Abdinz

Sometimes the best weekends aren’t about ticking off big destinations but about stringing together small, meaningful stops along the road. It’s the unhurried breakfasts, the open stretches of highway, and the hidden corners of nature that make the journey unforgettable.

There’s a certain kind of freedom that only a weekend road trip can offer – the chance to step away from routine, chase the open road, and let the journey itself become the destination. With my van packed and the highway stretching ahead, I set out toward Rotorua, weaving together simple joys – good food, wide landscapes, and a touch of adventure – into a weekend that felt both grounding and unforgettable.

I rolled out of Hamilton early, the kind of morning where the sky is soft and the roads are quiet. My first stop was Cambridge, a little town that always feels like the perfect pitstop to fuel both myself and the journey. I tucked into a hearty breakfast at a local café – strong coffee, eggs on toast, and that small-town charm that makes you want to linger just a bit longer.

From there, it was time for the real adventure. I’d booked a horse trekking experience that took me across rolling farmland and into pockets of natural landscapes that felt untouched. For nearly three hours, I rode through open paddocks with wide views, down quiet trails lined with trees, and over little ridges where the only sounds were the horses’ hooves and the breeze. There’s a grounded kind of magic in seeing the land this way – slow, steady, and connected.

By the time we wrapped up, I was dusty, smiling, and more than ready to get back on the road. I jumped back into my van, windows down, music flowing, and headed for the highway. Halfway to Rotorua, I pulled over in Tirau – that quirky town with corrugated iron sculptures and endless charm. Lunch there was simple but perfect, the kind of roadside stop that makes a trip feel real.

Finally, I reached the highlight of my weekend: Kerosene Creek. A natural geothermal spring tucked away in the forest, it’s one of those rare free gems that feels too good to be true. I parked the van, followed the track, and soon enough I was soaking in warm, flowing water with the sound of the forest all around. Steam curled into the cool air, birds darted above, and the mix of adventure and calm was everything I’d been craving.

The whole trip felt like the perfect balance – a little action, a little road wander, and a lot of time spent outdoors. It’s weekends like this that remind me why I love the van life rhythm: the freedom to go, stop, stay, or wander, all at my own pace.

If you’re chasing a weekend adventure that blends nature, movement, and a touch of geothermal magic, pack the van, fuel up in Cambridge, wander through Tirau, and let Rotorua’s hidden gems do the rest.