Struggles in Northern New Zealand

Names are Tia & Cheveyo
Traveling full-time since July 2021.

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[sirmonkeyboy]

NZ can be brutal with wind, car is a good choice 👍
A car kettle and hot water bottles are a really good idea, having warm toes makes for happy campers.

[ICrazyGreggy]

Tia, Tia, Tia you need to watch the EXTENDED versions of the Lord of the Rings, all the way through without falling asleep to announce that you have watched the trilogy. It's a marathon but much fun.

[PaulG.x]

If you have the time, consider not following State Highway One all the way . East Cape, Hawke Bay and the Wairarapa is a nice alternative route to Wellington. Or take the Napier - Taihape road back to S.H.1 from Hawke Bay (even better)

[PaulG.x]

You can actually drive to Russell. The road starts at Whakapara 15km north of Whangarei and is quite scenic. And then you can take the car ferry to Opua near Paihia. The car ferry is $17 for a car no charge for the occupants.
Mangonui Fish Shop won Best Fish and Chips in New Zealand

[KenSlager]

It’s hard to be cool and classy when it’s windy. Beautiful place.

[PaulG.x]

The story behind 90 mile beach being 50 miles, is the colonists measured the distance by days of travel but didn't account for horses covering less distance per day on soft sand

[goneby]

A lot of travelers come here and are amazed how long the Northern part is.

[ryangibbins]

I was talking to a man from NZ once. He reassured me that it only rains twice a week there - the first time it lasts for three days, second time lasts for four days.

[stevenicholson]

I think you would have enjoyed the drive to Russell, you catch a car ferry from Opua (where you went through) to OKiato and then drive to Russell. Very picturesque and historic as you said.

[JakeRaven]

Hey! Enjoy your trip. I called in almost the identical spot to you at Cape Reinga in June 2022. With almost identical wind. I set up my tent but choose to sleep in the car.

[dannyharrison]

I’m in Invercargill….just a few minutes away from Bluff at the very bottom of the South Island. Looking forward to following your trip. I’m kinda hoping I get a chance to see the two of you goofing around when you eventually make it down here lol.

[jax]

Keep up to date with the weather you 2!!! Ex tropical cyclone Lola is heading towards NZ!! Gale force winds huge seas over the next 2 days, stock up on supplies & stay safe 🙌🏽🌀🌀🌀💨💨🌬️🌬️

[anneinauckland]

Bay of Islands is a stunning part of the country, but it’s one of those places that really isn’t so great without awesome weather. Russell also has New Zealand’s oldest surviving church and I think you can still see the bullet holes in the exterior of the building from the battle between British and Māori back in 1845.

[DB-thats-me]

Camping trick from when I had a house truck to stop your car wobbling at night due to the wind.
Your Beamer probably comes with a wind-up, concertina jack. (For changing a flat tyre). Buy yourselves a second on. Then…..
At night, use one each side of the car to just support it. No wind rock, no squeaking suspension. 👍

[tammymahon]

Hi guys im from Aus but I've been to NZ a couple of times. It is stunning but what you must understand is The reason it is sooo stunningly beautiful is because it rains All the time 😂. On one of my trips to NZ it rained everyday of my 17 day trip. I didn't mind though we still did everything regardless, i mean that is why its so beautiful ❤ after all.

[pngmick]

And I thought the top of the North Island was sub tropical! 10.30. Thanks for taking us there.

[gitajohnson]

If you can, make a detour to the Coromandel and visit Pokohino beach, still my all time favorite beach, and Wangamata (with a kayak trip to donut island!!), Hot water beach is fun for a dig your own spa in the sand, and Cathedral Coves. It's a very beautiful part of NZ!

[cherylemaybury]

I was always going to visit New Zealand since it’s just a two hour flight from Australia I thought I would wait until I was sick of traveling to faraway places. Well, now I’m too sick to travel any more and I missed out on going there. I have a cousin who lives there so I rely on her traveling here instead. It’s great to see it through your eyes. 😊

[tmz-]

go to Rotorua if you can

City in the North Island, New Zealand

[stephen]

Thank for the memories. I was stationed in Singapore and we went on exercise to NZ in 1975. Great memories of North Island, 90 mile beach and the lighthouse.