Our Streamlined Life. Returning from remote Costa Rica during the midst of the pandemic was surreal but the riots and destruction that ensued soon after I arrived were truly heartbreaking. In this guide, the trip we took - in a Mini Convertible - is divided into four parts, which can be completed separately or in a day. We spent a lot of our time on 'The Island' (as us Western Canadians call it) since it has a little bit of everything- great beaches, whimsical towns, gorgeous provincial parks, and romantic gardens. The lunch stop is Bollywood Veggies, one of a handful of farm-themed eateries in the Kranji area. Choose a country to browse above, or let wanderlust lead you aStray! The writer driving along the "40 lamp posts" at Lim Chu Kang Road. It is an opportunity to take a photo or selfie at one of Singapore's most Instagrammed trees. In addition, be careful about wildlife such as macaques in Rifle Range Road and Old Upper Thomson Road. There is a lot to see and do around Rotorua, so it’s completely understandable if you decide you need more than just one day here! ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. After hanging out in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably feel ready to experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture, so it’s the perfect time to venture off the beaten track to the the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. Parking is free. Pop into Pedal and Paddle rental shop and rent a double kayak for 2 hours for $60 NZD. You will have more time to take longer hikes and reach farther places, exploring more parts of the island! Kick things off by driving just a couple hours south of Auckland, where you’ll find one of New Zealand’s most beloved holiday destinations. Personal Blog. During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would experience and MORE. The South Island has a bigger landmass than the north and takes a bit more time to experience. This segment explores two quirky landmarks. Kitted out in a thermal wet suit and jazzy pair of white gum boots, the team at Waitomo Adventures will take you abseiling into a dark abyss and scrambling over rocks in search of the tiny twinkling glowworms that call these caves home. It describes the epic battle in Pasir Panjang during World War II, where Lieutenant Adnan Saidi and the Malay Regiment fought the Japanese invaders from Feb 13 to 14, 1942. Stray is a flexible adventure travel company, getting your further off the beaten track in New Zealand, Asia and Australia. When I first visited Kangaroo Island 10 years ago, I was not aware of how much this island had to offer and decided to go on a day tour. 07/07/2020. A road trip on the South Island ... and with the assistance of a maps app started out on a five day road trip heading south on the main highway. Insider tip: Head to carpark B for the best view of Sentosa. Adventurer, this article is for you! Madeira Island has lovely cities, towns and beaches to explore. The writer drives around the "Devil's Bend" at Old Upper Thomson Road which was previously the street circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix and Singapore Grand Prix between 1961 and 1973. One summer Mike and I set out on 15 day road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver Island and back. However, getting around the main towns and cities is easy. Start: Auckland. Log In. Soek Seng Bicycle Cafe at Seletar, which has a view of the Seletar Airport runway. Book a campervan. Contact Road trip 2018 en Islande on Messenger. Los Angeles has been my home for the past 15 years. Doing this road trip allows you to combine them all once, which makes for an even more memorable trip! So The Straits Times took the road less travelled - a 200km drive around Singapore. The third stop is the rocket tower and the famous casuarina tree at Upper Seletar Reservoir. Create New Account. Less so lately as I’ve spent more time traveling for work or play but it is still my home base. It is frequented by those visiting the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officers' club, otherwise known as Temasek Club. The amazing East Cape route is a journey through time: be the first in a new day . Waterfalls started to spill over cliffs, stony braided rivers started to form and lush temperate rainforest started to grow. A West Coast of New Zealand road trip takes in some of the best locations in the country, not just the South Island. This is the end of the line for the Island Highway and the largest community in northern Vancouver Island. If skydiving is a bit too extreme, there are plenty of earthbound options in Taupo, including mountain biking, hiking, sailing on the lake and even bungy jumping. Whagamata is your next stop on this North Island road trip. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. It leads to Sarimbun Beach, where the first wave of Japanese soldiers landed on Feb 8, 1942, marking the start of the World War II battle for Singapore. See more of Road trip 2018 en Islande on Facebook. The writer drives past the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands. While you could technically drive the whole thing in less than 24 hours, the reality is it … The next stop is Jalan Bahtera, possibly Singapore's last unpaved and unlit road. Posted by Spaceships Crew . On your final day, you could choose to finish in Wellington or journey back to Auckland. For history buffs, there is a historical marker in Kent Ridge Park off South Buona Vista Road worth stopping for. This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. Dreaming of a New Zealand road trip? The lone casuarina tree (left) at Upper Seletar Reservoir. Blog; Roadlovers; 4 days in Madeira: road trip through the island by car; 4 days in Madeira: road trip through the island by car. Insider tip: There is no carpark near the "UFOs", so look out for a runoff area opposite the Tian Teck Keng temple to park and take photos. If you’re hiring a car in Vancouver, you can bring your rental car on the ferry, or alternatively, hire a car in Victoria, where this road trip begins.. Victoria After Tuas, the next stop is the "40 lamp posts", or Lim Chu Kang Road, which is Singapore's "spare runway". The real highlight here is hearing how your hosts aim to promote this decidedly non-touristy region to visitors in the hopes that it will give the entire community a boost, especially for the sake of the local school kids. A Vancouver Island Road Trip. After I was there for a few days my friend Claire of Claire’s Itchy Feet came over to Cozumel from Playa del Carman and we did a one day road trip in Cozumel. But its main attraction for visitors is as a jumping off point for all sorts of exciting wilderness adventures. The highlight of the drive is the construction site of Tuas Mega Port. By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. Just be sure to take plenty of snacks, water and easily removable layers and you’ll be fine. A video’s worth a thousand words – here’s a sneak peek of what to expect when you road trip around the North Island with Stray! The writer (third from left) at Belly View Cafe and Restaurant at Changi Coastal Walk. Your next port of call is Rotorua, the North Island’s top geothermal hot spot and hub for all manner of adventure activities. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles. New Zealand’s North Island is an amazing place full of culture and the most beautiful sceneries. If you came to New Zealand in search of a real adrenaline rush, your next stop at Taupo is where you will find the ultimate thrill: a skydive over the Great Lake Taupo! 30 people like this. There are several car rental companies as well as car types to choose from and it always depends on what you wish to do, how comfy you like it to be and how much you are actually able to spend. New Zealand South Island Road Trip Highlights. Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with heaps of cool restaurants, bars and cafes along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. The car parked at the "UFOs" or "giant spinning tops", storage tanks to hold Newater in Tampines. For Day 1 a judicious tip from the Jucy guy encouraged me to head inland on the scenic route for the long drive south to Wanaka, the destination for the first night. (Note to those short on time: Taupo is one of the best places to turn around and head back to Auckland if you only have one week to play on the North Island – the return drive from Taupo to Auckland is approximately 3.5 hours.). Have you ever dared to explore a paradise island, as much to see? It’s packed full of incredible sights, heart-thumping adventures and brings you to the top places to visit in New Zealand. Rotorua is also the best place to treat yourself to a little pamper session at one of the city’s natural geothermal spas or for movie buffs to access the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, the real set used in those little Lord of the Rings films. The national hero died as a result of the fight. The first stop is South Buona Vista Road, which is known for its winding turns. Share gift link below with your friends and family. The impressive Huka Falls are well worth a visit too and accessible enough to fit in with your other Taupo activities. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. The "UFOs" or "giant spinning tops" are storage tanks to hold Newater, which is water recycled from waste and treated to drinking quality. Your North Island road trip won’t be complete without a stop in the ‘coolest little capital’ in the world, Wellington, at the southern tip of the island. The road is flanked by the Lim Chu Kang cemeteries and Tengah Airbase. A Taste of the North Island: 7-10 Days . The first stop is Rifle Range Road, which peels off from Dunearn Road. Places like Milford Sound, Queenstown and Wanaka are vital stops on any New Zealand backpacking itinerary! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with heaps of cool restaurants, bars and cafes along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Since May 2019 Blog theroadtripexpert.com Facebook fans 35 ⋅ Twitter followers 2 ⋅ Domain Authority 20 ⋅ Alexa Rank 590.2K View Latest Posts ⋅ Get Email Contact. SINGAPORE - For some in Singapore, road trips to Malaysia are regular affairs. Bridge to Padre Island, Texas. Vancouver Island road trip guide by region. The main roads are modern and traffic is light. The dinner stop is along Changi Coastal Walk, in the Belly View Cafe in the National Service Resort and Country Club. Things you should know about the Great Walks of New Zealand. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG, Bollywood Veggies in Neo Tiew Road. Auckland . ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. No. Compare all campervans. Distance: 722km/ 10 hours of driving. After a little dryland practice, the Raglan Surf School will take you to the best spot for beginners and guarantee you will stand up before the lesson ends. As these glaciers retreated from the snow-capped Alps, they left behind gigantic fjords, stunning valleys and breathtaking bright blue lakes. If you haven’t figured it out by the map above, Iceland’s Ring Road encircles the entire country covering over 800 miles on Route 1.. Both are narrow roads between forest fragments which wildlife cross frequently. For more stories on exploring Singapore, go to the SG Go Where page. You can read this subscriber-only article in full, All done! About Blog The Road Trip Expert is an adventure travel blog providing you with the best travel tips, road trip hacks, and destination advice. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Page Transparency See More. There are fewer people down here so the road network is not quite as extensive as up north. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. I suggest reading the South Island itinerary post first then delving into this one for all the New Zealand North Island road trip details. Approximately 1 hour north of Auckland, this little seaside destination is remote and quiet. Feel free to follow BucketListly Blog's boards and get the latest pin directly from there as well. Some 390ha of land will be redeveloped under a masterplan to create a high-tech agri-food cluster. It’s impossible to be bored in Rotorua! We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Duration: Fast-paced=7 days, relaxed=10 days+. As a nature lover, my journey is more on exploring the natural beauty of Jeju Island and does not add the museum or theme park into our itinerary. While it’s certainly tougher than your average walk in the park, you’ll be easily distracted with snapping photos as you walk through an alien-looking active volcanic area and right alongside the real life ‘Mt Doom’, Mt Ngauruhoe. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. Starting in Vancouver. This road trip combines both mountains and coastline for a priceless experience. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. How to make the drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands more interesting. The local family-owned and operated Kohutapu Lodge is all about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage, which includes taking guests to see the oldest Maori rock carvings in the country, teaching the haka and cooking up an amazing hangi dinner, a traditional feast cooked in an underground over. This island has a lagoon in the middle with sea access only by kayak. 198402868E. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Use it to plan your itinerary and design your perfect North Island road trip. Home » Blog » New Zealand » Must-dos on any North Island road trip I have been living in New Zealand for almost five years, the vast majority of which has been spent down on the iconic South Island, mostly because I have been living in Wanaka but also because I … This road trip is what we call the ultimate South Island road trip. The lunchtime crowd at Bollywood Veggies in Neo Tiew Road. Whether you decide to take the ferry from Wellington to the South Island, or fly from Auckland, Christchurch is an excellent starting point for a proper South island road trip around New Zealand (North Island Road Trip Itinerary).The city has experienced resurgence in creativity and urbanization after its most recent earthquakes in 2010-2012. This campervan road trip … No trip to New Zealand would be complete without experiencing life on a real working station, so carry on across the Central Plateau to get well and truly off the grid at Blue Duck Station. One of the most important things when planning your road trip through New Zealand’s south island is choosing a good camper van. Next. Insider tip: Slow down at this stretch. For entertainment, you have the option to go horseback riding over rolling green hills, check out farm life with a 4WD buggy ride around the farm, kayak on the winding Whanganui River or assist with pest and predator eradication. While other sources may do so differently, for the purpose of this road trip guide I have personally divided Vancouver Island into regions based on road access. Another one of the best road trips in Scotland is the Argyll Coastal Route. Most renowned for its black sand beaches and legendary left-hand surf break, if you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, this is the place to do it! Forgot account? Across the other end of the Central Catchment area from Rifle Range Road is Old Upper Thomson Road. If you somehow find yourself needing a little break from the sun and surf, check out Bridal Veil Falls, an epic 55m waterfall hidden down a short bush track that’s only a 20 minute drive outside town. So The Straits Times took the road less travelled - a 200km drive around Singapore. In January 2008, a Mitsubishi Lancer careened off the road when approaching the Devil's Bend - a sharp 300-degree hairpin turn - and slammed into a wall of trees, causing the death of two passengers. Diners can get a view of the Seletar Airport runway and parked planes, including private jets. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. The drive ends at Mount Faber. It is not the best zi char in Singapore, but it is definitely the zi char with one of the best views. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), http://blog.straytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Stray-NZ-The-Ultimate-North-Island-Roadie-with-Tara-2017.mp4, Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in New Zealand, Watch the sun rise over one of NZ’s most beautiful beaches, Marvel at glowworms in a sprawling underground cave system, Zip through the canopy of a native forest, Learn the mighty haka (a Maori war dance), Free fall over Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. Argyll Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for classic road trip lovers. I spent a week in Cozumel scuba diving, exploring and relaxing. You will, therefore, find what I’ve categorised as regions to be different from those seen on other maps online. The Great Singapore Drive: Take a 200km road trip without leaving the country. However, if you have 3-4 more days up your sleeve, you could venture up to Northland to explore the top of the country and go dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands or head to the remote East Cape area to see a coastal region still largely untouched by tourism. Here is the ultimate South Island New Zealand itinerary by Kiwi travel blogger, Delilah Hart. 4. Latest blog posts in North Island road trips. Check out the nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment. Not too far from Raglan one of the country’s coolest natural wonders lies hidden under the rolling green hills of Waitomo. Following this New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary will be the adventure of a lifetime, but a real New Zealand road trip isn’t complete without including New Zealand’s South Island, which is possibly even more impressive! From Blue Duck, it’s only a short drive to reach the heart of the Tongariro National Park and starting point of the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Our North of the North Island road trip will take you right there, stopping at some of the most remote places in New Zealand. The stretch of road hosts several large temples and a funeral parlour. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. The Grand Prix circuit claimed the lives of seven racers over 11 years the races were held there. Although the road is referred to as "99 turns", it is an exaggeration as there are only 11 turns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. After dinner, the route takes drivers to Sheares Bridge for a view of the Marina Bay skyline, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Bay East Garden and the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay. After the club, the road cuts into the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of few public roads inside the reserve. Taiwan road trip day 1-2-3: Taipei City. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. Starting at the Seah Im carpark near VivoCity, motorists can journey to the west, to the Jurong industrial estate, and then to Kranji in the north. We loved every moment of our trip – from the scenery, the food, the places we stayed, Oh Canada you were stunning. Diners can check out the flight paths of planes landing and taking off from the Changi Airport, and soak in views of the sun setting over the horizon. Not Now. I show you my 14-day Taiway road trip itinerary which covers the most important places of the island. But the Covid-19 pandemic has put the brakes on road trips north. When completed in 2040, it will be the world's largest fully automated terminal. But fear not — we’ve done all the trip planning for you and put together the best 2 week South Island itinerary you’ll find! SPH Digital News / Copyright © 2020 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn. The three stops in this segment are at the fringes of the Central Catchment area, with attractions that will appeal to nature and history buffs. Discovering Kangaroo Island on a Solo Road Trip. What to include in your New Zealand North Island Itinerary? But a log-in is still required for our PDFs. When the tide’s right, hit nearby Hot Water Beach to dig your own all-natural spa pool in the sand. Itinerary: This Jeju Island road trip itinerary will take you one week. As New Zealand's largest city, it's a great place to explore for at least a few days. One of my favorite areas in Jeju was Aewol. ST assistant news editor Toh Yong Chuan embarks on a 200km road trip around Singapore to seek out interesting driving routes and unusual places. The 110kmh speed limit on most stretches of Malaysia's North-South Highway, and scenic roads like the Terengganu coastal highway, also allow keen drivers and bikers to stretch the performance of their vehicles, within legal limits, while exploring new places. A taste of the north island. You can spend a good chuck of your next travel day exploring the underground wonders of Waitomo’s massive cave network. Start your free day off by watching the sun rise on Hahei Beach, before heading to the famous Cathedral Cove by way of boat tour, sea kayak or on foot. When to Go to Jeju Island. Community See All. I hope this Taiwan road trip itinerary helps you while planning your trip to Taiwan. The long and wide road is favoured by street racers for illegal car and motorbike races. ROAD TRIP: Venice, CA to Mustang Island, TX. Tick this one off your bucket list! We found the drive incredibly easy, including the motorways and the ferries. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. Theme by. This will give you a chance to paddle out to Whenuakura Island, or locally known as “Donut Island”. The final stretch of our Vancouver Island road trip took us 40 miles/50 minutes to Port Hardy. New Zealand is a name synonymous with adventure, mountains and the great outdoors. If you’ve been dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand adventure that gives you a taste of the very best the North Island has to offer, look no further! We flew into Vancouver and picked our hire car up at the airport. Hahei, a tiny beach town on the Coromandel Peninsula, is nothing short of paradise and it’s the perfect home base for your first couple nights. Jeju Island Road Trip Map. This part of the island is a popular vacation destination because, for one, it is close to the airport, and secondly, it has two beautiful beaches: expansive Gwakji, with fine sand and a cold-water spring, and Hyeopjae, a popular sunset vantage point. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG. This working sheep station does double duty as an eco-conservation pioneer dedicated to protecting the native environment for its namesake, the whio (blue duck). The drive continues through major Shenton Way landmarks like the Marina Bay Financial Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Building, and Keppel Road landmarks like the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. You’ve got a couple of free activity options to fill your afternoon too: browse through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and its harbour or take a more relaxing walk along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Home / Blog / The ultimate road trip guide to New Zealand's South Island The ultimate road trip guide to New Zealand's South Island Date: 7 May 2019 From stunning glacial lakes to golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, adrenaline-pumping extreme sports to delicious local food, New Zealand’s South Island truly has it all. Whatever you do, don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love with this Kiwi paradise – it’s the kind of place you’ll want to tell everyone you meet about after you’ve been here! Nothing will beat the sense of accomplishment you feel after finishing either! The second stop is the "UFOs" in Tampines Road. The first, a coffee break at the Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe, which is hidden in the Seletar Aerospace Park. or. But the Covid-19 pandemic has put the brakes on road trips north. Vancouver Island is easy to access from mainland British Columbia, thanks to ferries and seaplanes departing regularly. The eatery serves affordable local zi char dishes such as fried rice and prawn-paste chicken. Love From, Scotland x. The easy access to places like Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, a three- and four-hour drive respectively from the Woodlands Causeway, provides affordable holidays. The writer manoeuvres around one of the bends at the "99 turns" at South Buona Vista. All Rights Reserved. Wellington’s craft brewery scene has boomed in recent years, and the bar scene definitely won’t disappoint if you want to finish you roadie with a big night out. A 3km stretch of Old Upper Thomson Road is now a one-way street to accommodate a park connector. Relax knowing that you’ve completely maximised your time and experienced the very best destinations the North Island has to offer. You don’t need to have a DeLorean time machine to be able to travel through time. I arrived in the afternoon at Taipei Songshan Airport which is located downtown. The route also covers the Lim Chu Kang and Kranji areas which are set to be transformed into Singapore's food bowl, as the country ramps up its drive to produce more food locally as a buffer against global supply shocks. Amongst the Douglas-fir at Cathedral Grove. It is famous for its signature nasi lemak and dessert. The journey ends at Mount Faber, which is near Seah Im carpark where it all started. Go for a road trip on the East Cape route... READ MORE 19/04/2020. In January 2003, then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad made a quip directed at Singapore drivers: "If you like, drive on our roads, which are quite long, in Ferraris - they have Ferraris, you know - because in Singapore you can't drive very far.". A road trip around the small island of Cozumel, Mexico will allow any visitor to see the real Cozumel outside of the Cozumel cruise ports. 36 people follow this. For most visitors to New Zealand, the journey starts in Auckland. 11/03/2020 - Roadlovers. You’ll probably be screaming a little during the free fall plunge from the plane, but remember to take in the spectacular views of the nearby mountains of Tongariro National Park once the parachute opens and you’re gently sailing back to earth. TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre. There’s a reason people rave about this 19km hike. The route skirts the perimeter of the Central Catchment area before heading east to Punggol and Changi. And the best way to enjoy its pristine nature is on a road trip. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Day 1: Auckland to Shelly Beach . A magical wonderland millions of years in the making; Te Waipounamu/South Island was 60% covered in glaciers in the last ice age. And if you’ve already fallen in love with New Zealand and want to see even more, you can always catch a ferry from Wellington across the Cook Strait and carry on with an ultimate South Island roadie! Note that it is a long drive in, so plan to spend two nights at Blue Duck so you have a full free day to explore this magical destination.