Nikita’s Nomadic Notes

Perhaps I’m biased but I believe that New Zealand is one of the most stunning countries in the world to travel and explore. I’ve had the opportunity to travel around different areas of the North and South Islands of New Zealand and I thought I’d share 4 of my absolute favourite places. Disclaimer – these are just my personal preferences (and it was so hard to choose only a top 4), and there are so many other amazing places to visit.

4. Moke Lake

Starting strong with number 4 – Moke Lake near Queenstown. This was a place I stumbled upon unexpectedly. A friend and I were road-tripping, and upon visiting Queenstown we needed somewhere to stay. We had a tent and were prepared to camp at the camping ground in Queenstown itself, however, you had to be 21 (for some strange reason??), and therefore we had to find a new location to camp. We discovered there were two Department of Conservation Camps just out of Queenstown so went to go check them out. The first one just didn’t feel right to us, it was between the road and Lake Wakatipu and something about it felt off so we decided to have a look at Moke Lake and then make a decision. The drive to Moke Lake after turning off the main road out of Queenstown was about 7km on a gravel road winding into the hills. As we were driving there, and passing signs that said “4×4 drive access only in winter and spring” (it was autumn, and we were in a small Toyota Corolla) we were wondering how much further we would have to go. There was absolutely no cell phone coverage so we were hoping for the best. And then the Lake popped out in front of us. It was idyllic and peaceful. We set up camp, before heading back into Queenstown. By the time we got back to the camp, it was very dark, I’ve never seen the stars so bright! And I live in the country. It was just beautiful, so calming next to the lake and among the hills. The next morning was cold. Ice coated our tent and the car, but it was wonderful, gradually watching the sun rise above the surrounding hills. There was a walk around the lake that was open to the public, and many people were cycling in to visit the camp.

3. Port Jackson

The fact that this is the only North Island feature in my top 4 is perhaps a testament to the fact that while I live at the beach, and love the beach, I’m also very much a mountain girl. However, Port Jackson is potentially my favourite beach in all of New Zealand.

Port Jackson is a bay at the Northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is somewhat remote, as the last 35km before the campsite is a gravel road, that can be narrow and winding at times and there are very minimal facilities. At Port Jackson, there are a few farmhouses and a Department of Conservation Camp which has cold running water, and long drop toilets. The nearest shop (and it’s pretty small) is about an hour’s drive back the way you came at Colville township. I definitely recommend stopping in at one of the two cafes in Colville, either on your way up or on your way back. It’s not a flash or high end experience, but the town is cute and quaint. In summer, the Port Jackson camp is very busy, filled with campers enjoying the beach, going fishing and just chilling in the sun. Cell phone reception can be a bit limited in this area, which adds to the more remote feeling of the place. But that’s all part of its charm! It’s a stunning beach that is good for walking, safe for swimming, and if you’re lucky (which I have been a couple of times) the dolphins will even come swimming in the bay. There are a range of neighbouring bays, some can be walked to, others must be driven to, and stunning coastal walks. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle of life and to chill out with friends and family in summer. I have been camping here since I was a kid, and I still love to go back every chance I get. But if you’re not an outdoorsy, off-the-grid kinda person, then this recommendation probably isn’t for you.

2. Milford Sound

Milford Sound is consistently mentioned across all New Zealand travel guides as a top place to visit. Typically, I rate places that are so heavily tourist driven as a bit overrated, but Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park are so beautiful and jaw-dropping that it’s a must-see when in New Zealand. Milford Sound, along with Doubtful Sound are fjords located in the Fiordland National Park near the southwestern corner of the South Island.

When I visited in December 2022, it was raining and had been for a few days. Yet this made for the most stunning scenery with waterfalls streaming down all the surrounding ranges. The drive into Milford Sound from Te Anau took about 1hr 45min, plus maybe another 30 minutes to stop along the way for sightseeing and photography. Honestly, the drive-in for me was a real highlight. Unfortunately, all the cruises for that day were booked out, so I did not have the opportunity to go out on the water within the sound, I can only imagine how stunning that would have been. There are a few different tour companies that operate out of Milford Sound, and some offer transport options from Te Anau as well, but these tours often book out in advance, especially in peak season, and they can be quite pricey. However, if circumstances allow, I would definitely recommend anyone to take any of these tours. While I had the most amazing time visiting in pouring rain, the Fiordland National Park is stunning in all weather conditions, sun, rain, or even snow.

1. Mount Cook / Aoraki

Taking out the top spot on my list is Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki! Aoraki is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724m and sits within the Southern Alps of NZ’s South Island. Within the Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park, there are activities for everyone, including mountaineering and skydiving for adventurous persons, and a wide range of walks and hikes to suit all levels. I have visited this area three times before, in a variety of different weather conditions (but never snow) and I still plan to go back.

The drive into the National Park towards Mount Cook Village which lies at the base of the mountains is incredibly scenic and stunning. You wind along Lake Pukaki which has bright blue water, towards the mountains in the distance which progressively grow closer. For the most part, this road is easily accessible and driven by most, however, in winter, snow chains may be required as this area can be blanketed by snow. It’s definitely best to check the weather (see Metservice NZ) before visiting this region so you can be prepared. Once in the village, you have limited accommodation options. The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Court, or Aoraki Alpine Lodge all offer motel/hotel style accommodation, although the prices range, and do not start low enough for many budget travellers. An alternate option is the White Horse Hill Campground. I have stayed here twice before. It is a campground run by the New Zealand Department of Conservation that is also the starting point for many of the walks within the region. The camp is available for both tents and campervans, but the only facilities are long-drop toilets. And I can tell you from experience, that it is not at all pleasant tenting here in wild windy and rainy weather. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in Twizel or Tekapo, with it being a 50-minute or 1-hour 10-minute respective drive to the village. Both Twizel and Tekapo I would also recommend as being worth a visit, but personally my favourite is Tekapo!

Besides the stunning scenery, the best part about this region is the walks! The most known are the Hooker Valley Track, Mueller Hut Route, Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walks. The Hooker Valley track is by far the most well-known and commercialised route of these, with it being approximately 3hrs return, over mostly flat terrain. However, in high winds, or dangerous weather conditions, there are 3 swingbridges that get closed, so once again it is best to check the weather forecast. The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walks are an easy 1hr return walk, with impressive glacial and lake views, great for families. Mueller Hut is a much more advanced walk, with it being 4hrs one way, and very steep in parts. It also requires a lot more preparation as the weather conditions can change very quickly. The hut at the top can be booked, to stay the night, with basic facilities. I have not yet been able to do this walk, but it is very high on my bucket list. More information on these walks and the many others in the Mount Cook National Park can be found on the Department of Conservation Website. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, the drive is so beautiful that I would recommend at least a day trip anyway!