Take a look at this waterfall we found at a rest stop along the drive from Rotorua to Hawkes Bay … Amazing to find something like that along the side for free. The crazy thing, is that. Are running into so many things like this. Fabulous locations that aren’t commercialized like they would be in the States. Like sheep and cattle grazing on land that overlooks gorgeous beaches. I am so loving it.<\/p>\n
We tried our first night camping at a freedom camping spot when we arrived at Hastings. Freedom camping in New Zealand means that on specifically marked property (and if you are self-contained, i.e. a camper van) you can stay for free. And where did this free spot end up being? Right on the beach! Can you believe it – a free camping site with great views. Again, if this was in the States, someone would have bought it and built it up and charged an arm and a leg for you to camp on. Think goodness that’s not the case here.<\/p>\n