TNT Australia 738 by TNT MAGAZINE

February 2014 Issue 738

!G N I W IN Z A M AN A

BUNGY AJ HACKETT ORTH EXPERIENCE W OVER $1250

VOICES DRIFTING A new album for The Holidays

SAND SUN + BEERS Our top 10 Oz beach bars

SUNNY SOUTH Summer in NZ’s South Island

E R T N E C D A E D

nyon and Kings Ca ta ju T ta a K , Uluru rt of the NT – a e h e th to in p We head dee + ALLAN DIXON 12 YEARS A SLAVE REVIEW

ADRENALINE AUCKLAND JOB TIPS

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AS FROM S A LITTLE

.00 1 $ Y A DA

K O O B W NO

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HUGH RADOJEV EDITOR hugh.radojev@tntmagazine.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Hello and welcome to our February issue. This month we’re all about the centre of the Northern Territory. We’ll be exploring all things Red Centre. It’s also unfortunately my final edition here at TNT. I’ve had an amazing time working here and I want to thank you all for reading and helping us out. Enjoy your time in Australia and NZ!

THIS ISSUE OZ EVENTS

FOOD + DRINK

GIGS

PUBS

SPOTTED

CHATROOM

COMPETITION

FILM 26 NEWS 28 SPORT

TRAVEL

LISTINGS AUSTRALIA 50 LISTINGS NEW ZEALAND 83 WORK 96 TRIVIAL PURSUITS

FEATURES BEACH BEERS

10 of TNT’s favourite beach bars around Australia. Perfect for summer!

BACK TO WORK

Sydney band The Holidays are back after a three year, um, hiatus...

RED HEART

We travel to the Red Centre’s big three: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

BACK TO THE CENTRE

The centre of Australia is as unique as it comes – here’s our top 10 destinations

SOUTH FOR SURE The South Island in summer is just as amazing as its northerly neighbour

14 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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OZ/NZEVENTS

EDITORIAL Editor Hugh Radojev Contributors Alex Harmon, Rory Platt, Matt Risley and Chris Tanner DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Account manager Toby Llewellyn MARKETING & EVENTS Business development manager Tom Wheeler ACCOUNTS Financial controller Phillip Learoyd

TNT MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst PUBLISHER TNT Multimedia Limited PRINTED BY Rural Press PICTURES Getty Images | Thinkstock | TNT Images | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone +61 2 8332 7501 Fax +61 2 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntmagazine.com

THE MAIN EVENT

SALES ENQUIRIES PHONE +61 2 8332 7501 EMAIL tom.wheeler@tntmagazine.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PHONE +61 2 8332 7505 EMAIL hugh.radojevr@tntmagazine.com

WAITANGI DAY

NATIONWIDE, NEW ZEALAND

WHERE TO GET TNT

SEE tntdownunder.com/magazine-location.html for pick-up points

The annual celebration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 is a major event in New Zealand. For many Kiwi’s the day is a chance at a holiday, while for many in the Maori community the day is an occasion to reflect upon the treaty. The Treaty of Waitangi has been the subject of continued heated debate over the place that this old agreement between the British Crown and Maori chiefs now has in modern day New Zealand. That being said, there will be plenty of people celebrating the day on February 6; not just in the length and breadth of New Zealand but on Australia’s Gold Coast as well. FREE

February 6

newzealand.com

SYDNEY MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL

ADELAIDE CLIPSAL 500

MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE

One of the biggest, boldest and most colourful celebrations of gay, lesbian and transgender people anywhere in the world. The Mardi Gras is famous right around the world for its fantastic parties and, of course, the parade down Oxford Street.

One for the petrol heads – one of the major races on the V8 calendar descends on Adelaide for four days of high octane action. Along with the race itself there will be live music, drag racing, stunt motor-cross and plenty more entertainment.

One of Australia’s premier food and wine festivals returns to Melbourne at the end of February. Experience some of the best cuisine and vintages from around Australia and the world. Also catch celebrity chefs giving master classes.

February 7 – March 2 Oxford St, Sydney mardigras.org.au

Feb 27 – Mar 2 Adelaide, SA. clipsal500.com.au

Feb 28 – March 16 Melbourne, Victoria melbournefoodandwine.com.au

TBA

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests. There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. TNT Magazine does not assume responsibility for unsolicited submissions – material is sent at the owner’s risk. TNT Magazine accepts advertising material and other contributions in good faith, and takes no responsibility for claims, errors or omissions. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers.

$61

TBA

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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OZ/NZEVENTS

likelike us us onon facebook/tnt downunder facebook/tntdownunder

CITYSWOON BIGGEST BLIND DATE You are invited to take part in the world’s biggest blind date! 700 single Sydneysiders will set an official Guinness World Record in front of the iconic and romantic Opera House. The event will be staged in a stunning room overlooking the harbour and bridge with floor to ceiling windows. TBA

cityswoon.com

Photos: Getty Images, Thinkstock.

Feb 21 Sydney Opera House

ADELAIDE FESTIVAL

WHITE NIGHT MELBOURNE

Live theatre, comedy, music, dance, visual arts, film as well as famous writers and novelists from around the world giving live readings and talks. This year’s Adelaide Festival looks set to be one of the biggest and best yet. Ticket prices for various things will vary and, as always, there will be a host of completely free acts to also enjoy. Definitely one of the highlights of the calendar in South Australia.

More than 300,000 people took part in Melbourne’s first ever White Night in 2013. See the Victorian capital’s iconic landmarks and laneways transformed into a brightly lit mix of free and ticketed entertainment. Light displays, live music and many other kinds of entertainment will run from 7pm on the 22nd of February, right through to sunrise on the 23rd.

Feb 28 – March 16 Around Adelaide, South Australia

February 22 Melbourne CBD, Victoria

TBA

adelaidefestival.com.au

FREE

whitenightmelbourne.com.au

HERTZ RUGBY SEVENS

BYRON BAY INT FILM FESTIVAL

MARLBOROUGH WINE FESTIVAL

ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FEST

Every year 35,000 rugby mad fans from across New Zealand and the world descend on Westpac Stadium in the capital to bring the colour, costumes and fun in the fourth stop of the international sevens calendar. Fun guaranteed.

The eighth annual Byron Bay International Film Festival features 200+ films of all lengths, styles and genres. Watch some of the most daring, engaging and beautiful films out under the stars across 10 days in the wonderful beach side hub.

One of New Zealand’s premier wine regions holds the longest running wine and food festival in the country. There will be wine tutorials and tastings as well as a return of the Culinary Pavilion with beautiful local produce.

One of the fastest growing music festivals in Australia returns for another year with a massive line up. Bands like Chvrches, Daughter, Four Tet, Haim and Kiwi teenaged superstar Lorde head the bill. It’s going to be boss!

February 7-8 Westpac Stadium, Wellington sevens.co.nz

Feb 28 – March 9 Byron Bay, NSW bbff.com.au

Feb 8 Marlborough, NZ marlboroughwinefestival.co.nz

January 25 – Feb 8 National tour lanewayfestival.com

$209

TBA

$48

$120

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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SYDNEY EATS + DRINKS TIPPLE BAR & BISTRO

@tnt_downunder

[Caption]

Pub review by Hugh Radojev

A minute or two walk away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s Central Station on the Surry Hills side, Tipple Bar and Bistro provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The bar interior is relaxed and inviting with a kind of kitsch, rock’n’roll kind of vibe which is highlighted by the comic-book inspired wallpaper and the guitar amplifiers acting as tables littering the place. Tipple, then sets itself up well to cater to any kind of crowd, be it inner city professionals, or rowdy backpackers from Bounce Hostel next door. THE GRUB The menu can best be described as ‘inventive pub food’. All the standard pub food staples are here – chicken schnitzels, soft shell tacos and burgers – but they all more or less stand out from the pack. The tacos ($5 each) are some the best I’ve eaten anywhere in Sydney. The 24-hour marinated chicken comes with a crunchy pico de gallo and a chipotle cream which gives a nice hint of heat. We also had a $12 bucket of delicious, fresh prawns and a solid, if somewhat uninspired, double bacon and cheese burger which was just a little too salty for my liking. BEHIND THE BAR Tipple has its own ‘Pistole’ Lager ($5) which go down an absolute treat with a few prawns. Try a $16 Tippletini too, if you’re a fan of peach liqueur . BILL PLEASE Couple of $5 tacos, a bucket of the beautifully fresh prawns, maybe a salad (beetroot is a steal at $12) and a jug of lager, you’d be absolutely sorted. VERDICT Relatively cheap, inexpensive and delicious. More than worth a visit! THE SCENE

28 Chalmers St, Surry Hills

tipplebar.com.au

3 OF THE BEST PLACES TO GET A BLOODY MARY 6

PANAMA HOUSE

BOTTLENECK BAR

THE NORFOLK

A chic little bar/eatery tucked halfway between Bondi Junction and the beach, Panama House is the perfect Sunday destination. Sit at the bar and rip into a $17 Panama Mary (similar to your average Bloody Mary but with white rum instead of Vodka). You can get a can of beer with that for $20. That’ll sort your hangover out!

Hidden away out the back of that oh-so-jazzy Eau de Vie, is this little gem of a bar that serves up great finger food and a different, delicious Mary each and every week. For example, try a Bloody Maria (think normal Bloody Maria but with blue agave tequila used instead of rum) and a plate of hand made meatballs. Delicious!

Ratty, retro Americana on the walls, an amazing beer garden out the back and Bloody Mary’s served in baked bean or mackerel cans, this place is the real deal. The staff serve up four different types of Bloody Mary including an Asian inspired one infused with wasabi and an Italian one with balsamic vinaigrette.

panamahouse.com.au

eaudevie.com.au

thenorfolk.com

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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MELBOURNE BARS

BITE SIZE

HALL OF A MESS There’s an old saying that goes something like ‘you can’t please everyone’. It speaks to the subtle differences in each of us as humans – the indelible little snowflakes that we all are. It’s also a big load of shit! Brunswick Mess Hall in north Melbourne proves that you can cater to just about every taste without being a total sell-out and/or ineffectually wishy-washy. Their beer and cider list runs 50 deep, they make mean jugs of cocktails and sangrias for large groups, and serve some of the best purpose-made drinking snacks anywhere in Melbourne. Go forth and get messy! thebrunswickmesshall.com.au

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW The Spaniards have perfected finger food down to a fine art. Tapas in Spain is cheap and delicious but in Australia most tapas places are hatefully expensive and the food is usually pretty average. I say most though, Fitzroy’s Naked for Satan bucks that trend handsomely. Cheap and delicious $2 pintxos (Basque tapas) and more vodka cocktails than Beelzebub himself would know what to do with. And, what a great name! nakedforsatan.com.au

PASSING FAD FAD Gallery is a kind of art gallery meets nightclub via

live music venue in Melbourne. All those elements come together mightily though, particularly on Thursday nights. fadgallery.com.au

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM MUSTANG TNT ADS FOR FEBRUARY.indd 2 738 FINAL F_D.indd 7

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GIGLISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

THURSDAY 13 Eddie Vedder TBA Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com Dj Shadow $65.30 The Prince Bandroom, St Kilda princebandroom.oztix.com.au

HOLIDAY MUSIC REAL FEEL TOUR 2014 National tour 6 – 30 March. Prices vary depend on venue Sydney band The Holidays are back with a new album and are touring the country to celebrate its release in March. Don’t miss out!

National

facebook.com/theholidaysband

SATURDAY 1 Day on the Green From $99 Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley adayonthegreen.com.au The Whitlams From $66 Taronga Zoo, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

SUNDAY 2 Albare Free MONA FOMA, Hobart mona.net.au The Bennies $14.30 Karova Lounge, Ballarat oztix.com.au

MONDAY 3 The Monday Jam Free The Oxford Hotel theoxfordhotel.com.au

TUESDAY 4 Daughter $67.50 St Stephens Church, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Chvrches $54.90 The Metro, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

XXYYXX $35 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au

FRIDAY 7 The Locust $38 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au Lior and Westlake TBA The Festival Centre, Adelaide adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

SATURDAY 8 The Necks TBA Brisbane Powerhouse brisbanepowerhouse.org Dash Berlin From $79.95 Hisense Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

SUNDAY 9 The Basics Free Chevron Festival Gardens, Perth perthfestival.com.au

MONDAY 10 Daughter $67.50 St Michaels Church, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

WEDNESDAY 5 Parquet Courts $42 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au Frightened Rabbit From $56.30 Palace Theatre, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

THURSDAY 6 The National From $98.30 The Barton Theatre, Adelaide eventfeed.eventshop.com.au

#DASHBERLIN

FRIDAY 14

TUESDAY 11 Lynyrd Skynyrd TBA Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre lynyrdskynyrd.com

WEDNESDAY 12 Julia Holter $44 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au Ed Kowalczyk From $89.90

Miami Horror $28 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au Austra $39 The Standard, Sydney wearethestandard.com.au

SATURDAY 15 Aston Shuffle $15 The Sol Bar, Maroochydore tearitdown.com

SUNDAY 16 William and Mary Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne melbourne.vic.gov.au

MONDAY 17 The Monday Jam Free The Oxford Hotel theoxfordhotel.com.au

TUESDAY 18 Dolly Parton TBA Sydney Entertainment Centre livenation.com.au Eddie Vedder TBA Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

#MUSICLIFE DELUXE WORLD TOUR Oz East Coast. Feb 7, 8 and 9. TBA Dash Berlin returns to Australia to perform shows across the East Coast in February 2014, as part of his #musiclife world tour.

Sydney, Melb and Brisbane

SATURDAY 22 Katie Noonan From $69 Taronga Zoo, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Rapture 2014 feat Eminem From $100 ANZ Stadium, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au

SUNDAY 23 Mango Groove From $99 The Forum, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

ticketmaster.com.au

Dolly Parton TBA Adelaide Entertainment Centre livenation.com.au

WEDNESDAY 26 Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd TBA Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre wangarattapac.com.au

THURSDAY 27 Aston Shuffle $15 The Argyle House, Newcastle tearitdown.com

MONDAY 24 The Monday Jam Free The Oxford Hotel theoxfordhotel.com.au

Dolly Parton TBA Perth Arena thewhitehorse.com.au

THURSDAY 27

TUESDAY 25 Ben Ransom Free Southgate Inn, New England ransommusic.com

Good Life 2014 From $50 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane livenation.com.au

WEDNESDAY 19

FUTURE NOW

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band From $99.70 Allphones Arena, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

THURSDAY 20 Oliver Tank From $15 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

FRIDAY 21 Okkervil River $52 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney ticketscout.com.au Wire From $46 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne corner.ticketscout.com.au

FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL National Tour. March 1 – 10. Prices vary Two Grammy award winners and a host of other amazing electronic acts take to the stage for the biggest Future Music Festival ever!

Several cities

futuremusicfestival.com.au

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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$10 Meal Deals Now From 11am- 9pm Everyday

$10 Meal Deals $10 Meal Deals Wagyu Minute Steak Now Fromfed 11am9pmsteak Everyday $10 grain yg rump 250g with Fries $10 chicken schnitzel Steak250g $14 Wagyu grain fed Minute yg porterhouse Chicken Schnitzel with Fries with Fries Chicken All served withSchnitzel your choice of must be purchased at the bar with a drink

with Fries

chips, or mash * Meals must be salad purchased at the bar with a drink. * Salad on the side an extra $3

11am-9pm

* Meals must be purchased at the bar with a drink. * Salad on the side an extra $3

www.PalaceHotelSydney.com.au T:9212 2111 A:Corner George & Hay Streeet Sydney

www.PalaceHotelSydney.com.au www.PalaceHotelSydney.com.auT:9212 2111 A : C oAddress: r n e r Corner G e o r gGeorge e & &HHay a yStreet S t rSydney eeet Sydney Phone: (02) 9212 2111

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PUBLISTINGS New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrighton.com.au

VIA CON DIOS

@tnt_downunder

GLOBE TROTTER

In Situ 34/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au Four Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pines.com.au Marlborough Hotel 145 King St, Newtown marlboroughhotel.com.au The Imperial 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville theimperialhotel.com.au

MEXICAN MADDNESS WEDNESDAYS Tipple Bar. $3 tacos, $7 margarits and $20 sangria jugs. Pop down to Tipple Bar and Bistro from 5 – 9pm on Wednesday nights for a spot of Mexican themed maddness! It’s el cheapo too!

28 Chalmers St, Surry Hills

SYDNEY PUBS Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au DOME Bar Level 1 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domebar.com.au The Mountbatten Hotel 701 George Street, Sydney sydneycityhostels.com.au Scary Canary 469 Kent St, Sydney scarycanarybar.com.au Side Bar 509 Pitt St, Sydney wakeup.com.au/side-bar Scubar 4/11-23 Rawson Place, Sydney scubar.com.au Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St Sydney barcentury.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, Sydney 3wisemonkeys.com.au

SAY WHAAT?

tipplebar.com.au

Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au World Bar 24 Bayswater Road, Potts Point theworldbar.com.au Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Cnr Loftus & Alfred St, Sydney hotelparagon.com.au

The Norfolk 305 Cleveland St, Redfern thenorfolk.co The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.com.au Coogee Palace 169 Dolphin St, Coogee beachpalacehotel.com.au Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au The Bondi Hotel 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au Kinsela’s 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst kniselas.com.au

The Beresford 345 Bourke St, Surry Hills merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel Flinders Hotel 63 – 65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst White Horse Hotel oxfordartfactory.com 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorse.com.au White Revolver Cnr Curlewis + Campbell Parade Bondi Beach MELBOURNEPUBS whiterevolver.com The Gin Mill The Palace Hotel 173 High St, Prahran Cnr of George and Hay St, City theginmillprahran.com CBD palacehotelsydney.com.au The Nite Cat 137-141 Johnston St, Fitzroy Hotel Steyne thenightcat.com.au 75 The Corso, Manly hotelsteyne.com.au Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, Melbourne shamiana.com.au Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne starbarhotel.com.au

THE WALL WEDNESDAYS The World Bar. Wednesday nights 8pm – late. A big mid-week night of ruthless, bass heavy bangers to help you get over the hump. $5 entry fee, but for this party it’s worth every cent!

24 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross Palace Theatre palace.com.au The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street Melbourne thehifi.com.au The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Collingwood thetotehotel.com Eden Bar and Nightclub 163 Russell Street, Melbourne edenbar.com.au Turf Bar 131 Queen St Melbourne turfbar.com.au Fluid Oz Bar 450 Elizabeth Street Melbourne yelp.com.au Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St Melbourne barhumbug.com.au

theworldbar.com

nightowl.com.au

ADELAIDE PUBS Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide yourbars.com.au Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, Adelaide electriccircus.com.au Crown and Sceptre Hotel 308 King William Street, Adelaide sceptre.com.au The Promethean 116 Grote St, Adelaide theprom.com Club 58 58 Hindley St, Adelaide club58.com.au

PERTH PUBS

Eurotrash Bar 18 Corrs Lane Melbourne eurotrashbar.com.au

The Subiaco Hotel 465 Hay Street, Subiaco subiacohotel.com.au

The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street Melbourne

Voodoo Lounge 174 James St, Northbridge

LOOSE AS LIQUID

The Apartment Nightclub 401 Little Bourke Street Melbourne theapartment.com.au Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane Melbourne myspace.com/cherrybarmelbourne Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street Richmond cornerhotel.com

WHAAT CLUB, THURSDAYS WHaat Club. $5 vodka and beers until midnight. Bored and looking for a big mid-week night, or just want a cool joint to sink a few reasonably priced drinks in? WHaat Club’s got you covered. 20 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cr

facebook.com/WHaatClub

The Penny Black 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick thepennyblack.com.au Esplanade Hotel 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda espy.com.au Northcote Social Club 301 High Street Northcote northcotesocialclub.com

FLUID OZ SUNDAYS Fluid Oz Bar.Sundays 9pm – 3am. One of Melbourne’s best late night Sunday sessions – with $6 pints and $5 pizzas all night as well as DJs, where else would you rather be?

450 Elizabeth St, Melbourne

mibp.com.au

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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EVERY SUNDAY FROM 4PM

CRN CHAPEL & HIGH ST WINDSOR WWW.LUCKYCOQ.COM.AU LUCKYCOQ.indd 1 01_738p3-13 UPFRONT.indd 11

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PUBLISTINGS voodoolounge.com.au The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St Northbridge, the-shed.com.au The East End Bar and Grill 189 High Street, Fremantle theeastendbar.com.au The Clink Nightclub 14-16 South Terrace, Fremantle theclink.com.au

BRISBANE PUBS Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane hotella.com.au GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fort Valley gpohotel.com.au Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au The Fringe Bar Cnr Ann and Constance St fringebar.com.au Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane pignwhistle.com.au Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fort Valley skyroom.com.au Bravo Bar Brunswick Central, 455 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley hotelbravo.com.au The Met Nightclub 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au The Exchange Hotel 131 Edward St, Brisbane theexchange.com.au Iceworks Cnr Given Tce & Dowse St, Paddington iceworks.com.au

GOLD COAST PUBS Blush Nightclub 21 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise blushnightclub.com.au Benowa Tavern 117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa surfersbeergarden.com Coolangatta Sands Hotel 3 Griffith St, Coolangatta coolangattasandshotel.com.au Shooters Superclub Shop 46 The Mark Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise shooterssuperclub.com

CAIRNS PUBS

Rattle N Hum 65-67 Esplanade rattlenhumbar.com Gilligan’s Backpacker Hostel 57-89 Grafton St gilligansbackpackerhostel.com. au

HOBART PUBS Syrup Nightclub 39 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point syrupclub.com.au Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St, Hobart republicbar.com.au Isobar 11 Franklin Wharf Hobart isobar.com.au Knopwood’s Retreat 39 Salamanca Pl Hobart (03)6223 5808 The Duke 192 Macquarie Street Hobart theduke.com.au

NEWCASTLE PUBS Kent Hotel 59-61 Beaumont St, Hamilton thekenthotel.com.au Kings Street Hotel 15 Steel St, Newcastle West kingsstreethotel.com.au Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au Bar Petite 5 King St, Newcastle barpetite.com.au The Northern Star 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton northernstarhotel.com.au Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, Newcastle hoteldelany.com.au Sunyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au Isobar 1 Honeysuckle Drive Newcastle thelanding.com Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, Newcastle yourcambridge.com Lass O’Gowrie Hotel 14 Railway St, Wickham lassogowriehotel.com.au

Salt House 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns salthouse.com.au

Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au

Fabric Cnr Shields and Esplanade St cairnsevents.com pubs

Hamilton Hotel 71 Tudor St, Hamilton hamiltonhotel.com.au

@tnt_downunder

EXCUSES READY

Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd, Islington thewicko.com.au Cricketers Arms 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill tab.com.au Oriental Hotel 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill wotif.com.au Royal Inn Hotel Waratah 61/69 Station St, Waratah truelocal.com.au

BYRON BAY PUBS Cheeky Monkey’s 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay cheekymonkeys.com.au The Northern 35-43 Jonson St, Byron Bay thenorthern.com.au The Owl & The Pussycat 85 Jonson St, Byron Bay opcbyron.com.au Beach Hotel Bay Ln, Byron Bay beachhotel.com.au Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St, Byron Bay woodysbyronbay.com Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St, Byron Bay treehouseonbelongil.com

CANBERRA PUBS Transit Bar 7 Akuna St, Canberra transitbar.com.au Cube Nightclub 33 Petrie Plaza, City cubenightclub.com.au ICBM 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra icbmbar.com Mooseheads 105 London Circuit, Canberra mooseheads.com.au Academy Club 15 Bunda St, Canberra academyclub.com.au

TGIF AT ALIBI Alibi, Wollongong. $7 Cocktails 4pm – 9pm Friday nights Thank God it’s Friday indeed and what better way than to celebrate the end of the working week than with $7 cocktails at Alibi?

76 Crown Street

wollongongnightlife.com.au

234 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Questions Unit 5 123-125 Corrimal Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Castros 5 Victoria Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

DARWIN PUBS Squires Tavern 3 Edmunds St Darwin squirestavern.com.au The Deck Bar 22 Mitchell St, Darwin thedeckbar.com.au

toddtavern.com.au The Rock Bar 2/78 Todd St, Alice Springs

therockbar.com.au The Barra Bar 34 Stott Tce, Alice Springs

chifleyhotels.com.au Firkin n Hound 21 Hartely St, Alice Springs

(08) 8953 3033 The Juicy Rump

The Tap Bar 58 Mitchell St, Darwin thetap.com.au

Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice

ALICE SPRINGS PUBS

Bojangles Saloon

Todd Tavern Todd Mall, Alice Springs

Springs

juicyrump.com.au

80 Todd St, Alice Springs

yourbars.com.au

LIBERTY BELL

WOLLONGONG PUBS OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Grand Hotel 124 Keira Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Glasshouse + Su Casa 90 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Ivory 77 – 79 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au Alibi 76 Crown Street Wollongong wollongongnightlife.com.au

UNIVERSE AT THE LIBERTY SOCIAL The Liberty Social. Thursday nights With free entry before 10.30pm, $5 spiced rum all night and $4 ‘Liberty’ shots, can you think of a better place for a Thursday night? 279 Flinders Lane. Melbourne

thelibertysocial.com.

Harp Hotel

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Sydney

Central location Clean & Secure www.worldsquarehostel.com.au L2/640 George street, NSW, 2000, Sydney +61 02 9267-5616

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Top beach bars Summer is well and truly upon us in the Southern Hemisphere. So, dust the sand of your feet, pull up a deck chair and order a Sex on the Beach as we serve up the top 10 Aussie beach bars!

COTTESLOE BEACH HOTEL, WA

Hot summer afternoons, the tang of sea salt and an ice cold beer go hand in hand. Sitting in the sun with a few mates and knocking back a few brews looking out over the ocean is surely one of summer’s great pleasures. Australian surf towns and spots often have a symbiotic relationship between bar and beach; people come for the bar and stay because of the beach, or vice-versa. From the length and breadth of the country, the relationship between the sea and the bar is an important one. With that fact in mind and without much further ado, let’s get to our first beach bar an, if we’re being honest, it’s an absolute ripper! 14

A favourite for people visiting this beautiful part of Western Australian coastline for over 100 years, the Cottesloe Beach Hotel is one example of a beach bar being central to its community. The beautiful old federation building with its lovely art deco interior has a huge amount going for it, located just 15 minutes from Perth and 10 minutes from Fremantle, the main bar and balcony look out over some of the prettiest views of any watering hole anywhere. On perfect days you can actually watch the sun set behind Rottnest Island while enjoying an ice cold beer, some delicious nibbles and a little live music.The huge amount of art and

photography that have been made of Cottesloe Beach and the surrounding countryside (some of which can be found adorning the walls of the hotel itself) highlight the importance of the area to the community. The locals in this part of the world are also extremely warm, friendly and welcoming to travellers from interstate or from around the world. Talk anything from AFL and cricket, to surfing or even a spot of local history. So long as you’re buying the first round you may very well find yourself a couple of friends for life. Beautiful, richly historied and possessing one of the most beautiful views of any pub anywhere. Good shout! cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

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The Palace 2014

Sundays Rooftop From midday DJs Live Music

! F WT

$4.99 drinks facebook.com/beachpalacehotel 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee, NSW BEACH PALACE HOTEL PROMOTES THE RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL

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TOP TEN

BEACH BARS

WORTH A LOOK

NORTH BONDI RSL, NSW

Yes, we know. It’s a Returned Serviceman’s League joint, but relax guys and girls, we haven’t lost the plot! ‘The Rathouse’ is one of Bondi’s best spots to watch the sun go down. Slap down a $20 bill upon arrival for membership and you’ll open up a whole world of beautiful possibilities to yourself. The beers will be cheaper, along with the food and everybody, more or less, will know your name. The beer menu is fairly long and inexpensive while the selection of wines

will keep the missus vaguely happy, so long as she’s not overly discerning about the levels of oak in her Chardonnay. The most important part of the The North Bondi RSL is probably the ‘North Bondi’ bit. People travel thousands of miles everyday just to catch a glimpse of this iconic, world famous beach spot and this is simply one of the best places to grab your very own piece of the Australian dream. Small price to pay for $20, really.

BEACH HOTEL BYRON, NSW

If you found yourself with only half an hour to experience Byron Bay life – one drink at the Beach Hotel would give you a taste of everything the seaside town has to offer. The huge beer garden and open-air bistro sits at the top of the town’s main street overlooking Main Beach with panoramic views of Australia’s favourite retreat. The easy access to Byron Bay’s breaks mean there is a constant stream of surfers and tourists kicking back. beachhotel.com.au

northbondirsl.com.au

BASE ISLAND BAR, QLD

This is quite literally a beach bar in every sense of the word. Feel the sand between your toes and the tropical summer sun on your face... while lining up shots of Jäger bombs of course. Summer’s the time to be in Magnetic Island and if you’re there at the right time on the lunar calendar, you can check out Base’s legendary Full Moon party. It’s just like the wild ones in Thailand, only with much better music. Stay, play and drink on Magnetic Island! stayatbase.com

COAST WATCH Australia is not the only country to be blessed with great swathes of beautiful coastline or, indeed, a vast number of corresponding beach bars. Many countries in South East Asia – think Thailand, Laos and Vietnam – have some pretty spot on bars on the beach. So too does American West Coast as well as the iconic surf breaks around Hawaii. That being said, Australia’s coast line is pretty special. While most backpackers fly into Sydney or Melbourne and then do the Australian East Coast up to Queensland, you should keep in mind that the East Coast is not even half of the story. The Great Ocean Road between Victoria and South Australia is one of the world’s most iconic scenic drives and Western Australia has beautiful spots like Rottnest Island, the Margaret River as well as Ningaloo Reef where you can dive with glorious whale sharks. While getting over to Western or Southern Australia might seem a huge trek from Sydney, you won’t be disappointed or sad if you make the effort. Believe us! arcadefire.com

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REPUBLICA ST KILDA, VIC

Republica’s hanging seats have an utterly uninterrupted view of the curve of St. Kilda’s beautiful bay, as well as the thin strip of bleached white sand beyond. A very pleasant place to sip a tall glass of something refreshing and watch the sun sink low beyond the horizon. The ridiculously beautiful people wandering the promenade give this bar a feel that is entirely unique to Melbourne. republica.net.au

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TURTLES BAR DARWIN, NT

Part of the Beachfront Hotel precinct, Turtles Bar’s cool interior and covered terrace provide the ideal hideaway for Darwin’s predictably hot and wet weather. The Top End’s premier watering holes has something of a split personality; placid and laid back during the afternoon, the dance floor comes alive after dark with all manner of revellers kicking up their heels. Definitely worth checking out. facebook.com/beachfronthotel

BACCHUS BAR, SA

Named for the ancient Greek God of wine and debauchery this little beach bar lives up to his name. Being that you’re in Adelaide, the fine wine capital of Australia, you don’t have to look far down Bacchus’ wine list to find a top drop and South Australia’s big beer export Coopers also have their entire range on tap. The jaw dropping views of the Gulf of St Vincent add a breathtaking accompaniment to the overall vibe. bacchusbar.com.au

MAGNUMS, QLD

The gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is a throbbing hub of backpackers, seasoned travellers and Aussies in transit. Airlie Beach is Australia’s answer to Ibiza – all snorkelling, sunbaking and subdued by day and gyrating, drinking and somewhat mental by night. If there was a life source of all the debauchery, it would without a doubt be Magnums Hotel. A hostel with a bar? Best idea ever! magnums.com.au

TOP TEN

MANLY WHARF, NSW

While not strictly on Manly Beach, the Wharf is less than five minutes away from the Northern Beaches’ most iconic strip of sand. In many ways the Manly Wharf Hotel is one of the social hubs of the Northern Beaches and gets rather lively on a Friday and Saturday night This is also a beautiful spot right on the harbour, a great place to sit and nurse a beer and watch the boats going to and fro. manlywharfhotel.com.au

APOLLO BAY HOTEL, VIC

There is a reason the Great Ocean Road has such a grandiose title, and with little gems spotted along the iconic bitumen. Based at the foot of the Otways, Apollo Bay acts as a popular base camp for Great Ocean Road explorers with the Apollo Bay Hotel naturally taking on the role of head quarters. Right in the heart of town, the hotel holds prime position overlooking the bay pub. apollobayhotel.com.au

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Happy hols: the boys looking pensive, The cover of Real Feel, (below).

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Feeling real We chat to Simon Jones, lead singer of Sydney band The Holidays about their new album and a national tour in March WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

Three years might not seem like such a long time to be away from something. Not in the grand scheme of things anyway – three years is but a drop in the ocean of time if you're a planet in the universe or a teenager chasing a dream – but for an Australian band it can seem like a lifetime. The Internet has more or less leveled the playing field for bands and artists in terms of immediacy of exposure and has meant that hip, 20-somethings in Australia now have their fingers on the pulse just as closely and accurately as their traditionally more switched on counterparts in the United Kingdom or America do. Yet, this great en franchiser of the people also carries an extremely sharp, double edge to it. The life of a band on the rise; the constant cycle of writing, recording then touring takes its toll on all of its members and, as Simon Jones of The Holidays found, if you step aside from it for awhile to try and live something of a normal life you might very well be forgotten, or surpassed.

Post, Post Paradise “Three years is a long time for people, especially in the Australian music scene," confessed The Holidays lead singer/ songwriter Simon Jones over the phone. He has just fielded a question that may or may not have intimated that ‘nobody would give a shit,’ about his band’s new album after so many years out of the fickle spotlight. A question that came out wrong and that he handles with remarkable tact and poise. “Since Post Paradise [the band’s 2010/11 debut album] there are so many new bands that have cropped up and who have more or less come and gone, particularly in our genre. Ultimately your music has to speak for itself to get into the public consciousness and if people liked Post Paradise then they should be receptive to our new songs.” The Holidays stand on the precipice of releasing their second studio album Real Feel, an album that was “torturously” accumulated in hotel rooms, rehearsal spaces and various studios across three different continents over a number of years. The sound of the new album – the overall feel of it anyway – is certainly different to the shimmery, African-drumming inspired collection of songs found on Post Paradise. The two new singles; the alluvial, ethereal Voices Drifting and the more immediate, pop-hook laden All Time

High represent two sides of the same coin that eager fans can expect from Real Feel when it drops on February 21. “Yeah, they probably represent two sides of it [Real Feel]. There are a couple of songs that are a bit slower and dreamier; I guess you’d say, kind of how Voices Drifting fits into it,” says Jones, before adding. ”We kind of put it out first to test the waters, to see how that fared. I guess All Time High was, in my mind, more of a return to kind what we’re known for. I mean some of the sounds on this album are different but the pace and build are kind of similar I think [to Post Paradise].”.

Something old, something new An elaborate change in sound, theme and direction between releases is “nothing new” for The Holidays, as even the most perfunctory look at their short discography will show. The band made a name for themselves with a couple of short EPs in 2008 playing the kind of tight jeans, heart-onyour-sleeve, indie/post-punk music that was de rigueur in the Harbour City at the time. That’s what made the inclusion of funky Hawaiian shirts and ‘afro-beat’ percussion all over Post Paradise so intriguing at the time of its release just two years later. It seemed to be a sonic U-turn that had come completely out of left field. “That was the concept that we thought up,” said Jones, ››

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Photos: Mushroom Records, Liberation

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referring to the proliferation of tropical percussion sounds on their debut. “I think this time around we figured that if we do that again it’s just going to sound like the last album. So you take some stuff out and keep some in, I mean there’s still congas and stuff on the album, but its definitely a little less ‘tropical’ than Post Paradise. It’s still a big part of our ‘thing’, even on the new album there’s still a lot of that percussion stuff on there, even if its not quite as obvious.” The parts that they’ve “left in” certainly make for an interesting listen. Real Feel sounds like a more mature, intricate and layered album than its predecessor. Clean, bouncy bass lines and synthesizers swirl all over album opener, Long Now while airy, electronic percussion and washed out guitars propel the gorgeous chorus of third song Home, which finds itself wedged comfortably in between the two lead singles. It’s a very strong opening salvo from the band and one that juxtaposes nicely with some of the darker, slower burners to be found towards the end of the album.

Writing on the road For a record that Jones himself has described as “something of a travelogue,” one that was pieced together over more than two years of ideas and sketches made in hotel rooms and rehearsal spaces in places as varied as Chippendale, London, Paris and Tokyo, the songs seem to have a real cohesion to them, both in terms of the music and the lyrics. Jones puts this down to his ability to write and record ideas, no matter where he was in the world. “Well after we finished touring Post Paradise we ended up in London for two months and then the rest of the guys came home and I ended up staying on for another month by myself. I travelled around Europe by myself then for a bit, trying to write the album,” he said. “I’ve got a setup that can travel with me that was just sort of rolling around in 20

a suitcase as I travelled. It’s a real patchwork of a bunch of different sessions and times but I guess that’s just generally the way we work: just collecting a bunch of material and then knitting it together.” While trying to write a new record on the road can rather cut into one’s sightseeing time, the wonders of modern technology allowed Simon Jones the chance to effectively catalogue his experiences musically wherever he went and, while much of the material was rejigged and re-recorded with the full band back in Australia, some of his original sounds and ideas still made it onto the record. The Holidays are setting out on a national tour for Feel Real in March, playing all of the major capital cities. While Simon Jones reflects that the band haven’t had a great many chances to perform the new songs live, he hopes that “people will have a grip [on the new album]" before the tour begins in the Gold Coast on March 6. “We played a few of the new songs in September. It’s kind of hard playing new songs to people in a small, sweaty club because they usually just want to hear songs that they know. We hope that people will have a couple of weeks to get to know the new album before we start out on the tour.” With all the support that the new singles have already received in Australia on radio stations like triple j and the buzz they have already generated in the wider public sphere it seems likely that the boys from The Holidays won’t have any problems at all when it comes to getting a little crowd help during their trademark big choruses. While it has definitely been a long time between drinks for The Holidays it's fair to say that neither Simon Jones or his band mates are particularly worried about anything. Real Feel is out on Feb 21 via Liberation Records. The Holidays will also be touring nationally between March 6 – 30, for all ticketing info see facebook.com/theholidaysband

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ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

If that’s you in the circle, send an email with a photo of yourself and the title ‘Spotted’ to tom@tntdownunder.com. Boom! You’ve won a $100 bar tab at Scubar. Like us on facebook/ tntdownunder for more party pics from the night

AUSTRALIA DAY January 2014

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STOP THE CLOCK PIZZA

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CHATROOM

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Allan Dixon

The Irish born winner of the Northern Territory ‘Outback Adventurer’ job talks to TNT about working with crocodiles, his hate of flies and the stunning beauty of the desert INTERVIEW HUGH RADOJEV

How did you come to find out about the ‘Best Jobs in the World’ competition? My mum basically saw it and said to me ‘this looks like you!’ It just looked absolutely brilliant to me and I figured that I might as well give it a go and just try to make the best entry possible. What was it about the NT that made you want to be an Outback Adventurer? It was more the word ‘adventure’. Also itwas the fact that it just seemed to me to be the most real, rugged Australia. There seemed to be two things too Australia, for me – the beautiful coast lines, the Barrier Reef and sunshine and then there was the Outback, the Red Centre. That’s what attracted me, the prospect of huge, open landscapes. They also targeted it towards adventure, hiking, stuff like that. Was it a shock coming from Ireland to the desert? Yeah, it was. I left in the Irish summer, which usually has maximum temperatures of like 20 degrees Celsius and I was told that it would be winter in Australia when I got there. So, I figured it’d be cold, but the temperature in the Northern Territory was still like 30 plus! I thought ‘God, imagine how hot summer is going to be!’ What has your role as an ‘Outback Adventurer’ entailed? Like the other day I was basically leading a camel train tour group in the Red Centre, which was an incredible experience. I’ve also done a lot of work with crocodiles in my time here, so I’m basically something of a croc-handler now. I also handle a lot of the promotional stuff for Tourism NT – social media, photos, blog posts, stuff like that. You just get to have loads of fun, going out on loads of adventures! What’s been the best moment so far? I think honestly was the first time I met a crocodile. I’d never seen a crocodile in real life before and the first one I got to see, in Crocosauraus Crove in Darwin, was a five and a half metre giant which they basically just threw me in front of. It’s like seeing a prehistoric dinosaur up close. 24

Come on, give us a kiss And the worst? I haven’t really had any really bad individual moments, per say. It’s probably just when going out into the bush and there are like two million flies who try and fly into your mouth and eyes to get at the moisture. Do you see many travellers in the NT? There are so many jobs available in the Northern Territory – particularly in the Top End in the construction, labouring and education industries. So yeah there are a lot of travellers who come up to the Northern Territory but mostly looking for jobs and work. How would you describe the NT to get more people visiting there? It basically just has the best parts of Australia all in the one spot. If you really want to get out into the rugged heart of Australia than go to the Red Centre. There are like all these little, roadhouse communities in the middle of nowhere and yet all the people are so friendly and nice to you. Plus the desert, the Red Centre is the only place in the country left as it was stretching back into history. Not to mention the fact that it’s stunning. Plus, if you want to go swimming, enjoy the beaches or have a good night out then you’ve got the Top End and Darwin. It has everything really.

What’s your favourite place that you’ve ever travelled to? Probably, other than Australia it would be Utah in the United States. It might sound strange but the Mormons (whatever you think about polygamy) are some of the most adventurous people you’ll ever meet. They’re keen to do just about every sport under the sun: rock climbing, skiing, hiking, skydiving, kayaking. The list goes on and on. How much longer do you have left? I’ve actually only got a few more days left in the role. I’m actually just up in Queensland with my father and there’s apparently a cyclone warning or something in the area so we’re heading back to the hotel. What will you do after? I’ll have a little bit longer to stay in the country after I’ve finished my role with NT Tourism and Tourism Australia. I’ve had some interest from a few places for me to come and do a similar thing for them as I’ve been doing for the NT: social media stuff, promotional videos, blog posts, stuff like that. So, hopefully, I’ll pick something up through that. It’s been an amazing experience! Allan Dixon was the winner of the NT ‘Best Jobs in the World as part of Tourism Australia. tourism.australia.com

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WIN

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HOW TO ENTER

Go to tntdownunder.com/competitions. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random.

WIN THE ULTIMATE

AJ HACKETT BUNGY PRIZE You might have noticed that here at TNT, we’re strong believers that a trip to New Zealand should feature some sort of death-defying adrenalin feat that, well, makes you feel just a little bit sick to think about if we’re honest. And when it comes to those sorts of extreme activites, there’s no denying the AJ Hackett crew are the kings. We love them we do. And so, being the good buddies that we are, we’ve joined forces to offer one of you lucky readers the chance to take on the ultimate adrenalin challenge – doing not just one of Hackett’s Kiwi experiences, but eight of them. Gulp. THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: KAWARAU BRIDGE BUNGY: The 43m jump that was the world’s first. NEVIS BUNGY: With a 134m drop, it’s NZ’s

highest bungy. NEVIS SWING: Starting 160m up, it’s the world’s biggest swing. LEDGE BUNGY: Take the plunge, freestyle, from 400m above Queenstown. LEDGE SWING: Take control and swing out over the lake. AUCKLAND BRIDGE BUNGY: Jump 40m off the Harbour Bridge for a dip in the ocean. AUCKLAND BRIDGE CLIMB: Clamber on top for incredible city views. KAWARAU ZIPRIDE: Ride along the river with up to five others.

worth over

$1250

Competition closes at midnight, on Friday, February 28, 2014. Log on to tntdownunder.com/competitions for further details, terms and conditions, and to enter. www.bungy.co.nz

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FILMREVIEW

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12 YEARS A SLAVE FILM review by Hugh Radojev STARRING: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt | 134mins | MA15+ | Out Jan 30

SAVING MR BANKS FILM review STARRING: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson | M15+ | 126 mins

This formulaic, ‘feel-good’ family movie is only really saved by the application and performance of its two leading actors – Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. Sure, it’s an interesting enough story that just happens to be true, but it is saved by Hanks and Thompson who are wonderful in it! Out now

A savage, unflinching, stirring and beautiful look at slavery in pre-Civil War era United States, 12 Years a Slave occasionally makes for uncomfortable, even distressing viewing at times, but it is truly a masterpiece. TNT isn’t exactly up there with Variety or the New York Times when it comes to weighing in on the truly meaty issues of film and television. Sure, we occasionally get sent invitations to film screenings (never premieres, mind) and more often than not we go. Still, few people I know turn to TNT to decide whether or not they should go and see a film. With that in mind let’s look at some solid numbers then, before I waffle on any further. The film just won a Golden Globe (Best Picture), is nominated for 10 BAFTAs and currently holds a 97 per cent rating on IMDB. It will also no doubt sweep an Oscar or two (or nine, if it wins all the awards it’s nominated for). Director Steve McQueen has made an engaging, entertaining film without glossing over any of the inherent brutality of his subject matter. The cast is incredible; Chiwetel Ejiofor is particularly extraordinary as the main character, Saloman Northup while Michael Fassbender also delivers a typically brilliant performance as the psychotic plantation owner, Epps. Sure it’s tough to watch at times, but this could be one of the best and most important films made in the last decade. It’s incredible! GOOD FOR: Everyone. A powerful, important and provocative masterpiece!

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WORLDVIEW

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I like my beef extremly well done

FIRE IN THE COW’S HOLE!

GERMANY

Methane gas released by the belching and farting of dairy cows has caused an explosion in a shed on a farm, according to German police. According to initial reports, the roof of the shed was blown clean off and one of the cows had to be treated for burns and other injuries incurred in the explosion. The police released a statement saying that the shed, which was the home of some 90 cows, had gradually filled up with the methane gas from the various cows, um, ‘bodily functions’ over a period of time. Then an indeterminantly sourced ‘static charge’ caused the methane to explode ‘with flashes of flame.’ Poor little moo cows! Still, storing cows in flammable sheds could save all the time chefs take in cooking meat in restaurants.

BRAIN STRAIN VIA THE FRONTAL POLE UK

Scientists in the United Kingdom claim to have found a new section of the brain that recognises when we’ve made poor decisions. This new part of the brain, the one that kicks into overdrive the morning 28

Leaving nothing to chance...llor: Ah, the Nuremburg Toy Fair. Once a town synonymous with the trials (and execution) of many leading Nazis is now the home of the world’s largest toy fair. Anyone for an Angela Merkel blow up doll? No... we didn’t think so.

after the night before, is called the ‘lateral front pole’ and apparently sits behind your eyebrows. “There are a few brain areas that monitor how good our choices are, and that is a very sensible thing to have,” says Oxford researcher Matthew Rushworth. The new brain area was discovered through extensive testing on 25 test subject’s brains using various imaging techniques. These scans were the compared to brain scans done of various species of monkeys and then... well we’re not scientists but it obviously worked, so good for them. So basically next time you wake up in a pool of vomit, or in an old ex’s bed after a few you can thank Dr Rushworth!

A HOUSE OF SNAKEY HORRORS USA

A Californian school teacher has been arrested after hundreds of living and dead pythons were found crammed into plastic bags inside his OC house. According to reports by Yahoo the stench was so appalling that investigators were forced to wear respiratory masks and passersby could not stand even being outside the house with the doors open. “The smell alone — I feel like I need to take a shower for a week,” said one policeman. “They’re pretty much in all the bedrooms — everywhere.” William Buchman remains in custody on animal cruelty charges.

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THIS WEEK

IN NUMBERS 10

The value of compensation, in pounds awarded to a woman by Tesco after she found a dead rat in her sandwich

Percentage of Brits who are too tired or stressed to have sex and, indeed, consider the act of making love “a chore”

150

Mistaking police for strippers... it’s easily done

ACCIDENTALLY DOING A ‘DEL BOY’

One drunken bloke on a bit of a stag–do with his mates down the local allegedly mistook a real-life policewoman with a stripper. An Englsih court has heard how 27-year-old, Paul Harbord made an absolute plum of himself during an all day drinking session. Harbord told the court that he had been told by some of his confederates to “expect entertainment” to arrive at a pub in County Durham. When a female officer arrived to investigate reports of ‘rowdy’ behaviour in the establishment, Harbord mistook her for a stripper and began flicking her with a bar towel. Then, you know, gaol.

HAGGIS MISTAKEN FOR BOMB IN AIRPORT

A Scotsman has had his haggis confiscated at Birmingham airport security because one worker thought that the food looked like a bomb. Ian Blake, the Scot in question, claimed that his haggis was confiscated because security told him it could be an “plastic explosive device.” ”As I was going through the scanning device, airport security staff pulled me out of the line and said ‘We think you have a suspected plastic explosive in your luggage,

Dollars, per square foot of office space in Hong Kong. That makes it the dearest place in the world to run a business

Number of divorces in South Korea per 1000 marriages. Relax, South Korean couples, don’t let the neighbours get to you

‘She’s going to blow!’ sir’,” he told Edinburgh News. The offending haggis – mistaken for a bomb due to its apparent ‘denseness’ – was quickly cleared of any nefarious charges and returned to Mr Blake, much to the embarrassment of Birmingham security.

MAN CRACKS DURING DRUG SEARCH

4.6

QUOTE OF THE MONTH [The ABC] seems to take everybody’s side but our own...

AUS

A cannabis joint that dropped to the floor as police strip-searched a man for drugs at a watchhouse had been firmly wedged in his buttocks. 24-year-old Phillip Flynn appeared in a Toowoomba Magistrates Court via prison video link (seems a bit extreme) charged with possession as well as drink driving charge he had picked up a week earlier. The police prosecutor said that the offending joint had been “secreted between the defendant’s buttocks”. Well, he’s done for – certainly under the current legal statutes of the Queensland government. Execute the bugger now!

Somebody call the waaambulance! Tony Abbott had a whinge about the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on talkback radio and now he’s made himself look like a pre-school toddler. John Howard wouldn’t have debased himself like this.

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SPORTNEWS

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Ref rage: Gavin Morris

ANOTHER OFF-SEASON FROM HELL

RUGBY LEAGUE

The long suffering fans and CEO of the National Rugby League have been dealt another storm to weather, with a referee allegedly punching a linesmen. The NRL’s return to ovals, grounds and national television has taken another damning blow with referee Gavin Morris being accused of punching a touch judge at a New Year’s Eve party. While the touchy in question, Terry Pascoe, declined to press charges with Queensland police, he did give a statement to the NRL’s (ironically named) integrity commission who are ‘seriously investigating’ the matter. This latest blow to the game’s already tattered image comes after the ongoing saga with doping investigations at the Cronulla Sharks, the jailing of a Newcastle Knights player for assault and the obligatory stories of drunken misbehavior.

BIRD NO FLY, MARSH IN INJURY QUAGMIRE CRICKET

Australia’s highly anticipated tour of South Africa kicks off this month with an ODI and Test match series to be played but Cricket Australia’s squad was seriously hampered by injuries before it even left home. Heroes of the 4-1 One Day series smashing of England batsman Shaun Marsh and all-rounder James Faulkner have both been ruled out of the tour all together, while reserve fast bowler Jackson Bird has been given an extended period of time to recover from an injury he sustained while playing domestic, T/20 cricket in Melbourne. While the loss of the three players would not necessarily directly affect Australia’s starting XI it is certainly a 30

Red Bull’s new Australian: Daniel Ricciardo has replaced fellow Aussie Mark Webber as Red Bull Racing’s numero duo to efficiently superior (and universally loathed) maestro Sebastien Vettel. Hope they get on better than Webber and Vettel used too

blow to the selection panel in terms of the squad’s overall depth. Replacements have already been decided on to fill their spots.

WHO WOULD BE AN ARSENAL FAN? FOOTBALL

Summer free signing Mathieu Flamini went from hero to villain during the Gunners 2-2 draw to Southampton and the pain is set to continue. Flamini got himself a straight red card and a three match band after going into a Saints player two footed. His suspension (along with the two dropped points) has now given the advantage in the Premier League race to the seemingly unstoppable Manchester City who continue to steam roll opponents without even trying.

BIG MONTH FOR Mitchell Johnson had an absolutely incredible Aussie summer – his outstanding displays of fast, accurate and at times savage, bowling tore through the English during the Ashes and he was subsequently awarded man of the series for his efforts. However, the left-armer is going to need to have a really good tour of South Africa if the Australian side are going to have any chance of winning against the number one Test side in the world. The Republic boast three of the best quicks in the world and it should be a fascinating series.

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HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH

Six Nations champs: Wales’ Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins

Dale Steyne in full flight

PREVIEW AUSTRALIA’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA THREE TEST SERIES

FEB 12 – MAR 4 ON FOXSPORTS AND ONE HD Sure, the Australian’s absolutely annihilated the English in the broiling cauldron of an southern summer. Yet, the prospect of facing the South Africans at home should be a very different and infinitely more daunting prospect than the Poms ever were. Take, for example, a comparative analysis of England’s fast bowling attack versus that of the South Africans: Vernon Philander and Dale Steyne are currently the number

one and two ranked bowlers in the world according to the ICC. The best ranked English bowler, Stuart Broad, barely scraped into the top ten. The Yarpies also have three of the ten best Test batsman as well: numbers one, four and nine. The Poms best batsman comes in at number 15. As long as we’re sticking with the numbers game, we might as well also mention that South Africa are the number one ranked Test team overall. Nobody expected the Poms to be such easy beats but it seems unlikely that the Aussies have any such hopes against the Republic.

Photos:Getty

LET’S GET TRIVIAL | Time to NAB the Cup The AFL’s tradition of the pre-season cup ends this year with two practice matches for each club to be played between Feb 12 and March 1 instead. It’s something of a shame as the NAB cup, called many different things in recent years, acts as a bit of an indicator for the season to come. Often the team to lose the cup has gone on to win the Premiership. In 2001 the Brisbane Lion’s – last year’s cup winners – lost the final but went on to win three Premiership flags in a row from the following year (almost four, if it hadn’t have been for the pesky Swans in 2004). The constant fiddling with the rules however – half-length games, so-called ‘super goals’ and teams playing two ‘lightning games’ in one night, no team has appeared in both finals. Going, going, gone!

Cup overloweth

3 EPL FOOT: Man City v Chelsea 7 SUPER LEAGUE: Wigan v Huddersfield 7-23 WINTER OLYMPICS Sochi 8 PREM RUG: Harlequins v Wasps 8 SIX NATIONS: Ireland v Wales; Scotland v England 8 EPL FOOT: Liverpool v Arsenal 9 PREM RUG: Saracens v London Irish 9 SIX NATIONS: France v Italy 11 EPL FOOT: West Ham v Norwich 12 EPL FOOT: Arsenal v Man Utd 12 EPL FOOT: Fulham v Liverpool 12-16 CRIC TEST: South Africa v Australia 13 SUPER LEAGUE: Warrington v St Helens 15 PREM RUG: Harlequins vs Newcastle 18 UEFA CL FOOT: Bayer 04 v PSG 18 UEFA CL FOOT: Man City v Barcelona 19 UEFA CL FOOT: Arsenal v FC Bayern 20-24 CRIC TEST: South Africa v Australia 21 SUPER LEAGUE: Leeds v Warrington 21 6 NATIONS: Wales vs France 21 SUPER RUG: Crusaders vs Chiefs 22 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE: Sydney Roosters v Wigan Warriors 22 SUPER LEAGUE: London v Salford 22 SIX NATIONS: England vs Ireland 22 SUPER RUG: Highlanders vs Blues; Brumbies vs Reds; Sharks vs Hurricanes 22 EPL FOOT: Chelsea v Everton 22 EPL FOOT: Crystal Palace v Man Utd 23 SUPER RUG: Waratahs v Western Force 25 UEFA CL FOOT: Olympiakos v Man Utd 26 UEFA CL FOOT: Galatasaray v Chelsea 26-MAR 2 CYCLING Track World Champs 28 SUPER RUG: Blues vs Crusaders MAR 1 PREM RUG: Harlequins vs Worcester MAR 1 SUPER RUG: Chiefs vs Highlanders; Waratahs vs Reds; Western Force vs Brumbies MAR 1-5 CRIC TEST: South Africa v Australia MAR 1 EPL FOOT: Fulham v Chelsea; Man Utd v Man City TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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TRAVEL HOTSHOTS | TRAVEL NEWS | TRAVEL DEALS | TRAVEL STORIES | IMAGE OF THE MONTH

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty

SO MANY BEARDS A native of Lerwick, in Scotland’s Shetland Islands leads his Vikings to the Up Helly Aa fire festival

INSIDE

THE BIG RED

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If you want to experience the real Australia then there’s no better place to start than with Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. 32

DESERT DAYS /46

TOP CENTRE BETS

Alice Springs is the gateway to the Red Centre, so where better to start a 72 stint then in Australia’s kookiest town?

We continue our all Red Centre theme with a look at our top 10 Central Australian destinations – some might surprise you!

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SEE THE

MIGHTY

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*Van price based on Lowball Campervan, 3+ day rate, for pick ups in May 2014 in New Zealand. Rates change weekly so contact our Reservations team for the best daily rate. Minimum hire applies, offer subject to availability and liability reduction cover is additional. For full details and terms and conditions, visit www.mightycampers.com. MT147-01/14.

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WEEKLY WINNER BRIDGE THE GAP: RJ Saunders, 31, Australia RJ SAYS: “I took this shot of a bird under a bridge in the town of Mandurah in Western Australia.” WE SAY: “Some of us here at TNT aren’t really bird people, they have beady eyes and the evil imprint of the dinosaur in their scaly, taloned feet. All of us like the sea though, and bridges serve a purpose too. The water looks so inviting in this shot, a beautiful, crisp shade of blue which juxtaposes beautifully with the peeling, woody whites and dun yellows of the bridge. The bird’s alright too...”

HOT TIPS: Keep it level We have all had the urge now and then to tilt our camera, thinking “this is going to look great, amazing.’ etc. I hate to break it to you, but nine and a half times out of ten it fails miserably. How often do you in day to day life tilt your head to one side for a quick look around? So what makes you think a photograph taken this way will look good? It usually results in something very distracting for the viewer, taking away from the photographs main subject matter. Tips by ocean photographer, Joel Coleman. See saltmotion.com

WIN

THE MONTHLY WINNER GETS THREE DAYS CAMPERVAN HIRE FROM MIGHTY CAMPERS

Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description to: hugh.radojev@tntmagazine.com Photos are judged by the TNT team at their own discretion. Photos will also be placed on TNT’s Facebook page. For terms and conditions, see tntdownunder.com. Weekly winner Sandra wins a free night’s stay at the award-winning Sydney Central YHA (yha. com.au). The monthly winner gets three days’ campervan hire from Mighty Campers Australia (mightycampers.com.au)

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Darwin Katherine

The most relaxed way to see the vast Australian Outback is by train.

Alice Springs

• Travel city to city and see Perth everything between at great value. • Stretch your legs in your spacious recliner seat. • Make friends, have a snack or dinner in the licensed café/bar. • Freshen up with onboard shower facilities. • Point to point backpacker fares are also available from $58pp*.

ULURU

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Rail Explorer Pass The Rail Explorer Pass gives you 3 or 6 months of unlimited travel aboard The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland from only $495pp. Discover Uluru and the Red Centre, or explore Darwin and Katherine in the tropical Top End. Use your pass to hop on and off as you please and travel in any direction on our great train journeys. Fuel surcharge is payable at time of booking.

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To book your Rail Explorer Pass call 1800 721 329. For journey information visit greatsouthernrail.com.au/backpackers or your local travel agent. Rail Passes: For travel until 31 March 2014. Prices are subject to change without notice. The Rail Explorer Pass is issued to and accepted by the person named on the ticket, subject to the terms and conditions of carriage of Great Southern Rail. The pass is valid for use on specified rail services operated by Great Southern Rail (Red Service Day/Nighter Seats). *Point to point: From $58pp based on the Backpacker Readyrail fare Adelaide to Melbourne or vice versa. For bookings made before 31 March 2014 for travel until 30 June 2014. For full terms and conditions see www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/backpackers. Travel Agent License No. TTA164190. 0 4131C DG M 04_738p_32-49 TRAVEL_FEATURES OZ.indd 35

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CHRIST THE RECEIVER A lightning strike has broken a finger off the right hand of Christ the Reedemer statute in Rio de Janeiro according to reports. Father Omar, the rector of the shrine that holds the statue is quoted as saying that lightning frequently strikes the 30-metre-high statue of Jesus that overlooks Rio. “They say lightning does not strike the same spot twice. But with the Christ it does,’’ the priest is quoted as saying, with a certain wry humour that isn’t always known in men of the cloth. The statue will be refurbished in February, so the damage will be fixed this month. Thank the Lord for that.

Photos: Thinkstock

FIRE STARTS TO BURN

A large fire, which ripped through a historical village known for its well-preserved wooden houses, has destroyed at least 23 buildings, which have stood since the 18th and 19th centuries. The rampant fires that ripped through the municipality of Laerdal, in western Norway, also reportedly hospitalised 52 people and forced hundreds more to be evacuated from their homes. It is still not entirely clear what started the conflagration but it was aided by strong winds and quickly spread. The extensive damage is likely to cost quite a few million Kroner.

A STRONG TIP Believe it or not, but the North African country of Algeria is being tipped as the next tourism hotspot of world travel, according to the good people at Peregrine Adventures. 15-day itineraries are already in the works that would offer travelers a chance to explore the country’s ‘diverse highlights – including French colonial buildings in Algiers, Roman ruins and tribal villages on the edge of the Sahara.’ Peregrine are hoping that they’re tour packages can make Western tourists forget about the brutal civil war which racked the country in the 1990s.

WHEN HELL FREEZES Parts of Canada and the northeastern United States recorded lower temperatures than have been found on the surface of Mars or the North Pole during January’s polar vortex. Winnipeg, a city well known for its arctic winter temperatures, recorded its coldest day in 80 years on January 7, with the temperature plunging to -37.9 C, –48 C with the wind chill. “According to the Curiosity Rover, Mars reached a maximum air temperature of -29°C today. Winnipeg’s high was -31°C,” the Manitoba Museum posted on Twitter. It was also positively balmy at the North Pole in comparison. .

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Check out TNT online for the latest news, gossip, gigs, bizarre headlines and awesome features

? T N T E R O M T N WA travel team! te ri u o v fa r u om yo t’s on offer fr a h w f o te s Here’s a ta

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29/01/2014 5:33 am

Vadering in Kings Canyon

The Red Centre NORTHERN TERRITORY

Escaping the heat in Kings Canyon

Uluru in the distance

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Journey to the Red Centre Bus trippin’ to the Northern Territory, we tackle three of the country’s greats: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon WORDS HUGH RADOJEV

The 36 sandstone domes that make up Kata Tjuta bubble suddenly out of the deep red sands of the Northern Territory outback as the bus swings out of our campsite in Yulara onto the Lasseter Highway. From a distance they look strange, alien even, in the way they seem to have been dolloped on the horizon, growing larger and larger in the bus windscreen. All 23 of us in the tour group find ourselves turning and twisting in our seats, struggling to decide whether to focus solely on the lofty peak of Mt Olga and Kata Tjuta growing steadily in front of us, or the hulking, sandstone monolith of Uluru disappearing into the distance behind. This is my first time in the Northern Territory and we have only been in the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park for a few hours, but already I am in awe of the landscape around me. There is surely no place on Earth quite like it, certainly not anywhere I’ve ever been to before anyway. Each armed with a water bottle, hat, enclosed walking shoes and a camera we clamber off the bus and stand at the entrance to the Valley of the Winds walk, a fairly gentle 7.2km hike taking in a few beautiful lookouts surrounded on all sides by the magnificent rising domes of Kata Tjuta. We follow one of our guides, Doc, into the valley, picking our way slowly down the ancient rocky trail. On this terrain one quickly learns not to try and take photographs while walking at the same time. The loose shale of the hiking track is dotted with hundreds of rocks and stones buried in the ground, all of which seem perfectly designed for catching a trailing foot. Once in the valley proper I am amazed at how green it is. There are trees, scrubby bushes and a few patches of greenish, tussocky looking grass jutting out of the red desert sands. There is even a body of slowly moving water that warrants fording via a bridge. Desert finches are in full voice as the morning sun climbs high in the sky and the temperature as we walk is warm without being too hot. In short, it is perfect hiking weather. In a stretched out column we move through the thin trail, periodically stopping to take photos of particularly distinct

“

I am amazed at how green it is

”

formations in the sacred rocks including one that looks remarkably like an elephant’s head. None of us are quite prepared for what is waiting at the top of the final look out though – not by a long shot. Framed on either side by two giant rocky shapes, one bathed in sunlight the other in dark shadow, a reddish green carpet of scrub grass and stunted desert pines stretch luxuriously out in front of us towards a further outlying crop of Kata Tjuta, more red-rock sandstone domes standing proudly in the distance. ››

Kata Tjuta framed by giants

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Uluru at sunset

It is beautiful in a rugged, hard sort of way and we are all loathed to get back on the bus, even with the promise of champagne and an Uluru sunset ahead of us. Uluru sunset: base walk around the rock

Photos: Hugh Radojev, Tourism NT, Adventure Tours Australia

After the beauty of Kata Tjuta, Doc and our other tour guide, Clark, whisk us back on to the bus and we begin the drive back to the Uluru sunset viewing area to try and beat the tourist rush. Doc assures us that he knows of a special spot, his particular favourite and promises us that nobody else will be there. Sure enough, as the sun begins to dip, we arrive at the viewing area. The number of buses already parked about the place looks to be quite alarming. Trestle tables covered in white sheets and champagne glasses have sprouted up everywhere and the whir of closing camera shutters and the chatter of hundreds of people from half the countries in the world fill the air. We follow Doc and Clark up a sandy path carrying an Esky full of sparkling wine, boxes of nibbles (an assorted variety of Shapes) and some plastic tubs of dip and take up residence on a bit of high ground. It is relatively tourist-free, and to the right, the red rock is darkening in front of us. It is a unique experience watching Uluru’s hue change in the setting sun, turning from the usual, famous rust-red colour most people associate the place with, through to darker shades of vermillion, brown and finally a deep purple as the last light fails. It is quite a haunting moment and even those in the group who have seen the same spectacle before fall silent as we watch intently. Back at camp we learn that it is one of the girls in the groups’ birthday (why she didn’t mention it earlier, I’ll never know) and so we cap the night off with a few (too many) beers. Tired as I was and with a 5am wake up call ahead, I spend quite some time lying in my swag after everyone has gone to bed staring up at the thousands of stars, so many tiny pinpricks of light in a sky black as ink. The next morning, we are woken with stars still in the sky and after a bracing cup of coffee, drive to the start of the

10km Uluru base walk in the morning gloom. Even in the half-light of dawn the immensity of the rock is breathtaking, a hulking shadow looming over us the closer we get to it, dark against the crimson desert horizon. Having only seen Uluru from a distance the day before, I am struck by how large it is up close and as I climb off the bus and gaze up at a section of it in the twilight I can almost feel the immenseness of the ancient stone pushing down on me like a weight. We all set off in the gloom, Clark leading us at a leisurely pace around the rock, pausing every now and then to tell us snippets of creation stories from the local Anangu people and facts about the local fauna, flora and the composition of the mighty rock itself. The rock is very sacred to the Anangu, and in many parts, photography is forbidden. In Anangu culture, men and women could not visit or even look upon some sacred sites without being punished. While the rock itself is beautiful up close, it’s the stories and history of the people who used to live in its shadow that

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make Uluru one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. Even though the Anangu have only disclosed a fraction of their creation stories concerning Uluru, they are still fascinating and represent something unique to Australian indigenous culture. Each story represents tens of thousands of years worth of living history, passed down from person to person over the millennia. It is stunning to think that anything at all managed to live and flourish in such a stark, desolate and harsh environment as this, let alone a society as ancient as any on Earth. We finish our day at Uluru with a guided tour of some of the most ancient and sacred sites around the area with an Anangu guide, Sarah, and her interpreter, John. Speaking in the local Pitjantjatjara language she explains to us the story of the ancient Mala people who had once called Uluru their home. It is a wonderful experience and one I cannot recommend highly enough. Kings Canyon After all the excitement of the previous two days and another beautiful night spent under the stars listening to the dingoes howling at the new moon, the prospect of a second 5am wake up call in a row and another long hike isn’t exactly appealing. Doc and Clark keep repeating over and over that if we don’t have a minimum of a litre and a half of water on us for the next trek we might die, which does little to ease my tired mind and weary legs. Thankfully though, my reservations are quickly dispelled

ALICE SPRINGS THE RED CENTRE’S CITY

Named for an explorer’s wife who never visited and a constant source of water that never existed, Alice Springs is quite unlike any other town in Australia. Nestled into the foothills of the Western MacDonnell Ranges about 1500km south of Darwin by the confluence of a bunch of dried out river beds, Alice has about 30,000 residents. CLAIM TO FAME The ancient bed of the almost perennially dry Todd River plays host to the only annual dry river regatta anywhere in the world – the Henley-on-Todd Regatta. The regatta also has the unique distinction of being the only boat race ever to be cancelled because the river course actually had some running water in it. NIGHTLIFE Uncles Tavern (119 -122 Cnr Hartley St & Gregory Tce). An outback pub, with a few flat screens, a suitably large beer fridge and a bunch of pool tables. Rock Bar, (2/78 Todd St). This has more of a night club feel to it then Uncles, with a DJ (of sorts) and dim lighting. Just don’t go about giving people piggy-back rides, the bouncers take a dim view of that, apparently. Lasseters Casino, (93 Barrett Drive). Ah yes, the Casino. When everything else is shutting down in Alice, Lasseters is just getting started. As for the interior I can’t really remember, I couldn’t believe they even let me in...

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when we arrive at the start of the beautiful Kings Canyon circle walk. It would seem that the way Clark and Doc had staggered the trip meant that they had saved the very best place until last. There is no other word to describe Kings Canyon other than staggering. Sure it’s nowhere near as cavernous or famous as the Grand Canyon, but like everywhere else in the Northern Territory, it is completely unique. Millions of years ago it was a giant seabed and the stone of the canyon’s walls appear cut sheer and flat along the sides as they fall away into the heavily foliaged floor. On the walking trails, however, the surface is anything but smooth with angular crags and ziggurat like domes erupting out of the jagged rock like the remnants of some ancient, abandoned city. Clark occasionally stops to point out the fossilised remains of trilobites (prehistoric crustaceans) who had pulled themselves across the ground when it had been the bottom of a primeval waterway aeons ago. Today they are forever preserved in the living rock. After a few kilometers of walking we come to the ‘Garden of Eden’, a kind of oasis in the canyon proper, where there is constantly shade and water (a great rarity in

Fly to Alice Springs from SYD/MELB from

the semi-arid country around us). We stop briefly there by a great stagnant pool and listen to the call of the birds and the splashing of a touring group of school kids swimming around in the murky-looking water. The walk through the Canyon is easily my favourite part of the whole trip, a place of rare and terrible beauty all of its own. The 7km trek is challenging in parts (the very start of the walk is a steep stone stairway cut into the rock that Doc colourfully refers to as “Heart Attack Hill”) but it isn’t so hard that you have to be a seasoned nature hiker or phenomenally fit to enjoy it, and the vistas are absolutely incredible to behold. After a quick lunch we find ourselves back on the bus heading towards Alice Springs and I can’t help but feel sad at the trip’s imminent end. The Red Centre is a diverse, harsh and beautiful place, unlike anywhere I’ve ever been, and my visit was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. If you’ve never been – you should go there immediately!

Damage and details: Adventure Tours Australia (adventuretours.com. au) run three day guided tours of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon starting from $355.

$89.95

one way with Tiger Air TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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TOP TEN

RED CENTRE SIGHTS

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ULURU NATIONAL PARK

A rocky beacon of ancient culture meets modern day tourism magnet. The pitted, weathered face of this grand old stone monolith has seen countless generations of humans come and go and still, stands strong and true where it has stood for millennia. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Uluru really up close. Even in the semidark twilight of the early morning, the sheer presence of the great slab of timeless stone seemed to gently loom out of the low light. It wasn’t until we had all stepped off the bus and stood less than a few hundred metres from its base that the full enormity of Uluru truly strikes you. It’s not just the height of the thing (at 863m it’s not particularly tall, certainly not if you’re from somewhere European and mountainous) that is impressive, there’s an indescribably feeling of weight in the air, invisible yet tangible all the same. While you can just go out to Uluru of your own accord and wander around the base of the stone to your hearts 44

content, we’d recommend that yourself a guided tour. That way you might actually, you know, learn something. For one thing you will learn that the area is highly sacred to the local Anangu people, who have a rich and detailed history of the place. Almost every mark in the rock face, every waterhole, spring and cave has a certain meaning and sacred history to the Anangu. Also if you go with a guide, you won’t make an absolute dill of yourself and take photographs at places or of things that you’re not supposed to. Although, to be fair, even if you’re not in a group there’s big signs saying ‘NO CAMERAS ALLOWED’ at areas with particular religious significance to the Anangu, so there’s no excuse really. There’s also a beautifully appointed and highly informative visitors centre near to where the 10km base walk finishes. It tells the story of the struggles of the local people to have their rights and that of Uluru respected. parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru

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TOP TEN CHECKING IN

KATA TJUTA/MT OLGA

YH–YAY!

36 giant sandstone domes, rising proudly out of the semi-arid, desert landscape of the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park makes this spot one of the must-see sights in the NT. Kata Tjuta, in its entirety spreads over an area of over 20 square kilometers, making the site truly vast in scale and size. At its centre, the biggest of the domes – Mt Olga – rises to a height of over 1,000 metres. While there are a number of hiking and walking trails available for

bushwalkers and tour groups, one of the most gentle (and beautiful) is the Valley of the Winds walk. This seven kilometer hike, takes people up through the centre of the formation and includes a number of incredible look out points and photo opportunities. While Kata Tjuta isn’t perhaps as famous or well visited as nearby Uluru, it’s an absolutely incredible experience to visit and if you’re going to be in the area anyway then you’d be silly to miss it!

KINGS CANYON

Another spectacular collection of naturally occurring rock formations will delight bush walkers here. The strange, bubbly rock formations jutting like abandoned minarets out of the rocky gorge faces, the ghost gums and fossilised remains of ancient creatures jutting out of the living rock all make Kings Canyon one of the best nature walking spots anywhere in the country. There’s also a beautiful oasis halfway through your walk. tourismnt.com.au

parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru

DEVILS MARBLES

Karlu Karlu, as they’re known by the local Aboriginal custodians of the region, are giant, freestanding sandstone boulders. If you’ve never been to the Devils Marbles, then it’s quite hard to explain just how amazing they are to look at with your own eyes. Clusters of giant boulders, some in the most alien and seemingly precarious positions, sprawl across the desert. It’s also one of the oldest religious sites in the world.

ALICE YHA Easy access to everything. Located right in the centre of the town on the site of a former outdoor cinema, the Alice Springs YHA is easily one of the most comfortable and best equipped hostels in the town (if not the whole territory). All hostel rooms are air conditioned, and there is a BBQ, swimming pool (never underestimate how good the pool is on summer days) and tour desk offering a full range of discount backpacker tours to see the West MacDonnell Ranges, Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon. It also has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from large dorms to single and double bed rooms – all with air conditioning of course. One cannot stress, especially to those who have never been, just how broiling temperatures can get in Alice Springs. The staff are also amongst some of the friendliest and good natured people you’ll find running front desks anywhere. They’ll be able to point out to you where best to go or do!

WHAT’S IT GOOD FOR

Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Trce yha.com.au

parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

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TOP TEN

RED CENTRE SIGHTS

ALICE SPRINGS

The capital of the Red Centre and one of the Territory’s biggest townships is Alice Springs and its come of age. Good food and loose nightspots abound. If you’re going on a tour out to the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, chances are you’ll wind up spending a night or two in Alice Springs. Sure, the town has its issues, but there’re plenty of good pubs and restaurants around if you know where to look. alicesprings.nt.gov.au

FINKE GORGE NP

This national parkland is an absolute delight for bushwalkers, botanists or just about anyone with a sense of adventure. The highlight of this sprawling, 458 square kilometer park is the beautiful desert oasis known as Palm Valley which is home to tens of unique species of plant – including the Red Cabbage Palm which lives only in this one location. Strap on a pair of hiking boots and get amongst it all! nt.gov.au

MOUNT CONNOR

This lone, flat mountain jutting out of the desert has fooled hundreds of tourists in its time due to its resemblance to a slightly more famous nearby rock formation. Yes, they don’t call Mt Connor ‘Fooluru’ for no reason. This flat topped, horse-shoe shaped mesa lying between Lake Amadeus and Alice Springs may look like Uluru from a distance but up close it has a solemn beauty and majesty all of its own. tourismnt.com.au

TENNANT CREEK

At first glance this little township on the Stuart Highway may appear to be in the middle of nowhere. Yet, it’s the perfect home base. Not only is Tennant Creek extremely close well-known attractions including the Devils Marbles, Mary Ann Dam and the Battery Hill Mining Centre but it also has its own unique outback flavour. Go out and make friends with a few locals and you’ll understand. barklytourism.com.au

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MACDONNELL RANGES

The sparse, unforgiving majesty of the MacDonnell Ranges have to be seen to be believed. These elaborate sprawl of rocky gorges, walking trails and rocky formations include some of the highest mountains in the Northern Territory, as well as the infamously demanding Larapinta Trail: a 223 km trek. Less intrepid walkers can organise short tours into the ranges from nearby Alice Springs. macdonnellranges.com

DAVENPORT RANGES NP

The site of an ancient asteroid strike within the Davenport Ranges have morphed into a watery oasis in the middle of central Australia. Located nearby to Tennant Creek, the Davenport Ranges National Park is host to numerous species of water birds as well as unique species of fish who have adapted to living in the permanent waterholes that litter the parkland. Hire a 4WD from Tennant Creek, pack a tent and enjoy! parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

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TRAVELWEEKENDER

The big red This is The Red Centre in 72 hours

Photos: Tourism Queensland, Chris McLennan, Amber Toms, Simon Grimmett, Susan Wright

WORDS LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

DAY 1: xThe image of the Outback, the rugged interior of red sand desert, shimmering in the intense heat is an enduring symbol of Australia for people around the world. Even if, for most Australians, the reality of our lives are as cosmopolitan and removed from the red sands of the Northern Territory as any Englishman, European or American's is, we are still proud of the Outback. It is one of the most ancient landscapes found anywhere on the planet and it is as beautiful in its isolation as it is unique. 7:00: Getting to Alice Springs used to be a pain, having to fly in via Darwin or Adelaide, but now Tiger Airways (tigerairways.com.au) fly directly from both Sydney and Melbourne into Alice Springs for around $100. Gaze out the window and admire the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges as you come in to land on the runway. There is no sight quite like the sun coming up over Alice Springs from the air. 8:00: While Alice Springs has come on in leaps and bounds in terms of development in the last few years, it is still very much a regional town. That's not to say the food is terrible, especially not breakfast. Red Dog Cafe might be located in the Todd Mall, which is really part of the Coles group but it serves a big breakfast (think eggs, sausages, bacon, fried tomatoes and all the rest) for less than $10 and the coffee here is pretty good too. 9:00: Head over to your hostel for the next 24 or so hours, the Pioneer YHA (yha.com.au) is a very comfortable and affordable hostel in the heart of Alice, close to just about

everything. You can also get free internet. But there's no point hanging around there for too long, you need to get out and explore Alice. 11:00: Alice Springs is the capital of Aboriginal culture in Australia and one of the best ways to either acquaint yourself with the rich history of the native people of this land or to deepen your own understanding is to visit the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre (aboriginialart. com.au). Run by respected members of the local Aboriginal community, this is a great place to become immersed in 40,000 years of human culture told through Aboriginal art, music and story telling. They also conduct four hour bush tucker and walking tours, in case you've ever wanted to eat a witchetty grub. 15:00: The world famous regional medical service The Royal Flying Doctor Service (flyingdoctor.net) is based in Alice Springs, quite near to the town centre and do daily tours of the premises where they'll show you some of the aircraft. You could even meet a doctor or two. 19:00: After an exciting day in Alice you're probably feeling a little bit peckish by now. You may well be surprised to know that the Alice is home to an award winning restaurant in Ristorante Puccini's which makes delicious Italian food. While the locals will probably tell you this place is really expensive, considering the quality of the food available here, it isn't really. However if it does prove a bit pricey, there's a cheaper bistro on the premises.

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Plenty to see and do in Alice Springs

DAY 2: 9:00: This morning we will be pushing on, into the interior even further heading towards the outrageously beautiful, natural treasure that is Kings Canyon. A place that has fascinated and enchanted human beings for thousands of years. A place that has fascinated and enchanted human beings for thousands of years. The canyon is located about halfway between Alice and our eventual destination of Uluru and is, in its own way, as beautiful as anything else to be found in the Territory. 13:30: While Kings Canyon is definitely a tough part of the world to get to ,it's definitely worth the trek. The best place to stay is the Kings Canyon Resort (kingscanyonresort. com.au) which (for a resort) is very reasonably priced for a night. If you are driving or can't stump up the $199 for the night the resort also has a campsite which is much more reasonable. From reception you can also organise walking tours, camel rides, motorbike and quad bike hire and even bird watching hikes. The beauty of the Canyon will leave you speechless. If not, you'll certainly be breathless. 15:00: First thing to do after you've settled in is to get a look at the place from above. Helicopter Tours run on the premises and give you a wonderful perspective of the glorious Canyon in all it's magnificent beauty. 17:00: Guided walking tours are often best during the morning, but the hotel runs a good tour around sunset as well. Go off by yourself or with a guide. 20:00: Dinner and a few beers at the Desert Oaks Bistro

Getting picky at the markets

Getting a bird's eye view of the terrain

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The backdrop might look fake, but the booze is real

Photos: Tourism NT, Getty Images, TNT Archives

Kata Tjuta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its sheer size makes it hard to capture in just one photo

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before a few cleansing ales to finish things off with some new friends at the Thirsty Dingo Bar, try not to bring your baby though... DAY 3: 9:00: Up bright and early for the final, and arguably the best part of your trip. Today you will be seeing two of the Northern Territory's most prized natural rock formations. One of which is internationally famous, and indeed is something of visual metaphor for Australia as a whole. The other, though, is distinctly less known. It is the achingly beautiful, if somewhat alien Kata Tjuta (known colloquially as The Olgas). Three pillars stand tall out of the baking, red sands of the desert some 30 kilometers west of its more famous cousin. 14:00: After taking a quick bite to eat on the way and gazing out at the awe-inspiring desert landscape on your drive, you will by now have reached the Kata Tjuta. Located within the same national park as Uluru, Kata Tjuta is in many ways more impressive than the more famous rock itself. The highest point of the big, red dome shaped formations stand over 1,000 metres above sea level, and there are 36 individual rocks that make up the whole formation. 15:00: Jump back in the car/bus for the last 20 odd kilometers to our final spot, the peerless Uluru set deep in the heart of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (environment.gov.au). The most beautiful, awe inspiring, brilliant sight to be found anywhere in Australia. 19:00: To go through all the activities available to travellers and tourists in and around the great rock would take up more space than this whole article has been devoted to. Just enjoy it, because it is unlike anything you'll ever experience.

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TRAVEL AGENTS Adventure Travel Bugs 07 3236 3266, adventuretravelbugs.com

Bottom Bits Bus Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, bottombitsbus.com.au Bunyip Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 286 947, bunyiptours.com

Backpackers World Travel 1800 997 325 backpackersworld.com Peter Pans Adventure Travel 1800 669 424, peterpans.com.au Travellers Contact Point 1800 647 640, travellers.com.au Tribal Adventure Travel 1800 984 484, tribaltravel.com.au

Cool Dingos Fraser Island Tours 1800 072 555, cooldingotour.com Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com Groovy Grape Getaways Tours linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au

YHA Travel 02 9261 111, yha.com.au

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Whitsundays sailing 07 4940 2007 WhitsundaysSailingAdventures. com.au Mojosurf Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 113 044, mojosurf.com Nullarbor Traveller Tours from Adelaide and Perth 1800 816 858, the-traveller.com.au Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com

Heading Bush Adelaide to Alice Springs outback tours 1800 639 933, headingbush.com

Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au

Jump Tours Tours around Tasmania 0422 130 630, jumptours.com

The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

Airliebeach.com Whitsundays packages 1800 677 119, airliebeach.com

Kakadu Dream Kakadu tours 1800 813 266, urlm.co.uk/kakadudreams.com. au

Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

Autopia Tours Tours around Victoria 03 9391 0261, autopiatours.com.au

Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours Adelaide to KI tours 13 13 01, kiadventuretours.com.au

Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages 1800 293 7663, awesomeoz.com

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventures South Australia 1800 786 386, surfandsun.com.au

TOUR FIRMS Adventure Tours Australia-wide tours 1800 068 886, adventuretours.com.au

Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au Western Xposure WA tours 08 9414 8423, westernxposure.com.au Wilderness 4WD Adventures

Top end tours 1800 808 288, wildernessadventures.com.au

Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

Wildlife Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 661 730, wildlifetours.com.au

TRANSPORT CO

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan Rentals) 1800 809 944 mightycampers.com.au

Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline. 131 538,

jetstar.com.au

Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast. 13 34 10, premierms.com.au

Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangrentacar.com.au

Qantas Airline. 13 13 13, qantas.com.au

Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Regional Express Airline. 13 17 13, rex.com.au

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo. 02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.com.au Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, redlinecoaches.com.au Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

With great fares every day! . . . why not travel PREMIER class! Climate control air-conditioning • Experienced Coach Captains • Panoramic glare free windows • Comfy reclining seats Onboard video entertainment • Washroom • State of the art safety features • Seat belts

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• Flexible travel on a budget to suit you • One, three and six month PaSSeS available • Daily ServiceS from Melbourne to cairns

MElbOuRnE • SydnEy • byROn bay • GOld COaSt bRISbanE • aIRlIE bEaCh • MISSIOn bEaCh • CaIRnS

www.premierms.com.au or phone 13 13 34 34 10 10 www.premierms.com.au or ph backpackers ad 173 x 122mm.indd 1

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NSWLISTINGS SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718 stayatbase.com

CHECK IN

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9281 6030 bighostel.com

SYDNEYMUSIC Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222 bouncehostel.com.au

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au Eva’s Backpackers 6-8 Orwell Street Kings Cross 02 9358 2185, evasbackpackers.com.au City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111 yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills. 02 9261 1111 Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi Shores Level 1. 283 Bondi Road, Bondi bondishores.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi. 02 9387 2162, Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

WORLD SQUARE HOSTEL 2/640 George St Sydney. Beds from $26 Right smack bang in the heart of Sydney CBD, World Square is not just a place to stay and meet people, but a great base for sightseeing.

Sydney, CBD

worldsquarehostel.com.au

Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee. 02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418,yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneytowereye.com.au Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au

The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba. 02 4782 1416, yha.com.au

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle. 02 4925 3544, yha.com.au Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal. 02 4384 1919, yha.com.au The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

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BYRON BAY Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 6685 7709, nomadshostels.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 666 237, nomadshostels.com Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. 1800 678 195 yha.com.au Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

COFFS HARB Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 02 6652 6462, yha.com.au Harbour City Holiday Park 123 Pacific Highway coffsholidaypark.com.au Hoey Moey Backpackers 80 Ocean Pde hoeymoey.com.au Solitary Islands Marine Resort North St, Wooli NSW 1462 1800 003 031 solitaryislandsresort.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD. 02 9288 7888, wakeup.com.au

SYDNEY DO Manly Surf School Manly Beach. 02 9977 6977, manlysurfschool.com Maritime Museum Darling Harbour. anmm.gov.au My Sydney Detour Unique city tours. mysydneydetour.com Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

GLEBE A Sydney inner western suburb, Glebe is very cool with something of a ‘crusty’ edge – think organic cafes and feminist bookshops, thanks in large part to being where the majority of the city’s students are based. It’s also a backpacker centre, with lots of cheap eats and plenty of cafes and pubs. Not only that, but it boasts the grungie, more alternative of the markets in town (Saturdays in the schoolyard on Glebe Point Road).

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BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com

Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com

CHECK IN

Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace. 07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

BRISBANE DO Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah. 07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, katarzyna.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3377 7061 Base Uptown Cnr George & Herschel Sts.

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au

COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr McLean St &, Griffith St, Coolangatta. Dorms from $29 Escape the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise at this chilled out, friendly hostel just minutes from the beach. Free surfboard hire too.

Coolangatta 1800 24 2273

coolangattasandshostel.com.au

stayatbase.com

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St yha.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point. 1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb. com.au

The Elephant Arms 230 Wickham St elephantarms.com.au Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au The Palace Backpackers

XXXX Brewery Tours & Ale House Brewery tours. Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton. 07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com. au

GOLD COAST

Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise. 1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise. 1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au Coolangatta Kirra Beach YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga. 07 5536 76442, yha.com.au Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise. 1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers. 1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers. com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

W H I TS U ND A YS 3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven Beach, top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks. P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

Photo: Tourism Queensland

CA P E TR I B U LA TI O N MAGNETIC ISLAND Magnetic Island is situated 8km and a 20-minute ferry ride offshore from Townsville. Over half the 52sq-km island is a national park and bird sanctuary. The island boasts several picturesque beaches and bays, accessible either by walking trails or by hiring a Mini Moke beach buggy from the ferry terminal at Nelly Bay. Horseshoe Bay is the main tourist strip, comprising bars, cafes, luxury resorts and hostels alike.

Ask about our 2 trip special deal with our sister company OCEAN SAFARI - www.oceansafari.com.au

Great Barrier Reef - Half Day Snorkel Tour

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QLDLISTINGS Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise. 07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 1800 100 004, trekkersbackpackers.com.au Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, nomadsworld.com Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 07 5532 9907 Seaworld

seaworld.com.au

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

RAINBOW BEACH Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com

Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba. 1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com

1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au Barefoot Lodge Long Island barefootlodge.com.au

Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com

Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay yha.com.au

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

Cool Dingo’s Rainbow Beach 20 Spectrum St dingosresort.com

HERVEY BAY Aussie Woolshed 181 Torquay Rd 07 4124 0677 woolshedbackpackers.com.au Next at Hervey Bay 10 Bideford St. 1800 102 989, nextbackpackers.com.au Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay, 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

Zorb 07 5547 6300

SUNSHINE CST

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FRASER ISLAND Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay,

Dropbear Adventures Williams Ave, Fraser Island. QLD +61 487 333 606 dropbearadventures.com.au Frasers On Rainbow Beach 195 Torquay Terrace, Torquay, flashpackersherveybay.com Kingfisher Bay Resort River Heads Road, Fraser Island kingfisherbay.com Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park 21 Denmans Camp Road, Scarness, Hervey Bay frasercoasttouristpark.com.au Fraser Island Backpackers Cathedral Beach, Fraser Island fraserislandco.com.au Fraser’s on Rainbow 18 Spectrum Av, Rainbow Beach

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

frasersonrainbow.com The Friendly Hostel 182 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay friendlyhostel.com.au Woolshed Backpackers 181 Torquay Road woolshedbackpackers.com.au

BUNDABERG Federal Backpackers 221 Bourbong St. 07 4153 3711 federalbackpackers.com.au Northside Backpackers 12 Queen St. 07 4154 1166 Bundaberg Bondstore Distillery tours. 07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

TOWN OF 1770 1770 Backpackers 6 Captain Cook Dr. 1800 121 770, the1770backpackers.com 1770 Undersea Adventures 1300 553 889, 1770underseaadventures.com

AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 247 251, yha.com.au Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 624 634 magnums.com.au

BOWEN Bowen Backpackers Beach end of Herbert St. 07 4786 3433 bowenbackpackers.net

TOWNSVILLE

Photo: Tourism Queensland

Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com

NOOSA Noosa is located on Australia’s east coast and is home to several beautiful beaches, a stunning coast line, national park and pristine river as well as many events spread out over the calendar year. The list is endless when visiting Noosa, they range from visiting the World Famous Eumundi Markts, shopping and dining on Hasting Street, soaking up the sun on Noosa beach or even going for a surf on one of Australia’s best surfing breaks, watching the sunset at Noosa River. And it doesn’t stop there, the town offers visitors the chance to be pampered at a day spa, take a walk trough the national park out to the headland or hire water equipment such as jet ski’s. It really is one of Australia’s best playgrounds.

Adrenalin Dive. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

MAGNETIC IS Base Magnetic Island

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1 Nelly Bay Rd. 1800 24 22 73, stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshow Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177, hotelaracadia.com.au Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au Jackaroo Hostel Mission Beach Frizelle Rd, Bingil Bay jackaroohostel.com Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.com.au

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bhacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353 bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton Street. 1800 229 228, northerngreenhouse.com.au

CAIRNS DO AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon swinging. 1800 622 888 cairns.ajhackett.com Pro Dive 07 4031 5255 prodivecairns.com Raging Thunder Adventures Whitewater rafting. 07 4030 7990, ragingthunder.com.au Skydive Cairns POBOX 105N Cairns

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er.

. E R E H Y L L A IN F E ’R U O Y

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

Backpackers 40% off ALL economy rail fares* Get more out of your Queensland adventure with these great value fares for overseas backpackers and you can enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

LIAʼS N TO DIVE WITH AUSTRA TAKE THE PLUNGE, LEAR LS NA SIO ES VE PROF GREAT BARRIER REEF DI

Spirit of Queensland The Sunlander Tilt Train Spirit of the Outback The Westlander The Inlander Connecting Coach Connecting City Network

Thursday Island

Bamaga

Lizard Island

Cape York Peninsula Green Island

Cairns

QUEENSLAND Mount Isa

Cloncurry

Our 5 Day PADI Open water course is the most popular way to do it.

Townsville

Longreach Barcaldine

Whitsunday Islands

Proserpine

Hughenden

Winton

ree ked d er

Magnetic Island

Charters Towers

Julia Creek

Great Barrier Reef

Tully

Airlie Beach Mackay

Drummond Range Emerald Alpha

Pacific Ocean

Yeppoon Heron Island

Rockhampton

Gladstone

Bundaberg Charleville Quilpie

Mitchell

Cunnamulla

Maryborough West Gympie Toowoomba

Lady Elliot Island Fraser Island

Hervey Bay Sunshine Coast

Brisbane Gold Coast

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We also specialise in Liveaboard dive trips and all levels of dive education.

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Book your backpacker rail fares at queenslandrailtravel.com.au

www.prodivecairns.com

Terms and conditions: *To receive the discount international backpackers must hold a current passport with an international address. Discounts of 40% applies to economy, premium economy and business seat fares. These fares exclude Australian resident backpackers who receive up to 10% discounts off the rail fare. For full terms and conditions and other fares available ask your travel agent or visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Queensland Rail ABN 68 598 268 528 Travel Agent Lic. No. QLD 327 4957 QR3789.37_87x245_1113

SHOP: Cnr Shields & Grafton Sts, Cairns FREECALL: 1800 353 213 PHONE: +617 4031 5255 RES: info@prodivecairns.com tntdownunder.com 05. 738 50-67 SECTIONS OZ.indd 55

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QLDLISTINGS 07 4052 1822, skydivecairns.com.au

CAPE TRIB Crocodylus Village Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Rd, Cow Bay. 07 4098 9166, crocodyluscapetrib.com PK’s Jungle Village Cnr Avalon & Cape Trib Rd. 1800 232 333, pksjunglevillage.com.au

INNISFAIL IInnisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337 Walkabout Motel & ackpackers 07 4061 2311 walkaboutbackpackers.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS Parrotfish Backpackers Resort 37 Warner St, Kuranda. 07 4099 5011, parrotfishlodge.com

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 07 4094 8313

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Cape Kimberly Rd. 1800 466 444

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA STAY Flashpackers Noosa 102 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach flashpackersnoosa.com Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr Noosa Inland nomadsworld.com Noosa Backpackers 9-13 William St, Noosaville noosabackpackers.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au Dolphins Beach House Noosa 14 – 16 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com

NOOSA DO Australia Zoo 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Sunshine Coast

australiazoo.com The Discovery Group Noosa Everglades thediscoverygroup.com.au Drop Bear Adventures Fraser Island from Noosa dropbearadventures.com.au Kanu Kapers Australia Noosa Everglades kanukapersaustralia.com Noosa Learn to Surf Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Heads learntosurf.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS Dougies Backpackers Resort 111 Davidson St dougies.com.au

codgelodge.com Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266 Innisfail Budget Backpackers 125 Edith St facebook.com/Innisfail-BudgetBackpackers-Hostel Farm work, Innisfail 0437 692 002

AGNES WATER 1770 Beachside Backpacker 12 Captain Cook Drive independentbackpackers.com 1770 Southern Cross Backpackers 2694 Round Hill Rd 1770southerncross.com

ROCKHAMPTON

Global Port Douglas 38 Macrossan St globalbackpackerscairns.com. au/port-douglas

Emu Park Resort 92 Patterson St, Emu Park emusbeachresort.com

Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com

Rockhampton Backpackers YHA 60 Macfarlane St yha.com.au

Port O’Call YHA 7 Craven Close portocall.com.au

Childers Eco-Lodge Off the Princess Highway childersecolodge.com.au

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St

SUNSHINE COAST Cotton Tree Beachouse

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15 the Esplanade cottontreebackpackers.com

TOWNSVILLE Adventurers Backpackers 79 Palmer St adventurersresort.com Civic Guest House Backpackers Hostel 262 Walker St civicguesthousetownsville. com.au Foreign Exchange Accommodation Beachside 19 Eyre St, North Ward foreignx.com.au

MACKAY Gecko’s Rest 34 Sydney St geckosrest.com.au

MAGNETIC IS Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd stayatbase.com Bungalow Bay Koala Village YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd bungalowbay.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FRASER ISLAND

Known as a backpacker hotspot, the world’s largest sand island is also awesome for 4-wheel-driving., camping, dingo spotting and snorkelling. And building sand castles of course. Get yourself on a self-drive tour for the real fraser experience. You and up to eight new friends are assigned to a vehicle that gets you around and carries the camp gear usually for three days/two nights.

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

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VICLISTINGS

like us on

MELBOURNE STAY

CHECK IN

All Nations Nomads 2 Spencer St. 03 9620 1022, nomadsworld.com.au

Lords Lodge Backpackers 167 Franklin St lordslodge.com

Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

66-90 Victoria Parade, Melbourne. Dorms from $29 This top-notch accommodation is centrally located near Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square and Chinatown.

Melbourne

homehostels.com.au

66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212 homemansion.com.au

Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 03 9329 7525 discovery melbourne.com

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, homethostels.com.au

Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au

Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.com.au

College Lawn Hotel 36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au

HOME AT THE MANSION

Melbourne International Backpackers 204 Punt Rd, Prahran mibp.com.au

$22 $ Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au

Home at the Mansion

Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au

The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, spencerbackpackers.com.au

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au

Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane. 1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

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Claremont Guesthouse 189 Toorak Rd, South Yarra hotelclaremont.com City Centre Budget Hotel 22-30 Little Collins St citycentrebudgethotel.com

Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au

King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au

St Arnaud 99 Park St, South Yarra, starnaudguesthouse.com

The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St spencerbackpackers.com.au

The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au Urban Central 334 City Road, Southbank urbancentral.com.au

Victoria Hotel Backpackers Victoria Hotel, 380 Victoria St vichotelbrunswick.com.au

Maximum 4 bed dormitories with linen and towel

FREE all you can eat breakfast (cereal, toast and j weekly meal, rice and pasta, tea and coffee FREE in room oversized locker with personal power point 5 minute walk to city

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FITZROY This edgy little suburb in Melbourne boasts a higher density of pubs than anywhere else in the state. If that’s not reason enough to stay, the street performances, bookshops, café culture and alternative music venues will keep you amused by day and long into the night. Brunswick Street is where you’ll find most of the action – and it’s best to follow your nose and discover the suburb in your own time.

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Book1800 Now 180 Book Now UC103

5 minute walk to Public transport on d

UC103

Photo: Tourism Victoria

UC103

FREE inbound tr

UC 103 TNT $22 175x122.

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Stay. Play. Melbourne.

2 $22 $24

Beds from $24 per night Monday to Thursday

Accommodation from $2 Accommodation from $22 a night (subject to availability) *Subject to availability

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Free breakfast Free pasta, rice, tea & coffee 5 minute walk to city al Free Weekly meal Large bar with big screen Free linen & towel (all major sporting events shown) Maximum spacious 4 bed dormitories Drink specials at the bar Oversized locker with personal power point (subject to availability) transport Public on doorstep Public transport on doorstep value tour Unique 5 minute walkpackages to city Short tram ride to St Kilda bed dormitories with linen and towel Accommodation from $22 a night Less than 5 walk to and juice), u can eat breakfast (cereal, toast minute (subject to availability) supermarkets and shops l, rice and pasta, tea and coffee Accommodation from $22 a night (subject to availability) discounts m oversized lockerLocal with personal Maximum 4 bed dormitories with linen and towel t 24 hour security FREE all you can eat breakfast (cereal, toast and juice), imum 4 bed dormitories with linen and towel alk to city Book meal,communal weekly rice and pasta, kitchen tea and coffee Large andurbancentral.com.au laundry facilities Now 334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE V E breakfast (cereal, toast and juice), FREE in room oversized locker with personal with big screen kly meal, rice and pasta, tea and coffee Large bar with big screen power point porting events shown) E in room oversized locker with personal (all major sporting events shown) er point 5 minute walk to city als at the bar E inbound transfer (conditions apply) Drink specials at the bar bar with Large big screen nute walk to city port on doorstep major sporting (allUnique events shown) value tour packages power point

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334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA 334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE

631 288 urbancentral.com.au

VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA

334 CITY ROAD SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE VIC 3006 AUSTRALIA 19/5/10 16:49:37

29/01/2014 6/08/13 9:10 9:58PM pm

VICLISTINGS ST KILDA Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com Base St Kilda 17 Carlisle St stayatbase.com Coffee Palace Backpackers 24 Grey St coffeepalacebackpackers.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au The Ritz for Backpackers 109 Barkly St ritzbackpackers.com St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St stkildabeachhouse.com.au

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square. 03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au

Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au

Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02

melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.com.au

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 2508, yha.com.au Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie. 03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au Sorrento YHA

3 Miranda St, Sorrento. 03 5984 4323, yha.com.au Tortoise Head Lodge French Island. 03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

MURRAY RIVER Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca. 03 5480 6522, yha.com.au Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura. 03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

GIPPSLAND Prom Country Backpackers 03 5682 2614 Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra. 1800 101 113 maffra.net.au/hostel

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PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA 97 Church St, Cowes. 03 5952 3620, yha.com.au The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com. au

GRAMPIANS Grampians YHA Eco Hostel Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4543, yha.com.au Tim’s Place 44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap. 03 5356 4288, timsplace.com.au

MILDURA Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue milduracitybackpackers.com.au

STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade yha.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WILSONS PROMONTORY This granite peninsula, about three hours from Melbourne, forms the southern-most tip of mainland Australia and also happens to be Victoria’s largest area of coastal wilderness. Sealed off during World War II so that commandos could happily practice blowing each other up without disturbing the locals , the ‘Prom’ is a great national park, packed with scenic ocean walks, beautiful beaches and loads of animals, especially wombat and mobs of roos. For sublime views of the entire rugged coastline, try and stagger to the top of Mt Oberon.

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SALISTINGS

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ADELAIDE The capital of the grand, old state of South Australia as well as being Australia’s fifth-largest city – Adelaide is an absolute mover and shaker when it comes to culture, food and live entertainment. Things like the Fringe Festival, WOMAdelaide and the Adelaide Festival of the Arts have more or less cemented the city’s reputation as being at the forefront of the Australian cultural scene (perhaps alongside Melbourne and Hobart). Generally warm year round, with miles upon miles of beautiful beaches and near to some of the best wine and produce in the country, Adelaide is an amazing place to spend some time.

ADELAIDE STAY Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, abpi.com.au Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

08 8300 3800 adelaideoval.com.au

barossa backpackers.com.au

Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd. 08 8267 3255, zoossa.com.au

COOBER PEDY Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours. 153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au

Radeka Down Under 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au

Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg. 04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

Riba’s Underground 1811 William Creek Rd. 08 8672 5614, camp-underground.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road, Tanunda. 08 8563 0198,

KANGAROO IS Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw. 08 8553 1344 yha.com.au

Vivonne Bay Lodge 66 Knofel Drive, Vivonne Bay 13 13 01 sealink.com.au

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri. 08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton. 08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray. 1800 665 166, nomadsworld.com Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

CHECK IN

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au

Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive.

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims. 08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving. 08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au Nullarbor Traveller Tours across to Perth. 1800 816 858 the-traveller.com.au

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Great white shark cage diving. 08 8363 1788 rodneyfox.com.au

My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au

ADELAIDE DO

EYRE PENINSULA Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny. 08 8687 0411 coodliepark.com

Port Lincoln Tourist Park 11 Hindmarsh St. 08 8621 4444, portlincolntouristpark.com.au

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com

Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

FLEURIEU PEN Port Elliot Beach House YHA 13 The Strand, Port Elliot. 08 8554 2785 yha.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES MINIMA HOTEL

146 Melbourne St, North Adelaide. Beds from $26 This is a stylish, modern sleek new budget accommodation option for slightly well-to-do backpackers in Adelaide. Many of the rooms each have their own specific artistic theme from local Adelaide artists. North Adelaide

majestichotels.com.au

Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842, angorichinavillage.com.au Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004, wilpenapound.com.au

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WALISTINGS PERTH STAY Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbritannia.com Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.com Backpack City and Surf 41-43 Money St backpacker.com.au Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au Easy Perth Backpackers 4 Francis Street, Northbridge

easyperthbackpackers.com.au Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St (08) 9421 1123 Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 - 77 Aberdeen St,

follow us on Northbridge bambu.net.au Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe woceanbeachbackpackers.com Perth Beach YHA & Indigo Net Cafe 256 West Coast Hwy, Scarbrough yha.com.au Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St, Northbridge shiralee.com.au Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, undergroundbackpackers.com.au Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St East Perth (08) 9325 6398 YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

PERTH DO Aquarium of Western Australia 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys. 08 9447 7500, aqwa.com.au Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au Perth Mint 310 Hay St. 08 9421 7223, perthmint.com.au

Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au

FREO STAY Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St.

Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com

Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au

PERTH MUSIC

Astor liveattheastor.com.au

Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, oldfirestation.com.au

FREO DO

Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. 08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au

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Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace. 08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

ROTTNEST ISL Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks. 08 9372 9780, yha.com.au Rottnest Express 1 Emma Place North Fremantle 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

MARGARET RIVER Margaret River Lodge YHA

Photo: SATC

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE LIMESTONE COAST The locals joke that this section of South Australia was 26 million years in the making. In fact, the Limestone Coast was formed over millions of years by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor. The Limestone Coast is book-ended by rivers – the Murray River and the Glenelg River – and is the only area in the state to be on the World Heritage List. The mysterious Blue Lake in Mount Gambier forms part of the Volcanic Discovery Trail and is the water aquifier system that sustains the region’s outstanding food and wine production.

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$27fully ensuited from

per night

with

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WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN WA 2007 WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN WA 2007 FINALIST 2008-2013 FINALIST 2008,2009,2010 & 2011

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WALISTINGS 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au

@tnt_downunder Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

CHECK IN

Surfpoint 12 Riedle Drive Prevally 08 9757 1777 surfpoint.com.au

Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth. 08 9949 1200, yha.com.au

ALBANY

BROOME STAY

Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au

Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road. 1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com

Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruize-inn.com

Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

CORAL BAY

MONKEY MIA

Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Monkey Mia Road Monkey Mia 1800 653 611, monkeymia.com.au

NINGALOO REEF Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au Ningaloo Club

ESPERANCE Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Rd, yha.com.au

PIRATES BACKPACKERS 11 Essex Street, Fremantle. Dorms from $24. A family owned and small, lively hostel in the heart of Freo. Outdoor fire pit and spa for chilly nights and plenty of activities year round.

Fremantle

piratesbackpackers.com.au

EXMOUTH Pete’s Exmouth Backpackers YHA Cnr Truscott Cres & Murat Rd yha.com.au

Book online at www.integritycoachlines.com.au or call 08 9274 7464 (1800 226 339 free call W.A only)

HOP ON HOP OFF TICKET PERTH TO BROOME WITH UNLIMITED STOPS IN ONE DIRECTION FROM $329!

Your “Hopper” ticket is valid for 12 months! Lots of time to explore the wonders of W.A. like Monkey Mia, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Kalbarri, Broome and many more. With discounts for YHA, VIP & Nomad members, Integrity Coach Lines is well-priced, reliable and a great way to see Western Australia! Check us out online at integritycoachlines.com.au

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LAUNCESTON DO

HOBART STAY Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au

CHECK IN

Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au Centre for Beer Lovers Boag’s Brewery, 39 William St. 03 6332 6300, boags.com.au

Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery 2 Invermay Rd & 2 Wellington St. 03 6323 3777, qvmag.tas.gov.au

Narrara Backpackers 88 Goulburn St. 03 6234 8801, narrarabackpackers.com

Tasmania Zoo 1166 Ecclestone Rd. 03 6396 6100, tasmaniazoo.com.au

Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

HOBART DO Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.tas.gov.au

DEVONPORT TRANSIT BACKPACKERS 251 Liverpool St, Hobart. Dorms from $19 This hostel provides twin, double and a full range of share rooms, large guest lounge, games area and kitchen amenities.

Hobart

transitbackpackers.com

PORT ARTHUR Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tours 1800 659 101, portarthur.org.au

LAUNCESTON Arthouse Backpacker Hostel 20 Lindsay St. 1800 041 135, arthousehostel.com.au

Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au Lloyds Hotel 23 George St. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

Tasman Backpackers 114 Tasman St. 03 6423 2335, tasmanbackpackers.com.au

BICHENO Bicheno Backpackers 11 Morrison St. 03 6375 1651, bichenobackpackers.com Bicheno Penguin Tours 03 6375 1333, bichenopenguintours.com.au

CRADLE MTN Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574 discoveryholidayparks.com.au

Mt Roland Budget Backpacker Rooms 1447 Claude Rd, Gowrie Park. 03 6491 1385

CRADLE DO Devils at Cradle Tassie devil sanctuary. 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. 03 6492 1491. devilsatcradle.com Overland Track Six-day walk parks.tas.gov.au

FREYCINET Iluka Backpackers YHA Reserve Rd. 03 6257 0115, yha.com.au Freycinet National Park Brewery, Wineglass Bay camping. 03 6256 7000 wineglassbay.com

STRAHAN, Strahan YHA 43 Harvey St. 03 6471 7255, yha.com

STRAHAN DO Wild Rivers Jet Jet Boat Cruises. 0364717396 wildriversjet.com.au Water by Nature Extreme multiday whitewater rafting. 1800 111 142, franklinrivertasmania.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GORDON DAM Daredevils can test their nerve by abseiling the 140m (as in 6m higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge) sheer face of the giant Gordon Dam, in Tasmania’s west. The operator claims it’s the worlds highest commercial abseil, no less. 3:05 PMhe full day trip costs $210. While in the area, you can also go whitewater rafting, caving and kayaking.

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NTLISTINGS

DARWIN STAY Banyan View Lodge Darwin 119 Mitchell St. 08 8981 8644, banyanviewlodge.com.au

KATHERINE STAY

CHECK IN

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road. 1800 501 984, big4.com.au

Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St. 08 8981 5385, yha.com.au

Airborne Solutions Scenic helicopter flights. 08 8972 2345 airbornesolutions.com.au

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com

MELALEUCA ON MITCHELL

52 Mitchell Street, Darwin. Dorms from $25 Located on Mitchell Street in the heart of the city allowing for easy access to the best things Darwin has to offer. Multi award winning too!

Youth Shack 69 Mitchell St. 1300 793 302, youthshack.com.au

DARWIN DO Crocosaurus Cove Crocodile park and cage of death. 58 Mitchell St. 08 8981 7522, crocosauruscove.com Deckchair Cinema Jervois Rd, Darwin Waterfront. 08 8981 0700, deckchaircinema.com.au

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive. 08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au

KATHERINE DO

Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au

Darwin

momdarwin.com.au

Fannie Bay Gaol Heritage prison. East Point Road, Fannie Bay. 08 8941 2260, nt.gov.au Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher St, Bullocky Point. 08 8999 8264, magnt.nt.gov.au

Oz Jet Boating Stokes Hill Wharf. 1300 135 595, ozjetboating.com.au Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River. 08 8978 9077, jumpingcrocodile.com.au Wave Lagoon Waterfront Precinct. waterfront.nt.gov.au

Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards. 9 Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.com.au

Nitmiluk Tours Gorge cruises and kayak hire. 1300 146 743 nitmiluktours.com.au

TENNANT CREEK Tourist Rest Leichardt St. 08 8962 2719, touristrest.com.au

Outback Ballooning Hot air balloon rides. 1800 809 790, outbackballooning.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum and operations room. Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 1129, flyingdoctor.net

ALICE SPRINGS Alice Lodge 4 Mueller St. 08 8953 1975, alicelodge.com.au Alice Springs YHA Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Tce. 08 8952 8855, yha.com.au Annie’s Place 4 Traeger Ave. 1800 359 089, anniesplacebackpackers.com

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive. 1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au Toddy’s Resort 41 Gap Rd. 1800 027 027, toddys.com.au

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Giles St. 1800 626 722

Elkes Backpackers 112 Mitchell St. 1800 808 365, elkesbackpackers.com.au

@tnt_downunder

School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum. 80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au The Rock Tour Uluru tours. 78 Todd St. 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MACDONNELL RANGES If you’re in the Alice Springs-Uluru area, a trip to these ranges should be on your to-do list. Sweeping for over 400km, the ranges form a rugged red barrier across the vast central Australian plain, consisting of mainly long, steep-sided ridges that rise 100m to 600m above the valley floors. You’ll also see deep gorges carved by ancient rivers that head south into the Simpson Desert. Just make sure you stock up on fuel.

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NTLISTINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS) Experience Aboriginal history first hand with a breathtaking visit to Kata Tjuta. Situated not far from the Yulara region, the rock-based dome formations got their name from the largest one, Mount Olga. Mount Olga is about 1066m high, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 198m higher than Uluru. Created from a mix of cobbles, boulders, granite and sandstone, the red colour is an unforgettable sight for all. Jump on a tour to learn all about the Aboriginal traditions and how many important ceremonies were, and still are, performed here, mainly at nightfall. The whole area is a national park, so there is plenty to stop off and see along the way. The bright red sand and Spinifex plants are among the main attractions that 500,000 tourists see every year.

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TRAVEL NZ AUCKLAND FEATURE | SI TOP 10 | NZ LISTINGS | IMAGE OF THE MONTH

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty

ROBOTS ROCK It’s not every day you see a couple of robots on the red carpet. Hey though, it’s Daft Punk at the Grammys!

INSIDE

COME ON DOWN

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When it’s summer in New Zealand you should be heading south! We give you a comprehensive list of activities 68

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY /78

NZ ESSENTIALS

New Zealand’s biggest city is garnering a great reputation not just as a hot night spot but as an adrenaline junkie’s paradise too

Need a place to stay, to go or something to do in New Zealand? We’ve done all the leg work for you, so you can just enjoy

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your r o f n o i tures modat accom aland adven e New Z o access

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The high road: Nothing better than getting back to nature

Southbound and down After we heaped so much praise on spending summer in the North Island last issue, we’re giving the south some love now WORDS: HUGH RADOJEV + RORY PLATT

I feel I need to make a few apologies. In the last issue of TNT – our January issue – I may have written that when it’s summer in New Zealand the only place to be is in the North Island. I know I wrote that because I remember writing it and it has haunted me ever since. Angry emails, Facebook posts and crushing guilt have stalked me ever since I sent those pages to the printer and I’ve lain awake at night, sweat pouring down my brow and wondered to my self ‘how can I make this right?’ So, without further ado, let me present to you dear readers, TNT’s ode to summer in the South Island. Because – as we all know (now) – it doesn’t 70

matter necessarily which of New Zealand’s beautiful islands you find yourself on when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, so long as you’re there in the first place. We love the South Island as well, more than we can say! The South Island is not only New Zealand’s biggest, it’s also its most picturesque in terms of the scope of its natural, rugged splendour. It’s absolutely stunning, no kidding! Anybody who has been there for themselves will tell you that. We’ve had some of our best times in New Zealand down South! It’s also chock full of incredible

summertime activities for you and I to enjoy! Have you been kayaking in the Abel Tasman, cruising on the glassy blue waters of Milford Sound or seen the humpbacks breach from the shoreline or deck of a boat at Kaikoura? No? Gee, we haven’t even touched on Queenstown or Christchurch yet. In other words, there’s so much that we missed out on for our first summer edition, so that’s why we’re trying to make it up to you guys now. Bring your sunscreen, a broad brimmed hat and a certain sense of ‘devil-maycare’ attitude to somewhat dangerous adventure and let us inform.

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NEVIS UmeNtrGesY B 134 G IN W S NthEe woVIS rld’s biggest swing

Photos: Tourism New Zealand, Winter Festival

www.bungy.co.nz TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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A SHORT HISTORY OF QUEENSTOWN’S SHOTOVER JET.

SHOTOVER JET QUEENSTOWN P: 0800 802 804 E: reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz www.shotoverjet.com

SOUTH ISLAND TRAMPING

KAYAKING IN THE ABEL TASMAN

The South Island of New Zealand is nothing if not stunning. Some of the scenery; the mountains, fjords, valleys and craggy rock outcrops seriously need to be seen to be believed. The best way to see them is through the time honoured Kiwi tradition of ‘tramping’ (hiking, if you prefer). All you really need is a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a water bottle and, depending on how long you plan to go bush for, a tent. Tramping is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the South Island because you can do it at your own pace and in your own time. Prepare to be hypnotized by the places you go and the things you see. We never thought before we set out that it would be possible to fall completely in love with a mountain (oh, Mt Cook, you still haunt our dreams!) but hey, people never thought that the Earth was round and look how stupid that turned out to be. RP

Want to explore the beauty of a protected marine reserve? Wilsons Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking tours can help. These guys offer a range of packages, from three hours to five days. You have the freedom to create custom itineraries, add walking tours and overnight stays by the water. The Wilson family is one of few to hold a Tonga Island Marine Mammal Watching Permit, so get ready to see some local animals! The team at Wilson’s Kayaking in the region are also so committed to preservation of the environment that they were the first to be awarded the Qualmark Enviro Gold. To receive this they had to ensure the company demonstrated effectiveness in energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation, also the inclusion of social and environmental impacts on local communities. New Zealand is beautiful and the good people at Wilson’ Kayaking are keeping it that way. Cost from $129 canopytours.co.nz

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1960 – 1970

1980 – 1990

2000 – 2013

Soon after Kiwi Bill Hamilton invented the ‘jet unit’, the Melhop brothers started a world first - commercial jet boating on the Shotover River raising money for Christian youth camps. Shotover Jet as we know it began operating in 1970 when Trevor Gamble bought the company - starting one of Queenstown and New Zealand’s first commercial adventure activities. With ‘Jet 53’ wooden boats carrying 5 passengers, Shotover Jet thrilled 1,480 customers in its first year.

Primarily for safety reasons, in 1987 the Shotover River Empowering Act granted Shotover Jet sole operating concession for the river’s canyon section, meaning Shotover Jet has exclusive rights and is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.

Shotover Jet has carried over 3 million passengers and from humble beginnings has developed as a world leader in commercial jet boating with iconic status as one of New Zealand’s foremost tourism operators. If you only do one thing in Queenstown - this is it.

ZIPTREK ECO-TOURS QUEENSTOWN

VISIT HISTORICAL ARROWTOWN

Suspended high above the ancient forests and jagged mountain peaks, a Ziptrek eco-tour is simply a must-do activity when visiting New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. The company run two separate tours; the four-line Moan and the longer, six-line Kea, Ziptrek offer you a rope-course experience like no other. The Kea is a three-hour long, highvelocity adventure that includes a stunning new 20-minute guided trek extension of the local Tiki Trail, an ancient Beech forest littered with platforms. The Moa is more of a highoctane series of death-defying flying fox runs through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Ziptrek tours are all 100 per cent eco-friendly and the company takes great pride in keeping the pristine natural environment of Queenstown unharmed by any of its operational activity. Cost from $79 ziptrek.com

This much visited historic sight is located a short 20 minute drive from New Zealand’s adrenalin sport capital, Queenstown in the South Island. Built on the banks of the Arrow River, Arrowtown started its life as a regional centre for gold mining in the 1860s. The famously beautiful, treelined avenues that typify the rustic aesthetic of the old town were first planted in the 1870s after the gold rush passed and a more permanent town was established. The town became a popular tourist destination in the 1950s and has continued in that vein up until the modern day mostly because it still boasts loads of historic buildings, monuments and features from the 19th century as well as a lovely old museum. Also worth a visit if you’re in the region is the old Chinese mining settlement, which features a number of preserved and refurbished miners huts.

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MOUNTAIN BIKING MILFORD SOUND The beautiful, deep blue glacial waters of the Milford Sound are perhaps best known as a place of quiet contemplation and of relaxed sightseeing. However, like just about everywhere else in New Zealand, if you want to take it up a notch and inject a little excitement and adrenaline into the place, you can definitely find ways of doing that. Does mountain biking work for everyone? There are plenty ways to skin this particular cat in this part of the world; you can do it gently, for example with a nice bike tour around some of the flatter parts. Just you and yours, cycling gently around one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. You can, if you’re keen also take the perpendicular route instead and hurtle down a couple of mountain trails. Ah yes, the wind in your helmet, tree branches whipping at your watering eyes and only the singing of the beautiful, local birds will drown out your terrified screams. Seriously it’s incredibly good fun!

SKYDIVE SOUTH ISLAND This is the sky diving capital of New Zealand. It’s definitely a spot that you will ‘fall for’ – get it? Fall for, because, you know, you’ll be jumping out of a plane… Yeah, anyway, if you’re going to Lake Taupo (be it in winter or summer) you’re going to be skydiving. Who in their right mind would want to jump out of a plane at 12,000 feet? You may well be asking this question to yourself. Well, the answer may well surprise you. A lot of people actually and not all of them have long, flaxen hair, tattoos and a propensity for calling everyone they meet ‘dude’. It’s an incredible odd sensation, skydiving – the nervous waiting as the plane ascends, the opening of the door and the rushing of the wind in your ears then the moment before the plunge… Tranquility after. Take the plunge with the 200km/hour jump is Lake Wanaka. You’ll receive uninterrupted views of Wanaka’s turquoise waterways, lakes and the highest mountains in the country. You won’t regret it, we promise! RP

BIG NIGHT OUT QUEENSTOWN So you’ve just arrived in Queenstown and you want to get a taste of the nightlife, but you have no clue where to start. Don’t fret, as Queenstown hosts the Big Night Out pub crawl where you’ll no doubt discover your favourite drinking destinations. Five is the magic number for the Big Night Out. Five different bars, five free drinks, five nights a week for NZ$25. Any night from Tuesday to Saturday you’ll be immersed in a huge pub crawl that, along with the drinks, also has free food and a bunch of prizes (including bungy jumps) up for grabs. Unfortunately a pub crawl is likely to result in a few memory lapses, but Big Night Out has you covered with photographers in charge of documenting every awesome and embarrassing act you might get up to on the night. Let Big Night Out do the ice breaking for you, make some new friends and have a great night out. Worstcase scenario is you end up drinking excessive amounts and embarrass yourself in front of a group of strangers...but hey, shit happens, right?. RP

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Also Available: doubtful Sound Cruise from $199 www.Goorange.co.nz 29/01/2014 9:14 pm 21/01/14 1:09 PM

JET BOATING, CHRISTCHURCH The original and still the best, Jet Thrills Christchurch offer one of the Cathedral City’s best adrenaline activities that’ll definitely put you in a spin. The Waimakariri River is a bare hour or so drive or so from the Christchurch CBD and, provided you don’t have a heavy meal on board, it’s the best way to experience the braided system of shallow, twisting streams. The specially designed jet boats have huge motors (they get a proper fang on when the drivers open up the throttle) and very shallow drafts which allow them to do seriously tight turns and dips in water so shallow you would barely wet your ankles if you were standing in it. Jet Thrills run 30-minute, or hour long tours and, while they can get a wee bit pricey, we guarantee that you won’t regret it. Cost from $85 jetthrills.com

CRUSING MILFORD SOUND One of the most breathtakingly spots to be found anywhere in New Zealand (which is saying a lot) Milford Sound has to be seen to be believed. Cascading waterfalls, sheer rocky outcrops, snow capped peaks and glassy, glacial water bring thousands of visitors to this beautiful part of the world ever year and while it’s stunning in summer. Take a glass roofed bus tour of the winding roads, or get out onto the sound itself on a ferry and explore the sound from Milford to Sandfly point. Cascading waterfalls, sheer rocky outcrops, snow capped peaks and glassy, glacial water bring thousands of visitors to this beautiful part of the world ever year and while it’s stunning in summer. There’s also a purpose built underwater viewing area where you can marvel at the exquisite crops of black coral and the myriad underwater species that call this place home. In a country known for its beautiful scenery, Milford Sound is definitely one of the most picture perfect places. Go Orange! Conduct wonderful cruises of both the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, which will get you up close to the scenery in a spacious vessel complete with an informative running commentary. Cost from $225 goorange.co.nz

SHOTOVER CANYON SWING One experience that absolutely cannot be missed on a visit to Queenstown is the Shotover Canyon Swing. If you only have the funds to do one extreme sport (and you must do AT LEAST one), this is the one that trumps the rest. You might be thinking that the Canyon Swing would be something like a bungy jump, and if you have the stones to do one of those then surely the Canyon Swing would be a breeze. Wrong. Jump off a bridge with a bungee cord attached to your legs and you might fall far, but not long into your fall the elastic will begin to slow you down. The Shotover Canyon Swing has no elastic, so you experience true free fall for 60m followed by a 200m arc across the canyon. Exhilarating. Remember that trust game, where you fall backwards and the person behind will catch you? It’s an exercise in learning to embrace vulnerability and ignore your instinctual urge to catch yourself. Now imagine playing that game over a 60m drop and you already have an idea of what the real experience of the Shotover Canyon Swing is. Unlucky for you, the jumpmaster’s, who will lead you to the edge of a platform and help you jump off in absolute safety, love to take advantage of your vulnerable position. Expect to spend the last moments before your jump with your heart in your mouth and two guys laughing. There’s a huge variety of ways to jump off the platform, over 70 to be more exact, each one requiring a different level of cojones. Backwards, forwards, front-flip, back-flip or even the legendary ‘Indian Rope Trick’. This last one will hopefully be the closest you ever come to dangling off an extremely high place, relying on your own strength to keep you from falling. Major muscles required, and expect the jumpmaster’s to play some mean tricks on you while you’re hanging on. RP Cost from $199 canyonswing.co.nz

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CANYONING, LAKE WANAKA Stop fiddling with your carabiner! If there is a problem, your untrained fingers will only make the problem worse. Suck it up, mate, cause you’re about to descend into the watery abyss. Canyoning in Lake Wanaka is basically the South Island’s answer to the Waitomo Caves up north and, while you don’t get as many glowworms you’ll certainly get an adventure like no other out of it. You and your team will contend with icy cold, powerful waterfalls and gape in awe at beautiful, subterranean pools and droplets of effervescent green moss hanging from low rocky ceilings. It’s haunting and beautiful and kind of scary all at the same time. Cost from $220 deepcanyon.co.nz

WHALE WATCHING, KAIKOURA I love whales, they’re possibly my favourite animal on the planet. They’re so majestic in the way they glide so effortlessly through the water despite their massive bulk. I particularly love humpback whales, with their enchanting songs and impressive breaching feats. Thankfully the Cook Strait in New Zealand is one of the best spots in the world to see them, particularly in winter. If it’s sperm whales you’re after, head on down to the famously picturesque town of Kaikoura, on the South Island’s eastern coast. Kaikoura has some of the best and most developed sperm whale watching facilities to be found anywhere on Earth. Sperm whales are the biggest of the toothed whales and are also the largest predators on the planet. They are so often rarely seen by human eyes, as they spend so much of their time deep in the depths of some of the world’s deepest, coldest oceans hunting for squid but Kaikoura is one of the only places anywhere where they can be seen year round, so close to land. . Considering how rare it is for humans to see these amazing leviathans going about their business in their natural habitat, Kaikoura is an absolute must for anyone, whether you’re a whale watching enthusiast or a first timer.. If you’re into slightly furrier sea creatures then Kaikoura won’t disappoint either. Huge colonies of seals can also seen frolicking on the rocky outcrops around the idyllic seaside town in winter, which makes for a wonderful, if somewhat noisy, spectacle. They’re pretty cute though, the seals. Cost from $130.50 whalewatch.co.nz

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Brace yourself: (clockwise) the Sky Walk; Auckland Tower; jet boating; canyoning; bungy jumping

Auckland

Photos: Tourism New Zealand

NORTH ISLAND

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Auckland: all thriller, no filler The city might be sat upon a stunning, volcano-ringed harbour, but it’s also home to some scream-inducing thrills WORDS MATT RISELY & CHRIS TANNER

The easy-going hustle and bustle of Auckland has a lot in common with Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Stay with us, we’re going somewhere here. Like the District (and its workers), Auckland spreads itself far and wide and when visitors arrive in both, they tend to get stuck in one place, neglecting to explore the beauty and culture of the surrounding areas. However, Auckland’s beauty, unlike the ‘beauty’ of the District’s, is not skin deep. (For the sake of my love life, I’d like to categorically state that I don’t believe the majority of Auckland’s female workers are ladies of the night – nor are you likely to leave the city with a debilitating sexual disease.) The point is that it’s well worth exploring the surrounding areas of New Zealand’s main metropolis. Despite the seemingly obvious pitfalls of building a city within a bosom of volcanoes (surely Dante’s Peak should be on their curriculum?), Auckland is snuggled cosily within a radius of about 50 volcanic vents. Isle like it However, what Auckland’s town planners lacked in common sense, the city makes up for in great scenery. Several of these mountainous uprisings are worth visiting. One Tree Hill and Mount Eden are two nearby mounds, both offering great views only a few minutes from the city. For a cheap way to see the natural beauty of Auckland’s sprawling suburbs, head up there before dusk and watch the sun set into the water’s edge. It’s stunning. To truly appreciate Auckland though, you have to head off the mainland and onto its islands. Rangitoto is Auckland’s most recent volcano, barely 600 years young, and its size, symmetry and dominance over the entrance to the harbour make it one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks. A short ferry ride over and you’re faced with a land that time forgot. Upon further inspection though, the looming green mountain behind is ominously reminiscent of Lost. The strangest, yet most appealing thing, is the complete and utter lack of noise. Due to the acidity of the soil, very few birds inhabit the island. The next closest inhabitable Island is Waiheke.Locals talk about how much the place has changed in the last 15

years, with tales of a bourgeois elite battling hippies and backpackers to stake their claim on a treasured piece of land. Yet it’s barely touched and wonderfully reminiscent of a Mediterranean getaway.

“

From here, a greenie would split the concrete like a stream of urine in fresh white snow

”

Once you’ve got your fill of scenery, however, and are feeling suitably relaxed, there’s only one thing you can do – embrace your suicidal tendencies and take on one, or a few, of the many crazy, adrenalin-pumping activities that ››

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Come here often? Auckland so thrives on. After all, you’ll never appreciate a view more than those few seconds before plunging towards the ground.

quoi of architecturally stupendous places like Paris or Prague, but its laid back atmosphere cannot be beat. Friendly people, good bars and delish’ food make this place tops.

Tower records

Elastic fantastic It just so happens to be one of the most miserable days of the year – raining, cold and extremely windy. Nevertheless, there are three of us up at 10am braving the elements. Walking along the purpose-built structure under Auckland’s harbour bridge, I think I must be insane. I’m about to do a bungy jump (bungy.co.nz, jumps from $150). If we had not been harnessed to the railing, I’m sure at least one of us would have been blown off into the water below. I selflessly let the two Irish guys jump before me. One of them said he wanted to get soaked in the harbour, but as he jumped, only his head got dunked in. Now, when I get nervous, I usually talk it up like I’m not scared at all, so I turned to the bungy instructor and said: “You only got his head wet! Come on, that’s nothing.” The guy just looked at me and grinned. I didn’t like the look of his expression at all. It was the kind of face the tough guy gives in a movie before he kicks some ass. Sure enough, I got a proper dunk – almost totally under water, literally up to my shoes. I came out of it utterly soaked, but grinning like a gold medal champion.

A 1.2m wide metal grate is the only thing separating my body from the pavement below. Far, far down, cars glitter like coins at the bottom of a water fountain. They move slowly along the long white veins of winding roadways linking together Auckland’s towering skyscrapers. I can barely make out the shape of people standing at the traffic lights, but I doubt they can see me. This is the Auckland Sky Tower, and at 328 metres high, it is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, I just so happen to be standing only a couple of metres from the top. Luckily, I won’t be doing any jumping this time, just nipping out for a quick stroll along the clouds, courtesy of the Sky Walk (skywalk.co.nz, from $125). But I can’t help thinking that a greenie, if launched from this peak position, would catapult to the ground at the destructive rate of 150km/hr. It would split through concrete like a stream of urine in fresh snow. Or so I imagine, anyway. The wind is puffing harder than a fat man on a stair master, but a harness tethering me to the side of the building provides some comfort. I will not fall. Repeat. I will not fall. Today, I can see as far north as the Leigh Peninsula, east towards Hauraki Gulf, west to Manukau Heads and south to the Bombay Hills. But the most impressive sight, if you ask me, is of the sailboats dashing over the water. It’s my second day in Auckland and I’m already feeling quite at home. It may not have the je-ne-sais80

Nappy valley With nipples harder than a Chuck Norris/Mr T fight-off and gale force winds whipping round my face, I began to realise quite how high up 192m really is. I’m back up Auckland’s Sky Tower, which also happens to be home to New Zealand’s

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Some people find this fun

Terror town treats JET BOATING Jet boating in Viaduct Harbour, in the heart of downtown Auckland, is an adventure combining high speed thrills with jet boat manoeuvres. These include 180 and 270° spins with sweeping turns, as you travel up to an exhilarating 85km per hour. If you’re quick on the eye, you’ll get amazing views of the Auckland city skyline. Tours from $85. aucklandjetboattours.co.nz

highest jump, a base jump by wire which offers a more gentle introduction to extreme sports. It’s known as the Sky Jump (skywalk.co.nz, jumps are $290 when combined with the Sky Walk). While you still get that “I probably should have worn huggies” feeling as you peer over the edge and the exhilarating adrenalin rush as you fall, the fact that the wire is attached to your back instead of your feet means the descent is far less jolting, but just as enjoyable. Now then, where are those Huggies?

CANYONING It’s like an outdoor playground. Imagine sliding, jumping, abseiling and falling into rock pools in some of the most magnificent rainforests. Choose from Blue Canyon, which has 18 waterfalls, ranging in height from 2-25m. Here the water has carved perfect pools into the dark volcanic rock. You spend the day sliding down natural hydro slides, abseiling down mystical waterfalls and getting some airtime with the awesome jumps into deep crystal-clear pools. Or Sleeping God Canyon for the really adventurous, where you get a vertical descent of over 300m down a steep set of waterfalls. Tours cost $360. canyonz.co.nz DIVING We reckon Goat Island is the best place to go diving when you’re staying in Auckland. Off the east coast in this massive outdoor aquarium you can snorkel or dive straight from the beach to see snapper, parore, sea urchins, crayfish and stingrays, and if you’re lucky, an orca or two. It’s an hour from the city, trips cost from $99. goatislanddive.co.nz

Three, two, one...

PARAGLIDING Using just some light nylon and string, paragliding is as close as you’ll get to flying like a bird, soaring up to 5 or 10,000 feet above the earth. Sky Wings will take you paragliding any day of the week (weather permitting) and will pick you up from the city centre. Experiences from $110. nzparagliding.com

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In Maori language the city’s name is Tamaki Makau Rau, which translates as “the city of 100 lovers”. Auckland is admired for its cosmopolitan flavour, its sunny harbour for the fact that it makes every other city in NZ feel like a small town. i-SITE Auckland Atrium, skycity, Cnr Federal & Victoria Sts Backpackers World Travel 16-20 Fort St, 09 379 4126, backpackersworld.com Base Travel Level 3, 229 Queen St, 09 358 4874, basetravel.com i-SITE Visitor Information 287 Queen St, 09 979 2333, reservations@aucklandnz.com Ferry Tickets Online (For inter-island ferry services) 39 Beach Rd, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz Parks Information Centre Details on tramping, camping grounds, the Gulf Islands and exploring the regional parks. 21 Pitt St, open Mon-Fri, 09 366 2000 Airport Transport The airport is 21km from the city and shuttle buses run every half an hour. Airbus Airport is every 20 mins. 0800 247 287, airbus.co.nz City buses Tickets and timetables are available from the 10 central city Star Mart stores. 09 366 6400 Auckland InterCity Travel Centre Buses around Auckland and the rest of New Zealand leave from here. Located beside the casino, Hobson St, 09 623 1503 Train Intercity trains arrive and depart from Britomart, 12 Queen St, Auckland. 09 270 5211

AUCKLAND STAY

BUG BACKPACKERS 226 Vanguard St, Nelson. Dorms from $25 A great hostel with homely rooms, and more VW Beetle paraphernalia than you can shake a bug at. Free bikes and freshly baked bread.

Nelson

thebug.co.nz

BK Hostel (BBH) 3 Mercury Ln, Central. 09 307 0052, bkhostel.co.nz

Princeton Backpackers 30 Symonds St. 09 963 8300, nigel@princeton.co.uk

Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. 09 358 5685, backpacker.net.nz

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. 09 373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz

City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 302 0880

Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. 09 378 8990

City Groove Backpackers (BBH) 6 Constitutional Hill, Parnell. 09 303 4768, bed@backpackersco.nz

Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. 09 363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz

Georgia Parkside Backpackers 189 Park Rd, Grafton. 09 309 8999, bacpacgeorgia@xtra.co.nz Kiwi International Queen St Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz Kiwi International Airport 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere. 0800 801 919, kiwiairport@xtra.co.nz Lantana Lodge (BBH) 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 373 4546, lantana@xtra.co.nz The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. 09 307 0181, nomadshostels.com

Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. 09 275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz

New Zealand Backpackers 8 Nixon St, Ponsonby. 09 376 3871, ajlodge@xtra.co.nz

Albert Park Backpackers (VIP) 27-31 Victoria St East. 09 309 0336, bakpak@albertpark.co.nz

Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. 09 300 9999, nomadshostels.com

Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584,

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. 09 638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

Base Auckland 229 Queen St. 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com

Pentlands (BBH) 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. +64 9638 7031

Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. 09 623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

Ponsonby Backpackers (BBH) 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby. 09 360 1311, info@ponsonby-backpackers.co.nz

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The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. 09 378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz Verandahs (BBH) 6 Hopetown St. 09 360 4180 Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. 09 378 8990 YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. 09 378 8990 YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. 09 302 8200, yha.co.nz

AUCKLAND DO Explorer Bus Sightseeing around Auckland, 0800 439 756 explorerbus.co.nz On the Road Tours and Charters Sightseeing bus tours of Auckland and the north shore. 0800 486 877, ontheroad.co.nz Harbour Ferries Ferries can take you all over the harbour. Info about timetables and destinations available at the Ferry Building on Quay St. 09 424 5561 America’s Cup Sailing Experience A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as you sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. The two hour sails departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct. No

Pride of Auckland The Pride of Auckland operates an impressive fleet of large, purpose-built yachts on the Auckland Museum sheltered waters of Auckland’s See the world’s finest collection Waitemata Harbour and is of Maori and Pacific Island world famous for its sailing and artefacts. Explore New dining cruises. Join them for a Zealand’s natural history, coffee, lunch, dinner, Waiheke discover the largest bird that sailing experience cruise or a ever lived and experience a full-day sailing adventure and Maori cultural show. experience the “City of Sails” 09 306 7067, for what it is known for. aucklandmuseum.com 0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz Auckland Zoo See kiwi birds in the nocturnal Auckland Bridge Climb house and over 900 animals. Up and over the Auckland 09 360 3800, Harbour Bridge. Westhaven aucklandzoo.co.nz Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 4958, Coast to Coast Walkway ajhackett.com A walk between Waitemata Harbour and Manukau Harbour. Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump It takes about four hours and NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, takes in Albert Park, Auckland 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Uni, Auckland Domain, Mt Eden, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 and One Tree Hill. 4958, ajhackett.co.nz Devonport A 15-minute ferry or bus ride across the harbour on the north shore, Devonport is an idyllic setting for a picnic or a stroll along the beach. Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World A seawater aquarium with a moving walkway through a transparent underwater cavern. Antarctic Encounter is a recreation of an Antarctic environment where you jump on a snow mobile and tour a penguin colony, get attacked by an orca whale. Orakei Wharf, Tamaki Drive, 09 528 0603, kellytarltons.co.nz

Canyonz Ltd Explore subtropical canyons and abseil down crashing waterfalls. 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz New Zealand Surf Tours 09 832 9622, newzealandsurftours.com Sky Jump Fall from the top of the 192m Sky Tower, 0800 759 586, skyjump.co.nz Sky Walk Walk around the external 1.2m wide platform, 192m up. 09 368 1835, skywalk.co.nz

Mt Eden The highest point in the Fullers Bay of Islands Tours city, 4km south of the city centre with spectacular views. One, two and three-day tours from Auckland. Get there by bus. 09 358 0259, boitc.co.nz NZ National Maritime Museum The museum celebrates NZ’s Awesome Adventures maritime heritage. 09 373 0800, Three-day Bay of Islands tours. nzmaritime.org 0800 658 058, awesomenz.com Ponsonby West of the city, explore Victorian architecture Beaches and narrow streets with cafés, bars, clothes shops, art galleries Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Bay, and some lively nightlife. Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, St Heliers Bay and popular Mission Queen Street Auckland’s main boulevard with Bay. shops, cafés and restaurants. Aotea Square Markets Every Friday and Saturday at Whale & Dolphin Safari Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ See whales and dolphins from fashion labels, retro gear, foods, Auckland’s doorstep. The Hauraki Gulf is considered one Pacific-style crafts, jewellery and furniture, of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine 09 309 2677, the-edge.co.nz parks in the world. See dolphins, whales, sea birds and/ Victoria Park Market or even penguins. Dolphins are 3km from the CBD, an outdoor viewed on over 90% and whales market with fruit, veggies, on 75% of trips. Departs daily books, clothes and handicrafts. from the Auckland Viaduct. Dolphin viewing guaranteed. 0800 397 567, GREAT BARRIER explorenz.co.nz The island is dominated by a native Fullers Cruises forest a network of criss-crossing Inner harbour cruises and longer tracks. greatbarrier.co.nz cruises to Hauraki Gulf islands, with all-day passes and hop-on, Orama Resort (YHA) hop-off options. Karaka Bay Rd, 09 429 0063, yha.co.nz 09 367 9111.

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Stray Possum Lodge (VIP) 09 429 0109, straypossum@acb.co.nz

BARRIER DO Fullers Cruises Depart from the Ferry Building. 09 367 9102 Great Barrier Airlines Fly out of Auckland Airport or Auckland Shore Airfield. 0800 900 600, Fullers Great Barrier Explorers Cruise and tours, summer only (October-April). 09 367 9111

WAIHEKE ISLAND A 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland. It is popular for its long sweeping beaches and craft shops. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 11 Hekerua Rd, Oneroa, 09 372 8990, hekerualodge.co.nz Waiheke Island Hostel Seaview Road, Onetangi, Ph: (09) 372 8971, waihekehostel.co.nz

HELENSVILLE The hot springs here have indoor and outdoor thermal pools and waterslides. Malolo House (BBH) 110 Commercial Rd, 09 420 7262, helensville.co.nz/malolo.htm

HIBISCUS COAST Hisbiscus Coast Visitor Info Hibiscus Coast Hwy, 09 426 0076. Marco Polo Backpackers Inn (BBH) 2d Hammond Ave, Hatfields Beach, 09 426 8455, marcopolo.co.nz

SAIL ROCK

Piano Hill Farm (BBH) Piano Hill, Kauri, 09 433 7090, thefarm.co.nz Whangarei Falls Backpackers (BBH) Ngunguru Road, Glenbervie, 09 437 0609, whangereifalls.co.nz YHA Whangarei, Manaakitanga 52 Punga Grove Ave, 09 438 8954, yha.co.nz

WHANGAREI DO Dive! Tutukaka Poor Knights Islands dives, plus tours with kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting.

PAIHIA Paihia is one of the most beautiful towns on the North Island with equal parts love for adventure, nature and a raucous nightlife. AwesomeNZ Tours include Maori mythology, dolphin swimming and fast boats. Maritime Building, on the waterfront, 0800 653 339, awesomenz.com Bay of Islands i-Site The Wharf, Marsden Rd, Freephone: 09 402 7345 Base Travel 18 Kings Rd, 09 402 7111, basetravel.com

PAIHIA STAY Base Pipi Patch 18 Kings Rd 09 402 7111, stayatbase.com Captain Bob’s Beachhouse (BBH) 44 Davis Cres, 09 402 8668, capnbobs@xtra.co.nz Centabay Lodge (BBH) 27 Selwyn Rd, 09 402 7466, centaby@xtra.co.nz Mayfair Lodge (BBH) 7 Puketona Rd, 09 402 7471, bay-of-islands.co.nz/accomm/ mayfair.html

Hen & Chickens Island and Sail Rock These offshore areas offer great sailing and diving. Boat trips leave from the area daily.

Mousetrap (BBH) 11 Kings Rd, 09 402 8182, info@mousetrap.co.nz

Waipu Wanderer (BBH) 25 St Marys Rd, 09 432 0532

Peppertree Lodge (BBH) 15 Kings Rd, 09 402 6122, peppertree.co.nz

WHANGAREI Whangarei I-SITE Visitor Centre 92 Otaika Rd, 09 438 1079

WHANGAREI STAY Bunkdown Lodge (BBH) 23 Otaika Road, 09 438 8886, bunkdownlodge.co.nz Coastal Cow Backpackers (BBH) 299 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads, 09 431 5444, coastalcow@xtra.co.nz Little Earth Lodge (BBH) 85 Abbey Caves Road, 09 430 6562, littleearthlodge.co.nz

Pickled Parrot Backpackers (BBH) Grey’s Lane, 09 402 6222, theparrot@paradise.net.nz Saltwater Lodge (BBH) 14 Kings Rd, 0800 002 266, saltwaterlodge.co.nz YHA Paihia Cnr Kings and MacMurray Rds, Paihia, 09 402 7487, yha.co.nz

PAIHIA DO Haruru Falls Picturesque falls offering swimming, camping and kayaking opportunities – and a pub!

Opua Forest The DOC provides a leaflet of forest walks, which features a small stand of Kauri trees. Drive into the forest via Oromahoe Rd or walk from School Rd. Te Rawhiti Cape Brett Walkway Guided tours include experienced local Maori guides, all meals, hut accommodation, transport by boat to hut taking in the famous Hole in the Rock, Maori culture, myths and legends and hangi, 09 403 7248 Waitangi Treaty Grounds The site where the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Also see carvings that represent all Maori tribes in NZ and one of the largest ceremonial waka (canoe) in the world, launched every Waitangi Day (Feb 6). 09 402 7437, waitangi.net.nz Boat cruises & dolphin watching Cape Brett “Hole in the Rock” Cruise Four-hour cruises, 09 402 7421 Dolphin Discoveries With the warmest water and friendliest dolphins (bottlenoses), this is a great place for swimming with the dolphins (conditions permitting). The high-speed luxury catamaran offers easy access to the water and hot showers. Or do a “Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Viewing Experience” and see dolphins, whales, birds and other wildlife. Visit Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island during your island stop and explore this amazing place. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz

Via Ninety Mile Beach – learn Maori myths and legends, navigate the quicksand stream, ride the dunes, visit a thousand year old forest. 0800 653 339, awesomenz.com

RUSSELL Catch a ferry to Russell, originally a sprawling fortified Maori settlement. Information Centre End of the Pier, 09 403 8020

Sunseeker Lodge (BBH) Old Hospital Rd, 09 405 0496, sunseekerlodge.co.nz

Wainui (BBH) 92D Te Wahapu Rd, 09 403 8278, stocked@xtra.co.nz

KERIKERI A highlight of the sparsely populated town is the wonderful Maori village. There is also an historic Maori pa (fortress) and the Kerikeri Mission Station. Dept of Conservation Office 09 407 8474

KARIKARI PENIN The Rusty Anchor (BBH) 1 Tokerau Beach Rd, 09 406 7141, info@rustyanchor.co.nz

KAITAIA The ideal starting point for Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Backpackers Heaven (VIP) Wagener Holiday Park, Houhora Heads, 09 409 8564, wagenerpark@xtra.co.nz

KERIKERI STAY Kerikeri Top 10 Holiday Park & Aranga Backpackers Aranga Drive off Kerikeri Rd, 09 407 9326, kerikeritop10.co.nz

i-Site Far North South Rd in Jaycee Park. 09 408 0879, kaitaiainfo@xtra.co.nz

Awesome Cape Reinga

Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230.

Ferry Landing (BBH) 395A Aucks Rd, Okiato Point, 09 403 7985, ferrylanding@clear.net.nz

Excitor “Hole in the Rock” Adventure One-and-a-half hours, 0800 653 339, excitor.co.nz

Overnight Cruises The Rock 24-hour cruise featuring kayaking, snorkelling with stingrays, fishing for your dinner, dolphin spotting. 0800 762 527, rocktheboat.co.nz

WHANGAROA

RUSSELL STAY

Hideaway Lodge Wiroa Rd, 0800 562 746

The Rainbow Warrior A monument to the noble but doomed Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior, sits on the site of a Maori pa on the headland at Matauri Bay. Travellers come here to dive the ship’s wreck.

This area was once well known for its Kauri forests, but these days it’s more about game fishing. The scenery is ruggedly spectacular and sailing cruises are popular.

The Coast Road Farm (BBH) Coast Rd, Whangaruru, 09 433 6894, thefarm.co.nz

Dune Rider Unique Adventure Tour Make your way up to Cape Reinga while traveling to the Gumdiggers Park and drive along the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Climb huge sand dunes and boogie board back down on the way and stop at the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop for fish and chips. Departing daily from Paihia. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz

Lion New Zealand – “The Ultimate Day Sail in the Bay” Join Lion New Zealand, NZ’s most famous maxi yacht. Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch and activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, natural walks at Otehei Bay or simply kick back and enjoy the island atmosphere. 0800 365 744, bayofislands@explorenz.co.nz

The Welcome Swallow Backpackers Off Matauri Bay Road, 09 4051 019, welcomeswallow.com

Main Street Lodge (BBH) 235 Commerce St, 09 408 1275, mainstreet@xtra.co.nz Pukenui Lodge (YHA) Corner Wharf Rd & State Hwy 1, Houhora, 09 409 8837, yha.co.nz

Hone Heke Lodge (BBH) 65 Hone Heke Rd, 09 407 8170, kerikeri.net/honeheke

Waitiki Landing Far North Rd, 09 409 7508

Kerikeri Farm Hostel (BBH) Ph: (09) 407 6989, kkfarmhostel@xtra.co.nz

KAITAIA DO

NRTH BAY OF ISL

Ancient Kauri Kingdom Giant kauri tree stumps are fashioned into furniture and other trinkets. Far North Regional Museum Featuring all kinds of goodies, like the skeleton of a giant moa bird and salvages from local shipwrecks.

Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863, farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz North Wind Lodge Backpackers (BBH) Otaipango Rd, Henderson Bay, 09 409 8515, northwindlodge@xtra.co.nz Pukenui Lodge Hostel (BBH) Cnr SH1 & Wharf Rd, Pukenui, 09 4098837, stay@pukenuilodge.co.nz

Pack or Paddle Thoms Landing, 09 4098 445, packorpaddle@hotmail.com

AHIPARA YHA Ahipara Backpackers & Motor Camp 168-170 Takehe St, 09 409 4864, yha.co.nz Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863 farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz

MATAURI BAY A very well-kept tourist secret, Matauri Bay is Maori land, home to the Ngati Kura people, and has beautiful, quiet beaches.

Endless Summer Lodge (BBH) 245 Foreshore Rd, 09 409 4181, endlesssummer.co.nz

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Tuatua Tours Guided quad tours of Ninety Mile Beach sand dunes. 3 Main Road, 0800 494 288, tuatuatours.co.nz

WAITOMO Definitely one of the best adventure spots in New Zealand. There are a range of caving adventures here.

HOKIANGA

Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre 21 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 474 839. waitomodiscovery.org

Heading south, you’ll hit Hokianga Harbour and the quiet twin towns of Omapere and Opononi. The Koutu Boulders are worth a look. Hokianga Information 09 405 8869, hokiangainfo@xtra.co.nz

WAITOMO STAY BROWN KIWI

HOKIANGA STAY

7 Prosford St, Freeman’s Bay. Dorms from $27 An unassuming little hostel, known for being gay friendly and also close to great shopping. Also boasts a neat garden courtyard.

Okopako Lodge (BBH) 140 Mountain Rd, South Hokianga, 09 405 8815, Globe Trekkers Lodge (BBH) SH12, Omapere, 09 405 8183. Waitawa Farm Hostel (BBH) 164 Pukemiro Rd, 09 409 5809, valleyfarm@xtra.co.nz

DARGAVILLE On the road from Hokianga, the famous “Big Trees”, the native kauri trees of Waipoua Kauri Forest. Once in Dargaville, attractions include the masts from the ill-fated Rainbow Warrior and the fascinating bird sanctuary nearby. Dargaville Info Centre 61 Normanby St, 09 439 8360

DARGAVILLE STAY Dargaville Holiday Park (VIP) 10 Onslow St, 09 439 8296, dargavilleholidaypark@xtra.co.nz Kaihu Farm (BBH) RD6, Kaihu, 09 439 4004, kaihufarm@clear.net.nz The Greenhouse Hostel (BBH) 13 Portland St, 09 439 6342, m.stevens@clear.net.nz

MATAKOHE Travellers Lodge (BBH) 64 Jellicoe Rd, Ruawai, 09 439 2283 Kauri Country Northland 3hr 4WD eco-adventures, including free ticket to Kauri Museum. Devon Grove, Matakohe, 09 431 6007

WAIKATO Waikato District Info Centre 160 Great South Rd, Huntly, 07 828 6406 Shekinah (BBH) 122 Pungapunga Rd, Pukekawa, 09 233 4464, shekinah@ps.gen.nz

HAMILTON NZ’s largest inland city and is known for its parks and gardens.

Auckland

brownkiwi.co.nz

Hamilton Visitor Centre 5 Garden Place, Hamilton 07 958 5960 visithamilton.co.nz DOC Office Level 5, Rostrevor St.

HAMILTON STAY Colts n Fillies (BBH) 37 Smith Rd, Karamu, 07 825 9809, ktt.co.nz Forty Winks (BBH) 267 River Rd, Claudelands, 07 855 2033, forty_winks@ihug.co.nz J’s Backpackers (BBH) 8 Grey Street, 07 856 8934, jsbackpackers.co.nz

HAMILTON DO Waikato Museum of Art & History Cnr Victoria and Grantham Sts. More than 3,000 items, with a permanent Maori War canoe. Gold coin donations welcomed.

MATAMATA Rural town famous for being turned into Hobbiton in those films – some of the set still stands. Hobbiton Backpackers 81 Arawa St, 07 888 9972, steve@hobbitonbackpackers.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE This very Olde English town with its town square and abundance of trees is in the heart of Waikato. The region is famous for its horses and jetboating. Cambridge Tourist Info Centre Cnr Queen and Victoria Sts, 07 823 3456

RAGLAN One of New Zealand’s best-known surfing beaches, Raglan is situated 48km west of Hamilton.

Raglan Information Centre 2 Wainui Rd, 07 825 0556

RAGLAN STAY Ewe Dream’Inn (BBH) 2458 State Highway 22, Glen Murray, 09 233 3144, glenmurray.net Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (BBH) 6 Wi Neera St, 07 825 0515, raglanbackpackers.co.nz Karioi Backpacker Lodge (VIP, BBH) & Raglan Surfing School 5 Whaanga Rd, Whale Bay, 07 825 7873, karioilodge.co.nz Solcape Accommodation Centre (BBH) 611 Wainui Rd, 07 825 8268 Waikatoa Beach Lodge (BBH) 8 Centreway Rd, Sunset Beach, Port Waikato, 09 232 9961, sunsetbeach.co.nz

TE AWAMUTU Given that it calls itself the “Rose Town of New Zealand”, it’s not surprising the 2,000-strong Rose Garden is the town’s major attraction. Te Awamutu Info Centre 1 Gorst Ave, 07 871 3259. Te Awamutu District Museum 135 Roche St. 07 872 0085

KAWHIA The main attraction of this peaceful port town, 55km south of Raglan, is the Maketu Marae where you can experience the rich cultural tapestry of NZ’s indigenous history.

OTOROHANGA Just 59km south of Hamilton, many travellers use this small farming community as a base for visiting the Waitomo Caves.

Juno Hall (BBH) 07 878 7649 Kiwipaka School Rd, 07 878 3395 Rap Raft & Rock Backpackers (BBH) 95 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 873 9149, rapraftnrock@xtra.co.nz

WAITOMO DO Dundle Hill Walk A two-day walk through native bush; limestone outcrops includes overnight with spectacular views at Kays Cabin. 0800 924 866 Marakopa Falls, Managapohue Natural Bridge and Piri Piri Cave, 30 minutes drive from Waitomo. Rap Raft ‘n’ Rock Blackwater adventures combining abseiling, rafting, glowworms, caving and rockclimbing all in one five-hour adventure. 0800 228 372, caveraft.com The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co Cave tubing in the blackness of the Ruakuri Cave river. 585 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 228 464, blackwaterrafting.co.nz Woodlyn Park Pioneer Show, caving adventure, and quirky accommodation in a 1950s train carriage. Waitomo Valley Road, 07 878 6666.

TE KUITI Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077. Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080. Tiffany’s Tearooms, Rora St, 07 878 7640

TE KUITI STAY Casara Mesa Backpackers (BBH) Mangarino Rd, 07 878 6697, casara@xtra.co.nz

@tnt_downunder

Waterfront Lodge (BBH) 6 Wi Neera St, 07 825 0515, raglanbackpackers.co.nz Karioi Backpacker Lodge (VIP, BBH) & Raglan Surfing School 5 Whaanga Rd, Whale Bay, 07 825 7873, karioilodge.co.nz Solcape Accommodation Centre (BBH) 611 Wainui Rd, 07 825 8268 Waikatoa Beach Lodge (BBH) 8 Centreway Rd, Sunset Beach, Port Waikato, 09 232 9961, sunsetbeach.co.nz

KAWHIA The main attraction of this peaceful port town, 55km south of Raglan, is the Maketu Marae where you can experience the rich cultural tapestry of NZ’s indigenous history.

OTOROHANGA Just 59km south of Hamilton, many travellers use this small farming community as a base for visiting the Waitomo Caves. Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 26 Maniapoto St, otorohanga.co.nz

WAITOMO Definitely one of the best adventure spots in New Zealand. There are a range of caving adventures, from glowworm ogling, to long dramatic abseils deep towards the centre of the earth and excellent blackwater rafting (jump in an inner tube and let the underwater current carry you). Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre 21 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 474 839. waitomodiscovery.org

WAITOMO STAY Juno Hall (BBH) 07 878 7649 Kiwipaka School Rd, 07 878 3395 Rap Raft & Rock Backpackers (BBH) 95 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 873 9149, rapraftnrock@xtra.co.nz

COROMANDEL PEN

WAITOMO DO

A series of towns loop around the peninsula, broken by rolling green hills. Highlights include Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and the cosy little Coromandel township.

Dundle Hill Walk A two-day walk through native bush; limestone outcrops includes overnight with spectacular views at Kays Cabin.

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THAMES A great canyoning spot, with loads of natural pools and waterslides. Information Thames 206 Poland St, 07 868 7284 DOC Office 07 868 6381 Canyonz Ltd 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz

THAMES STAY Dickson Holiday Park Victoria St, 07 868 7308, Gateway Backpackers (BBH) 209 Mackay St, 07 868 6339, gatewayb@wave.co.nz The Sunkist International Backpackers (BBH, VIP, YHA) 506 Brown St, 07 868 8808, sunkist@xtra.co.nz Te Aroha YHA Hostel Miro Street, Te Aroha (south of Thames), 07 884 8739, yha.co.nz

COROMANDEL Some 55km north of Thames is the town of Coromandel, home to the popular Driving Creek Railway. Coromandel Information Centre Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598.

CORO STAY

WHANGAMATA

Cat’s Pyjamas Backpackers (BBH) 12 Albert St, 07 866 4663.

TAURANGA STAY

Anchor Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 448 Wharf Rd, 07 866 7992, anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz

A real surfie town, Whangamata has one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and a laidback atmosphere to match.

Black Jack Backpackers (BBH) Kuaotunu, 07 866 2988, black-jack.co.nz

Whangamata Info Centre 616 Port Rd, 07 865 8340

Colville Farm (BBH) 2140 Colville Road, Colville, 07 866 6820

Southpacific Accommodation (BBH) Cnr Port Rd and Mayfair Avenue, 07 865 9580, thesouthpacific.co.nz

On the Beach Backpackers Lodge (BBH, YHA) 46 Buffalo Beach Rd, 07 866 5380, yha.co.nz

Whangamata Backpackers Hostel (BBH) 227 Beverley Tce, 07 865 8323

Seabreeze Tourist Park (BBH) 1043 SH25 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, 07 866 3050

Coromandel Town Backpackers (BBH) 732 Rings Road, 07 866 8830 Lions Den (BBH) 126 Te Tiki St, 07 866 8157 Tidewater Tourist Park (YHA) 270 Tiki Rd, 07 866 8888, yha.co.nz Tui Lodge (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, tuilodge@paradise.net.nz

OPOUTERE This is a good place to go to just chill out. The beach here is glorious and generally empty. Skinny dip anyone? YHA Opoutere 389 Opoutere Rd, 07 865 9072, yha.co.nz

WHITIANGA Whitianga, perched on pretty Mercury Bay, is the most popular stop-off point for travellers on the Coromandel. You can learn to make your very own bone carving, dive and surf to your heart’s content. Whitianga Information Centre 66 Albert St, 07 866 5555 Baywatch Backpackers (VIP) 22 The Esplanade, 07 866 5481, anchorage@ihug.co.nz Cathedral Cove Lodge Villas (VIP) 41 Harsant Ave, Hahei Beach, 07 866 3889.

Appletree Cottage 47 Maxwell Rd, 07 5767404,appletreebackpackers @hotmail.com Bell Lodge (BBH) 39 Bell St, 07 578 6344, bell-lodge.co.nz

Fernbird (BBH) 24 Harsant Ave, Hahei, 07 866 3080, fernbird@xtra.co.nz

Harbourside City Backpackers (BBH) 105 The Strand, 07 579 4066, backpacktauranga.co.nz

Tatahi Lodge (BBH) Grange Rd, Hahei, 07 866 3992, dreamland.co.nz/tatahilodge.

Just The Ducks Nuts Backpackers (BBH) 6 Vale St, 07 576 1366, justtheducksnuts.co.nz Loft 109 (BBH) 8/109 Devonport Rd, 07 579 5638, loft109.co.nz

Tuaranga Central Backpackers 64 Willow St, 07 571 6222, tgabackpack.co.nz One of the fastest growing places in NZ, Tauranga combines a young YHA Tauranga 171 Elizabeth St, population with a harbourside 07 578 5064, atmosphere. Enjoy diving, sailing, yha.co.nz fishing and surfing.

TAURANGA

Tauranga i-site 95 Willow St, 07 578 8103 Department of Conservation 253 Chadwick Rd West, 07 578 7677

TAURANGA DO Butlers Swim With Dolphins 0508 288 537 Waimarino Adventure Park 07 576 4233

Become part of the legend with New Zealand’s original Black Water Rafting company. Experience the exhilarating world of ancient caves, rivers, waterfalls and breath taking glowworms. Climb, leap and float with the Black Labyrinth or descend into the black, bottomless depths with the ultimate caving tour, the Black Abyss. Or try our newest adventure, the Black Odyssey, a caving and high wire ropes tour, that will push you to the limit.

NEW!

BOOK NOW! 0800 228 464 +64 7 878 6219 www.waitomo.com

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NORTHISLAND Coyote Bar and Restaurant 107 The Strand, 07 578 8968, coyotes.com

MT MAUNGANUI Mt Maunganui Visitor Centre Salisbury Ave, 07 575 5099

Crash Palace Backpackers (BBH, VIP) 1271 Hinemaru St, 07 348 8842, info@crashpalace.co.nz

Te Puke Information Centre 130 Jellicoe St, 07 573 9172

Planet Nomad Backpackers (VIP) 1193 Fenton St, 07 346 2831, downtown-rotorua@xtra.co.nz

MAUNGA STAY Hairy Berry Backpackers (BBH) 2 No One Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 8015, work@hairyberrynz.com Mount Backpackers (BBH) 87 Maunganui Rd, 07 575 0860, mountbackpackers.co.nz Pacific Coast Backpackers (BBH) 432 Maunganui Rd, 0800 666 622, pacificcoastlodge.co.nz

MAUNGA DO Kiwifruit Country Young Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 6340, kiwifruitcountry.co.nz Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn, 26 Young Rd, 07 573 6547

WHAKATANE For a very different adventure, visit White Island, an active volcano where sulphur-lipped fumeroles and roaring steam vents create a stark wonderland. Karibu Backpackers (BBH) 13 Landing Rd, 07 307 8276 Lloyds Lodge (BBH) 10 Domain Rd, 07 307 8005 The Windsor (BBH) 10 Merritt St, Whakatane, 07 308 8040, whaka_bpack@xtra.co.nz

WHAKATANE DO Dive White 168 The Strand, 0800 348 394, divewhite.co.nz White Island Tours Departs Whakatane daily. 0800 733 529

ROTORUA Rotorua is a must for three reasons: the abundance of accessible Maori culture, the steaming volcanic scenery and adrenalin thrills. Tourism Rotorua & Visitor Info Centre 1167 Fenton St, 07 348 5179

ROTORUA STAY Base Rotorua 1286 Arawa St, 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com Cactus Jack Backpackers (BBH) 1210 Haupapa St, 07 348 3121, cactusjackbp@xtra.co.nz

Crank Backpackers 1140 Hinemoa St, 07 348 0852, crankbackpackers.co.nz

Rotorua Central Backpackers (BBH) 1076 Pukuatua St, 07 349 3285, rcbenquiry@slingshot.co.nz Spa Lodge (BBH) 1221 Amohau St, 07 348 3486, spalodge@wave.co.nz

ROTORUA DO Agroventures Five adrenalin activities in one adventure park, including bungy jumping, sprint boats and a wind tunnel. 1335 Paradise Valley Rd. 07 357 4747, agroventures.co.nz Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body 07 345 3151 Kaitiaki Adventures Extreme whitewater activities. Sledging and rafting trips on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, 0800 338 736, kaitiaki.co.nz Off Road NZ Sprint car racing, Monster 4X4, 4WD Bush Safari and more. 07 332 5748, offroadnz.co.nz

BOOK NOW! MAORI CULTURE While you’re here, take the opportunity to see how the Maori lived before European settlment. The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Whakarewarewa is a good place to begin . nzmaori.co.nz. NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute 07 348 9047 Rotoiti Tours 0800 476 864 Tamaki Maori Village New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience! Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Hinemaru St, 07 349 2099 tamakimaorivillage.co.nz

maoriculture.co.nz Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Maori village set amidst a landscape of geothermal wonders. Take a guided tour, see a cultural performance, check out Maori art. 07 349 3463, whakarewarewa.com

LAKE TAUPO Taupo Visitor Centre 30 Tongariro St, 07 376 0027 laketauponz.com

TAUPO STAY Berkenhoff Lodge (BBH) 75 Scannell St, 07 378 4909, bhoff@reap.org.nz

Polynesian Spa Historical hot mineral water bathing spa on the edge of Lake Rotorua. 07 348 1328, info@polynesianspa.co.nz

Blackcurrant Backpackers (BBH) 20 Taniwha St, 07 378 9292, blackcurrantbackpackers@xtra. co.nz

Raftabout Whitewater rafting and sledging. 0800 723 822, raftabout.co.nz

Rainbow Lodge (BBH) 133 Summers St, 08 9227-1818, rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz

Skyline Skyrides Spectacular Get the best views and luge down 5km of tracks, or take the 150ft skyswing. 07 347 0027, skylineskyrides.co.nz

Finns Global Backpackers (VIP) Cnr Tongariro & Tuwharetoa Sts, 07 377 0044, go-global.co.nz

Waikite Hot Pools Natural hot spring water bathing. Provides private spas, BBQ area and campground facilities, 20 minutes south of Rotorua. 07 333 1861 Waimangu Volcanic Valley The location of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the 1886 volcanic eruption. Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting Guided rafting options on five different rivers – the Wairoa, Rangitaiki, Kaituna, Motu and Mohaka. 0800 462 7238, wetnwildrafting.co.nz Zorbing Get harnessed inside the perspex Zorb before rolling head-over-heels downhill. 07 357 5100, zorb.com

Silver Fern Lodge Flash-Packers (VIP) Cnr Tamamutu & Kaimanawa Sts, 07 377 4929, silverfernlodges.co.nz Sunset Lodge (BBH) 27 Tremain Ave, 07 378 5962, info@sunsetlodgetaupo.co.nz Base Taupo 7 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 4464, stayatbase.com Taupo Urban Retreat 65 Heu Heu St, 0800 872 261, tur.co.nz Tiki Lodge 104 Tuwharetoa St, 0800 845 456, tikilodge.co.nz YHA Taupo 56 Kaimanawa St, 07 378 3311, yha.co.nz

TAUPO DO Craters of the Moon One of the most geothermally active areas in the region, full of boiling mud and steaming craters. Wairakei Park. Huka Falls Take a relaxing walk up to Huka Falls where the water pours over the 35ft drop at up to 62,000 gallons per second. Hukafalls Jet Jetboating by the falls. 0800 485 2538, hukafallsjet.com Rock ‘n’ Ropes Ropes Courses including the trapeze and Giant Swing. At Crazy Catz on Highway 5. 0800 244 508, rocknropes.co.nz Taupo Bungy Bungy from a platform 47m above the Waikato River. 202 Spa Rd. 0800 888 408, taupobungy.com Tongariro Crossing Transport and National Park Links From Taupo and Turangi during summer months (NovMay). 07 377 0435, thetongarirocrossing.co.nz Taupo Tandem Skydiving Skydive from up to 15,000 feet (over one minute freefall). Free shuttle, DVD and digital photos. Yellow Hangar, Taupo Airport. 0800 275 934, taupotandemskydiving.com

TURANGI On the southern shores of Lake Taupo, Turangi is known as the trout fishing capital of the world. It offers heaps of outdoor adventure activities and is a good base for venturing into the Tongariro National Park. Turangi Visitor Centre Ngawaka Place, 07 386 8999

TURANGI STAY

@tnt_downunder Owhango, 07 895 4773, forest.lodge@xtra.co.nz Howards Lodge (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2827, howardslodge.co.nz YHA Matai Lodge (BBH) 1 Rata St, Ohakune, 06 385 9169, matai.lodge@xtra.co.nz National Park Backpackers YHA (BBH) Finlay St. The hostel runs transport to the Tongariro Crossing, 07 892 2870, npbp.co.nz Plateau Lodge & Motel (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2993, plateaulodge@xtra.co.nz Ski Haus (BBH) Carroll St, McKenzie St, 07 892 2854, skihaus.co.nz

MT RUAPEHU The park’s showcase is Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano towering at 2,796m. Ruapehu Visitors’ Centre 54 Clyde St, 06 385 8427 Whakapapa Visitor Centre SH 48, Whakapapa Village, 07 892 3729

RANGITIKEI The Rangitikei District is a top destination for adventure sports. Amongst stunning scenery, you can navigate grade five whitewater and take the leap of elasticated faith from an 80m bungy. The Stockmans Lodge (BBH) 9 Dixon Way, 06 388 1584, stockmanslodge@xtra.co.nz River Valley Dorms 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

RANGITIKEI DO

A Plus Backpackers (BBH) 41 Iwiheke Pl, Turangi, 07 386 89 79, makoto0305@xtra.co.nz

Mokai Gravity Canyon Extreme flying fox, bridge swing and bungy jump. 0800 802 864

Club Habitat Backpackers Assoc YHA 25 Ohuanga Rd, 07 386 7492, yha.co.nz

River Valley Rafting and horse trekking. 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

Extreme Backpackers (BBH) 26 Ngawaka Place, 07 386 8949, extremebackpackers.co.nz Riverstone Backpackers (BBH) 222 Tautahanga Rd, 07 386 7004, riverstonebackpackers.com

TONGARIRO Adventure Lodge & Motel (VIP) Carroll Street, National Park, 07 892 2991, adventurenationalpark.co.nz Forest Lodge (BBH) Cnr Omaki and Ohorere Rds,

OPOTIKI Opotiki Information Centre Cnr St John and Elliot Sts, 07 315 3031 Central Oasis Backpackers (BBH) 30 King St, 07 315 5165, centraloasis@hotmail.com Opotiki Backpackers Beach House (BBH) 7 Appleton Rd, Waiotahi Beach, 07 315 5117, hangout@paradise.net.nz

EAST CAPE As you head around the Cape the

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towns get tinier and the scenery more dramatic. At Te Araroa, you can thead around to the East Cape Lighthouse.

A1 Backpackers (BBH) 122 Stortford St, 06 873 4285, a1backpackers@xtra.co.nz

Brians Place (BBH) Potae St, Tokomaru Bay, 06 864 5870, briansplace1@hotmail.com

Glenross Lodge (BBH) Route 52, Rakaunui, 06 376 7288, glenross@xtra.co.nz

Eastender Backpacker & Horse Treks (BBH) 836 Rangitukia Rd, Tikitiki, 06 864 3820, horsetreks@xnet.co.nz Maraehako Bay Retreat (BBH) SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648. Mel’s Place (BBH) Onepoto Beach Rd, Hicks Bay, 06 864 4694, eastcapefishing@xtra.co.nz

GISBORNE Flying Nun Backpackers (BBH) 147 Roebuck Rd, 06 868 0461, yager@xtra.co.nz YHA Gisborne 32 Harris St, 06 867 3269, yha.co.nz

WAIROA Wairoa Visitor Information Centre Queen St, 06 838 7440 Haere Mai Cottage (BBH) 49 Mitchell Rd, 06 838 6817 DOC office for hut bookings Lake Waikaremoana, 06 837 3900

NAPIER Napier is a beautiful, surprising city. Its “pleasing to the eye” status is actually the result of an enormous earthquake which meant the entire town had to be rebuilt. Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911 Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

NAPIER STAY Aqua Lodge (BBH) 53 Nelson Cres, 06 835 4523, aquaback@inhb.co.nz Criterion Art Deco Backpackers (VIP, Roamfree) 48 Emerson St, 06 835 2059, criterionartdeco.co.nz Napier Prison Backpackers (BBH) 55 Coote Rd, 06 835 9933, getnicked@napierprison.com Waterfront Lodge & Backpackers (BBH) 217 Marine Pd, 06 835 3429, napierwaterfront.co.nz YHA Napier 277 Marine Parade, 06 835 7039, yha.co.nz

HASTINGS Hastings is 20km south of Napier and most notable for its fertile plains, which have given birth to a multitude of beautiful parks, gardens and farms.

Lochlea Farmstay (BBH) 344 Lake Rd, Wanstead, 06 8554 816 info@lochleafarm.co.nz The Rotten Apple Backpackers (BBH) 114 Heretaunga St, 06 878 4363, rottenapple.co.nz Travellers Lodge Hastings (BBH) 608 St Aubyn St, West Hastings, 06 878 7108, tlodge.co.nz

TARANAKI Best known for its snow-capped mountain, Mt Taranaki. Peaceful and impressive, Taranaki has skifields, excellent surf beaches, great walking and climbing.

MOKAU Palm House Backpackers (BBH) 06835 7039, taranaki-bakpak.co.nz

NEW PLYMOUTH Taranaki’s major town is New Plymouth. One of NZ’s finest art galleries is here (the GovettBrewster Art Gallery). It hosts a great café. Department of Conservation 220 Devon St West, 06 758 0433 New Plymouth Info Centre Puke Ariki Complex, St Aubyn Street, 06 759 6080, info@newplymouth.govt.nz

PLYMOUTH STAY Eco Inn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth on SH3. 06 752 2765 Egmont Lodge (BBH, YHA) 12 Clawton St, 06 753 5720, yha.co.nz Seaspray House (BBH) 13 Weymouth St, 06 759 8934, seaspray@maxnet.co.nz Shoestring Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lemon St, 06 758 0404 Sunflower Lodge (BBH) 33 Timandra St, 06 758, 2842 The Missing Leg (BBH) 1082 Junction Rd, Egmont Village, 06 752 2570, jo.thompson@xtra.co.nz

PLYMOUTH DO Taranaki Surf Charters 20 Beach Road, 025 592 306, taracoastal@hotmail.com

MT TARANAKI The Camphouse (BBH) 6 Egmont Rd, 02 74 538 975, camphouse@taranaki-bakpak.co.nz Taranaki Accommodation Lodge (BBH) 7 Romeo St, Stratford, 06 765 5444, mttaranakilodge@hotmail.com

TARANAKI DO Climbing Mount Taranaki It is possible to climb it and return to civilisation in one day, however the weather is notoriously volatile and you must always notify the DOC. North Egmont Visitors Centre, 06 758 3222.

STRATFORD Stratford Information Centre Broadway Stratford (State Hwy 3), 06 765 6708, stratford@info.stratford.govt.nz Department of Conservation Pembroke Rd, 06 765 5144

SOUTH TARANAKI Information South Taranaki 55 High St, Hawera, 0800 111 323, visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz Wheatly Downs Farmstay Backpackers (BBH) 484 Ararata Rd, Hawera, 06 278 6523, wheatlydowns@taranakibakpak.co.nz

WHANGANUI Braemar House (YHA) 2 Plymouth St, 06 348 2301, yha.co.nz Tamara Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 24 Somme Pde, 06 347 6300, tamaralodge.com Whanganui National Park The major attraction is the Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery. Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour. Wanganui Information Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 349 0508, info@wanganui.govt.nz Department of Conservation Office Cnr Ingestre and St Hill Sts, 06 345 2402

PALMERSTON NTH Palmerston North Visitor Centre The Square, 0800 626 292, palmerstonnorth@i-site.org Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 350 9700

Grandma’s Place (BBH) 146 Grey St, 06 358 6928, ak1@clear.net.nz

the Botanic Gardens, 04 472 2199 Cosmic Corner Funk Store The funkiest store in the universe. Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff, who will happily point you in the right direction for parties, events and scenic spots. 215 Cuba St, 04 801 6970, funk@cosmiccorner.co.nz

Peppertree Hostel (BBH) 121 Grey St, 06 355 4054.

WELLINGTON The nation’s capital is to many people, New Zealand’s most interesting city. Wellington Visitor Info Centre Corner of Victoria & Wakefield Sts, 04 802 4860, wellingtonnz.com DOC Information Centre Lambton Quay, 04 472 7356 Ferry to the South Island Boats to Picton on the South Island. Ferries can be booked up well in advance in holiday periods. 0800 802 802, interislandline.co.nz Ferry Tickets Online 186 Victoria St, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz

WELLY STAY

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Many of New Zealand’s rarest birds, reptiles and insects are living freely in this awardwinning conservation safe haven. Look for kiwis on a guided tour by torchlight. Times vary and bookings are essential. Waiapu Rd, Karori. 04 920 9213, sanctuary.org.nz Mount Victoria The views are breathtaking. It’s damn windy so make sure you’re wearing heavy shoes. Walk, drive or bus it. Museum of Wellington City & Sea Queens Wharf, 04 472 8904

Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. 04 801 5666 stayatbase.com

Parliament House Free tours. Visit the Beehive, a uniquely designed centre of government with a distinct style of architecture, 04 471 9503

Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. 04 385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. 04 473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz

Te Papa – The National Museum Experience the earthquake simulation room, find out what the early settlers went through and visit Te Marae, Te Papa’s living modern marae. Free entry, Cable St, 04 381 7000, tepapa.govt.nz

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. 04 385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. 04 385 3771 Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com

Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6750

Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. 04 384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

Harbour cruises The harbour is a handsome thing and the best way to fully appreciate its beauty is by boat.

Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414

Wellington Rover Tours Small group day tours exploring Wellington, its stunning rugged coastline and the Lord of the Rings locations. 0800 426 211, wellingtonrover.co.nz

Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58 Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. 04 802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. 04 801 7280 yha.co.nz

WELLY DO Cable car Walk down Lambton Quay and you will see a sign for the cable car which departs every 10 minutes past Kelburn Park to

Beaches Wellington’s waterfront has cafés, restaurants and parks. Oriental Bay is good for a dip, but the water is cold and not always clean. It’s also good for a walk along the foreshore. If you are desperate for a swim, Scorching Bay is good or head up the coast towards Otaki where the best beaches in the region are found.

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SOUTHISLAND ABEL TASMAN The Abel Tasman National Park has great tramping with 56,000 acres to explore. The Coastal Track is one of the most popular walks in New Zealand, especially in summer when you can cool down at the stunning beaches. Nelson, Motueka and Marahau are all good bases for visiting the park. Sea kayaking is excellent here too.

ABEL DO Wilsons Abel Tasman Sea kayaking, water taxis and lodge accommodation. 0800 223 582, abeltasman.co.nz Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 732 529 abeltasmankayaks.co.nz

NELSON Nelson is seen as the “sunshine capital” of NZ. Home to a string of attractive beaches, Nelson is only a short drive away from the famous Abel Tasman National Park. The town boasts great cafés and a strong artistic subculture. Nelson’s great climate is conducive to fruit growing and travellers can find plenty of work in the area. Nelson Visitor Centre Cnr Trafalgar & Halifax St, 03 548 2304, nelsonnz.com Airport Shuttle 03 547 5782 Nelson City Taxis 03 548 8225

NELSON STAY Abode of the Buddha 181 Nile St East. 03 546 6890, cynthia@abodefthebuddha.co.nz Accents on the Park (BBH/VIP) 335 Trafalgar Square. 03 548 4335, accentsonthepark.com Almond House (BBH) 63 Grove St. 03 545 6455, almondbackpackers.co.nz Alpine Lodge St Arnaud. 03 521 1869, alpinelodge.co.nz Beach Hostel (BBH) 25 Muritai St. 03 548 6817, nelsonbeachhostel.co.nz The Bug (BBH) 226 Vanguard St. 03 539 4227 thebug.co.nz The Customhouse (BBH) 252 Haven Rd. 03 545 8365, customhousenelson.co.nz Footprints by the Sea (BBH) 31 Beach Rd, Tahuna Beach. 03 546 5441, info@footprints.co.nz The Green Monkey (BBH) 129 Milton St. 03 545 7421, thegreenmonkey.co.nz Honey Suckle House (BBH) 125 Tasman St. 03 548 7576

Hu Ha Bikerpackers (BBH) State Highway 6, Glenhope. 03 548 2707, smidgley@ihug.co.nz The Palace Backpackers (BBH) 114 Rutherford St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz Paradiso (BBH) 42 Weka St. 0800 269 667, backpackernelson.co.nz Rylands’ Retreat 163 Trafalgar St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz The Palace Backpackers (BBH) 114 Rutherford St. 03 548 9001, rylands@kol.co.nz

BOOK NOW! MOTUEKA STAY Bakers Lodge (YHA) 4 Poole St. 03 528 0102, yha.co.nz The Barn (BBH) Harvey Road, Marahau. 03 527 8043 Eden’s Edge Backpackers (BBH) 137 Lodder Lane, Riwaka. 03 528 4242, edens.edge@xtra.co.nz Lagoon Lodge (BBH) 500 High St. 03 528 8652, happyapplebackpackers.co.nz

Shortbread Cottage (BBH) 33 Trafalgar St. 03 546 6681

Hat Trick Lodge (BBH) 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz

Tasman Bay Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 10 Weka St. 03 548 7950, tasmanbaybackpackers.co.nz

The Laughing Kiwi (BBH) 310 High St. 03 528 9229, laughingkiwi.co.nz

Trampers Rest (BBH) 31 Alton St. 03 545 7477 Welcome House (BBH) 108 Parkers Road, Tahunahui. 03 548 5462 YHA Nelson Central 59 Rutherford St. 03 545 9988, yha.co.nz

NELSON DO Abel Tasman Kayaks 0800 527 8022, kayaktours.co.nz Happy Valley 4x4 Motorbike Adventures Tours around spectacular private farm on chunky fourwheel motorbikes. 03 545 0304, happyvalleyadventures.co.nz Kaiteriteri kayaks Free transport from Nelson. 03 527 8383, seakayak.co.nz Skydive Abel Tasman Tandem jumps from 13,000ft over Abel Tasman. 0800 422 899, skydive.co.nz

NELSON LAKES Located 118km south-west of Nelson, the park comprises Lake Rotoroa and Lake Rotoiti, and is surrounded by forests and mountains. Apart from tramping and skiing at Rainbow Valley and Mt Robert in winter, the lakes offer fishing and other water activities.

MOTUEKA This is an alternative hang-out for creative types and those seeking to veer off life’s fast lane. Most people use Motueka as a base to launch an assault on Abel Tasman National Park, but if you take the time to look around your efforts will be well rewarded. Try Marahau Beach and Cobb Valley. Motueka i-SITE Visitors Centre 20 Wallace St, 03 528 6543, motuekaisite.co.nz

Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park 03 527 8288, oldmacs@xtra.co.nz The White Elephant (BBH) 55 Whakarewa St. 03 528 6208, whiteelephant.co.nz Vineyard Tourist Units & Cabins 28 High St. 03 528 8550

MOTUEKA DO Wilsons Abel Tasman 265 High St, 0800 223 582, abeltasman.co.nz Southern Exposure Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking & Water Taxis 0800 695 292, southern-exposure.co.nz

The Jugglers Rest (BBH) 8 Canterbury St. 03 573 5570, info@jugglersrest.com

River Inn (BBH) Golden Bay. 03 525 9425

Picton Lodge (VIP) 9 Auckland St. 03 573 7788, pictonlodge.co.nz

Shambhala (BBH) Hwy 60, Onekaka. 03 525 8463, shambhala.co.nz

KAHURANGI NP The second-largest national park in NZ, Kahurangi includes the Heaphy Track. There are more than 100 bird species and an impressive cave system to be seen here. For info see the Nelson DOC office.

COLLINGWOOD North-west of Takaka is the tiny community of Collingwood (the people aren’t particularly small, their numbers are), a good base for expeditions to Farewell Spit. The Innlet (BBH) Main Rd, Pakawau. 03 524 8040, goldenbayindex.co.nz/theinnlet Somerset House (BBH) Gibbs Rd. 03 524 8624, backpackerscollingwood.co.nz

FAREWELL SPIT Arching east from the top of Golden Bay, this is a sand bar of epic proportions, home to some of the largest sanddunes in the world and some amazing birdlife. Golden Bay Visitor Centre 03 525 9136

TAKAKA

MARLBOROUGH

Known as the “Heart of the Parks”, the much underrated Golden Bay region is a place of considerable natural beauty. If you venture slightly out of Takaka you will see the Te Waikoropupu (Pupu Springs), one of the largest freshwater springs in the world.

The Marlborough Sounds are a beautiful labyrinth of islands and bays, serving as an impressive gateway to the South Island. Hire a kayak to paddle the coves in style, or go swimming with the dolphins.

Information Centre Willow St, 03 525 9136 Dept of Conservation Office 62 Commercial St, 03 525 8026

TAKAKA STAY Annie’s Nirvana Lodge (BBH, YHA) 25 Motupipi St. 03 525 8766, nirvanalodge@paradise.net.nz Aquapackers (BBH) Anchorage Bay, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 0800 430 744, aquapackers.co.nz Golden Bay Barefoot Backpackers (BBH) 114 Commercial St. 03 525 7005, bare-foot.co.nz

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Anakiwa Backpackers (BBH) 410 Anakiwa Rd. 03 574 1388, anakiwabackpackers.co.nz Hopewell (BBH) Kenepuru Rd. 03 573 4341, hopewell.co.nz The Partage Resort Hotel Kenepuru Sound. 03 573 4309, portage.co.nz

PICTON This pretty town is the opening to the South Island, where the North Island ferry comes in, a centre for the many activities in Queen Charlotte Sound. Airport shuttle bus 03 573 7125

PICTON STAY

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

Atlantis Backpackers (BBH) London Quay. 03 573 7390, atlantishostel.co.nz

Kanuka Ridge (BBH) 21 Moss Rd, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 03 527 8435, abeltasmanbackpackers.co.nz

Bayview Backpackers (BBH) 318 Waikawa Rd. 03 573 7668, truenz.co.nz/bayviewbackpackers

Sequoia Lodge (BBH, VIP) 3 Nelson Sq. 03 573 8399, sequoialodge.co.nz Picton Lodge (VIP) 9 Auckland St. 03 573 7788, pictonlodge.co.nz The Villa (BBH) 34 Auckland St. 03 573 6598, thevilla.co.nz Tombstone Backpackers (BBH) 16 Gravesend Place. 03 573 7116, rest@tombstonebp.co.nz Wedgwood House (YHA) 10 Dublin St. 03 573 7797, yha.co.nz

PICTON DO Dolphin Watch Encounters Picton Foreshore, 03 573 8040, naturetours.co.nz Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company 03 573 6078 Southern Wilderness NZ Guided walk, wine trek and sea kayaking specialists. 0800 666 044, southernwilderness.com Waka Whenua Tours Wine tours. Sightseeing/ historical/ cultural tours also available. 03 573 7877

QUEEN CHARLOTTE On the road-free outer Queen Charlotte Sound, everyone and everything travels by boat. The Queen Charlotte Track covers 71km and passes through magnificent forest, at times allowing spectacular views over the Marlborough Sounds. The whole track can be walked in four days, though you can also ride it by mountain bike. Endeavour Express Water Taxi Day-trips, round-trips and luggage transfers. 03 573 5456

HAVELOCK Nestled at the head of Pelorus Sound, Havelock is the best place from which to explore the Marlborough Sounds. For trampers and mountain bikers there’s the beautiful Nydia Track. DOC Office Mahakipawa Rd, 03 574 2019 Explore Pelorus Sea Kayaks 03 576 5251

HAVELOCK STAY Bluemoon Lodge (BBH) 48 Main Rd. 03 574 2212, bluemoonhavelock.co.nz

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Nikau Cottages 48 Main Rd. 03 443 9010 Rutherford YHA Hostel 46 Main Road. 03 574 2104, yha.co.nz

Top Spot Backpackers (BBH) 22 Deal St. 03 319 5540 YHA Kaikoura, Maui 270 Esplanade. 03 319 5931, yha.co.nz

PELORUS SOUND The largest waterway within the Marlborough Sounds, it can be accessed from Havelock, Linkwater or Rai Valley.

BLENHEIM The largest town in Marlborough, and considered (ahem, also) the“sunshine capital of New Zealand”. Whitewater rafting on the Buller and Gowan Rivers is great fun. Blenheim I-Site 8 Sinclair Street Railway Station 03 577 8080 Honi-B-Backpackers (BBH) 18 Parker St. 03 577 8441, honi-b.com Koanui Backpackers (BBH) 33 Main St. 03 578 7487, koanui.co.nz Leeways Backpackers (BBH) 33 Lansdowne St. 03 579 2213, leewaysbackpackers.co.nz Peacehaven Backpackers (BBH) 29 Budge St. 03 577 9750, hrnz@naver.com Stoney Acre 9 Marldene Avenue, Seddon. 03 578 6303, enquiries@stoneyacre.co.nz

KAIKOURA Kaikoura is famous for its large sperm whale population and picturesque mountain range. You can also snorkel with dolphins or swim with the inquisitive NZ fur seals (Sept-May). Kaikoura Visitor Info Centre, West End, 03 319 5641

KAIKOURA STAY

KAIKOURA DO Kaikoura is famous for its large sperm whale population and picturesque mountain r Albatross Encounter Enjoy the sight of the magnificent albatross so close to the boat you can almost touch them. 96 Esplanade, 0800 733 365 albatrossencounter.co.nz Dolphin Encounter Swim with the acrobatic dusky dolphins or if you prefer, join the tour to view them from the boat. 96 Esplanade, 0800 733 365, dolphin.co.nz Fyffe House 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura’s oldest building, 03 319 5835. Kaikoura Kayaks Paddle with the playful fur seals, dusky dolphins and marine life of Kaikoura. Seal kayaking, kayak school, hire, retail and kayak fishing. 19 Killarney St, 0800 452 456, kaikourakayaks.co.nz Seal Swim Kaikoura Swim with wild NZ Fur Seals. 58 West End, 0800 732 579, sealswimkaikoura.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch is the South Island’s major city and a lively, pretty base with a distinctly English feel to it. Throw in Mount Cook and Mount Hutt with their skifields (early June to late October) and the Canterbury area is well worth spending some time discovering.

Albatross Backpacker Inn (BBH) 1 Torquay St. 03 319 6090, albatross-kaikoura.co.nz

Christchurch & Canterbury i-Site Visitor Centre Rolleston Avenue (Next to the Canterbury Museum) Christchurch 8011 03 379 9629 christchurchnz.com

Bad Jelly Backpackers (BBH) 11 Churchill St. 03 319 5538, duskyjack@hotmail.com

Department of Conservation 4/195 Hereford Street (03) 371 3700

Adelphi Lodge (BBH, VIP) 26 West End. 0800 423 574, adelphilodge.co.nz

Dolphin Lodge (BBH) 15 Deal St. 03 319 5842, dolphinlodge@xtra.co.nz Dusky Lodge (BBH) 67 Beach Rd. 03 319 5959 The Lazy Shag (BBH) 37 Beach St. 03 319 6662 Lyell Creek Lodge (BBH) 193 Beach Rd. 03 319 6277, jedwards120@hotmail.com Sunrise Lodge (BBH) 74 Beach Rd. 03 319 7444

C’CHURCH STAY Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street. 03 365 4363 aroundtheworld.co.nz At The Right Place 85 Bealey Street. 03 366 1633 atrp.co.nz Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. 03 389 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com Canterbury House (BBH) 257 Bealey Ave. 03 377 8108, canterburyeh257@hotmail.com

Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. 03 377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. 03 366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley

Lyttelton is a quaint township with a beautiful scenic harbour and historic buildings. The harbour is a great place for boating, while the surrounding hills are good for mountain biking and walking.

Haka Lodge 518 Linwood Ave. 03 980 4252 hakalodge.com

Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546 jail.co.nz

Department of Conservation Cnr Amuri Rd & Jacks Pass Rd, 03 315 7128

LYTTELTON

The Hanmer Connection Christchurch to Hanmer Springs buses. 0800 242 663

HANMER STAY Hanmer Backpackers (BBH) 41 Conical Hill Rd. 03 315 7196, info@hanmerbackpackers.co.nz

AKAROA

Kiwi Basecamp (BBH) 69 Bealey Ave. 03 366 6770 stay@kiwibasecamp.com

Swim with dolphins, horse-ride and paraglide. If your tastes are a little more sedate, the foreshore is lined with cafes, galleries and boutiques.

Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. 03 381 6645 kiwihouse.co.nz

Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud, 03 304 8600

Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609 themarine.co.nz

Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch to Akaroa buses. 0800 500 929

Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. 03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz

Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. 03 381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. 03 366 6500 tranquil-lodge.co.nz Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. 03 377 7931 rucksacker.com Vagabond Backpackers (BBH) 232 Worcester St. 03 379 9677 vagabondbackpackers @hotmail.com

C’CHURCH DO Black Cat Cruises Wildlife Cruises on Lyttelton Harbour. Free shuttle bus from Christchurch, 03 328 9078. blackcat.co.nz Skydivingnz.com Skydiving and training courses, 0800 697 593 skydivingnz.com Up Up and Away Hot air ballooning, 03 381 4600, ballooning.co.nz

SUMNER This surf beach is also a great place to chill for a while. If you’re feeling adventurous, mountain biking, paragliding and surfing are just some of the activities you can try. The Marine Backpackers (BBH) 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609, themarine.co.nz

Kakapo Lodge (YHA) 14 Amuri Avenue. 03 315 7472, yha.co.nz Le Gite Backpackers (BBH) 3 Devon St. 03 315 5111, legite.co.nz Waipara Sleepers (BBH) 12 Glenmark Dr, Waipara. 03 314 6003, lewaiparasleepers.co.nz

CASTLE HILL Gateway to the Craigieburn Range.

AKAROA STAY

Chill Adventures Multi-mountain snow passes. chillout.co.nz

Bon Accord Backpackers (BBH) 57 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7782, bon-accord.co.nz

Springfield Hotel State Highway 73, Springfield. 03 318 4812, springfieldhotel.co.nz

Chez La Mer (BBH) 50 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7024, chezlamer.co.nz

ARTHUR’S PASS

Double Dutch (BBH) 32 Chorlton Road, Okains Bay. 03 304 7229, doubledutch.co.nz

This township is the HQ for the magnificent national park which offers tramping expeditions to skiing.

Halfmoon Cottage (BBH) SH25 Barrys Bay. 03 304 5050, halfmoon.co.nz

National Park Visitor Centre 03 318 9211 Rata Lodge Backpackers (BBH) State Highway 73, Otira Arthur’s Pass National Park. 03 738 2822

Onuku Farm Hostel (BBH) 03 304 7066, onukufarm.com

Smylies Accommodation (YHA) 03 318 9258, yha.co.nz

AKAROA DO Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

METHVEN Methven is a small, friendly town popular with fishermen, hunters and backpackers. The area provides a variety of adrenalin thrills, including hot air ballooning, bungy jumping and skydiving. Mt Hutt also has the longest ski run in Australasia.

Black Cat Cruises Offer a number of cruises in Akaroa. See Akaroa Harbour or swim with dolphins. 03 328 9078. Dolphin Experience Swim with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour. 61 Beach Rd, 0508 365 744, dolphinsakaroa.co.nz

Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre 121 Main St, Methven, 03 302 8955,

LEWIS PASS About 200km north of Christchurch, the Lewis Pass connects the west and east coasts on the SH7, with stunning surrounding scenery.

BANKS PENINSULA

HANMER SPRINGS

Banks Peninsula is a beautiful region with a stunning coastline chock full of mountains and wildlife. The two harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton are craters of a once majestic volcano.

Hanmer Springs boasts the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, where the water can reach 40°C (03 315 7511, hotfun.co.nz). Mt Lyford offers good winter skiing and is a cheaper option to the South Island resorts.

NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt. nzski.com

METHVEN STAY Big Tree Lodge (BBH) 25 South Belt. 03 302 9575, bigtree@xtra.co.nz Backpacker Heaven (YHA) Cnr Bank & McMillan Sts. 03 302 8999, yha.co.nz

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SOUTHISLAND Kowhai House (BBH) 17 McMillan St. 03 302 8887, kowhaihouse.co.nz

Lake Tekapo Backpackers (VIP) SH8. 03 680 6808, stay@laketekapo.bix

Mt Hutt Bunkhouse (BBH) 8 Lampard St. 03 302 8894, mthuttbunks.co.nz

YHA Lake Tekapo 3 Simpson Lane. 03 680 6857, yha.co.nz

Pinedale Backpacker Lodge (BBH) 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, skired@xtra.co.nz Skiwi House (BBH) 30 Chapman St. 03 302 8772, skiwihouse.com Snow Denn Lodge (YHA, VIP) Cnr Bank & McMillan Sts. 03 302 8999, yha.co.nz

TIMARU Despite being industrial, it’s picturesque with views of the Southern Alps, plains and sea. 1873 Wanderer Backpackers (BBH) 24 Evans St. 03 688 8795 Old Bank Backpackers 232 Stafford St. 03 684 4392 Timaru Backpackers 44 Evans St. 03 684 5067 Toru Toru Wha Backpackers 334 Stafford St. 03 684 4729

GERALDINE As well as a wonderful old movie theatre and whitewater rafting on the Rangitata River, visiting the mighty Emily Falls is recommended. Geraldine Information Centre Talbot Street, 03 693 1006 4x4 New Zealand Wilderness adventures and The Lord of the Rings tours, 03 693 7254, 4x4newzealand.co.nz Rangitata Rafts Peel Forest, 0800 251 251 Rawhiti Backpackers (BBH) 27 Hewlings St. 03 693 8252 rawhitibackpackers.co.nz/

FAIRLIE Mt Dobson Ski Area, 03 685 8039, dobson.co.nz

MT COOK Mount Cook National Park is part of a World Heritage area that forms one of the most amazing sights anywhere in New Zealand. The showcase is the majestic Mt Cook (Aoraki). NZ’s greatest climber Sir Edmund Hillary used it as a practice ground before conquering Mt Everest, but Mt Cook has claimed the lives of more than 160 people. Discuss climbing plans with park rangers before you go. Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village, 03 435 1819 The Cook Connection Day trips to Mt Cook from Tekapo. Ph: 021 583 211, cookconnect.co.nz

MT COOK STAY Mountain Chalets (VIP) Wairepo Rd, Twizel. 03 435 0785, mt.chalets@xtra.co.nz YHA Mt Cook Cnr Bowen and Kitchener Drives. 03 435 1820, yha.co.nz

WEST COAST Rugged is the word often used when it comes to the South Island’s west coast. It’s quite an amazing place, sparsely inhabited, untouched in many areas and studded with geographical wonders. Don’t miss the two mighty glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef, or the Pancake Rocks.

KARAMEA Karamea contains pleasant walks, interesting caves and the Oparara River, a great trout fishing spot. Walk along the wonderful Fernian Track or, try the more challenging hike up Mt Stormy. Karamea Information Centre Bridge St, 03 782 6652 Rongo (BBH) 03 782 6667, rongo@actrix.co.nz

Tallyho Lodge & Backpackers 7 School Rd. 03 685 8723

LAKE TEKAPO

MURCHISON

A stunning turquoise-coloured lake, 100km west of Timaru. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, frames the view beautifully. Activities include walking, watersports, fishing and skiing.

With crazy terrain skewed by mining and earthquakes, one of the major attractions of Murchison is its proximity to Buller Gorge, a wonderfully scenic cluster of cliffs and trees. Activities include rafting on the Gowan River and mountain biking on the Matakitaki.

Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers (BBH) 9-11 Aorangi Cres. 03 680 6700, rtailor-made-backpackers @xtra.co.nz

Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park 03 523 9809, bullergorge.co.nz

BOOK NOW! The Lazy Cow Accommodation (BBH) 37 Waller St. 03 523 9451, lazycow@paradise.net.nz

REEFTON

03 731 1812, allnations@xtra.co.nz

GREYMOUTH

The centrepiece of the town is Victoria Forest Park, the largest forest park in New Zealand.

The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Grey River. Highlights include the Monteith’s brewery tour, as well as aquatic activities like rafting and canyoning.

Reefton Visitor Centre 67 Broadway, 03 732 8391

Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101

Reefton Backpackers 64 Shiel St. 03 732 8133, armsstat@hotmail.com

TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning. 0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

The Old Nurses Home (BBH) 204 Shiel St. 03 789 8881

WESTPORT

GREYMOUTH STAY

Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658

The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the

Basils Hostel (VIP) 54 Russell St. 03 789 6410, basils.backpackers@xtra.co.nz

Duke Backpackers (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470

Beaconstone (BBH) Birds Ferry Road, Charleston. 03 715 5760

Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, 03 768 7272, globalvillage@minidata.co.nz

Berlins Café & Lodgings (BBH) 1205 Lower Buller Gorge, Inangahua Junction. 03 789 0295, info@xtremeadventures.co.nz Pounamu Backpackers (BBH) Section 406, S H’way 6m Charleston. 03 789 8011, paulhoney@xtra.co.nz Robyn’s Nest Hostel 42 Romilly St. 03 789 6565, robyns.nest@xtra.co.nz Swaines (BBH) Inangahua Landing Bridge, Highway 69, Inangahua Jnctn. 03 789 0226, cathy.swaine@gmail.com TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Highway 67, Hector. 03 782 8333

PAPAROA NP This park is home to the amazing Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. These are a series of eroded limestone rocks moulded into what appears to be a giant stack of pancakes. Visitor Information Punakaiki 03 731 1895 Barrytown Knife Making 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown, 03 731 1053, barrytownknifemaking.com

PAPAROA STAY Punakaiki Beach Hostel (BBH) 4 Webb St. 03 731 1852, punakaikibeachhostel.co.nz Te Nikau Retreat (BBH, YHA) 03 731 1111, tenikauretreat.co.nz All Nations Hotel & Backpackers (VIP) SH6, Barrytown.

The Hairy Lemon 128-130 Mawhera Quay, 03 768 4022, Neptunes International Backpackers (BBH) 43 Gresson St, 0800 003 768, info@neptunesbackpackers.co.nz Noahs Ark Backpackers (BBH) 16 Chapel St, 03 768 4868, noahsark@xtra.co.nz The Ranch 37 MacDougall Ave, 03 762 7801, dunolliebackpackers@hotmail.com YHA Greymouth Kainga-ra 15 Alexander St, Ph: (03) 768 4951, yha.co.nz

HOKITIKA Greenstone, a form of practically indestructible rock that was used by the Maori to make weapons and ornaments, is the main attraction here. There’s also the Westland Water World for all things wet, the Glowworm Dell and some excellent whitewater rafting. Hokitika Visitor Info Centre Carnegie Building, corner of Hamilton & Tancred Street, 03 755 6166

HOKITIKA STAY Beach House BPs 137 Revell St, 03 755 6859 Birdsong (BBH) 124 SH6, 03 755 7179 Drifting Sands Backpackers (BBH) 197 Revell St, 03 755 7612, madkiwi.co.nz

@tnt_downunder Mountain Jade Backpackers (BBH) 41 Weld St, 03 755 8007, mtjade@minidata.co.nz Riverview Cabins (BBH) 154 Kaniere Rd, 03 755 7440 Stumpers Accommodation 2 Weld St, 03 755 6154, stumpers.co.nz

HOKITIKA DO Alpine Rafts Freephone: 0800 223 456. The Just Jade Experience Design and create your own treasures with NZ jade/ greenstone. Allow at least 6-10 hours. 197 Revell St, 03 755 7612, madkiwi.co.nz

WHATAROA About 35km south of Harihari and one of the South Island’s prime fishing spots. Also the magnificent white heron (Kotuku) colony which thrillseekers can reach by jet boat.

OKARITO The tiny beach settlement of Okarito, near Franz Josef Glacier, sits at the mouth of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland – the Okarito Lagoon. Hike up to the Okarito Trig for excellent views. Okarito Nature Tours 03 753 4014, kayaks@okarito.co.nz Royal Hostel (BBH) The Strand, 03 753 4080, okaritohostel.com YHA Okarito Palmerston St, Whataroa, 03 753 4347, yha.co.nz

FRANZ JOSEF The glacier is about 12km long and offers a wide variety of challenging activities. To get the ultimate perspective on the magnitude of Franz Josef, head for Sentinel Rock, which gives a sweeping view over both the Waiho Valley and the mighty glacier. DOC Visitors Information Centre Westland National Park, Hwy 6, 03 752 0796

FRANZ STAY Black Sheep (VIP) SH 6, 03 752 0007 Chateau Franz (VIP, BBH) 8-10 Cron St, 0800 728 372, chateaufranz.co.nz Glow Worm Cottages (BBH) 27 Cron St, 0800 151 027, budgetaccommodation.co.nz Montrose (BBH) 9 Cron St, 03 752 0188, montrosebackpackers@xtra.co.nz Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346

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YHA Franz Josef 2-4 Cron St, 03 752 0754, yha.co.nz

FRANZ DO Alpine Adventure Centre Footage on a helimax screen, 03 752 0793 Franz Josef Glacier Guides Guided walks and heli-hikes on the Franz Josef Glacier 0800 484 337, franzjosefglacier.com Glacier Country Kayaks Explore the glaciers from the water 03 752 0230, glacierkayaks.com Skydive Franz At 18,000ft, they currently offer NZ’s highest skydive. 0800 458 677, skydivefranz.co.nz The Guiding Company 0800 800 102, nzguides.com

FOX GLACIER Similiar activities to Franz Josef only with fewer crowds. The best walk is up to the Welcome Flat Hot Springs. For stunning views, head up the wonderfully scenic Chalet Lookout Walk. Look out for the beautiful kea (grey-green mountain parrot). Nearby is Lake Matheson, with its stunning twin mountain reflection. DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 751 0807

FOX STAY Fox Glacier Inn 03 751 0088 Ivory Towers (BBH) 03 751 0838, ivorytowerslodge.co.nz

FOX DO Fox Glacier Guiding Guided walks and heli-hikes on the FoxGlacier. 0800 111 600, foxguides.co.nz Glacier Country Kayaks 20 Cron St, 0800 423 262, glacierkayaks.com Skydive NZ: Fox Glacier 0800 751 0080, skydivingnz.co.nz

HAAST PASS Running through Mt Aspiring National Park, this stretch of road is among the most scenic that you’ll come across in New Zealand, showing off pristine lakes, magnificent forests and waterfalls. DOC Centre Cnr SH 6 and Jackson Bay Rd, 03 750 0809 Haast Highway Accommodation Marks Rd, 03 750 0703

Wilderness Backpackers (BBH) Marks Rd, 03 750 029, whitesnalex@xtra.co.nz

SOUTHLAND The top of your chest will quickly get sore as the South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery becomes more prevalent. From the adrenalin thrills of Queenstown to the achingly beautiful Milford Sound, there’s never a dull moment down south. Stop frequently, take deep breaths and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Info Centre Cnr Ballantyne Rd & Ardmore St, 03 443 8372

LAKE WANAKA The cosy town and its crystal-clear waters which reflect the dramatic landscape is the gateway to Mount Aspiring Park. The World Heritage area has magnificent tramping and mountaineering. Lake Wanaka boasts almost as many adrenalintastic activities as neighbouring Queenstown, such as mountain biking, jet-boating, canyoning, and whitewater sledging. It’s a favourite with snowboarders in winter, and has lively nightlife year-round. Boasting the most sceneray from those films with wizards and hairyfooted hobbits, there are great Lord of the Rings tours, too.

Classic Flights Vintage Tiger Moth flights over Lake Wanaka. 03 443 4043, classicflights.co.nz Deep Canyon Canyoning in the Matukituki Valley. Adventure Wanaka, 23 Dunmore St, Wanaka. 03 443 7922, deepcanyon.co.nz Frogz Have More Fun Sledge down either the Clutha, Hawea or Kawarau Rivers. 0800 437 649, frogz.co.nz The Silver Demon Aerobatic flights. 03 443 4043, silverdemon.co.nz Skydive Lake Wanaka Freefall from 12,000 or 15,000ft with views of NZ’s highest mountains. 0800 786 877, skydivenz.com Treble Cone Ski Field 03 443 7443, treblecone.co.nz Wanaka Rock Climbing One, three and five-day rock climbing courses for everyone. 03 443 6411, wanakarock.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise from Wanaka, 03 443-8787, f lightseeing.co.nz

Wanaka Sightseeing Includes Lord of the Rings tours, 2 Anderson Rd, 03 338 0982, wanakasightseeing.co.nz

LAKE HAWEA Thirty-five kilometres long and more than 400m deep, Lake Hawea is a great source of salmon and rainbow trout.

QUEENSTOWN Paradise for the energetic traveller, Queenstown is one of the world’s most action-packed towns. The town, which is surprisingly small compared to its big reputation, is located on Lake Wakatipu and rises up to the peaks of the aptly-named Remarkables (which you can ski in winter). In winter, the town is a centre for nearby skifields and in summer adventure activities and tramping take over. There’s also a hectic social scene which extends well into the wee small hours.

Q’TOWN STAY Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. 03 442 7220, alpinelodge@xtra.co.nz Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge Rd. 03 442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. 03 441 1185, stayatbase.com Black Sheep Lodge (BBH/VIP) 13 Frankton Rd. 03 442 7289, blacksheepbackpackers.co.nz Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. 03 442 6367, butterfli.co.nz

Info & Track Walking Centre 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708

Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. 03 443 7341, cardrona.com Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. 03 442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz

Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au

Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

Queenstown Travel & Visitor Centre Corner of Shotover & Camp Sts, 03 442 4100

Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Lake Wanaka Visitors Centre The Log Cabin, Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street. 03 4431 1233

WANAKA STAY Albert Town Lodge (BBH) Cnr SH6 and Kingston St, Albert Town, 03 443 9487, alberttownlodge.co.nz Holly’s Backpackers (BBH) 71 Upton St, 03 443 8187, hollys@xtra.co.nz Mountain View Backpackers (BBH) 7 Russell St, 0800 112 201, stay@mtnview.co.nz The Purple Cow (BBH) 94 Brownston St, 03 443 1880, purplecow.co.nz Wanaka Bakpaka (BBH) 117 Lakeside Rd, 03 443 7837, wanakabakpaka@xtra.co.nz YHA Wanaka 181 Upton St, 03 443 7405, yha.co.nz

WANAKA DO Adventure Consultants Mountaineering instruction courses and guided ascents, 03 443 8711, adventure.co.nz Aspiring Guides Guided mountain climbing and ice climbing instruction courses, 03 443 9422, aspiringguides.com

STEWART ISLAND The jump from Invercargill to Stewart Island is one that many travellers won’t find the time to do, but if you happen to make it you will be greatly rewarded. Known as a haven for birdlife and general outdoor beauty, it’s also a fantastic place to spot to kiwi in its natural habitat. The weather is notoriously temperamental, so weatherproof yourself appropriately. Kayaking and tramping are the main activities on offer, allowing you to explore the wilder side of New Zealand. If you’re crazy/brave you could even take a dip in the chilly waters from one of the many isolated coves.

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SOUTHISLAND Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.com

Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) Queenstown’s best value accommodation. We offer an excellent variety of accommodation, everything from deluxe en-suite rooms with private bathroom amenities, inexpensive double and twin rooms, dorm beds and self-contained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz

Haka Adventure Snow Tours 03 980 4250, hakatours.com

Resort Lodge (BBH) 6 Henry St. 03 442 4970, resortlodge.co.nz Scallywags Traveller’s Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent. 03 442 7083 Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz The Last Resort (BBH) 6 Memorial St. 03 442 4320, thelastresort@xtra.co.nz Thomas’s Hotel & BPs (VIP) 50 Beach St. 03 442 7180 YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. 03 442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade. 03 442 8413, yha.co.nz

Q’TOWN DO There are hundreds of activities to keep you occupied in Queenstown. Bungy, jetboating and rafting are all experiences not to be missed, and in winter, skiing the Remarkables is a must. To really appreciate the beauty of the region, take a scenic flight, or even jump out the plane. AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown Jump off one or all of New Zealand’s most well-known sites. Nevis Highwire Bungy, the highest in New Zealand – 134m above the Nevis River. The Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first bungy – 43m above the Kawarau River. The 47m Ledge, 400m above the town which you can jump day or night. Access is by Skyline Gondola. 0800 286 4958 bungy.co.nz Awesome Foursome Bungy (Nevis – 134m), jetboat, helicopter, whitewater rafting, 03 442 7318 Dart River Safaris Jetboating wilderness tours, 0800 327 8538, dartriver.co.nz Fat Tyre Adventure Mountain biking/heli biking, 0800 328 897, fat-tyre.co.nz Fergburger Best burgers in NZ. Shotover St, 03 441 1232

Mad Dog River Boarding River sledging & other actionpacked water activities, 03 442 7797, riverboarding.co.nz Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz Nevis Snowmobile Safaris Helicopter ride & snowmobile adventure, 03 442 4250, snowmobilenz.com NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35 Shotover St, 03 442 5867, nzone.biz

BOOK NOW! ARROWTOWN Poplar Lodge (BBH) 4 Merioneth St, 03 442 1466, stay@poplarlodge.co.nz Riverdown Guesthouse (BBH) 7 Bedford St, 03 409 8499

TE ANAU Home to the second largest lake in NZ, Te Anau is a beautiful little town, a good jumping off point for the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. The park is the largest in New Zealand and offers some spectacular sightseeing. The Milford Track is one of the most famous in the world, but often booked out. The Routeburn, ReesDart and Kepler are ace alternatives. doc.govt.nz Fiordland I-site Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 03 249 8900

TE ANAU DO Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500 Fiordland Ecology Holidays 3-10 day cruises, all Southern Fiords. Mammal watching permit, 0800 249 660, fiordland.gen.nz High Ride Adventures Quad riding and scenic horse trekking. 03 249 8591, highride.co.nz Luxmore Jet Jetboating on the Waiau River, 0800 253 826, luxmorejet.co.nz Real Journeys Doubtful Sound daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. Milford Sound daytime, overnight scenic, nature and small boat cruises. 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Milford Track Day Walk Lake cruise and guided walk, 0800 656 501

@tnt_downunder Milford Sound Cruise & Observatory Visit 0800 656 501 Milford Wanderer Cruises Day and overnight options with kayaking, etc. Coach connections, 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Tawaki Dive See Fiordland’s unique marine life on a day-trip with two guided dives in Milford Sound. Rental gear available, max four divers. 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks and cycling. realjourneys.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise, 0800 105 105, flightseeing.co.nz 

MANAPOURI

NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt, nzski.com

Department of Conservation 03 249 8514 Te Anau Glowworm Caves realjourneys.co.nz

Rosco’s Milford Sound Sea Kayaks 0800 476 726, roscosmilfordkayaks

Queenstown Rafting Raft the Shotiver, Kawarau and Landsborough rivers. 35 Shotover St. 03 442 9792 rafting.co.nz

Air Fiordland Flights to Queenstown, Milford and Mt Cook, 03 249 7505

Skydive Fiordland Dive 44 Caswell Rd, Te Anau, 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz

Manapouri is the proud owner of arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful stretch of water. This is where the boat trip on Doubtful Sound leaves from – most start the trip in Queenstown or Te Anau. From the boat you may see seals and possibly dolphins and penguins.

Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503

Tracknet 03 249 7737, res@tracknet.net.au

Adventure Charters and Hires 03 249 6626

Real Journeys Visitor Centre Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound daytime and overnight cruises. Te Anau glow-worm cave excursions. TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship cruises and Walter Peak High Country Farm. 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz Shotover Canyon Swing Jump or be released 109m off the world’s highest cliff jump. 0800 279 464, canyonswing.co.nz Shotover Jet Jetboat ride. 0800 746 868 shotoverjet.com Sky Trek Hang Gliding 03 442 9551, skytrek.co.nz Vertigo Mountain Biking Heli-bike and gondola downhill. 0800 837 8446, vertigobikes.co.nz

GLENORCHY Just out of Queenstown is Glenorchy (or “Isengard”) which has some of the best walks in the area, including the Greenstone and Caples tracks. Department of Conservation Beech St, 03 442 7933 Glenorchy Backpackers Retreat (VIP) Cnr Mull and Argyle Streets, Glenorchy, Ph: (03) 442 9902 Kinloch Lodge (BBH) 862 Kinloch Rd, 03 442 4900, kinlochlodge.co.nz

Scenic Shuttle Daily between Te Anau and Invercargill in summer months, twice weekly in winter. Connects with the Catlins Coaster from Invercargill to Dunedin 0800 277 483 Top Line Tours Coach to and from Te Anau and Queenstown, 03 249 8059

TE ANAU STAY Barnyard Backpackers (BBH) 80 Mt York Rd, Rainbow Downs, 03 249 8006, rainbowdowns@xtra.co.nz Bob & Maxines (BBH) 20 Paton Place, 03 931 3161, bob.anderson@woosh.co.nz Grumpy’s Backpackers Te Anau-Milford Sound Highway, 03 249 8133, grumpys@xtra.co.nz Rosies Backpacker Homestay (BBH) 23 Tom Plato Drive, 03 249 8431, backpack@paradise.net.nz Steamers Beach Backpackers (BBH) 77 Manapouri Rd, 03 249 7457, teanau.info Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lakefront Dr, 03 249 7713, teanaubackpackers.co.nz YHA Te Anau 29 Mokonui St, 03 249 7847, yha.co.nz

ANAU TO MILFORD The distance between Te Anau and Milford Sound may be 119km but the breathtaking scenery along the way makes the journey extremely enjoyable. Along the road watch out for the Mirror Lakes and the disappearing mountain. Another highlight is the 1.2km rough-hewn Homer Tunnel. It’s pitch black, having no lighting plus it’s pretty darn steep – a thrilling experience for those afraid of the dark.

MILFORD SOUND Green, wet and breathtakingly beautiful, Milford Sound is one of the most picturesque sights in the world. Much of the action in the Milford Sound takes place on the water and the best way to appreciate the beauty on show is on a cruise or kayak. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins all hang out there. Milford Sound Lodge (BBH) 03 249 8071, milford.sound.lodge@xtra.co.nz

MILFORD DO Real Journeys 0800 656 501, reservations@realjourneys.co.nz Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445 Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Discover a coral reef beneath Milford Sound, 03 249 9442

Real Journeys 0800 656 502

MANAPOURI STAY Freestone Backpackers (BBH) 270 Hillside Rd, 03 249 6893, freestone@xtra.co.nz Manapouri Lakeview Backpackers (VIP) 68 Cathedral Drive, 03 249 6652, manapouri@clear.net.nz Possum Lodge (BBH) 13 Murrel Ave, 03 249 6623.

DOUBT SOUND If you’re not one for crowds, an alternative Fiordland option is Doubtful Sound – the deepest of the fiords, made up of 100km of waterways. Where Milford is all pointy peaks and endless cascading falls, Doubtful is rounded mountains – a serene sanctuary, inhabited by loads of interesting critters. Real Journeys Daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. 0800 656 502 Fiordland Navigator Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 03 249 6602, yha.co.nz Deep Cove Hostel Doubtful Sound, 03 249 7713, hostel.co.nz

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INVERCARGILL The southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill is a farmingorientated community with a pleasant collection of parks and museums to keep you busy. Invercargill I-site Visitors Centre 108 Gala St, 03 214 6243 Dept of Conservation Office Don St, 03 214 4589 Catlins Coaster Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins with many stops to the main natural attractions and wildlife encounters. Farmstay options are available, 0800 304333, catlinscoaster.co.nz Stewart Island Flights Flights to Stewart Island, 03 218 9129, sif@xtra.co.nz

INVERCARG STAY Kackling Kea Backpackers (BBH) 225 Tweed St, 03 214 7950 Southern Comfort (BBH) 30 Thompson St, 03 218 3838 Tuatara Lodge (VIP) 30 Dee St, 03 214 0956, tuataralodge.co.nz

SOUTH SCENIC The beautiful road west of Invercargill towards Fiordland is known as the Southern Scenic Route. The Dubliner (BBH) 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 1896, andreas69@xtra.co.nz Dustez Bak Paka’s (BBH) 15 Colac Bay Rd, Riverton, 03 234-8399 dustez@xtra.co.nz The Globe Backpackers (VIP) 144 Palmerston St, Riverton, 03 234 8527, globebackpackers@xtra.co.nz Harbison Backpackers (BBH) 5 Harbison St, Otautau, 03 225 8715, michdale@xtra.co.nz Shooters Backpackers 73 Main St, Tuatapere, 03 226 6250

GORE Gore spans the Mataura river and boasts some lovely scenery in the Hokonui Hills and the Country and Western festival each June. Old Fire Station Backpackers (BBH) 19 Hokonui Dr, 03 208 1925, oldfirestation@ispnz.co.nz Anglem House 20 Miro Crescent, 03 219 1552, yha.co.nz

THE CATLINS The beautiful Catlins is a sprawling mass of bush, forest and rivers, stretching all the way from Waipapa Point in Southland to Nugget Point in Otago. The best bit about the Catlins is the abundance of wildlife. Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, South Otago, 03 415 8371, info@catlins-nz.com Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours Two-day camping trips, 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

CATLINS STAY Blowhole Backpackers (BBH) 24 Main Rd, Owaka, 03 415 5635, catlinsbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Curio Bay Backpacker Accommodation (BBH) 501 Curio Bay Rd, 03 246 8797. The Falls Backpackers (BBH) Purakaunui Falls Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8724, sparx@es.co.nz Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834 The Split Level (BBH) 9 Waikawa Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8304, brianwayne@clear.net.nz Surat Bay Lodge (BBH) Surat Bay Rd, New Haven, 03 415 8099, suratbay.co.nz Penguin Paradise Holiday Lodge (BBH) 612 Waikawa-Niagara Rd, Waikawa Village South Catlins, 03 2468 552, dolphinsurf@xtra.co.nz Thomas Catlins Lodge & Holiday Park, 03 415 8333, yha.co.nz Wright’s Mill Lodge (BBH) 865 Tahakopa Valley Rd, 03 204 8424 catlinsaccommodation.co.nz

DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN STAY The Asylum Lodge (BBH) 36 Russell Rd, Seacliff, 03 465 8123 Bus Stop backpackers (BBH) 252 Harrington Point Rd, Portobello, 03 478 0330, backpacker@slingshot.co.nz Chalet Backpackers (BBH) 296 High St, 03 479 2075 Dunedin Central Backpackers (BBH) 243 Moray Pl, 03 477 9985, duncb_nz@yahoo.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 74 Elm Row, 03 477 3384 Hogwartz (BBH) 277 Rattray St, 03 474 1487, hogwartz@actrix.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 54 Arthur St, 03 477 3384, jollypoacher@ihug.co.nz Kiwis Nest (BBH) 597 George St, 03 471 9540. Leviathan Heritage Hotel 27 Queens Gardens, 0800 773 773, leviathan@xtra.co.nz Manor House (BBH) 28 Manor Place, 03 477 0484, manorhousebackpackers.co.nz On Top Backpackers (BBH) 12 Filleul St, cnr Moray Pl, 03 477 6121. Pennys Backpackers (BBH) 6 Stafford St, 03 477 6027, info@pennys.co.nz Queens Garden Backpackers (VIP) 42 Queens Garden, 03 479 2175, dunedinbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Ramsay Lodge (BBH) 60 Stafford St, 03 477 6313, ramsay.lodge@xtra.co.nz YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables 71 Stafford St, 03 474 1919, yha.co.nz

DUNEDIN DO

Dunedin is Celtic for “Edinburgh” and many Scottish principles endure here. One thing the locals do much better than their Scots ancestors is play rugby, so if there’s a game on at Carisbrook (the “House of Pain”) while you’re in town, beg, borrow or steal to get yourself there.

Baldwin Street In the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world.

Dunedin Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300 Dept of Conservation Office 77 Stuart St, 03 477 0677

Cosmic Corner Funk Store Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff about where to go for parties, events and the beautiful parts of New Zealand. 355 George St, 03 479 2949

Penguin Patch 9 the Octagon, 03 471 8571, Email: penguinpatch@xtra.co.nz

Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz

Cadbury World 280 Cumberland St, 0800 223 2879, cadbury.co.nz

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz

ALEXANDRIA Alexandra and Roxburgh are the two main towns for fruit-picking work in the Central Otago region. Two Bob Flashpackers (BBH) Marshalll Rd, | 03 449 3188, twobobs@xtra.co.nz

Parachute Experience Skydiving from a great height 03 489 4113, dropzone.com Sinclair Wetlands and Educational Centre Freedom or conducted walks over 5km of walkways. Backpacker and camping facilities. Rapid no 854 Clarendon/Berwick Rd (signposted on SH1 30km south of Dunedin), 03 486 2654 Speights Brewery Heritage Tours 03 477 7697, speights.co.nz

ROXBURGH Villa Rose Backpackers (BBH) 79 Scotland St, 03 446 8761, remarkableorchards@xtra.co.nz

OAMARU A charming little place noted for both its interesting collection of white granular limestone buildings and its large penguin population. Visitor Information Centre Thames St, 03 434 1656

Royal Albatross Centre 03 478 0499, albatross.org.nz

OTAGO PENINSULA The Otago Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of rugged coast, home to a fascinating collection of rare and native birds such as the albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. Billy Browns (BBH) 423 Aramoana Rd, Port Chalmers, 03 472 8323, billybrowns@actrix.co.nz McFarmers Backpackers (BBH) 774 Portobello Rd, Portobello, 02 5206 0640, mcfarmersbackpackers @hotmail.com

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz Chillawhile Backpackers (BBH) & Art Gallery 1 Frome St, Roberts Park, 03 437 0168, chillawhile.co.nz Coastal Backpackers (BBH) The Hall, Waianakarua Rd, All Day Bay, 03 439 5411, coastalbackpackers.co.nz Buscot Station (BBH) 732 Omarama, 03 438 9646, buscotstn@xtra.co.nz

OTAGO DO Historic Fort Taiaroa An underground complex built in the 1880s, this fortified stronghold has been inhabited since earliest Maori settlement of the area. Tours available at the Visitor Centre. Fletcher House, Broad Bay, 03 478 0180

Empire Hotel (BBH) 13 Thames St, 03 434 3446, empirehotel@hotmail.com

Larnach Castle Australasia’s only castle. The architecture is amazing and the intricate details (including a foyer ceiling that took nearly seven years to build) are breathtaking.

YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle Seasonal (open September/ October to May/June only). Corner of Reed and Cross Sts, 03 434 5008, yha.co.nz

NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium Run by the University of Otago, the Portobello Aquarium and Marine Biology Centre (near Quarantine Point) is a refuge for a diverse collection of fish and reptile life. 03 479 5826

Swaggers Backpackers (BBH) 25 Wansbeck St, 03 434 9999, swaggers@es.co.nz

Old Bones Backpackers (BBH) Rapid Number 468 Beach Rd, Kakanui, 03 434 8115, simon@oldbones.co.nz

Elm Wildlife Tours 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

MOERAKI Just 30km south of Oamaru lies a remarkable collection of eerie giant boulders. Olive Grove Lodge (BBH) 2328 SH1, Waianakarua, 03 439 5830, info@olivebranch.co.nz

TAIAROA HEAD Taiaroa Head is the place to see the albatross colony, the only mainland colony in the world inside the bounds of a city.

The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

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WIN

ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

If that’s you in the circle, send an email with a photo of yourself and the title ‘Spotted’ to tom@tntdownunder.com. Boom! You’ve just won yourself a double pass to any Big Night Out! Like us on facebook/ tntdownunder for more party pics from the night.

BIG NIGHT OUT QUEENSTOWN

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OZWORK

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Trading places Skilled or unskilled, there are plenty of jobs in Oz for those in the trades industry. We look at the options for you travelling tradies

Whether it’s skyscrapers in Sydney or townhouses in Tully, qualified tradespeople are almost certain to land a job while in the land Down Under. You don’t have to walk the streets of any Aussie city for long to realise how many building sites there are. As a result, qualified tradesmen are in high demand in Oz. But you’ll want to know what qualifications are required... “Most of our positions don’t require any formal qualifications, but there are some that require trades qualifications such as carpentry apprenticeships,” says Roger Johnson, company director at Infront Staffing. If you are considering work on a construction site you’ll need to get a White Card. But don’t despair as most agencies will explain how to go about it. “We currently conduct the OHS White Cards (also known as the OHS Green Card) which enables individuals to work on building and construction sites in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria,” says Johnson. To get the card you must attend a one day course in your nearest city. This will normally set you back around $110. But what other qualities do you need to secure that dream job? Hays regional director of construction Shane Little tells us that if you are “reliable, efficient, hardworking and loyal,” you can’t go wrong. Last, but certainly not least, what income can you expect? “Skilled individuals with good experience can earn over $26/hr. Individuals with lesser skill and experience may earn around $18,“ says Johnson. Not too bad. So perhaps it’s time to jump off that builder’s bum of yours and secure a job. If nothing else, at least you’ll be working on your tan...

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MISSION CRITICAL PROJECT DELIVERY? 457 SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE l BLUE CHIP CLIENTS l HIGHLY RESPECTED CONSULTING PMO MANAGER

PMO CONSULTANT – (MASTER) SCHEDULER

You will be charged with establishing and operating the PMO for a significant program of works and potentially refining some of the existing enterprise-level PMO practices in line with changing requirements.

You will work collaboratively with the project management team and the PMO Manager to ensure all aspects of the project’s multiple timelines are accurately captured, maintained and analysed to ensure on time delivery.

Your role will play an integral role in ensuring successful delivery of a large-scale & complex technology based transformations.

Ensuring transparency in reporting and all communications, strong stakeholder management and implementing rigorous control disciplines will enable you to meet the client’s expectations and deliver a first quality service.

Seven Consulting is a Program Management Consultancy providing seasoned professionals to deliver large-scale business transformation and IT programs to agreed performance criteria. We are listed in the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 BRW Fast 100 as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies. We focus exclusively on the delivery of large-scale complex business transformation and IT programs for blue chip clients, working with the executives and delivery teams of these organisations to achieve their desired results. We have been operating in Sydney since 2002 and Melbourne since 2012. Our clients include the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, National Australia Bank, Bauer Media, Telstra, Superpartners, AMP, Oil Search, QANTAS, APA, Medibank Private, Hewlett-Packard, Vodafone Hutchison and Stockland.

Due to continued demand for our services we are looking for Experienced PMO Managers and Master Schedulers to join our teams in Sydney and Melbourne. If you have a track record of:

• • • • •

Successfully providing PMO Management or Scheduling Services for large programs Experience in Project Governance, Processes, Methodology, Risk Management and Reporting High energy levels to ensure successful program delivery or turnaround success Strong references from previous employers and client sponsors A successful track record of over delivery and high integrity will be the most important factors.

457

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

Please send expressions of interest to natasha.qaiser@sevenconsulting.com or phone (03) 9602 4845 for a confidential chat

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TOTALLYTRIVIAL

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WHO TO BLAME

AND THEIR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE NT EDITOR

HUGH RADOJEV (Kings Canyon)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

ACCOUNT MANAGER

TOBY LLEWELLYN (Devils Marbles )

MARKETING + EVENTS EXECUTIVE GEORGIE PENGELLY (Arnhem Land)

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

LISA FERRON (Litchfield National Park)

AUSSIE WINE RULESQUIZ FOOTBALL Where in Australia produces the best Q Q 1.Champagne? a) Hunter Valley b) Adelaide Hills c) Nowhere, only France d) Yarra which state is the Hunter Valley? Q 2.a)InACT b) Queensland c) New South Wales

RORY PLATT (Larapinta Trail)

b) Sovereign c) Magnum d) Melchizedek

a) Cab Sauvignon b) Zinfandel c) Pinot Grigio d) Pinot Noir

wine is likely to be ‘tannic’? Q 8.a)Which White Wine

Q 4. Can red grapes produce white wine? a) No, only red wine c) No, only rosé

ACCOUNTS

PHIL LEAROYD (Henley-on-Todd )

has the largest sized bottle? Q 7.a)Which Piccolo

d) Tasmania

The Coonaware Region is most Q 3.famous for its what?

INTERN

b) Yes d) Sometimes

Q 5. What percentage of Australian wine bottles are screw capped? a) 50 per cent b) 85 per cent c) 30 per cent d) 100 per cent

SUDOKU PUZZLE

WHAT WE’RE DOING NEXT MONTH SAID A BITTERSWEET FAREWELL TO OUR BDM TOM WHEELER, ACCOUNT MANAGER TOBY LLEWELLYN AND EDITOR HUGH RADOJEV HIT UP NORTH BONDI RSL AND HAD A FEW BEERS AT THE RATHOUSE! DRIVING UP FROM ADELAIDE TO ULURU WITH A BIG GROUP OF TRAVEL AGENTS AND PUNTERS – SHOULD BE A BIT OF FUN!

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Q 9. Which best describes Sauv Blanc? a) Dry and oaky b) Green and grassy c) Heavy and tannic d) Soft and sweet

“STUNNED MULLET”

b) Sparkling Wine c) Red Wine d) Rosé

AUSSIE-ISM

2 5

Which of these places is not an Australian appellation? a) Yarra Valley b) Temecula c) Orange d) King Valley

ANSWERS: 1. c 2. b 3. a 4. d 5. b 6. b 7.d 8. c 9. b

TOM WHEELER (Katherine Gorge )

4 5

To be in a complete state of bewilderment or astonishment, utterly dazed and confused about something that has happened. E.g “He just sat there, staring into space like a stunned mullet.”

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