Middle Country

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The Journey

Discover 7 days of picture perfect beaches. From Nelson Lakes and Golden Bay at the top of the South Island, to Lyall Bay and the cosmopolitan cultural capital of Wellington at the bottom of the North. There's a gorgeous beach for everyone, and you'll find yourself at the heart of it all.

Pick up your camper from our team at Maui Auckland and journey south to Wellington to start this itinerary.

Travel

7 DAYS


Route

Wellington to Wellington

765km


Best Time of the Year

Anytime of the year

Highlights

  • Nelson Lakes
  • Golden Bay
  • Abel Tasman
  • Wellington
  • LOTR locations

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Day 1
Wellington to Nelson Lakes National Park

Distance 230km - Driving Time 5.5 hours

 

Day 2
Nelson Lakes to Abel Tasman National Park

Distance 120km - Driving Time 2 hours

 

Day 3
Abel Tasman National Park to Golden Bay

Distance 25km - Driving Time 35 mins

  • AM Drive around and explore the beautiful Golden Bay area. Indulge in the Art and Craft activities
  • PM Relax on the beach
  • Overnight Golden Bay

 

Day 4
Golden Bay to Farewell Split

Distance 50km - Driving Time 50 mins

 

Day 5
Collingwood to Wellington

Distance 340km - Driving Time 8 hours

  • AM Depart Golden Bay (leave early to catch PM ferry across to Wellington)
  • PM Arrive Picton, catch ferry to Wellington
  • Overnight Wellington

 

Day 6
Wellington

  • AM Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a bold and innovative approach to telling New Zealand's stories - a must-do!
  • PM Lunch at one of Wellington's favourite cafes, City Gallery, an excellent representation of New Zealand’s dynamic contemporary culture
    Take a drive to Porirua and visit the Pataka Museum
    Enjoy dinner at one of Wellington’s trendy restaurants and include a drink at an upmarket bar along Courtenay Place
  • Overnight Wellington

 

Day 7
Wellington

  • AM Hop on one of the tours of Middle Earth. Wellington was the main filming and production location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Shot in New Zealand between October 1999 and December 2000, you should experience Middle Earth in all its diversity whilst in Wellington.
  • PM Lunch - depending on the length and itinerary of your tour, you may want to enjoy a relaxing lunch the Chocolate Fish Cafe or Eva. Both places are popular with the cast and crew given the proximity to Weta Studios.
  • If you have some time for shopping, check out Zambesi, StarfishRobyn Mathieson and Voon, as well as Hema facial products at Nature Unplugged - all popular with Liv Tyler (Arwen)
    Dinner - Green Parrot was popular with Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) who also launched one of his books there. 

 

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