OC New Zealand Seeking advice on New Zealand!

[abed.al.saffar]

Hello OB!

My name is Abed, I'm a new member from Sweden and will spend 4 weeks traveling NZ in an overland equipped Land Cruiser. We will start in Auckland in early Feb and will be traveling around both the North and South island.

I would be super happy to receive suggestions and hints on how to maximize the time spent!

Some specific questions:
- Any recommendations of scenic (and remote!) overland routes or trails?
- Recommendations on useful reading or references for overlanding in NZ?
- Best overland/Navigation apps for NZ?


Many thanks in advance!!


PS. Pic from Iceland trip last year:

 

[ryanjohnsonhunt]

Ki ora Abed (Ki ora means hello in the Maori language)

Sounds like you have a very fun adventure ahead! NZ is great for such trips as we have lots of scenic locations (many of which are still remote) and with a culture that has long enjoyed outdoor pursuits there are plenty of resources and service to support you.

Navigation - https://www.linz.govt.nz/land/maps/topographic-maps is a great source of the standard paper maps that are used by search and rescue etc. (you can view an online version here https://www.topomap.co.nz/) and I can highly recommend the following app: https://www.topo-gps.com/nz/. You can download areas for offline use, add and navigate to waypoints, and track your path.

In terms of locations, I have lots of recommendations around Auckland where I live. Here are a few that come to mind straight away:

• Dargaville -> Ripiro Beach -> North Head -> Pouto Point
• Muriwai Beach & South Head area
• Kariotahi beach
• Cape Reinga (Northmost tip on NZ), giant sand dunes, beachside camping
• Waiheke Island (take car ferry over, vineyards, Stoney Batter, etc)

Overland Bound Member would be a good idea, then you can join the Facebook Group for OB Members in NZ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/227648008141141).

As the new Member Representative for NZ I'm happy to help in any way with your prep, a chat over Facetime might help. Also keen to meet up when you are here for a hot meal cooked on the beach (Muriwai Beach is my local!)

Cheers

Ryan

 

[abed.al.saffar]

Ki ora Ryan!

Thanks a lot for the advice - very helpful! Beachside camping sounds awesome! :)

I will join the FB group as soon as I get the membership number! :)

How strong would you say the sun is in Feb? Is awning a necessity?

 

[ryanjohnsonhunt]

Ki ora Ryan!

Thanks a lot for the advice - very helpful! Beachside camping sounds awesome! :)

I will join the FB group as soon as I get the membership number! :)

How strong would you say the sun is in Feb? Is awning a necessity?

The sun here is ruthless. Some kind of shelter is a must, and you will need to use sunblock regularly. Because we have a thinning of the ozone above us, the level of UV rays have increased even since I was a child. Unfortunately that is why we have the highest rates of skin cancers in the world ☹