Zealand is only known to those that live here.
Give us some idea of your interests, other than driving, so the members can suggest points of interest.
E.g. a day trip somewhat like this...... http://goo.gl/maps/UNtgO
will take you down some of these roads...
http://goo.gl/maps/b9vON
http://goo.gl/maps/qAoQT ......... (State Highway 1 through a typical NZ gorge... http://goo.gl/maps/PV3WG )
http://goo.gl/maps/pSvfN
http://goo.gl/maps/YtlM0
http://goo.gl/maps/UvaXs
http://goo.gl/maps/JdVFX
The above are six random examples of New Zealand that are not unlike hundreds of other parts of the country. All of the links show street views on major State Highways.
For the record, if you get caught doing +40kph over the speed limit then you will be walking for the remainder of your holiday. They take your keys.
There is also no tolerance to drinking and driving. The limit is 400 micrograms per litre of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.
When in January?
January is still holiday season so traffic will be a bit heavier than other times, especially on weekends. But also, hopefully, the roads will be a lot drier than if you were here over winter.
Unfortunately the Cannonball is on February 2nd so you might be a week too soon.
What I'd ask locals is to verify what some of the tourist guides do state. I.E what to see and do; other than the driving they don't talk about. Sometimes many attractions in these guides are just expensive tourist traps and the real New Zealand is only known to those that live here.
Give us some idea of your interests, other than driving, so the members can suggest points of interest.
Edited by Atom Johnny on Monday 3rd December 06:55
Coming in from Haast Pass there are two roads to Queenstown once you get close to Wanaka. You can either go into Wanaka and then over the Crown Range to Queenstown,or go to Queenstown via Cromwell. If it's daytime and the weather is good take the Crown Range road. But to be honest, it's all stunning. Also, with the exception of some roads into and out of Christchurch, all "highways" on the South Island are two lane roads, and by that I mean one lane in each direction!
GravelBen said:
You won't find many cops on quiet B-roads (in the South Island at least)
Ha!, got a telling off from a grumpy policewoman at Kerr Hill Road a week or so ago , when on holiday down thereDownhill , 62k in a 50k resealing roadworks area.
(Crappy Subuaru Forrestor cruise control)
Stay under 110 indicated on open highway and you should be ok (tip from a cop who pulled me over for 118 a few years ago and let me off)
V12forever said:
Am going to spend the first week in Matapouri (home exchanging) planning to explore the northern part of North Island.
Be aware that in the far north 80km is the unofficial speed limit (well it seems to be for the locals here thats how slow they drive)Russell an Paihia are the usual tourist destinations
V12forever said:
Third week will be in Queenstown (home exchanging again) and the idea is to get there from Picton via Greymouth and Haast Pass.
Be aware it will be a good 11 hour drive from picton to queenstownhttp://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Picton,+Marlbo...
Atom Johnny said:
Interesting and often scenic roads are many so just drive safely, enjoy the scenery as it presents itself (which you'll miss if you race through it) and you should have a great time without problems.
E.g. a day trip somewhat like this...... http://goo.gl/maps/UNtgO
Thats a LOOOONG day , i would mod that trip to to the Rawene ferry http://goo.gl/maps/AtO6iE.g. a day trip somewhat like this...... http://goo.gl/maps/UNtgO
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Matapouri,+North...
Edited by lestag on Monday 3rd December 11:56
lestag said:
Thats a LOOOONG day , i would mod that trip to to the Rawene ferry http://goo.gl/maps/AtO6i
Atom day trip 13/01/2008.... http://goo.gl/maps/N4jDs .... 
But you're quite right about the ferry. They may also want to break the trip with an overnight stop in Whangarei, Mangonui, Paihia, etc.
There is some entertaining loose metal near where your house- sit is. The road to Whananaki from Whale Bay starts off civilised but then gets less so. The MTB ride over farm trails is even more fun!
Great roads if you like loose stuff. Road up from Whangarei through Ngunguru is twisty but well sealed. BTW, should this apply: don't make the mistake I did at Whale Bay on a MTB:- there are some big drop-offs onto rocks. If you have young kids, you'll need to shepherd them up there. Have a great time-it's a lovely spot !
Great roads if you like loose stuff. Road up from Whangarei through Ngunguru is twisty but well sealed. BTW, should this apply: don't make the mistake I did at Whale Bay on a MTB:- there are some big drop-offs onto rocks. If you have young kids, you'll need to shepherd them up there. Have a great time-it's a lovely spot !
Hi Guys,
many thanks for your many answers!
Let me try now to give some replies.
Speed limits: being a visitor for sure I will be driving like an old lady, I was just curious to know the amount of attention I have to pay on gas pedal.
Now I understand to be careful on main roads (many thanks mentioning parked camera vans as we are not used to that trick) and more relaxed on secondary roads.
Amazed by your information about morons drivers, don't worry, as am much more used to south italian and middle east traffic than to scandinavian courtesy....
Driving to Milford Sound was actually planned and am also thinking to join the Land Rover tour to Macetown.
Great web connections from Atom Johnny, thanks a lot!. Something is telling me am already falling in love with your Nation.
Many thaks also for warning me not to exceed 40km: if we do it here they don't take just the keys away but jail us on the spot and take our licence away for quite a lot (you lucky people).
Cannonball: being on holiday with my beloved I don't even think of theese barbarian activities, but it's a pity a miss it.
My interests other than driving: nice question and difficult answer: for sure “real” nature attract us very much, that's the main reason why we are coming.
My gentle lady does not drink alcool so no winery tours. And I don't like walking or biking....
Will be visiting MOTAT and maritime museum in Auckland and car museum in Southward (I've been working in the in pre war cars field for many years).
But the plan is to make a gipsy holiday, as we always do.
Am actually thinking to stop one night half way between Picton and Queenstown as leaving Picton we might visit the Abel Tasman Park.
Thanks to squawk7700: taken note for your suggestions.
Lestag: your web connections don't work here, but got the message about Rawene Ferry. Kerry Hill Road seems to be a very sencondary road!
Cheddar: pls don't make fun out of me but am renting a 1.6 jap saloon. Don't even remember the model as here it's unknown (now am at home and confirmation is in my office). Luckily (or sadly) am leaving my toy at home.
Thanks Frazer too: for sure will explore Whale Bay as per your suggestion (no kids and our dog left at home).
So, thanks all again!
And mind you: next time you come to Italy make no compliments and rely on V12forever.
All the best.
Claudio
many thanks for your many answers!
Let me try now to give some replies.
Speed limits: being a visitor for sure I will be driving like an old lady, I was just curious to know the amount of attention I have to pay on gas pedal.
Now I understand to be careful on main roads (many thanks mentioning parked camera vans as we are not used to that trick) and more relaxed on secondary roads.
Amazed by your information about morons drivers, don't worry, as am much more used to south italian and middle east traffic than to scandinavian courtesy....
Driving to Milford Sound was actually planned and am also thinking to join the Land Rover tour to Macetown.
Great web connections from Atom Johnny, thanks a lot!. Something is telling me am already falling in love with your Nation.
Many thaks also for warning me not to exceed 40km: if we do it here they don't take just the keys away but jail us on the spot and take our licence away for quite a lot (you lucky people).
Cannonball: being on holiday with my beloved I don't even think of theese barbarian activities, but it's a pity a miss it.
My interests other than driving: nice question and difficult answer: for sure “real” nature attract us very much, that's the main reason why we are coming.
My gentle lady does not drink alcool so no winery tours. And I don't like walking or biking....
Will be visiting MOTAT and maritime museum in Auckland and car museum in Southward (I've been working in the in pre war cars field for many years).
But the plan is to make a gipsy holiday, as we always do.
Am actually thinking to stop one night half way between Picton and Queenstown as leaving Picton we might visit the Abel Tasman Park.
Thanks to squawk7700: taken note for your suggestions.
Lestag: your web connections don't work here, but got the message about Rawene Ferry. Kerry Hill Road seems to be a very sencondary road!
Cheddar: pls don't make fun out of me but am renting a 1.6 jap saloon. Don't even remember the model as here it's unknown (now am at home and confirmation is in my office). Luckily (or sadly) am leaving my toy at home.
Thanks Frazer too: for sure will explore Whale Bay as per your suggestion (no kids and our dog left at home).
So, thanks all again!
And mind you: next time you come to Italy make no compliments and rely on V12forever.
All the best.
Claudio
Few other suggestions. The 4wd tour to Macetown is fun. Taken friends up there a few times. Lots and lots of stream crossings. Views are nice but not panoramic because you are sort of in a small valley. But the 4wd trip is fun and if you've never been on one it's worth going. As for "MaceTOWN" itself imagine a big rock in green field. OK, maybe two rocks and a part of a wall. There is no town. If you want panoramic views, and I mean views that make you stop and say "there must be a God" then drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Like the drive to Milford Sound, it's amazing, but only 45 minutes, as opposed to hours. And as someone who lived in Italy for many years, there is no good crusty bread on the South Island. Or mozzarella. Propio niente.
V12forever said:
Hi Guys,
many thanks for your many answers!
Let me try now to give some replies.
Speed limits: being a visitor for sure I will be driving like an old lady, I was just curious to know the amount of attention I have to pay on gas pedal.
Now I understand to be careful on main roads (many thanks mentioning parked camera vans as we are not used to that trick) and more relaxed on secondary roads.
Amazed by your information about morons drivers, don't worry, as am much more used to south italian and middle east traffic than to scandinavian courtesy....
Driving to Milford Sound was actually planned and am also thinking to join the Land Rover tour to Macetown.
Great web connections from Atom Johnny, thanks a lot!. Something is telling me am already falling in love with your Nation.
Many thaks also for warning me not to exceed 40km: if we do it here they don't take just the keys away but jail us on the spot and take our licence away for quite a lot (you lucky people).
Cannonball: being on holiday with my beloved I don't even think of theese barbarian activities, but it's a pity a miss it.
My interests other than driving: nice question and difficult answer: for sure “real” nature attract us very much, that's the main reason why we are coming.
My gentle lady does not drink alcool so no winery tours. And I don't like walking or biking....
Will be visiting MOTAT and maritime museum in Auckland and car museum in Southward (I've been working in the in pre war cars field for many years).
But the plan is to make a gipsy holiday, as we always do.
Am actually thinking to stop one night half way between Picton and Queenstown as leaving Picton we might visit the Abel Tasman Park.
Thanks to squawk7700: taken note for your suggestions.
Lestag: your web connections don't work here, but got the message about Rawene Ferry. Kerry Hill Road seems to be a very sencondary road!
Cheddar: pls don't make fun out of me but am renting a 1.6 jap saloon. Don't even remember the model as here it's unknown (now am at home and confirmation is in my office). Luckily (or sadly) am leaving my toy at home.
Thanks Frazer too: for sure will explore Whale Bay as per your suggestion (no kids and our dog left at home).
So, thanks all again!
And mind you: next time you come to Italy make no compliments and rely on V12forever.
All the best.
Claudio
The drivers aren't morons, they're soporific - still annoying but travelling JUST above the speed limit keeps you free of most of them.many thanks for your many answers!
Let me try now to give some replies.
Speed limits: being a visitor for sure I will be driving like an old lady, I was just curious to know the amount of attention I have to pay on gas pedal.
Now I understand to be careful on main roads (many thanks mentioning parked camera vans as we are not used to that trick) and more relaxed on secondary roads.
Amazed by your information about morons drivers, don't worry, as am much more used to south italian and middle east traffic than to scandinavian courtesy....
Driving to Milford Sound was actually planned and am also thinking to join the Land Rover tour to Macetown.
Great web connections from Atom Johnny, thanks a lot!. Something is telling me am already falling in love with your Nation.
Many thaks also for warning me not to exceed 40km: if we do it here they don't take just the keys away but jail us on the spot and take our licence away for quite a lot (you lucky people).
Cannonball: being on holiday with my beloved I don't even think of theese barbarian activities, but it's a pity a miss it.
My interests other than driving: nice question and difficult answer: for sure “real” nature attract us very much, that's the main reason why we are coming.
My gentle lady does not drink alcool so no winery tours. And I don't like walking or biking....
Will be visiting MOTAT and maritime museum in Auckland and car museum in Southward (I've been working in the in pre war cars field for many years).
But the plan is to make a gipsy holiday, as we always do.
Am actually thinking to stop one night half way between Picton and Queenstown as leaving Picton we might visit the Abel Tasman Park.
Thanks to squawk7700: taken note for your suggestions.
Lestag: your web connections don't work here, but got the message about Rawene Ferry. Kerry Hill Road seems to be a very sencondary road!
Cheddar: pls don't make fun out of me but am renting a 1.6 jap saloon. Don't even remember the model as here it's unknown (now am at home and confirmation is in my office). Luckily (or sadly) am leaving my toy at home.
Thanks Frazer too: for sure will explore Whale Bay as per your suggestion (no kids and our dog left at home).
So, thanks all again!
And mind you: next time you come to Italy make no compliments and rely on V12forever.
All the best.
Claudio
Picton to Queenstown is quite a strop - 880kms or 1000kms if you take in Abel Tasman too (and that'll take more than a day because you have to drive all the way there then all the way back). I'd go with the weather as the West Coast is notoriously wet, if it's a fine forecast out west I'd skip Abel Tasman and head straight down south.
The 'Centre of New Zealand' walk in up a conical hill Nelson is half an hour well spent and the view's are great.
Check 'The Free House' out in Nelson for brilliant craft beers (not for your wife obviously).
On the West Coast check out 'The Bay House' on Westport peninsula for lunch overlooking the surf. Punakaiki Rocks for the blow holes at high tide (and the little track to the coast about 2km before that that no-one finds).
I find the glaciers a let down but visit one - Fox would be my choice over Franz Joseph.
Do Wanaka on the way to Queenstwon and take in the Crown Range road between the two, much nicer way than the normal route.
Arrowtown for an ice cream is enough. Fergburger in Queenstown really is as good as they say (check the queue out from 11am to 2am, 2000 people a day can't be wrong!)
The Gondola and it's luge are brilliant, get the combo tickets and discount vouchers from the tourist info flyer racks.
Is it only two of you, no kids?
If so, GET A DECENT CAR!!!
AN MX5 is perfect.
Best of luck.
cheddar said:
Arrowtown for an ice cream is enough. Fergburger in Queenstown really is as good as they say (check the queue out from 11am to 2am, 2000 people a day can't be wrong!)
Arrowtown Bakery makes amazing venison pies, Red Star burgers in Wanaka is better than Fergburger.Otherwise good enough advice though!
V12forever said:
Will be visiting MOTAT and maritime museum in Auckland and car museum in Southward (I've been
I assume others must disagree with me as it continues to exist but I was most dissapointed by MOTAT. A few interesting exhibts but pretty run down, cars with flat tyres, cars taken out and gotten quite dirty and not washed before being put back etc.In case you're not aware Southwards is named after Len Southward who was the guy who formed the collection rather than being its location, its in Paraparaumu which is just north of Wellington.
Now there's a thought. I remember many years ago making a late night trip from Timaru to Dunedin to get a burger from a little shop called Burger King in Hillside Road. This was way before the "Burger King" franchise existed here. The place was legendary - the burgers were huge. It went out of existence about 20 years ago as I recall.
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