New Zealand Road Trip: From Rushed Itineraries to Relaxing Shores

We rushed through our itinerary the first few days, which was the biggest regret of the New Zealand road trip. If I could do it over, I would definitely keep the schedule looser, ideally staying in each spot for two to three days. That way, we could truly experience the New Zealand lifestyle and appreciate the alpine lakes and majestic mountains. There were just too many stunning landscapes, attractions, and trails that we didn’t have time to explore, nor did we get the chance to simply sit down for a proper cup of tea. I wish we had more time to soak ourselves in nature’s embrace, let go of our tension, and bring our breath into a steady harmony with everything around us.
In spite of that, the beauty of New Zealand has still left an indelible impression on me. If there’s a list of the most beautiful countries on Earth, New Zealand definitely deserves a spot on it.
Our next stop was Lake Wanaka, where our friends were already waiting for us. Since they had set off a day earlier and our flight on the first day was delayed, we ended up being two days behind them. We had to constantly rush just to get back on schedule.

Previous itineraries are listed below.

• New Zealand Campervan Adventure (Part 1)
• Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Road Trip
• Mount Cook, New Zealand Road Trip

We hit the road from our campsite in Omarama, continuing along State Highway 8. Along the way, we stumbled upon a restaurant that served what I personally consider the second-best burger of our New Zealand trip (first place goes to Fergburger, and third is McDonald’s!). It was located in a small, market-like pit stop that also featured restaurants and shops selling souvenirs and clothes. But New Zealand is just that beautiful—even a simple rest area like this boasted such breathtaking scenery that it caught our eye and prompted us to pull over. While an American-style burger is always on my menu, we also ordered fish and chips and some sausages. The juicy meat and crispy chips were incredibly satisfying, and the portions were so generous that our family of four left with our bellies completely stuffed!
With our hunger fully satisfied, we got back in the car. We turned onto State Highway 8A and kept driving. At the end of the road was our destination for the day.

The restaurant we ate is Tarras Country Cafe. You can google it.

Our campsite in Wanaka was nestled between the mountains and the water, boasting an expansive layout. Lake Wanaka was just within walking distance from our site. Once we were settled in, we wasted no time taking a leisurely stroll down to the shore. While the color of the lake didn’t share the same crystalline turquoise hue as Lake Tekapo, its incredibly relaxing vibe more than made up for it.
It’s a pity that we didn’t know how to paddleboard or kayak back then. I believe the view from the middle of the lake must be absolutely stunning. So, right after getting back to Taiwan, I learned to SUP in no time. Kayaking is next on my list. Next time we visit New Zealand, we’ll be able to appreciate its beauty from a completely different perspective.
After enjoying the relaxing vibe of the lake, we set off to find its most famous resident: the Lonely Tree. A photographer’s clever framing made it go viral on social media. What was once an unremarkable tree was unexpectedly given a new story and a different life, transforming it into an iconic, must-visit spot for every traveler coming to Wanaka.
Finding it was a breeze—just head in the direction where the crowd is lining up. In all the stunning photos online, the tree is gracefully sitting in the water, but the low water levels that day left its roots fully exposed. My wife and I hopped in line, and thankfully, we got our turn shortly. My only regret is that it was a bit cloudy; the photos would have turned out absolutely gorgeous otherwise.

We stayed at Hampshire Holiday Parks, click here to check it out.