740 by TNT MAGAZINE

April/May 2014 Issue 740

IN!ATE W N I IM LT W U THE XXXX NS X

CAIR ADVENTURE FOR TWO

SEE RHYS DARBY LIVE On Everest... yes the mountain

MAKING US DIZZEE We have a chat with Mr Rascal. Dench.

S N R I A C Y Z CRA l renalin capita d a ’s a li a tr s u in A raft and more r te a w e it h w , skydive, Bungee jump

+ KANGAROO ISLAND LAKE WANAKA TOP 5 QUEENSLAND TRY THAILAND

EVERY SUNDAY FROM 4PM

CRN CHAPEL & HIGH ST WINDSOR WWW.LUCKYCOQ.COM.AU LUCKYCOQ.indd 02_739p18-33 A&E1+ SPORTS.indd 25

31/10/13 6:09 27/02/2014 8:44 AM pm

EDITORIAL Editor Caroline Garnar Online Editor Vicky Anscombe TNT Australia Editorial Ian Armitage ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com Contributors Michael Gadd, Francesca Baker, Stephanie Palmer DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Sales manager Jaqui Ward jaqui.ward@tntmagazine.com STARTRACK MEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst PUBLISHER Startrack Media Ltd PRINTED BY Rural Press PICTURES Getty Images | Thinkstock | TNT Images | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji TNT Magazine online tntdownunder.com General enquiries ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com jaqui.ward@tntmagazine.com WHERE TO GET TNT

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

FROM THE EDITOR ‘Knock knock.’ ‘Who’s there?’ ‘Opportunity.’ ‘Opportunity who?’ ‘Just opportunity, they say I’m supposed to come knocking, so I have.’ Yeah, I just made up that killer joke (believe it), but as well as being hilariously witty, it is also making a point. Two in fact: 1. Opportunity has come knocking for you, yes you dear reader. You have the chance to trek to Mount Everest base camp in October to help raise money for Save the Children. 2. You will do the trek with six comedians and watch the world’s highest ever stand-up gig (hence the hilarious ‘knock knock’ joke. Don’t worry, I’m sure the pros will do better). Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby, aka Murray from Flight of the Conchords, is one of said comedians, and we had a chat with him all about it, as well as his new Mr Adventure tour which is doing the rounds in New Zealand this month and next. See page 18 to find out how you can join him, whether it be up a mountain or in a comedy club. And that’s not all. We’ve got a double whammy of interviews for you as another young man with a rather distinctive accent is touring Australia at the end of this month. Yep he’s bonkers and he’s from Bow, and we can confirm he really does speak like that – see our chat with Dizzee Rascal on page 22. If you consider yourself somewhat bonkers too, we have found the perfect place for you: Cairns. Want to jump out of a plane? Do a bungee jump? Hold a (baby) croc? This is the place to do it. See page 50 to find out our top 10 crazy things to do in Cairns. If you’d rather watch something jumping than do it yourself, head to Kangaroo Island (p40) off South Australia. Or for an alcohol-induced buzz, New Zealand’s Lake Wanaka is your place for wine, wine and more wine (p74). If you are also using your time in Australia as a chance to get to Asia with ease, turn to page 90 for our guide to Thailand so you don’t miss a thing while you’re there. Whether it’s Mount Everest, Lake Wanaka or Thailand for you, have a good one!

caroline.garnar@tntmagazine.com

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.

Airlie Beach

Crazy jobs

The Kiwi Experience

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THIS MONTH DIARY 6 FOOD 10 DRINK 11 GIGS 12 PUBS

RHYS DARBY

DIZZEE RASCAL

LEANNE POOLEY

SPORT ROUND-UP 26 SAM ROBSON 28 TRAVEL

TRAVEL DIARY 32 34

TOP 5: QUEENSLAND 36 OZ: KANGAROO ISLAND

ON THE COVER CRAZY CAIRNS

Go mad in Australia’s adrenalin capital

TOP 10: CAIRNS 50

SEE RHYS DARBY LIVE

NZ: LAKE WANAKA

On Everest... yes the mountain

BIG TRIP: THAILAND

MAKING US DIZZEE

18 22

We chat to Mr Rascal. Dench.

TOP 5 QUEENSLAND

AUSTRALIA LISTINGS

Make the most of the Sunshine State

NEW ZEALAND LISTINGS

KANGAROO ISLAND

CAREERS 96 DESPERATELY SEEKING

There’s more to this island than Joey

LAKE WANAKA

Wine, wings and wheels in NZ

TRY THAILAND

We tell you the top spots to head for

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Photos: Thinkstock and Getty

TRAVEL REVIEW

OZDIARY

@tntdownunder

THIS MONTH’S TOP PICKS HOOPLA FESTIVAL APR 18-21 Sydney Hoopla is Australia’s pre-eminent annual circus and it’s rolling, tumbling and flipping its way back into Darling Harbour with a ticketed and free circus, acrobatic and comedy performances over the Easter weekend. You’d be crazy to miss it, you really would. Crazy. FREE

Various times Darling Harbour darlingharbour.com

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW Apr 10-23 Sydney At this year’s show there are Dinosaur Adventures, plus new Airmaxx 360 and Freak Out rides in the Coca-Cola Carnival where you’ll find more than 50 thrill-seeker and family-fun rides. Man we love a scary ride! $38

Various times Sydney Olympic Park eastershow.com.au

THIS MONTH’S MUST-DO RIP CURL PRO APR 16-27 Like surfing? Want to see the world’s best? They will all be at the Rip Curl Pro. Celebrating the 52nd anniversary of the Bells Beach Easter Rally, the iconic Bells Trophy is one of the most sought-after titles on surfing’s ASP World Championship tour and holds a proud place in surfing folklore. Be there or be square, yeah? $8

Only the world’s best win the Rip Curl Pro

11pm-5am Bells Beach

live.ripcurl.com

OZ INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK

MELBOURNE BLUESFEST COMEDY FESTIVAL Apr 17-21 Byron Bay

GROOVIN’ THE MOO 2014

Apr 11-12 Sydney

Until Apr 20 Melbourne

Apr 25-May 10 Various

The first Australian Indigenous Fashion Week is taking place at the Sydney Town Hall on April 11 and 12. Vogue Australia cover girl Samantha Harris is among several indigenous Australian models who will strut their stuff.

It’s back and this year it has an absolutely cracking line-up, from the UK’s Paul Foot to the awardwinning Aussie comedian Wil Anderson and loads more in between. Warning: you’ll laugh so hard you’ll probably split your sides.

The Bluesfest has got a seriously awesome line-up (although it should for that ticket price). John Mayer, Elvis Costello and The Imposters, Jack Johnson, India.Arie and the Jonathan Butler Trio are enough to make us think all our concert dreams have come true.

Various times Sydney Town Hall aifw.com.au

Various times Melbourne comedyfestival.com.au

Daily Tyagarah, NSW bluesfest.com.au

$625

$50+

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$20+

Groovin’ the Moo promoters recently revealed this year’s line up and the big news is that UK house superstars Disclosure will be in attendance. With a strong line-up you can guarantee this one will sell out pretty darn quick so make sure you grab your tickets fast. Various times Nationwide 2014.gtm.net.au

$99

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ANZAC DAY SERVICES Apr 25 Nationwide Anzac Day is a national day of memorial in Australia, commemorating those who lost their lives in the WWI Gallipoli Campaign. Several dawn services will be held on Friday April 25 and if you choose to attend the one at The Cenotaph in Sydney you can also take part in the traditional Anzac Day Parade, which begins at 9am in the CBD. A commemoration service will be held at the War Memorial in Hyde Park (South) at around 1pm. FREE

Various Nationwide rslnsw.org.au/commemoration

WILD! RHINOS Until Apr 21 Sydney

THE ROCKS PUB WALKING TOUR Ongoing Sydney

Have you spotted Taronga’s herd of 125 arty Wild! Rhinos yet? They’re dotted in spaces such as the Botanic Gardens and Bondi and you still have time to get out and find them, well until the end of April anyway. The exhibition is raising awareness for Black Rhino breeding.

Photos: Supplied, Thinkstock and Getty.

FREE

Daily taronga.org.au/wild-rhinos

Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs and locals of the past as you share a drink in three of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Between drinks, your guide will share the gossip and stories of Australia’s first European settlement. $54

Tues, Thur & Sat, 6.30pm The Rocks Visitors Centre peektours.com.au

OZDIARY

@tntdownunder

Rhys Darby: NZ comedy superstar no less

Kanye West will be in Perth on May 2

Vance Joy features in Triple J’s Hottest 100

NORTH

EAST

WEST

DECKCHAIR CINEMA APR 16 ONWARDS / NIGHTLY / $16 This outdoor film fest is back for the summer, and celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. Enjoy classic movies and a picnic under the stars.

BLUEWATER FESTIVAL APR 11-20 / VARIOUS / FREE Now in its 17th year, Bluewater continues to attract thousands of visitors to the northern shores of Moreton Bay.

Darwin Harbour

Lower Moora Park Park Parade, Shorncliffe

WEST COAST BLUES ‘N’ ROOTS FESTIVAL APR 13 / 10AM / $139 West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots has proudly brought to Fremantle some truly legendary artists over the past 10 years including Bob Dylan, James Brown, Paul Simon and Jeff Beck.

bluewaterfestival.org.au

Fremantle Park

Darwin, NT

deckchaircinema.com.au

HERITAGE WEEK 2014 APR 12-20 / DAILY / VARIOUS Join the annual national celebration of Australia’s unique heritage.

DIZZEE RASCAL APR 24 / 7PM / $80 Dizzee will play Brisbane as part of his Oz tour.

Various venues

Eatons Hill Hotel

Nationwide

South Pine Road, Eatons Hill

heritage-week.govspace.gov.au

frontiertouring.com/dizzeerascal

BASS IN THE GRASS MAY 24 / 11AM / $70 An 11-hour NT music festival with acts including Vance Joy and a handful of up-andcoming local artists. Darwin Amphitheatre George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens bassinthegrass.com.au

Parry Street, Perth

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westcoastbluesnroots.com.au

WORLD BOOMERANG CUP APR 21-23 / DAILY / FREE The boomerang is great fun to lob, so why not hop down to this fantastic free event and learn from the best?

ANZAC RUN APR 27 / 6.30AM-1PM / FREE There’s still time to enter Australia’s first Anzac Run and salute our military and first responders. Alternatively, show your support by cheering from the sidelines. $65 to enter.

Terrace Road

Around Brisbane

Perth Arena

Brisbane

anzacrun.com

Perth

wbcperth2014.com

KANYE WEST MAY 2 / 7.30PM / $160 Go see Mr West’s Yeezus Tour. Perth

kanyewest.com

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OZDIARY

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SOUTH

DR SKETCHY’S APR 15 & 29, MAY 13 / 6.30PM / $20 The Arthouse is home to the original Sydney life drawing classes, held fortnightly on Tuesdays. But these life-drawing classes have a twist – the models are burlesque beauties.

RHYS DARBY: MR ADVENTURE APR 11-MAY 30 / VARIOUS / $47+ New Zealand’s very own comedy superstar returns with a brand new show for 2014.

WATCH THIS

Nationwide New Zealand

rhysdarby.com

The Arthouse Hotel

DISCLOSURE APR 30-MAY 2 / 8PM / $65 Disclosure are bringing their hits to The Forum as a sideshow to their Groovin’ the Moo tour.

PECHA KUCHA APR 15 / 6PM-8.30PM / $10 Doers, thinkers, creatives, writers, artists, gogetters, soothsayers, naysayers and loveable curmudgeons, lubricated and let loose on an innocent audience. They’ve each got six minutes and 40 seconds to tell their tale.

The Forum

MTG Century Theatre

275 Pitt St, Sydney thearthousehotel.com.au

Flinders St, Melbourne

9 Herschell Street, Napier

fuzzy.com.au

facebook.com/pechakuchahb

TASTING AUSTRALIA APR 27-MAY 4 / VARIOUS This yearly culinary festival will be taking on the theme of ‘origins’ for 2014, celebrating local produce with masterclasses and tastings. Adelaide

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA APR 18-20 / VARIOUS / $50+ Running over Easter, this year’s airshow will be special with a one-off event celebrating 100 years since the outbreak of WWI. And when you’re not looking at the planes, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of NZ’s fourth largest lake.

tastingaustralia.com.au

Wanaka Airport

Around Adelaide

Lloyd Dunn Ave, Luggate

RISQUE REVUE MAY 5-14 / 7PM / $75 Slide is turning up the heat with its latest production, Risque Revue, with a sexy, neoburlesque story set in the heart of Paris.

warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Oxford St, Sydney

NZ HOME LOANS SURF FESTIVAL APR 18-MAY 4 / VARIOUS The New Zealand Home Loans Surf Festival kicks off with the New Plymouth Surfriders Club’s Fisher & Paykel Easter Masters.

slide.com.au

Fitzroy Beach

The Slide

Fitzroy, New Zealand

GAME MASTERS: THE EXHIBITION UNTIL MAY 25 / FROM 10.30AM / $22 This is one for all you gamers with more than 100 games spanning from the classics such as Donkey Kong and Space Invaders to the more modern World of Warcraft and Angry Birds. Powerhouse Museum Harris St, Sydney powerhousemuseum.com

aspworldtour.com

ANZAC DAY APR 25 / VARIOUS / FREE Anzac Day isn’t exclusively Australian, many Kiwis have lost their lives in conflict over the years too. This is the chance to remember them. Various Nationwide

Photos: Getty/Facebook

anzac.govt.nz

VIVID SYDNEY FESTIVAL MAY & JUNE / VARIOUS The team behind the spectacular London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony will light up the sails at this year’s Vivid Festival... just one of many hightlights for 2014. See the full programme at the Vivid Sydney website. Various venues vividsydney.com

CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE SHOW MAY 3-4 / 5PM / $22 The Chocolate and Coffee Show, in association with Green Valley Pure Milk, will be held at The Cloud, Auckland on May 3 and 4. The Cloud Queens Wharf, Auckland

VINTAGE FILMS AT PALACE NORTON STREET Palace Norton Street, one of Sydney’s most popular cinemas, is introducing classic films on Sundays at 3pm. With tickets for just $10, it’s a great chance to catch the films you’ve always wanted to see but might have missed, or to relive an old favourite. Screenings include Dustin Hoffman classics such as The Graduate and Tootsie, popular ‘80s and ‘90s flicks such as Footloose, Ghost, Top Gun and Forrest Gump, and older gems such as Funny Face, the brilliant Some Like It Hot and West Side Story. Sit back and enjoy your old favourites... ‘cause it’s true, they really don’t make them like they used to (we write this upon learning that Keanu Reeves isn’t going to be in the remake of the surfing classic Point Break. And why remake RoboCop. WHY?!?!?).

chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz

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SYDNEYEATS

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BITE SIZE THE ROOK Sydney rooftop cocktail bar The Rook serves up snappy cocktails and has a concise menu. They do have daily specials though, and if you ask nicely, you might be able to order off-menu and get a Calligraphy: Bols Genever, sweet vermouth, pomegrante, grapefruit, and maraschino liqueur. Yum. therook.com.au

RUM DIARIES This place is something of a Bondi Road institution. The interior is all dark wood panelling, high-backed leather chairs and gaping fireplaces, exactly how a captain’s quarters on a 17th-century Spanish galley might look. As the name suggests it is big on rum cocktails. therumdiaries.com.au

HAPPY PALACE Melbourne

Happy Palace is a tongue-in-cheek take on the old suburban Chinese restaurant. It’s the brainchild of Josh Lefers – the guy behind Big Dog Creative, beer-in-a-bag Doss Blockos and Legend condoms – and it offers nostalgic iconic/ ironic Chinese food, Kung Fu, eating with slippers on, fortune cookies and handcrafted cocktails. THE GRUB While the setting is very ‘80s, the food and cocktails have a distinctly modern feel. Start with the chilli beef dumpling pillows, swimming in broth and with a Szechuan crumb. If you think cauliflower is boring, try the fried version, tossed in a Szechuan pepper sauce – it will blow your mind. If sharing isn’t your thing, go for the spicy beef Westlake soup, which is a kind of pho with beef fillet chunks and a spicy beef consomme. For a bargain meal, go for the $8 Lucky Lunch, offered Wednesday to Friday. BEHIND THE BAR An impressive cocktail list and a plethora of Asian beers, wines and ciders as well as local longnecks will keep you buzzing. BILL PLEASE If you bring a group and share everything it’s not going to break the bank, but there is better value to be had in other parts of Chinatown. The cocktails are pricey so stick to the beer. The lunchtime menu is cheap and so is Happi Our when you can get two-for-one cocktails and $2 beers. VERDICT This place is all about fun. It doesn’t take itself to seriously, so you shouldn’t either. THE SCENE

Photos: Facebook

THE BUCKET LIST Another Bondi special, The Bucket List (pictured) is the perfect place if you fancy a dip in the sea and then some Pimms and prawns. It’s right on the promenade and head chef Tom Walton does some great work in the kitchen. Check in to great food, wines from near and far, long lazy cocktails and daily specials. Put another shrimp on the barbie! (Yep, we went there). thebucketlistbondi.com

Upstairs, 87 Bourke St, Melbourne

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happypalace.com.au

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OZDRINKS

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THE LIBRARY Wellington, New Zealand

Books, books, everywhere. From JD Salinger’s Franny & Zooey to Jane Fonda’s Ultimate Workout, this is a word-loving, paper-hoarder’s dream. The only thing that makes this better than a real library (which are the ultimate in cool) is that in here you are legitimately allowed to get plastered. BEHIND THE BAR There is a nod to the local scene with all the beers being New Zealand craft beers, starting at $9 for the Nelson-brewed Stoke on tap. The wine list is more global, and the Californian red Zinfandel at $14 a glass a highlight. There are some awesome cocktails too. Try Ms Peacock – a simple blend of blueberries soaked in gin and raspberry liqueur and topped up with sparkling wine – a Sea Salt & Caramel Fudge Martini, which is a sweet and creamy vodkabased short drink, and the dangerous Don Ho’s Ho-waiian Hula Juice. THE GRUB The menu starts how I like to see it, with the important stuff: pudding. The pistachio dacquoise with apricots pan-seared in a honey and amoretti liqueur and wrapped in creamy pastry, and the petite orange blossom doughnuts served with lashings of chocolate and hazelnut sauce are drool-worthy. Visit on a Tuesday night when you can get both for the price of one. BILL PLEASE Not budget, but not excessive for a cool, niche bar in a capital city. If you’re popping in for one, beer starts at $9, wine at $11 and cocktails at $13. VERDICT Already sold simply due to the books, I was further wowed by an innovative but unpretentious menu and friendly staff. Francesca Baker THE SCENE

Level 1/53 Courtenay Pl

thelibrary.co.nz

3 OF THE BEST SYDNEY WINE BARS

DEVINE

THE WINE LIBRARY

THE WHITE HORSE

If brilliant wine is what you want then DeVine is the place to go. Just around the corner from the QVB bus stops, this wine bar is chic and inviting, not stuffy or pretentious. More than two dozen international vinos are available by the glass... we recommend going by what your waiter says. Great food is also available.

Part restaurant, part wine bar, The Wine Library sits at the top side of Oxford Street and has a massive 15-page wine menu. Arriving on the Sydney bar scene in 2010, the bar is long and high, with wine bottles lining the walls behind and lowhanging industrial lamps. It is the perfect place for an evening drink.

Surry Hills has long been considered one of Sydney’s coolest spots and The White Horse is definitely one of its best bars. Comfortable interior, prime location and top wines make The White Horse a great venue to start at or finish a night off. This place is also pretty sprawling, so there’s a lot of room to hang out.

devinefoodandwine.com.au

wine-library.com.au

whitehorsesurryhills.com

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GIGLISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

TUES APR 15 John Mayer $99 Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide chuggentertainment.com

BOOK NOW!

Erykah Badu $99+ Palais Theatre, Melbourne palaistheatre.net.au

WEDS APR 16 Jake Bugg $60 Palace Theatre, Melbourne jakebugg.com

SUN APR 20 Jake Bugg $60 Enmore Theatre, Sydney jakebugg.com

WEDS APR 23 Jake Bugg $60 The Hi-Fi, Brisbane jakebugg.com

THUR APR 24

Discloure $65 Hordern Pavilion, Sydney fuzzy.com.au

SAT APR 26 Michael Buble $99+ Perth Arena, Perth michaelbuble.com Jason Derulo $99+ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne jasonderulo.com Nigel Kennedy $100+ The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne nigel-kennedy.net

SUN APR 27 Lorde $TBC EC Theatre, Adelaide lorde.co.nz Michael Buble $99+ Perth Arena, Perth michaelbuble.com Nigel Kennedy $110 Sydney Opera House, Sydney nigel-kennedy.net

MON APR 28 The Jezabels $59 Sydney Opera House, Sydney thejezabels.com

LORDE 2014 TOUR Across Australia, various dates Since emerging just 18 months ago, 17-year-old Lorde’s achievements have been numerous and significant, thanks to a string of instant-classic singles lorde.co.nz (‘Royals’, ‘Tennis Court’, ‘Team’) and a classy debut album, Pure Heroine. Her gigs are sure to be a very cool affair.

TUES APR 29 Lorde $TBC Challenge Stadium, Perth lorde.co.nz Jason Derulo $99+ Canberra Royal Theatre, Canberra jasonderulo.com Nigel Kennedy $95 Perth Concert Hall, Perth nigel-kennedy.net The Jezabels $59 Sydney Opera House, Sydney thejezabels.com

WEDS APR 30 Michael Buble $99+ Rob Laver Arena, Melbourne michaelbuble.com Discloure $65 The Forum, Flinders St, Melbourne fuzzy.com.auu

THURS MAY 1 Michael Buble $99+ Rob Laver Arena, Melbourne michaelbuble.com Jason Derulo $99+

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Entertainment Centre Newcastle, Newcastle jasonderulo.com

Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle lorde.co.nz

Discloure $65 The Forum, Flinders St, Melbourne fuzzy.com.au

Michael Buble $99+ Rob Laver Arena, Melbourne michaelbuble.com

FRI MAY 2 Lorde $TBC. Hordern Pavilion, Sydney lorde.co.nz The Jezabels $60. The Palais, Melbourne thejezabels.com Discloure $65 The Forum, Flinders St, Melbourne fuzzy.com.au

SAT MAY 3 Michael Buble $99+ Rob Laver Arena, Melbourne michaelbuble.com Jason Derulo $99+ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Sydney jasonderulo.com

SUN MAY 4 Lorde $TBC

TUES MAY 6 Lorde $TBC Brisbane Riverstage, Brisbane lorde.co.nz Michael Buble $99+ Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide michaelbuble.com The Jezabels $60 The Tivoli, Brisbane thejezabels.com

WEDS MAY 7 Michael Buble $99+ Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide michaelbuble.com

THURS MAY 8 Jason Derulo $99+ Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide jasonderulo.com

Discloure $65 Eatons Hill, Brisbane fuzzy.com.au

FRI MAY 9 Michael Buble $99+ Allphones Arena, Sydney michaelbuble.com Discloure $65 Metro City, Perth fuzzy.com.au The Jezabels $60 Astor Theatre, Perth thejezabels.com

SAT MAY 10 Michael Buble $99+ Allphones Arena, Sydney michaelbuble.com Jason Derulo $99+ Perth Arena, Perth jasonderulo.com

MON MAY 12 Celtic Thunder $99+ Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart celticthunder.ie

Photo: Getty

Lorde $TBC Festival Hall, Melbourne lorde.co.nz

$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 Wagyu Steak250g $14 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

MUSTANG TNT ADS FOR APRIL.indd 3

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19/03/2014 9:51 pm

OZPUBS SYDNEY Bar Century Lvl 4 640, George St, CBD barcentury.com.au Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach beachroadbondi.com.au Candy’s Apartment 22 Bayswater Road, Potts Point candys.com.au Coogee Palace Hotel 169 Dolphin St, Coogee beachpalacehotel.com.au DOME Bar Level 1, 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domebar.com.au Flinders Hotel 63-65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au 4 Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pinesbeer.com.au Hotel Steyne 75 The Corso, Manly hotelsteyne.com.au In Situ 1/18 Sydney Rd, Manly insitumanly.com.au Kinselas Hotel 383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst kinselas.com.au Marlborough Hotel 145 King St, Newtown marlboroughhotel.com.au New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrightonhotel.com.au

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Scubar 4/23 Rawson Ln, CBD scubar.com.au

The Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street, Richmond cornerhotel.com

Side Bar 509 Pitt St, CBD wakeup.com.au/side-bar

Eden Bar and Nightclub 1/163 Russell Street, CBD edenbar.com.au

The Beresford 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills merivale.com.au/ theberesfordhotel

Esplanade Hotel 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda espy.com.au

Hotel Bondi 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au Mount Batten Hotel 701 George Street, CBD sydneycityhostels.com.au The Palace Hotel George St, CBD palacehotelsydney.com.au The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, CBD 3wisemonkeys.com.au Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au

Brutale 18 Corrs Lane, CBD brutale.com.au Black Pearl 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy blackpearlbar.com.au Northcote Social Club 301 High Street, Northcote northcotesocialclub.com Palace Theatre 20-30 Bourke St, CBD palace.com.au Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, CBD shamiana.com.au Star Bar Hotel Melbourne 160 Clarendon Street starbarhotel.com.au

The White Horse 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorsesurryhills.com.au

The Gin Mill 173 High St, Prahran theginmillprahran.com

Donny’s Bar 7 Market Ln, Manly donnys.com.au

The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street, CBD thehifi.com.au

Anchor Bar 8 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach anchorbarbondi.com

The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street, CBD nightowl.com.au

MELBOURNE

The Nite Cat 137-141 Johnston St, Fitzroy thenightcat.com.au

Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst oxfordartfactory.com

Asian Beer Cafe 211 La Trobe St, CBD asianbeercafe.com.au

The Penny Black 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick thepennyblack.com.au

Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Loftus St, CBD hotelparagon.com.au

Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St, CBD barhumbug.com.au

The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Coll. thetotehotel.com

Scary Canary 469 Kent St, CBD scarycanarybar.com

Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane, CBD cherrybar.com.au

Turf Bar 131 Queen St, CBD turfbar.com.au

ADELAIDE The Apple Bar 5-9 Gouger St, CBD theapplebar.com.au Earl of Leicester Hotel 85 Leicester Street, Parkside earl.com.au Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, CBD electriccircus.com.au Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, CBD yourbars.com.au The Promethean 116 Grote St, CBD theprom.com.au

PERTH The Clink 14-16 South Terrace, Fremantle theclink.com.au The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St, Northbr. the-shed.com.au

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Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, CBD hotella.com.au Iceworks Cnr Given Tce & Dowse St, Paddington iceworks.com.au Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside 123 Eagle Street, CBD pignwhistle.com.au The Exchange Hotel 131 Edward St, CBD theexchange.com.au The Fringe Bar Cnr Ann and Constance St fringebar.com.au The Met Nightclub 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley skyroom.com.au

GOLD COAST

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

Benowa Tavern 117 Ashmore Rd, Benowa benowatavern.com.au

The Windsor 112 Mill Point Rd, South Perth thewindsorsouthperth.com.au

Blush Nightclub 21 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise blushnightclub.com.au

Voodoo Lounge 174 James St, Northbridge voodoolounge.com.au

BRISBANE Toro Bar Brunswick Central, 455 Brunswick St Fortitude Valley torobravo.com.au

Coolangatta Sands Hotel Griffith St, Coolangatta coolangattasandshotel.com.au Shooters Superclub Shop 46 The Mark Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise shooterssuperclub.com

CAIRNS

Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au

Vibe Bar and Lounge 39-49 Lake St vibebarcairns.com pubs

GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fortitude Valley gpohotel.com.au

Ba8 Lounge Bar Shangri-La Hotel, The Pier at the Marina, Pier Point ba8.com.au

Quackers for Bar Hum Bug

DUCK RAGOUT TO DIE FOR AT BAR HUM BUG This place is tucked away in the CBD’s west end in Melbourne and has ridden the wave of the west-side’s emergence from its seedy past. It has a good atmosphere, serves a great selection of beers and cooks up a mean duck ragout – what more do you need? 586 Little Bourke St, Melbourne barhumbug.com.au

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OZPUBS

Dunwoody’s Tavern 317 Sheridan St, North Cairns ourhotels.com.au

Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, CBD yourcambridge.com

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

Cricketers Arms 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill cricketersarmshotel.com.au

The Woolshed 24 Shields Street, CBD thewoolshed.com.au

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

HOBART Bar Celona 23 Salamanca Sq, CBD barcelonahobart.com Raincheck Lounge 392-394 Elizabeth St North Hobart rainchecklounge.com.au

Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, CBD hoteldelany.com Silo Restaurant and Lounge 18/1 Honeysuckle Dr, CBD silolounge.com.au

Republic Bar & Cafe 299 Elizabeth St, CBD republicbar.com

Kent Hotel 59-61 Beaumont St, Hamilton thekenthotel.com.au

The Henry Jones Art Hotel 25 Hunter St, CBD thehenryjones.com

Kings Street Hotel 15 Steel St, Newcastle West kingstreethotel.com.au

The Duke 192 Macquarie Street CBD theduke.com.au

The Lass O’Gowrie 14 Railway St, Wickham lassogowriehotel.com.au

NEWCASTLE Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au Bar Petite 5 King St, CBD barpetite.com.au The Burwood Inn Hotel 77 Berner Street, Merewether theburwood.com.au

Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au Oriental Hotel 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill facebook.com/theorihotel Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au Royal Inn Hotel Waratah 61/69 Station St, Waratah truelocal.com.au

Sunyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au The Northern Star 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton northernstarhotel.com.au Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd, Islington thewicko.com.au

BYRON BAY Beach Hotel Bay Lane beachhotel.com.au Buddha Bar 1 Skinners Shoot Road byronbaybrewery.com.au Cheeky Monkey’s 115 Jonson St cheekymonkeys.com.au The Northern 35-43 Jonson St thenorthern.com.au La La Land Level 1/6 Lawson St lalalandbyronbay.com.au Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St treehouseonbelongil.com Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St woodysbyronbay.com

CANBERRA Academy Club 15 Bunda St, CBD academyclub.com.au

Cube Nightclub 33 Petrie Plaza, CBD cubenightclub.com.au ICBM 50 Northbourne Ave, CBD icbmbar.com Mooseheads 105 London Circuit, CBD mooseheads.com.au Transit Bar 7 Akuna St, CBD transitbar.com.au

WOLLONGONG Alibi 76 Crown Street, CBD wollongongnightlife.com.au Castros 5 Victoria Street, CBD facebook.com/castros Glasshouse & Su Casa 90 Crown Street, CBD facebook.com/ sucasawollongong

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DARWIN Ducks Nuts 76 Mitchell St, CBD ducksnuts.com.au Squires Tavern 3 Edmunds St, CBD squirestavern.com.au Shenannigans 69 Mitchell St, CBD shenannigans.com.au The Deck Bar 22 Mitchell St, CBD thedeckbar.com.au The Tap Bar 58 Mitchell St, CBD thetap.com.au

ALICE SPRINGS Bojangles Saloon 80 Todd St yourbars.com.au Firkin & Hound 21 Hartely St yourbars.com.au

Grand Hotel 324 Keira Street, CBD wollongongnightlife.com.au

Monte’s Lounge Corner of Todd St & Stott Tce montes.net.au

Harp Hotel 124 Corrimal Street, CBD wollongongnightlife.com.au

The Barra Bar 34 Stott Tce chifleyhotels.com.au

Ivory Nightclub 77 Crown Street, CBD wollongongnightlife.com.au

The Juicy Rump Lasseters Hotel Casino lasseters.com.au

OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street, CBD wollongongnightlife.com.au

The Rock Bar 2/78 Todd St therockbar.com.au

Questions Unit 5 123-125 Corrimal Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

Todd Tavern Todd Mall toddtavern.com.au

Monkey around

GO APE AT CHEEKY MONKEY’S Byron’s backpacker-focused restaurant and nightclub, Cheeky Monkey’s has cheap meals, table top dancing, partying and competitions galore (oh, and plenty of booze). 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay cheekymonkeys.com.au

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AUCKLAND The Albion 119 Hobson St albionhotel.co.nz Brew on Quay 102 Quay St brewonquay.co.nz The Bluestone Room 9-11 Durham Lan thebluestoneroom.co.za Cassette 9 9 Vulcan Ln cassettenine.com Cavalier Tavern 68 College Hill thecavalier.co.nz Currach Irish Pub 78 Blackwell Dr currachirishpub.co.nz Doolan Brothers 414 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket doolanbrothers.co.nz De Fontein 77 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay defontein.co.nz Father Ted’s Irish Bar 1 Wellesley St W fatherteds.co.nz Fort Street Union 16 Fort St fortstreetunion.co.nz The Fox 85/87 Customs St W thefox.co.nz Gables Speight’s Ale House 248 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay speights.co.nz Galbraith’s Alehouse 2 Mt Eden Rd, Grafton alehouse.co.nz Garrison Public House 61/286 Mt Wellington Hwy, Mt Wellington South garrisonpub.co.nz

Shakespeare Brewery 61 Albert St shakespearehotel.co.nz

The Establishment Cnr of Courtenay Pl and Blair St theestablishment.co.nz

Bar 101 118 Victoria St bar101.co.nz

Sprig & Fern 2 Drake St, Freemans Bay sprigandferntaverns.co.nz

Molly Malones 134 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro mollymalones.co.nz

Cock & Bull 1 Cnr Maui & Church St cockandbull.co.nz

Three Lamps 1-3 St Marys Rd, St Marys Bay threelamps.co.nz

Sprig & Fern 342 Tinakori Rd sprigandferntaverns.co.nz

CBD Corner Pub 26 Hood St cbdpub.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH

Easy Tiger Cocktail Bar 186 Victoria St easytigerbar.co.nz

Tainui Tavern 33 Morrin Rd menumania.co.nz The Zookeeper’s Son 715 Mt Albert Rd zookeepersson.co.nz 4.20 bar 373 Karangahape Rd 420.co.nz

WELLINGTON

Bealey’s Speight’s Ale House 263 Bealey Ave bealeysalehouse.co.nz Bailies Bar 1066 Colombo St, St Albans bailiesbar.co.nz

Foundation Bar 1 Maahanga Dr, Waikato foundationbar.co.nz The Cook 7 Cook St, Hamilton East thecook.net.nz Speights Ale House 30 Liverpool St speights-hamilton.co.nz

Bodega 101 Ghuznee St bodega.co.nz

Becks Southern Alehouse 155 Colombo St beckssouthernalehouse.co.nz

Bangalore Polo Club 63 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro bangalorepoloclub.co.nz

The Brewers Arms 177 Papanui Rd, Merivale thebrewersarms.co.nz

J J Murphy & Co 119 Cuba St, Te Aro jjmurphy.co.nz

Burgers & Beers Inc 355 Colombo St, Sydenham burgersandbeersinc.co.nz

The Old Stone Butter Factory 8 Butter Factory Lane butterfactory.co.nz

Southern Cross Garden Bar 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro thecross.co.nz

Calendar Girls 196 Hereford St calendargirls.co.nz

McMorrisseys Irish Pub 7 Vine St mcmorrisseys.co.nz

The Malt House 48 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro themalthouse.co.nz

Darkroom 336 St Asaph St darkroombar.co.nz

The Green Man Cnr Victoria St & Willeston St thegreenmanpub.co.nz

Empire Hotel Lyttelton 9 London St, Lyttelton empirelyttelton.co.nz

Four Kings Sports Bar Cnr Taranaki & Dixon St fourkings.co.nz

Fox & Ferret Palms Palms Shopping Centre, 1 New Brighton Rd, Shirley foxpalms.co.nz

Matterhorn 106 Cuba St matterhorn.co.nz

GBC Bar 110 Marshland Rd, Shirley

Havana 163 Tory St, Te Aro havana..com

La Zeppa Kitchen 33 Drake St, Freemans Bay lazeppa.co.nz

Hawthorn Lounge 82 Tory St hawthornlounge.co.nz

The Lumsden 444/448 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket thelumsden.co.nz

San Francisco Bath House 171 Cuba St, Te Aro sfbh.co.nz

Malt Bar 442 Richmond Rd maltbar.co.nz

The Brewery 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston casselsbrewery.co.nz

MIghty Mighty 104 Cuba St, Te Aro mightymighty.co.nz

The Normanby Hotel 37 Normandy Rd, Mt Eden thenormanbyhotel.co.nz

The Welsh Dragon 10/12 Cambridge Terrace, Mt Victoria welshdragonbar.co.nz

Parnell Bar & Grill 196 Parnell Rd, Parnell parnellbarandgrill.co.nz

Mac’s 4 Taranaki St thebrewerybar.co.nz

Queens Ferry Hotel 12 Vulcan Ln queensferryhotel.co.nz

Arbitrageur Wine Room 125 Featherston St arbitrageur.co.nz

Spitting Feathers 16 Wyndham St spittingfeathers.co.nz

The Apartment 25 Allen St theapartment.co.nz

gardenhotel.co.nz Pegasus Arms 14 Oxford Terrace pegasus-arms.com Tequila Mockingbird 98 Victoria St tequilamockingbird.co.nz The Twisted Hop Pub 616 Ferry Rd thewoolstonhop.co.nz Monteiths Brewery Bar 53 Merrin St mbbmerrinst.co.nz No. 4 Bar 4 Mansfield Ave no4bar.co.nz

Wonder Horse 236 Victoria St wonderhorse.co.nz

WHANGAREI

Split Bar Rathbone St splitrestaurant.co.nz Killer Prawn 26-28 Bank St

killerprawn.co.nz McCool’s 14 Rust Ave mccools.co.nz pubs

GISBORNE The Jolly Stockman 3 Saleyards Rd yellow.co.nz Aladdin Bar 63 Peel St firstlighttaikido.net The Poverty Bay Club 57/65 Customhouse St thepovertybayclub.co.nz Soho 2 Crawford Rd, Inner Kaiti sohobar.co.nz Lonestar Restaurant & Bar 60 The Esplanade, Inner Kaiti lonestar.co.nz Verve Cafe & Bar 121 Gladstone Rd facebook.com

NAPIER The Bank Sports Lounge 106 Hastings St facebook.com The Rose Irish Pub 64 Hastings St masonic.co.nz Guffle Bar 29A Hastings St guffle.co.nz The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar 64 W Quay, Ahuriri gintrap.co.nz The Thirsty Whale 62 W Quay, Ahuriri thethirstywhale.co.nz The Dutch at The Bluewater 10 W Quay, Ahuriri spclub.co.nz

PLYMOUTH

Dickens Inn 71 Cameron St, Vinetown dickensinn.co.nz

Crowded House Bar 93-99 Devon St E crowdedhouse.co.nz

Parua Bay Tavern 1034 Whangarei Heads Rd, Parua Bay paruabaytavern.co.nz

Peggy Gordon’s Celtic Bar 58 Egmont St peggygordons.com

DUNEDIN

Gusto Restaurant, Cafe & Bar Ocean View Parade gustotaranaki.conz

Angus Restaurant & Bar 7 St Andrew St angusdunedin.co.nz

The Mayfair 69 Devon St W themayfair.co.nz

Alibi Bar 1 Princes St alibibar.co.nz

Westbar & Cafe 41 Tukapa St, Westown westbar.co.nz

Luna Bar 314 Highgate Roslyn lunaroslyn.co.nz

TAURANGA

Stilettos Revue Bar 319 Princes St stilettos.co.nz

Major Toms Bar 297 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui majortomsbar.com

Axces Bar 28 Alexandra St facebook.com

Manny’s Level 1/91 St Andrew St mannysbar.co.nz

Imbibe Bar & Restaurant 19 Girven Rd facebook.com

The Bank Bar & Brasserie 117 Victoria st thebank.co.nz

Captain Cook Tavern 354 Great King St thecaptaincook.co.nz

Inbargo Bar & Bistro 4 Palmer Pl, Te Puke inbargobarandbistro.co.nz

HAMILTON

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Fight or f light TNT Magazine? Present. Murray Hewitt? Sadly, absent. But Rhys Darby is very much here and he’s up for an adventure... INTERVIEW CAROLINE GARNAR

Imagine this: you’re fulfilling your dream of trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp, and you turn to your right to see Murray Hewitt, the hopeless band manager of Flight of the Conchords, trekking alongside you. No, you haven’t died and gone to ‘hiven’. Come October this could be a reality. Well, almost. Rhys Darby is as close to Murray you’re ever going to get, and the Kiwi comic is taking part in Stand Up on Everest later this year. They’re still looking for people to join the 50-strong audience and help raise money for Save the Children. “I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Darby, his distinctive voice bouncing out of our phone 18

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as he chats from his home in California. “You have to make a real commitment to go to a place like that. Your regular comedy-goers would not necessarily think to go up to Everest Base Camp to watch a gig,” he laughs. Fellow comedians joining the trek are Stewart Francis, Craig Campbell, Glenn Wool, Simon Evans and Terry Alderton. “You get a big adventure and the comics are all fantastic. And you’re not just watching them perform, you’re getting to spend nine or 10 days with them, so relationships will build there too.” Imagine saying you’re mates with Murray? Awesome.

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Darby is also touring New Zealand this month and next with his new Show, Mr Adventure, so TNT takes the chance to find out more, and to ask if we'll ever see Murray again... We must confess, we miss Murray. Do you miss him too? I do miss playing him. It was a lot of fun. It was a very exciting time in my life. Things were really taking off and we were having all this success on a fantastic network in America. It was all a bit dreamy, looking back. Murray was a character that felt very natural to play. I just sort of plucked him out of nowhere. I suppose he was inspired by the multitude of bosses I’ve worked for; I think a bit of a throwback to my military days are definitely in there. Some of the guys who used to tell me what to do and really had no idea what they were doing (laughs). He’ll always be close to me, that character, and the three of us get together to reprise those roles and do a little skit here and there, for charity events and things like that. There was talk of a film... There has always been talk of a film – it’s one of those mythical things (laughs). I think there will be a point in the future, when things calm down a bit, and we’ll get

CELEBINTERVIEW

'tache makes me “feelThe more adventurous ” together and possibly do that. Never say never... but don’t hold your breath. Do you often get asked to ‘do Murray’ as it were? Not in my live stand-up shows because most people who come to those know what I do is very different. But I get requested to play him for various projects. Do people shout "ginger balls" to you on the street? No, I’ve never had that – I get the odd "Murray!". The funniest one was when I was on safari in Tanzania. There I was looking at giraffes and things like that, and I heard "Murray!", and there was this Land Rover full of Americans looking through their binoculars at me (laughs). TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Tell us about Mr Adventure... Over the last few years I have been on a number of adventures and I looked back and thought, ‘Wow I should tell some of these stories.’ I’ve been to Africa a few times, trekking for mountain gorillas, I’ve been up Mount Kilimanjaro. I’ve been to Loch Ness twice. There I stayed with a new-age, raw-food-eating Buddhist couple who introduced me to UFO spotting. They were possibly shooting stars or satellites, but I got swept up in the whole thing; some of them moved in such a fashion that you would question, ‘Are they something else?’. The woman also told me she had seen the Loch Ness monster twice, so I will put that in the show. Our readers are travelling types – what tips would Mr Adventure give them? To go off the beaten track. Follow your nose. Go to places that have been recommended by Lonely Planet and so on ["or TNT" we interject] or TNT more importantly! (laughs) – but it’s meeting the locals that is going to lead to new adventures. They want to meet people from other places of the world, tell their stories and lead them in different directions – if you listen, you will have a different experience to the one you would if you just did the tourist thing. So let’s talk about this Everest gig. You’re known for your physical comedy – do you not worry you’re going to be too knackered and cold to jump around and make people laugh? Yeah I do really worry about that. I had this idea of doing a small set when I got to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro last year – to be the comedian at the highest altitude to tell jokes. But when I got up there I was in so much physical pain; I was upset; I could barely talk. It’s all very well at sea level – we’ve got all these great ideas and we feel good – but as soon as you get high up, humans just sort of fall apart. I’ll be happy to get just one joke out! Will you be performing a unique set at the Everest gig? Yes I will be doing a set based on my experiences on that nine-day trek. Do you have any snow jokes prepared in advance? (Laughs) No – although I did have one about the Winter Olympics, how New Zealand came fourth in the snowman making competition. They would have got into the top three, but they misplaced the carrot.

For your new show you are rocking a ’tash. What with Murray’s goatie and now the lip fur for Mr Adventure, do you find your facial hair gives you comedic powers? Yeah it does. It’s all about the hair really. I’ve got big, thick hair – a lot of people used to think my hair was a wig when I did The Conchords because of the way they combed it; it looks like they just bought something and plonked it on there. It was refreshing to get rid of the goatie, and the moustache makes me feel more adventurous. And I like any excuse to look like a dork (laughs).

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We bet they did. You’ve just turned 40 – is that one of the reasons for your recent wanderlust? Yeah it ties in nicely with Mr Adventure. At 40 you want to look back at what you’ve done so far, and to think that I have been to a few places and experienced some fantastic things makes me feel good. So this whole Mr Adventure is a bit of a celebration for myself for my 40th really. I can still do it, I’m still kicking it. ❚ For the chance to join Rhys Darby and the five other comedians for Stand Up on Everest register at standuponeverest.co.uk. For dates and tickets for Mr Adventure visit eventfinder.co.nz

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

BANGIN’ MONDAYS March 2014

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[Caption] 22

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Every day it’s a daydream TNT catches up with the ‘Bonkers’ boy from Bow, Dizzee Rascal, about his love for life, Australia, and bustin’ a nut bruv WORDS IAN ARMITAGE

Growing up in Bow, East London, Australia must have seemed a million miles away. But now it’s like a second home to Dizzee Rascal, and, to put it in his terms, he f*cking loves it. The tongue-in-cheek and genuinely all-round nice guy is currently Down Under for this year’s Groovin’ The Moo festival, plus he will play sideshows across Australia and New Zealand while he’s here. Fans have been clambering over each other for tickets to see the huge-selling international superstar for 10 years now, since he exploded onto the scene at 19 years old with his cheeky lyrics and distinctive cockney/’Jafaican’ accent. In Australia his singles from 2009’s Tongue ‘n’ Cheek, Holiday and Bonkers albums reached platinum and double platinum status, and he released his fifth album – creatively called The Fifth – last year. The UK rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, is much loved Down Under and he loves it right back. Here’s what he had to say when TNT caught up with him... that Rascal certainly made us chuckle.

Tasmania was “ f*cking mental! ” So, you’re headlining Groovin’ The Moo, a festival we love at TNT. Had much time to look into it? I know a bit about it. It’s full of Australian people (laughs). I’m looking forward to it. I look forward to everywhere I go as long as there are people there man, obviously (laughs). I’m gonna go out there and tear it up. I’ve got five albums-worth of material to perform so you’ll get the classics, new stuff and basically anything that’ll get people jumping around. Expect a lot of energy. I know the Australian and New Zealand crowd. They’re crazy. So it’s gonna go off! ››

Let’s talk about the tour... you’re coming back to Australia and New Zealand. Excited? Yeah man. I’m always happy to be on this side of the world full-stop. I love it out here. I have so much history here and the crowd is always f*cking loud! It’s a long way, but well worth it when you get here. Sounds like you’re in love... (Laughs) Funnily enough I debut a lot of my music out here because of the times I end up going. It is usually the beginning of the year around January when it is big festival season and that’s normally when my new material is put out, a new album or whatever. A lot of my music has been played here first. It has always been a bit of a testing ground. I’ve got a lot of good history here man. It must be mutual because audiences here can’t get enough of you. Do you feel like you have a connection with them? Yeah. Totally (laughs). I grew up with the classic Australian soap operas and that. TV like Round The Twist and Heartbreak High. That sort of shit man. I even had Australian substitute teachers in the summer (laughs). TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Speaking of going off, we heard great things about your performance in Tasmania last year... Yeah man. I went to Tasmania for the first time last year. It went off. It was f*cking mental. That stood out as one of the craziest shows. I had to stop it five times because people were kicking the shit out of one another in the crowd. It was so hard. So crazy. It was really, really good. You’ve come a long way from Bow... how does Oz compare? (Laughs) You can’t compare an area to a whole country can ya? (Laughs) But I love Australia. If it wasn’t so far I’d be here a lot more. I love Sydney and the Gold Coast especially. Who doesn’t love the Gold Coast? With that in mind, when are you at your happiest? Definitely when I’m bustin’ a nut bruv (laughs). Like every other man basically. Seriously, I’m most happy when I know people love my music. I know I’ve done my job because people like my shit. That makes me ‘appy.

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Dizzee Rascal is playing Brisbane on April 24, Auckland on April 30, Wellington on May 1, Sydney on May 7 and Melbourne on May 8 frontiertouring.com/dizzeerascal Groovin’ The Moo runs April 25 to May 10, taking in Oakbank, Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo, Townsville and Bunbury gtm.net.au

Photos: Mushroom Promotions & Getty

We’ve got to say we’re jealous. We really are. You’re living the good life. Your Instagram and Facebook are littered with pics of celebrities and beautiful ladies. ‘Bonkers’ is about that isn’t it? (Laughs) Yeah that’s all what ‘Bonkers’ is about innit. (Starts rapping) I wake up every day it’s a daydream... everythin’ in my life ain’t what it seems... I wake up just to go back to sleep... I act real shallow but I’m in too deep... (laughs). But, yeah. It’s really happening. This is my life. With Instagram, I think that’s great. I’ve always moved around for years but never had anything like it. I was never that public. Now I take pictures of anything to show the fans what I’m going through and where I am. They can see shit how I see it. It’s like seeing it through my eyes, you know? And it’s good to document it and put positivity out there.

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Leanne Pooley

The Kiwi director recreates one of the biggest adventures of all time and brings Sir Edmund Hillary back to life in Beyond the Edge 3D. Here, she tells us more... INTERVIEW CAROLINE GARNAR

Photo: M Whetu. -R General Film Corp

on the mountain itself. Both shoots were exciting and challenging. Simply getting the crew to location [on Mount Cook] everyday took hours and many chopper runs as there’s no road access. It was a dangerous place to work as we were shooting on sheer cliffs, among crevasses and seracs. This meant the crew had to be harnessed to safety lines so getting tangled with other crew members was a constant occurrence. Everest is probably the most extreme environment on the planet. Our camera would freeze up, altitude makes concentration difficult, and there are many other climbers to shoot around. And of course you just might die up there. I think what my mountain cameraman, Mark Whetu, achieved up there was truly astounding. Pooley with Director of Photography, Richard Bluck What inspired you to do Beyond The Edge? I was approached to write and direct this film by producer Matthew Metcalfe. It is the 60th anniversary of the first summit of Everest so it seemed the perfect time to tell this story. Like many people I knew Sir Ed “knocked the bastard off” but I didn’t have any idea how he did it. The more I read the more excited I became about the project. This is a great old-fashioned adventure story – of course in New Zealand it is the story. I feel incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to tell it. What sort of things did you learn about the expedition that you didn’t know before? The enormous scale of it, the political pressure on them to succeed, the fact that Ed and Tenzing weren’t the first to have a go at the summit. The key thing I learnt about Sir Ed was that, despite the unassuming, humble nature he’s famous for, he was also very ambitious and driven. He died only six years ago – did you ever get the chance to meet him? No sadly not, although I feel like I know him as I’ve read all of his books, watched or listened to all of his interviews and spent a good deal of time with his son. He was such an extraordinary man, especially given what he achieved in Nepal

after 1953. The hospitals and schools he built are a real testament to the kind of person he was. He is a massive part of New Zealand’s sense of self, but he’s also loved and respected in Nepal in a way that is even more significant. Your documentaries are often more about the people than the event. Would you say that’s true of this film as well? I’m drawn to protagonists who are exceptional in some way and who are forced by circumstance to dig deep inside themselves to achieve their goal. This might apply to an adventure film like this, or a very different kind of film, like one I made years ago about a wonderful dancer living with Aids. These individuals have something in their soul that both inspires and tortures them. It is my hope that my films allow the audience to get close to these people, to go on a journey with them and experience a little of what it is they go through. So I guess that’s a yes! You must have been filming in some pretty extreme conditions... There were two separate components to the filming process. It isn’t practical to take actors, costumes etc up Everest, so [for these scenes] we shot in the Mount Cook region of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Then, because this is a movie about Mount Everest, we needed to film

This is Chad Moffitt’s first big role as an actor – and it’s such an important and trying role. Why was he cast and how did he get on? Chad’s physical resemblance to Ed Hillary was of course a big factor in his casting. I knew I was going to be inter-cutting between the archive material and the footage we’d be shooting and I wanted this to be seamless. So when Chad walked into his first audition I was pretty interested in what he could do. Even more exciting than his physical appearance, however, was the fact that Chad had so many internal characteristics in common with the young Ed. Chad’s quite shy and a little uncomfortable in his skin at times, yet he’s smart and ambitious. This really made it easier for him to become Ed. Also, incredibly, his parents were beekeepers [Sir Ed was a beekeeper], so that just felt like karma! Has this film inspired you on a personal level to do anything? i.e. climb Everest! No, the opposite! Beyond the Edge has given me a better understanding and a greater appreciation of how difficult and dangerous climbing is. I have huge respect for the people who do it…but I’ll stick to lower altitudes from now on I think! Beyond the Edge 3D is in cinemas now

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MOYES LEFT REDFACED AS CITY THRASH UNITED

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A home defeat to your rivals is hard to take. Add in David Moyes, a 3-0 scoreline, and a season to forget and it makes it all the more painful – just ask the Manchester United fans who had to endure a night of humiliation after neighbours City ran riot at Old Trafford last month. The loss left United 18 points off league leaders Chelsea and, more worryingly, nine points off fourthplaced Arsenal. Who’s to blame? Some say it’s Sir Alex Ferguson’s fault. Others blame the board and controversial American owners, the Glazer family. The majority point the finger at one man – Moyes. Bizarrely, the man himself agrees he’s the problem and has taken the blame for his side’s dramatic decline. “I am the one who picks the team,” he said. “I take responsibility and always will do. It is disappointing. “I thought it would be a tough year but I hoped it would be more competitive.” Twitter campaign #moyesout has been running for months and has nearly 10,000 followers, all keen to see the back of him. But the City defeat seemed to signal a breaking point for fans – one made a beeline for the dugout and hurled abuse at the Scot, while the ‘Chosen One’ banner hanging on the Stretford End had to be guarded by stewards for fear of it being dragged down. You can understand the frustration. Their team’s form has been erratic and inconsistent and far too many have 26

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FLASHBACK... 2013 been to Old Trafford and won – City being the latest in a list that includes Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton, West Brom and Liverpool. Remarkably, United have now lost 10 league games this season, six of them at home. And while City push for the title, United’s very slim hopes of a top-four finish must now be gone. “Everybody knows this is a job that is going to take a little bit of time to get the way we would like, but that is the job,” added Moyes. “I thought it would be a tough year for us, no doubt about that, but I hoped it would be much more competitive and closer to the top of the league than we are at the present time. “You don’t just suddenly change things around... I think we have got a period of time where we are going to have to make sure we get to that level, which we are not at just now.” Taxi...

What a difference a year makes. In 2013 Man U celebrated winning Sir Alex Ferguson his 13th Premier League title. Fast forward 12 months and David Moyes has taken the club backwards. Will he be sent packing from Old Trafford?

BIG MONTH FOR... In 2013, Australia’s Adam Scott broke his nation’s curse at Augusta, claiming victory in The Masters. It was the Adelaide pro’s first major and followed his efforts at becoming the next Greg Norman by getting a name for himself as a choker on the big stage. The year prior he’d blown a four-stroke lead to lose to Ernie Els. But last year he survived another blip and won a tense playoff against Angel Cabrera to take the green jacket. The victory made him the first Aussie to win the coveted trophy. Can he defend it from April 10-13?

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HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH

Roosters are looking to make amends

Stellar: Chelsea superstar Oscar is in irresitible form

PREVIEW

Blues should cruise, Red Devils are screwed CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER AND SEMI FINALS FOOTBALL The odds appear stacked in Chelsea’s

favour after their cruising last-16 tie with Galatasaray was followed by the drawing of Paris Saint-Germain. No mugs by any standard, but certainly one of the less imposing sides left in the Champions League. Their home and away fixtures are being played April 1-2 and 8-9, with Jose Mourinho’s side expected to advance despite the fire power offered by PSG’s

Zlatan Ibrahimovich and Edinson Cavani. As for David Moyes’ Manchester United, he may be wishing Robin Van Persie didn’t produce a timely hat-trick to win his side’s way past Olympiakos only to draw the defending champions Bayern Munich in the quarters. Nothing to lose, gotta beat ‘em at some stage and all that though... In the other matches, Barcelona take on La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid while Real Madrid will be looking to beat last year’s losing finalists, Borussia Dortmund. The semi finals will be played April 22-23 and 29-30.

Photos:Getty

LET’S GET TRIVIAL | World Twenty20 At time of press, the World T20 in Bangladesh was well underway and there have been a number of highlights – the Netherlands almost beating South Africa, Hales scoring a brilliant century to keep England in the tournament with a win against Sri Lanka and Australia with no wins after two games, despite entering as one of the favourites (haha). There has been one disappointment though: Chris Gayle (pictures). He just hasn’t been his usual self. Ever since he struck that magnificent 117 off 57 balls in the opening game of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa, he has registered himself as the most feared and loved limited-overs batsman in world cricket. But he hasn’t turned up in this edition of the World T20. He’s struggled to get his timing right and hasn’t found the going easy. The West Indies will be hoping he comes good at some point...

APR 12 FA CUP semi final: Wigan v Arsenal APR 12 EPL FOOT: Fulham v Norwich APR 13-16 CRICK COUNTY: Middlesex v Notts APR 13 FA CUP semi final: Hull v Sheffield Utd APR 13 EPL FOOT: Liverpool v Man City APR 13 AFL: St Kilda v Adelaide APR 15 EPL FOOT: Arsenal v West Ham APR 17 SUPER LEAGUE: Ldn Broncos v Catalan APR 18 NRL: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs APR 19 EPL FOOT: Spurs v Fulham APR 19 AFL: Sydney v Fremantle APR 20 F1 China Grand Prix APR 21 SUPER LEAGUE: Hull FC v Ldn Broncos APR 21 AFL: Geelong v Hawthorn APR 21 NRL: Eels v Wests Tigers APR 25/26/27 Heineken Cup: semis APR 25/26/27 Amlin Challenge Cup: semis APR 25 AFL: Collingwood v Essendon APR 25 NRL: Dragons v Roosters APR 26 AFL: Gold Coast v GWS Giants APR 27-30 CRICK COUNTY: M’sex v Yorkshire APR 27 EPL FOOT: Liverpool v Chelsea APR 28 EPL FOOT: Arsenal v Newcastle MAY 2 AFL: Carlton v Collingwood MAY 3 EPL FOOT: Crystal Palace v Liverpool MAY 3 AFL: Hawthorn v St Kilda MAY 9 ATHL: Diamond League, Doha MAY 9 NRL: Roosters v Tigers MAY 9 AFL: Swans v Hawthorn MAY 11 F1 Spanish Grand Prix MAY 11 NRL: Dragons v Bulldogs MAY 11 EPL FOOT: End of the Premier League season MAY 16 AFL: Essendon v Sydney Swans MAY 9 NRL: Rabbitohs v Storm MAY 17 FOOT: FA Cup Final MAY 17 ATHL: Diamond League, Shanghai MAY 17-18 SUPER LEAGUE: Super League Magic Weekend TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

The choosing one TNT meets the Aussie Middlesex star who could be England’s next opening batsman WORDS MICHAEL GADD It didn’t crack the front pages, but England had a win over Australia during their 2013 Ashes embarrassment – his name is Sam Robson. While the Old Enemy’s apparent finest were crumbling to a dismal 5-0 defeat that sent the side spiralling into disarray, the 24-year-old opener was quietly dismantling attacks Down Under. As Alastair Cook’s men were being terrorised by Mitchell Johnson and friends, Robson was cruising to centuries in his first two outings for the England Performance Programme against Queensland and Western Australia’s second XIs. It was old news by this point that the talented batsman in the mould of Michael Atherton was by most measures an Aussie – born, bred, played for Australia under-19s. But the two distinctions that mattered landed him a place on that tour with England’s second string. The first was a dual passport courtesy of his Nottingham-born mother, while the second was the simple fact he’d made a decision to be there. “It's a great place to live and a great place to play cricket,” says Robson of England, where he’s in his seventh year playing. Last year his 1,180 runs at an average of 47 for Middlesex was the third highest in the County Championship division one. “I love the cricket over here. Straight away I loved it. I was attracted to the whole set-up.” After playing his entire professional career in the UK since leaving school in Sydney, the affinity he feels for his adopted country has seen Robson turn his back on Oz. He was behind Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja and others in the pecking order in NSW, and England – where his father, who runs the SCG training school, also played as a youngster – gave him his shot. “It’s a bit of a dream. I'm just loving everything about playing cricket here. The biggest thing I noticed when I came here once I’d finished school was how much they played. I was batting three to four times a week, as opposed to once in Australia; it was outstanding. The more I play cricket the more I love it.”

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The question of allegiance would have been irrelevant had Robson been rubbish, but his efforts last season saw him come of age, and the stand-out innings in Australia while the first team struggled has seen the door fling wide open for a steady young talent at the top of the England order. Queries remained, however, about his ability on difficult surfaces and against top-notch spin. Perfect timing for a call-up to the England Lions side to tour Sri Lanka in February then…

“

If you take your eye off the ball, it can hurt you

”

“I’d been to India and Pakistan on training camps before but this was my first serious tour with four-day games,” he says. “The heat and humidity were the things I had to contend with really. I’d obviously played a lot in Australia, where it can be tough, but it was nothing like that.” A renowned team man by all accounts, it takes another to bring up his three centuries on the tour, the final and finest on a fourth-day wicket against Sri Lanka A that was turning at right-angles and offering variable bounce to the seamers. After his backfoot nous saw him thrive on the bouncy decks in Oz, he weathered a storm that his teammates struggled with and shone in clear view of England batting coach Graham Gooch to build 147 not out. “I was pleased with the way it went. It was a good win for us [the Lions won the three unofficial Test series 1-0 with two draws]. I could tell how tough it was going to be so to get a win was great. I just wanted to do well, and getting to face the local spinners was really valuable experience.” With such numbers racking up next to his name, the next

Late bloomer: Middlesex captain and opening partner Chris Rogers

Next in line: The Australian-raised opener is hotly tipped to be picked for England

step must be seeing SD Robson next to AN Cook when Sri Lanka and India tour England this year. That two of the summer’s Tests are in his backyard at Lord’s can’t hurt. “I try to not to give it any thought to be honest,” he says. “I was pleased with the start of the winter, just making it into the performance programme and then the tour to Sri Lanka. Just to be picked in those is a massive honour really.” It can’t be ignored though. Just like when his Middlesex captain Chris Rogers amassed so many runs that he gave the Australian selectors no choice but to recall him after years in the international wilderness, shambolic England is screaming for a fresh face with no baggage and runs a formality. “At the moment I’m just trying to take everything on board,” he says, before apologising for the cliché. “I’m getting tough, intense training and good games, so can’t

complain. I’m just trying to do my best and get a few runs.” He uses the turnaround of the Australian team to beat England having lost three Ashes on the bounce as an example of how quickly fortunes can turn, and why he refuses to look too far ahead. “We were lucky enough to train with England during the Ashes. It was a disappointing result but it just goes to show how quickly things can change. It was a tough winter but they’ll come back. It just goes to show how fickle this game can be for teams and individuals. I’ve just got to do well and cash in when I’m in form. When I get in and get a start I need to go on and make big scores.” And if an ability to use a well-placed cliché is a factor for England selectors, give him a blue cap now. “Things can change fast,” he says metaphorically and literally. “If you take your eye off the ball, it can hurt you.”

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TRAVEL TRAVEL DEALS | HOTSHOTS | TOP 10 | DIARY DATES IMAGE OF THE MONTH

TURTLE TIME /50 Discover these majestic creatures by diving into the Great Barrier Reef. See p50 to find out more

INSIDE

THE WILD ISLE /40

TOP 10 CAIRNS /50

SUNSHINE STATE /36

WIth enough wildlife to make it seem like an open zoo, it’s no surprise that Kangaroo Island is known as the Galapagos of Oz.

Exploring Australia’s top travel hotspots is a tough job but someone’s got to do it: here’s the best Cairns has to offer.

From the Gold Coast to Brisbane, Queensland has a number of natural wonders just waiting for you to explore.

TRAVELDIARY

ASK THE EXPERT

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Jazzed up by night: Melbourne is swathed with indoor and al-fresco tunes all at once

TAKE A HIKE Gordon Steer, UK Manager of World Expeditions, tells us about a few tours suitable for the first-time trekker. Annapurna and Everest: Traversing two of Nepal’s most impressive mountain ranges, this trek shows off The Himalayas in all their grandeur with views to Mount Everest and rhododendron forests as well as flights over the peaks. The 15-day round-trip includes accommodation in Kathmandu, camping equipment, internal travel and local guides, and prices start at $2,690 per person. Sapa, Vietnam: This seven-day trip follows in the footsteps of French colonists, passing through the rice terraces, mountains and villages of northwest Vietnam. The trip includes an overnight train and stopovers with local families, as well as a bilingual guide and some sightseeing time to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. From $1,427 per person, the tour is available all year round. Rocky Mountains: Canada comes in to its own in The Rockies, where most of the landscape boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Starting from $2,690 per person, this seven-day trek spans three National Parks, Lake Louise, and The Columbia Icefields, plus a chance to experience the summer colours of the mountains. worldexpeditions.co.uk

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Melbourne, Australia MAY-JUN

30-8

Jazz tunes take over the concert halls, clubs and city streets of Melbourne as artists from all over the world congregate to celebrate soul. Begin with the free opening concert, and groove on from there.

WHERE: Melbourne, VIC WHY GO: It’s not all about jazz legends in concert, there are also all kinds of workshops and family events to tune in to, and a whole range of freebie evenings too. WHAT ELSE? The celebrations are spread throughout the city, so take the opportunity

WAISAK

Java, Indonesia Sometimes known simply as ‘Buddha Day’, this is a day 15 of colour, pilgrimage and spirituality. Visitors can join in the procession, soak up the incense-thick atmosphere and generally get stuck into this ancient ceremony. MAY

Singapore

This festival gets budding home-grown electronic, 27-29 metal, punk and folk artists up on the stage. Local artists undergo a vigorous audition process, while a festival village shines the spotlight on local music businesses too. JUN

Sky high: Trekking in Nepal

baybeats.com.sg

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melbournejazz.com

SAMUI REGATTA Koh Samui, Thailand

Yachting types take to the waves in this fast-paced 24-31 regatta. Fans can cheer from the shore and slurp on cocktails at all the after-race celebrations. MAY

samuiregatta.ning.com

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL Sarawak, Borneo With Malaysian rainforest as the setting, this weekend is 28-30 jam packed with rhythms from around the globe. Daily workshops give way to evenings of Welsh folk, energetic ‘Jagwa’ from Tanzania and local percussion troupes. JUN

rwmf.net

Photos: supplied./Getty Words: Stephanie Palmer

BAYBEATS FESTIVAL

to soak up some of Melbourne’s cultural highlights. Fuel up by exploring the street food and cafe culture. HOW MUCH: Gigs are individually priced and range from a pleasant $0 to around $60, and up to $100 for the biggies.

MT152 TNT_Full Page Ad_March14.indd 1

27/03/14 2:51 pm

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You too can be like these cuties

GUINEA PIGS WANTED FOR DESTINATIONS ROAD TEST

ASIA

This is possibly one of the coolest things we’ve encountered – Steppes Travel is looking for guinea pigs (not literally) to road test some new tours. We once knew a couple that was lucky enough to land a job testing condoms for Durex, which is hands-down the best job in the world, but this comes a close second. For a reduced cost you can go on what look like some fantastic tours of exotic places including Mongolia, Nepal and Gabon. But beware, the point of testing is that, sometimes, things aren’t what they seem – website pictures turn out to be fake and the four-star accommodation isn’t fit for a tramp. But it’s still worth a go, eh? steppestravel.co.uk

CHOICES APLENTY WHEN IT COMES TO ADVENTURE

Subwing. Sounds like a sandwich doesn’t it? “Can I have a subwing please?”... out comes some sort of chicken sub. Sadly, that’s not what it is. But it’s way better. It’s a device that allows you to ‘fly’ underwater. As you can see from the pic, it looks like a lot of fun (although now we’re hungry). subwing.com

CHILE

The unusually long and slender Chile is traditionally viewed as less glamorous than its neighbour, Argentina (aww). But this post-Pinochet beaut is one you shouldn’t leave off your itinerary, especially if you’re brave enough to go off the beaten track. For those that are, Rickshaw Travel recently added Chile to its list of Latin American destinations – previously it was only available as an add-on to Argentinan adventure. But not anymore. The travel specialist offers a choice of 10 (yes 10!) private tours including an action-packed three-week long trip that’ll see you take in all of Chile’s contrasting landscapes, from the world’s driest desert to snow-covered mountains in the south. Discover more of the country with three timezones at rickshawtravel.co.uk 34

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LET’S GO CRUISING BURMA

First impressions of Burma – officially Myanmar, but still known by its former name in some parts of the world – do not disappoint. It is a country which holds mysterious appeal and it has emerged as a must-see destination for travellers across the world. For the first time in decades, this former pariah of the international community is now open for business. Aware of Burma’s appeal, tour operator Travel Indochina is soon to launch cruises along the Irrawaddy River, which flows 1,400 miles through the culturally rich and fascinating country, offering travellers the experience of a lifetime. travelindochina.co.uk

STAR SPOTTING IN LA-LA LAND LOS ANGELES, USA

LA is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world thanks to its beaches, shopping, dining and, stating the obvious, its celebrities. So if you fancy hunting down Brad, Angelina or Britney then La-la Land is the only place. Go to starlinetours.com, synonymous with celeb sightseeing, if you want to see, smile at and sniff some of the world’s most famous people – obviously the sniffing is optional/should probably be avoided. Look out for the occasional online special, where tickets come with free entry to Madame Tussauds Hollywood – meaning celeb-sightseeing success is guaranteed, although they might look a bit waxy.

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MAD WORLD GIANT SQUASH SEIZED AT CUSTOMS UK

Some people really do try to smuggle the most random things through customs don’t they, but a four stone squash? Really? This one is 100 per cent true and left staff at Birmingham airport scratching their heads. The passenger who was travelling from Bangladesh also had 175lb of fish and 94,000 cigarettes with them. Officers were probing a consignment of illegal foodstuffs imported from Asia and also discovered 2,000lbs of illegally imported betel leaves in three separate shipments. A vat of squash soup, fish and chips and, er, a fag for dessert anyone?

La-la Land: Fancy sniffing celebs?

LET’S GET RACEY AT WET ’N WILD ORLANDO, USA

Here at TNT Towers we all agree that there’s nothing more fun than waterslides because they’re amazing. Climbing those steps and zooming down to splash in the pool below. So when we read about one that’s six stories tall and pits you against others in a race, we became embarrassingly excited (not like that, we just squealed a lot). On Wet ‘n Wild Orlando’s new Aqua Drag Racer you’ll be shifting at a speed of 15 feet per second through a network of interwoven, twisting tunnels in one of four race lanes. On your marks... wetnwildorlando.com

MONDAY NIGHTS WITH THE NEIGHBOURS CAST? WOWZERS

Photos: Gety/Thinkstock

ST KILDA, MELBOURNE

This might not be news, but we’ve just found out that there is a regular Neighbours quiz in St Kilda, where the stars of the soap opera turn up to mingle with their fans. How awesome is that? Or are we just really sad? Played every Monday at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow, if you go on the right night you’ll even get to hear Dr Karl Kennedy’s band! Check the website for dates – neighboursnight.com.au If you’re from out of town it’s worth staying a while as St Kilda is bursting with restaurants, live music venues and cheap drink. You can stay at the Easystay apartments from $99 per night and if you book two nights you get a complimentary bottle of wine and a $20 local dinner voucher. Cool yeah? Go to easystay. com.au for more details

MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE GLOWING VIRGIN BELGIUM Burn calories and sightsee all at once

COOL RUNNINGS SYDNEY

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Mo Farah, Kenenisa Bekele or Haile Gabrselassie – or you just like running – this one is probably right up your street. Best of all, you can soak up views of Sydney’s beautiful harbour and stunning beaches while you do it. Understand Down Under has just launched a series of new running tours designed for every fitness level that will see runners take on a variety of different running routes to see major sights, beaches, bays and bush trails. A Sydney Sightrunning tour starts from just $28. The 7-10km scenic run starting in the heart of Sydney city takes in Darling Harbour, Observatory Hill, the historic Rocks area, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park. As you run, your guide will take photos while sharing with you facts, stories, jokes and local secrets about the areas aboriginal beginnings, early history, modern culture, plants and wildlife, and even celebrity homes. udu.com.au

Police in the normally sleepy Belgian town of Jalhay have been forced into posting guards around a pavilion housing a statue of the Virgin Mary after it mysteriously started glowing. Witnesses say the small statue glows at night and, as yet, no plausible explanation for the bizarre phenomenon has been presented, but clergymen have been dispatched to check on its validity. Is it a miracle? Time will tell...

MAN GOES NUTS IN HEADBUTT RAMPAGE PAKISTAN

Mohammed Rashid (remember the name) has a lot to celebrate: he’s cracked the world record and smashed open 155 walnuts in just one minute – by headbutting them. He paid the price for his nutty behaviour as he could be seen wiping blood away from his forehead as officials ran to congratulate him for breaking the previous record of just 44 walnuts.

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TOPFIVE

QUEENSLAND

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TOP 5

QUEENSLAND MUST-DOS From the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the world – to the glitz of the Gold Coast and everything in between, there are many breathtaking sights in Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State for good reason. Occupying Australia’s north-eastern corner, Queensland is vast and happens to be blessed with dazzling landscapes, vibrant cities and has a whopping 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s also home to a number of the country’s must-dos, from the golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef or the wonders of the Whitsundays. It also hides some lesser-known treasures that most definitely have the wow factor. Brisbane will delight city slickers, with a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Noosa and Fraser Island never fail to disappoint. What are you waiting for? It’s time to explore...

1. THE WHITSUNDAYS Picking your way through the Whitsundays on a boat is just about one of the most spectacular things you 36

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can do anywhere in the world, and sailing these islands hovers pretty close to the top of most backpackers’ mustdo lists. People come here for different reasons, but one of the main lures is the majestically beautiful Whitehaven Beach, which stands out among Australia’s thousands of beaches. It is located on Whitsunday Island and its isolated nature means that getting there requires some planning. A great base is Airlie Beach, an attraction in itself. The legendary town is geared towards two things – Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef tourism and backpackers. The big hostels all have bars and are rammed year round with travellers hoping to get out and experience their very own piece of the islands and reef, as well as make some friends over a beer or two. From Airlie you’ll be able to find all manner of companies willing to take you out into the Whitsundays, the Barrier Reef and beyond, catering to all levels of budget and experience. greatbarrierreef.org tourismwhitsundays.com.au

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BRISBANE

FRASER ISLAND

Queensland’s capital affectionately goes by the nickname Bris Vegas. While the label was originally used ironically to mock Brisbane for its slow pace of life and lack of afterdark excitement, times have been a-changing, but most self-deprecating locals are more than happy to stick with the name. Now, though, the nightlife is where this city really shines. As the sun sinks, partygoers head for the swanky Elixir Rooftop bar, the cosy Walrus Club and the crazy Cloudland among others.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and one of the shining stars on the Unesco’s World Heritage List. It’s a place where you’ll enjoy sun, sand, whale-watching and dingos. Yes, dingos, although numbers are declining. Sad face. The inland lakes are some of the best swimming spots you’re likely to find, and driving up the beach and through the subtropical rainforest is an unforgettable experience. Psst, wanna know a little secret? Check out nearby Rainbow Beach, too. It’s awesome.

visitbrisbane.com.au

Photos: Suppiled, Thinkstock, Tourism Queensland

QUEENSLAND

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NOOSA

GOLD COAST

Noosa is the jewel in the Sunshine Coast’s crown and very popular with us here at TNT. It is one of Queensland’s most beautiful towns and its name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of many trees’. And what a place it is. Perfect any time of year. The sunny climate and warm locals make relaxing a very easy option. Must-dos are Noosa National Park and shopping on Hastings St. visitnoosa.com.au

Last but by no means least we have the Gold Coast, a must-visit known for its culture of ‘fun in the sun’. There is loads to do here. Surfer’s Paradise is famed for its nightlife – it’s main strip is always full on sultry evenings with people out for a few stiff drinks (although beware of schoolies week mid-November, they party a little too hard). By day, head into the hinterland for a taste of nature.

TOPFIVE WHERE TO STAY

SUMMIT APARTMENTS Overview Queensland scored big when TripAdvisor named Australia’s 25 Best Hotels earlier this year, with no less than seven hotels featuring in the top 10. Summit Apartments was one and we’ve picked it out because Airlie Beach, as we said, is a great base to explore the Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays and other attractions. Wow factor Set in the peaceful rainforest below Conway National Park, Airlie Beach Summit Apartments are a-15 minute walk from the center of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, and provide wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and the harbour. It sits right on top of the hill. Bill please A two-bedroom apartment will set you back $170pp based on four sharing for seven nights. 15 Flame Tree Court, Airlie Beach summitairliebeach.com.au

goldcoast.qld.gov.au

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OZEXPAT EXPATLIFE

ADVERTORIAL

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A solar powered lifestyle Since moving to sunny Queensland, a young family from Scotland are revelling in the state’s enviable outdoor lifestyle…

Hamish Neish still can’t believe his luck. Originally from a small town called Hawik in Scotland, 33-year-old Hamish is now living a lifestyle most people only dream of in Queensland, Australia. After visiting the Sunshine State with his wife Kerry in 2004, Hamish made the decision to move away from the cold and enjoy a whole new life in one of Australia’s most desirable cities, Brisbane. And it was easier than he thought. Queensland has relaxed its visa requirements in recent years and as a registered nurse he was eligible to apply for a skilled visa. Rather than go through a migration agent, Hamish completed the application himself online and just three months later he had all the permission he needed to live and work in Australia. His wife and young son came with him. “We saved a heap of money by doing the application ourselves” Hamish said, “and it really wasn’t very hard.” “We moved to Australia almost a year after we started

the visa process and found work immediately in the private hospital system,” he said. The couple’s four-year-old son Fergus is settling in to the new lifestyle easily. “We just feel at home here, the landscapes are similar but the weather is so much better,” Hamish said. The young family is revelling in the outdoor lifestyle, snorkelling with dolphins at Tangalooma, camping at Fraser Island, cooking on the barbeque and eating outdoors all year round. The couple now plans to apply for Australian citizenship. “My wife misses her family sometimes but they come over here for their holidays now so it’s all working out really well,” Hamish said. “My wife’s parents are staying with us at the moment. We’re playing tour guide and there’s so much to do! They’re already planning their next trip here,” he said. To find out more about living and working in Queensland please visit migration.qld.gov.au

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BSMQ 740.indd 38

26/03/2014 8:27 pm

A rewarding career (and sunshine)

awaits you.

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Queensland, Australia

Make your next career move to Queensland, Australia. Our growing economy, stable government, supportive communities and long term actual and projected growth provide great opportunities for you and your family.

Where in the world is

Queensland?

Queensland is a big state and is blessed with a subtropical and tropical climate, meaning 263 days of sunshine a year - absolutely ideal for that career and sea change. Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse landscapes offer large metropolitan cities, outback country towns and coastal locations that you can call home. We need people to fill a range of skill shortages - from engineers to farmers, midwives to tradespeople. See if your occupation is on our list of skills in demand and explore visa options at migration.qld.gov.au/skilled

Great state. Great opportunity. BSMQ 740.indd 39

26/03/2014 8:28 pm

Strike a pose: KI’s sea lions know how to work it 40

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OZTRIP

Kangaroo (and co) Island Joey may be the star of the show, but sea lions, koala bears, echidnas and penguins often steal the limelight on KI WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

Endless months aboard a 19th-century ship would, you’d expect, work wonders for your imagination. It’s little surprise, after all, that so many crusty seadogs dreamily mistook lardy lumps of wet blubber for scantily clad mermaids – the human mind, it seems, can only be content with mouldy biscuits and talk of buried treasure for so long before taking matters into its own hands. For that reason, I’m always surprised there aren’t more decidedly dodgy Aussie place names joining the glorious likes of Mount Buggery, Yorkeys Knob and Fannie Bay. As such, when in 1802, English navigator Matthew Flinders dropped anchor off Australia’s then uninhabited third biggest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island), and named it Kangaroo Island, I’m guessing it must have been around lunchtime. Captain Flinders met such prolific numbers of the bouncy marsupial on the South Australian island, that his men could catch a whole mob of them before the barbie had even warmed up. But just naming it after Skippy is seriously selling the place short. Whether it be the koala population, the plentiful seals, echidnas, penguins, pelicans and any number of other Aussie critters, Kangaroo Island is quite simply one giant zoo, only without the cages. Nicknamed Australia’s Galapagos for good reason, there’s nowhere else Down Under where so much native wildlife can so easily be experienced. Indeed, one of the island’s main attractions is the sea lions. So, after a dawn pick-up in Adelaide, a couple of hours’ drive across the Fleurieu Peninsula and a 45-minute ferry ride, our two-day tour (from $399, sealink.com.au) heads straight to Seal Bay on the island’s south coast. Home to about 1,000 Australian sea lions (or five per cent of the global population), this conservation park is one of the few places on Earth where you can take guided walks onto the beach to view the whiskered wonders from just metres away. After a short stroll along a boardwalk, the ranger leads us onto the sand, where hundreds of the creatures are lazily catching some rays, seemingly oblivious to our presence as they chill out between regular three-day 120km fishing trips

to the continental shelf. All along the beach are large males, or bulls, and females with pups. It’s a spectacular sight, made all the more impressive by how close we’re able to get. At one point, as we’re admiring a trio of pups bickering and chasing each other just in front of us, a mum and pup who had been relaxing at the top of the beach start heading down the sand towards us. We clamber out of the way as the family waddles past only a few metres away, each one dutifully stopping to pose for its money shot as if a red carpet A-lister while we click away like a hungry pack of paparazzi, before carrying on down to play in the surf. Memory cards already limping, we move on, stopping now and then to spot yet more kangaroos. At one point we veer dramatically off-road to excitedly catch a glimpse of a spiky little echidna cruising across a field. Kangaroo Island, however, isn’t just about cooing at cute creatures. It also boasts Little Sahara, an area where giant white sand dunes stretch across the landscape for 2km, rising 70m above sea level. Now sand dunes, as any self-respecting traveller will know, are three things: they are breathtakingly pretty, they are destroyers of cameras and, of course, they are brilliant for hurling yourselves down. So that’s exactly what we do. Sand boards under arms, we clamber up the lung-burstingly steep dunes. There’s just a few moments to admire the dramatic surroundings while teetering nervously over the edge, before a quick push off and I’m suddenly at the mercy of gravity, flying down the bank and screaming my head off until I skid to a giggling mess of sandy limbs at the bottom. Hooked by the rush, the climb becomes less of an effort and we rush up again and again, flinging ourselves down the hill, feet first, face first, standing up, even on top of each other, until our legs scream out for mercy. From Little Sahara it’s on to the gorgeous Vivonne Bay, once named Australia’s best beach by a professor with the enviable gig of rating all the sandy bits Down Under. Suitably calmed from our Little Sahara adrenalin rush, it’s then home to the campfire for a night of beers and burgers. On day two we’re up early to make our way west to TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

OZTRIP

[Caption]

Remarkable Rocks: need we say more?

Flinders Chase National Park to check out KI’s most famous sight – Remarkable Rocks. Rich in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, these bizarre granite shapes were first forged as part of a mountain range 500 million years ago before gradually being pushed out of the cliff top surface, where they have remained for our comedy photo-op pleasure, like the discarded playthings of the children of gods. After scrambling over the strange sculptures for a while, it’s time to head on to something we’ve been excited about all day – we’re going quad biking (from $79, kioutdooraction.com.au). Having ridden a quad before, I can’t resist upgrading to the 250cc, five gear, sports version… and I don’t regret it. We’re soon off, tearing across the KI landscape and screeching around dirt tracks and past kangaroos. It’s a thrilling rush and more than satisfies our need for speed. But like all these things, despite lasting an hour or two, it still ends way too quickly. Finally pried away from our machines, we find ourselves standing around, chatting excitedly, not wanting to leave as we’re still buzzing from the experience. But the time is up on our two-day adventure so we’re dragged back to the bus. On the road again, there’s just time to stop off for some incredible fish and chips and an insane pelican-feeding show before heading back to the mainland, full of exhausted contentment. Kangaroo Island, says Flinders? We say Awesome Island. 42

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YOUR ITINERARY The natural landscape and local wildlife are by far the biggest draws of Kangaroo Island, an ideal two or three-day escape from Adelaide. An obligatory stop-off is Flinders Chase National Park (entry $10), a protected area on the western end of the isle that plays host to rugged cliffs, sheltered bays and plentiful bush-walking opportunities. This is where you’ll find KI’s poster boys, Remarkable Rocks, a cluster of giant attentiongrabbing stones that have been sculpted into weird shapes by the elements and now look out to sea from atop the smooth granite coastline. Another Flinders highlight is Admirals Arch, a surf-battered rock formation home to a large colony of New Zealand fur seals. Fans of adrenalin thrills should make a beeline for Little Sahara, an area of lofty sand dunes, rising 70m high, which are ideal for sandboarding shenanigans. If you’re not with an organised tour from Adelaide (for example with ››

ADVERTORIAL

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One of the best ways to experience Kangaroo Island is on a two-day fully guided small group tour with Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours. This excellent-value-for-money tour offers fun and adventure activities with visits to major attractions, excellent accommodation and delicious meals throughout. Tour guests will see a sheep shearing demonstration and tour the Australian Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Visit the amazing Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and the Little Sahara sand hills to check out your sand boarding technique! There are ample opportunities to see local wildlife too, including koala spotting at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and a guided beach walk at Seal Bay to spend time with a colony of wild Australian sea lions. An experience not to be missed! You’ll stay at Vivonne Bay Lodge, where accommodation is dormitory style, or you can pay a small upgrade fee for a twin

or family room. Vivonne Bay Lodge is set on 206 hectares of natural Australian bushland with one kilometre of beach frontage. There’s a range of indoor and outdoor activities including table tennis, 8 ball, cycling, kayaking, bush walking and swimming at nearby Vivonne Bay beach. Enjoy a delicious Aussie barbecue on the large outdoor deck area and say hello to the resident kangaroos that frequently hop into visit the guests! Tours operate from Adelaide and include return coach and ferry transfers and courtesy pick-ups and set downs from selected Adelaide and Glenelg hostels and hotels. There are also coach connections to the ferry from Goolwa and Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Tours are operated by experienced and friendly guides and it’s amazing how much fun you can pack into two days! Call Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours on +61 8 8202 8678 or book online at www.kiadventuretours.com.au

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What a tree-t: Have a koala cuddle or two

Photos: Kangaroo Island Tours and Getty Images

G’day mate: get up-close to kangaroos

kiadventuretours.com.au or sealink.com.au), you can hire equipment from a couple of operators in Vivonne Bay (from $19 with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action kioutdooraction.com.au). Kangaroo Island’s tagline of being like a ‘zoo without the fences’ may sound clichéd but is in fact well deserved. Beyond the ‘roos, it’s as good as anywhere in Oz for spotting a huge range of Aussie animals – such as koalas, echidnas and penguins – up close and in the wild. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Seal Bay Conservation Park (entry $32, sealbay.sa.gov.au), where you can take a ranger-guided walk right along the beach among the colony of hundreds of sea lions. To get your glimpse of a koala, head for the Koala Walk at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary ($6, hansonbay.com. au), while you can take a nocturnal penguin tour at the Penneshaw Penguin Centre ($18, kipenguincentre.com.au).

WHERE TO STAY While still enjoying a seemingly undeveloped tourism scene, there’s a large array of sleeping options on Kangaroo Island. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Bear in mind that multi-day tours from Adelaide often include accommodation on remote bush properties, while budget hostels can be found at the ferry port of Penneshaw, the town of Kingscote and dotted across the rest of the isle. An easy starting point is Kangaroo Island Backpackers kangarooislandbackpackers.com, a laid-back hostel with beds from $28pn. You’ll find it just 100m from the Penneshaw ferry terminal. Another handy option for the ferry is the Kangaroo Island YHA yha.com.au, which enjoys great views of Hog Bay, plus they run tours to see the local fairy penguins. Beds cost from $33pn. If you want to be among the action, the cheap option in Kingscote is Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers kicentralbackpackers.com, where beds cost $25pn. Alternatively, there are also a few options found away from the bright lights. Flinders Chase Farm flinderschasefarm.com.au is in the remote far west by the national park. It offers lodge-style accommodation on a working farm. Double cabins cost from $80pn, while dorm beds are also available, from $25pn. Vivonne Bay Lodge sealink.com.au, meanwhile, is set on an expansive property on the gorgeous south coast, with plenty of beach-front action. Rooms for up to four people cost from $120pn.

WHERE TO EAT With its rich, fertile lands and 509km of largely unspoilt coastline, it’s little surprise that Kangaroo Island is renowned as a hotspot for locally grown and organically

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Admirals Arch: Home to fur seals

produced gourmet delights. From its honey, cheeses and yoghurt, to oysters, snapper and King George whiting, all washed down with a bottle of KI wine, it’s unlikely your palette will leave disappointed. Foodies will have no problem filling their days visiting local producers and tasting what’s on offer. One such treasure trove offering free samples is Island Beehive island-beehive.com.au in Kingscote, which is one of Australia’s largest organic honey producers. Simply check out the bees or try one of their unique flavours, like stringy bark (tastier than it sounds). Seafood aficionados should stop by Ferguson Australia fergusonaustralia.com, also in Kingscote, to check out some of the country’s most celebrated lobsters and king crabs. There’s also no shortage of good restaurants to serve you local delicacies if you’re after a sit-down meal. For classic fish ‘n’ chips, you’d struggle to do better than Fish of Penneshaw 2birds1squid.com, which is also an ideal final stop before the ferry back to the mainland. If you want pub grub with an emphasis on fresh seafood, check out the Penneshaw Hotel penneshawhotel.com.au just down the road. In Kingscote, head for the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn Restaurant kiseasideinn.com.au, where the ocean views are as good as the food. Alternatively, if you’re keen to try KI speciality marron, a type of crayfish, you’d struggle to beat the Andermel Marron Café andermel.com.au. 46

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WHERE TO PARTY Kangaroo Island isn’t exactly a destination renowned for its allnight revelry, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a good time to be had between scrambling over rocks and between sea lions. Drinking tends to revolve around friendly locals and sublime views, rather than crawling home in the early hours, but a couple of the livelier venues tend to be the Penneshaw Hotel penneshawhotel.com.au, and the Aurora Ozone in Kingscote auroraresorts.com.au. A great way to get the night started is with a tour of some of the many vineyards on the island, lots of which offer wine tastings. The island is also home to some great events, bringing with them a great atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for propping up the bar. Each February sees about 5,000 people flock trackside for a weekend as the Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival of horse races comes ashore kiracingclub.com.au, with its party atmosphere and dress-to-impress attitude. In April there’s also the Kangaroo Island FEASTival facebook.com/kifestival, building up to the Feast Big Day Out on April 26. This five-day celebration of all things gastronomic is primarily about the food and wine, but also features live entertainment and pop-up markets. You can even sign up for ‘table surfing’, where you basically head along to random dinner parties, hosted by the island’s top producers and chefs in their own homes. Nice.

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Cairns is a great base for exploring some of the best natural wonders Australia has to offer. Whether you’re diving under water, hiking on land or flying around in the sky, the scenery and creative ways of seeing it (minjin swing anyone?) can’t be beaten.

1. GREAT BARRIER REEF Never mind a Cairns must-do, this is a life must-do. On bucket lists across the globe, one of the natural wonders of the world is right on Cairns’ doorstep, or rather, sandy shores. The world’s largest coral reef system, it’s made up of 900 islands stretching over an area of around 344,400sq km, and diving into this under-water world is unbeatable. The vibrant coral comes in every colour and shade of a Dulux swatch book, while friendly shoals of fish dart about or lazy loners weave their way through the coral, dipping down for a toke or two on some shrimp or plankton. Spot the occasional bobbing turtle, sweeping stingray or gliding reef shark and you will see the 50

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true wonder of these majestic creatures that call this aquatic paradise home. For a day tour, we recommend Passions of Paradise for a slice of luxury. Set sail on the 25m catamaran to Paradise Reef, which is exclusive to Passions of Paradise so you will dodge the crowds and be able to say hello in person to Wally, the resident Maori wrasse. Passions also moors up at Michaelmas Cay, which is a worldfamous bird sanctuary and has sandy beaches which give way to waters rich in giant trevally, small black tip reef sharks, bat fish and hundreds of species of colourful reef fish. To stretch your trip out, try an over-nighter with Deep Sea Divers Den, where you can sleep aboard the big OceanQuest boat and go on a number of dives from some of its 17 exclusive moorings at Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs. Both companies offer snorkelling, introductory diving and certified diving expeditions so everyone can have a go. passions.com.au

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NIGHT CANOEING Australia’s wildlife is as active at night as it is at feeding time. Plus it’s infinitely more magical (and spookier) canoeing by moonlight and listening out for the nocturnal creatures’ echoing cries and scurrying movements in the trees. The only company to offer a night canoeing tour is On the Wallaby, which meets you 900m north of Cairns to paddle under the stars on Lake Tinaroo. With life jackets, torches, your canoe

WHERE TO STAY

and paddle all included, you take to the peaceful waters for this enchanting experience at 8pm in a minimum group of three ($40pp). You will see creatures you are less likely to spot during the day as they come out to play: your guide will help you spot tree kangaroos, ring tail and brush tail possums, carnivorous possums, wallabies, red legged pademelons, bandicoots, gliders, snakes and platypuses. onthewallaby.com

Words: Caroline Garnar. Photos: Supplied.

SKYDIVE AUSTRALIA If you’ve been thinking about skydiving but haven’t managed to build up the nerve, just do it you big pussy. Seriously though, it’s the most fun you will ever have, yes ever. And you don’t even get that dropping sensation in your stomach; you’re so high you just feel like you’re flying. Awesome, no? SkyDive Australia offers the highest tandem jump in the country. Jumping from 14,000ft gives you up to 60 seconds of free fall (the awesome bit) before your

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GILLIGAN’S OVERVIEW Gilligan’s Backpacker Hostel is the best place to stay if you want to explore by day and party by night. It’s basically a hostel combined with a nightclub, and there’s an event on every night of the week – whether you want to get messy with jelly wrestling, play some bogan bingo or do your country proud in the swimwear contest. Gilligan’s is the popular choice for partygoers, whether they’re staying there or not – and you may as well stay because, let’s face it, you’ll be passing out there anyway. WOW FACTOR Gilligan’s hosts massive club nights including Ministry of Sound, RnB Superclub and Hed Kandi to name a few. They also organise tours and offer a free transfer service from and to the airport. Nice.

parachute deploys and you peacefully float your way down to the ground. The company has a branch in Cairns, meaning not only can you see the Great Barrier Reef up close, but also get the bird’s eye view as you fall through the skies above. Surely seeing multi-coloured coral beneath a turqouise ocean beats jumping over the muddy fields of England? Yep, we thought so. So, like we said, if you’re thinking of doing it, now’s the time. australiaskydive.com.au

ROOMS You can go from a private room with a king-size bed right up to 10-bed dorms. There are female-only dorms available, as well as dorms for four-eight people. BILL PLEASE From

$27 per night for a dorm-room bed. 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns 4870 gilligans.com.au

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WATERFALL TOUR

BUNGEE JUMP AND MINJIN SWING

Always wanted to recreate the Timotei ad hair flick by a gushing waterfall? Here’s your chance. On the Wallaby offers a day trip to several pristine waterfalls, such as the famous Millaa Millaa, where you can jump in for an invigorating swim. You will also visit the spectacular Gilles Tange and tropical Atherton Tablelands as well as exploring cathedral and curtain fig trees and taking a rainforest walk through Lake Barrine National Park. They will also take you on a jungle trek to view the raging Dinner Falls and World Heritage-listed Mount Hypipamee National Park, all for $99pp for the day.

We’ve all heard of a bungee jump, but a minjin swing? Sounds like a piece of sex apparatus to us... It’s not, but it’s still a lot of fun, and it is for two – or even three (also one, but swinging on your own is never as fun). You get strapped up so you are lying face-down and then you swing from 45 metres down to one metre in 3.5 seconds, reaching speeds up to 120kmph. Hells yeah. The bungee is off a purpose-built 50ft tower, with 16 different jump styles available. Both are found in the heart of the rainforest, so lush flora and waterfalls greet you before you ping back up. Bungee $169, minjin $235.

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WHITE WATER RAFTING

RAINFORESTSTATION NATURE PARK

The Tully River offers the best rafting in Australia and New Zealand according to the pros at Raging Thunder. There is also the milder Barron River if you’re new to zooming down rapids on what is basically a big dinghy. If you’re a seasoned rafter, or you just like your adrenalin kicks right to the groin (but in a good way), sign up for the Xtreme Tully Raft, where the most experienced guides will ensure your knuckles are as white as the waters. You will also swim in rapids (probably after you fall in), cliff jump and raft surf on your tour. Raging Thunder rafting experiences start from $133pp.

This park is some 30 minutes north of Cairns, set in 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest. Take a World War II Army Duck tour through the undergrowth before splashing down into the lake to float alongside turtles, fish and eels. Pop to the Koala & Wildlife Park for a cuddle, although keep your distance from some of its other residents including crocs and snakes. Far friendlier are the local indigenous guides at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. They will show you how to throw a boomerang and spear as well as put on an authentic dance show.

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SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY

CAIRNS ZOOM AND WILDLIFE DOME

If you’re not much of a daredevil but still like the idea of seeing the rainforest from above, you can smoothly glide over the canopy in a glass-bottomed cable car or one of the brand new four-person open-air gondolas. You can pop out at Skyrail’s two mid-stations, where you can explore the rainforest from ground level, on boardwalks and from scenic look-outs, and learn a bit more about the ‘science bits’ at the interpretation centre. A one-way trip costs from $47. skyrail.com.au

Trying to spot a tiny creature in a rainforest can feel like, well, trying to spot a tiny creature in a rainforest. If you want a guarantee that you will get up-close and personal with creepy crawlies you can head to the enclosed Wildlife Dome, which houses parrots, cockatoos, pythons, crocs, lizards, gliders, curlews, bettongs, frogmouths and kookaburras. While there you can have a go at ‘ZOOm’, a course of ropes and zip lines above the indoor rainforest and dome. cairnszoom.com.au

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Take a day tour to the lush Daintree Rainforest with Jungle Tours and you will be treated to one of the most scenic coastal drives along the way: the Captain Cook Highway in Port Douglas. Once at the forest, you will get a detailed tour with a knowledgeable guide, which is just as well as Daintree is one of the most ancient rainforests on Earth and home to the largest range of plants and animals in the world. Indeed, you will get the chance to see the endangered cassowary and have a ‘snap’ taken with a crocodile, koala or snake. Next, head off for a Daintree river cruise, stopping off at Alexandra Lookout for spectacular views across the river and Coral Sea. At the end of the day you get to chill out on the sweeping sandy beach at Cape Tribulation. Bliss. jungletours.com.au

On The Wallaby Backpackers Lodge and Adventure Tours. Get back to nature...

Well presented, excellent value-for-money and warmly welcoming, On The Wallaby Backpackers Lodge and Adventure Tours is everything you’ve ever wanted or imagined budget accommodation could be. If you’re seeking a refreshing experience with like-minded, independent travellers in a genuine home-away-from-home environment, you’ve found it!

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

Tours in Tasmania Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, tourstascom.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

TOUR FIRMS

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

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

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

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

Kakadu Dreams Kakadu tours 1800 813 266, kakadudreams.com.au

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

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

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

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

follow us on 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 Surfcamp Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 888 732, surfcamp.com.au The Rock Tour Red centre tours 1800 246 345, therocktour.com.au Topdeck Tours covering all of Oz 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel 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 Wildlife Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 661 730, wildlifetours.com.au

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

@tnt_downunder Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

TRANSPORT CO 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.net

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, tasredline.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

10% off

ing for! it a w u o y e What ar

if you have a genuine backpacker’s card

• 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 56

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

Taronga Zoo Mosman. taronga.org.au

CHECK IN

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

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

SYDNEY MUSIC 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 8272 0900 yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 921 4588 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 9318 0902 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 27 Paul St. Bondi. 02 9389 5421 Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

BIG HOSTEL 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. Beds from $30 The Big Hostel is made up of 4,6 and 8 bed dormitories as well as singles, doubles, twins, triples and family rooms for travelers who are looking for a little privacy.

Sydney

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

bighostel.com

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 6077 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

BLUE MTNS 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

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

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, nomadsworld.com Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. 1800 6680 7966, nomadsworld.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

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

MANLY BACKPACKERS Thinking about an early morning surf, an evening swim, a stroll along Manly`s famous promenade walkway along the beach or you need to get to Manly`s huge selection of pubs and clubs? If you`re staying at Manly Backpackers you won`t have to walk far!

Sydney

manlybackpackers.com.au

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QLDLISTINGS BRISBANE STAY

1800 24 2273

stayatbase.com

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

Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com

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

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St yha.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

The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3270 6666

Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au The Palace Backpackers Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

BRISBANE DO

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, katarzyna.com.au

Base Uptown Cnr George & Herschel Sts.

The Elephant Hotel 230 Wickham St elephanthotel.com.au

28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers. 1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

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

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise. 1800 074 393, islander.com.au

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

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

Coolangatta YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga. 07 5536 76442, yha.com.au

Gallery of Modern Art 07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au

Coolangatta Sands Hostel Cnr Griffiths & McLean Sts, Coolangatta. 07 5536 7472, coolangattasandshostel.com.au

Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing. Lower River Terrace,

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 Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise. 07 5571 1776, yha.com.au Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport. 07 5591 5616, trekkersbackpackers.com.au Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, nomadsworld.com Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

Gold Coast International BP

GC DO

@tnt_downunder Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 1800 438 938 Seaworld

seaworld.com.au

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au Zorb 07 5547 6300

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

RAINBOW BEACH Dingos Backpacker Adventure Resort 20 Spectrum St. 1800 111126, dingosresort.com Pippies Beach House 22 Spectrum St. 1800 425 356, pippiesbeachhouse.com Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

WHITSUNDAYS 3 DAYS IN ONE... Whitehaven Beach, top snorkel destinations & island bushwalks. P: 07 4946 6848 www.oceanrafting.com.au

Photo: Tourism Queensland

CAPE TRIBULATION

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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BROADBEACH Broadbeach is a stylish Gold Coast suburb which perfectly compliments and contrasts the adjacent loud and brash Surfers Paradise, just a few kilometers north. Generally regarded as the more laid back and stylish, Broadbeach has one of the biggest shopping malls in the southern hemisphere, the famous Jupiters Casino and scores of well regarded restaurants and cafes.

er.

. . . E R E H Y L L A IN F E ’R YOU

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 VE PROFESSIONALS 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

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

ree ) ey

se uise Be ght

Pacific Ocean

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

o the you

t ed. uck heir rns

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

18/03/13 10:13 PM

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QLDLISTINGS 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 Palace Backpackers 184 Torquay, 1800 063 168, palaceadventures.com.au

FRASER ISLAND Eurong Beach Resort 07 4120 1600, eurong.com.au Palace Adventures 184 Torquay St, Hervey Bay, 1800 063 168 palaceadventures.com.au Barefoot Lodge Long Island barefootlodge.com.au Colonial Village YHA 820 Boat Harbour Drive, Urangan, Hervey Bay yha.com.au Cool Dingo’s Rainbow Beach 20 Spectrum St dingosresort.com 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 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

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

AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. 07 4946 6312, yha.com.au Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd 07 4948 2000, 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 Adventurers Resort 79 Palmer St. 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com Adrenalin Dive. 07 4724 0600, adrenalindive.com.au Yongala Dive Yongala diving. 07 4783 1519, yongaladive.com.au

MAGNETIC IS

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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

Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 07 4778 5777, stayatbase.com

Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353 bohemiaresort.com.au

Bungalow Bay Backpackers Horseshow Bay. 1800 285 577, bungalowbay.com.au

Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au

Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay. 07 4778 5177, hotelaracadia.com.au

JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com

Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road. 07 4068 8317,

NJoy Backpackers Hostel Harbour 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 239 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228,

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BUNDABERG Reef and rum aren’t two things you’d normally associate together, but it just so happens that Bundaberg specialises in both. There are so many fish on display it’s hard to keep track. Ornate butterfly fish, emperor angel fish and brass-striped barracuda are just a few... and Mon Reposboasts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest nesting population of loggerhead turtles. There’s plenty of accommodation options in Bundaberg’s wide and gracious main streets for any backpackers hunting down the region’s plentiful fruitpicking work. It main attraction though is it’s rum distillery and it’s fair to say that Bundaberg Rum is about as Australian a drink as you can get. Bundy is also home to the unique Bundaberg Barrel, pictured.

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast

QLDLISTINGS 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 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 Innisfail Budget Backpackers Worker’s Hostel 125 Edith St. 07 4061 78337

Walkabout Motel & ackpackers 07 4061 2311 walkaboutbackpackers.com

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

GULF SAVANNAH Emu Creek Cattle Station 08 9943 0534

DAINTREE Koala Beach Resort Lake St, 07 4051 4933

MORETON ISLAND Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tangalooma.com

NOOSA STAY Flashpackers Noosa 102 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach flashpackersnoosa.com

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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

Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr Noosa Inland nomadsworld.com

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

Noosa Backpackers 9-13 William St, Noosaville noosabackpackers.com

Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com

Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa. 1800 242 567,

Port O’Call YHA 7 Craven Close

portocall.com.au

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cottontreebackpackers.com

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St codgelodge.com Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266 Backpackers Shack 7 Ernest St fbackpakershack.com Farm work, Innisfail farmwork.tv/farmwork/innisfail

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

ROCKHAMPTON Emu Park Resort 92 Patterson St, Emu Park emusbeachresort.com Rockhampton Backpackers YHA 60 Macfarlane St yha.com.au Childers Eco-Lodge Off the Princess Highway childersecolodge.com.au

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

SUNSHINE COAST Cotton Tree Beachouse 15 the Esplanade

YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd

bungalowbay.com.au

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

AROUND NOOSA A couple of great ways to see Noosa is getting environmentally friendly on a bike or canoe. Take a mountain bike tour on trails that will lead you to the best photo opportunities in town. General bike hire starts from $15 for two hours, more for tours. Likewise, hop in a canoe and paddle yourself around the quays of Noosaville and Noosa River. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, head out on a guided five day/four night trip into Upper Noosa River, with side walks to Cooloola Sandpatch and Teewah Coloured Sands. For more info see elanda.com.au

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HOBART STAY Backpackers Imperial Hobart 138 Collins St. 03 6229 5215, centralbackpackers.com.au

LAUNCESTON DO

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

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

Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.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 BICHENO BACKPACKERS 11 Morrison Street, Bicheno. Beds from $28 The ideal base to explore Tasmania’s east coast, Wineglass bay is just 30 minus drive away and the Douglas Apsley National Park is close by.

Bicheno

bichenobackpackers.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/TAS

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 Big 4 Iluka 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

BAY OF FIRES The Bay of Fires is a 29km sweep of powdery white sand, crystal clear seas and granite splashed with orange lichen. It has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In 2009, this area was named one of the world’s hottest travel destinations by Lonely Planet and once you experience it first hand, you’ll understand why. Amongst the ‘Fires you’ll find quaint villages that are popular for fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 in response to the many Aboriginal fires he saw burning on its shore. People visiting the area today often believe that the name refers to the play of light on the water. It’s a good guess – the light in Tasmania has a crystalline quality which contrasts well with the white sand on the shores.

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VICLISTINGS

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MELBOURNE STAY

CHECK IN

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

Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com

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

Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.com.au

GREAT OCEAN RD

Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697, exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212 homemansion.com.au Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, homehostels.com.au Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 03 9329 7525 discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 03 9328 4383, nomadshostels.com Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, spencerbackpackers.com.au Back of Chapel 50 Green St, Windsor nomadshostels.com College Lawn Hotel 36 Greville St, Prahran collegelawnhotel.com.au 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

Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251,

Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 09 8598 6200, stayatbase.com

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

Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. 03 9629 5866, neighbourstour.com.au

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THE GREENHOUSE BACKPACKER Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Dorms from $32 An award-winning hostel with all the facilities you’ve come to expect from a world class backpacker hostel.

Melbourne

greenhousebackpacker.com

elephantbackpacker.com.au Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au Lords Lodge Backpackers 204 Punt Rd lordslodge.com.au Melbourne International Backpackers 450 Elizabeth St mibp.com.au Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St yha.com.au Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St yha.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

ST KILDA Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com

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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

Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Apollo Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. 03 5237 7899, yha.com.au

milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

GIPPSLAND Prom Coast YHA Backpackers 0427 875 735 Cambrai Hostel Maffra 117 Johnson St, Maffra. 1800 101 113

maffra.net.au/hostel

PHILLIP ISLAND Amaroo Park YHA

Great Ocean Road Backpackers YHA 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 1070, greatoceanroadcottages.com

97 Church St, Cowes.

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au

The Island Accommodation

Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

03 5956 6123

MORNINGTON

03 5952 3620,

yha.com.au

10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road.

theislandaccommodation.com. au

GRAMPIANS

Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie. 03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

Grampians YHA Eco Hostel

Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au

03 5356 4544,

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento. 03 5984 4323, yha.com.au

Tim’s Place

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island. 03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

03 5356 4288,

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

Cnr Grampians & Buckler Rds, Halls Gap.

yha.com.au

44 Grampians Road, Halls Gap.

timsplace.com.au

MILDURA Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue

milduracitybackpackers.com.au

STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade

yha.com.au

TOUR SEARCH DESIGN 1

TOUR SEARCH For the last 30 years TNT Magazine has brought travel advice and news to a growing audience of travellers. 18 to 35 year olds from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe have been using TNT as their guide to living and working in the UK and Australia. With a growing audience comes growing demand and over quarter of a million users are now demanding travel offers and information for tours across the globe. Here at TNT we have listened to the demands of our readers and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to launch TNT Tours. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a weekend in Dublin, a group tour across Australia, or a ten day epic adventure in South America, the TNT Tour Search facility is here to meet your travel wishes. With tours being added on a daily basis and reviews to give you peace of mind, TNT Tours will become your primary destination when looking to travel anywhere around the globe and you know the process will be as good as you can get anywhere else, if not better.

t a ki n g y ou w h e re y ou d rea m t o be... tntmagazine.com/toursearch

WALISTINGS

PERTH STAY

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Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au

Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St 08 9421 1123 Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbritannia.com

Hotel Bambu Backpackers 75 - 77 Aberdeen St, Northbridge bambu.net.au

Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

Globe Backpackers & City Oasis Resort 561 Wellington St. 08 9321 4080, globebackpackers.com.au

OCEAN BEACH BACKPACKERS

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

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1 Eric Street, Cottesloe. Beds from $24.50 Located on the famous Cottesloe beach, The Ocean Beach Backpackers is one of the best backpacker hostels in Perth. A range of dorms and private rooms are available, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms, fridges and lockers. Perth oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

The Old Swan Barracks 2-8 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

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

Perth Beach YHA 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

cheviotlodge.com Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au Easy Perth Backpackers 4 Francis Street, Northbridge

easyperthbackpackers.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, undergroundbackpackers. com.au Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St East Perth

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

Coming soon Travel to Karijini with Integrity Coach Lines

in 2014!

THE ONLY COACH SERVICE TO KARIJINI IN AUSTRALIA

HOP ON HOP OFF TICKET $329 valid for 12 months in one direction with unlimited stops!

With unlimited stopovers on all our services and Hop on Hop off ticket now available between Perth, Broome, Monkey Mia, Exmouth, Kalbarri and many more, there is no better way to travel Western Australia than with Integrity Coach Lines! Integrity Coach Lines provide an excellent reliable coach service at a competitive price. Cheap prices for backpackers YHA VIP & Nomad members! Check us out online.

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YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.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 Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth. 08 9474 3551, perthzoo.wa.gov.au Aviation Heritage Museum Bull Creek Drive, Air Force Memorial Estate, Perth. 08 9311 4470, raafawa.org.au St Mary’s Cathedral 17 Victoria Square,, Perth. 08 9223 1350, perthcatholic.org.au St George’s Cathedral 38 St George’s Terrace, Perth. 08 9325 5766, perthcathedral.org

Penguin Island 153 Arcadia Drive (corner of Penguin Road), Shoalwater, Perth. 08 9591 1333, penguinisland.com.au The Perth Mint 310 Hay Street, Perth. 08 9421 7376, perthmint.com.au Art Gallery of Western Australia Perth Cultural Centre/Roe St, Perth. 08 9492 6600, artgallery.wa.gov.au The WACA Nelson Crescent, East Perth. 08 9265 7222,, waca.com.au Perth Concert Hall 5 St George’s Terr., Perth. 08 9231 9900, perthconcerthall.com.au Western Australian Museum James St, Perth. 08 9212 3700, museum.wa.gov.au Crown Perth Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood. 08 9362 7777, crownperth.com.au Moonlight Cinema Synergy Parklan, Kings Park, Perth.

moonlight.com.auP

PERTH MUSIC

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PERTH BY BIKE If your travel budget is as tight as Charlize Theron’s jumpsuit in Aeon Flux, but you still want to venture out and explore a unique chunk of Australia, cramming in city sights, wineries, islands and coast all within close proximity, then try exploring Perth by bike.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE PINNACLES Attracting over 190,000 visitors each year, the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the Coral Coast region of Cervantes and Jurien Bay. The park is located roughly 200 kilometres north of Perth and covers an area of 17,487 hectares, providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells.

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Amplifier amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Mojo’s Bar mojosbar.com.au The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au Perth Arena pertharena.com.au Metro Cityl metroconcertclub.com The Newport Hotel thenewport.com Amplifier Capitol amplifiercapitol.com.au The Beat Megaclub thebeatmegaclub.com.au Ya-Ya’s ya-yas.com.au

FREO STAY Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au Old Firestation Backpackers 18 Phillimore St. 08 9430 5454, oldfirestation.com.au Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com Pirates Backpackers Resort 11 Essex St. 08 9335 6653, piratesbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace. 08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au The Shipwreck Galleries Cliff St, 08 9212 3700, museum.wa.gov.au Fremantle Arts Centre 1 Finnerty Street. 08 9432 9555, fac.org.au Spare Parts Puppet Theatre 1-9 Short St. 08 9335 5044, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

ROTTNEST ISL Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks. 08 9372 9780, yha.com.au

MARGARET RIVER Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce. 08 9757 9532, yha.com.au Harmony Forest 248 Sebbes Rd. 08 9757 7055, harmonyforest.com.au Surfpoint 12 Riedle Drive Prevally 08 9757 1777 surfpoint.com.au

$27fully ensuited from

per night

with

FREE breakfast

ALBANY Albany Bayview Backpackers YHA 49 Duke St 08 9842 3388, yha.com.au Cruize-Inn 122 Middleton Rd. 08 9842 9599, cruise-inn.com

MONKEY MIA

alconie s with b All room

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

Comfortable

NINGALOO REEF

bunks

Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth 1800 621 101, aspenparks.com.au

Tropic

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

al pool

area

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

Cafe

BROOME STAY Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road. 1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233, kimberleyklub.com

CORAL BAY Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

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

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

& pool

table

• • • • • •

Swimming pool ALL rooms have air conditioning FREE on-site parking FOXTEL Internet café and WIFI Within walking distance of city and Northbridge • All rooms have private bathroom including the dorms

WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN WA 2007 FINALIST 2008-2013

Rottnest Express 1 Emma Place North Fremantle 1300 Go Rotto rottnestexpress.com.au

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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

Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Third St. 08 8972 2722

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

KATHERINE DO

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

DARWIN YHA 97 Mitchell Str, Darwin. Dorms from $23 Located in the heart of Darwin YHA Backpackers Hostel is the friendly, quieter option on popular Mitchell Street.

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

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

Darwin

yha.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

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

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, anniesplace.com.au

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

ALICE DO Alice Springs Desert Park Larapinta Drive. 08 8951 8788, alicespringsdesertpark.com.au Alice Springs Reptile Centre Meet and hold lizards. 9 Stuart Terrace. 08 8952 8900, reptilecentre.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 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

$ ns apply

Conditio

Terms & Conditions apply see website

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MINDIL BEACH MARKETS The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are well worth a visit. With more than 270 food and craft stalls set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mindil Beach, these markets deserve their reputation as a tourist ‘must see’. Running Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season (April-October), Darwin’s proximity to Asia is reflected here, with inexpensive food from all over the continent and beyond on offer, as well as people juggling fire and all that kind of fun malarkey. Thursday 5pm to 10pm. Sunday 4pm to 9pm.

Fly to Alice Springs from SYD/MELB from

$89.95

one way with Tiger Air TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

TRAVEL FEATURES & STORIES...

NZ Trip TRAVEL FEATURES & STORIES...NZ

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NZ TRAVEL TRAVEL IDEAS | BIG TRIP | NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND LISTINGS

A NEW PERSPECTIVE /74 If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure you seek, Lake Wanaka is a haven for adrenaline junkies. Francesca Baker, though, searches for a different kind of kick and discovers a whole new side to this gorgeous place.

Photos: Courtesy of Anna Allan at Alpine Images alpineimages.co.nz, wanakatriketours.co.nz and Thinkstock

Lake Wanaka

SOUTH ISLAND

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NZTRIP

Eat, stay, love Eschewing the usual adrenalin-fuelled activities, Francesca Baker searches for a new kind of kick in Lake Wanaka WORDS FRANCESCA BAKER

Wild mountains, rugged scenery, transparent shimmering turquoise lakes and spiralling trees make Lake Wanaka on South Island, like many of the ranges in the region, a hub for sports and activities. The hiking, skiing and cycling are regularly voted some of the world’s best. Sheltered by the Mount Aspiring range from the wet winds of the west, and the well-named ‘The Remarkables’ mountain range in the east, the clear, natural light, awesome defined hills and craggy rocks make for an inspiring environment. Yet, as much as the adventure activities thrive here and in nearby Queenstown, Wanaka has a lot more to offer. Having had my fill of skydiving, rafting and swinging – and with no desire to do a bungee – I headed to Wanaka for thrills of a different kind: a weekend of wheels, wine and wings. So if you too are inspired by the scenery of Queenstown and the Central Otago region, but looking for something a little different, take the 70km road to Wanaka. My weekend kicks off with dinner and drinks at The White House, Wanaka’s most-loved restaurant among locals. Books are scattered around, the windows are blurred in the evening sun, pomodoro paste tins are used to serve the bill, and owner Peter is an eccentric blend of old-time food lover and punk rocker. The food is all local, an ever-changing blackboard reflecting what is on offer and in season. Last minute the chef garnishes my salad with prunes from the over-abundant plum trees in Martin’s Orchard this year, and

the herbs were all grown on site. A self-confessed wine lover himself, the list is great, and handing me my first glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir, Pete warns me: “This will change your life.” It was a great introduction to the grape that makes up 70% of all those grown in the area. As one of the warmest, the coldest, and the driest regions in the world, the climate and the soil in the area is unique, meaning that so is everything growing here – including grapes. Alpine ranges, glacial layers, and a sometimes tropical warmth make for depth of colour, natural stability and profound intensity resulting in a complex red that thrives on the unique terroir. At Georgetown Winery, a small boutique vineyard and winemaker housed in a tiny stone house that is in fact the only remaining building from the old Georgetown, I sample a 2009 that is light in feel yet strong in flavour – there’s a lot of strawberry, vanilla and toasted tobacco, a result of the mineral-rich soils seen in the dry, craggy stacked schist. At 45 degrees latitude, Central Otago is the most southerly winemaking region. Although not as famous as its equivalent in the north, Burgandy, fame and notoriety are building and have come a long way since those first vines were planted by gold miner Jean Desire Ferand in the 1870s. Tradition doesn’t mean that there is no room for innovation, and any toast isn’t complete without a little fizz from family-owned Aurum Wines, the only makers in ›› TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

this part of the valley to make a Champagne-style wine, but one that offers a fruity palette representative of the Otago. One of the most glamorous and frivolous ways to explore Lake Wanaka is on a Funny French Car tour, especially if you want to sample some more of those wines. I travel aboard a 1954 mauve Citroen Traction Big 54, and rarely have I seen sights with such flair. Deane and Julie have lived in the region for more than 17 years and, having trained as a car painter and renovated many vehicles himself, Dean has a passion for the vehicles and the scenery that’s infectious. He takes me to one of his favourite spots for dinner, a highlight a little further down the road at Wild Earth. Just a short drive from Wanaka the Cromwell basin is famous for its fruit, and owner Quintin has been growing grapes here for 10 years. Good fruit makes good wine, and the Pinot Gris in particular is gorgeous; fruity but not sweet, crisp but without the acidity, and perfect as part of their tasting platters. Six different wines are paired with fresh and local dishes such as hare atop parsnip mash, seared salmon and pineapple chutney, paua (sea snail) risotto, orange and courgette salad and pork belly with polenta, all served on slate and timber, followed by date, coconut and cocoa truffles to rival any Swiss chocolate maker (and I would know, I gorged on plenty that evening). The scenery continuously startles me with its beauty, but the best way to really appreciate the stunning landscape of Lake Wanaka is by air: from a Tigermoth Bi-plane ZK-ALJ, no less, flown in service for the first time in 1941 as a military trainer. I’m flying with Classic Flights and I have to admit I look the part: dressed in a warm leather and sheepskin jacket and Biggles-style goggles. Seeing the hand on the altitude dial move to the right as the wind blows in your face is a thrill that not many experience, especially not with a background of snow-dusted mountains, streaks of clouds and a sunshine haze that sheers off the mountains surrounding the turquoise lake. Peter, the pilot and owner, tells me how grown men often sob as they reminisce, but even without memories it is an emotional experience. The beauty of the vista is heightened by the exhilaration of flying in such a nostalgic vehicle and the hangar is a treasure trove of vintage aircraft and the associated kit, as well as letters and newspapers that reveal a personal side to the events that these wartime planes were part of. Reading them is as heart warming as it is breaking. Flying among these clouds in these wings over Lake Wanaka, through the Matukituki Valley and Glendhu bay, and along the Clutha River is a privilege indeed. For more wings head to the Warbirds & Wheels museum, home to everything from WWI SE5A planes, the WWII Battle of Britain hero Hurricane , and a more modern Strike master which was only withdrawn from service in New Zealand in 1991. Thirty classic cars from 1918 to 1969 comprise the wheels component of the collection. I find myself drooling over a Harley, re-enacting Gone With The Wind as I gaze on a 1934 Dodge DR Sedan and utterly amazed at a 1916 Packard Twin Six Semi Collapsible. As well as the elegance and style of the design, and the astounding machinery and manufacturing, its the stories behind the planes and vehicles at the museum that capture visitors. This is one of the reasons that, in addition to sheer rarity, the 1934 Model J Duesenberg featuring a Le Baron sweep panel, dual-cowl sports phaeton body is the pride of the collection. Originally 76

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Plane cool: Fly in a vintage plane

it was owned by Hollywood actress Carole Lombard, and has been described by many as one of the greatest American cars ever made. It’s certainly beautiful, and one of many that owners and locals have lovingly renovated. With views of the stunning Southern Alps, Wanaka Alpine Lodge has been the spot where two comfortable nights’ sleep have refuelled and re-energised me. The lodge is homely yet chic, large rooms, day beds and crisp white walls reflecting the illuminating light that fills these parts. Owners Ian and Yvette bake NZ Afghan biscuits, offer tea and coffee at all hours, and impart their advice freely. Both have travelled extensively, but made Wanaka their home, and I’m told that many do come to the town and are ignited by a feel that it is the right place to settle. In Maori folklore Wanaka is a point where spirits connect; in 2014 it’s a place for all activities, from the sedate to the active, relaxing or thrilling, wings or wheels. I leave Wanaka aboard Ian’s Trike, on my own Wanaka Trike Tour; its shiny burgundy style causing glances and waves from everyone we pass on the high road back to Queenstown. Wrapped up warm on the 1300cc Rewako stunner, through snowy Cardrona at 1,265 feet, winding slopes down steep hills, through grassy tussocks as we descend into the Frankton Valley, the breeze and bright light are invigorating, the experience thrilling, and the journey totally mind-blowing – though I can’t help but feel a little sad to leave behind Wanaka and its wonder.

NEED-TO-KNOW INFO The town of Wanaka is located on Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, 70km from Queenstown Airport. Dine at The White House (Facebook: White House Wanaka) and Wild Earth wildearthwines.co.nz, the latter being one of many wineries in the Cromwell region. Visit Wild Earth, Aurum aurumwines.co.nz, Georgetown georgetownvineyard.co.nz and many others with Funny French Cars funnyfrenchcars.co.nz or Wanaka Trike Tours wanakatriketours.co.nz, both of which also offer bespoke itineraries. Fly in vintage planes at Classic Flights classicflights.co.nz and marvel at wings and wheels at the Warbirds and Wheels Musuem warbirdsandwheels. co.nz, both of which are based at Wanaka Airport. Tired from all that activity? Rest at Wanaka Alpine Lodge wanakaaplinelodge.co.nz. For more information visit lakewanaka.co.nz

r or you f n o i t tures moda accom aland adven e New Z ess acc irect to s: d k o o g B er savin memb 2 191 4 1800 2 ha.co.nz y @ k o bo .co.nz or yha

With 45+ New Zealand hostels, you can walk the wild places or stroll into the bush for a picnic and still get a great nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep. YHA have got your accommodation sorted. Easy as. TNT-OZ-halfpage.pdf 2 25/09/2013 1:17:06 p.m.

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able

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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.

Auckland Zoo See kiwi birds in the nocturnal house and over 900 animals. 09 360 3800, aucklandzoo.co.nz Coast to Coast Walkway A walk between Waitemata Harbour and Manukau Harbour. It takes about four hours and takes in Albert Park, Auckland Uni, Auckland Domain, Mt Eden, and One Tree Hill.

i-SITE Auckland Atrium, skycity, Cnr Federal & Victoria Sts Backpackers World Travel 16-20 Fort St, 09 300 9999, backpackersworld.com i-SITE Visitor Information 287 Queen St, 09 979 2333, aucklandnz.com Ferry Tickets Online (For inter-island ferry services) 39 Beach Rd, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz Department of Conservation Auckland Details on tramping, camping grounds, the Gulf Islands and exploring the regional parks. 137 Quay St Cnr, Princes Wharf, open Mon-Fri (9am-5am); SatSun (10am-4pm), 09 379 6476 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, maxx.co.nz Auckland InterCity Travel Centre Buses around Auckland and the rest of New Zealand leave from here. Located beside the casino, Hobson St, 09 583 5780, intercity.co.nz Train Intercity trains arrive and depart from Britomart, 12 Queen St, Auckland. 09 366 6400, transdev.co.nz

AUCKLAND STAY Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. 09 275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers (BBH) 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584, aucklandinternationalbp.com Base Backpackers Auckland 229 Queen St. 09 358 4877, stayatbase.com Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. 09 623 4267, bbh.com BK Hostel (BBH) 3 Mercury Ln, Central. 09 307 0052, bkhostel.co.nz

NOMADS FAT CAMEL BACKPACKERS HOSTEL & BAR 38 Fort St, Auckland. Prices from $19 Offers fun and friendly apartment-style hotel accommodation.

Auckland

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City Garden Lodge (BBH) 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 302 0880 citygardenlodge.co.nz City Groove Backpackers (BBH) 6 Constitutional Hill, Parnell. 09 303 4768. Kiwi International Hotel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz Auckland Airport Kiwi Hotel 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere. 09 256 0046, kiwiairporthotel.co.nz

09 378 8990, uenukulodge.co.nz Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. 09 363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. 09 378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz Verandahs (BBH) 6 Hopetown St. 09 360 4180, verandahs.co.nz

Lantana Lodge (BBH) 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 373 4546, lantanalodge.co.nz

YHA Auckland City 18 Liverpool St. 09 309 2802, yha.co.nz

The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. 09 307 0181, nomadsworld.com

YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. 09 302 8200, yha.co.nz

Borders Beyond 8 Nixon St, Grey Lynn. 09 360 9880, bordersbeyond.co.nz Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. 09 300 9999, nomadshostels.com Oaklands Lodge (BBH) 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden. 09 638 6545, oaklands.co.nz Pentlands (BBH) 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. +64 9638 7031 pentlands.co.nz Ponsonby Backpackers (BBH) 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby. 09 360 1311, ponsonby-backpackers.co.nz Princeton Backpackers 30 Symonds St. 09 963 8300, princeton.net.nz Queen Street Backpackers 4 Fort St. 09 373 3471, qsb.co.nz Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.

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AUCKLAND DO Explorer Bus Sightseeing around Auckland, 0800 439 756 explorerbus.co.nz Sealink Ferries can take you all over the harbour. Info about timetables and destinations are available online on the Sealink website. 0800 732 546, sealink.co.nz 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 experience necessary. 09 359 5987, explorenz.co.nz Auckland Museum See the world’s finest collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. Explore New Zealand’s natural history, discover the largest bird that

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. 0800 80 50 50, kellytarltons.co.nz Mt Eden The highest point in the city, 4km south of the city centre with spectacular views. Get there by bus. NZ National Maritime Museum The museum celebrates NZ’s maritime heritage. 09 373 0800, nzmaritimemuseum.co.nz

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sheltered waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and is world famous for its sailing and dining cruises. Join them for a coffee, lunch, dinner, Waiheke sailing experience cruise or a full-day sailing adventure and experience the “City of Sails” for what it is known for. 0800 397 567, exploregroup.net Auckland Bridge Climb Up and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay. 09 360 7748, bungy.co.nz Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay. 09 360 7748, bungy.co.nz Canyonz Ltd Explore subtropical canyons and abseil down crashing waterfalls. 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz New Zealand Surf Tours Learn to surf on uncrowded, beautiful beaches. 09 828 0426, 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. 0800 759925, skywalk.co.nz Fullers Bay of Islands Tours One, two and three-day tours from Auckland. 09 367 9111, fullers.co.nz

Ponsonby West of the city, explore Victorian architecture and narrow streets with cafés, bars, clothes shops, art galleries and Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours. some lively nightlife. 0800 658 058, awesomenz.com Queen Street Auckland’s main boulevard with Beaches shops, cafés and restaurants. Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Bay, Whale & Dolphin Safari Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, St See whales and dolphins from Heliers Bay and popular Mission Auckland’s doorstep. The Hauraki Gulf is considered one Bay. of the most biologically and Aotea Square Markets geographically diverse marine Every Friday and Saturday at parks in the world. See Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ dolphins, whales, sea birds and/ fashion labels, retro gear, foods, or even penguins. Dolphins are Pacific-style crafts, jewellery viewed on over 90% and whales and furniture, on 75% of trips. Departs daily 09 309 2677, from the Auckland Viaduct. the-edge.co.nz Dolphin viewing guaranteed. 09 357 6032, Victoria Park Market exploregroup.co.nz 3km from the CBD, an outdoor market with fruit, veggies, Fullers Cruises books, clothes and handicrafts. Inner harbour cruises and longer cruises to Hauraki Gulf islands, with all-day passes and hop-on, GREAT BARRIER hop-off options. 09 367 9111, This unique island destination is fullers.co.nz dominated by a native forest a network of criss-crossing tracks. Pride of Auckland thebarrier.co.nz The Pride of Auckland operates an impressive fleet of large, Orama Oasis purpose-built yachts on the Karaka Bay Rd,

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09 429 0063, orama.org.nz Stray Possum Lodge (VIP) Stray Possum Lodge is situated on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf 09 429 0109, straypossum.co.nz

BARRIER DO Fullers Cruises Depart from the Ferry Building. 09 367 9111, fullers.co.nz Great Barrier Airlines Fly out of Auckland Airport or Auckland Shore Airfield. 09 275 6612, greatbarrierairlines.co.nz Fullers Great Barrier Explorers Cruise and tours, summer only (October-April). 09 367 9111, fullers.co.nz

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 Kina Backpackers 421 Seaview Road, Onetangi, 09 372 8971, kinabackpackers.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

HIBISCUS COAST Orewa Beach Hillary Square, Orewa 09 426 2638, orewabeach.co.nz Marco Polo Backpackers Inn (BBH) 2d Hammond Ave, Orewa North, 0800 426 8455, orewabackpackers.co.nz

SAIL ROCK Hen & Chickens Island and Sail Rock These offshore areas offer great sailing and diving. Boat trips leave from the area daily. Waipu Wanderer (BBH) 25 St Marys Rd, 09 432 0532 bbh.co.nz

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

WHANGAREI STAY Bunkdown Lodge (BBH) 23 Otaika Road, 09 438 8886, bunkdownlodge.co.nz Little Earth Lodge (BBH) 85 Abbey Caves Road, 09 430 6562, littleearthlodge.co.nz Piano Hill Farm (BBH) Piano Hill, Kauri, 09 433 7090, thefarm.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, 09 402 7421, awesomenz.com Bay of Islands i-Site The Wharf, Marsden Rd, 09 402 7345, paihia.co.nz

PAIHIA STAY Base Backpackers Bay of Islands 18 Kings Rd 09 402 7111, stayatbase.com Captain Bob’s Beachhouse (BBH) 44 Davis Crescent, 09 402 8668, capnbobs.co.nz Centabay Lodge (BBH) 27 Selwyn Rd, 09 402 7466, centabay.co.nz Admirals View Motel 2 MacMurray Rd, 09 402 6236, admiralviewlodge.co.nz Mousetrap (BBH) 11 Kings Rd, 09 402 8182, mousetrap.co.nz Peppertree Lodge (BBH) 15 Kings Rd, 09 402 6122, peppertree.co.nz Pickled Parrot Backpackers Grey’s Lane, 09 402 6222, pickledparrot.co.nz Saltwater Lodge (BBH) 14 Kings Rd, 09 402 7075, saltwaterlodge.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, capebrettwalks.co.nz 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, dolphincruises.co.nz 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 000 784, exploregroup.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. exploregroup.co.nz Sale Lion New Zealand: “The Ultimate Day Sail in the Bay” Join Lion New Zealand, NZ’s legendary maxi yacht. The friendly crew will show you the ropes and share the stories of the Bay and Legend of Sir Peter Blake. 0800 000 784, exploregroup.co.nz Awesome Cape Reinga 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

KARIKARI PENIN

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

KAITAIA

RUSSELL STAY

The ideal starting point for Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

The Coast Road Farm Coast Rd, Whangaruru, 09 433 6894, thefarm.co.nz Pukeko Cottage 14 Brind Rd, 09 403 8498, pukekocottagebackpackers.co.nz Pipi Patch Backpackers 18 Kings Road, 09 403 7111.

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. kerikeri.co.nz

KERIKERI STAY

Mainstreet Lodge 235 Commerce St, 09 408 1275 mainstreetlodge.co.nz

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

Kerikeri Top 10 Holiday Park & Aranga Backpackers Aranga Drive off Kerikeri Rd, 0800 272 642, kerikeritop10.co.nz

AHIPARA Ahipara Holiday Park 168-170 Takehe St, 09 409 4864, ahiparaholidaypark.co.nz

Hideaway Lodge Wiroa Rd, 0800 562 746 kerikeri.co.nz Hone Heke Lodge (BBH) 65 Hone Heke Rd, 09 407 8170, honeheke.co.nz

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

Kerikeri Farm Hostel (BBH) Springbank Rd, 09 407 6989, kerikeri.co.nz

AHIPARA DO

MATAURI BAY A very well-kept tourist secret, Matauri Bay is Maori land, home to the Ngati Kura people, and has beautiful, quiet beaches. The Welcome Swallow Backpackers 249 Hikuru Rd, Off Matauri Bay Rd, 09 405 1019, welcomeswallow.com

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

HOKIANGA Heading south, you’ll hit Hokianga Harbour and the quiet twin towns of Omapere and Opononi. The Koutu Boulders are worth a look.

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.

WHANGAROA 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.

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

Pukenui Lodge Corner Wharf Rd & State Hwy 1, Houhora, 09 409 8837, pukenuilodge.co.nz

KAITAIA DO

KERIKERI

Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230, whangaroa.co.nz

The Rusty Anchor (BBH) 1 Tokerau Beach Rd, 09 406 7141, rustyanchor.hostel.com

Hokianga Information 09 405 8869, hokianga.co.nz

HOKIANGA STAY Okopako Lodge (BBH) 140 Mountain Rd, Whirinaki, 09 405 8815, bbh.co.nz Globetrekkers Lodge (BBH) 281 State Highway 12, Omapere, 09 405 8183, globetrekkerslodge.com The Tree House Backpackers Lodge 168 West Coast Rd, Motukaraka 09 405 5855, treehouse.co.nz

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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 Holiday Park 10 Onslow St, 09 439 8296, kauriparks.co.nz

EAGLES NEST BACKPACKERS HOSTEL 937 Victoria St, Hamilton. Dorms from $28 The emphasis here is on providing not just acommodation, but a home away from home. Go Eagles!

Kaihu Farm (BBH) 334 State Highway 12, Kaihu, 09 439 4004.

MATAKOHE Travellers Lodge (BBH) 64 Jellicoe Rd, Ruawai, 09 439 2283, bbh.co.nz Matakohe House B&B Hotel 24 Church Rd, RD1, 0800 492 452, matakohehouse.co.nz

WAIKATO Waikato District Info Centre 160 Great South Rd, Huntly, 07 828 6406, info@waikatodistrict.govt.nz, waikatodistrict.govt.nz Shekinah (BBH) 122 Pungapunga Rd, Pukekawa, 09 233 4464, shekinahbackpackers.co.nz Raglan Kopua Holiday Park Marine Parade, Raglan, 07 825 8283, stay@raglanholidaypark.co.nz, raglanholidaypark.co.nz

HAMILTON NZ’s largest inland city and is known for its parks and gardens. Hamilton Visitor Centre Corner Caro and Alexandra St, Hamilton, 07 839 3580 visithamilton.co.nz DOC Office 73, Rostrevor St. 07 858 1000

HAMILTON STAY Backpackers Central 846 Victoria Street, 07 839 1928, backpackerscentral.co.nz Forty Winks (BBH) 267 River Rd, Claudelands, 07 855 2033, bbh.co.nz

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

Otorohanga kiwi House & Native Bird Park 20 Alex Telfer Drive, 07 873 7391, kiwihouse.org.nz

DARGAVILLE STAY

The Greenhouse Hostel (BBH) 15 Gordon St, 09 439 6342, bbh.co.nz

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 27 Turongo St, 07 873 8951, otorohanga.co.nz

Dargaville Info Centre 4 Murdoch St, 09 439 4975, dargaville.co.nz

Hamilton

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J’s Backpackers (BBH) 8 Grey Street, 07 856 8934, jsbackpackers.co.nz Eagle’s Nest Backpackers 937 Victoria St, 07 838 2704, eaglesbackpackers.co.nz Microtel YHA 140 Ulster St, 07 957 1848, microtel.co.nz YWCA Hostel Cnr Clarence & Pembroke St, 07 838 2219, hamilton.ywca.org.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 Movie Set Tours 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, 07 888 1505, office@hobbitontours.com

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 Info Centre Cnr Queen and Victoria Sts, 07 823 3456 cambridge.co.nz

RAGLAN One of New Zealand’s best-known surfing beaches, Raglan is situated 48km west of Hamilton. Raglan Information Centre 2 Wainui Rd,

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07 825 7076, ragland.org.nz

RAGLAN STAY Solscape Eco Retreat Backpackers 611 Wainui Rd, 07 825 8268, solscape.co.nz Raglan Backpackers 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 Dream View Farmstays 430 Te Hutewai Rd, 07 825 8186 dreamview.co.nz Raglan Kopua Holiday Park 61 Marine Parade, 07 825 8283, raglanholidaypark.co.nz Raglan Farmhouse and Flashpackers 61 Marine Parade, 07 825 8747, raglanfarmstay.com

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, teawamutuinfo.com Te Awamutu District Museum 135 Roche St. 07 872 0085 tamuseum.org.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.

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WAITOMO Definitely one of the best adventure spots in New Zealand. There are a range of caving adventures here. Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre 21 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 474 839, waitomocaves.com

WAITOMO STAY Juno Hall (BBH) 600 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 878 7649 junowaitomo.co.nz Kiwi Paka Hotel Caves 256, Access Rd, 07 878 3395 waitomokiwipaka.co.nz Rap Raft & Rock Backpackers (BBH) 95 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 873 9149, bbh.co.nz

WAITOMO DO Dundle Hill Walk A two-day walk through native bush; limestone outcrops includes overnight with spectacular views at Kays Cabin. 07 878 7640 dundlehillwalk.com 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, 07 878 6219, waitomo.com

TE KUITI

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 27 Turongo St, otorohanga.co.nz

OROMANDEL PEN 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.

THAMES A great canyoning spot, with loads of natural pools and waterslides. Information Thames 206 Poland St, 07 868 7284 thamesinfo.co.nz DOC Office Pahau St, 07 867 9180 doc.govt.nz

THAMES STAY Dickson Holiday Park 115 Victoria St, 07 868 7308, Gateway Backpackers (BBH) 209 Mackay St, 07 868 6339, bbh.co.nz Sunkist International Backpackers 506 Brown St, 07 868 8808, sunkistbackpackers.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 335 Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598, coromandeltown.co.nz

CORO STAY Anchor Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 448 Wharf Rd, 07 866 7992, anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz Black Jack Backpackers (BBH) Kuaotunu, 07 866 2988, black-jack.co.nz

Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077.

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

Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080.

Mahamudra Retreat Colville Rd, 07 866 6851 mahamudra.org.nz

Tiffany’s Cafe, 241 Rora St, 07 878 7640

Lions Den (BBH) 126 Te Tiki St, 07 866 8157 ionsdenhostel.co.nz

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Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park (BBH) 636-732 Rings Rd, 07 866 8830, coromandeltop10.co.nz Tui Lodge (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, coromandeltuilodge.co.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

WHANGAMATA A real surfie town, Whangamata has one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and a laidback atmosphere to match. Whangamata Info Centre 616 Port Rd, 07 865 8340 Southpacific Accommodation 245 Port Rd, 07 865 9580, thesouthpacific.co.nz Whangamata Backpackers Hostel (BBH) 227 Beverley Tce, 07 865 8323 Whangamata-backpackers.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 118 Oceanview Rd, 09 372 1234 whitianga.co.nz Baywatch Backpackers (VIP) 22 The Esplanade, 07 866 5481, whitianga.co.nz/baywatch Cathedral Cove Lodge 41 Harsant Ave, Hahei Beach, 07 866 3889, cathedralcove.co.nz Cat’s Pyjamas Backpackers (BBH) 12 Albert St, 07 866 4663, cats-pyjamas.co.nz Fernbird (BBH) 24 Harsant Ave, Hahei, 07 866 3080, bbh.co.nz On the Beach Backpackers Lodge (BBH, YHA) 46 Buffalo Beach Rd, 07 866 5380, onthebeachbackpackers.co.nz Seabreeze Tourist Park (BBH) 1043 SH25 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, 07 866 3050

Tatahi Lodge (BBH) 9 Grange Rd, Hahei, 07 866 3992, tatahilodge.co.nz

TAURANGA One of the fastest growing places in NZ, Tauranga combines a young population with a harbourside atmosphere. Enjoy diving, sailing, fishing and surfing. Tauranga i-site 95 Willow St, 07 578 8103 bayofplenty.co.nz Department of Conservation 253 Chadwick Rd West, 07 578 7677

TAURANGA STAY Appletree Cottage 47 Maxwell Rd, 07 576 4001 appletreebackpackers.co.nz

Just The Ducks Nuts Backpackers (BBH) 6 Vale St, 07 576 1366, justtheducksnuts.co.nz

TE PUKE STAY Hairy Berry Backpacker Hostel 2 No One Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 8015, work@hairyberrynz.com

Loft 109 (BBH) 8/109 Devonport Rd, 07 579 5638, loft109.co.nz

Kiwi Corral Backpackers 26 Young Road, 07 573 4530, kiwicorral.co.nz

Tauranga Central Backpackers 64 Willow St, 07 571 6222, tgabackpack.co.nz

Blue Tide Beachfront Retreat 7 Te Awhe Rd, Maketu Beach, 07 533 2033, bluetides.co.nz

YHA Tauranga 171 Elizabeth St, 07 578 5064, yha.co.nz

TE PUKE DO Kiwifruit Country Young Rd, 07 573 6340, kiwifruitcountry.co.nz

TAURANGA DO Butler’s Swim With Dolphins 101 Te Awanui Dr, 0508 288 537 Waimarino Adventure Park 07 576 4233, waimarino.com

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

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

Bell Lodge (BBH) 39 Bell St, Judea, 07 578 6344, bell-lodge.co.nz

Te Puke Information Centre 130 Jellicoe St, 07 573 9172 tepuke.co.nz

TE PUKE

Gotcha Paintball, 720 State Highway 33, Paengaroa, 022 649 1158

WHAKATANE For a very different adventure, visit White Island, an active volcano where sulphur-lipped fumeroles and roaring steam vents create a stark wonderland. whakatane.com Karibu Backpackers (BBH) 13 Landing Rd, 07 307 8276 Whakatane Hotel 79 The Strand, 07 307 1670

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 Windsor Lodge Backpackers 10 Merritt St, Whakatane, 07 308 8040, windsorlodge-backpackers.co.nz

WHAKATANE DO Dive White 168 The Strand, 0800 348 394, divewhite.co.nz White Island Tours Departs Whakatane daily. 15 The Strand. 07 308 9588 whiteisland.co.nz The Wharf Shed Restaurant 2/2 The Strand E. 07 308 5698 Roquette Restaurant & Bar 23/29 Quay St. 07 307 0722 Wallys on the Wharf 2 The Strand, 07 307 0722, wallysonthewharf.co.nz

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 rotoruanz.com

ROTORUA STAY Base Backpackers Rotorua 1286 Arawa St, 07 348 8636, stayatbase.com Cactus Jack Backpackers 1210 Haupapa St, 0800 122 228 cactusjackbackpackers.com YHA Rotorua 1278 Haupapa St, 07 349 4088, yha.co.nz Astray Motel & Backpackers 1202 Pukuatua St, 07 348 1200, astray.co.nz Blarney’s Rock Backpackers 1210 Tutanekai St, 07 343 7904, blarneysrock.com Crash Palace Backpackers 1271 Hinemaru St, 07 348 842, crashpalace.co.nz Kiwipaka 60 Tarewa Rd, 07 347 0931, kiwipaka.co.nz

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 hellsgate.co.nz 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 Polynesian Spa Historical hot mineral water bathing spa on the edge of Lake Rotorua, 07 348 1328, polynesianspa.co.nz Raftabout Whitewater rafting and sledging, 0800 723 822, raftabout.co.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

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, greatlaketaupo.com

TAUPO STAY Berkenhoff Lodge 75 Scannell St, 07 378 4909, berkenhofflodge.co.nz Riverstone Backpackers 222 Tautahanga Rd, 07 386 7004, riverstonebackpackers.com Rainbow Lodge 99 Titiraupenga St, 07 378 5754, rainbowlodge.co.nz Finns Global Backpackers 8 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 0044, finnsglobal.co.nz Wairakei Lodge State Highway, 0800 737 678, budgetaccommodationtaupo. co.nz

Waimangu Volcanic Valley The location of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the 1886 volcanic eruption. waimangu.co.nz

Sportsman Lodge Backpackers Retreat 15 Taupahi Rd, 0800 366 208, sportsmanslodge.co.nz

Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting Guided rafting options on five different rivers – the Wairoa, Rangitaiki, Kaituna, Motu and Mohaka, 0800 462 7238, wetnwildrafting.co.nz

Base Taupo 7 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 4464, stayatbase.com

Zorb Rotorua Get harnessed inside the perspex Zorb before rolling head-over-heels downhill, 07 357 5100, zorb.com

MAORI CULTURE

Oasis Hostel/Backpackers 33A Tarewa Rd, 07 343 6563, oasishostel.co.nz Rotorua Central Backpackers 1076 Pukuatua St, 07 349 3285, rotoruacentralbackpackers.co.nz

NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute 07 348 9047 tepuia.com

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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

Waikite Hot Pools Natural hot spring water bathing. Provides private spas, BBQ area and campground facilities, 20 minutes south of Rotorua. hotpools.co.nz

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.

Planet Nomad Backpackers 1080 Eruera St, 07 350 2550, rotoruaplanetbackpackers.co.nz

ROTORUA DO

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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 Silver Fern Lodge 118 Tamamutu St, 07 377 4929, silverfernlodge.co.nz Lake Maraetai Lodge 5 Totara Terrace, 07 882 8940, lake-maraetai-lodge.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. cratersofthemoon.co.nz 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.com

@tnt_downunder The Crossing Backpackers Erua Rd East, 07 892 2894, thecrossingbackpackers.co.nz Howards Lodge (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2827, howardslodge.co.nz Skotel Alpine Resort Whakapapa Village, 07 892 3715, skotel.co.nz

Hukafalls Jet Jetboating by the falls, 0800 485 2538, hukafallsjet.com

National Park Backpackers YHA (BBH) 4 Finlay St. The hostel runs transport to the Tongariro Crossing, 07 892 2870, npbp.co.nz

Rock ‘n’ Ropes Ropes Courses including the trapeze and Giant Swing. At Crazy Catz on Highway 5. 0800 244 508, rocknropes.co.nz

Pipers Lodge 18 Millar St, National Park Village, 07 8922 777, piperslodge.co.nz

Taupo Bungy Bungy from a platform 47m above the Waikato River. 202 Spa Rd. 0800 888 408, taupobungy.com

Ski Haus Carroll St, McKenzie St, 07 892 2854, skihaus.co.nz

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 Tongariro St, 07 376 0027, turangi.co.nz

TURANGI STAY Turangi Kiwi Holiday Park 13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove, 07 386 8754, turangiholidaypark.co.nz Judges Pool Motel 92 Taupahi Rd, 07 386 7892, judgepoolmotel.co.nz Settlers Motel 24 Arahori St, 07 386 7745, settlersmotelturangi.co.nz Asure Parklands Motorlodge Cnr Arahori St & State Hwy 1, 07 386 7515, parklandsmotorlodge.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 visitruapehu.com Whakapapa Visitor Centre SH 48, Whakapapa Village, 07 892 3729 visitruapehudc.govt.nz

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. Rangitikei Farmstay 422 Makuhou Rd, 06 327 4495, rangitikeifarmstay.govt.nz River Valley Dorms Makuhou Rd 06 388 1444, rivervalley.co.nz

RANGITIKEI DO Mokai Gravity Canyon Extreme flying fox, bridge swing and bungy jump. 0800 802 864 River Valley Rafting and horse trekking. 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

OPOTIKI

TONGARIRO

Opotiki Information Centre Cnr St John and Elliot Sts, 07 315 3031 opotikinz.com

Adventure Lodge & Motel (VIP) Carroll Street, National Park, 07 892 2991, adventurenationalpark.co.nz

Central Oasis Backpackers 30 King St, 07 315 5165, centraloasis@hotmail.com

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Fruit Forest Studio 197 Omarumutu Rd, 07 315 8143, fruitforest.co.nz

EAST CAPE As you head around the Cape the towns get tinier and the scenery more dramatic. At Te Araroa, you can thead around to the East Cape Lighthouse. Brians Place (BBH) 21 Potae St, Tokomaru Bay, 06 864 5870, bbh.co.nz Maraehako Bay Retreat (BBH) SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648. maraehako.co.nz Wainui Beach Motel 34 Wairere Rd, 06 868 5882, wainuibeachmotel.co.nz

GISBORNE Flying Nun Backpackers (BBH) 147 Roebuck Rd, 06 868 0461, bbh.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, bbh.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, napierbackpackers.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. A1 Backpackers (BBH) 122 Stortford St, 06 873 4285, bbh.co.nz Glenross Lodge (BBH) Route 52, Rakaunui, 06 376 7288, bbh.co.nz Lochlea Farmstay (BBH) 344 Lake Rd, Wanstead, 06 8554 816 bbh.co.nz The Rotten Apple Backpackers (BBH) 114 Heretaunga St, 06 878 4363, rottenapple.co.nz AJ’s Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 405 Southland Rd, 06 878 2302, bbh.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 55A Rimu Street, 06 759 0350 New Plymouth Info Centre Puke Ariki, 65 St Aubyn Street, 06 759 0897, visitnewplymouth.co.nz

PLYMOUTH STAY Eco Inn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth on SH3. 06 752 2765 bbh.co.nz Egmont Lodge (BBH, YHA) 12 Clawton St, 06 753 5720, yha.co.nz bbh.co.nz Seaspray House (BBH) 13 Weymouth St, 06 759 8934, bbh.co.nz Ducks & Drakes Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lemon St, 06 758 0404 bbh.co.nz Sunflower Lodge (BBH) 33 Timandra St, 06 758, 2842 bbh.co.nz

PLYMOUTH DO Brooklands Zoo Brooklands, New Plymouth, 06 759 6060, info@npdc.govt.nz

MT TARANAKI Stratford Heritage Lodge 103 Miranda St, 06 765 7482, eastern-taranaki.co.nz Taranaki Accommodation Lodge (BBH) 7 Romeo St, Stratford, 06 765 5444, info@mttaranakilodge.co.nz

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.

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

SOUTH TARANAKI Information South Taranaki 55 High St, Hawera, 0800 111 323, southtaranaki.com Wheatly Downs Farmstay Backpackers (BBH) 484 Ararata Rd, Hawera, 06 278 6523, bbh.co.nz

WHANGANUI

Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 350 9700

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 the Botanic Gardens, 04 472 2199

Grandma’s Place (BBH) 146 Grey St, 06 358 6928, bbh.co.nz Peppertree Hostel (BBH) 121 Grey St, 06 355 4054, bbh.co.nz

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, cosmiccorner.co.nz

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 18 Manners St, 04 384 7770 Ferry to the South Island Boats to Picton on the South Island. Ferries can be booked up well in advance in holiday periods. Ferry Tickets Online 186 Victoria St, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz

WELLY STAY Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. 04 801 5666 stayatbase.com Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. 04 385 8829, cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. 04 473 8482 bbh.co.nz

Zealandia 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 9200, visitzealandia.com 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 Parliament House Free tours. Visit the Beehive, a uniquely designed centre of government with a distinct style of architecture, 04 471 9503 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

YHA Whanganui 2 Plymouth St, 06 348 2301, yha.co.nz

Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. 04 385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz

Tamara Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 24 Somme Pde, 06 347 6300, tamaralodge.com

Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St, 04 381 3899, wellywoodbackpackers.co.nz

Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6755

Nomads Capital 118/120 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com

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

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

Wellington Rover Tours Small group day tours exploring Wellington, its stunning rugged coastline and the Lord of the Rings locations. 021 426 211, wellingtonrover.co.nz

Whanganui National Park The major attraction is the Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery. Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour. Wanganui Information Centre 31 Taupo Quay, Whanganui, 06 349 0508, wanganui.com Department of Conservation Office 74 Ingestre St, 06 348 8475

PALMERSTON NTH Palmerston North Visitor Centre The Square, 06 350 1922, manawatunz.co.nz

Rowena’s Lodge 115 Brougham St. 04 385 7872, wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. 04 802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. 04 801 7280 yha.co.nz

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. 03 528 2027, abeltasman.co.nz Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 527 8022 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 supershuttles.co.nz Nelson City Taxis 03 548 8225

NELSON STAY Amber House B&B 46 Weka St, 021 202 4961, amberhouse.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.50megs.com 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, footprints.co.nz Tramways Hotel Nelson 66 Trafalgar St, 03 548 7049, tramwayshotel.co.nz Honey Suckle House (BBH) 125 Tasman St. 03 548 7576 bbh.co.nz

Hu Ha Bikerpackers (BBH) State Highway 6, Glenhope. 03 548 2707, bbh.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 Courtesy Court Motel 26/30 Gold Rd, 03 548 5114, courtesycourt.co.nz The Honesy Lawyer Country Pub 1 Point Rd, Monaco, 03 547 4070, honestlawyer.co.nz

BOOK NOW! MOTUEKA STAY Happy Apple 500 High St, 03 528 8652, happyapplebackpackers.co.nz Avalon Manor Motels 314/316 High St, 0800 282 566 avalonmotels.co.nz Eden’s Edge Backpackers (BBH) 137 Lodder Lane, Riwaka. 03 528 4242, motuekabackpackers.co.nz Motueka Garden Motel 71 King Edward St, 0800 101 911, motmotel.co.nz

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

Hat Trick Lodge Backpackers 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz

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

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

Trampers Rest (BBH) 31 Alton St. 03 545 7477

Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park 03 527 8288, oldmacs.co.nz

Idesia B&B 14 Idesia Grove, Richmond, 03 544 0409

The White Elephant (BBH) 55 Whakarewa St. 03 528 6208, whiteelephant.co.nz

YHA Nelson 59 Rutherford St, 03 545 9988, yha.co.nz

Equestrian Lodge Motel 2 Avalon Ct, 03 528 9369

NELSON DO Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 527 8022 abeltasmankayaks.co.nz Happy Valley 4x4 Motorbike Adventures Tours around spectacular private farm on chunky fourwheel motorbikes. 03 545 0304, happyvalleyadventures.co.nz Kaiteriteri kayaks 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

MOTUEKA DO Wilsons Abel Tasman 265 High St, 03 528 2027, abeltasman.co.nz Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 527 8022 abeltasmankayaks.co.nz

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

TAKAKA STAY Nirvana Lodge (BBH, YHA) 25 Motupipi St. 03 525 8766, nirvanalodge.co.nz Aquapackers (BBH) Anchorage Bay, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 0800 430 744, aquapackers.co.nz

The Jugglers Rest (BBH) 8 Canterbury St. 03 573 5570, bbh.co.nz

River Inn (BBH) Golden Bay. 03 525 9425 riverinn.co.nz

Fat Cod Backpackers 9 Auckland St, 03 573 7788, fatcodbackpackers.co.nz

Shambhala Retreat 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) 839 Pakawau Main Rd, 03 524 8040, bbh.co.nz Somerset House (BBH) 10 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 03 524 8454

MARLBOROUGH 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. 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. 0800 275 373, 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.

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.

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

Atlantis Backpackers (BBH) 42 London Quay, 03 573 7390, atlantishostel.co.nz

Motueka i-SITE Visitors Centre 20 Wallace St, 03 528 6543, motuekaisite.co.nz

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

The Buccaneer Lodge 314 Waikawa Rd, 03 573 5002, buccaneerlodge.co.nz

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Golden Bay Barefoot Backpackers (BBH) 114 Commercial St. 03 525 7005, bare-foot.co.nz

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Airport shuttle bus 03 573 7125

PICTON STAY

Sequoia Lodge (BBH, VIP) 3 Nelson Sq. 03 573 8399, sequoialodge.co.nz Atlantis Backpackers 42 London Quay, 03 573 7390, atlantisbackpackers.co.nz The Villa (BBH) 34 Auckland St. 03 573 6598, thevilla.co.nz Tombstone Backpackers (BBH) 16 Gravesend Place. 03 573 7116, tombstonebp.co.nz Parklands Marina Holiday Park 10 Beach Rd, 03 573 6343, parktostay.co.nz

PICTON DO Dolphin Watch Encounters Picton Foreshore, 03 573 8040, naturetours.co.nz Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company 03 573 6078, malboroughsounds.co.nz Southern Wilderness NZ Guided walk, wine trek and sea kayaking specialists. 0800 666 044, southernwilderness.com EcoWorld Aquaium Discover the animals that make NZ unique. 03 573 6030 ecoworldnz.com

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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Linkwater Motel 1594 Queen Charlotte Dr, 03 574 2600 linkwatermotel.co.nz

Sunrise Lodge (BBH) 74 Beach Rd, 03 319 7444, bbh.co.nz

Okiwa Bay Lodge 169 Anakiwa Rd, 03 574 2527, okiwabaylodge.co.nz

The Fairways at Ocean Ridge 1 Kersage Drive, 03 319 3055

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 The Grapevine 29 Park Terrace, 03 578 6062, thegrapevine.co.nz Arrow Backpackers 107 Budge St, 03 577 9857, bbh.co.nz Leway Backpackers 33 Lansdowne St, 03 579 2213, bbh.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 Adelphi Lodge (BBH, VIP) 26 West End. 0800 423 574, adelphilodge.co.nz Albatross Backpacker Inn (BBH) 1 Torquay St. 03 319 6090, albatross-kaikoura.co.nz Bad Jelly Backpackers (BBH) 11 Churchill St. 03 319 5538, bbh.co.nz Dolphin Lodge (BBH) 15 Deal St. 03 319 5842, dolphinlodge.co.nz Dusky Lodge (BBH) 67 Beach Rd. 03 319 5959 duskylodge.co.nz The Lazy Shag (BBH) 37 Beach St. 03 319 6662 lazy-shag.co.nz Lyell Creek Lodge (BBH) 193 Beach Rd. 03 319 6277, lyellcreeklodge.co.nz

YHA Kaikoura 270 Esplanade. 03 319 5931, yha.co.nz

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

Dorset House (BBH) 1 Dorset St, 03 366 8268, dorset.co.nz 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 Haka Lodge 518 Linwood Ave. 03 980 4252 hakalodge.com Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546 jail.co.nz Kiwi Basecamp (BBH) 69 Bealey Ave. 03 366 6770 kiwibasecamp.com Kiwi House 3 Devon St, Hanmer Springs. 03 315 5111, kiwihouse.co.nz Jack in the Green 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609 bbh.co.nz Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. 03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz 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 vagabondhostel.com

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. Christchurch & Canterbury i-Site Visitor Centre Rolleston Avenue (Next to the Canterbury Museum) Christchurch 8011 03 379 9629 christchurchnz.com Department of Conservation 7 Rolleston Ave, 09 526 9743

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

C’CHURCH DO

chock full of mountains and wildlife. The two harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton are craters of a once majestic volcano.

LYTTELTON

AKAROA

Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud, 03 304 8600 Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch to Akaroa buses. 0800 500 929

Christchurch Backpackers Haka Lodge 518 Linwood Av, Woolston,. 03 980 4252, hakalodge.co.nz

BANKS PENINSULA Banks Peninsula is a beautiful region with a stunning coastline

Jack in the Green 3 Devon St. 03 315 5111, jackinthegreen.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 rata-lodge.co.nz

AKAROA DO

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

METHVEN

Black Cat Cruises Offer a number of cruises in Akaroa. See Akaroa Harbour or swim with dolphins. blackcat.co.nz

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.

Dolphin Experience Swim with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour. 61 Beach Rd, 0508 365 744, dolphinsakaroa.co.nz

Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre 160 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.

HANMER SPRINGS Hanmer Springs boasts the Hanmer

Kakapo Lodge (YHA) 14 Amuri Avenue. 03 315 7472, kakapolodge.co.nz

Waipara Sleepers (BBH) 12 Glenmark Dr, Waipara. 03 314 6003, waiparasleepers.co.nz

Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

SUMNER

HANMER STAY Hanmer Backpackers 41 Conical Hill Rd. 03 315 7196, www.hanmerbackpackers.co.nz

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

Skydivingnz.com Skydiving and training courses, 0800 697 593 skydivingnz.com

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 Hanmer Connection Christchurch to Hanmer Springs buses. hanmerconnection.co.nz

Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

Onuku Farm Hostel (BBH) 03 304 7066, onuku.co.nz

Aoraki Balloon Safaris Hot air ballooning, 03 302 8172, nzballooning.com

Department of Conservation 115 Ludstone Rd, Kaikoura 03 319 5714

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.

Black Cat Cruises Wildlife Cruises on Lyttelton Harbour. Free shuttle bus from Christchurch, 03 328 9078. blackcat.co.nz

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 Brinkley Resort 43 Barkers Rd, Mt Hutt,

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SOUTHISLAND 03 302 8885, brinkleyresort.co.nz Big Tree Lodge 25 S Belt, 03 302 9575, bigtreelodge.co.nz Mt Hutt Bunkhouse (BBH) 8 Lampard St. 03 302 8894, mthuttbunkhouse.co.nz Pinedale Backpacker Lodge (BBH) 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, bbh.co.nz Skiwi House (BBH) 30 Chapman St. 03 302 8772, skiwihouse.com Breckenridge Lodge 49 S Belt, 03 302 8902, breckenridgelodge.co.nz

TIMARU Despite being industrial, it’s picturesque with views of the Southern Alps, plains and sea.

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 YHA Franz Josef Glacier 2 Cron St, Franz Josef, 03 752 0754, mt.chalets@xtra.co.nz YHA Mt Cook Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. 03 435 1820, yha.co.nz

1873 Wanderer Backpackers (BBH) 24 Evans St. 03 688 8795 Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park 154A Selwyn St, Waimataitai 0800 242 121 Anchor Motel 44 Evans St, 03 684 5067 anchormotel.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.

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 Peel Forest Horse Trekking Wilderness adventures trekking through some gorgeous country, 03 696 3703, peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz

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 106 Bridge St, 03 782 6652. Rongo Backpackers 03 782 6667, rongobackpackers.com

Rangitata Rafts Peel Forest, 0800 251 251 rafts.co.nz Rawhiti Backpackers (BBH) 27 Hewlings St. 03 693 8252 rawhitibackpackers.co.nz

LAKE TEKAPO 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. Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers (BBH) 10/11 Aorangi Cres. 03 680 6700 tailor-made-backpackers.co.nz

MURCHISON 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. Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park 03 523 9809, bullergorge.co.nz The Lazy Cow Accommodation (BBH) 37 Waller St. 03 523 9451, thelazycownz.wordpress.com

YHA Lake Tekapo 3 Simpson Lane. 03 680 6857, yha.co.nz

MT COOK Mount Cook National Park is part of a World Heritage area that forms one of the most amazing sights

REEFTON The centrepiece of the town is Victoria Forest Park, the largest forest park in New Zealand. Reefton Visitor Centre 67 Broadway,

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BOOK NOW! 03 732 8391 Reefton Old Bread Shop 155 Buller Rd, 03 732 8420, reeftonbackpackers.co.nz The Old Nurses Home 104 Shiel St, 03 789 8881

WESTPORT Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658

Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, 03 768 7272, globalvillagebackpackers.co.nz Neptunes International Backpackers (BBH) 43 Gresson St, 0800 003 768, neptunesbackpackers.co.nz Noahs Ark Backpackers (BBH) 16 Chapel St, 03 768 4868, noahs.co.nz

Bazil’s Hostel (VIP) 54/56 Russell St. 03 789 6410, bazils.co.nz

Greymouth KIWI Holiday Park & Motel 318 Main South Rd, 03 762 6768, southbeach.co.nz

Beaconstone Eco Lodge Birds Ferry Road Charleston 027 431 0491 beconstoneecolodge.co.nz

Kainga-RA YHA 15 Alexander St, Ph: (03) 768 4951, yha.co.nz

TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 tripinn.co.nz

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 punakaiki.co.nz 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 Punakaiki Beach Camp Owen Street, 03 731 1894, punakaiki.co.nz

GREYMOUTH 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. Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101 TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning. 0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

GREYMOUTH STAY The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Duke Hostel (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470 bbh.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 Hokitika Holiday Park 242 Strafford St, 03 755 8172

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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, okarito.co.nz Royal Hostel (BBH) The Strand, 03 753 4080, okaritohostel.com

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 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, bbh.co.nz

Birdsong (BBH) 124 SH6, 03 755 7179 birdsong.co.nz

Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346 rainforestretreat.co.nz

Drifting Sands Backpackers (BBH) 197 Revell St, 03 755 7624,

YHA Franz Josef 2-4 Cron St, 03 752 0754, yha.co.nz

Mountain Jade Backpackers (BBH) 41 Weld St, 03 755 5185, mountainjadebackpackers.co.nz Riverview Cottage & Cabins (BBH) 154 Kaniere Rd, 03 755 7440 bbh.co.nz Stumpers Accommodation 2 Weld St, 03 755 6154, stumpers.co.nz

HOKITIKA DO Whitewater Kayaking hokitika.org Hokitika Gorge Sometimes you see photos of a tourist spot and think yeah right, it can’t look as good as that in real life. Hokitika Gorge is one of those places. hokitika.org

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.

FRANZ DO Alpine Adventure Centre Footage on a helimax screen, 03 752 0793 scenic-flights.co.nz 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

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.

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DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 752 0796

FOX STAY Fox Glacier Inn 03 751 0088 foxglacierinn.co.nz 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 Wilderness Backpackers (BBH) Marks Rd, 03 750 029, bbh.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 Mt Earnslaw, 03 443 7660

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. 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-backpacker.co.nz Mountain View Backpackers (BBH) 7 Russell St, 0800 112 201, wanakabackpackers.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.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 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, flightseeing.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. Info & Track Guided Walks 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708 Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au Queenstown Travel & Visitor Centre Corner of Shotover & Camp Sts, 03 442 4100

Q’TOWN STAY Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. 03 442 7220, bbh.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 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 Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.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 selfcontained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz

nzone.biz NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt, nzski.com

Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz

Queenstown Rafting Raft the Shotiver, Kawarau and Landsborough rivers. 35 Shotover St. 03 442 9792 rafting.co.nz

Hippo Lodge 4 Anderson Heights. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz

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

Flaming Kiwi Backpackers 39 Robins Rd, 03 442 5494 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, combos.co.nz 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, fergburger.com Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com Haka Adventure Snow Tours 03 980 4250, hakatours.com

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, glenorchynz.com Kinloch Lodge (BBH) 862 Kinloch Rd, 03 442 4900, kinlochlodge.co.nz

ARROWTOWN Poplar Lodge (BBH) 4 Merioneth St, 03 442 1466, spoplarlodge.co.nz Arrowtown Holiday Park 12 Centennial Ave, 03 442 1876

TE ANAU

Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz

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

NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35 Shotover St, 03 442 5867,

Fiordland I-site Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 03 249 8900

Mad Dog River Boarding River sledging & other actionpacked water activities, 03 442 7797, riverboarding.co.nz

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SOUTHISLAND Department of Conservation 03 249 8514 Te Anau Glowworm Caves realjourneys.co.nz Air Fiordland Flights to Queenstown, Milford and Mt Cook, 03 249 7505, airfiordland.co.nz Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503 realjourneys.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, barnyard.moonfruit.com

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, milfordlodge.co.nz

Bob & Maxine’s (BBH) 20 Paton Place, 03 931 3161, bbh.co.za

Real Journeys 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers 48/50 Lakefront Dr, 03 249 7713, teanaubackpackers.co.za

Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445 greatsights.co.nz

Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motel 77 Manapouri, 03 249 7457, teanauholidaypark.co.nz

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Discover a coral reef beneath Milford Sound, 03 249 9442

YHA Te Anau 29 Mokonui St, 03 249 7847, yha.co.nz

TE ANAU DO Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500 fiordlandaventure.co.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 milfordlodge.co.nz Rosco’s Milford Sound Sea Kayaks 0800 476 726, roscosmilfordkayaks.com Skydive Fiordland Dive 44 Caswell Rd, Te Anau, 0800 829254,

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MILFORD DO

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 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.

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BOOK NOW! Adventure Charters and Hires fiordlandadventure.co.nz Real Journeys 03 249 6602 realjourneys.co.nz

MANAPOURI STAY Freestone Backpackers (BBH) 270 Hillside Rd, 03 249 6893, bbh.co.nz Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn 68 Cathedral Drive, 03 249 6652, manapouri.co.nz Possum Lodge (BBH) 13 Murrel Ave, 03 249 6623, possumlodge.co.nz

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 realjourneys.co.nz Fiordland Navigator Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 03 249 6602, doubtfulsound.co.nz Deep Cove Hostel Doubtful Sound, 03 249 7713, deepcovehostel.co.nz

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, stewartislandflights.co.nz

INVERCARG STAY Southern Comfort (BBH) 30 Thompson St, 03 218 3838 bbh.co.nz

Tuatara Backpacker Lodge 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. Pepper Tree Hostel 121 Grey St, Palmerston, 06 335 4054, peppertreehostel.co.nz Grandma’s Place 146 Grey St, Palmerston North, 06 358 6928, grandmas-place.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, thefirestation.co.nz Oakleight Motels 70 Hokonui Dr, 03 208 4863, oakleighmotel.co.za

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, catlins.org.nz Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours Two-day camping trips, 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

CATLINS STAY Wrights Mill Lodge (BBH) 865 Tahakopa Valley, 03 204 8424, bbh.co.nz Lazy Dolphin 529 Curio Bay Rd, 03 246 8579. bbh.co.nz Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834 The Split Level (BBH)

@tnt_downunder 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, 8 Clark St, Owaka 03 415 8333, thomascatlins.co.nz Wright’s Mill Lodge (BBH) 865 Tahakopa Valley Rd, 03 204 8424 catlinsaccommodation.co.nz

DUNEDIN 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. Dunedin Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300 Dept of Conservation Office 77 Stuart St, 03 477 0677 Penguin Patch 9 the Octagon, 03 471 8571, Email: penguinpatch@xtra.co.nz

DUNEDIN STAY The Asylum Lodge (BBH) 36 Russell Rd, Seacliff, 03 465 8123, bbh.co.nz Bus Stop backpackers (BBH) 252 Harrington Point Rd, Portobello, 03 478 0330, bbh.co.nz Chalet Backpackers (BBH) 296 High St, 03 479 2075 bbh.co.nz Dunedin Central Backpackers (BBH) 243 Moray Pl, 03 477 9985, bbh.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 74 Elm Row, 03 477 3384 bbh.co.nz Hogwartz (BBH) 277 Rattray St, 03 474 1487, bbh.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 54 Arthur St, 03 477 3384, bbh.co.nz Kiwis Nest (BBH) 597 George St, 03 471 9540, bbh.co.nz

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Leviathan Hotel 27 Queens Gardens, 0800 773 773, dunedinhotel.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, bbh.co.nz Pennys Backpackers (BBH) 6 Stafford St, 03 477 6027, bbh.co.nz Next Stop Backpackers 2 View St, 03 477 0477, nextstop.co.nz Ramsay Lodge (BBH) 60 Stafford St, 03 477 6313, bbh.co.nz YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables 71 Stafford St, 03 474 1919, yha.co.nz

DUNEDIN DO Baldwin Street In the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world. Cadbury World 280 Cumberland St, 0800 223 2879, cadbury.co.nz 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 Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.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

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

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.co.nz McFarmers Backpackers (BBH) 774 Portobello Rd, Portobello, 02 5206 0640, bbh.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 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. 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 Elm Wildlife Tours 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.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.

ALEXANDRA Alexandra and Roxburgh are the two main towns for fruitpicking work in the Central Otago region. Grasshopper Rock One of the world’s southernmost vineyards, situated on the Earnscleugh Rd. grasshopperrock.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 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

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

Empire Hotel (BBH) 13 Thames St, 03 434 3446, empirehotel@hotmail.com Old Bones Backpackers (BBH) Rapid Number 468 Beach Rd, Kakanui, 03 434 8115, simon@oldbones.co.nz YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle Seasonal (open September/ October to May/June only). Corner of Reed and Cross Sts, 03 434 5008, yha.co.nz Swaggers Backpackers (BBH) 25 Wansbeck St, 03 434 9999, swaggers@es.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 The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

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Photos: Tourism New Zealand, Winter Festival

Parachute Experience Skydiving from a great height 03 489 4113, dropzone.com

Royal Albatross Centre 03 478 0499, albatross.org.nz

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29/01/2014 9:13 pm

Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand 90

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All Thai-d up Whether you want to party on a beach or lie on it, TNT uncovers where you need to visit in Thailand and why

Many backpackers associate Thailand with mountains of piping hot pad Thai, ridiculously cheap Chang beer and the odd ping-pong show – and, well, they’re not far wrong. But after a few nights in the chaos of Bangkok there are an infinite number of ways to spend the rest of your time in Thailand, namely by heading to one of the many idyllic islands dotted around the coast. Here you’ll find everything from specialist diving sites, golden Buddhas and extreme beach sports, to snorkelling, secluded beaches and spots to swim with sharks. Oh, and naturally, plenty more places to party very, very hard indeed. Thailand’s islands are some of the most visited places on planet tourism. You can hop between them, stay for a month on your favourite or just arrive and see how you feel once you’re there with hot sand underneath your toes – you might decide to never leave. So sling your flip-flops into your bag and head to one of these perfect island paradises...

Words: Helen Elfer and Ian Armitage. Photos: Thinkstock and InfidiaStudioio

Best for diving: The Similan Islands Practically every list of the world’s top diving locations rates the Similan Islands near the top, and that’s because they have some of the most jaw-dropping underwater sights. The archipelago of nine islands is a National Marine Park with calm, clear waters (up to 30m visibility) that are ideal for underwater explorations. The west coast is famous for its huge granite boulders that peek above the water’s surface and drop up to 50m underwater, creating tunnels and swim-throughs for divers to investigate. Keep an eye out for the clown triggerfish and the whitetip reef sharks here, along with rare oriental sweetlips and harlequin sweetlips (both psychedelic-looking creatures). On the east coast of the island there are lush coral gardens with sea anemones and a wide variety of reef fish, and if you’re lucky you might catch glimpses of ghost pipefish, sea moths, frogfish and ribbon eels. Of the many famous dive sites here, Elephant Head, East of Eden and Christmas Point are three of the most popular.

hotly disputed, but many agree that Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, the most developed of the nine islands, is a strong contender. It’s so named because you can see a huge boulder out to sea that is bizarrely shaped a lot like the cartoon character. If you want a few hours’ break from diving, this is a great place to lay down your towel and enjoy the scenery. kohsimilan.net Best for full moon parties: Koh Pha Ngan Haad Rin, the beach on the far south of Koh Pha Ngan, is notorious for having the wildest, most debauched full moon parties in Thailand. Long-standing traditions for a night out here include tripping out on magic mushroom shakes (not that we’d recommend it), drinking buckets (yes, actual buckets) of Sang Som rum with Thailand’s lethal Red Bull, painting faces with fluorescent squiggles, jumping through burning skipping ropes and watching fire poi. That’s in no particular order, but always followed by a rave on the beach that lasts until the sun comes up. What else? If you’re feeling a little toxic after a few days of partying here, give the boozing a break and make the most of all the sports.

What else? The best beach in the Thai Islands is, naturally, TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

There are two Muay Thai boxing schools on the island where you can sign up for lessons ( kobramuaythai.com) or you can join in games of beach football, table tennis or volleyball at sundown on most of the bigger beaches. kohphangan.com Best for wildlife: Koh Tarutao Once upon a time, the Thai government used to send its crooks to the island of Tarutao – to look at it now, this seems like the last thing that would put anyone off a life of crime. The island is full of dense forest that’s teeming with wildlife: on the land and in the surrounding waters you can see sea turtles, whales, monitor lizards, crab-eating macaques, mouse deer and countless species of birds. Not much of a punishment, hey? Some of the island is signposted in English, making it easy to follow wildlife trails, either on foot or by mountain bike (it’s easy to hire these on the island). Just be sure to ask the island’s rangers before planning a lengthy trek, as parts of the island are more difficult to navigate than others. What else? There is plenty of budget guesthouse accommodation on Tarutao, but it’s also very popular with campers as there are decent facilities and it rarely gets too crowded. It only costs 65p per night to camp if you have you own tent and other roughing-it equipment. kotarutaothailand.com 92

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Best for watersports: Koh Samui This island isn’t for everyone, particularly not if what you’re after is an unspoilt, serenely beautiful corner of the world to relax in. But if you don’t mind your tropical paradises filled with blaring night clubs, crowds of tourists, fast food chains and a bit of a seedy underbelly, then there is actually plenty of fun to be had on Samui – especially in the form of watersports. There’s sailing, snorkelling, kayaking and kiteboarding for starters, as well as a few more extreme options – ever fancied

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a go on a Jetlev-Flyer? This uses powerful jets of water to blast you into the air, Iron Man-style. Book yourself a session with Water Edge Sports. What else? Always wanted to tick ‘bungee jump’ off your bucket list? Chaweng Beach is the place to do it. The 50m jumping platform is suspended over a giant plunge pool, and you can choose whether or not you want to get dunked. If you’re after something a little more laid-back, consider the fishing village of Hat Bo Phut on Koh Samui, where the many local bars and restaurants will host parties, and at midnight there is a celebration with pretty lanterns and fireworks on the beach. kosamui.com Best for swimming: Koh Phi Phi Songkran Festival

The Insider's guide Josie Poole, 22, recently spent seven months travelling around South-East Asia, with the bulk of her time spent in Thailand. Here are her top must-dos and tips... Songkran Festival (April 13-15) We spent the famous water festival in Koh Tao. The atmosphere is second to none, and it’s unlike any street party I’ve ever been to. It’s basically a massive water fight that lasts for a whole week in some places (Bangkok, Chiang Mai...) but just a day in Koh Tao. We drove our scooter around the island visiting all the little villages, where kids wait outside all day to chuck water on any passers-by. Sadao Bike Show (usually early-mid June) We met some expats in Koh Lanta who invited us to this bike show on the Thai/Malaysian border. Sadao is a bit of an eyesore, but the bike show was so much more fun than we expected. There were a lot of tourists from around Asia, and we even got to see one of Thailand’s most famous rock bands, Carabao, who you may recognise from the back of a Chang bottle. We stuck out like a sore thumb, but everyone was really friendly, including the leader of the Thai Hells Angels! Eat street food I’m not talking about the roasted scorpions they sell on Koh Sahn Road, I mean proper street food. My absolute favourite was pad kra prao; fried pork with garlic, chilli and a fried egg on top. Learn a few words of Thai It will go a long way with locals. ‘Sawatdee ka’, if you’re a woman, and ‘sawatdee khap’, if you are a man, is a polite way of saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ – ‘ka’ and ‘khap’ are added to most sentences as a form of respect. We also found knowing the word ‘toilet’ (‘hong naam’) came in very useful! Read Josie’s travel blog at penvy.co.uk

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Ko Phi Phi is probably best known for a combo of diving and partying, but the most exciting activity on the island is The Adventure Club’s Shark Watch tour (phi-phi-adventures.com). This is an early morning three-hour trip on which you get to swim with black tip reef sharks. You’re taken out on a long-tail boat to an area of shallows where the sharks like to swim, then you’re given the opportunity to do some snorkelling and swimming in the water with them. The company is known for being environmentally conscious and promoting sustainable tourism. Plus, they’re so confident that the sharks will be there that if you don’t see any, you get a full refund. What else? Toughen up those muscles by scaling limestone cliffs at one of Ko Phi Phi’s top rock climbing spots, such as Hin Taak Climbing Area or Ton Sai Tower. phi-phi.com Best for deserted beaches: Koh Kood Well there certainly aren’t many of these left in Thailand, but there is one sandy spot that you can genuinely call secluded. Koh Kood is an absolute pain to get to (from Bangkok it’s a flight to Trat airport, then an hour’s boat ride from the mainland), which puts off lots of tourists but explains its serenity. But once you get there ... no landlines, virtually no internet access or electricity, just clean white sands, the odd hammock tied to a palm tree and plenty of blue waters if you fancy a dip. Aow Pharo, Bang Bao and Siam Beach are some of the most pristine stretches, perfect for a lazy day sunbathing, while Tapao Beach is also known for being a top swimming and snorkelling spot. What else? If you can be bothered to climb out of your hammock, Koh Kood island has lots of pretty waterfalls to visit. Klong Chao Waterfall is a top spot for splashing about and has the royal seal of approval, as it was once visited by Thailand’s King Mongkut in the 1850s. kohkood.com Best for Temples: Koh Sirey It wouldn’t be right to visit Thailand without checking out at

Scorpion anyone?

FOOD TO TRY IN THAILAND The best food that you’ll eat in Thailand will be bought from street stalls, where curries, pad Thais and all things in between are best enjoyed with an ice-cold Thai tea called cha yen. Jim jum Perfect for a sociable meal with friends, a boiling pork broth is placed in the middle of the table before raw ingredients are poured in and left to simmer, ready for you and your mates to share and slurp down. Tom yung gung This shrimp soup unifies all the flavours for which Asian food is renowned – sweet, sour, salty and spicy, all in one delicious bowl. Pad Thai Thailand’s most famous dish is well known for a reason, and that’s because it’s delicious, especially when the mix of rice noodles, tofu, peanuts, shrimp, scrambled egg and sweet least some of its fabulous monuments to Buddhism. and sour sauces is actually eaten in Thailand. Most of the most impressive temples and statues are on waters off theisSimilan Islands are Moo dad diew Tender skewers of pork are the mainland, but theCrystal tiny clear: Kohthe Sirey, which connected toperfect for snorkelling marinated in a dark soy sauce and deep fried then Phuket by a bridge, has one that’s well worth exploring. served with chilli sauce and sticky rice. Wat Sirey, located at the top of a hill, is an unusual Buddhist temple with a series of rooms housing golden Buddha images. There’s also a giant reclining Buddha statue here. Once you’re at the top of the hill, the views of the island are every bit as impressive as the Wat itself.

TRY THIS TOUR

Encounters Travel runs an eight-day Thailand on a shoestring tour, which is an amazing budget introduction to Thailand that includes sightseeing in Bangkok, adventure in the Khao Sok National The pits: Party ’til you stinkbeautiful on Koh Pha Ngan Park, and sun, sea and sand on Koh Pha Ngan. The adventure starts inGettinG Bangkok with a there river cruise and bizarrely shaped a lot like the cartoon character. If you want visits to the most important temples of this famous city, Best for exploring:a Phuket few hours’ break from diving, this is a great place to lay along with a chance to down your towel and enjoy the scenery. Fly from London thailand Spend the day strolling around Phuket Old Town to see sample its legendary Heathrow to kohsimilan.net shrines, temples, quirky cafes, museums and even a mini BAngkOk Bangkok from nightlife. You’ll then FOR: Wildlife ex-red light district. BEST Built during the tin boom in the last £622 return with head south on the Thai Airways. cambodia century, you will alsoKoh seeTarutao Sino-colonial mansions, once overnightthaiairways.com sleeper train Once upon a time, the Thai government used to send its occupied by Phuket’s tin barons. for a jungle adventure in THE SImILAn IS. crooks to the island of Tarutao – to look at it now, this seems kOH PHA ngAn like the last thing that would put anyone off a life of crime. gettingKhao aroundSok the beautiful What else? To get out theiswater, take forest a boat tripteeming from with wildlife: Theon island full of dense that’s the NationalBuses Parkare before the northern end ofon Phuket and thewaters stunning the land andwind in thearound surrounding you can see easiest and PHUkET taking the ferry to Koh sea turtles, whales, monitorand lizards, cheapest to limestone islands, stopping off at beaches to crab-eating check out macaques, Pha Ngan. kO TArUTAO mouse deer and countless species of birds. Some of the island organise (most James Bond Island, so named for its starring role in The Man encounterstravel. is signposted in English, making it easy to follow wildlife hostels can book with the Golden Gun. com/thailand trails, either on foot or by mountain bike (it’s simple to hire you tickets and phuket.com these on the island). arrange a pick up from your hotel to the bus station).

What else? The island is home to hundreds of cheeky wild monkeys. Every evening islanders and tourists go to the recreation park near a mangrove swamp to feed the savvy primates their favourite bananas. phuket.com

WHAT ELSE?

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There is plenty of budget guesthouse accommodation on Tarutao, but it’s also very popular with campers, because while there are decent facilities, it rarely gets too crowded. It only costs 65p per night to camp if you have you own tent

Travel for six hours max, however; for anything longer, it’s worth booking an internal flight as they are reasonably priced – try Air Asia, Bangkok Air and Thai Airways. Another good option is to get the train from Bangkok to Chumphon and Surat Thani (the jumping off points for the beaches and islands off the eastern

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DESPERATELYSEEKING

Are you desperately seeking someone or something? Email ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com with your message THINGS TONY ABBOTT SHOULD DO, JUST BECAUSE

SAY WHAT?! She’s got one cat called mel gibson and one called danny glover. please dont ask me why.

The other day i came home to find him playing a board game by himself, weeping.

he still believes in the tooth fairy, which is worrying.

i used to know a girl who had no sense of smell and she’d keep herself warm walking home after a night out by wetting herself. i don’t know her any more.

Dress up in Rhys Darby’s bear costume and hand out bear hugs

I have one last shot? Kylie. Guardian angel: I’d like to thank the man who helped me when I tripped over and scraped my face in Pitt Street Mall, a few weeks ago. You were especially kind when I started to cry. I’d love to buy you a drink to say thanks. Cinderella x The cat’s pyjamas: Tabbeh, I love you very much, but please stop using the hairdryer to warm yourself every morning. It irritates the cats and me in equal measure. Also, the grey dressing gown is mine! Pudding xx Rat ‘n’ Parrot hero: I was being sexually harrassed by an ugly, drunk guy in a brown sports jacket in the Rat ‘n’ Parrot last Friday

and you rescued me so suavely I half-believed I was your wife for a minute. Er, fancy a pint? Mandy x Mystery man: Joe, I know it’s you that leaves sweet notes on my desk and bought me those chocolates on Valentine’s Day. I’m really flattered – how about you ask me out face to face some time? Emma G from marketing Shady character: Mark, you’re my favourite customer, even though I don’t recognise you when you’re wearing sunglasses. Johnny. Rubbering up: Cynthia, please don’t be shy – I’m desperate to see you in that PVC outfit! You’ll make my week if you give me a private show. Mum can have the kids! Love your hubby xx

it’s something to do with the earth’s axis and women’s periods - or tides? is it tides?

i still worry about getting tangled in fairy lights so my bedroom is a very dark place.

fox hunting is basically just bullying animals, isn’t it? Bullying and killing.

apparently if the sun shines on you too strongly you’ll begin to sneeze, and you can’t stop.

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Photos: Getty

Accidental overdose: Thank you for stopping me from panicking when I realised that I’d taken four paracetamol instead of two. You were lovely. Maybe we can go out sometime and I won’t behave like an utter dick and start crying on the train? Andrea. A pizza the action: You were the dark-haired Italian girl tucking into a pepperoni, I was ordering my usual margherita, and we ‘debated’ which country invented pizza. Things got out of hand didn’t they? I was wrong to bring in Mussolini, the Fascismo Supreme is made up, and you were right to throw your drink at me. I’m so sorry! Dylan. Plane crazy: Hi Greg – thanks for making that flight so much better. I am normally so frightened of flying but your excellent conversation and willingness to buy me numerous small bottles of wine helped enormously. Please may I see you again? Foxy Flyer. Nice package: So, I hate to come across like a total nympho, but you were sat across from me in Waterloo Park and I couldn’t help but notice your massive package. If you’re reading this, give me a shout – I’m the girl who had eyes on stalks. Tamara At last!: You’ve been with Timothy for almost 10 years and we’ve been waiting for him to put a ring on it since forever! We love you guys! Heaps of kisses from Sarah, Alex and the gang xx Looking sharp: I was in the kitchen preparing a fruit-based cocktail and you wandered in looking for a knife (or something sharp, I forget now). I think your name’s Marcy. I’m JK, the man who later told you he lived in Chatswood. Dinner this week? Jim from the gym: I am definitely not a stalker, but I often catch your eye when we’re both on the rowing machine and we also catch the same bus home. I once made an not-very-funny joke to you about sitting on your face and you’ve avoided me ever since. May

OZCAREERS

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Build a new life Australia and New Zealand are crying out for skilled migrant workers If a job Down Under is what you’re searching for, then you’ll find a host of opportunities in Australia and New Zealand’s construction sector, where there has always been a strong demand for skilled migrants. World mover Anglo Pacific says candidates should seize the moment. “Although requirements for Christchurch’s rebuild are well documented, skill shortages are becoming widespread across Australia and New Zealand,” sales director Jason Diggs explains. “Both nations are moving into more positive economic climates, both are experiencing construction booms, and both are struggling to fill key skilled positions with home-grown talent alone. Currently 60% of our export business goes to these two nations – I suspect that figure will rise as 2014 unfolds.” Reckon you could help? Here’s who they’re looking for...

Chippy The real opportunities for carpenters and joiners exist in New Zealand, where the Christchurch and Canterbury region is going through one of the largest construction rebuilds ever. Qualifications and experience: We recommend using a reputable migration agent, but in Australia you’ll need an AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In New Zealand you’ll need an NZ Register Level 4 qualification. You’ll have your skills accessed by the relevant authorities and, if you’re good but don’t have the right certificates, sometimes experience can open doors. In terms of licensing, it depends on which state you intend to work, whether you are being supervised or not and the value of the work. Pay: Carpenter jobs pay on average 18% higher than Europe. You should get about $900 a week.

Sparky Qualifications and experience: It’s a similar drill, so we recommend using a reputable migration agent. The Vocational Education Training and Assessment Services (VETASSESS) will be able to provide an opinion on your qualifications. Of course, you can work using a Working Holiday Visa, but this restricts you to a maximum of six months with a single employer. Pay: Again, the pay is much better Down Under than in Europe, and you’re looking at about $55 an hour depending where you go.

Brickies Qualifications and experience: With bricklayers it can be tricky as the majority don’t have a formal qualification but do have significant experience. But don’t worry, they take that into consideration and experience goes down well. Pay: You’ll be looking to earn something around $3,000 per month, although this could be higher if you’re selfemployed and charge per day.

Project manager Qualifications and experience: In both Australia and New Zealand you’ll need a bachelor degree or higher qualification to land a project manager job according to Australia’s Department of Immigration. It says, though, that at least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. Find yourself a decent migration agent to help out. Pay: Salaries are good and continuing to rise, so expect to earn a few dollars!

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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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