Aotearoa 2024 - 100 days healing trip with Dad
Finally, I have found the motivation to update or recap the travel experience in detail. It has now been more than six months since we left New Zealand, and reflecting on that journey brings back so many vivid memories. The reason I chose New Zealand was because it is world-renowned for its stunning nature and breathtaking landscapes, which perfectly suited my goal at the time: to heal both mentally and physically. I knew deep down that I was still not ready to fully engage or mingle with other people, and New Zealand served as the ideal first stop for this 100-day healing journey, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating environment. We spent 35 unforgettable days living in a campervan, exploring this incredible country from north to south, covering almost 3,000 kilometers on the road. Along the way, we encountered so many adorable animals, including curious sheep and playful birds, and, of course, met people from all walks of life who added warmth and kindness to our adventure.
I did not partake in any extreme sports this time, as it did not seem like the best idea while traveling with my 70-year-old dad. The vastness of the places we visited was astonishing to both of us, and we spent plenty of time walking once we parked our campervan at various campsites, soaking in the serene surroundings. The weather was kind to us throughout the trip, allowing us to visit many beautiful spots without interruption. Most importantly, we could always drive safely, as the distances between key points usually required at least a two-hour drive, which gave us ample time to relax and enjoy the scenic route at a comfortable pace.
The Brief itinerary as follows:
12 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024 Auckland
14 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024 Picked up our campervan and drove to Manuganui
17 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024 Visited Hobbiton Movie Set then Rotorua
20 Nov 2024 - 22 Nov 2024 Visted Waitomo Glowworm Caves then drove to Lake Tupo
22 Nov 2024 - 24 Nov 2024 Tongariro National Park
24 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024 Wellington
27 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 Drove to Punikik via Hokittaka
1 Dec 2024 - 4 Dec 2024 Franz Josef
4 Dec 2024 - 6 Dec 2024 Wanaka
6 Dec 2024 - 10 Dec 2024 Queenstown
10 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024 Mount Cook
12 Dec 2024 - 14 Dec 2024 Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, Omarama Clay Cliffs
14 Dec 2024 - 16 Dec 2024 Christchurch
