Posts Tagged ‘Zealand’

Hiking in New Zealand

New Zealand is a hikers (or “trampers”) paradise. The natural beauty and diversity is second to none and it’s a great way to experience the country rated top dream destination in the recent British Travel awards. From golden beaches and dramatic oceans to glaciers and forests the variety of flora, fauna and vista will satisfy every hikers appetite.

New Zealand holds an extensive 14 national parks, each with unique scenery and easy access to New Zealand’s natural, cultural and historic heritage.

Tramping is arguably the best way to experience and enjoy New Zealand’s natural wonders, and with 1000s of miles of tracks to choose from its also very accessible. Before undertaking any walks it’s always advised that you take time to ensure you understand the conditions and let others know of your intended route. The department of conservation (most usually referred to as DOC – www.doc.govt.nz ) do look after and maintain most aspects of major walks and are an excellent starting point for any questions relating to most major hikes.

There are a plethora of outstanding regional walks to be enjoyed in New Zealand but in recent times 9 have made it to the status of “great walks”, considered amongst the best in the World. A quick rundown on a few of the best is provided below:

SOUTH ISLAND

Routeburn Track – A 3 day walk of around 40km taking in the alpine scenery of Fiordland National Park and Mt Aspiring
Milford Track – A 4 day walk of just over 50km. This is one of the best known and celebrated walks with great diversity and views including glaciers, waterfalls and an alpine crossing.
Kepler Track – This is usually a 4 or 5 day tramp though shorter sections can be walked. It reaches a mountain summit with great lake, alpine and river scenery.
Other walks include Rakiura on Stuart island (3 day tramp), Heaphy track in Kahurangi National Park (4-5 days), Abel Tasman coastal track along beaches and bays (2-3 days) and many more you will discover. There re also many excellent hikes around Stweart Island – a wonderful wilderness area accessed by boat or helicopter from the foot of the south island.

NORTH ISLAND

Tongariro Crossing – Considered by many to be the finest one day walk in the World, it takes in stunning scenery over a distance of around 20km.

Other walks include Lake Waikaremoana through Te Urewera National Park (3-4 days), The Tongariro northern circuit (4 day tramp) and many more.

WHEN TO GO
The best weather is from November to April with warmer temperatures and less chance of rain. Most tracks are comfortably walked from October to May though the winter months do get cold and its certainly not an advisable time to attempt any of the Alpine tracks. If you are heading over in the winter there are a number of valley tramps that get little or no snow and it is possible to shorten some 3 or 4 day hikes to the first stop. If considering longer hikes around this time of year then ensure you have the necessary equipment, ice picks and crampons may be necessary and liaise carefully with the teams at DOC before setting off.

HOW TO ACCESS HIKES

Most hikes are easily accessible but the more popular treks d get busy in the peak seasons. If attendin any of the “great walks” (http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/great-walks/) then its advisable to book huts in advance. Many of the walks can be accessed through general public transport though using an operator or tour does have the added advantage of providing drop off and pick up facilities + sharing their local knowledge of tracks and conditions with you. There are a number of operators available and Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours (http://www.flyingkiwi.com) are highly recommended for their tours which were rated as best budget hiking operator in National Geographics best adventure travel companies on Earth.

WHAT TO PACK
It’s important to ensure you are equipped with all the appropriate food and equipment on any of the major hikes in New Zealand. Weather is subject to great fluctuation and it’s always advisable to be prepared. Always notify others of your plans and keep in contact where possible to update them on your progress.   The following are some general recommendations:

Clothing appropriate to the season. It’s always got to ensure you have enough warm clothes for your trip. Its useful to bear in mind that more layers means more warmth so it’s not necessarily about big, bulky items. Suggestions would include a pile/fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, lightweight fleece top/woolen jersey, couple of t-shirts, polypropylene top, waterproof seamed-sealed pants, shorts (can actually be better when raining), underwear, polypropylene bottoms, woollen socks, hat, gloves and a lightweight towel. Finally, a good pair of hiking boots can be a lifesaver, you may be crossing rivers and will often be traversing slippery surfaces so good boots are a great investment.

With regards to hiking equipment, the gear you take depends greatly on the length of hike and terrain but here are some general items that would be of use:
Sleeping bag (check the warmth rating to make sure you have something appropriate to the condition and season your hiking in, theres nothing worse than being cold all night!), cooking gear and fuel, plastic crockery, torch (ideally a headlight), pen knife, map, mossie repellent, camera, backpack liner, small first aid kit and occasionally mobile phone (but be prepared for lack of reception).

FOOD
A lot of this is down to personal taste but try not to get too carried away. After a long hike most things taste good and its more about convenience than fine dining. Here are some popular hiking fuels:

Muesli, chocolate, milk, powder, bread,, vegemite (the classic kiwi spread), packet pasta or noodles (though bear in mind they never quite feed as many as they say on the packet), pasta sauce, bacon or tuna, muesli bars, packet soup , glucose powder or similar energy drink mixer you can add to water. Also try and pack your food in sealed bags where possible to prolong its life on the trip.

SAFETY AND AWARENESS

Tramping is popular and subsequently very accessible but there are a number of guidelines to be aware of. There is an environmental care code which provides guidelines on hiking in New Zealand and will be made available to you at the start of most major hikes. You can find out more information at:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/plan-and-prepare/care-codes/nz-environmental-care-code/

The main 10 point checklist is:

Protect Plants and Animals
Treat New Zealand’s forest and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.

Remove Rubbish
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.

Bury Toilet Waste
In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites and huts.

Keep Streams and Lakes Clean
When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it.

Take Care With Fires
Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving.

Camp Carefully
When camping, leave no trace of your visit.

Keep to the Track
By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.

Consider Others
People visit the backcountry and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.

Respect Our Cultural Heritage
Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.

Enjoy Your Visit
Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have been there?

Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself.

Motorhome Hire New Zealand ? How To Be A Careful Camper & Have The Best Start Possible For Your NZ Holiday Adventure

10 helpful tips on how to be a careful camper while visiting NZ in your Motor home.
Knowledge provided from experts with many years of experience and also from valuable customer feedback.

1. Arrival and Pick Up After And Before Long Haul Flights
It is highly recommended that you stay in a NZ Hotel or Motel for your first and last night of your New Zealand visit to avoid being overtired and to start your NZ holiday relaxed and refreshed. Be sure to book into a Hotel or Motel near Auckland or Christchurch Airport in advance.

2. For Peak Travel Over Christmas and New Year – Pre Book Your Holiday Park In New Zealand
We strongly recommend that you pre-book your campsite in advance to avoid later disappointment. Most NZ Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans. If you’re setting up camp or parking a Motor Home, you can choose to stay on a powered or non-powered site.

3. Freedom Camping
Each district in New Zealand has different rules in regards to freedom camping (and parking of campervans). We suggest that you contact the nearest Visitor Centre in the region you visit, to find out about camping in a particular location. The impact of freedom camping on the environment can be a strain to the environment – New Zealand Tourism does not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand.

In certain Areas in New Zealand it is forbidden to free camp – for example National Parks etc. If you do freedom camp it is very important to remember to not to leave any rubbish behind or any traces of your stay. Please consider the environment when you do free camp and be a careful visitor – leave only footprints! When you hire a Motor home in NZ, most if not all NZ motor home companies provide you with a list of Holiday Parks containing the contact details and many more ideas on where to camp.

4. Battery Power of Your NZ Motorhome
It is not always necessary to go to a campground each night but it is recommended to do this every third or forth night to empty toilet and waste water tanks and to get plenty of fresh water. You can camp on the side of the road or anywhere else as long as there are no signs indicating NO CAMPING or PARKING overnight.

5. Toilets on board your NZ Motor home
On board toilets from Motor homes can only be legally emptied into so called Dump stations. These are normally found in holiday parks.

6. Ferry Crossing North to South or South to North Island, NZ
Many visitors ask if they can exchange their Motor home at the ferry terminals in Wellington (North Island) or in Picton on the South Island.
Most campervan companies do not have any facilities or depots in those areas and the vehicle has to go onto the Cook Strait Ferry with you.

7. Peak Season Travel on Interislander or Bluebridge Ferry NZ
During peak season travel (especially during the Christmas and New Year period and during School holidays – availability for motor vehicles can be restricted and it is highly recommended that you pre- book the passage in advance to avoid waiting in long queues at the respective terminals or have to wait for the next day to get on a ship.
A daytime sailing is highly recommended as the journey of about 3 hours is very scenic and often Dolphins swim alongside the ship and make this trip a memorable one.

8. Manual vs. Automatic Transmission
Why are most NZ Motor homes equipped with manual gear shift and not automatic transmission?
Many visitors ask for a campervan or motor home with automatic transmission.
The reason why bigger NZ motor homes are equipped with mainly manual transmission is due to the way roads are built in New Zealand – many hills and mountains which means a vehicle with manual gear shift drives much easier in such conditions.

9. NZ Road Restrictions
There are a handful of road restrictions in place from most if not all NZ motor home and campervan companies – if you drive on any of the following roads – all insurances in place will be voided and you will be in breach of the rental agreement.

North Island:
Ninety Mile Beach – Northland
North of Colville Township – Coromandel

South Island:
Skippers Canyon – Queenstown
Ball Hutt Road – Mt Cook

North and South Island:
Any roads closed by Traffic Police or other authority.

10. Fuel Costs in NZ
Because of constantly changing world oil prices, fuel costs in New Zealand are not easy to predict. Current information will be available upon request from vehicle providers.

There are 1000 or more ways to improve your planning for a successful camper van holiday in New Zealand – we hope that you have found these 9 hints for your campervan hire useful and informative.

New Zealand Vacation For the Family

With everything that a tropical vacation should have, New Zealand is the perfect place for couples, families, and anyone who wants to spend their days in a land so diverse it almost seems like a world of its own. On a New Zealand Vacation, you can experience everything from great dining to great golfing, and a coastline that is like none other in the world. The people of New Zealand maintain a deep connection to their ancestry and traditional culture, and invite travelers to experience the land that is uniquely theirs. Vacationers have found that the wine in New Zealand is exquisite, the shopping fantastic, and the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. New Zealand is comprised of two islands, where English is the main language, and Maori is a second one that is spoken. An abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meats make this couple of islands the perfect getaway destination for thousands of foreigners every year.

The weather in New Zealand is for the most part warm and sunny. Many people have claimed that it is very similar to the climate of California in the United States. It has been known, however, to suddenly rain, so a good tip is to have an umbrella and rain gear kept close by. In the South Island, home of the Southern Alps, there is frequently snow, which makes skiers and snowboarders happy. The seasons are the opposite of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, keeping vacationers wanting a break from their winter more than glad to travel to New Zealand for their summer. There are mountains over much of the islands, with some coastal plains as well.

There are abundant opportunities to take advantage of guided tours that take you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. The native people welcome visitors and are eager to share their culture. Experiencing the cities is a favorite activity for many people, especially those who love shopping, dining, and great entertainment. Of course the beaches are near perfect, where tourists can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, or spend the day offshore on a mini cruise. Renting a car and driving through countryside and mountains, or hopping on the train for a tour of the land is one of the best ways to take in as much of these paradise islands as possible. A New Zealand vacation is the perfect way to spend your time on a honeymoon, family vacation, or a romantic getaway.

Why Not Emigrate To New Zealand? Stunning Scenery And A Sublime Way Of Life

New Zealand is a fascinating country rich in history and culture and filled with some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The sheer diversity in the many micro climates makes every turn sure to amaze. The easy way of life, moderate climate and outstanding natural beauty entices many to emigrate to this spectacular group of islands.

Every single inhabitant is either an immigrant or is descended from migrants; subsequently new migrants are welcomed with open arms. The history of emigration to New Zealand goes back seven hundred years with the original settlers on the islands, the Maori, themselves coming by boat and creating small settlements. Originally these first settlers were known as Polynesians who went on to emigrate to various islands throughout the Pacific.

Many British people then decided to emigrate to New Zealand during the nineteenth century; at the height of the British Empire. Since then a steady stream of Europeans have begun to emigrate to the islands as well as Indians and South Africans. The end of the Second World War saw a huge influx of migrants heading to the archipelago.

People still emigrate to New Zealand today for a number of reasons. The economy is a major enticement for migrants as it is both well developed and can be considered relatively prosperous. The estimated GDP of the country was 106 million NZ dollars while the high standard of living is directly related to the per capita GDP of twenty six thousand dollars.

Despite the influx of those who emigrate to New Zealand on a regular basis the country is still facing a shortage of skilled workers in a variety of fields. These fields are generally in the electronic and medical professions, so if you are skilled in these fields you may wish to emigrate. Because of this shortage of skilled workers the authorities are keen to coax workers to their shores.

The population of New Zealand is currently four million, meaning there is still plenty of room for those wishing to emigrate. The reason why so many feel the need to emigrate from the UK is due to the primary language being English. Meaning the transition and assimilation into the national culture is made that much easier.

In terms of ranking in the Human Development Index it lies in nineteenth position. This is currently behind the UK but the ranking of New Zealand is on the increase. Also as the world’s second most peaceful country the reason many emigrate is quite clear.

The landscape of New Zealand is yet another reason many decide to emigrate. With spectacular mountain ranges, picture perfect bays and tranquil forests those who love the outdoors will not be disappointed. Areas of particular natural beauty are the Fiord land National Park, Milford Sound and Bay of Islands.

There is a great love of the outdoors and activity in New Zealand, those who decide to emigrate will love the healthy lifestyle twinned with a competitive antipodean mindset. The love of sports such as rugby and cricket is clear and participation is strongly advised. Skiing and snowboarding as well as football and golf are also extremely popular sports on the islands.

Another benefit of is that there is no class system, individual ability and work ethic are the only factors important in Kiwi culture; the effort you put into society is of prime importance. The drive towards eco-friendly policies is also of major importance to Kiwis; unsurprising considering the natural beauty that surrounds them, naturally they want it to stay that way.

The choice to emigrate requires careful consideration, being far away from loved ones and friends can be difficult and must be balanced with your own needs. That said the people of New Zealand are welcoming and friendly and the surroundings can do more than enough to dispel fears of homesickness. If you feel you can contribute to the society, why not consider emigration?

Visit New Zealand and Bring Home Unforgettable Memories

New Zealand is the perfect destination for those who enjoy traveling alone. The country is small enough to easily find your way around and lodging is affordable and the people welcoming and affable. Part of the fun of traveling is to plan your own schedule and travel preparations, decide for yourself where to go, when, and for how many days. New Zealand is about free choice and independence with its spectacular mountains and diverse scenery.

The main cities in New Zealand are Auckland and Christchurch, and Wellington the capital. Other cities of interest include Napier and Nelson, Tauranga and Rotorua. Queenstown ought to be a stopover in this captivating and exceptional country.

The landscape in New Zealand offers a wealth of natural delights with fiords and glaciers, mountains and rivers, striking beaches and lush forests and lakes.

Many travelers visit New Zealand for its range of exciting activities, you can easily find something much closer to home if it is a beach holiday you want, and here you will experience something truly unique. Water based activities can be experienced in the seas, on one of the numerous lakes or in a swiftly-flowing river, from surfing and deep sea diving to boogey boarding, kayaking, parasailing or fishing.

If it is the ultimate excitement you are after there are plenty of opportunities for white or black water rafting, jet boating or four wheel drive practice. The Bridge walk entails scaling the Auckland Harbour Bridge where some of the best views of Auckland can be seen, or head to the 192m Auckland Sky Tower and bungee jump off the top, plummeting at a speed of 75kph.

For those who like to stay on firm ground then a walk in the bush can offer some spectacular hiking trails or take off to the mountains for a hike, snowboarding or skiing. Whether you need a Sydney hotel with all possible amenities, cheap accommodation in Dunedin or budget hotels in Napier, have a look online for affordable rates.

Whale watching is possible in Kaikoura on the South Island. A leading centre for whale watching it is possible to view sperm whales here that can grow to more than 15m long. Orca Whales are also spotted between December to March, and humpback whales in June and July.

Penguins are an amusing species as they dive and swoop like other birds do in the air, whilst on land they waddle along upright. There are 3 three species of penguin around New Zealand, the Korora is the world’s smallest at only 25cm tall and can be seen at The Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Oamaru and Stewart Island. The rare hoiho, has a striking yellow eye band sweeping back from each yellow eye and can be spotted at the Otago Peninsula, and along the South Otago Coast. And the Fiordland crested penguin is one of the worlds rarest found in Fiordland and Stewart Island. Book your cheap hotels online NZ before you travel to avoid disappointment as you don’t want to miss these beautiful creatures.

New Zealand’s bird populace is worthy of note and certain to keep you busy with more than 80 kinds of seabird breeds found on the seashore, some only found within New Zealand whilst others migrate here from thousands of miles away. Uncommon national species can be seen at various locations including Tiritiri Matangi Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds, and Kapiti Island.

There is a broad range of lodging choices to suit your price range, from luxury to a shoestring budget. Finding cheap hotels in New Zealand around the country is an easy process and there are ample pickings for the free thinking traveler.
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.nz/New-Zealand/Dunedin/