Day 35-36: Best photos of New Zealand and flight from Christchurch to Barcelona
With the best new photos of New Zealand and the flight from Christchurch to Barcelona We say goodbye to this incredible trip to New Zealand in 36 days that has taken us to know some of the most incredible places in the country and that has given us unforgettable comments that we are sure, we will never forget.
As we have been commenting days ago, in this case, we have also adapted a bit the story of the day to better fit the logistics and writing, so we want to comment that in our case after finalizing the list of things that see and do in Kaikoura that we had proposed and that where we were a couple of days, the last of the days, we already went to Christchurch, where we stayed at the North South Holiday Park accommodation in Christchurch perfect if you just want to spend the night at Next day return the motorhome or vehicle and catch the flight.
These options for changing plans are really possible by renting a motorhome in New Zealand, something that allows you to have total freedom of movement and schedules and that in a country like New Zealand, we believe it is essential.
Remember that if you are interested in making a route through New Zealand by motorhome, we recommend you look at the Motorhome Republic page where you can see all the available motorhome options, prices and even make the reservation directly.
Flight from Christchurch to Barcelona
In the early morning we leave the motorhome ready and go to the offices of Jucy where we say goodbye to the vehicle that we have made our home for more than a month and to which we have to confess, we have adapted much better than we expected and it has become one of the unforgettable memories and part of the best photos of New Zealand that we take as a souvenir of the trip.
At this point, we have to remind you of the importance of reading the fine print of rental agreements. In our case, it was specified that we should return the motorhome with the gray waters and the full water tank, something that the contract did not put, but on its website. Without knowing it at that time, in the office we commented that we had not done these procedures and they told us that nothing was happening, that we should not worry. Two days later we were charged on the card 150 euros for this. Keep that in mind, no matter how much they say in the office.
Once with all the procedures done and that the free transfer of Jucy takes us to the airport to catch the flight from Christchurch to Barcelona, we have to spend the three hours that we have margin working, drinking coffee and above all, reviewing the New Zealand photos that we take and that without a doubt, will be one of the best memories of this impressive trip.
Christchurch airport
And so, almost without realizing it, we embark and spend the following hours with only one objective in mind: the almost 6-hour scale that will take us to one of our favorite cities in the world that we met in Singapore in 6 days and where we hope to enjoy Some hours doing one of the things we like most in the world.
Stopover in Singapore on the New Zealand flight
We arrive in Singapore on time and directly we will pass the immigration controls, where we are not more than 30 minutes between all the procedures and the departure of the flight, to be when it is 6 pm at the airport gate, taking a taxi that for 12 euros to change leaves us at JUMBO Seafood - East Coast, one of our favorite restaurants in the city where to eat chilly crab and also has a branch just 10 kilometers from the airport and 15 minutes away.
Jumbo seafood
And so, after 11 hours of travel, we pass this stopover in Singapore on the New Zealand flight in the best possible way: eating and taking another of the best photos of New Zealand, although in this case we are no longer in the incredible White Cloud Country.
We ordered two plates of chilly crab plus 18 mantou (Chinese fried bread that accompanies chilly crab) and water for 150 euros to the change we have to say, they feel wonderful and for a couple of hours, facing the sea, they give us the energies We need to face another flight of almost 11 hours, which will take us to Barcelona.
Chilly Crab in Singapore
More practical information to prepare your trip to New Zealand
- 10 essential tips for traveling to New Zealand
- 10 essential places to see in New Zealand
- The best travel insurance for New Zealand
Best photos of New Zealand
After reviewing what has been the flight from Christchurch to Barcelona We cannot finish this incredible journey without showing those that have been for us the best photos of New Zealand, which have given us the great opportunity to get to know one of the most impressive places in the world and also enjoy all the essential things to see in New Zealand.
Auckland
Although it is not an essential, this city was for us the gateway to the country and this incredible trip, so if you have time, we believe it is highly recommended to dedicate a day to know the places to see in Auckland on an essential day , which will also serve as an introduction to the country and balm to overcome a jet lag that sometimes becomes difficult to overcome.
Auckland in one day
Cabo Reinga
Although we understand that reaching the northernmost point of the North Island of New Zealand is not easy if you do not have many days to make this trip, without a doubt, the magic of this place is worth it, whenever you can, adjust your days and make this trip through some of the most traditional legends and places in the country that will also give you one of the best photos of New Zealand.
Also visiting Cabo Reinga will allow you to stay at Camping Tapotupotu Campsite, one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
Visit Cabo Reinga in New Zealand
Northland
If in the end you have dared to approach Cabo Reinga, the descent can not be other than a route through places to see in Northland, among which you can enjoy Te Paki Giant Dunes, the 90 mile Beach and the impressive Kauri Coast, which highlights Waipoua Forest, which we are sure, will give you unforgettable moments and images of New Zealand.
Kauri Coast
Coromandel Peninsula
And from there, it is impossible to think about not going to the Coromandel Peninsula, one of the most incredible places in New Zealand where the population of Coromandel, Waiau kauri grove, Cathedral Cove or Hot Water Beach stand out, all of them essential on any route for the places to see in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Cathedral Cove, one of the places to see on the Coromandel Peninsula
Rotorua
Without a doubt Rotorua is one of the best photos of New Zealand besides being one of the great essentials. Although if you compare it with other geothermal areas of the world such as Yellowstone or Iceland, it may not stand out as much, together, we assure you that it is one of the places in the country that have impressed us the most and that without a doubt, we believe it is one of The essentials, so that whenever possible, leave a minimum day to make a route through the places to see in Rotorua essential among which you can not miss Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu, two authentic phenomena of nature that we are sure , they will leave you speechless.
Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua
Hobbiton
What can we say or add about one of the most visited places in New Zealand and we are sure, one of the goals of many of the travelers who arrive in the North Island of the country. If you like the world of the Lord of the Rings or Hobbits, we assure you that visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand is one of the best memories you will take from the country in addition to one of the New Zealand photos You will have in your header unforgettable moments. Without a doubt, a must!
Visit Hobbiton in New Zealand
Waitomo
Perfectly combined with a visit to Hobbiton in one day, if you don't have more time, visiting Waitomo Caves is another of the gifts of the North Island of New Zealand.
This is where the incredible glowworms or luminous worms inhabit that we are sure after knowing them, will become one of the reasons why you will recommend this visit without hesitation.
Visit the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand. Photo from the Waitomo Caves website
Taupo Lake
Although this lake is one of the most recommended places in the country for extreme sports, for us to make a stop at the places to see on Lake Taupo was the perfect excuse to stop at Huka Falls and the Craters of the Moon, one of the most incredible places, next to Rotorua, which we saw and from which we also took, another of the best photos of New Zealand.
Landscapes of the Craters of the Moon
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trekking
Undoubtedly, the Trekking Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand is one of the great goals of the trip, we would dare to say, of the majority of travelers arriving in New Zealand.
Much easier than we expected, read the post to know the details of what they say is the most amazing trekking in the world one day, this day has become part of the unforgettable moments of the trip and one of the New Zealand photos We will never forget.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Forgotten World Highway
Although for us it was not as incredible as we expected, partly because of the bad weather that accompanied us throughout the route through the places to see on the Forgotten World Highway, we believe that this route can be a good way to rest Tongariro trekking on the way to the next point, which is another of the essentials of the country.
Forgotten World Highway
Mount Taranaki and Wellington in one day
Although Mount Taranaki did not give us an image, it was covered the two days we were there, without a doubt, for everything we had read, this is one of the great essentials of New Zealand, so If you can, don't stop coming here. In addition, you can even make a route to visit Mount Taranaki and Wellington in one day, which although exhausting since they are many hours, will allow you to see and enjoy the best of both places.
Cuba Street in Wellington
Ferry from Wellington to Picton in New Zealand
The Wellington to Picton Ferry in New Zealand is the best way to cross from the North Island to the South Island, especially if you have chosen to rent a motorhome in New Zealand.
Although the weather did not accompany us too much, we were able to enjoy unique views as we approached Picton and then tour the Queen Charlotte Drive, which they say is one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the country.
Views from the Wellington Ferry to Picton
West Coast of New Zealand
If you want to make a complete itinerary through the South Island of the country, you cannot miss a route through the places to see in West Coast of New Zealand, among which Cape Foulwin, Tauranga Bay, Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks, Greymouth and Hokitika gorges , all of them essential in this area of the island that we are sure, will impress you despite not being one of the essentials of the country.
Pancake rocks
Franz Josef Glacier and Matheson Lake
Without a doubt, two of the reasons for the trip and two of the best photos of New Zealand. Although you can read that the glacier is not as surprising as others that you can see throughout the world and that to enjoy the lake, optimal weather conditions must occur, we advise you to take a little risk and visit the Glacier Franz Josef and Lake Matheson in New Zealand, two of the most impressive places in the country we are sure, will not disappoint you.
Final viewpoint of the Franz Josef Glacier
Fox glacier
As with the previous one, visiting the Fox Glacier is also a reason for different readings and opinions. In our opinion, after the experience, although it may be less impressive than others, if you are here, do not stop approaching and spend a few hours getting to know it and above all become aware of the importance of responsible tourism and what is causing the climate change.
Fox Glacier Road
Wanaka
Without hesitation, this would be the place where we would stay for a season in New Zealand. A small population, with atmosphere and everything you need to be happy. if you also add that when you visit Wanaka you will take one of the best photos of New Zealand, in which you can see the most photographed tree in New Zealand, does it take anything else to want to come?
Dusk in Wanaka
Trekking Roys Peak in Wanaka
In addition to visiting the town and staying hours and hours in front of the famous Wanaka tree, if you have an extra day, you can not miss the Trekking Roys Peak in Wanaka, one of the most difficult we have ever done, but at the same time, one of the most incredible we have been lucky to enjoy (and suffer).
You just have to see the views of the end to understand that it is worth every second of fatigue. Without a doubt, we will always remember Roy's Peak as one of the best photographs of New Zealand.
Trekking Roys Peak in Wanaka
Glenorchy
Although it is not one of the most known or visited places in New Zealand, taking a small route through the places to see in Glenorchy, including a view of the tiny town, will allow you to know one of the most famous photos of New Zealand in Instagram besides enjoying the views of the impressive Lake Wanaka.
The red house, one of the places to see in Glenorchy
Queenstown
Known for being one of the most visited cities in New Zealand, especially if you are a sports lover, for us to make a route through the places to see in Queenstown in one day, it served as the first contact with the city, to Discover its most tourist places and eat what they say, is the best hamburger in the country.
Queenstown views from the Gondola Skyline
Milford sound
Like other places we have mentioned before, making a route through the places to see in Milford Sound, is undoubtedly one of the things you can not miss in New Zealand besides being one of the postcards and one of the best photos of New Zealand that you can take with you
Milford sound
In addition to the route, another of the things you can not stop doing is a Milford Sound Cruise, which we would dare to say, is one of the most demanded activities in the country and one that there is no traveler who does not do.
Although it may seem otherwise, remember that whenever you can, this activity is much better done in bad weather, if possible raining or after heavy rain, at which time the landscapes will be dramatic and will give you one of the New Zealand photos.
Landscapes of Milford Sound
The Catlins and Southland
Although this area of New Zealand is not usually visited, as long as you have an extra day, we recommend you spend at least a couple of days to know the places to see in Los Catlins and the places to see in Southland, as we are sure, They won't let you down.
Waipapa Point, Slope Point, Curio Bay, Cathedral Caves, Purakaunui Falls or Nugget Point are just some of the places you can meet and that will give you unforgettable landscapes, especially if you are lucky and time is with you.
Cathedral Caves, one of the places to see in Southland
Moeraki Boulders
For us, without a doubt, one of the essentials of the country and one of the reasons why we had always wanted to travel to White Cloud Country. And visiting Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand was one of the most magical experiences of the trip and one of the most incredible moments.
Above all, if this is a place that catches your attention as much as we do, try to go first thing in the morning (always checking the tide times) to be able to enjoy in solitude one of the most fascinating places in the world.
Moeraki in New Zealand
Tunnel Beach and the Otago Peninsula
Known for being two of the most visited places in this area of the South Island of New Zealand, we had no luck with the weather and the visit to Tunnel Beach and the Otago Peninsula was somewhat overshadowed by clouds and rain that it seems, he didn't want to give us even a small truce to enjoy the place. Of course, Tunnel Beach we could visit it and we found it incredible.
Tunnel Beach in New Zealand
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Without a doubt, two of the best photos of New Zealand and two of the places you can't miss, under any circumstances on your route through the country. Although initially only two lakes may seem like nothing else, we assure you that the list of things to see and do in Lake Tekapo and the things to see and do in Lake Pukaki are as endless as exciting and special.
If you can, try to spend at least a couple of days in this area, we assure you that you will not regret it.
Highway 80 of Lake Pukaki with the Aoraki in the background
Mount cook
What can we say about Mount Cook or Aoraki that you don't know or haven't read. Probably nothing. What we do want to leave you is a route for the best things to see and do on Mount Cook, which we are sure, will take you to know one of the most magical places in the world and of course, another one of the best photos of New Zealand.
Tasman Glacier View Track, one of the things to do on Mount Cook
Banks and Akaroa Peninsula
For us this was one of the great surprises of the trip and one of the great gifts that New Zealand gave us. Having several extra days, we left in case we needed them due to bad weather, in the end we could combine it in such a way that we left over several days that in part we dedicated to make a route for the things to see and do in the Peninsula of Banks and Akaroa, which gave us unforgettable moments.
Although we do not believe it is a must in New Zealand, if you have a couple of extra days, do not hesitate and come to this area of the South Island of New Zealand, very close to Christchurch, where we are safe, you will be happy.
Landscapes of the Banks Peninsula
Christchurch
Known for being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in New Zealand and unfortunately desolated by the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, in addition to currently still with the weight of the attacks of 2019, although for us it is not an essential, we believe that dedicating a day or afternoon to meet and make a route through the things to see and do in Christchurch, is a unique option to know better the reality of this city and of course a country that struggles to return to normal, little by little.
Christchurch Cathedral
Kaikoura
This was another of the great surprises of the trip and as it happened to us with the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa, product of a few extra days in which we were not very clear where to go and that ended up becoming two days making a route through things What to see and do in Kaikoura essential.
If you have those extra days, do not hesitate, we are sure that you will love this area of New Zealand.
Point Kean, one of the places to see in Kaikoura
And with this, we finalize those that have been for us the best photos of New Zealand, which has also allowed us to review all the places we have visited and that have made this country one of the most incredible we have been lucky enough to visit and one of the places we are sure, we will never forget.
10 essential tips for traveling to New Zealand
