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| around the world page 2 |
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| new zealand 8 weeks |
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| It's difficult to know where to start with New Zealand. I've been back since this trip and it's better than ever. In my opinion one the best holiday destinations in the world. It really does have everything, scenery, decent weather (okay it rains and snows a bit), it's relatively inexpensive, friendly natives, some really strange birds (see right) and great food. And it's the ultimate place to visit (or live for that matter), if you like adventure sports or the outdoor life. The only downside is it's remoteness, but to many this might be a plus point. Some might say it's too like Britain to be worth the journey - wrong! In some respects it is quite British, TV, pubs and religion, but it also lacks, Britain's worst points, overcrowding, bad food and its shopping and drinking culture. |
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As cities go, Auckland isn't much of a culture shock, a standard big city with all its usual attractions. After a couple of days staying in one it many backpackers, I hopped on the bus and travelled down the north island to National Park township, just outside Tongariro National Park where I stayed for a few days, where I went skiing for two days - I was there in September the end of their skiing season. The volcano I skied on errupted a few years later! |
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| From Tongariro I hitched down to Wellington. At the time hitching in New Zealand was relatively safe and easy to do, I'm not sure if that's still the case though. From windy Wellington I crossed the straits through the Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton and stayed a few days at Lazy Fish Hostel in the sounds, which is only accessible by boat - very relaxing. Then onto my next stop Nelson where I arranged to do the popular Abel Tasmen Track (from North to South). The Abel Tasmen is an easy coastal walk, with spectacular scenery all the way. I spent two days on the trek, staying in the DOC huts along the way. I also walked the track in 2002, in the opposite direction, staying in a tent, which is more luxurious. This gives you an idea of what the huts are like - a bit crowded! You can also Kayak along the coast or stay in more luxurious accommodation taking the water taxi whenever needed. Then it was off down the west coast by Kiwi Experience backpacker bus. See below for the stunning scenery en-route. Then on via Wanaka to the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown. |
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Franz Josef Glasier above, Routburn Track below |
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If you're into skiing, bungy jumping, jetboating, whitewater rafting, ... Queenstown (below) is the place to be. I was even persuaded to try bungy jumping (left), which gives you a real buzz. Queenstown does get very busy over the summer, so book your accomodation well ahead. |
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| I then walked the Routeburn Track, which is a bit tougher than the Abel Tasmen and completely different in terms of scenery, very much an alpine trek (right). I'd recommend staying in huts for this trek - it's fairly tough walking and a tent would weigh you down and it's also a lot colder at night. The track allows you to get to Milford Sound (below) or the beginning of the Hollyford Track, without taking a day long coach ride. Then onto Dunedin and Christchurch, which are New Zealand's most british cities, Dunedin having a Scottish feel whilst Christchurch is reminiscent of England. |
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The stunning Milford Sound in Fjordland, left, should be on everyone's New Zealand itinerary. Fly, drive, walk, cycle, just get there! |
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