Roadtrip #2: south island loop

Michelle’s favourite Kiwi roadtrip

 Michelle Noordermeer is the COO of CarbonClick. She has worked in the aviation industry for over 20 years, initially starting out as a flying instructor, and moving onto analytical, project management, business development and strategic roles.

Michelle became passionate about fighting climate change after realising the impact aviation has on the environment. She was awarded Auckland Airport’s ‘Standout  Environmental Champion’ in 2019, before deciding to join the CarbonClick team in August 2020 to make a wider difference.

This route provides plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore the South Island’s many diverse lakes, rivers and parks.

“This was my first road trip, when I was about five years old. We lived in Wellington at the time and my parents had an orange VW combi, so we all piled in for our summer holiday and took the ferry over to the South Island.

We took a week and did a big loop around the South Island, heading out from Picton to the west coast and back through Arthur’s Pass – with plenty of stops along the way for swims in lakes and lunches in the forest parks!”

This route takes 7 days; Total distance: 1,077km; 254 kg of CO2, Total AA Smartfuel discounts to offset: $0.60

Highlights:

• Stop for lunch in Nelson
• Have a swim or a fish at Owen River
• Camp out at the mouth of the Mōkihinui River
• Stop off in Reefton and explore some of the tracks in Victoria Forest Park
• Picnic at the side of Lake Brunner
• Head out to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall on your way through Arthur’s Pass
• Visit Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands for a stunning panoramic view of the Canterbury plains

Could this be your next Green Kiwi Roadtrip? Find out more about how you can win* the chance to discover New Zealand sustainably here.

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