noel – Page 23 – Transfercar Blog

Backpacking tips for the student traveller!

At last! There is a decent break between study long enough to do some travelling! What better way to see the world this holiday season than to pack a bag and head off to backpack around some astounding places? To have a good backpacking trip, it is vital that a few key things are decided before you go. So here are some great tips on how to backpack when you are a student.

You are about to get your backpack and heft it onto your shoulder, and then stride out the door to become as free as a bird! There is just one problem; half your stuff won’t fit, and the stuff that does is causing back problems; you feel like an elderly person already! Here is the best packing order ever so you can stride with purpose and grace, instead of shuffling with pain and agony.

1. At the bottom, pack your sleeping bag and mat. Your bag will have a zip to open the bottom, so you can access these easily.

2. Then in go the shoes (not your walking boots)

3. Then goes the stuff that you doubt you will look at, but need to have; like very thick jumpers.

4. Gadgets and breakable souvenirs should go in next, nestled in safely.

5. Then CLOTHES!! To save space, roll your clothes. And have your ‘unmentionables’ in a drawstring bag…or you will wear the same pair A LOT as the rest will be lost to the depths of the bag.

6. Have a second drawstring bag for dirty laundry, and try not to confuse them!

7. Then place the cooking pan (with stuff crammed inside it) on top of the clothes and laundry.

8. Finally, your rain jacket, for easy access

9. In the top pocket place everything small, that would otherwise hide and not be seen until the great unpack after the trip; lip balm, sunscreen, first aid kit, tissue, hat etc

10. Remember, pack into the corners stuffing them with things that are unlikely to be used; like the hat and gloves you packed just in case Egypt got snow…

Who are you going to backpack with? Are going to be a solo Stanley, or head off round the world with your best mate, or are you wanting to go in a big group of all your friends? There are pros and cons to all. Solo means you don’t have to worry about other people, if you love a city, then break out the spontaneity and just stay a while longer. The feeling of freedom can be awesome. However, it can also be more expensive, and as a student, low cost travel is much better for those loans… Heading off with your best mate seems like a rockin’ idea, it will be cheap, you can split the cost of rooms and food between you. Plus there is an added safety bonus; they have your back. If your best friend is the stay at home type, or wants to travel but you have different ideas of where to spend the holidays, then you could join a bigger backpacking group. If you get a group big enough that entire dorms are booked out at the hostel by you, and you can get group discounts at museums and tourist spots, then this is a great idea. But, it requires A LOT of planning!! Everything has to be booked way in advance, and you have to stick to the schedule.

Where are you going to stay? A hostel is great fun, you get to meet loads of people and make friends from all over the world. They can also be a great, cheap option for the student traveller. It’s a good idea to have your sleeping bag ready, just in case they don’t provide sheets (or you don’t want to use them) and in a hostel you won’t have much privacy. If you do go with the hostel option, always dibs the bottom bunk as ladders are hard to navigate after a few beers at the backpacking bar. A campervan is great if you are travelling with a small group of friends and you can all split the cost. In a campervan, you won’t have to worry about thieves or ‘that guy’. You can often get amazing deals on travelling with campervans (and the very best deals are with Transfercar), so keep your beady wee eye out for them. Just make sure you can cover the cost of petrol. Camping is another option, and is good for if you are walking across a country or something similar, just make sure there are good, safe, camping spots dotted all over where you plan on strolling.

How are you going to get there? Planes are fast, but expensive and you don’t get to see the countryside. If you have a campervan, you are already covered, but for other situations a car might be best. Backpacking and road trips is an awesome combination and definitely worth considering. Bikes are also good if you are not planning on going a million miles in one day.

Finally- where are you going? There are many amazing places to backpack or to travel around cheaply if you do it right. Just remember to balance it, for one expensive city you can probably see three non-expensive, so maybe go to Paris, and then Eastern Europe. Or Madrid, and then walk the Camino de Santiago. Other options can be to pick a cheaper country, like Indonesia or Costa Rica and just spend a long time there, you will get such an amazing knowledge of the place, and phenomenal experiences.

However you decide to travel this holiday season, Transfercar can help you. We have great campervan deals, and great car deals to get your where you need to go! Transfercar will help get you to the best backpacking destinations on the planet. So enjoy your gallivanting around the world!

Budget Travel: Travel Agents Vs. Do-it-Yourself

Look, I’ve got to be honest: before writing this blog I didn’t even know people still used travel agents. Is that still a thing? With the birth of the almighty Internet and the way it has turned every go-getting tourist into their own travel agents, it’s really surprising that travel agents are still making the monies! But they are! Who knew?! They did! Read on to see which method suits your travel needs.

Travel Agents: Who Are They?

So, before there were sites like Kayak ( here you can find the best fishing kayak), Expedia and Last Minute Travel, there were travel agents. Planning your own travel can be both a thrilling experience and a type of personal hell, depending on your disposition for DIY. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan your holiday, then travel agents could be a valid option; but it’s going to cost you. Travel agents always take a few commissions of some kind, which is totally above board and definitely worth your while, as the good ones often go above and beyond what’s normally required of them to provide you with the best trip.

Deal or No Deal

Travel agents are holiday advocates. It’s their job to find you the best prices and if things get cray they can help sort it out. Travel agents take the stress out of holidays. Imagine the freedom of not having to worry about arranging the right flights, hotels, meals, and excursions! Travel agents can often get you special deals or upgrades on cruises or hotels. Although plenty of agents charge fees to book airline tickets, cruise lines often pay the agent, which then ends up costing you nothing. Cruise lines often also give top agents a discount, which they can pass on to you. Agents who belong to trade groups can pass on free airfares to their clients. In some foreign hotels, great agents can get you such upgrades as free breakfast or drinks! Clearly there are plenty of perks! However, there’s a pretty big thrill in booking your own thang. When you find a good deal online there’s plenty of fine print. If you decide to book your own deals, do so with your eyes wide open.

Also find out: Why Jungle Vista Inn Is The Best.

Friends with Benefits

Word on the street is that planning a trip really can be super time consuming. It can take more than five hours to search and book travel online. If you don’t think you have the time to spare then you might want to hand the job over to a travel agent who has chosen to make a career out of easing the travel planning pain. They can take away the stress of trawling through the countless options out there, making finding you a deal their priority. Sometimes you can actually save anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on airfare if you have the right agent! Whoop!

Show Me Da Money

In the past, planning a holiday meant calling a travel agent to book all your flights, hotels and activities. With the dawn of the Internet, it’s more common for travellers to book holidays themselves because there are so many great websites available that make it easy. When you go with a travel agent, you pay a little extra for the convenience. Online booking shows you the prices of tickets at the moment, but prices are constantly in a state of flux. Some travel websites allow you to create a package by booking hotel, airfare, excursions and car rental together, but again you need to have the time to do it right. Online companies don’t necessarily offer the lowest price. Airline ticket prices change depending on the day of the week or time of the day and the season, and hotels change their rates often.

Ask the Experts

If you’re booking a complex trip it can be helpful to talk with an experienced agent. The right agent can guide an inexperienced traveller through dangerous foreign travel or exotic destinations. While the Internet is heaving with websites filled with information, you can’t necessarily trust the source. Some travel agents may have more knowledge of travel in areas where tourism is less developed. When you’ve found a good agent, you’ve got someone to turn to with all of your questions. If you aren’t familiar with the destination, a travel agent can advise you on everything from visas to sightseeing.

But…

Although some travel agents can save you money with deals, you can often find a cheaper deal online. Certain travel providers often pay agents on commission which means your agent isn’t motivated to get you the lowest price, if you know what I mean.

That Said

If you’re looking to save time when you’re planning your trip then going through a travel agent is advisable. Look at it this way; Travel agents are like any other professional that offers you a service for a fee. For instance, take your hairdresser. You choose one, build a rapport and the relationship is often long-lasting. The same can be said for travel agents. There are still plenty of travel businesses operating like Flight Centre. Go and meet with individual travel agents and tell them what you’re looking for. You might find someone that really gets you and who will do their best to help you plan a memorable and stress-free trip. On the other hand, if you have plenty of time and you like trawling through the web, hop online and start scouring through the vast multitude of travel sites that exist to serve you! When it comes to travel, the world really is your oyster. And once you’ve reached your travel destination, maybe we can help. Our free rental car service is something you can’t afford to overlook. Transfercar currently operates throughout New Zealand, Australia and now the US. If you’re really looking for the ideal holiday, the answer may be in booking a free road trip!

Best Vacation Spots

At this time of year, with the glorious holiday season happening soon, it is time to start planning the perfect getaway; whether you are wanting a ravishing romantic weekend, or a trip away with your mates, or a fun family foray out into the world. Sometimes, there are so many options it is hard to know where to go. Luckily for all, Transfercar has you covered and we have found some amazing spots for you to travel to!

First up on the list of awesomeness is Krabi, Thailand. This is the perfect romantic getaway, it is quiet and draw-droppingly beautiful with paradise at your feet. There is also lots of sunshine (providing you don’t opt to go in Monsoon season). There are endless empty beaches, many with legendary beauty, where you and your Significant Other can stroll and swim in relative seclusion. You are bound to enjoy the phenomenal jungle walks and treks. There are so many activities to do, with scuba diving and rock climbing for the adventurous, and local shrines and idyllic white beaches for those wanting to relax. There are a gazillion pristine islands to either stay on or visit, and the Tiger Cave Temple is a must see by all. For those wanting an amazing place to unwind from the hectic year, or those who are thinking New Years is a good time to propose- then this is the place to be (and yes, you can ‘claim’ full credit for the idea when it goes well).

Next up on the list is the phenomenal Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada, located only 50 miles from Las Vegas. The area has seriously cool geological and historical sites for you to look at, all are unique and highly interesting; from petrified trees to 3000 year old petroglyphs. Also, telling anyone you are going to the Valley of Fire makes you sound awesomely daring and adventurous. However, the name actually comes from the colour of all the unbelievable rock formations, rather than any daredevil lava spouts. The area is only six miles from the gorgeous Lake Mead where you can swim, fish and go boating. With lots of fantastic hikes and walks, this is a brilliant place to go camping. The fall, and also spring, is the perfect time to go with very pleasant temperatures. If you decide to go in winter, be prepared to wrap up warm. A great place to head with a group of friends, some beer and some smores making ingredients.

Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a beautiful place, with great things to do for the whole family. From kayaking out on the sound, to hiking through Fiordland national park and taking cruises and scenic flights. For all the hikers out there, Fiordland has walks for everyone- from mild and mellow 30 min strolls to the epic Kepler Track, a 60km, four day, mega trek. Because of all the wonderful water, there are an abundance of seals, dolphins and penguins- great for any budding marine biologists! There is also phenomenal diving, as a layer of fresh water on top of the salty, allowing divers to see creatures that usually live much deeper in the ocean! There are also amazing glow worm caves that look so magical they will inspire the young ones and delight the old. Make sure you take all your wet weather gear though, as it is one of the rainiest places in New Zealand!

For those of you thinking the holidays are best spent partying, Darwin is a brilliant place to go this holiday season. The Drinking capital of Australia, this is great place if you are looking for a good time, with multiple great clubs and bars! Make sure you learn the can system before you go, just say ‘red can’ or ‘blue can’ or another colour, each coloured can gives you an awesome different beer! If you want class and sophistication, then Darwin is the perfect climate for fruit cocktails, with lots of plentiful sunshine. If you don’t know where you want to go, then just take a stroll down Mitchell Street to find your place to party, this street is located in the city center with bars and clubs to suit everyone.

Onwards with the list! What is the polar opposite of the desert in Nevada? ‘Why, it is the gigantic Californian Redwoods’, I hear you cry! Seeing the Redwoods is a humbling experience that will inspire you and reconnect you with nature. The trees will fill you with an inner silence and acceptance- the perfect holiday for a back to nature retreat, maybe even a solo sojourn. You should note, that if you go at this time of year you will have plenty of rain so bring lots of hot chocolate, good books and prepare to just absorb the wonder around you, while you wait for the sun to shine and hikes to begin. Even in snow, this is an epic holiday, and if you do decide to make this an awesome family experience then snowball fights will be awesome with the tree trunks as natural forts. Just watch out that you don’t pelt any bears by mistakes! Possible wildlife to see is elk, mountain lions and if you go between the spring and in the fall there are black bears; and even more exciting is the fact that if you go along the coastline, you may even see grey whales!

The whole world has so many wonderful and unique places to see, these are just our current favorites! So pick a spot and prepare for an awesome vacation this holiday season, whether you decide to become a beach babe or nature buff, your getaway is well deserved! Wherever you go , Transfercar can help you get there, so make sure you check out our awesome cars to help get you from A to B and beyond. Happy travelling everybody!

Hidden Treasures of the Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is an insanely fun place to visit. It’s the number one travel destination in Australia and it’s clear why. The Gold Coast is an endless playground of entertainment, adventure and sometimes debauchery, where there is literally something to suit everyone.

From big clubs to iconic golden beaches, the Gold Coast is an excellent place to get away from the dreariness of everyday life. How many cities in the world can boast multiple worlds in one city? Is anybody up for Sea World, Movie World, Dream World or White Water World? This can sometimes be a problem: The Gold Coast seems like one big amusement park which might not be for everyone. Some of you may want to enjoy a vacation not being surrounded by hoards of other tourists (and their kids!). So we thought we’d present you with some Secret-Squirrel Spots on the Gold Coast to help you think of this wonderful part of Australia in a different light. Read on!

Make a Wish

The Wishing Tree Track: Nestled within the Green Mountains, this mysterious little excursion takes you on a 2.4km trek below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The walk to the wishing tree is all downhill, thankfully, and takes you along a native flora thick track. Just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful part of the world on this track, the last quarter of the track will blow your mind. The most adorable suspension bridge awaits you near the end of the track at the ‘piece de resistance’: The Wishing Tree. Once you hit the tree, and you’ve made your wish, take a left into the Glow Worm Gully to see… the Glow Worms! They’re nowhere near as gross as you think.

Come to Coombabah

If you’re looking to get away from the hubbub of the Gold Coast then you’ve got to head to the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. This area protects more than 1200 hectares of wetland, saltmarsh and mangrove swamp habitat. This is one of the best places in Australia for short hikes, bird watching and plant admiring!

Au Naturel at the Natural Bridge

One of the best day trips you can treat yourself to is in the incredible hinterland, where you’ll find the amazing (and yet unassumingly named) Natural Bridge. The walk to the bridge is quite short and there are plenty of wee secret spots to stop at so you can get away from the tourists, or your family! The Natural Bridge is a magical geological feature created by water erosion through the roof of a basalt cave over literally millions of years. Again, we’ve got some more glow worms, but don’t worry, they don’t bite! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a dip in the water but there are sometimes restrictions in place, so heads up!

Rock and Roll at the Rock Pools

Currumbin Valley Rock Pools is a great place for a fun-filled scenic day out for families or couples. Here’s a hint: walk 50 meters upstream to the small waterfall tucked away from the main attraction if you want some privacy. There are heaps of picnic tables, toilets and look-outs near the rock pools. If it’s warm enough, which is always is, bring your bathers, togs and swimsuits and take to the slippery rocks that provide natural slides into the fresh water!

Life’s a Beach at Greenmount Beach

When you think of the Gold Coast beaches you think of Surfer’s Paradise of Burleigh first but Greenmount is a popular destination for locals in the know. At low tide, Greenmount has some nice secluded spots around the rocks just perfect for sunbathing or a picnic. If you’re looking for some action, head further south to spot the surfers on the frothing main stretch of surf. You won’t be disappointed! Be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Love Locks’ as they’ve become popular along this stretch, where lovebirds sign a padlock and leave it on the boardwalk fence in memory. Pretty romantic!

When in doubt: Picnic

Picnic Rock can be found in the Green Mountains at the Lamington National Park. This incredible picnic spot is located in a world heritage listed rainforest and has some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. Considering the trek here is a 3.5km hike through the rainforest, you can rest assured that there won’t be masses of people here. Bring a blanket as the only place to sit is, well, on the rock! If you’re not up for the trek then take an easier stroll through the Regional Botanic Gardens which are a great picnic place too. Spread out over 31 hectares, there are all kinds of walks suited to different taste. Be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden and the Rose Garden. If you’re travelling with kids, the Gardens are a great spot to bring bikes and scooters. There are also plenty of boardwalks and playgrounds to keep the little ones busy while you admire all the native plant species.

When you’re travelling to the Gold Coast with friends, family or even by yourself, there are all kinds of entertainment to pique your interest. If you’re not into the party-hard lifestyle of downtown Brisbane, then jump in your free rental car and explore the wilderness and nature that surrounds the bustling city. The beaches may not be your scene, but don’t worry, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer everyone. At Transfercar, we always have heaps of relocation vehicles that need to be moved to and around the Gold Coast. When you register with us you can be sure you’re going to save money on travel, leaving you more cash in your stash to spend on good food and wine for those picnics, eh? We look forward to hearing from you mate!

Travel and Leisure: Bet You Can’t Guess the World’s 5 Best Cities!

Out of the 248,720 cities in the world, there are five that have made the Best Cities in the World list on www.travelandleisure.com. If I could do math, I’d be able to tell you what percentage that makes, but I can’t, so just start packing your bags because, well #YOLO.

1st Kyoto, Japan: Did you know that Kyoto was the official capital of Japan from 794 until 1868? Now it’s Japan’s seventh largest city with 1.4 million people and a modern makeover. Luckily for Kyoto, it has a very rich, dramatic and varied history that will impress both the tourists and the history buffs. So, put this beauty on your list of places to see! With its countless temples, shrines, geishas, and tea ceremonies, Kyoto is the culture capital of Japan.

2nd Charleston, South Carolina. Well, kiss my grits! This is the third time the oldest city in South Carolina has made this list and it’s easy to see why! If you’re craving some “Southern Comfort”, then wandering through the city’s infamous Historic District, centuries-old mansions and magnolia-filled gardens might be what the 18th century Doctor ordered. This beautiful city has a great climate, wonderfully charming people (why, thank you dahling!) and well, THE BEST FOOD. Biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits and B-B-Q to die for: this is one American city your stomach doesn’t want to miss out on.

3rd Florence, Italy. It’s not surprise finding Florence here in the top five. This city is like catnip to culture vultures, hungry to take in sights like Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi Museum. The Palazzo Pitti, Museo del Bargello, Museo Archeologico and the Medici chapels are nothing to sneeze at either! I won’t get into the food because I won’t stop, but let me just say: Antipasti! Caffe! Formaggi! Vino! Ah, in Florence it’s the ultimate la dolce vita!

4th Siem Reap, Cambodia. This surprising city is in the most prosperous region of contemporary Cambodia. Being close to the Angkor Wat temple has turned Siem Reap into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. At the heart of the city is the Old Market, which is home to some incredible restaurants and shops that are easy on the wallet. If you’re looking for a party head into the bustling downtown area with its plethora of restaurants, bars and nightclubs and a night market that’s pumping well past midnight.

5th Rome. Fancy yourself a fashionista? If so, Rome’s for you. Whether you spend your time sightseeing, drinking coffee, watching the catwalk go by, or spending all your money in the upmarket fashion boutiques. Rome is a favourite holiday destination for young and old. With the Pantheon, the Colosseum and St. Peter’s, this city is the world’s biggest open air museum! Bellisima! Visit https://www.trips2italy.com to find your best destination.

Transfercar can take you to some of the world’s best cities and more. Our list may be a little different but it includes hotspots like San Francisco, Sydney and Auckland. So grab a free car rental and go explore!

I am surprised I didn’t find here Las Vegas, as this city is a constant party and fun. Check VIP Wet Republic guest list sign up at http://www.lasvegasguestlist.com/pools/wet-republic if you are wondering what to do in Vegas tomorrow.

Northland New Zealand Roadtrip

My finger traces the map, following Northlands Twin Coast Discovery route in New Zealand. It’s been fun planning this trip to the ‘far north’ and now, behind the wheel of my rental, I’m off – first stop the coastal village of Tutukaka.

Checking into the elegant hotel I’m soon relaxing on my room’s balcony which overlooks the marina. Tomorrow I’ll be off on one of those boats to explore the waters around the Poor Knights Island, a 25-year old marine reserve that has warm currents from the Coral Sea and the world’s largest sea cave.

Sleeping with the curtains open, I wake to the sunrise, have a relaxing breakfast in the hotel then wander around the waterfront. By mid-morning I’m checking into A Perfect Day, next door to the fabulous restaurant I’d eaten at the night before, and soon I’m on board with snorkel, fins and wetsuit. People from around the world, including a young family, are doing the same, all of us anticipating a great day. The sun is shining, the sea calm and before long we are anchoring at the islands, helping zip each other’s wetsuits, then slipping into the water off the platform on the back of the boat.

I gasp as I hit the water, but the views above and below the water are breathtaking. I ooh and ahh as schools of fish divide as they pass me, briefly merging me into their school before moving on. Others carry on feeding on the food they have trapped up against the islands volcanic cliffs which continue straight down to the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Once we’re all checked back on board and wetsuits rinsed, we explore the huge and beautiful sea-cave Riko Riko and other islands which are part of the reserve. Watching the gannets diving for food helped make this, for me, a ‘perfect day’ just as the company is called.

Back on the road I’m soon in the Bay of Islands and checking into the hotel where I have a panoramic view over the bay that will feature over the in next few days. First though, I visit the birthplace of New Zealand – the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It’s not only historic and beautiful but also set in lush native bush and has guided tours and cultural performances night and day – I took advantage of the entry ticket being valid for two days to ensure I saw it all.

Next I challenge my fear of heights by soaring skywards with the Flying Kiwi’s parasail: New Zealand’s’ highest. Adrenaline was flowing before we left Paihia dock! The website said the take-off and landing was smooth and gentle and that’s true – I just hadn’t factored in the height in the middle and I was flying single, not tandem or triple. It was not long before I was at the height of Auckland’s Sky Tower above the water. Although fearful, during the ten minutes I did take some photos of the fantastic scenery and the boat pulling me. It seemed like a little dot, sometimes going in a different direction to me and the colourful parachute that floated above. This is a must-do for fabulous views of the bay and some of its 144 islands. Adventurers, and wimps like me, love to say “I did New Zealand’s highest parasail”.

Still in the bay, next it’s dolphin watching. As we searched in and around the islands and bays I realised why the first European to visit the area, Captain James Cook, named it The Bay of Islands. Unusually there were no dolphins on my trip (another trip is offered when this happens) but we did see a pod of Orca, killer whales, feeding – no wonder the dolphins where hiding! However, it seems their genetic warning system about this top-of-the-food-chain mammal, has not caught up with the fact that, in New Zealand, orcas prefer sting-rays for dinner.

This was the first area settled by Europeans. Whalers had arrived at the end of the 18th century, while missionaries arrived in 1814, and Russell is the centre of this history. Going there by one of the little ferries that leave Paihia wharf regularly and soon I’m enjoying a delicious lunch at ‘The Duke’. As I eat, I’m planning on sleeping in one of the rooms in this elegantly restored hotel next time I visit: they say they’ve been ‘refreshing rascals and reprobates’ for years and I’m sure I’d fit in! Granted the first liquor licence in New Zealand, it’s certainly grown from ‘Johnny Johnsons Grog Shop’ and the drunken sailors that Darwin hated, to this stylish Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

My days fly and with a I-must-come-back- and-do list, I set my GPS for Kerikeri where I stay in eco-cottages nestled in the award-winning Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens. As well as visiting more historical sites here, I also had lunch and dinner at Wharepuke – I see why they have just received ‘The Best Cafe in Northland 2011’ award.

The ‘winterless north’ is the cradle of New Zealand history, and my next stop is no different.

Mangonui advertises itself not only for its historical walk but for the ‘worlds’ best fish shop’ so check that out and judge for yourself! This whole area has picturesque, mostly white sand beaches and the views from any hill top are magical. Doubtless Bay was a perfect place to enjoy this area and also handy to be able enjoy the country’s most northern vineyard and cellar door on Karikari peninsula.

The trip to Cape Reinga was up 90 Mile Beach by bus. Most, if not all, car rental companies do not insure their vehicles on this official ‘road’ as each year vehicles come to a sticky end here and I didn’t want to be one of them. For most Kiwi, (as we New Zealanders call ourselves) Cape Reinga, called Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori, is a special place, culturally and ecologically, and many visitors from around the world reduce their carbon footprint by planting a native tree there.

Heading back down the well-signposted twin-coast highway my next stop was at a Hokianga hotel (and the hub of local social life too) which is right on the waterfront and within sight of the heads that the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe, sailed through many generations ago. If the Bay of Islands is the cradle of Pakeha history, this whole area is the cradle of Maori history; in particular the nine main local iwi (tribes).

Two of the activities I did here celebrated both nature and Maori culture. Footprints Twilight Encounter was very special and even Lonely Planet have rated it highly (Code Green Experience of a Lifetime). One evening I joined one of Kupe’s descendants, and six other travellers, on a guided walk to the two largest kauri trees in the world. Being in the forest at night was very special for sounds and sights. The next day I was in a totally different environment.

Another of Kupe’s descendants stood with me on top of the giant sand dunes on the opposite side of the Hokianga Harbour regaling me with stories of the past with its intrigues, wars, deception and fun. Interestingly, one of my guide’s ancestors, Atama Paparangi, had his portrait painted seven times by C F Goldie. One of the other great things about this trip, in a dune buggy, is that it’s pretty exclusive – after all, only three people can do it at a time.

Further south on State Highway 12 is the Kauri Museum. This had been given such great press by travellers I’d met along the way that it had a lot to live up to. While in the Waipoua Forest a Canadian told me she thought it rivalled the Smithsonian – a tall order.

One of the amazing things I find about this world-class, award winning, museum is that it is administered by a charitable trust. Showcasing the very best of the Kauri Coast, it not only has amazing pieces of Kauri gum arts and crafts but also magnificent antique furniture and working machinery.

Better than the Smithsonian? I don’t know: what I do know is, whatever your interests, social history, art, nature, science, furniture, jewellery, machinery, culture, the Kauri Museum and its history of the beautiful golden amber gum will keep you occupied for hours. Tell them I sent you!

Guest post by Heather Hapeta- If this sort of road trip sounds like you, check out our free rental cars and campervans that can take you there!