Travel Tips @au | Transfercar Blog

The Freedom Camping Guide to New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most camper-friendly countries in the world, and there’s no better place to take your campervan or motorhome than out and about exploring the natural wonders of NZ. Freedom camping is becoming increasingly popular as the years go by, and today we’re going to share with you some common dos and don’ts of freedom camping, as well as some amazing spots you can call your home for a couple of days.

What is freedom camping?

In essence, freedom camping means you can set up camp somewhere outside the official camping grounds. Now, this doesn’t make it illegal, but you could end up paying substantial fines if you set up camp where freedom camping is not allowed.

When you do find a free camping site, you want to make sure you have all the necessities at hand and that you follow the rules and act responsibly, or you’ll have to deal with a disgruntled parks officer. While there are hundreds of free holiday camping sites scattered across the two islands, you can also make use of the affordable powered camping sites if you find yourself unable to find a place to freedom camp for any reason whatsoever.

It’s all about a responsible behaviour and common sense

Your motorhome needs to be self-contained to meet the freedom camping criteria. You should also act in accordance with the following rules:

Do not leave traces of your visit. Unfortunately, some people have treated different public spots quite poorly in the past, forcing local communities to make those places ‘No Camping’ zones. So simply clean up after yourself as you don’t want to spoil it for others.

Never use waterways or the bush as a toilet. This is pretty self-explanatory, so make use of either your campervan toilet or public toilets.
Obey the ‘No Camping’ sign (unless you’re OK with being handed an on-the-spot fine).
Keep soap, toothpaste, detergents and other chemicals out of the waterways (having a bath in a lake is out of question, then).
Use approved dump stations to dispose of waste.

Now that you understand that freedom camping does require certain equipment and adequate provisions and a conscious behaviour, here are my top five spots.

Puketapu

Located just outside Napier in Hawkes Bay is Puketapu Park, a freedom camping zone perfect for families and group activities. You can stay for up to two nights, but you will have to keep the place clean. The place has a great playground for children, it’s riddled with trees and greenery, and you can make frequent visits to the village itself, Napier and its beaches.

Koha

Unlike the previous camping site, Koha campgrounds do not have toilets on site, so your motorhome really needs to be self-contained. Otherwise, the camping ground is a beautiful riverbank natural oasis where you can stay for a single night. The gates open at 3pm and close at 8pm.

The only thing you need to do it to rate them on social media and give your feedback, and you’ve welcome to camp!

Lake Pukaki

The breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Lake Pukaki, largely influenced by the unreal blue colour of the water created by glacial flour, is the perfect place to freedom camp with the family of your significant other. You’ll have the chance to wake up each morning with some magnificent views, and all of you Lord of the Rings fans will be happy to know that The Hobbit trilogy was filmed here.

Upper Waitohi

Waitohi is a great place for those of you looking to find a peaceful camping site, and stay there for the entire holiday. With up to fourteen days at your disposal, the only thing you need to do is refrain from lighting any fires, and leave the grounds as you found them.

Oh, and no pets allowed for some reason, so that’s a bummer, but a wonderful experience for nature lovers and backpacking enthusiasts as you will be going on long excursions into the great outdoors.

Port Ohope Reserve

Finally, Port Ohope, situated in the Whakatane region of the North Island, is a lovely quiet place on the shore, perfect for a couple’s getaway. You can stay for up to two nights, and there’s even a toilet block just a brisk walk from the site, but unfortunately there is no playground for children. Be sure to bring your snorkelling gear though.

There’s nothing quite like soaking in the charm and beauty of NZ’s countryside in the summer, so grab your free campervan, act responsibly, don’t forget you camera, and let the good times roll!

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The Most Exciting Events to Enjoy in New Zealand This Spring

The winter is over, and so with the warmer weather come all of the exciting festivities that will grace every part of New Zealand this spring. Every spring, NZ is host to hundreds of festivals, local gatherings, art installations, foodie events and many, more that will offer you loads of fun and enjoyment. Here’s our pick of the most exciting attractions during this festive season.

Nelson Arts Festival, 11 – 27 October, 2017

Starting at the northern part of the South Island, the Nelson Arts Festival in Nelson hosts numerous performers and art programmes, from theatre plays to concerts and dance spectacles all the way to visual installations and plenty more. Be sure to book your tickets in advance because many of the programmes can be sold out for weeks prior to the opening.

Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Festival, 13 – 15 October, 2017

While recovering from the spectacles at Nelson, be sure to venture a bit south to visit the Starlight Festival at The Hermitage where you will get the chance to witness everything from scientific lectures to concerts and photographic exhibitions. You can find your tickets at the festival’s official website. If you’re anything resembling a space nut, this is the event for you!

Auckland Diwali Festival, 14 – 15 October, 2017

Travelling to the North Island, the city of Auckland will welcome you to its Diwali Festival at the Aotea Square. This festival is all about Indian culture, imbuing your mind, body and soul with the colours, aromas, sights and sounds of this rich and ancient civilisation. The festival lasts only two days though, so be sure not to miss it.

Queenstown Jazz Festival, 20 – 23 October, 2017

Time to hurry back south again to Queenstown for the Jazz spectacle of the year. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of time to get here from Auckland. Entering its 40th year, the festival hosts more than 150 musicians from across the globe. And you want to find yourself in the middle of it all, surrounding by timeless tunes and wild times.

The New Zealand Cider Festival, 4 November 2017

Okay, you’ve had your break, time to get back on the road to Nelson, where you’ll get the chance get responsibly plastered at the NZ Cider Festival located at Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park. Not only will you be trying the latest cider crafting accomplishments from national and international artisans, but you will also be enjoying fine dining and entertainment in a more casual setting.

FAWC! Food and Wine Classic, 3 – 12 November, 2017

As if the sheer beauty of Hawke’s Bay isn’t enough to visit the region this spring, they had to put a foodie festival there to make sure you absolutely wouldn’t skip making this trip. Situated amidst the stunning natural scenery of Hawke’s Bay, the festival hosts culinary masters from around the country, as well as numerous connoisseurs and winemakers from around the world.

Sculpture on the Peninsula, 10 – 12 November, 2017

You weren’t planning to spend nine days eating fine food and drinking wine, did you? Better cut the trip at least one day short, because back in the South Island, the Sculpture on the Peninsula exhibition taking place in Christchurch and is an absolute must-see. This is the largest sculpture exhibition in NZ, and you will get the chance to support various charities by purchasing some of the artwork.

Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50K, 11 November, 2017

Feeling like going for a run? The North Island Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50K kicks off this season in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and finishes at Mt Tarawera. The reward? Soaking in the natural, heated geothermal waters of the area – there’s nothing quite like it and it’s an excellent way to end your spring adventure.

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing events to be witnessed in New Zealand this spring. We suggest leaving your car back home and grabbing a reliable free transfer car in order to navigate between destinations with ease.

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The Best Spots NZ has to offer to Fishing Aficionados

Fishing – an ancient skill that has long since become one of the most popular pastimes around the world. There is nothing quite like opening a cold one and imbuing yourself with the natural wonders while you patiently wait for the catch of the day, and in my case, taking photos of the magnificent scenery.

New Zealand is a vast country, with numerous popular as well as secluded fishing spots to appeal to your senses, and today I’m going to share with you the fishing regions I found to be the worthiest of exploration. Mind you, they are not necessarily close to each other, so you will need personal transportation, as a free transfer car. Let’s dive right in.

West Coast

If you are looking to start your fishing expedition, spring is the perfect time to set sail, as the entire west coast of the South Island becomes whitebait country. Be sure to bring a net because whitebait is plentiful from September to the end of November.

There are numerous lodging options here, and you can find affordable accommodation wherever you end up casting your net. I stayed at the amazing Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki from where I roamed the coastline.

Otago

Now, Otago is quite a big region, and it would be a shame if you were to skip the sightseeing or exploration opportunities. Be sure to devote plenty of time for this fishing excursion, as there are numerous lakes and rivers rich with brown trout just waiting for you to cast bait.

I decided to lodge at the affordable Clutha Gold Cottages as this location gave me the opportunity to go fishing up and down the rich Clutha River. Be sure to take your car up to Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, as well!

Canterbury

From Otago, naturally, I took the road to the breathtaking scenery that awaited me at Canterbury, a region riddled with fly-fishing opportunities on the banks of its beautiful braided rivers. If it’s sea-run trout or salmon you’re looking for, then head to the south of Christchurch to the Rakaia River.
Myself, I stayed at the Ashley Gorge Holyday Park because it is close to the Waimakariri River, a place of sheer beauty where you can enjoy professional fishing trips complete with jet boats and guides.

Bay of Plenty

Time to head north to the famous Bay of Plenty, home to the White Island and numerous coastal fishing opportunities, of which I found – plenty. There is no shortage of excitement here, and you can expect to meet other fishing aficionados on your journey, from catching hapuka, terakihi, trevally and bluenose at the White Island to lodging in and around Whakatane.

Coromandel Peninsula

Up the coast from the Bay of Plenty lies Coromandel Peninsula with its breathtaking, idyllic countryside and, you guessed it, numerous fishing opportunities. Some of the best fishing areas here are around Whitianga and Cooks Bay, where you can give it your best to catch a snapper or a kingfish. I was left emptyhanded, but with a bounty of beautiful photographs. Don’t forget to go snorkelling at the magnificent Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve while you’re there.

Marlborough

Fancy a trip back south? Across the coast of Wellington lies a natural wonder, or should I say, a natural maze of islands and peninsulas too vast to discover and experience in a single lifetime. And yet I gave it a shot.

I stayed at the somewhat affordable Lochmara Lodge, located at the Lochmara Bay, from where I had access to all kinds of fishing opportunities. From charter fishing trips to open ocean experiences, there’s something for everyone, so be sure to devote plenty of time to this particular adventure.

If there has ever been an angler’s heaven, it’s somewhere in New Zealand, that’s for sure. I hope you find these locations interesting enough to pay them a visit this year. I suggest taking a transfer car from location to location in order to navigate your journey quickly and stress-free.

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Visiting Northern Territory in Late 2017: A Family-friendly Guide

There is no shortage of adventure in the Land of Oz, and the Northern Territory is the perfect place to be during the winter months. In case you didn’t’ know, winter is the driest season up North, making it the perfect time to visit what this amazing, scarcely populated wonderland has to offer.

And boy, does it have it all. It is the perfect place to take your entire family on a prolonged vacation, or even a weekend picnic, although one short trip is not enough to live out its wonders. Let me show you how to create lifetime memories in the vast regions of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Exploring Arnhem Land

Imbued with timeless Aboriginal culture and spanning over 97,000 square kilometres, Arnhem Land borders the famous Kakadu National Park in the northern region of NT. The untouched natural areas will allow you to spend the entire day trekking and exploring the magnificent wildlife regions, and even settle down in breathtaking wilderness lodges in the area. Although scarce, you can find accommodation if you book in advance, and then head out to popular fishing spots at Port Essington where you will be able to enjoy stunning sunsets and dine on freshly caught seafood.

Aboriginal Rock Art at Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is home to untouched aboriginal art, where you will not only be able to learn about the vast cultural heritage of these native ancestors, but also explore the park’s breathtaking scenery portrayed by wetlands and high waterfalls.

Take a guided tour around the most notable aboriginal areas, learn about the natives’ art and cultural heritage, and don’t forget to visit the famous Gunwarddehwardde lookout, which provides impressive views of both Kakadu’s escarpment and Nourlangie Rock.

The Crocosaurus Cove

Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most dangerous and magnificent reptiles at Crcosaurus Cove, in the heart of Darwin. When visiting the Top End and Darwin, there is no missing the thrill and adventure of swimming with crocodiles, taking pictures with baby reptiles and taking a tour of the reptile house among numerous other croc shows and displays. A true family treat.

For those feeling especially brave, you will have the opportunity to test your courage in the Cage of Death, Australia’s only crocodile dive, available for your kids as well, so make sure you bring your camera in order to create some hilarious family videos!

The Islands of Smiles

The Tiwi Islands offer a unique opportunity to venture off the coast of Australia to experience true Aboriginal artisanship at work and witness the rituals of the islands’ totem pole burial ceremonies. There is no better place to learn about the language and history of the island’s indigenous people, and the only way to get there is by taking a tour with Sealink Northern Territory or the Tiwi Design.

The two islands, Bathurst and Melville that make the Tiwi Islands, also known as Islands of Smiles, present the best opportunity to not only inspire a sense of appreciation for the Aboriginal art in your kids, but to also ravel in the majestic and almost fairy-tale like scenery of the region.

Ride the Uluru Camel Tour

Located near the south border of the Northern Territory lies the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a small sanctuary and a truly spiritual place made easily accessible by carparks and roads that lead to the summit. The best experience comes on camelback though, as you can take a guided tour around the park riding friendly camels and learning about these magnificent creatures and the history of the national park itself along the way.

The Northern Territory is vast and although you could organize alternative forms of transportation, getting a free car or campervan is by far the cheapest way to navigate the region with ease. Be sure to hit up the region during the winter months to experience it in all of its glory and create lifelong memories imbued with the true spirit of Australia.

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What Makes a NZ Road Trip Truly Epic

New Zealand is world-renowned for the vast, raw, and untouched nature of its landscapes, but it is home to beautiful urban areas, as well, such as Wellington and Auckland, all the way down to Christchurch and Invercargill. There is something for everyone, even the most demanding travellers out there. With this in mind, here are some handy tips to help you have a memorable NZ road trip adventure.

Pick the Right Set of Wheels

Firstly, you want to make sure your transportation is in mint condition and that it’s optimized for the season. That means you do not want to find yourself driving a car with winter tyres on increasingly hot tarmac, rather you want your vehicle to be optimized for the oncoming spring.

That’s why I found it’s best to rely on a free transfer car or campervan to get the perfect set of wheels for an outdoor adventure rather than taking my old car out on the road and having to sleep indoors. After all, with the weather clearing up, you will want to spend as much time outside, imbuing your mind, body and soul with the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand.

Camp at all the Right Spots

While you could freedom camp in most of NZ, it’s best to stick to designated areas where proper facilities are provided for campers. This means that if you don’t have a proper toilet, and you are caught camping outside a designated camping zone, you will be looking at a substantial fine.

No need to risk getting caught by the poo police, so it’s best to avoid tying to freedom camp at Queenstown or Wanaka, and head out to one of the numerous holiday camping grounds scattered all over the northern and southern islands.

These holiday campsites are also equipped with shower facilities, kitchens and warm rooms should you need them during a cold night or after a long trip. Other than cooking a meal in a kitchen rather than the back of a van, you want to spend as much time as possible inhaling the peaceful aromas and sounds of nature, which leads us to the next step.

Don’t follow the Yellow Brick Road

New Zealand does have an excellently organized public transportation system, but no great adventure story started with anyone getting on a bus. All the more reasons to get a car or a van, and getting off the beaten track, following the dirt roads and finding your own piece of heaven amidst all the wonders that NZ has to offer.

If you dare to venture off the paved roads, you are bound to end up on a secluded beach somewhere completely devoid of human existence. Don’t worry though, there’s bound to be a camping site further down the road, lest you fall into the mercy of the beautiful outdoors for too long.

Bring the Necessary Accessories

Because a true NZ road trip cannot be completed with a single battery life, or withstood on a single chicken sandwich, you want to pack all the necessary gadgets and portable appliances you might need on your adventure.

You are probably going to spend a considerable amount of time away from an electrical outlet, and while that is a wonderful experience, make sure you have solar-powered chargers with you to keep you gadgets at full capacity in case of an emergency.

Give People a Lift

Finally, there is no need to be afraid of hitchhikers. While the rest of the world is dreading the mere thought of picking up someone in the middle of the road, New Zealander’s have nothing to worry about, as it’s pretty much the safest country on the planet. So be a good lad (or lass) and help someone out – the universe will return the favour.

Going on a NZ road trip truly can easily be one the greatest journeys you’ll have in a lifetime. Knowing the dos and don’ts on and off the road can mean the difference between a life-changing adventure and just another weekend away from home. Make sure you follow these guidelines and find yourself a unique spot in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

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South-Western Australia: Spring Campervan Explorations

Taking a road trip to Western Australia is a grand feat on its own, and it’s best to take tackle it one region at a time, as you wouldn’t want to quit your job to spend a year or two constantly on the road. Yes, WA is too vast to be challenged all at once, but luckily there are more than plenty of adventures waiting for you in the southwest region. In fact, the region is so vast and intricate, it’s best to get a free campervan in order to navigate the destinations quickly and with ease. Here are the most breathtaking places to explore in south-western Australia this spring.

Fitzgerald River National Park

The oncoming spring makes the perfect setting to get away from the hectic nature of the big cities and imbue your mind, body and soul with the wonders of nature. And your first stop is the Fitzgerald River National Park.

This national park is one of the most significant natural reserves in Australia, a home to nearly 20% of Western Australia’s flora species, many of which thrive only within its boundaries. It is one the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia.

Proceed down to Albany

Albany is a small coastal town located to the west of Fitzgerald River Park and is the cultural, natural and gourmet centre of the region. While springtime is best spent exploring the great outdoors, you shouldn’t skip a trip to this vibrant city, where you will be able to take a breather, visit its landmarks and enjoy its art scene, taking a tour at the Albany Entertainment Centre and a stroll down its charming Boatshed Markets.

Be sure to stay at the Albany Camping and Fishing grounds to maintain your connection with the great outdoors, right at the city’s doorstep. Before continuing you road trip adventure, you can dine out at some of the most charming restaurants in the city.

Go up to Lake Magenta

Located no more than three hours to the north lies a little piece of heaven called Lake Magenta Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a wildlife sanctuary worth visiting on your tour down South Australia, and you can take the Chester Pass Rd from Albany to the outskirts of the reserve where you can camp at Lake Magenta and explore its unique beauty on foot.

Follow the path to Frank Hann

After you’ve revelled in its beauty for a while, it’s time to get back on the road towards Frank Hann National Park. You can take the Newdegate Ravensthorpe Rd through the magnificent Lake King Nature Reserve and then continue down the road bearing the King’s name towards the national park.

Once there, you can lower your anchor and spend a few days exploring its natural wonders, although keep in mind that the entire region is untouched Aussie nature, and if you want to spend more than a day there, you will need to bring the necessary amenities with you. Be sure to bring plenty of water, solar chargers and fuel so as not end up stranded.

Make Cape le Grand your Final Stop

You want to end your road trip with a bang, and what better way to finish an adventure down under than by exploring a heavenly beach devoid of human life forms and filled with breathtaking nature and marine life.

Bear in mind, although you will be able to find a secluded piece of heaven just for you, Cape le Grand is a popular destination, and you will also have the opportunity to enjoy beach sports, organized camping and surfing, and hiking up to Frenchman Peak. Once there, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the park and islands in the Recherche Archipelago.

Taking a campervan road trip in the southwest of Australia will give you a chance to properly explore all of its natural wonders and cherish the experience for years to come. You should see this roadmap as an inspiration, as I’m sure you’ll discover plenty of other hidden treasures along the way.

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Featured

Fitzgerald River

Albany

Recherche Archipelago

Frenchman Peak

Cape le Grand