New Zealand 23.02.2009 – 06.04.2009
New Zealand, especially the South Island is with no doubt beautiful! After four weeks of travel we managed to get across from North to South and visit part of that quite big country. In comparison with Australia, New Zealand seems to be small, but in fact it is three times bigger than Ireland and a bit smaller than Poland. For almost 270 sq km there is about 4 million inhabitants, and the travel guides say that for every Kiwi (New Zealander) there is 10 sheep… we would add – and a good couple of tourists! J We’ve learned quite fast to avoid the top sites recommended by the travel guides. Most of the “must do & must see” places is packed with buses and cars full of tourists. With no doubt the tourism industry is well developed here and works with no issues. Traveling in New Zealand is really easy and comfortable for people in all age. Easy access to information and almost never-ending package of attractions will not allow get bored to anyone who still has some money in the pocket ;).
We had introduction to Maori culture at the very beginning of our travel during an evening show performed by the local youth in Waithangi, Bay of Islands. Artists were telling stories reaching thousand years back and showing history and culture of the first inhabitants on the Islands. That wet evening we were also given a warm welcome by the locals with traditional hangi – pressing of the noses.
In Waipoua Forest we saw New Zealand’s bush for the first time, at least the civilized version of it with footpath ;) We could also admire the old giant kauri trees and fern trees there.
In Tuaranga, Bay of Plenty we were watching dolphins in their natural environment. The cheerful mammals left hunting for a while to play and chase the boat we were in.
We saw very colorful but also smelly geothermal wonders in Rotorua and climbed the summit of Mt. Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park. That incredible volcanic site was used as the background for Mordor in “Lord of the Rings” movie.
South Island offers never-ending activities for everyone. From wine tasting and fishing to river/cave rafting and bungy jumping - all attractions have their price though, so what you will do depends on your time and mostly budget. There is a lot of fun from watching and taking pictures too! That way we „took part” in skydiving over surrounded by mountains Wanaka lake, jetboating in rocky canyons of Shootover river and bungy jumping in Queenstown region – very safe option ;).
Stretching almost on the whole length of the island the Southern Alps are great place for one and multi day hikes. We managed to hike Mt. Avalanche in Arthur's Pass National Park, with views over the valley which is one of the few connections between West and East coast. In Mount Cook National Park we were tramping in Hooker Valley and stayed overnight near the highest pick of New Zealand – Mt. Cook (3754m).
Trying to choose from the numerous mountain bike trails, we did part of Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds – the land of bays and peninsulas and Moonlight Track with broad views over surrounding mountains in Queenstown area.
In Abel Tasman National Park on a two day sea kayaking trip we visited seal colony in Tonga Island Marine Reserve. On the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin we were watching Royal Albatrosses gliding over our heads. The birds have a wingspan of over 2m and drop quite a big shadow on the ground! (and also quite a big poo too !).
If you are here long enough or are lucky to get advice, you can get to place like Stream Cave Scenic Reserve where (for free!) you can explore tunnels shaped by ice cold mountain stream. The path runs in up-to-waist-deep, cold water, it’s dark but the experience is amazing!
The most southern point of our travel was Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, where the mountains are growing up to 2500m directly from the sea level.
There is a way back North to Auckland ahead of us now and still a couple of things to see on the way! Don’t forget to check the photos! Take care!
M&G
 | see our photos from New Zealand |
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