The crew from the cult U.S. TV show “The Hippy Gourmet” flew to New Zealand courtesy of Air NZ to film 6 episodes of their cooking/travel show. During their 21 day itinerary they discovered some of the very best organic food, eco-friendly accommodation and ecotourism activities New Zealand has to offer. Keeping their carbon footprint low and their adventurous spirits sky rocketing.
They made the 21 day journey in two 4-berth KEA campers with Organic Explorer NZ who designed and organised their itinerary and acted throughout as their tour guides.
Follow this itinerary yourself to experience and stay at the very best environmentally concerned motorhome Holiday Parks, organic food outlets and ecotourism activities thoughout New Zealand.
The Hippy Gourmet team stayed at a number of B&B’s and eco-lodges during this itinerary to film vegetarian, vegan or sustainable seafood dishes being prepared by each lodge chef with locally sourced ingredients. We have supplemented the Hippy Gourmet itinerary with supporting activities available in each location for other travellers not constrained by a filming schedule. Ask for a copy of the Organic Explorer guide book for a more comprehensive list of activities or consult the website:
www.organicexplorer.com
We have included the Hippy Gourmet filmed accommodations in the itinerary as well as the motorhome Holiday Parks. They cover a range of budgets should you want to indulge along the way, staying somewhere special, enjoying an incredible meal or just to have an occasional night off.
Day 1: Arrival in Chrischurch
KEA Campers meet Organic Explorer and the Hippy Gourmet crew at the airport and drive us to their depot close by to pick up the Camper for the start of our journey. KEA staff walk us through the systems of the motorhome so we are informed and ready to leave the depot. Let the adventure begin!
Accommodation: Holiday Parks Amber Park 308 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, 4 Star Plus, Enviro-Silver rated Holiday Park
Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park 39 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch, 5 Star, Enviro-Silver rated Holiday Park
B&B greenSpace Eco-Accommodation 16 Sheppard Place, Christchurch
Wish! B&B 38 Edgeware Road, Christchurch
Organic Supplies
Best to do the Motohome food shopping here in Christchurch before heading off into the country tomorrow. Try these organic suppliers:
Piko Wholefoods Co-operative (retail store) 229 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central
Liberty Market (certified organic retailer) Corner of Moorhouse and Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch
Dining
Restaurant Schwass 190 Ferry Road, Phillipstown, Christchurch. Passion for food and an eye for detail. Local, often organic ingredients, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian options.
The Lotus-Heart 595 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Dedicated to healthy eating with pure vegetarian food.
Untouched World 155 Roydvale Ave, Christchurch. Cafe with organics and clothing store with organic fabrics.
Ma and Pa’s Bakery/Café, 267A Stanmore Rd, Richmond, Christchurch. Organic breads and pastries.
Suggested Activities
Christchurch City Bike Tours Guided City Bicycle Tours meet at Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
ANANDA Clinic and Spa Ayurvedic Health Spa, 64 Sandwich Road, Christchurch.
Pohatu Penguin Plunge Akaroa, Banks Peninsular, Christchurch.
Day 2: Lewis Pass
After buying supplies for the Motorhome, a city tour and bite to eat, head off Northbound to the beautiful rolling hill-country of Lewis Pass. Stop at Waipara Springs a boutique vineyard and winery located in the heart of the Waipara Valley. Continue past sculptured limestone formations and the swift-flowing rivers, through the Lewis Pass to Maruia Springs Thermal Resort about a 2.25 hour drive from Christchurch. These natural hot springs are part of a special mountain hideaway, famous for their relaxing hot pools, with a unique touch of Japan.
Accommodation: Maruia Springs Thermal Resort Lewis Pass, State Highway 7. A choice of either the resort hotel rooms or the DoC camp site next door for the Motorhomes. There is no power hookup as the resort runs it’s own hydro electricity and there is not enough capacity to power the camp site, but use of Thermal pools is included in the minimal camp fee.
Dining Maruia Springs informal café and/or Japanese restaurant.
Suggested Activities
Thermal Pools Massage and body treatments, hiking, nature walks.
Day 3/4: West Coast
Drive on to the West Coast approximately 2.5 hours. The West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand is a rugged, primeval region of luxuriant rainforest, breathtaking coastal scenery and fascinating mountain to sea eco-systems. We checked out traveller accommodation/activities in the area.
Accommodation: Holiday Parks Seal Colony Top 10 Holiday Park Marine Parade, Carters Beach Westport
Backpacker/Hostel Beaconstone Eco-Lodge Birds Ferry Road, Westport-Charleston. An environmental award-winning solar-powered, quiet retreat overlooking Paparoa mountains to the sea. 52 hectares with bush walks to river pools and organic garden.
Lodge Birds Ferry Lodge Birds Ferry Road, Westport. Lodge with chef and Private Lake-Side Cottage.
Dining
The Bay House Cafe - Restaurant & Art Gallery Cape Road, Cape Foulwind.
Westport Farmers’ Market - Carnegie Library Car Park, Hours: Saturday 11.a.m.-2.p.m.
Suggested Activities
West Coast Brewery 10 Lyndhurst Street, Westport. Brewery tours and prize-winning premium organic lager.
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony about 16 km southwest of Westport. At Cape Foulwind you can explore the coastline and view NZ fur seals. A close but safe view allows you to watch the seals swimming and dozing in the sun.
Paparoa National Park Find out about walking, canoeing, rock-climbing and caving opportunities in the park. The popular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk is suitable for families. DoC Punakaiki Field Centre.
Pohatu Penguin Plunge Akaroa, Banks Peninsular, Christchurch.
Day 5/6/7/8: Nelson Region
Leave Westport heading North/East to the Nelson region, this is approximately a 4 hour drive. There is an Enviro-Silver certified Holiday Park in Murchison approximately half way (2 hour drive) from Westport, if you want to break up the trip. The Nelson region has many beautiful Holiday Parks, very close to the city centre is the Tahuna Holiday Park with very nice facilities. Further a field at Motueka near the Abel Tasman National Park is a good base from which to explore the area. A stay at Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park is recommended. This is a remote location with no road access but motorhomes can be securely parked at The aqua-taxi car park in Marahau and water transport taken to the Lodge. Awaroa Lodge is an extremely popular lodge in summer months and is a model for environmental initiatives exceeding measures we have seen anywhere else. A completely magic setting.
Accommodation: Holiday Parks Kiwi Park Motels & Holiday Park 170 Fairfax Street, Murchison, Nelson, 4 Star Plus, Enviro-Silver rated, Holiday Park.
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson, 4 Star Plus, Enviro-Gold rated, Holiday Park.
Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park 10 Fearon Street, Motueka 7120.
Lodges The Resurgence Five Star Nature Lodge. Riwaka Valley Road, RD3 Motueka.
Awaroa Lodge Abel Tasman National Park, PO Box 163, Takaka, Golden Bay
.
Organic Food Supplies
The Organic Green Grocer (retail shop) Cnr Tasman and Grove Streets, Nelson.
Dining
Founders Brewery Organic Brewery, Wholefood Café Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson.
Arcadia Organics Shop and Café 265 High Street, Motueka.
Suggested Activities
Enriching Day Spa Wellness Day Spa, 114 Milton Street, Nelson.
Richmond Plains Vineyard 108 Mc Shane Road, Richmond. Organic vineyard, wine tasting/sales.
Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi Main Road, RD2, Marahau. Transport and activities (Seal Swim etc) with regular service the length of the Park.
There are over 300 other walks and tracks to explore in the area of Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes National Parks, Mt Richmond Forest Park, and nature reserves.
Day 9: Marlborough Wine Country
The drive from Nelson to Blenheim takes approximately 2.25 hours. Stop at Pelorous river about half way for a break and perhaps a swim, and then through to Havelock. The local speciality here are mussels harvested from the Marlborough Sounds and many eateries in the village of Havelock serve the delicacy. Onwards to Blenheim the heart of Marlborough wine country, the largest wine producing region in New Zealand. Marlborough has a great Farmers’ Market with loads of local gourmet artisan produce, a must stop if you are here on a Sunday. There are a plethora of wine tours, tastings/vineyard restaurants in the region.
Accommodation: Holiday Park Blenheim Spa Motor Lodge 170 68 Main Street, Blenheim, Marlborough, 4 Star Plus, self-contained and serviced.
B&B Straw Lodge 17 Fareham Lane, RD1, Blenheim, Marlborough.
Dining
Allan Scott Winery Restaurant Jacksons Road, Renwick, Blenheim.
Herzog Winery & Restaurant 81 Jeffries Rd, Blenheim. Widely acclaimed fine dining.
Suggested Activities
Seresin Estate Ltd Organic Winery, 85 Bedford Road, Blenheim. Wine tasting/sales and vineyard tours.
Yealands Estate Cnr Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon. Environmentally sustainable practices are used throughout every aspect of viticulture and winemaking. Wine tasting/sales, tours.
Marlborough Farmers’ Market A&P Park, Alabama Road, Blenheim. Hours: Sunday, 9a.m.-12p.m.
Day 10/11: Kaikoura
The drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura takes approximately 2 hours. The Yealands Estate is worth a visit and is about 35 minutes out of Blenheim signposted from Seddon, 6kms off SH1 on the way to Kaikoura. Kaikoura itself is a stunning location, there are many pull-offs along the coastal highway to view the seal colonies or buy a freshly caught crayfish from caravans parked in the lay-bys. Hapuku Lodge is a luxury lodge and boutique hotel with views of both the Mountains and the ocean on the northern approach to Kaikoura township. We check out Motorcamp Holiday Parks and activities in Kaikoura. A visit is recommended to Hislops Cafe, an informal Kaikoura dining institution, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Holiday Park Alpine Pacific Holiday Park 69 Beach Road, Kaikoura, Marlborough, 4 Star Plus, Holiday Park.
Lodge Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses Luxury Lodge with Restaurant. SH1 at Station Road, RD1, Kaikoura.
Dining
Hislops Wholefoods Café/Restaurant 33 Beach Road, Kaikoura.
Suggested Activities
Maori Tours Kaikoura Cultural Tours in Kaikoura.
Whale Watch Kaikoura Enviro-gold certified, marine adventure.
Kaikoura Night Sky See the magic of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.
Day 12: Wellington
Drive from Kaikoura to Picton (2.25hrs). The InterIslander provides Cook Strait Ferry Travel between Picton and Wellington. The 92km voyage takes 3 hours and has been described as “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”. Only serious storms will prevent sailing and the boat takes passengers and all types of vehicles. Central Wellington has no Holiday Park facilities however The TOP 10 Holiday Park in Lower Hutt is approximately 30 minutes north of the City and has good facilities. If you choose to stay in Wellington central for the night, The Ibis Hotel is inexpensive, clean and tidy and Campers can be parked around the corner from the Hotel for the night. We preferred on this short stop-over to stay in the central Wellington district to enjoy a meal out and see the Capital city at night.
Accommodation: Holiday Park Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park 95 Hutt Park Rd, Seaview, Lower Hutt, Wellington, 4 Star Plus, Holiday Park.
Hotel Ibis Hotel Wellington 153 Featherston Street, Wellington, 3 Star Plus, Enviro-Gold rated Hotel.
Organic Food Supplies
Common Sense Organics (four stores in the Wellington region) Wellington City Store; 260 Wakefield Street, Wellington Central.
Dining
The Ambeli ((Mediterranean fine dining Restaurant) 18 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington.
Meow Cafe, Organic, Breakfast, Brunch, 149 Willis St, Wellington Central.
Suggested Activities
Intersialnd Ferry Service Cook Straight Ferry crossing between the South & North Islands.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust PO Box 9267, Wellington. A safe haven for endangered native birds and other wildlife, located minutes from downtown Wellington.
Day 13/14/15: Rotorua
This is an all day drive from Wellington through to Rotorua of approximately 7 hours duration. There are stops along the way; the Wool Company in South Taihape specialising in NZ made knitwear, Waiouru to view the central North Island mountains, Lake Taupo and the fabulous Fine fettle Cafe for a late lunch, Huka Falls and onwards to Rotorua. The Millennium Hotel in Central Rotorua is Enviro-Gold rated and a member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism charter. The hotel features spa facilities and many different dining options including a restaurant that uses indigenous ingredients in their menus. We check out the Motorhome Holiday Parks (of which there are quite a few in Rotorua). We particularly like the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park, a huge park 8kms from the centre of Rotorua. It has lovely character facilities right across the road from the Blue Lake and close by Lake Tarawera and other attractions. Rotorua is famous for it’s Thermal parks and Maori Culture, we have chosen to highlight those cultural attractions that are Maori owned, so the profits stay in the local community. Chef Charles Royal also offers travellers indigenous food trail adventures ranging from half day to three day tours. He incorporates traditional food from the bush into his cuisine. Ingredients include huhu grubs and leaves from the horopito or pepper tree etc.
Accommodation: Holiday Parks Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park 1495 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua, 4 Star Plus, Enviro-Silver Rated Holiday Park.
Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park 4 Star Plus, no enviro rating but environmentally conscious owners recycle, have a worm farm etc. but are not envirorated certified at this time.
Hotel Millennium Hotel Corner Eruera and Hinemaru Streets, PO Box 1044, Rotorua.
Eco-Lodge Pounamu Lodge (not far from Blue Lake TOP 10) 51 Spencer Road, RD 5, Lake Tarawera.
Dining
The Fine Fettle Café Taupo’s Organic Wholefood Café, 39 Paora Hapi Street, Taupo.
Capers Epicurean (café, deli, breakfast, lunch and dinner), 1181 Eruera Street, Rotorua.
Nikau Restaurant Millennium Hotel Innovative cuisine, using indigenous New Zealand produce.
Suggested Activities
Charles Royal Maori Food Tours P.O Box 1030, Rotorua.
Whakarewarewa Maori Village 9a Tukiterangi Street, Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua. Authentic Maori owned and operated thermal attraction (geysers, mud pools, hot springs) within a working village of Maori arts, crafts and musicians.
Superia Tours (Cultural Tours) Sonny and Ria Galvin, 1229 Fenton Street, Rotorua.
Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park 494 Orakei Korako Road, RD2, Reporoa. Gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world. Situated 45 minutes south of Rotorua.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3043. 20 minutes south of Rotorua.
Day 16: Auckland
Three hour drive north to Auckland. This is a short stop-over before heading north to Kerkeri the next day. We stay at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. It’s very close to Auckland, just 15 minutes drive from the city centre and is located at the beachfront of Takapuna, offering superb views of Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf. For inner city accommodation the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel is a very homely inner city B&B and the perfect location to take in the local culture and restaurants of Auckland. There are many organic produce retail shops in the Auckland region. Listed here are those in the central Auckland area, for a more comprehensive list see www.organicexplorer.com There is a 4 hour drive up SH1 to Kerikeri, our next location.
Accommodation: B&B Great Ponsonby Art Hotel 30 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Dining
Kokako Cafe 492 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland. Cabinet menu with organic ingredients and coffee.
Organic Pizza Company Restaurant and Bar 27 Davies Crescent, Newmarket, Auckland.
Organic Supplies
Huckleberry Farms Three locations in Auckland.
IE Produce 1 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, Auckland.
Suggested Activities
Potiki Adventures Contemporary Maori Experiences, tours and advent.
Day 17/18/19: Kerikeri
The Kerikeri TOP10 Holiday Park is set amidst lush native bush and only 500 metres from the vibrant KeriKeri village. Close by is Ora Ora Eco Wellness Resort, a pioneer among the NZ eco health and wellness community and offers luxurious accommodation as well as an organic gourmet restaurant for guests, plus spa and massage treatments. Wharepuke Subtropical gardens is a great location to visit whether staying in their ecocottages or not, as they have an on-site restaurant, non-toxic printmaking studio and gallery. Take a picturesque tour through their amazing subtropical gardens, check out the historic Stone store New Zealand’s oldest stone building. Visit Aroha Island Ecological Centre, A Queen Elizabeth II Trust Conservation Island offering birdlife, walks, swimming, kayaking and guided night walks to see kiwi.
Accommodation: Holiday Park Kerikeri Top 10 Holiday Park Aranga Road, Kerikeri.
Eco-Lodges Ora Ora Eco Wellness Resort 28 Landing Road, Kerikeri.
Wharepuke Subtropical Garden and Cottages 190 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri.
Dining
Organic Gourmet Deli/Cafe Cobblestone Mall, Kerikeri.
Food at Wharepuke 190 Kerikeri Rd Kerikeri, Modern European and Thai influenced food.
Organic Food Supplies
Marty’s Kerikeri Organic 1188 State Highway 10 Kerikeri.
Mahoe Cheese Factory Oromahoe SH 10, Kerikeri.
Suggested Activities
Aroha Island Ecological Centre Rangitane Road, Kerikeri. Unique ecological reserve, see live Kiwi a diversity of birds and wildlife.
Kerikeri Arts & Crafts Trail Kerikeri Visitor Information Centre.
Wharepuke print studio, gallery and subtropical garden, 190 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri.
Day 20: Matakana
A three hour drive south-bound to Matakana for the last nights stop-over. However, there are still some stops to make on the way. Don’t miss Kaiwaka and the famous Koanga Gardens, the ideosyncratic Eutopia Cafe or the strangely delicious green cheese from the Kaiwaka Cheese Shop. Matakana itself is arguably one of New Zealand’s premier gourmet destinations. The Matakana Farmers’ Market is certainly an event not to be missed if you are here on a Saturday morning. The idyllic riverside setting is bustling with activity, the stall holders sell a huge range of fresh organic produce, local artisan cheeses, oils, wine, and more. - Accommodations in the Matakana region are numerous. The Goat Island Marine reserve is amazing. In summer it is a great safe swimming location, where you can snorkel, dive,(all equipment can be hired on site) or view the marine reserve from a glass bottomed boat. There is campground/Holiday Park close by and although this is a great location, the facilities are quite run down. Visit Tawharanui regional park, with a multitude of bird life, recently fully enclosed with a predator proof fence.
Accommodation: Holiday Parks Whangateau Holiday Park 559 Leigh Road, RD 5, Warkworth, 4 Star, Enviro-Bronze rated Holiday Park.
Goat Island Camping/Backpackers Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh.
B&B The Leigh Sawmill Café and Accommodation 142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh.
Dining Eutopia Cafe Cnr SH 1 and Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka.
Kaiwaka Cheese Shop SH 1, Kaiwaka.
Cosi Restaurant Matakana 48 Tongue Farm Road, Matakana.
Suggested Activities
Koanga Gardens Centre for Sustainability SH 1, Kaiwaka.
Matakana Village Farmers Market 2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana.
Tawharanui Regional Park - one of Auckland’s best kept secrets! Takatu Rd, Matakana.
Day 21: Depart Auckalnd
Drive back to Auckland approximately 1 hour. Drop the Motorhome at KEA Camper’s North Shore facility. KEA Campers drives a courtesy coach to Auckland International Airport from here. Allow an additional 40 minutes for the drive from the depot to the Airport.
Other useful links
For a detailed list of organic and sustainable places to eat, stay and explore throughout New Zealand or to buy the guide book go to
www.organicexplorer.com
For more information on the Qualmark Enviro-rating NZ tourism certifications go to
www.qualmark.co.nz.
We found the TOP 10 Holiday Parks to generally be of consistently high standard go to
www.top10.co.nz.