Jun 27, 2022 Travel
Just because it’s getting cold out there is no excuse to stop exploring. Sure, you’re not going to be spending much time lounging on the beach, but especially with a mid-size SUV like the GWM Haval H6.
Auckland to Cape Reinga
There are so many amazing road trips heading north out of Auckland, but you can wrap most of them up into one by taking the scenic route to Cape Reinga, not only the northernmost tip of the North Island, but where Māori mythology says the spirits of the dead enter the underworld on their way to Hawaiki. You can sense the spiritual pull of the Cape when you stand at the tip of the peninsula and look out to where the Tasmin Sea to the west meets the Pacific Ocean to the east. It’s truly magical. And on your way up there, the Haval H6 is the perfect vehicle to drive up Ninety Mile Beach which is an official public highway (and is actually only 55 miles long).
Auckland to Pakiri
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t hit the beach. To break up the six-hour drive to the Cape, why not stay a night in the Pakiri Beach Holiday Park’s glamping tent. We’ve stayed in this huge safari tent (with a double bed, bunk room and little lounge area — the full bathroom and kitchen are outdoors though, which makes you feel just a tiny bit adventurous) a couple of times during summer but having seen the unlit freestanding fireplace, we’ve been wanting to comeback for a winter getaway.
Wellington to Wairapa
There are many of reasons to take the Haval over the Remutaka Range to the Wairapa, just an hour or so out of Wellington. There’s beauful wine to drink (not while driving, of cou, great food, and epic scenery, none more so than the Putangirua Pinnacles, the incredible rock formations that were made famous by their appearance in the Paths of the Dead scene in Lord of the Rings (and also featured in the opening scene of Braindead for the day one PJ fans).
Nelson to Maruia Springs
Let’s say you take your H6 on the interisland ferry to Picton, the drive from there to Maruia Hot Springs goes through three major nature reserves: Mount Richmond Forest Park, Victoria Forest Park, and, perhaps most beautiful of all, Nelson Lakes National Park. Once there, you can warm up inside and out in the at the Maruia Hot Springs, which offers not just natural thermal hot pools but boutique accommodation with a wholefoods restaurant and free yoga and wellness activities. What’s not to like?
Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook
The drive from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s goes through the heart of the South Island. You’ll pass Lake Tekapo — where there are more hot pools as well as incredible star-gazing if you’re there after dark — and end up next to Tasman Glacier, one of the best walks in the country. And with the Haval H6, you’re at little risk of getting snowed in.
Dunedin to the Bluff
Is there any better reason to celebrate winter than the arrival of Bluff oyster season? From March to August, some of the best oysters in the world are dredged out of Foveaux Strait and there’s no better place to eat them in their namesake hometown, Bluff. Sadly, the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival was cancelled this year, but if you’re planning next year’s trip, late May would be the perfect time.
