Gabriele Steindl: Professional Kitesurfer & Freelance Writer - Action, Lifestyle & Travels

• + Home Page
• - Portfolio
• - Publications

NEW ZEALAND STORY PART 2: North Island

New Zealand, also known as “the last paradise”. Even more so as a kiteboarder  🙂  because what you need to remember is that there is 6000km of coast for only 4 million inhabitants… so a huge number of beaches and spots!

After three extremely exciting weeks on the South Island, I jumped onto the ferry from Picton to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand on the south-western tip of the North Island. And that’s exactly where Part 2 of my New Zealand Story begins, the crossing from the South to the North Island.

The ferry ride takes you over the Cook Strait, which connects the Tasman Sea on the west with the South Pacific on the east. Cook Strait is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world. In good weather one can see clearly across the strait. The ferry crossing is an impressive ride along the spectacular coasts and takes approximately 3 hours. It’s easy to take your camper onto the ferry, just ensure that you confirmed with your rental company before that you are actually allowed to take your car from one island to another!

After having published New Zealand Story Part 1 in their December issue 2009, check out this beautiful 8-page feature (NZ Story Part 2)  in Kitesurf UK magazine. Simply read it right here online or download the pdf by clicking on the download button below.

Having worked together with top-photographer Ian Trafford (a born and raised kiwi himself) the article covers all the main spots on the North Island from Wellington all the way up North via Taranaki, Raglan, Auckland and across to the Mount Maunganui, the Coromandel Peninsula, Far North and so many more mindblowing places, all wrapped up with handy tips, contacts, and travel infos!

Also, check out my New Zealand Story Part 1: South island !

And if your mother tongue is german, both parts of my NZ-Story were also published in Kiteboarding.de, the leading german kite mag. Click here for Part 1, South island, here for Part 2, North island.

Have fun guys & I can only encourage you to get your a$$ over to NZ, truly one of the last paradises on planet earth 🙂
Before you head over there, ensure you give me a shout & I can hook you up with loads of good contacts!