Posts Tagged skiing

Plan Your New Zealand South Island Independent Holiday Itinerary

When you start to plan your New Zealand holiday it throws up some difficult questions. I have often been asked which I like best, the North Island or the South Island. That is quite a difficult question, as living in a location is different to seeing it as a tourist. Scenically they are very different and both lovely.

However, if you have limited time for your New Zealand holiday I would definitely recommend the South Island as your choice. To really do justice to the South Island, you need 4-5 weeks. This allows you to take time to enjoy the many activities. You could spend a lot more time, if you are intending to do some of the long hikes such as the Milford Track, Heaphy Track, or go to some of the remoter areas. But usually choices have to be made.

The Best of the South Island Independent Tour Route

Some people may adapt this and manage a rushed New Zealand holiday in two weeks, but will have to reduce the suggested route further, or have quicker stops in some areas. This is itineray will take about 3 weeks , travelling time.

The route I would suggest that gives you the best overall coverage of the South Island, would start from Christchurch, the only international airport. This semi circular route can of course be driven in the opposite direction.

  • Drive north to Kaikoura, for whale watching, swimming with dolphins and great crayfish!
  • Hanmer Springs will make a nice break for a swim in the thermal hot pools.
  • Carry on to Nelson. Take 2-3 days here to enjoy the beaches – don’t miss beautiful golden Kaiteriteri beach, check out some wineries, arts and crafts, and walk or kayak in Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Blenheim, Marlborough, is the wine center – where our famous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grows best.
  • Nelson Lakes – are very scenic, with plenty of day walks in the area.
  • Drive through Murchison to the West Coast.
  • Karamea – at the northen most tip is worth the rive if you have time – you will be doubling back.
  • Greymouth – Shanty town will give the children a thrill with its replica goldmining town.
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – are a unique sight. The layered rocks, with pounding seas and blowholes are spectacular. The nikau forest is an unusual sight too, giving a tropical feel to the area.
  • Hokitika – has glass blowing, greenstone carving, arts and crafts, and is right on the beach.
  • Whataroa Sanctuary for the kotuku – New Zealand white heron – is a good trip in the season, to view New Zealand’s only white herons.
  • Gillespie’s Beach, 25 kilometers north of Fox Glacier is a good beach walk to see the seals. There are about 1500 so it is quite a sight – and smell! But worth it! You need to allow several hours.
  • Fox Glacier
  • Franz Joseph Glacier – You will want to spend at least a couple of days in this glacier area to really have a good experience. You can do guided walks on the ice, fly over the glaciers, and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
  • Haast Pass through to Lake Wanaka, which is a beautiful stop.
  • From Wanaka you would go over the Crown Range a challenging but very scenic drive, or round Lake Dunstan , past Queenstown to
  • Te Anau – From here you can go to
  • Milford Sound
  • Doubtful Sounds – this is an excellent wilderness boat trip
  • Alternatively, base yourself in Queenstown and do a tour to Milford Sound
  • Queenstown – If you have only a very limited time for your New Zealand holiday then Queenstown is the place to go. Voted one of the world’s top 10 destinations for 2008, you need to allow plenty of time to do day trips – Lord of the Rings tours, Arrowtown, try some of the extreme sports – bungee jumping, Shotover jet boat, 4WD to old goldmining towns, Skippers Canyon, jet boating, heli skiing, take the historic “Earnslaw” boat to Walter Peak sheep station across Lake Wakatipu.. The choices are prolific. Adventure activities are a major industry, the scenery stunning. There is something for everyone in this fabulous part of the country.
  • Options – Twizel to Mt Cook if time is short, or to Dunedin then to Mt Cook.
  • Twizel – once a town built for the workers building the power station, it has become a popular center for those wanting to do the many outdoor mountain activities in the area.
  • Queenstown to Dunedin. Take a day to go out on the Otago Peninsula to the Albatross Colony and visit Larnach Castle. You can also see penguins.
  • Travel up the East Coast via Moeraki Boulders- visit the Moeraki Fish Restaurant on the wharf, en route to
  • Mt Cook – or Aoraki – New Zealand’s highest mountain. It tempts many climbers – but they do need to be experienced. Sadly it has claimed many lives. The walks and outdoor activities could keep you busy for a few days if you are keen. On to Christchurch via
  • Lake Tekapo – see the little stone church with the sheep dog monument overlooking Lake Tekapo in the middle of the MacKenzie country.
  • Arrive Christchurch.

This suggested itinerary could be increased by taking a route south via Invercargill, if you have an extra week or two. But the route above will give you an amazing scenic, activity packed holiday. You can also adapt it incorporating the best of the North Island and starting the circuit at Nelson.

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10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand

New Zealand is a small country of approximately 4 million people. It is made up of 2 main islands, the North Island, which contains the majority of the population and the South Island, which abounds with lush scenery. This is the ideal country for a holiday.

There are a multitude of airlines (approximately 45) that fly in to New Zealand these days. Most of them fly in to Auckland which is located towards the top of the North Island and is considered to be the gateway of the country. Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand and has that big city feeling. Approximately one third of the whole population of New Zealand lives in the greater Auckland area. If you enjoy shopping, beaches or sailing, you could spend your whole time in Auckland, but although it is a beautiful city, there are many other special areas within New Zealand. There is an amazing diversity of scenery from beautiful beaches, ancient rain forests, stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and thermal activity to name just some of what you will see.

  1. The people in New Zealand speak English which is a help if you are traveling from a western country. Generally speaking the people are also very friendly and will ensure your stay is very enjoyable. New Zealanders are very proud of their country and enjoy sharing the beauty and benefits of their country with others.
  2. The exchange rate is favorable if you are coming over from Australia, UK, Europe and USA or almost any Western country. The shopping is very good particularly in the main areas such as Auckland, Wellington, (the capital of New Zealand situated at the bottom of the North Island) Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. New Zealand has some very talented and established fashion designers as well as some promising up and coming young designers.
  3. Apart from Auckland which can be quite congested both with people and traffic, you will find that New Zealand is relatively quiet. If you choose to hire a car, the quiet roads will probably be appealing as it can be rather daunting driving in an unfamiliar country on very busy roads. Note that cars drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. Just be sure to check out the road rules. They have a very peculiar give way rule which could prove to be a dangerous trap for the unwary.
  4. One of the best reasons to visit New Zealand is because of the stunning scenery. Although the country is small, there is an incredible diversity to the scenery. There are some beautiful as well as rugged beaches, some amazing and almost prehistoric geo-thermal areas around Rotorua, stunning mountains, rain forests, great fishing in the many lakes and rivers, the most famous lake being Lake Taupo as well as the natural beauty of some of the towns and cities.
  5. If skiing is your passion, there are a multitude of choices on both the North and South Island for the beginner through to the advanced skier. One of the nice things about a skiing holiday in New Zealand, particularly in the Queenstown area (located in the South Island) is the stunning views you have whilst skiing. There is a wide variety of accommodation options available close to skiing areas.

This is Part one of a two part article. Look out for Part 2 which is coming soon.

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Discover New Zealand by Car Hire

New Zealand is divided into two islands each offering something different and the best way to see it all is by hiring a car.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right.

The Northern Island is the smaller of the two islands although about 75% of New Zealand’s population live there. Auckland, known as ‘the city of sails’ is the largest city in the northern part of the island. Sailboats and yachts are an impressive sight and line the waterfront around Auckland.

There’s lots to do in and around Auckland. Just as in any large city the shopping is great and there are numerous traditional markets and many attractions, vineyards and beaches a short hour drive of the city. Waitakere Ranges Park is perfect for family fun. It’s full of green forests, waterfalls and canyons as well as beaches with great surfing and horse riding. From Auckland get on the North Western Motorway, turning left at Lincoln North, this will bring you to Waitakere. If you’re an adrenalin junkie you’ll love it here – popular activities in the area include skydiving, paragliding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World is about 15 minutes drive from Auckland. This is a magical experience and perfect for a family day out. Head along the scenic Tamaki Drive to get here.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – The distances are in Kilometres and the speed limit on the open road is 100km/hr. In built up areas it’s 50km/hr.

Travel south along the Southern Motorway and after a couple of hours you’ll reach Tauranga, the largest city in the ‘Bay of Plenty’ region. Tauranga is great for beaches, shopping and has some excellent restaurants. White water rafting is very popular here on the Wairoa River between Tauranga and Matamata.

The Southern Motorway will take you from Auckland to Rotorua and here you can take in some traditional Maori singing and dancing. Rotorua is the tourism capital of the North Island and it’s also where you’ll see the famous geysers. Some geothermal attractions include Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Te Puia and Kuirau Park.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – all passengers have to wear safety belts.

The spectacular Waitomo Caves are definitely worth a visit. To get here, head west from Rotorua and continue along the Southern Highway. From here you could drive south to the capital Wellington which is located in the south of the island. Wellington is the cultural capital of New Zealand and home to the country’s National Museum. It has a stunning harbour and is surrounded by hills. Activities here include mountain biking and bush walking while popular attractions well worth checking out include Wellington Zoo, the Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

From Wellington it’s possible to hop on a car ferry to Picton on the South Island. The 19km stretch of water, known as Cook Strait, will take about three and a half hours to cross, It’s definitely worth the experience though! Alternatively you can take the more speedy catamaran.

From Picton you can visit the east coast city of Christchurch by travelling on the Southern Highway. The vibrant city has many attractions, festivals, theatres and art galleries and lots of shopping opportunities. Christchurch is also known for its gardens and the standard of restaurants here is exceptional. Christchurch also has skiing and snowboarding opportunities and is blessed with amazing scenery.

New Zealand Car Hire Tip – There is zero tolerance to drink driving in New Zealand. Do not consume alcohol and then drive.

Drive south along the coast and head for Dunedin. Dunedin is an excellent example of a well-preserved Victorian city in the southern hemisphere. There’s loads to do and see here including a chocolate factory, historic houses, gardens, galleries and museums. Larnach Castle is well worth a visit. It’s set on 35 acres of landscaped gardens and boasts stunning views over the bay. Baldwin Street in Dunedin is said to be the steepest street in the world.

The well-known city of Queenstown is a holiday destination for all seasons. In the wintertime Queenstown turns into a winter wonderland. It offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities and people come from all over the world to test their skills.

Golfers should take the opportunity to play on some of the most picturesque courses in the world. These include Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown and Frankton – these areas are also great for fishing.

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