A chaotic collection of New Zealand road trip moments—dogs, great coffee, weird encounters, and the kind of randomness that makes travel unforgettable.


A chaotic collection of New Zealand road trip moments—dogs, great coffee, weird encounters, and the kind of randomness that makes travel unforgettable.

Embarking on an epic road trip across New Zealand’s South and North Islands, we drove over 6,500 kilometers, balancing spontaneity with meticulous planning. With an average accommodation budget of 240 NZD per night, we cleverly avoided overspending by booking last-minute stays and prioritizing cost over location. This approach enabled us to save significantly on food, as we stocked up on essentials and enjoyed homemade meals paired with occasional restaurant dining.

Take a short ferry from Paihia to Russell in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Discover its wild past, scenic waterfront, and relaxed charm.

Stand at the edge of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, where two oceans collide and Māori spirituality runs deep. A timeless, meaningful travel experience.

Explore the giant Te Paki sand dunes near Cape Reinga—New Zealand’s unexpected desert landscape. Discover sandboarding, scenic views, and travel tips for this unique Northland stop.

Returning to Hobbiton after 20 years: exploring the famous Lord of the Rings movie set in New Zealand and seeing how it has changed.

A relaxing weekend at Ōhope Beach near Whakatāne—Kiwi bach life, beach days, BBQ evenings, and views of Whakaari volcano in the Bay of Plenty.

Lunch in Taupō by Lake Taupō, quirky attractions, the Hole in One Challenge, and McDonald’s inside a DC-3 plane. Sunshine, scenery and fun.

Discover the real Mount Doom on New Zealand’s Desert Road. Explore the volcanic landscapes that inspired Lord of the Rings and learn where to find the best views.

Visit Mangawhero Falls near Ohakune, home of Gollum’s Pool from The Lord of the Rings. Easy walk, epic scenery, and Mount Ruapehu views.

Visit Zealandia Sanctuary in Wellington, a world-class urban wildlife reserve where native species thrive. Our dusk tour revealed kiwi, kākā, and more.

A funny, scenic detour on the West Coast: Cape Foulwind’s seal colony, epic cliffs, and a leisurely walk with maximum views and minimal effort.

Discover Hokitika on New Zealand’s wild West Coast — gold-rush history, greenstone carving, beach art, and relaxed small-town charm.

Journey across New Zealand’s South Island from east to west via Arthur’s Pass — from the legendary Castle Hill Rocks to lush West Coast rainforests and Hokitika’s wild beaches. A scenic road trip full of culture, geology, and cosy rest stops.

Discover Mount Sunday, the real-life filming location of Edoras from The Lord of the Rings. A breathtaking hike in New Zealand’s remote Rangitata Valley.

Explore the road from Te Anau to Glenorchy via Queenstown — scenic lakes, Lord of the Rings film sites, and unforgettable South Island views.

Discover the magic of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Read our travel guide to the best Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive, and travel tips for this breathtaking destination.