In the (Northern Hemisphere) summer of 2012, Rebecca and I traveled to New Zealand to experience some Southern Hemisphere winter and a lot of roadtrippin'. We rented a compact campervan and drove all over the North and South Islands of that stunning country.
At the southern end of the South Island, just a short drive from Invercargill, lies Curio Bay. Not only is Curio Bay known for rare species like Hector's dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins, but visitors are able to walk on a 180 million year-old petrified forest along the seashore. Once trained, your eyes can clearly pick out petrified logs and stumps along the 20km of beach.
If you ever find yourself with the opportunity to have a three-week grand adventure, consider seeing New Zealand in a campervan. You won't be disappointed.