Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms New Zealand

I'm sure this has been covered many times already but hopefully, the desired responses will be forthcoming.
Given that my wife has a significant birthday in January 24 I though it an appropriate and prudent time to travel New Zealand, hopefully in the Morgan. I have had a very quick peek on the internet and hiring a reasonable ( not budget ) car for 6 weeks appears to be within line of the cost of shipping. Im happy to be corrected if I am considered wrong.
I further seek advice with regard to touring routes for both islands. I would assume to fly into Auckland, do the north island justice before heading to the south. I understand that some choose to incorporate a cruise as the south island is considered as beautiful from the outside in as it is from the inside out.
I am simply looking for advice and suggested itineraries, hopefully from people with firsthand experience.
Awaiting guidance

It's to easy to rush on by heading for a destination, that you'll miss some great little treasures.

We spent a very pleasant 3 days in Martinborough, cycled to the Winerys and sort of cycled back!

Cape Palliser is worth a trip for some views of some very chilled out seals.

Also take the Lost Highway 43 from Stratford (take in Mt Taranaki near new Plymouth) to Taupo

Farewell Spit is worth the drive.

There are some great unmetalled roads not sure best for a Morgan though

I could go on but here's a handy site with routes

https://www.newzealand.com/assets/Tourism-NZ/PDFs/31df9f7120/p23573_23.pdf

https://destinationlesstravel.com/new-zealand-road-trip-itinerary/
https://www.southernjourneys.co.nz/plan-your-trip/new-zealand-maps

Some great places but maybe think about your timing you'll be going in their summer holidays so make sure to get you accomodation sorted before hand .

We used to go in February at the tail of their summer so never had any issues.

When we had a camper van we just used to wing it, got to a junction and flipped a coin!

Paul
I know people who have shipped out Morgans. I did a 3 week driving tour in early 2020 but used hire cars. The ferry from Wellington to Picton is quite expensive so so we dropped the car off and got a new in Picton.

.it is a great country to tour. You need a good 3 weeks .

Hi Paul,
Having just recently purchased a Morgan and having shipped to Kiwi land, I noticed some pro's and con's.

Prices for shipping vary wildly and can be roll on roll of or in a shared container. Prices have risen dramatically in the post Covid era (applies to all importation to NZ).

Purchasing a car and temporary importation could be quite different to the above, so don't take my views as gospel.

Shipping delays are rampant in the current situation with the world, delays of up to two months have been noted.
The authorities in NZ are very strict with any imports which can cause further delays and costs to you especially with our Transport Department.

However apart from some of our roads being under maintained (pot holes) in the North Island the driving is great, scenery is great, the people are great.

The South Island is a drivers paradise (hard to keep your eyes on the road there is so much to see). They have less traffic down there and well kept roads (again due to less traffic).
Accommodation can range from around a $110 per night (cabins) to the sky is the limit. B&Bs are also very popular.

Don't know if that helps or hinders.
Happy Miles.
Bryan.

Hi,

Three years ago three, 3 wheelers were shipped to nz from uk and they spent 3 weeks doing north and south islands
Rog G , Richard Hardy and shaun denton. These guys would be a good resource for you.
Times have changed re costs but routes would be same.

The new morgan distributor brings quite a few cars in from the factory. I believe he has 6 new super threes on order
He would be able to advise on latest shipping.
Todd Pearce is the man. Email is sales@morgannewzealand.co.nz

There is a strong Morgan Club and could provide contacts all over NZ

I am in Auckland and met the guys above and helped to get their cars etc. i would be happy to assist with stuff in Auckland to ease you into your travels. Feel free to PM

Cheers

Nigel

Just to add some information regards shipping.
My daughter just moved from Singapore to Uk .
When she went 6 years ago a container was £3500 .
This year the container has cost £15000 ! Also it was delayed for a month arriving stuck in different ports.She had put an Apple tag in the container so when it was near a I phone user it could be tracked .!
Shipping has totally change post Covid .

Thanks, chaps. Keep it coming.

We used Audley travel to arrange our trip. We had used them before for Route 66 & have booked a Canadian trip for 2023 with them.

South Island is astoundingly good touring country ... spent a month wandering round it in a camper van just before the plague hit .... I wonder if the Morgan dealer was shifting cars it might be advantageous to both parties to maybe have another car to consolidate a container? ... they should be a good source of up to date info regarding price and delays.

K

I've been to NZ 4 times and done all the tourists haunts on North and South Island, the distances are not too great but the travelling times can be extensive as mainly on country roads. Get as many tourist holiday brochures/web sites as you can to identify key locations you may want to visit, then the unexpected scenery hits your on your travels eg we stayed at the Hotel Hermitage Mount Cook, where from the dining room during your evening meal the view of the snow capped Mount Cook turned from white to pink in the setting sun https://www.hermitage.co.nz/ absolutely breathtaking.

If you go to Queenstown you have to do the gondola's and Luge (lots of images on line, and a breath taking experience) of course also visit Hackett's bungee jump. So many great locations and unusual and unexpected stops eg on way to coast from Wanaka stopped for breakfast at a small cafe in the middle of no where and enjoyed really great food, all around the walls were pictures of the fishing exploits of the owners family, the most noted was the largest Great White caught on rod and reel, just a few miles down the road. You can spend hours in conversation from a very welcoming people.

Some of the roads are gravel tracks eg 90 miles beach and parts of the Coromandel and therefore hire cars hadn't used to be allowed to to use those roads as stone chip damage can be extensive, tourist buses often spraying you with stones in their haste to get to their destination. The scenic railways also offer a slightly different prospective and allow you time to enjoy the scenery and take the pressure off having to drive everywhere .Places like Milford Sound can be a demanding drive to complete in a day.

I found in all my travels to NZ I used to hire the cheapest car (highest demand) and then upgrade to the most expensive available at the hire desk and usually you can drive a good deal, but there is a risk at peak times of limited choice. Most fun I had was in a 5L V8 Ford Falcon, had to run it in, amazingly economical and went like a scolded cat.

My favourite hotel in Auckland (from nearly 20 years ago so things may have changed) was City Life on the main Queens Street close to the harbour and railways station. Some of the best sushi I've had has been in NZ..........you get it absolutely everywhere.