I'm pretty new to the world travelling scene, but I have been all over the states and done some pretty cool stuff; still, I think It's safe to say that New Zeland is probably the outdoor enthusiast's capital of the world. And I've only been to the south.
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The day I flew into Christchurch I headed straight for the slopes. I figured what better way to start off a vacation than by hitting some fresh powder in 10,000 ft. mountains, but along the way I came upon the most amazing boulder field I've ever encountered. I had to stop! That was pretty much the story of my entire trip there. I went with a plan but found something to distract me from my destination, it seemed, every 30 min. The entire country is beautiful and there is something new around every corner.
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Favourite spots: |
Queenstown is definitely the place to be for nightlife and there are some good ski resorts closeby, so if you're going to be there for only a short period of time, it's the place to be. Mt. Cook Village and Franz Joseph Glacier are the two places to go for all your alpine and ice climbing pursuites. Mt. Cook also offers a bunch of excellent day hikes. Backpacking is spread about the island. Millford Sounds was closed when I went so I headed north and did some lesser known trail up by Hanmer Springs. I unfortunately cannot remember the trail name but the landscape is surreal. Lushly green forests and towering mountains. Oh! One problem with this trail though was that it wandered through some private land and there were cow patties all over.
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What's really great: |
Every thing is special in this place, even driving from one town to another is an experience. Giant cascading waterfalls on the sides of the road, glacial lakes glowing in the middle of the night, and 3 inches of snow on top of your tent when you wake up in the morning.
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Sights: |
Hanz Joseph Glacier, Mt. Cook, Westland/Tai Poutini National Park.
Treble Cone and Coronett Peaks are two slopes that are right outside of Queenstown, good resorts and luckily good snow when I went. Cardrona seemed to have potential but it only had one run open the day I went due to high winds. Keep an eye on snow conditions because they can differ highly in very close areas.
I recommend the drive through Arthur's pass, that's where I found that amazing boulder field. Great scenery and a windy, ralley car style road make it really worth it (the road is paved).
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Accommodations: |
I'll have to update this later because there is one place in particular that I stayed when I was in Queenstown, that was highly commendable, but I cannot remember the name.
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Nightlife: |
Queenstown is the place for nightlife. I can't really remember enough about the nights to say which is the place to visit, but I do remember they all have their own differant atmosphere to them. From the sporty, rugby bars to techno playing clubs, there's something for everyone. The highway that runs through town, runs DIRECTLY through the middle of it. Finding the action is as simple as driving in.
Just to give it credit, Wanaka is the second best place to go for nightlife. Almost like a ski town, it's got the lodge type pubs and a realatively homely feel.
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Hangouts: |
Same deal, there are differant pubs for differant tastes. You can find something if you only get out and walk around town.
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Restaurants: |
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Other recommendations: |
One thing I didn't do that I regret is go south do Invercargill and Dunedin. I've heard good things about both but 14 days in country didn't leave me with enough time.
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Published on Tuesday October 19th, 2004
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Mon, Oct 25 2004 - 08:25 PM
by afra069
Hey Nate!
Yup, know what you mean by there's something round every corner. I'm a kiwi and LOVE central Otago! It's a pity you didn't get to Dunedin, it's a beautiful and during the uni months is.... amazing!
Invercargill used to be "hick" country, but there's something about it which just feels right.
next time you'll certainly have to to further afield... Nelson, NORTH ISLAND:)
Till then, happy travels.... it's addictive.
Amy. |
Thu, Oct 21 2004 - 03:36 AM
by femika
Hey Nate,
you make NZ sound amazingly beautiful. I would love to go there next year.
Great writing style!
Femika |
Tue, Oct 19 2004 - 11:55 PM
by fieryfox
Hi Nathan,
I enjoyed your report of NZ very much especially the tips about the outdoors. I think it would be great if you would add some photos to give the reader an impression of the sceneries.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
Farizan |
Tue, Oct 19 2004 - 08:27 PM
by ravinderkumarsi
hii nathan,
nice report and cooly written,you know i have a strong desire to see new zealand specially the hot water pool facinates me from my childhood.
ravi |
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