From the category archives:

New Zealand

Rotorua – Sulfur, Steam and Spas

GUEST ARTICLE: Be prepared for an all round sensory experience as you drive into Rotorua or ‘Roto Vegas’ as the locals aptly admit.
The sulphurous smell will hit you first, followed by the sight of billowing steam vents and then a conga line of motels/hotels as far as the eye can see, many promising you [...]

7 comments

Southern Alps, New Zealand – Free Desktop Wallpaper

Download a free 1024×768 resolution desktop wallpaper photo of the Southern Alps, New Zealand
Download Instructions

Click on the preview photo
When the full size photo is displayed from the Picasa web album – click on Download Photo in the right-hand side menu and Save

Southern Alps, New Zealand

Camera: Panasonic FZ20
Wallpaper format: JPG 440 Kb in size
Original Photo: JPG [...]

8 comments

Memorable Fox Glacier Helihike – South Island New Zealand

My Fox Glacier Helihike departed from the chartered helicopter helipad at 0945 & returned at 1300. It was the highlight of my trip to NZ South Island and I will remember it forever.
At several $100/person Yes it is expensive but it was definitely worth the cost unlike the money I wasted on the Tranz [...]

8 comments

Flying over Fox Glacier, South Island, New Zealand – Free Desktop Wallpaper

Download a free 1024×768 resolution desktop wallpaper photo taken by me as I was flying over Fox Glacier, South Island, New Zealand
Download Instructions

Click on the preview photo
When the full size photo is displayed from the Picasa web album – click on Download Photo in the right-hand side menu and Save

Flying over Fox Glacier, South Island, [...]

4 comments

Dont Waste Money on Tranz scenic TranzAlpine train – New Zealand

During my last visit to New Zealand’s South Island I took a trip on the TranzScenic Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.

Don’t waste your money on it – do something else instead.
While the township of Arthurs Pass is a good base for trampers with various walks starting there I think catching [...]

22 comments

Coromandel: Gateway to Beaches and Walks

GUEST ARTICLE:Unless you enjoy driving for 400 km, stopover and rest in Auckland on your drive to the Coromandel Peninsula.
To satisfy those car cravings, a lunch break at La Nonna’s Italian Bakery located roadside outside Whangerei (north of Auckland) is the go. Pick up some fresh sweet or savoury muffins, almond croissants or brownies [...]

3 comments

Paihia: Seaside Hub of Mo-Hotels and Crafty Cruise Operators

GUEST ARTICLE:As you drive around North Island you’ll notice that many signs and speed limits are poorly placed, but at least special orange signs thank you for driving through temporary road works.
On the drive to Paihia, only detour through Whangarei Falls (literally pronounced Fungeray) if you’re excited by small-ish waterfalls or if you’ve never seen [...]

2 comments

Auckland: City of Sails Shops and Snores

GUEST ARTICLE:I was extremely parched and desperate for water upon arriving at Auckland International Airport thanks to security restricting liquids on board.

So in a useless act of defiance, I took my water bottle through security and on board, empty though of course. So I had no choice but to fork out a ridiculous $3.50 [...]

4 comments

Driving Fox Glacier to Hanmer Springs – New Zealand South Island

From: Fox Glacier Township
To: Hanmer Springs
Via:
Day 11 – Franz Josef Glacier to Hokitika on State Highway 6,
Day 12 – State Highway 7 to Hanmer Springs
Decided to cancel the full day Franz Josef Glacier guides booking as the weather forecast was heavy rain after midday and head to Hokitika. Before leaving Fox Glacier drove [...]

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Real Journeys Doubtful Sound coach ride & cruise – New Zealand South Island

From: Te Anau
To: Doubtful Sound (return)
Via: Real Journeys Doubtful Sound day coach/cruise (duration: 1130-1930)
The day trip was well worth it as the weather was fine and sunny for the cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine [...]

0 comments

Nugget Point – Catlins area South Island New Zealand

From: Lake Tekapo
To: Nugget Point, Catlins
Via: State highways 8, 83, 1, Scenic Southern Route
The drive to the Catlins was long & uneventful, Mount Cook was obscured by low lying cloud so didn’t detour there. Saw several fur seals lazing about on the rocks from Nugget point lighthouse and 2 yellow eyed penguins at Roaring Bay.
On [...]

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Lake Tekapo Blue Glacier Lake – New Zealand South Island

Caught glimpses of Southern Alps through cloud cover during the drive to Lake Tekapo on Highway 79. A few minutes before reaching there was a clear panoramic view of the Southern Alps with hundreds of Lupin wildflowers scattered along the roadside adding colour to the landscape.
A small quiet town of population 300, the township [...]

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