Blog Posts

Exploring Abel Tasman National Park

Motueka Saltwater Baths Once we arrived in the South Island, we went to a freedom camp site along the Motueka Bay. This freedom campsite was very busy, and pretty nice, with toilets, grills, and an outdoor shower. We arrived early, probably around 3pm, and there were very few spots left when we got there. I…
Exploring Kauri Trees and Rivendell in New Zealand

As we headed out of the Northland and towards the South, we had to stop at the Waipoua Forest, home of the famous Kauri trees. In size, these trees come second only to the mighty Sequoias. These trees are found elsewhere in New Zealand, but this forest in particular is home to Tane Mahuta, the…
Onto the South Island: Wellington to Picton Ferry Voyage

Since Winter is coming, we wanted to get to the South Island and see everything we could before winter set in too much. The only way to get The Van (Cliffjord) to the South Island is to take the Ferry, which leaves from Wellington and arrives in Picton. We ended up taking the ferry on…
Exploring The Cape: Lighthouses, Spirits Bay, and Southern Lights

The Cape While we were WWOOFing, we wanted to spend our days off traveling to the northernmost point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. It’s a long drive up the northern peninsula all the way to the top of New Zealand. Once you’re there, there is a short little trail to a beautiful lighthouse. On our…
Peacock Farmhouse Chowder

New Zealand has many non-native animals which are now considered pests. Some of these include the Australian possum, rats, turkeys, and peacocks. For many of these there is no designated hunting season, but with landowner approval you can hunt them how and when you like. Taylor and I recently WWOOFed with a couple who owned…
Encountering Kekeno: The Fur Seals of New Zealand’s North Island

While traveling through New Zealand’s North Island, we had the opportunity to see fur seals multiple times. These marine mammals, while resembling sea lions more so than actual seals, were so fun to watch along our travels. All of the fur seals that we have seen belong to the New Zealand fur seal species, scientifically…