The Mackenzie Basin encompasses the three lakes Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo. The area is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. In addition to undisturbed nature, it offers a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing and horse trekking.

For the advanced alpinist, mountaineering and ice climbing are possible, while the romantic soles can relax in hot tubs and enjoy star lit nights free from light pollution.
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Dunedin is the second largest city on New Zealand's South Island and home to the world's only continental albatross colony. During the gold rush in the 1860s it was even the wealthiest City in New Zealand.

Why to go there

For the avid bird lover, the albatross colony is a must. For everybody else, Dunedin offers plenty of opportunities to watch seals as well as blue and yellow-eyed penguins. For the active traveler, the Silver Peaks circuit offers a 2-3 days hike and the city beaches offer plenty of surfing opportunities.
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Oamaru, Moeraki and Shag point lie between Christchurch and Dunedin on the east coast of New Zealand's south island.

Why should you go there

As with the Catlins and Dunedin, you are passing by while on the way from Christchurch to Fiordland. So take a break from driving and enjoy the rugged coast line, its wildlife, the famous Moeraki Boulders and one of the most bizarre museums on the planet.
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The Catlins, is an area located in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. It is home to Slope Point, the South Island's southernmost point. Heavy ocean swells attract big-wave surfers and have also caused numerous shipwrecks in the past.

Featuring a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest it is habitat to different species of birds and mammals.

Why should you go there?

The Catlins area combines relaxing at the beach and watching wildlife. Among others, the rare yellow-eyed penguin, fur seals and sea lions.
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Fiordland National Park in the South West of the south island is New Zealand's largest national park and is dominated by the Southern Alps.

This part of New Zealand, has a very wet climate with an annual average of 200 rainy days and an annual rainfall varying from 1200 mm in Te Anau to 8000 mm in Milford Sound.

So why would you want to go there if it rains more than half of the year?
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A work and travel visa - usually only available for people younger than 30 - allows you to work on non-permanent jobs while traveling. Perfect for people just finishing high school or university.
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If you know where to go, New Zealand allows you to watch seals, sea lions, penguins and even dolphins in their natural environment for free. And best of all. If you are really lucky you even get to swim with dolphins and seals. 

We also list some non-free locations as these might - depending on your travel plans or weather condition - increase your chance of watching animals.
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You have a vivid imagination and you wonder what creativity can turn scrap metal into? Then you have to visit the Steampunk HQ at Oamaru. At the time of writing we have been travelling New Zealand for three weeks and besides beautiful nature and wildlife, the Steampunk HQ is the one thing standing out. Even if you are not into Steampunk go there and see were your inspriation takes you. Outside of the museum an airship and a train are on display. Feeding them with a 2\$ coin gives you a glimps of what to expect inside.
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Gallery

First activities upon arrival in Christchurch

We were glad to arrive in Christchurch as this meant no more flying for the next four weeks. First of all, we were collected by the Jucy shuttle service and took over our camper van - a Jucy Condo suitable for four people and self-contained (prerequisite for freedom camping). After having set up the camper as our "new home", I was really glad to have chosen a camper suitable for four people. This way we could store our rucksacks and still move within the camper without having to relocate our bags all the time.
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