NZ North Island Exploration & Ferry to South Island
New Zealand North Island
We returned to the same beach as yesterday, Ngarunui Beach, so Ness could surf. She spent about 4 hours in and out of the water, and she had fun. I've gone surfing a couple of times while in Indonesia but I didn't feel inclined to surf here.
Overnight bus (7pm - 6:30am) from Auckland to Wellington.
View from the top deck of the ferry, once I finally went outside into the wind, after taking a 2 hour nap on a couch inside. Naps are the best!
Part 2
15 November 2025
We drove from New Plymouth to Raglan today. We laid on the beach for a few hours. It was quite windy and we left when we noticed some black clouds rolling in!
16 November 2025
17 November 2025
We drove back to Auckland, where we needed to return the rental car, as we prepared to leave the North Island.
We stayed at a place outside of Auckland called Alpaca Manor. Yes, there are two resident alpacas! 😁
18 November 2025
We spent the day planning more of our South Island adventure, returned the rental car, and had dinner and a drink at a restaurant on the shore of Waitemata Harbour in Auckland.
19 November 2025
When we checked in for the ferry, they were very efficient, checking in our luggage so I didn't have to keep carrying my large backpack around on the ship. I got an updated weight of what I've been carrying around. That day my large backpack weighed 14.85 kg / 32.7 pounds (which had non-perishable food in it) and my small backpack weighed 6.65 kg /14.6 pounds.
Map of the ferry route from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island). This is about 3.5 hours ferry ride.
Our rental car until December 24. Spoiler alert, this is not the view in Picton...I took this picture later in the trip, on our drive in a different area.
We stopped in Hanmer Springs on our way to Blenheim. They're known for their hot springs, but not the sulfur ones, the ones you can swim/soak in. I lovingly referred to them as nature's hot tubs! There were 22 different pools around the resort (for lack of a better term) where the water was different temperatures and contained a variety of natural minerals. The pools ranged from 32 degrees Celsius / 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 42 degrees Celsius / 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit! There was even a cold plunge pool next to the hottest pool and a few water slides. Yes we went down each slide one time! Sorry no pictures from this, although their website (https://hanmersprings.co.nz/pools-and-slides/thermal-pools) has plenty of them with random people. 😂 This ended up being a very relaxing, and much needed, break in our drive.
We're in what's known as the Marlborough Region, which is known for its vineyards and wine. We got into town too late for a set winery tour and planned to leave early the next morning, but we were excited to finally make it to Blenheim for the night!
Even though we were a bit tired from the long journey, we found a local place called Wine + Food, Experience Marlborough, with a large variety of wines "on tap". It was a really fun set up and let us choose exactly which wines we wanted to sample.
So far the South Island has not disappointed me, in terms of amazing landscapes and views, even from the roads, and we haven't even done any hikes yet. More to come on that next! 🚶♀️
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