That is your signal to seize life by the wheel and e-book your dream highway journey 🚗
At The Journey Intern, we’ve been fortunate sufficient to expertise some incredible highway journeys. We’ve accomplished high bucket listing highway journeys like Iceland and New Zealand, and even pushed throughout less-typical highway journey locations like Thailand and Spain.
Every highway journey is crammed with each fond reminiscences and the occasional mishap — like virtually working out of petrol — but it surely wouldn’t be an journey if it went too easily! Total, we’ve completely loved our highway journey experiences and we’d like to relive them once more.
In the event you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime journey together with your greatest mates, listed here are a few of our favorite highway journeys that we’ve been on — saved my final favorite for the final!
10) 8D Bangkok to Hua Hin Thailand Highway Journey
Route: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Hua Hin and Kui Buri Nationwide Park – Khao Sam Roi Yot Nationwide Park – Hua Hin – Bangkok
Highlights: Bangkok night time markets, Khao Sam Roi Yot Nationwide Park
Greatest time to go to: Nov – Feb
Beginning off with an sudden highway journey vacation spot, this Thailand highway journey confirmed us {that a} highway journey doesn’t need to be costly!
Venturing past the standard Bangkok itinerary, we explored elephant safaris, tried kiteboarding, and ticked off some postcard-worthy hikes, all for beneath S$900/pax over 8 days!
Our Thailand highway journey kicks off in Bangkok! We couldn’t resist revisiting acquainted favourites — purchasing at Chatuchak and Pratunam, and exploring Bangkok’s night time markets like Jodd Festivals and Srinagarindra Practice Evening Market.
After all, we needed to strive genuine native experiences like studying Muay Thai and whip up tasty dishes like pad thai.
I’ve been to Bangkok many occasions, however renting a automobile there was a primary for me. We picked up our automobile and set out for a day journey to Kanchanaburi — an idyllic city with a harrowing previous.
Find out about Kanchanaburi’s darkish historical past on the Dying Railway Museum earlier than visiting River Kwai Dying Railway Bridge. We additionally visited the extremely Instagrammable Wat Tham Suea Temple!
We spent a day visiting well-known markets close to Bangkok, particularly Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Subsequent, head to Hua Hin for some nature and journey! Navigate obstacles in Tree High Journey Park, go on an elephant safari at Kui Buri Nationwide Park and my favorite bit — discover Khao Sam Roi Yot Nationwide Park.
You’ll want no less than a full day for Khao Sam Roi Yot Nationwide Park, as there are loads of quick mountain climbing trails and good viewpoints. Hike to Khao Daeng Viewpoint and Phraya Nakhon Cave, then finish the day with a ship experience at Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh.
On the final day of our Hua Hin highway journey, we visited the lesser-known Khao Kalok Seashore and went kiteboarding at Hua Hin Seashore, earlier than cooling off at Vana Nava Waterpark.
Try the complete itinerary: 8D Thailand Itinerary — Highway Journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin Below S$900
9) 11D Western Australia Highway Journey
Route: Perth – Cervantes – Geraldton – Kalbarri – Carnarvon – Exmouth – Ningaloo – Monkey Mia – Kalbarri – Monkey Mia – Jurien Bay – Perth
Highlights: Pink Lake, Whale sharks,
Greatest time to go to: Nov – Mar (greatest climate)
Swimming with whale sharks and sea lions, visiting pink lakes and limestone formations are simply a number of the beautiful sights you possibly can count on on this coastal highway journey in Western Australia.
Beginning the journey at Lancelin Sand Dunes — have a go at sandboarding, feast on Western Rock Lobsters at the Lobster Shack and stargaze amongst limestone Pinnacles at Nambung Nationwide Park.
A spotlight of this highway journey is a go to to Hutt Lagoon — simply some of the attractive sights we’ve ever seen. The distinctive shade of pink is as a result of excessive water salinity!
We then drove to Island Rock, the place we had been fortunate sufficient to identify a migrating humpback whale breach the floor.
Subsequent, we took Western Australia highway journey up a notch (actually) and skilled a scenic flight over the Albrohos Islands on a personal aircraft. We additionally caught a good looking sundown at Shell Seashore — it was loads of enjoyable scooping and throwing the tiny white shells in an try and type shapes!
Arguably the spotlight of our Western Australia highway journey was swimming alongside Exmouth’s magnificent whale sharks! We loved a complete of seven dives — loads of time to admire and recognize these large giants.
Transferring on to Ningaloo, the place we went on a glass backside boat tour to see the beautiful reefs of Coral Bay.
For extra ocean experiences, head to Monkey Mia — frequented by wild bottlenose dolphins. Go kayaking at Shark Bay, dwelling to manta rays, turtles and reef sharks!
Drive via Francois Peron Nationwide Park to see the turquoise Massive Lagoon, earlier than making your method to Jurien Bay.
Go to the enduring Nature’s Window, which completely frames Kalbarri Nationwide Park‘s huge canyons. Over at Hawks Head Lookout, there are breathtaking views of the Kalbarri Gorges and Murchison River.
Spend the day swimming alongside lovable Australian Sea Lions, often called puppies of the ocean! For extra Aussie wildlife, go to Yanchep Nationwide Park to see kangaroos, koalas and extra.
Try the complete itinerary: 11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Highway Journey From Perth To Ningaloo
8) 7D Okinawa Japan Highway Journey
Route: Naha – Southern Okinawa – Nago – North Central Okinawa – Naha
Highlights: Snorkelling, distinctive delicacies, lovely coastlines
Greatest time to go to: Jun – Jul and Sep – Oct (greatest for water actions), Feb – Mar (to catch the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan!)
Uncovering a special facet of Japan, this Okinawa highway journey takes place in Japan’s southernmost prefecture. In reality, geographically it’s nearer to Taiwan than it’s to Honshu — Japan’s predominant island.
Learn additionally: Cultures Defined: Okinawa — Why is it so Completely different from the Remainder of Japan
Also called the Hawaii of Japan, you will discover pristine seashores, wealthy marine life and unusual (however tasty) delicacies not discovered anyplace else in Japan.
Dive straight into native tradition with a visit to Okinawa World! Catch a conventional Eisa dance efficiency and study Okinawan crafts like Ryukyuan glass-making and indigo dyeing. After that, take a look at the stalagmite and stalactite-filled Gyokusendo Cave.
For a style of Okinawa’s lovely shoreline, go to Nago! Get a chook’s eye view with a parasailing expertise, earlier than visiting Churaumi Aquarium — thought-about Japan’s greatest.
Free beer? That’s what awaits on the finish of the free excursions at Orion Pleased Park. For everybody besides the designated driver, that’s.
Head over to Okinawa Fruits Land for a refreshing time — they’ve bought tropical fruits all around the park, plus a mini-zoo!
Learn additionally: Final Okinawa Information: 33 Thrilling Issues to Do in Okinawa
We snorkelled in Okinawa’s well-known Blue Cave, which will get its colors from daylight refraction. The water had good visibility which made it simple to identify a number of faculties of fish swimming round!
Uncover a hybrid of Japanese and American cultures at American Village. Then, strive sea snake soup at Kana Restaurant — believed to enhance stamina and well being.
Is it really a Japan highway journey if we didn’t go to native markets? Again on the capital metropolis Naha, head to Makishi Public Market which sells contemporary sashimi, seafood and extra! We additionally tried uncommon Okinawan dishes like pig face and goat sashimi.
Learn additionally: Okinawa Meals Information — From the Uncommon to the Unapologetically Scrumptious
After filling your tummy, take to the streets by way of a go-kart expertise! Sure, cute costumes are included. 😊 We additionally went for a karate class at Okinawa Karate Kaikan; Japan is the place the game was based in any case!
Try the complete itinerary: 7-Day Okinawa Itinerary — Highway Journey in Japan’s Underrated Island Utopia
7) 5D New Zealand North Island Campervan Highway Journey
Route: Auckland – Waitomo – Taupo – Rotorua – Matamata – Auckland
Highlights: Hobbiton, Maori Village
Greatest time to go to: Dec – Feb (summer season, greatest climate), Apr – Might (autumn, much less busy)
Though smaller than South island, New Zealand’s North island shouldn’t be ignored. It provides a wealthy Maori tradition, geothermal landscapes and naturally, a singular glimpse into Center Earth!
For our five-day north island highway journey, we rented a campervan to strive freedom tenting! It was a primary for us, and the expertise was positively memorable — take a look at our recommendations on travelling New Zealand by way of campervan.
Head to Waitomo, well-known for glowworms discovered solely in New Zealand. We went on a black water rafting tour inside Ruakuri Cave, navigating rocky areas and tubing via a glowworm canal.
Subsequent, Taupo — the biggest city within the Lake Taupo district. Get pleasure from a dip on the sizzling springs at Spa Thermal Park (at no cost!), go to the highly effective Huka Falls and marvel at neon-coloured swimming pools at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
After that, we headed to Rotorua for the well-known Rotorua Redwoods Forest and Mitai Maori Village. The Maori village was a spotlight of our north island highway journey — we bought to immerse ourselves within the unbelievable tradition and watch a haka efficiency!
However in fact, you possibly can’t have a north island highway journey with out together with Hobbiton. We completely cherished stepping straight into the fantasy world of Center-earth — and visiting the 44 distinctive Hobbit Holes!
Try the complete itinerary: 5-Day New Zealand North Island Highway Journey in a Campervan Below S$600
6) 13D New South Wales Highway Journey
Route: Sydney – Cockatoo Island – Ku-ring-gai Chase Nationwide Park – Central Coast – Port Stephens – Blue Mountains – South Coast and Southern Highlands – Sydney
Highlights: Bondi Seashore, Blue Mountains, Grand Pacific Drive
Greatest time to go to: Sep – Mar (greatest climate), Jun – Aug (for Vivid Sydney and winter actions)
Beautiful seashores, unbelievable nationwide parks, a vibrant culinary scene — New South Wales has all of it. We had been there in June (early winter), and the climate was actually nice!
Learn additionally: NSW Autumn and Winter Information — 19 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sydney and Surrounds Throughout Cooler Months
Our New South Wales journey kicks off in Sydney, the place we suggest staying 5 days earlier than beginning the highway journey portion.
Go to Sydney’s iconic points of interest (Sydney Opera Home, Sydney Fish Market, Round Quay) and charming neighbourhoods of Newtown and Surry Hills — the place there are tons of nice cafes and thrift outlets!
After that, discover Bondi and Watsons Bay! Take a surf lesson on the well-known Bondi Seashore, swim within the Bondi Icebergs swimming pool and hike alongside the coast to Hornby Lighthouse. I cherished exploring the Bondi space; it was all the time so sunny and busy.
Take a break from metropolis life by going glamping at Cockatoo Island — positioned proper in Sydney Harbour! This UNESCO World Heritage island was first established as a jail in 1839. At this time, the island is an arts and cultural centre.
It was actually enjoyable exploring the island — visiting the outdated jail yards, enjoying old-school garden video games and catching a film on the Campground Cinema. My private spotlight was the attractive dawn and sundown set towards the Sydney skyline!
Time for a day journey out of the town! Drive to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Nationwide Park, Australia’s second oldest nationwide park. There are a number of mountain climbing trails, and we skilled the Topham Strolling Monitor (3.7km return, 2hrs) and America Bay Strolling Monitor (1.8km return, 1hr).
Over on the Central Coast, there’s a variety of actions. We had breakfast with fluffy alpacas, made our personal cocktails in a foraging and mixology workshop, and caught a beautiful sundown at Lengthy Jetty.
For extra journey, drive additional north to Port Stephens. Hike the Tomaree Head Summit Stroll (2.2km return, 1.5hrs), go quad biking alongside the Stockton Sand Dunes and expertise a dolphin and whale watching tour. The realm is dwelling to round 100 bottlenose dolphins!
It’s probably not a New South Wales highway journey with out together with the Blue Mountains. There are dozens of bushwalking trails right here, and we opted for the Prince Henry Cliff Stroll (7km one-way, 3.5hrs) which passes by landmarks just like the Three Sisters.
Moreover mountain climbing, the Blue Mountains is a haven for out of doors actions — canyoneering, mountaineering, abseiling and stargazing!
The final cease on our New South Wales highway journey is the beautiful South Coast and Southern Highlands — dwelling to attractive Grand Pacific Drive, Jervis Bay and extra!
Get pleasure from a BOOM trike tour throughout the Sea Cliff Bridge, spot Aussie natives at Symbio Wildlife Park, tackle Australia’s highest zipline, feast on contemporary oysters (these had been unbelievable) and skydive at Wollongong!
Try the complete itinerary: 13D Better of New South Wales Itinerary — Hidden Gems and Epic Getaways From Sydney Below S$2.3k
5) 11D San Francisco to Los Angeles Highway Journey
Route: San Francisco – Yosemite – Monterey – Carmel – Massive Sur – Cambria – Morro Bay – Los Angeles
Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Nationwide Park, Common Studios Hollywood
Greatest time to go to: Sep – Nov
The Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Nationwide Park, and the attractive sunshine of Los Angeles are iconic sights you possibly can count on on this San Francisco to Los Angeles highway journey.
Begin in San Francisco — navigate the town in a GoCar, go to the Bay Space for Alcatraz Island and Pier 39 and take a look at native spots just like the Ferry Constructing Market.
We then rented a automobile to discover points of interest which might be additional away. Just like the Walt Disney Household Museum, California Academy of Sciences and Castro District (one of many oldest homosexual neighbourhoods within the US).
Earlier than leaving San Francisco, drive as much as the lookout at Battery Spencer for a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Driving out to Yosemite Nationwide Park is little doubt a bucket list-worthy highway journey. It’s over 4 occasions the scale of Singapore, so having a automobile is unquestionably helpful.
There’s a lot to do in Yosemite, like seeing the world’s largest timber or mountain climbing to the bottom of the thundering Yosemite Falls. We additionally snapped images of El Capitan — you would possibly recognise it because the desktop wallpaper for OS X El Capitan!
Subsequent, Massive Sur — a beautiful stretch of rugged shoreline! Cease by Bixby Creek Bridge (above), some of the photographed spots in Massive Sur. One other spotlight of our USA highway journey is recognizing elephant seals gathered on the seashore in San Simeon!
On the best way to Los Angeles, take a look at Moonstone Seashore Boardwalk, Morro Rock and Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park.
Spend the final three days having fun with every little thing Los Angeles has to supply! Expertise the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and get your fill of adrenaline at Common Studios Hollywood.
Try the complete itinerary: 11-Day San Francisco to Los Angeles Highway Journey Itinerary
4) 10D Tasmania Highway Journey
Route: Hobart – Tasman Nationwide Park – Maria Island – Freycinet Nationwide Park – Bay of Fires – Derby – Launceston – Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park – Launceston
Highlights: Distinctive wildlife, Southern lights
Greatest time to go to: Dec – Feb (summer season, greatest for out of doors actions)
In the event you love untouched landscapes and wealthy wildlife, a Tasmania highway journey needs to be subsequent in your listing.
There are 18 unbelievable nationwide parks in Tasmania and over 40% of the nation is marked as a world heritage space! These protected areas are additionally dwelling to a number of endemic species just like the Tasmanian satan and Jap quoll.
Our first cease was Hobart, Tasmania’s seaside capital. We visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (Tasmania’s largest 24/7 rescue service), the place we learnt about Tasmanian devils, wombats and sugar gliders!
Enjoyable incontrovertible fact that I didn’t know previous to visiting — wombats can run as much as 40km/hr. That’s virtually as quick as Usain Bolt!
We took a wilderness cruise round Tasman Nationwide Park, which covers the southeastern Tasmania shoreline. The entire park felt very a lot alive — seals diving from rocks, sea birds circling for fish, and dolphins playfully leaping out of the ocean.
My favorite reminiscence of our Tasmania highway journey was our day journey to Maria Island. It’s a good looking nationwide park that’s dwelling to kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and over 2,000 wombats!
To see the island, there are a number of quick walks just like the Painted Cliffs (2hrs, 4.3km) and Bishop and Clerk (5hrs, 11km). Simply 10 minutes into our stroll, we noticed a mom and child wombat — few issues are extra lovable than this.
Picture credit score: Matthew Donovan
One other must-see is Freycinet Nationwide Park, the place you’ll discover Wineglass Bay — a surprising curved seashore framed by granite peaks. In the event you’ve bought time to spare, tackle the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Seashore Circuit (11km, 5hrs) or Mount Amos Trek (3.6km, 3hrs).
Drive additional south to Binalong Bay, the principle seashore alongside the Bay of Fires. The boulders alongside this shoreline have a singular orange shade, attributable to lichen (a kind of algae)!
Catching unbelievable sunrises virtually day by day was one other spotlight of this highway journey — this photograph was taken alongside the personal seashore at Piermont Retreat!
Derby is a former tin-mining hub turned world-class biking vacation spot! Go mountain biking on Derby’s 125km-long community of biking trails, go to lesser-known mountain climbing spots, then wind down at Australia’s solely floating wood-fired sauna.
Picture credit score: Tourism Australia
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park is one in all Tasmania’s most attractive nationwide parks — tackle the Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 3hrs) or Crater Lake Circuit (5.7km, 2hrs) to see it!
This Tasmania highway journey ends at Launceston, one in all Australia’s two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy.
Try the complete itinerary: 10D Tasmania Itinerary — A Highway Journey for Journey Seekers
3) 10D Catalonia Spain Highway Journey
Route: Barcelona – Tarragona – Montserrat – Girona – Figueres – Barcelona
Highlights: La Sagrada Familia, Skydiving, Ferrari Land, Montserrat
Greatest time to go to: Mar – Apr and Sep – Oct (shoulder seasons, much less crowded)
Thrill-seekers, out of doors lovers, historical past buffs and people who reside to eat — this epic Catalonia highway journey will tick all of your bins.
Like most first-timers to Spain, my data of Catalonia was restricted to its capital Barcelona. However 10 days exploring Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida confirmed me there’s a lot the area has to supply.
Barcelona was some of the vibrant and cultural cities we’ve been to so we’ve suggest spending no less than three days right here.
Marvel at Gaudí’s unbelievable works (La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and extra!), feast on Catalan tapas and go to Tibidabo Amusement Park — a 120-year outdated theme park with the very best views of the town.
Learn additionally: 16 Greatest Issues to Do in Barcelona Moreover the La Sagrada Familia
Embark on the highway journey portion of this Catalonia itinerary and drive south to Tarragona. It was the primary Roman stronghold in Spain, courting again to 218 BC!
Go to restored ruins just like the Tarragona Amphitheatre (the scene of bloody gladiator fights) and the Les Ferreres Aqueduct (which used to provide Tarragona with water).
After a style of historical past, zip into the longer term on thrilling rides at PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land! 🏎️ The principle attraction is Purple Power, which stands at an intimidating 112m and goes from 0 – 180km/hr in simply 5 seconds.
The subsequent cease on our Catalonia highway journey is Montserrat! It interprets to “serrated mountain” in Catalan and is Catalonia’s most recognised panorama. There are two predominant issues to do in Montserrat — go to Montserrat Monastery and hike up Montserrat’s Peak, Sant Jeroni.
It was foggy throughout our hike, however I’m glad we endured as a result of it cleared up once we reached the highest!
We then drove to Girona, the place we started our tour of the province at Girona Previous City. Admire vibrant homes alongside the River Onyar, then go to iconic Sport of Thrones filming spots like Girona Cathedral and Sant Marti Sacosta church.
Enterprise out of the town to the beautiful volcanic area of Garrotxa! There are just a few methods to discover the realm — like a sizzling air balloon experience or mountain climbing via the dormant Santa Margarida Volcano.
Drive on to Empuriabrava, the place the curved shoreline and blue waters make it a incredible place to go skydiving. As somebody who’s afraid of heights, the views had been a fantastic distraction — I couldn’t consider a greater place to tick skydiving off my bucket listing!
The final cease on our Catalonia highway journey (earlier than heading again to Barcelona) is Figueres. We went there specifically for the eccentric Dali Theatre-Museum. For individuals who don’t know, the masks in Cash Heist had been impressed by Dali!
Try the complete itinerary: 10D Highway Journey Across the Better of Catalonia
2) 10D Iceland Camper Van Highway Journey
Route: Reykjavík – Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon – South Coast and Glacier Hike – Vík – Hof – Stokksnes – Reykjahlíd – Akureyri – Snaefellsness Peninsula – Keflavik
Highlights: Northern lights, Secret Lagoon, Vatnajökull Ice Caves
Greatest time to go to: Jun – Aug (extra sunlight hours), Sep – Oct (fewer vacationers, shorter days thus greater likelihood of seeing northern lights)
Blessed with otherworldly landscapes and sights, Iceland is the bucket listing highway journey. Catch the elusive northern lights, go to ethereal ice caves and black sand seashores — all in our Iceland camper van highway journey!
Fly into Reykjavík — the capital of Iceland and residential to two-thirds of its inhabitants. Examine off the town’s landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa live performance corridor!
Take a day tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle — a brief drive from Reykjavík. See a 3000-year-old volcanic crater, soak within the Secret Lagoon and admire the mighty Gullfoss waterfall!
Subsequent, head to Iceland’s South Coast — we went on an epic glacier hike, visited the attractive Seljalandsfoss (above) and Skógafoss Waterfall and walked alongside Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore.
Time to hit Iceland’s well-known Ring Highway in your trusty camper van! Stand between two tectonic plates on the Bridge Between Continents, then experience an imposing pure-bred Icelandic horse.
Drive on to Vík (greatest recognized for a US Navy aircraft wreck which crashed in 1973) and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon — over 10,000 years outdated and 100m deep!
Marvel at extra unbelievable landscapes on the drive from Hof to Stokksnes. Just like the black sand Diamond Seashore and Vatnajökull Ice Caves (the setting of epic scenes from Sport Of Thrones and Interstellar)!
Cease by Stokksnes throughout sundown, earlier than heading to Reykjahlíd the following day. Step into the footwear of vikings on the Deserted Viking Village, really feel the spray of the mighty Dettifoss waterfall and go to a geothermal area!
Journey on to Akureyri to see Grjótagjá Cave (the place the King of the North had a steamy Sport of Thrones scene) and Godafoss Waterfall. At Snaefellsness Peninsula, take a dip in Hofsós Swimming Pool and watch wild seals at Illugastadir.
Our Iceland highway journey ended with a bang — admiring spectacular views of Kirkjufell, the mountain that impressed Jules Vernes’ Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
Try the complete itinerary: 10-Day Price range Iceland Itinerary for S$2.8k — The Epic Camper Van Highway Journey
1) 12D New Zealand South Island Highway Journey
Route: Christchurch – Akaroa – Kaikoura – Arthur’s Go – Tekapo – Wanaka – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Highlights: Roy’s Peak, Milford Sound, Swimming with wild dolphins
Greatest time to go to: Dec – Feb (summer season, greatest climate), Apr – Might (much less busy)
Within the working for high bucket listing highway journeys, New Zealand will get a podium end.
A New Zealand highway journey is the final word journey — filled with thrilling actions and jaw-dropping landscapes at each nook.
Our south island highway journey began in Christchurch, earlier than we drove up north to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is unquestionably well worth the detour — it’s a hotspot for marine wildlife together with whales, seals, and dolphins.
We went on two wildlife excursions the place we bought to swim with wild dusky dolphins and kayak with seals throughout sundown. Through the dolphin tour, there have been lots of of dolphins surrounding our boat. I’d by no means seen something prefer it — it’s one in all my favorite experiences ever, for positive!
Subsequent, Arthur’s Go! It’s the best mountain cross over the Southern Alps at an elevation of 920m. There are scenic mountain climbing trails just like the Satan’s Punchbowl Waterfall and Kura Tawhiti (or Citadel Hill).
The hikes don’t take lengthy to finish, however we completely cherished taking our time to discover the realm — stopping at scenic photograph spots, scrambling up large boulders and even mendacity on the carpark floor to stare on the milky approach.
Tekapo is one other must-visit, dwelling to the well-known Church of the Good Shepherd and Mount John which sits beside Lake Tekapo. Our lodging was lower than a 10-minute stroll away, so we managed to catch each sundown and dawn right here!
Lake Tekapo is positioned within the coronary heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Worldwide Darkish Sky Reserve — which means there’s little or no gentle air pollution. It’s the most effective locations in New Zealand for stargazing and catching the southern lights.
Learn additionally: New Zealand South Island Information — 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Queenstown, Kaikoura, Milford Sound and Extra
Head south to Wanaka to see the well-known Wanaka Tree and hike Roy’s Peak. It’s a 16km spherical journey hike and takes round six hours. We aimed to succeed in the summit by sundown — which meant mountain climbing down at the hours of darkness — and had the enduring Roy’s Peak photograph spot to ourselves.
Cease by Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. Te Anau is understood for the Waiau River the place some Lord of the Rings scenes had been filmed! As fellow LOTR followers, we needed to see it for ourselves — on a jet boat journey, no much less.
Throughout our day journey to Milford Sound, it felt like we had been on a collective excessive. We had been blessed with excellent climate, which simply made the entire Fiordland that rather more majestic — we shot over 500 images that day alone.
This was additionally the place, err, we virtually ran out of petrol on the best way again to Tekapo. 😅 There are not any petrol stations between Milford Sound and Tekapo — so be sure that to verify your tank beforehand.
The final cease of our south island highway journey is none aside from Queenstown, the journey capital of the world. That is the place to tick epic experiences off your bucket listing — bungy leaping, skydiving, quad biking and extra!
Try the complete itinerary: 12D New Zealand South Island Itinerary Below S$2.8k
Suggestions for Planning Your Dream Highway Journey
You’ve determined in your vacation spot, now it’s time to start out planning for the highway journey itself!
1) Examine the driving necessities
Every nation has their very own driving necessities. For instance, Japan has various minimal age necessities for drivers relying on the place you’re renting from.
Most nations require an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP), however some don’t require one in case your driving license is in English. An IDP prices S$20 and is legitimate for one 12 months.
Try our destination-specific highway journey guides:
– 15 Issues First Timers Ought to Know Earlier than Planning that Japan Highway Journey
– Planning a New Zealand Highway Journey — 30 Most Regularly Requested Questions
2) Select an acceptable automobile
In the event you’re travelling in a bunch of 4, I’d suggest getting a five-seater — simply so the lengthy drives are extra snug.
And also you won’t realise, however boot area is restricted. Be sure that to coordinate what you’re bringing together with your highway journey buddies otherwise you would possibly find yourself with 4 outsized luggages that don’t match.
For our New Zealand highway journey, we bought a five-seater Nissan X-trail (from ~S$65.56/day). It was the proper measurement for our group of 4, with the boot giant sufficient for 4 mid-size suitcases (round 68cm x 51cm x 30cm every) — I measured beforehand to make sure.
3) Prepare for lengthy drives
Just a few ideas for a greater highway journey expertise:
– Some distant areas in locations like Iceland or New Zealand could have poor sign. Obtain your route from Google Maps beforehand to navigate offline!
– Examine your petrol ranges earlier than leaving a metropolis — you may need to drive three or 4 hours with out seeing one other fuel station.
– If potential, have no less than two drivers. Throughout our New South Wales highway journey, there was an extended stretch of six hours. We’re fortunate we had three drivers to take turns!
In search of shorter highway journeys? Try these enjoyable highway journeys:
– 3D2N Mt Fuji Itinerary Below S$570 — Highway Journey From Tokyo
– 4-Day Jeju Highway Journey Round South Korea’s Island Paradise
– 5D4N Taiwan Itinerary Below S$500 — A Lesser-known Scenic Highway Journey From Taipei to Yilan
Which locations are in your highway journey bucket listing? Are there any highway journeys you’ll prefer to see us cowl? Tell us within the feedback!
