AmyHuang
Let's drive New Zealand...
Spring is coming up in the southern hemisphere. The snows are thawing taking the flood of snow sport lovers away with it. What’s left, is for the rest of us to enjoy.
New Zealand is a great country for road trips. It is easy to navigate, have lots of interesting stop over spots and with every turn there is a whole region of nature of explore. South Island of New Zealand boasts great natural beauty and right now is the best time to head off to enjoy a pleasant road trip before the tourists pour in during summer.
This is a country where the people to sheep ratio are about 1:4. Of course, tailgating flocks of sheep off the road can be a fun, yet frustrating experience but we found it extremely easy and comfortable to be driving along many of the country’s excellent highways. The roads are wide and it’s possible to drive a couple of hours without seeing another vehicle on site. Off the highway, many country roads snake in and out of towns, along the shores to the ocean and shoot through in between mountains. It is indeed nature lover’s wonderland, when the spring is still young and the reminiscence of winter still lingers in the air. Purple and pink hyacinths line the river beds while the sounds of streams constantly flushing the winter away.
Wherever you drive you are never short of lakes. Around and around you are bound to end up near a lake where you can stop at the rest stops for a nice picnic next to the bright sparkling blue waters and relax.
So what exactly is there to do and see? Well, for starters, there are plenty of hiking trails (or ‘tramping’ as called in New Zealand) to explore with. The most popular being the Milford Track (http://www.milfordtrack.net/) starting at Glade Wharf to Milford Sound, where it’s known to be the filming scenes of Lord of the Rings. There is also Arthur’s Pass (http://www.apinfo.co.nz/) north of south island crossing the Southern Alps, is another favourite among hikers. From short walks to full camping treks, the trail can suit anyone’s taste and fitness.
Taking on a further challenge, you might want to visit one of the glaciers on the south island west coast. Choose between the longest and the more famous Fox glacier or the easier yet perhaps more picturesque Franz Josef glacier (http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/) and join a guided hike to experience these blue and magnificent ice formations. Combine your glacier tour with a kayak activity on the lake where when the water is still, creates a mirror reflection of everything above.
If you are a marine life lover, visit Kaikoura on the east coast and take a trip out to swim with the seals. These cheeky creatures will not only join you for a paddle, they are playful around humans as well. Scuba divers will also find a diverse range of marine life under the water. A bit cold, but nothing a 12mm wetsuit or a dry suit cannot shield from. Whales can be spotted all year round and these activities can all be booked while you are in Kaikoura.
If there is ONE compulsory activity one must attempt when in New Zealand, is their famous bungee jumping. Jump the original 43m bungee at Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown, or the Nevis highway jump with approx. 8.5sec air time – they don’t call it extreme for nothing! AJ Hackett runs bungee trips from Queenstown and even if you are not up for it, visit their Bungee Centre and watch others scream with both freight and delight. (http://www.bungy.co.nz/)
Did you know the beers in New Zealand are served at 2 degrees Celsius? Beer lovers would be pleased to know, that Monteith, a local south island beer, opens its brewery doors for visitors to learn the art of beer. The brewery in Greymouth has been supplying locals with fresh chilled beer and ales since 1868, and runs daily tours for visitors. At the end of the tour, they open up the bar for ten minutes where you can taste the different types of brew they have on offer – as much as you can within the time!
After all this, if driving is not your preference, catch a ride on the Transalpine or Transcoastal train (http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/) and give the beautiful scenery your full attention. Or, simply book a room in a resort next to a lake (Try Lake Tekapo or Lake Wanaka), bring a couple of good books, and relax.
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