15 Days New Zealand South Island Itinerary Series
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Yesterday’s epic drive really took the wind out of everyone.
Today’s mission was simple: just cover more ground, keep moving, and keep the girls happy.
The 400+ km drive before this already left my back sore.
So, wake up 8am, do our morning routine like clockwork, warm up the campervan, and roll out by 9am.
No time to nua.
10am – Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
This stop was only fifteen minutes away from Westport.
I thought, why not check out more seals, do a bit of nature dad move. At first, I let the kids nap in the campervan, went out to kiasu papa style: go recee first.
The lookout needs a twenty-minute hike with kids, but lucky today got energy.
There were seals, but honestly, not as many as Kaikoura Ohau Point.
Still, got the girls to hike up.
Binoculars there to spy on a small island in the distance, a bit like National Geographic episode.
Saw a few seals playing around, so at least not wasted trip.
1pm – Irimahuwhero Lookout
Along the way, bo bian, must stop at Irimahuwhero Lookout for that classic “Dad with Cliff View” family photo.
It is another spot with those drama-mama New Zealand heights and sea scenery.
Cannot stay long, or later the girls start asking for snacks again.
Optional – Punakaiki Cavern
We did not visit the Punakaiki Cavern because I forgot to bookmark. It is along the way from Westport to the Pancake rocks.
If you have time, can check this Cavern out. I heard it was alittle wet as there were streams of water.
If you are going next time, can consider exploring.
2.30pm – Pancake Rocks Lookout
Next stop, Pancake Rocks, this one confirm must see.
Before the sightseeing, team already hungry.
Pulled out my Chef Daddy move: cooked Japanese ramen with onsen egg inside the campervan for lunch.
You know what, sometimes simple food on the road tastes best, and the girls said “Daddy can open restaurant already.”
(But Singapore Rental so Ex? How to open?)
The Pancake Rocks really do look like a stack of pancakes, not bluff one.
Walked the whole circuit, in and out, just nice for everyone to stretch legs after all the sitting.
5pm – Sunset Along the Coast
Nothing beats driving along the coast and chasing the sunset.
I was half panicking looking for the best spot to see the golden hour. Found a nice stop, parked, and everyone just stared at the sky for that few minutes of magic before night fell.
These are the simple moments that make all the “Are we there yet?” worth it.
6pm – Greymouth: Supermarket Raid and KFC Fix
Saw Greymouth got a decent-sized supermarket and KFC, so why not combine grocery shopping and fried food therapy in one stop?
Bought dinner and next day’s supplies in one shot.
We had KFC at the restaurant.
Some comfort food never goes wrong, especially after long drives.
And of course, our sauces to make our dinner even better.
8pm – Hokitika Glow Worm Dell: The Best Free Show
This one is my favourite money-saving hack of the day.
Instead of spending more than three hundred dollars on a glow worm cave tour, this Glow Worm Dell right outside our accommodation is totally free.
Parking is limited (only space for a few vehicles), but when we reached, nobody else around.
It took less than one minute to walk in.
Once it got dark enough, all of us stood quietly, completely fascinated by the blue LED-like glow from the worms.
Little things like this, confirm put kids (and parents) in awe.
No need to break the bank for special memories.
PS: Those Glow Worm Cave Tour Cost NZ$120-$150 Per Adult. And $50 - $70 Per kid 5 - 15 Years old.
So a family of 4 will cost $300+ - $400+
We saved NZ$400 with this adventure!
9pm – Shining Star Accommodation: Upgrade Night
Tonight was the rare treat.
Day four means accommodation night – after three nights of full-on campervan life, time to recharge.
We got the keys, lucky got a spot to park right in front, no need to lug bags too far.
Staff were friendly, told us can use the power site if we wanted.
I made sure we maximised the comfort: everyone had private space to do laundry, cook with full amenities, and just enjoy not climbing over each other for one night.
If only every stay could give this kind of peace and quiet.
Honestly, sometimes the best days are the ones where you keep things simple, enjoy a few surprises, and save some money along the way.
Today’s MVP?
The glow worm show and the bathtub!