744

August 2014 Issue 744

WELIN PASSES

TRAV WITH KIWI EXPERIENCE!

“PEOPLE DO WEIRD THINGS IN THE AIR”

FLASHY GITS Backpacking VIP-style

Confessions of a flight attendant, inside!

T H G I L E D S ’ D R SHEPPA eronimo!

G . m r to s y b d take the worl to t u o b a re a and This Aussie b

+ THE GOLD COAST RUGBY 7S TRY OUT TAUPO EXTREME SPORTS PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

WIN 2 TO THE A TRIP FOR

COURTESY OF

2 FULL DAYS - 1 NIGHT

FREE FUN KAYAK TOURS

S.V.WH IT E H AVE N

WHITSUNDAYS ECO SAILING safari

N D IT IO E X P E IS E S U R

WORTH OVER $1750 C

W H IT SU N D A Y ISL A N D S

Q UE E N SL A N D

2 FULL DAYS - 1 NIGHT

FREE FUN KAYAK TOURS

S .V .WHIT E H A V E N

ECO SAILING safari E XP E

D IT IO

C R U IS

W H I TS U N D A Y I S L A N D S

N

ES

QUEENSLAND

WHITSUNDAY

2008/2009

HALL OFAdventure FAME Tourism

WHITSUNDAY

2008/2009

HALL OF FAME STEVE IRWIN

WHITSUNDAY

2008/2009

HALL OFAdventure FAME

ECOTOURISM

VOTING OPENS

Tourism

WHITSUNDAY

AUGUST 15

L VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITEOFHALFAME TRAVEL EXPERIENCES DOWN MULTI AWARD WINNING ECO SAILING ADVENTURES UNDER AND YOU’LL AUTOMATICALLY BE ENTERED INTO OUR PRIZE DRAW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN AMAZING TRIP FOR 2 CRUISING THE WHITSUNDAYS FOR 2 DAYS AND 1 NIGHT WITH SV WHITEHAVEN, COURTESY OF WHITSUNDAY SAILING ADVENTURES. INCLUDES $1000 FLIGHTS FROM TIGERAIR. 2008/2009 STEVE IRWIN ECOTOURISM

MULTI AWARD WINNING ECO SAILING ADVENTURES

The TNT Golden Backpack Awards recognises those companies who make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special. Maybe you stayed in a fantastic hostel you’ll never forget, or went on a trip with the best tour guide Down Under. This is your chance to vote for your favourites.

And who knows, you might even become a winner yourself.

Vote and you’ll automatically be entered into our prize draw for

a chance to WIN 2 nights and 1 day of sailing in the glorious Whitsundays courtesy of Whitsunday Sailing Adventures and SV Whitehaven. Voting closes on September 22nd 2014, with the winners of the Golden Backpacks announced in November.

Don’t forget to tell your mates to vote too, so they can also have a chance to win this fantastic prize. *Terms and conditions apply.

TO VOTE GO TO WWW.TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

& CLICK ON THE GOLDEN BACKPACK AWARDS BUTTON

EDITORIAL Editor Caroline Garnar Online Editor Vicky Anscombe TNT Australia Editorial Ian Armitage ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com Contributors Michael Gadd, Alex Harmon, Mark Muggeridge, Francesca Baker 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 Australia isn’t exactly renowned for being cool, particularly when it comes to its music scene (if you’ve been in a bar here when ‘You’re the Voice’ comes on, you’ll know what I mean). But new Aussie band, Sheppard, are definitely cool. And they’re making their way to becoming renowned. About to set off on a tour across the UK and Europe before hitting up the US, I am certain they will return to these shores bona-fide superstars. Over on page 18 we talk to the close-knit band about how singing in the shower is where it all began, how it feels to be on the edge of the big time, and why they still busk on the streets.

Another Aussie who’s becoming renowned, although for more controversial reasons, is Owen Beddall, the ex-Qantas flight attendant who has spilt all in his new book about life behind the first-class curtain. Turn to page 22 for our Q&A with Owen where he gives us a sneak peek of the gossip, from mile high propositions to talking gay rights with Katy Perry to exploding adult incontinence nappies.

Talking of, er, shitting yourself, we check out the top 10 extreme sports (p44) on offer in Australia and New Zealand; from skydiving to swimming with sharks, you will want to bring a change of pants, just in case. One of the top spots for skydiving is over Lake Taupo, and our intrepid writer checks out what else there is to do in this gorgeous part of the world once you’re back on terra firma on page 66.

If you’re sick of living like a pauper when you’re travelling, you’re not the only one, which is why ‘flashpacking’ is becoming more and more popular. Staying in hostels that could pass for fancy hotels and coughing up for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, turn to page 36 to discover when we think it’s worth flashing your travel cash.

Last but not least, in a couple of months’ time the Rugby Sevens tournament is hitting the Gold Coast. With as much action off the field as on it, turn to page 36 for our tips on getting involved.

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.

Try out Tasmania

Epic train journeys

Christmas breaks (aah!)

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THIS MONTH DIARY 6 FOOD 10 DRINK 11 GIGS 12 PUBS

14

SHEPPARD’S DELIGHT

18

CHATROOM

22

18

SPORT ROUND-UP 24 PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW 26

TRAVEL

38

TRAVEL DIARY 30 HOTSHOTS

32

TRAVEL REVIEW

34

ON THE COVER SHEPPARD’S DELIGHT

The Aussie band taking over the world

TOP 5: FLASHPACKING 36

‘PEOPLE DO WEIRD THINGS IN THE AIR’

OZ: GOLD COAST RUGBY 7S 38

Confessions of a flight attendant!

TOP 10: EXTREME SPORTS 44 NZ: TRY OUT TAUPO

66

18

PREMIER LEAGUE

22 26

44

Contenders, up-&-comers & best buys

FLASHY GITS

36

Backpacking VIP-style

GOLD COAST RUGBY 7S 38 AUSTRALIA LISTINGS

49

NEW ZEALAND LISTINGS

72

CAREERS 84 DESPERATELY SEEKING

4

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

86

Catch the action on and off the field

EXTREME SPORTS

44

The top 10 ways to go crazay!

TRY OUT TAUPO

66

We love this place, and you will too

66

experience the NT for less brisbane to darwin experience the melbourne to alice springs sydney to alice springs whitsundays

for less

convenient, affordable and the only direct air link between Sydney and Whitsunday Coast Airport.

fares from $85*

*one way fare conditions. checked baggage not included. terms and conditions apply. see website for details.

PWWAY covers.indd 4 TIGERAIR_744v4.indd 1

7/08/2014 8:15 pm 7/08/2014 8:15 pm

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OUR TOP PICKS GARMA FESTIVAL

AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL

Aug 1-4 Gove Penninsula

Aug 2-19 Coffs Harbour

The Garma Festival is well worth checking out. It is announced by the sounds of a didgeridoo no less, and is a great chance to learn more about the real Australia and its ancient culture. Expect stargazing sessions and campfire chats.

Watch as 500 surfers compete to be crowned Australian Champion. It’s the largest gathering of surfers in the country. The event has moved from its traditional home at Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour this year.

Times vary Nhulunbuy, NT garmafestival.com.au

Daily Coffs Harbour, NSW surfingaustralia.com

$25+

FREE

MUST DO WWE LIVE AUSTRALIA TOUR Aug 7-9 Melbourne, Sydney and Perth The WWE’s three-day journey Down Under has us pretty excited. Yes it is utterly ridiculous – grown men in Spandex throwing each other around in mock drama, but we love it. Unfortunately though, there’s no reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena (sad face). He’s been taken off the tour and replaced by Roman Reigns. Still awesome though. $20+

Randy Orton gets slammed by John

DARWIN FESTIVAL

HENLEY-ON-TODD REGATTA

Aug 7-24 Darwin

Aug 16 Alice Springs, NT

This festival celebrates Darwin’s revival from the destruction caused by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Expect lots of fun, outdoor concerts, comedy and more, with free and paid events across Darwin.

Take that Tracy!

This is a boat race with an absolutely unique feel to it, because there’s no actual water. In the dry, sandy bed of the Todd River, men and women fashion themselves bottomless boats and race up and down the course. Fun!

The Grand Parade is 11.30am Around town darwinfestival.org.au

10.30am onwards Todd River henleyontodd.com.au

FREE

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$15

Times vary

Melbourne, Sydney and Perth

2014 CASTROL EDGE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP Aug 16-Oct 4 Various The Rugby Championship 2014 kicks off with a trans-Tasman showdown that could present New Zealand with an opportunity to add yet another honour to its already glittering record.

FREE

Times vary rugby.com.au

wwe.com

MELBOURNE WRITERS FEST Aug 21-31 Melbourne This celebration of all things wordy returns to Melbourne. The 11-day programme looks awesome, with writers from around the world set to gather for all sorts including talks, debates, performances, workshops and more.

FREE

From 10am daily Fed Square, Melbourne mwf.com.au

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AFL FINALS SERIES Sep 5-27 Nationwide The spectacular crescendo of 23 weeks of fantastic competition in the AFL, eight teams will qualify for the finals series. Close to 95,000 fans packed the stands of the MCG for the grand final last year while millions watched it on televisions around the world. AFL is a truly unique Australian experience. Tickets are still up for grabs, do it! $25+

Times vary Nationwide afl.com.au

FLORIADE FESTIVAL Sep 13-Oct 12 Canberra

Sep 17-Oct 5 Melbourne

Floriade showcases one million flowers in bloom and is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. It includes Nightfest (Sep 24-28), which will welcome 400,000 visitors and features live music, comedy and night markets.

Every September the Melbourne Fringe rolls into town featuring the next big things in art, comedy, theatre, film, dance... in fact every kind of performance you can think of. You’ll never have a boring night.

Times vary Commonwealth Park, Canberra floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest

Times vary Around town, Melbourne melbournefringe.com. au

FREE

Photos: Getty

MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL

TBC

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East: Serie A champs Juve have stars like the beautifully bearded Pirlo South: Is it Kasabian’s Tom Meighan or Liam Gallagher?

West: She’s a bit ga-ga, but great

NORTH

WEST

SOUTH

DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR AUG 8-10 Unique opportunity to get some aboriginal art.

LADY GAGA’S ARTRAVE: THE ARTPOP BALL AUG 20 / TBC / $92+ Get ready to rave, Little Monsters, Lady Gaga’s artRave: The ARTPOP ball world tour is coming to town.

KASABIAN AUG 7 / 7PM / $76.80 Quick office poll showed we all love Kasabian.

They’re awesome live and return to Australia during August.

Darwin Convention Centre Darwin

darwinaboriginalartfair.com.au

KATHERINE FESTIVAL AUG 9-23 / VARIOUS The Katherine Festival incorporates a variety of community events over two weeks. Indigenous song, dance, music and art is on show and there’s bush tucker stalls and film screenings.

Around town Katherine, NT visitkatherine.com.au

Perth Arena 700 Wellington Street Perth

Thebarton Theatre Adelaide kasabian.co.uk

livenation.com.au

NORTH WEST FESTIVAL AUG 22-24 / TIMES VARY / $180 The ultimate Pilbara experience.

OZ TATTOO & BODY ART EXPO AUG 15-17 / $TBC Thinking about getting some ink? Be inspired – or completely put off – at this expo.

Port Hedland Turf Club

Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide Showground

Port Hedland

Adelaide

tattooexpo.com.au

northwestfestival.com.au

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MEEKATHARA OUTBACK FESTIVAL SEP 26-29 / FREE Fireworks, parades, rodeos and races are the norm at this unique outback festival. It is well worth a visit.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS THE SWING TOUR SEP 11 & 12 / 7.30PM / $109+ Robbie Williams Swings Both Ways? Well, we had our suspicions (jokes).

About town

Perth Arena

Meekatharra, WA, 6642

700 Wellington Street Perth

meekafestival.com.au

premier.ticketek.com.au

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KANYE WEST SEPT 7 / 7PM / $99 He’s just got married and celebrated his daughter’s 1st birthday. In September he’s heading Down Under. He might be a prat but he makes good music. Tickets will sell fast.

Adelaide Entertainment Centre Adelaide

livenation.com.au

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EAST

NEW ZEALAND

ALISON WONDERLAND: BENDIGO AUG 1 / 8PM-5AM / $25 After wrapping up her sold-out Warehouse Project tour, Alison will perform a series of regional shows all over the country.

THE MAD HATTER’S BALL AUG 9 / 6.30PM-12AM / $115 There is a place, like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger. Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter... And we agree!

Star Bar Cnr Pall Mall and Mundy St, Bendigo starbarbendigo.com.au

WATCH THIS

Cardboard Cathedral Latimer Square, Christchurch empire.co.nz

Around Balmain Balmain

bayrun.com.au

VISA WELLINGTON ON A PLATE AUG 15-31 / VARIOUS TIMES / FREE It’s time to plate up. NZ’s tastiest culinary festival is coming... Nom, nom, nom. Food and wine galore.

Various venues Wellington

A-LEAGUE ALL STARS VS JUVENTUS AUG 10 / 7.30PM / $59.50 Glamour clash between the A-League All Stars and Juventus, the most successful club in Italy’s history with a massive worldwide fan base.

ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park footballaustralia.com.au

wellingtononaplate.com

BLACK TIE BURLESQUE BIRTHDAY BASH AUG 15 / 7.30PM-11.30PM / FROM $45 Big birthday bash with some of NZ’s finest burlesque stars. Saucy.

Willow Tavern 820 Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North redrascalproductions.com

SYDNEY UNDERGROUND FILM FEST SEP 4-7 / $TBC Love film? Then you’ll love the Sydney Undergroud Film Festival. It’s a diverse range of indie, experimental, unique, artistic, boundarypushing and mind-bending films as well as special events, live guests and Q&As – oh, and awesome opening and closing parties.

The Factory Theatre 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204 suff.com.au

MONTY PYTHON LIVE (MOSTLY) AUG 15 / 8PM / $9 The surviving members of the iconic and influential British comedy troupe Monty Python recently closed out their run of reunion shows at the O2 Arena in London and NZ audiences now have the chance to see the historic performance in cinemas.

Hawkins Theatre 13 Ray Small Drive, Auckland hawkinstheatre.co.nz

BONDI WINTER MAGIC ENDS OCT 31 / VARIOUS Bondi isn’t all about the beach y’know. In winter you will find art, music and even an ice rink.

Bondi Beach Sydney, NSW

bondiwintermagic.org.au

THE NORTH FACE FREESKI OPEN AUG 28-SEP 8 / 10AM-7.30PM / $40 The ninth edition of this world-class event, an important one for the freeski community.

Westpac Stadium

Photos: Getty

15 Main North Road, Christchurch

BUSHIDO: WAY OF THE SAMURAI UNTIL NOV 4 / 10AM-5PM / FREE We’re absolutely fascinated by Japanese culture; if you are too this is the event for you. Learn about the Samurai and Bushido, their strict code of conduct which honoured virtues of honesty, courage, benevolence, respect, self-sacrifice, self-control, duty and loyalty.

NGV International St Kilda

ngv.vic.gov.au

nzfreeskiopen.com

THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0 SEP 2-13 / VARIOUS TIMES / $69+ Labelled ‘the next generation of magic’ this is a follow up to the huge hit that was the Illusionists (the clue’s in the name). Exciting!

The Civic Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Auckland

HAIL CAESAR! The hotly anticipated sequel to 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes absolutely blew us away (prepare for spoilers). It picks up the story 10 years after the end of the last film, with Caesar (played by the brilliant Andy Serkis with the help of motion capture) and his growing nation of genetically evolved ape buddies building a community in the woods, believing that humans have been wiped out by ‘simian flu’. They live a peaceful existence until they happen across a group of virus-resistant survivors who enter ape territory. Both man and monkey are torn between a desire to co-operate and all-out war. With an uneasy peace reached, the tension builds right up to the film’s epic finale. The ape performances are amazing, Serkis matched by Toby Kebbell’s Koba – Caesar’s scarred rival who hates humans and wants rid of them for good. Without giving away the ending, there will definitely be a third installment. Easily the best film of the summer and better than its predecessor.

Photos: © 20th Century Foxs

THE BAY RUN 2014 AUG 3 / 8AM A major Sydney running and walking event. The course is a 7km circuit around Iron Cove Bay. Go and cheer them along.

eventfinder.co.nz

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OZEATS

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BITE SIZE BEST BURGER JOINTS BURGER ME FRESH Since opening a year ago this Coolangatta burger joint has been impressing customers with its fresh, creative menu. Its delicious burgers are inspired by local areas, such as the Currumbin Burger, the Gold Coast Burger and the Kirra Burger.

They’re all worth a try. facebook.com/BurgerMeFresh

ANDREW’S HAMBURGERS For more than a decade Andrew’s Hamburgers has been dishing up the quintessential burger – classic, well-established recipes served with the promise of an unbelievably tasty grilled patty. Many of those that have eaten there over the years say it has set the standard of burger creation in Melbourne. andrewshamburgers.com.au

PAPER PLANES Contemporary Japanese, Bondi

Purple lighting, skateboards on the ceiling and Tokyo pop kitsch. It’s a little bit of downtown Street Fighter Tokyo on the sunny seaside of Bondi.

THE GRUB Get the night started with some edamame with chilli salt ($6) and share a few lettuce cups loaded with roasted duck ($5/each). The stand-out dish has to be the pork belly buns ($6.50) and my hot tip for the next food craze – the humble bao. Cho Cho San may have made Japanese buns cool again, but you had it here first! Of course you can’t go wrong with sushi and the teriyaki chicken ($15) brings it home. If you really love it, grab some friends and share a skateboard-deck’s worth of sushi ($160/50 pieces). The gyoza pan-fried dumplings ($16) with creamy lemon wasabi foam and crushed wasabi peas are also winners in my books. If you’re not already swooning, try the Tokyo pot plant lemon cheesecake ($13), served in a terracotta pot. I love it when kitsch actually tastes delicious.

BEHIND THE BAR Take your pick from dizzyingly sweet cocktails: Tokyo Pop ($16) with popping candy for that party-in-your-mouth sensation, or the Chee Chee Mule ($16), a cheeky lychee-based tipple. You can also get your sake matched with your food – just ask the friendly bar staff. Or simply down a few smooth Japanese beers.

BILL PLEASE If you’ve got a group of people and you focus on the share plates, you’re looking at around $25 a head, excluding alcohol.

VERDICT An experience, as well as a taste bud explosion, with the high notes of drunken karaoke. Alex Harmon THE SCENE

Photos: Supplied and Thinkstock

PLANET BURGERS This unconventional food truck has been impressing Exmouth locals and tourist for over 20 years (yep, 20 years!), serving up its famous souvlaki, burgers and fries. It has a menu unlike any other burger joint and sells food out of a trailer behind the Potshot, a local pub.

Sorry folks, no website, you’ll have to find it and see for yourself.

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Shop 15, 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

paperplanesbondi.com

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GRANDMA’S BAR Cocktails

The fun with Grandma’s begins in finding the place (it is located underneath a shop with no obvious signage), but when you do you’ll fall in love because it’s the home you wished you always had. As the owners put it, “There’s no place like home, except Grandma’s”. And there really isn’t. The joint is somewhere between tiki bar and a 1950/60s lounge room, with tonque-in-cheek decor, and it’s living proof that Saturday nights in the CBD aren’t dead yet (just make sure you get in before 9pm when things get lively).

BEHIND THE BAR Don’t be put off by the small selection of beer and wine (and one cider) on offer because Grandma’s specialises in cocktails, lovingly prepared by ‘the grandchildren’ (bartenders to you and me), as the wall behind the bar spells out. Most cocktails are rum-based and as good as you’ll find anywhere, while the booze offering changes regularly in a bid to keep things exciting.

THE GRUB A small menu offers a range of jaffles (you know... toasted sandwiches with crimped edges and a variety of fillings) costing about the same as a beer.

They also have bar snacks like biltong and you can get your hands on Grandma’s mixed nuts for $5.

BILL PLEASE Most cocktails come in at $16-17 and the beers and cider at $8-9.

A glass of vino will set you back about $8.

VERDICT This local haunt has a warm, inviting feel. Grandma’s is about drinking less, but better.

THE SCENE

3 OF THE BEST WINTER WONDERLANDS

grandmasbarsydney.com.au

SCHUSS BAR

THE MAN

THE TOP SPOT BAR

Thredbo has a plethora of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and boutiques offering everything from high-end dining to debauched nights in packed-out bars. For a real party head to Schuss bar.

Kicking off around 10pm, it offers nightly music and attracts both tourists and locals. When it closes at 1am, go downstairs to Keller bar.

To those uninitiated to the snow bunny club, après ski is where all the real action is, and when you’re at Perisher, that’s at The Man from Snowy River Hotel and its pub, The Man. It is an iconic Australian boozer with a large selection of beer on tap – it’s not too pricey either.

Pool tables and dart boards help pass the time.

Another Perisher joint, The Top Spot Bar offers spectacular views and is a great place for a drink with friends or to relax between runs. The ideal setting to watch the sunset across Blue Cow Mountain while sampling delicious locally distilled Wild Brumby Schnapps. Don’t miss the live entertainment on Thursdays.

thredbo.com.au

themanfromsnowyriver.com.au

perisher.com.au

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Photos: Supplied, Perisher/Facebook and Man From Snowy River Hotel/Facebook

Basement, 275 Clarence Street, Sydney

11

GIGLISTINGS

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Nationwide, August 9-September 4 With more than 40 sold-out Australian shows under their belt since 2010, Grammy Award-winning hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are back in Australia after some 18 months away with an exciting new line-up of shows across numerous cities. Check it. moshtix.com.au; oztix.com.au

FRI AUG 8 Herman’s Hermits $35 Kedron Wavel Services Club, Brisbane kedron-wavell.com.au Hanson $65 Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Twenty One Pilots $39 170 Russell Bar, Russell St, Melbourne twentyonepilots.com/tour

SAT AUG 9 Kasabian $78.75 Festival Hall, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au Bob Dylan $99 Claudelands Arena, Hamilton chuggentertainment.com Hanson $65 Palais Theatre, Melbourne hanson.net thebeards.com.au/tour Twenty One Pilots $39.50 Metro Theatre, Sydney twentyonepilots.com/tour

Bob Dylan $99 Claudelands Arena, Hamilton ticketek.co.nz

WED AUG 13 Bob Dylan $99 Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth ticketek.com.au

THU AUG 14 Bob Dylan $99 Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth ticketek.com.au

FRI AUG 15 Bob Dylan $99 Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth ticketek.com.au Hanson $65 Metropolis, Fremantle, Perth tickets.oztix.com.au

MON AUG 18 Bob Dylan $99 Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

TUE AUG 19

SUN AUG 10 Twenty One Pilots $40 The Zoo, Brisbane twentyonepilots.com/tour

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Bob Dylan $99 Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

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WED AUG 20 Bob Dylan $99 Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

THU AUG 21 Bob Dylan $99 Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

FRI AUG 22 Kid Ink $60 The Hi-Fi, Brisbane tickets.thehifi.com.au Queen & Adam Lambert $100+ Perth Arena, Perth premier.ticketek.com.au

MON AUG 25 Bob Dylan $99 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane ticketek.com.au

TUE AUG 26 Queen & Adam Lambert $99.90+ Allphones Arena, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

FRI AUG 29 Bob Dylan $99 Royal Theatre, Canberra

ticketek.com.au

SUN AUG 31 Bob Dylan $99 Entertainment Centre, Adelaide ticketek.com.au

WED SEP 3 Bob Dylan $99 State Theatre, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au

THU SEP 4 Bob Dylan $99 State Theatre, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au Biffy Clyro $67.60 Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane biffyclyro.com

FRI SEP 5 Bob Dylan $99 State Theatre, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au Biffy Clyro $68.70 Enmore Theatre, Sydney biffyclyro.com

SUN SEP 7 Bob Dylan $99 Opera House, Sydney sydneyoperahousecom

Biffy Clyro $67.22 Palais Theatre, Melbourne biffyclyro.com

MON SEP 8 Bob Dylan $99 Opera House, Sydney sydneyoperahousecom

WED SEP 10 Bob Dylan $99 CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchutch ticketek.co.nz

FRI SEP 12 Joe Bonamassa $99 Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland jbonamassa.com Biffy Clyro $69 Metro City, Perth biffyclyro.com

SUN SEP 14 Joe Bonamassa $99 State Theatre, Sydney jbonamassa.com

WED SEP 17 Joe Bonamassa $99 Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide jbonamassa.com

Photo: Getty

BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

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OZPUBS SYDNEY Anchor Bar 8 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach anchorbarbondi.com Bar Century 1/640, 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 589 Crown Street, Surry Hills domefunctions.com Donny’s Bar 7 Market Ln, Manly donnys.com.au Flinders Hotel 63-65 Flinders St, Surry Hills theflindershotel.com.au Hotel Bondi 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi hotelbondi.com.au Hotel Steyne 75 The Corso, Manly steynehotel.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

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Mount Batten Hotel 701 George Street, CBD sydneycityhostels.com.au New Brighton Hotel 71 The Corso, Manly newbrightonhotel.com.au Oxford Art Factory 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst oxfordartfactory.com Ryan’s Paragon Hotel Loftus St, CBD hotelparagon.com.au Scary Canary 469 Kent St, CBD scarycanarybar.com Scubar 4 Rawson Place, CBD scubar.com.au Side Bar 509 Pitt St, CBD wakeup.com.au/sidebar The Beresford 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills merivale.com.au/ theberesfordhotel The Palace Hotel George St, CBD palacehotelsydney.com.au The Vanguard 42 King St, Newtown thevanguard.com.au The White Horse 381 Crown St, Surry Hills thewhitehorsesurryhills.com.au Trinity Bar 505 Crown St, Surry Hills trinitybar.com.au 3 Wise Monkeys 555 George St, CBD 3wisemonkeys.com.au 4 Pines 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly 4pinesbeer.com.au

MELBOURNE Asian Beer Cafe Level 3 Melbourne Central, CBD asianbeercafe.com.au Bar Humbug 586 Little Bourke St, CBD barhumbug.com.au Brutale 18 Corrs Lane, CBD brutale.com.au Black Pearl 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy blackpearlbar.com.au Cherry Bar 103 Flinders Lane, CBD cherrybar.com.au

The Night Owl 35 Elizabeth Street, CBD facebook.com

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

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

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

The Penny Black 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick thepennyblack.com.au The Tote 67-71 Johnston Street, Coll. thetotehotel.com Turf Bar 131 Queen St, CBD turfbar.com.au

ADELAIDE

Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street, Richmond cornerhotel.com

The Apple Bar 5-9 Synagogue Pl, CBD theapplebar.com.au

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

Earl of Leicester Hotel 85 Leicester Street, Parkside earl.com.au

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

Electric Circus 17 Crippen Place, CBD crippenplace.com

Northcote Social Club 301 High Street, Northcote northcotesocialclub.com

Grace Emily Hotel 232 Waymouth St, CBD yourbars.com.au

Palace Theatre 20-30 Bourke St, CBD palace.com.au

The Promethean 116 Grote St, CBD theprom.com.au

Shamiana 420 Lonsdale St, CBD shamiana.com.au Star Bar 160 Clarendon Street starbarhotel.com.au The Gin Mill 173 High St, Prahran theginmillprahran.com The Hi-Fi 125 Swanston Street, CBD thehifi.com.au

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PERTH The Clink 14-16 South Terrace, Fremantle theclink.com.au

BRISBANE Canvas Club 16b Logan St, Woolloongabba canvasclub.com.au GPO Hotel 740 Anne St, Fortitude Valley gpohotel.com.au Hotel LA 68 Petrie Terrace, CBD hotella.com.au Iceworks 157 Given Terrace, 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 St & Constance St, Fortitude Valley fringebar.com.au The Met Nightclub 56a/256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley themet.com.au

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

Toro Bar 416 Milton Rd, Auchenflower facebook.com

The Shed 69-71 Aberdeen St, Northbr. the-shed.com.au

Super Whatnot 48 Burnett Lane superwhatnot.com

THE ANCHOR This Bondi joint has only been around since 2012, but it already has a bit of a cult following and is known for its cocktails. They taste so good you’ll want more, and then some more, and, we reckon, even more. Tequila’s their speciality. Margarita anyone?

No 8, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach anchorborbondi.com

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

CAIRNS Ba8 Lounge Bar Shangri-La Hotel, The Pier at the Marina, Pier Point ba8.com.au Dunwoody’s Tavern 317 Sheridan St, North Cairns dunwoodys.com.au Salt House 6/2 Pier Point Rd, CBD salthouse.com.au The Woolshed 24 Shields Street, CBD thewoolshed.com.au Vibe Bar and Lounge 39-49 Lake St. CBD vibebarcairns.com pub

HOBART Bar Celona 23 Salamanca Sq, CBD barcelonahobart.com Raincheck Lounge 392-394 Elizabeth St, North Hobart rainchecklounge.com.au Republic Bar & Cafe 299 Elizabeth St, North Hobart republicbar.com

follow us on Shipwrights Arms 29 Trumpeter St, Battery Point shipwrightarms.com.au The Duke 192 Macquarie Street CBD theduke.com.au

NEWCASTLE

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

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

Silo Restaurant and Lounge 18/1 Honeysuckle Dr, CBD silolounge.com.au

Bar Petite 5 King St, CBD barpetite.com.au

Sunnyside Tavern 20 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow sunnysidetavern.com.au

Burwood Inn Hotel 77 Berner Street, Merewether theburwood.com.au Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, CBD yourcambridge.com Cricketers Arms 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill cricketersarmshotel.com.au Hamilton Hotel 442 Kingsford Smith Dve, Ham hamiltonhotel.com.au Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, CBD hoteldelany.com Kent Hotel 59-61 Beaumont St, Hamilton thekenthotel.com.au King Street Hotel 15 Steel St, Newcastle West kingstreethotel.com.au Lass O’Gowrie 14 Railway St, Wickham lassogowriehotel.com.au Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au Oriental Hotel

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 St beachhotel.com.au

CANBERRA Academy Club 15 Bunda St academyclub.com.au Cube Nightclub 33 Petrie Plaza cubenightclub.com.au ICBM Bar 50 Northbourne Ave icbmbar.com Mooseheads 105 London Circuit mooseheads.com.au P.J O’Reilly’s 52 Alinga St pjoreillys.com.au Transit Bar 7 Akuna St transitbar.com.au

WOLLONGONG Alibi 76 Crown Street wollongongnightlife.com.au Castros 5 Victoria Street facebook.com/castros

Byron Bay Brewery 1 Skinners Shoot Road byronbaybrewery.com.au

Glasshouse Nightclub 90 Crown Street facebook.com/ sucasawollongong

Cheeky Monkey’s 115 Jonson St cheekymonkeys.com.au

Grand Hotel 234 Keira Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

La La Land Level 1/6 Lawson St lalalandbyronbay.com.au

Harp Hotel 124 Corrimal Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

The Northern 35-43 Jonson St thenorthern.com.au

Ivory Nightclub 77 Crown Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St treehouseonbelongil.com

OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St woodysbyronbay.com

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

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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 Chifley Alice Springs Resort 34 Stott Tce chifleyhotels.com.au Firkin & Hound 21 Hartely St yourbars.com.au Monte’s Lounge Corner of Todd St & Stott Tce montes.net.au The Juicy Rump @ Lasseters 93 Barret Dr, Desert Springs lasseters.com.au The Rock Bar 78 Todd St therockbar.com.au Todd Tavern 1 Todd St toddtavern.com.au

MOJO RECORD BAR Situated down York Street below a men’s discount clothing shop, Mojo Record fuses the two things that are most conducive to a happy night – or day for that matter: music and drinking. It’s not cheap, but given the location, far from pricey. Beers start at $8, wines at $9, all cocktails are $19. Basement level, 73 York Street, Sydney mojorecordbar.com

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AUCKLAND Albion Hotel 119 Hobson St albionhotel.co.nz Brew on Quay 102 Quay St brewonquay.co.nz 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 De Fontein 77 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay defontein.co.nz Doolan Brothers 414 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket doolanbrothers.co.nz Father Ted’s 1 Wellesley St W fatherteds.co.nz Fort Street Union 16 Fort St fortstreetunion.co.nz Gables Speights Ale House 248 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay gablesspeightsalehouse.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 La Zeppa Kitchen 33 Drake St, Freemans Bay lazeppa.co.nz The Lumsden 444/448 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket thelumsden.co.nz

BACK IN BLACK

Malt Bar 442 Richmond Rd maltbar.co.nz Normanby Hotel 37 Normandy Rd, Mt Eden thenormanbyhotel.co.nz Parnell Bar & Grill 196 Parnell Rd, Parnell parnellbarandgrill.co.nz Queens Ferry Hotel 12 Vulcan Ln queensferryhotel.co.nz Shakespeare Brewery 61 Albert St shakespearehotel.co.nz Spitting Feathers 16 Wyndham St spittingfeathers.co.nz Sprig & Fern 2 Drake St, Freemans Bay

sprigandferntaverns.co.nz Tainui Tavern 33 Morrin Rd menumania.co.nz The Fox 85/87 Customs St W thefox.co.nz The Zookeeper’s Son 715 Mt Albert Rd zookeepersson.co.nz Three Lamps 1-3 St Marys Rd, St Marys Bay threelamps.co.nz 4.20 bar 373 Karangahape Rd 420.co.nz

WELLINGTON Arbitrageur Wine Room 125 Featherston St arbitrageur.co.nz Bangalore Polo Club 63 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro bangalorepoloclub.co.nz Bodega 101 Ghuznee St bodega.co.nz Four Kings Sports Bar 7-11 Dixon St fourkings.co.nz Havana Coffee Works 163 Tory St, Te Aro havana..co.nz Hawthorn Lounge 82 Tory St, Te Aro hawthornlounge.co.nz J J Murphy & Co 119 Cuba St, Te Aro jjmurphy.co.nz

48 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro themalthouse.co.nz The Welsh Dragon Bar 10/12 Cambridge Terrace, Mt Victoria welshdragonbar.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH Bealey’s Speight’s Ale House 263 Bealey Ave bealeysalehouse.co.nz Bailies Bar 1066 Colombo St, St Albans bailiesbar.co.nz Becks Southern Alehouse 155 Colombo St beckssouthernalehouse.co.nz The Brewers Arms 177 Papanui Rd, Merivale thebrewersarms.co.nz Burgers & Beers Inc 355 Colombo St, Sydenham burgersandbeersinc.co.nz Calendar Girls 196 Hereford St calendargirls.co.nz Darkroom 336 St Asaph St darkroombar.co.nz Empire Hotel Lyttelton 9 London St, Lyttelton empirelyttelton.co.nz Fox & Ferret Palms Palms Shopping Centre, 1 New Brighton Rd, Shirley foxpalms.co.nz Garden Hotel Bar 110 Marshland Rd, Shirley

gardenhotel.co.nz

Mac’s Brewbar 4 Taranaki St thebrewerybar.co.nz

Pegasus Arms 14 Oxford Terrace pegasus-arms.com

Matterhorn 106 Cuba St, Te Aro matterhorn.co.nz

Tequila Mockingbird 98 Victoria St tequilamockingbird.co.nz

MIghty Mighty 104 Cuba St, Te Aro mightymighty.co.nz Molly Malones 134 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro mollymalones.co.nz

The Brewery 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston casselsbrewery.co.nz The Twisted Hop Pub 616 Ferry Rd thetwistedhop.co.nz

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

Monteiths Brewery Bar 53 Merrin St mbbmerrinst.co.nz

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

No. 4 Bar 4 Mansfield Ave, St Albans no4bar.co.nz

Sprig & Fern 342 Tinakori Rd sprigandferntaverns.co.nz The Apartment 25 Allen St, Te Aro theapartment.co.nz The Establishment Cnr of Courtenay Pl and Blair St theestablishment.co.nz The Green Man 25 Victoria St thegreenmanpub.co.nz The Malt House

HAMILTON Axces Bar 28 Alexandra St yellow.co.nz Bar 101 118 Victoria St bar101.co.nz Cock & Bull 1 Cnr Maui & Church St, Pukete cockandbull.co.nz CBD Corner Pub 26 Hood St

cbdpub.co.nz Easy Tiger Cocktail Bar 186 Victoria St easytigerbar.co.nz Foundation Bar Maahanga Dr, Te Awa foundationbar.co.nz

Soho 2 Crawford Rd, Inner Kaiti sohobar.co.nz The Poverty Bay Club 57/65 Customhouse St thepovertybayclub.co.nz

The Bank Bar & Brasserie Cnr Victoria St & Hood St thebank.co.nz

The Jolly Stockman 3 Saleyards Rd yellow.co.nz

The Cook 7 Cook St, Hamilton East thecook.net.nz

Verve Cafe & Bar 121 Gladstone Rd facebook.com

Speights Ale House 30 Liverpool St speights-hamilton.co.nz Wonder Horse 236 Victoria St wonderhorse.co.nz

WHANGAREI Dickens Inn 71 Cameron St, Vinetown dickensinn.co.nz Killer Prawn 26-28 Bank St killerprawn.co.nz

NAPIER Guffle Bar 29A Hastings St, Napier South guffle.co.nz The Bank Sports Lounge 106 Hastings St facebook.com The Dutch at The Bluewater 10 W Quay, Ahuriri thedutch.co.nz

McCool’s 14 Rust Ave mccools.co.nz pub

The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar 64 W Quay, Ahuriri gintrap.co.nz

McMorrisseys Irish Pub 7 Vine St, Vinetown mcmorrisseys.co.nz

The Rose Irish Pub 64 Hastings St masonic.co.nz

Parua Bay Tavern 1034 Whangarei Heads Rd, Parua Bay paruabaytavern.co.nz Split Bar Rathbone St splitrestaurant.co.nz s The Old Stone Butter Factory 8 Butter Factory Lane butterfactory.co.nz

DUNEDIN Angus Restaurant & Bar 7 St Andrew St angusdunedin.co.nz Alibi Bar 1 Princes St alibibar.co.nz Captain Cook Tavern 354 Great King St, N Dunedin thecaptaincook.co.nz Luna Bar 314 Highgate Roslyn lunaroslyn.co.nz Manny’s Level 1/91 St Andrew St mannysbar.co.nz Stilettos Revue Bar 319 Princes St stilettos.co.nz

GISBORNE Aladdin Bar/First Light Aikido 63 Peel St firstlighttaikido.net Lonestar Restaurant & Bar 60 The Esplanade, Inner Kaiti lonestar.co.nz

The Thirsty Whale 62 W Quay, Ahuriri thethirstywhale.co.nz

PLYMOUTH Crowded House Bar 93-99 Devon St E crowdedhouse.co.nz Gusto Restaurant, Cafe & Bar Ocean View Parade gustotaranaki.conz Peggy Gordon’s Celtic Bar 58 Egmont St peggygordons.com The Mayfair 69 Devon St W themayfair.co.nz West Bar & Cafe 41 Tukapa St, Westown westbar.co.nz

TAURANGA Imbibe Bar & Restaurant 19 Girven Rd facebook.com Inbargo Bar & Bistro 4 Palmer Pl, Te Puke inbargobarandbistro.co.nz Major Toms Bar 297 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui majortomsbar.com

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CELEBINTERVIEW

Sheppard’s high TNT chats with new sensations Sheppard about impromptu busking sessions, singing in the shower and arguing over fluffy earrings INTERVIEW MARK MUGGERIDGE

By now, most music fans in Australia are well acquainted with six-piece Brisbane band Sheppard. We were all still singing along to double-platinum single, ‘Let Me Down Easy’ when follow-up track, ‘Geronimo’ came along and became the first independently released Australian single to top the ARIA chart in more than 30 years.

While it seems as if Sheppard broke through overnight, it’s actually taken several years of hard work for the band to get to where they are today. George Sheppard, who shares lead vocal duties with his sister Amy, filled us in on the band’s beginnings. “Setting the band up was actually a very gradual process. In 2009 Amy and I started working together musically. She had to write a song for a university assignment that called for harmonies, she heard me singing in the shower and had the idea of writing a duet. We had so much fun writing and recording that song that we just kept going. It was more of a hobby at that point – something we did for fun, with no real idea of turning it into a full-time career.

“In 2011 we really started seeing potential in our songs, at which point we decided to bring one of my Sydney friends, Jay Bovino, up to Brisbane to write with us and play acoustic guitar in the band. We continued to expand, enlisting the help of lead guitarist Michael Butler and drummer Dean Gordon. The last addition was our little sister Emma, who learnt how to play bass for the band.

Since then we have been experimenting developing our sound to the point where it’s now at.”

That sound is influenced by a pretty wide range of music.

George told us that, while he is very into the stadium atmospheric rock of Coldplay, Kings of Leon and U2, Amy is into the classic rock of Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones, as well as modern pop like Katy Perry, and Jay is into his TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

19

singer-songwriters such as John Mayer and Elliot Smith. These different influences come together and make something very unique in terms of Sheppard’s song-writing and sound.

Leaping forward several years, Sheppard are getting rave reviews for their music from publications such as Rolling Stone, which recently declared that the young band have a classic pop song-writing style that could take them all the way. They were also recently nominated for two Australian Performing Right Association (APRA) awards for Most Played Australian Work and Pop Work of the Year, and they’ve just completed a national tour supporting country music star Keith Urban.

Although they have notched up their first home-ground hits, Sheppard are not resting on their laurels or taking a break just yet. Over the next couple of months they will chalk up tens of thousands of air miles as they try to break through on the European music scene. Flying to destinations such as the UK, Germany and Sweden to launch an international music career might sound glamorous, but in reality it means lots of very early starts, long days and sitting around in departure lounges. “It’s just starting to get really full-on, but this is the dream and what we’ve always wanted. We want to make the most of it so that we can take our music out to the fans that have supported us to this point,” says Emma.

Anyone who has travelled with a group of friends for a while will tell you that inevitably tensions surface, so we wanted to know if it was the same for this close-knit band...

“I think we work pretty well together,” says Amy. “If there is a fight it tends to be perhaps Emma and I both wanting to wear the fluffy earrings that day!”

We think they’ll be fine... and guiding them along is legendary Australian music identity Michael Chugg. ‘Chuggi’, as he is known, is recognised around the world having chalked up more than 50 years as an international music promoter putting on shows by artists including Robbie Williams, Coldplay, Radiohead, Elton John, and Pearl Jam. Even with an international corporation to run, he still makes time to support and help develop young talent. Having only recently started his artist management operation, the 20

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impresario made Sheppard one of the first signings to his new venture, Chugg Music, along with huge Australian star Megan Washington. Chuggi will be on the road with Sheppard when they hit the UK and Europe on this trip.

For all that’s happened to Sheppard in a relatively short time, the members of the band remain refreshingly down to earth. George told us that when he first heard that 'Geronimo' had topped the charts in Australia he thought that "perhaps someone was playing a bit of a joke on me".

The good news for us Brits is that, by the time we return back to the UK, Sheppard will be massive there too, we’re sure of it. Indeed, they’ve signed a deal with Decca Records who will release 'Geronimo' as their UK and European debut on August 25, with the band’s debut album, Bombs Away to follow later in the year. 'Geronimo' is already finding fans via the video clip getting plays on MTV and The Box TV. “Signing a deal with a label like Decca is tremendously exciting for us,” said George “but we know it means that there is a lot of hard work ahead as we reach out to connect with new fans.”

It seems it’s connecting with their fans that the band values most highly, and they told us that they are always devising ways to do this when they are out and touring.

On one recent trip to London they nearly got themselves into trouble by drawing a huge crowd at London’s famous Portobello Road street market. “We had a bit of time on one of our first trips to the UK and so we decided it would be fun to do a bit of busking and invite any fans who were in London to come along. We had heard that Portobello Road was good for busking and we just set up and went for it.” says Amy. In a very short time their feel-good sound had drawn a huge crowd. Add to that the fans that had heard about the impromptu gig who decided to turn up and it was almost out of control.

Beyond their time in the UK and Europe, Sheppard will head to the US and then back here to Australia for a full tour in support of their new album. We wish them luck, but we’re not sure they need it: people will flock to their gigs, they are Sheppards after all... wearesheppard.com

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CHATROOM

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Owen Beddall

In his 12 years as a first-class Qantas flight attendent, Owen Beddall gossiped in the galleys with a host of celebrities. His book, Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant, dishes the dirt on life beind the curtain... INTERVIEW IAN ARMITAGE A very large man on a flight from Frankfurt that was merrily making his way through several cheese boards and beer. We could smell this almighty stench, only to see that his adult incontinence diaper had exploded everywhere.

The colleague I was working with was pregnant and she threw up as an added extra.

Yikes. It’s quite the career you’ve had.

What was the highlight?

Probably getting to take my mother and sister around the world, and being able to live in Hong Kong, UK, Sydney, Melbourne and Brussels.

It gave me an international perspective.

Being a flight attendant looks very glamorous from the outside. Is it?

There are definite elements of glamour. You go to the most exotic places, great parties, amazing hotels and have access to celebrities, business leaders and luxury products at duty-free prices, but there is a also a real underbelly to flying.

It’s a manual shift-work job with lots of injuries.

[Many are] addicted to sleeping pills, and it can be very isolating.

You have met many celebs through your work. Who’s your favourite?

Lily Allen. She was such fun and she was really funny. She was just so upfront and really refreshing.

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What about the regular folk (well, as regular as you get in first class). What were they like?

(Laughs loudly) Boring. No, just joking. What are regular folk? (Smiles again). They are generally okay, but people do weird things in the air and can be quite a handful!

So what was the weirdest thing anyone ever did on a flight?

On a flight to South Africa, I was clicked at and when the passenger got my attention, they said “Boy, git me an apple juice” in an Afrikaans accent. That took some getting used to. I’ve also been propositioned to join a gentleman in the toilet. He left the door open with his old fella hanging out and asked me if “I wanted a bit”.

It was very tempting, but I declined (giggles).

Who was the worst person you ever looked after, celebrity or otherwise?

How did you make the transition from flight attendant to author?

It was very cathartic to write, and when I was told I could no longer work as a flight attendant and had so many restrictions job wise, I tried to use what I had at my finger tips to write a book. My back is a real problem and we may be looking at more spinal surgery. Each operation needs a very big recovery.

What advice would you give to anyone who’s considering a future career as a flight attendant?

If you are going to do it, use it to see and enjoy the world. Travel is such a wonderful thing so, I think, enjoy it and don’t get caught up on the company hamster wheel.

Finally, tell us a secret…?

They are all in the book, Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant. You’ll have to read it and see...

Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant is available now, RRP $34.99. Visit randomhouse.com.au for stockists

Photo: ButtonsCreative

You also hit it off with Katy Perry. What was that like?

I think I was good at disarming her. Celebrities are always on guard and talk in very small terms, so they aren’t misquoted. I told her that she had kissed a girl and liked it and made 50 million, but I kissed a girl and didn’t like it and was making her breakfast – it hardly seemed fair. She laughed and it really broke the ice. We talked about all sorts from Hollywood to my book and gay rights.

Tell us about the more bizarre celebrities. Any nutters?

Yes, but sadly a lot of that was cut out of my book for legal reasons. I’ve dealt with people whose list of demands would make the biggest diva’s blush.

And what were the worst parts?

Definitely breaking my back at work and having to learn to walk again. That, alongside the fact that I had been caught up in legislative changes regarding injuries at work; while my lawyers sorted it out, I was administering my own pain medication and fell asleep on oxycontin while cooking and burned my house down while I was inside it. I’d say that was a definite low point.

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

WIN A FIVE-DAY ‘LEARN TO SURF’ PACKAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S BEAUTIFUL COFFEE BAY TNT and Coffee Shack are offering one lucky winner the chance to win a fiveday ‘Learn to Surf’ package in South Africa’s beautiful Coffee Bay. The longer you surf the better you’ll get... then comes the addiction. Stay a bit longer, get your surfing to the next level and take your first steps to becoming an intermediate.

The Five Day Learn to Surf Package is ideal for you and a friend, and can be tailored to suit your needs, from those who have only dreamt of surfing to those who just want to improve their current level.

The package is adapted to suit your ability, knowledge and how quickly you progress.

Accommodation, meals, nine surf lessons and a shuttle from Mthatha are all included, plus, of course, you’ll also get time to hang in the Coffee Shack’s hammocks and live the dream.

Enter at tntmagazine.com/competitions coffeeshack.co.za/html/learn-to-surf

T&C’s: Subject to availablity and at least 10 days warning. Not valid between 10 Dec 2014 and 10 January 2014. Valid for one year.

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FLASHBACK... 2011

HANBURY FIRED UP TO BRING CUP TO VIKINGS RUGBY LEAGUE

The Challenge Cup semi-finals bring together two powerhouses, Leeds and Warrington (Aug 9), and two sides who want to be, Widnes and Castleford (Aug 11). Aussie Rhys Hanbury lines up for Widnes, who haven’t reached this stage of the knockout competition since 2002. TNT caught up with him after his Vikings’ massive win over local rivals and potential Cup final opponents Warrington.

Cracking win over the Wolves! Must have meant a lot...

Yeah for sure. It was a win that we needed – really good to give something back to the fans.

The Cup is a different proposition for a player coming from the NRL – what does it mean to have come this far?

It’s something I didn’t know too much about before I came over here. I’ve never been to Wembley [where the final’s traditionally played] and never watched any games there, but I know it’s going to be massive for the club and town if we get a win over Castleford.

Does the mentality change in the knockout compared to the Super League season?

I think both teams will be edgy. It’s been a while for both teams to have come so far, but hopefully we can come up with the goods.

The Tigers turned you over 40-20 in July – would you read anything into that?

I don’t think so. And I don’t think they 24

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Sam Stosur may have an aversion for the latter stage of Wimbledon, but this month’s major – the US Open – is a mountain she’s conquered. The Aussie beat Serena Williams in the final of the 2011 edition of the tournament starting on August 26. will either. It’s a knockout so it will be totally different.

Who’s their danger man?

From one to 17 they’re good, and they’ve been well coached. But the forwards lay the platform down. Daryl Clark makes good metres up the middle, so it’d be good to shut him down, but we can’t just worry about one player.

After the wooden spoon in 2012 coming back into the top flight, and a credible 10th last season, the Vikings look on track for a top-eight spot – what’s it like being part of the steady re-emergence of a great club?

It’s a great chance to give something back to the fans. It’s all in our hands now. We’re in the eight so we don’t have to rely on any other results. It’s us who determine if we make the eight or not. If we don’t make it we’ll be really disappointed.

BIG MONTH FOR...

Even when they were second on the NRL ladder coming into their round 19 clash with the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers were the least-fancied side in the top six. But were it for a few tight results going the other ways – such as the 18-17 and 24-20 losses to the Storm and Sharks – they could have been top!

These black cats are dark horses for the Premiership and they’ve done it largely without superstars and the muchmaligned Jamie Soward (pictured) making the plays.

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HIGHLIGHTS

PREVIEW

Sydney Swans’ Buddy Franklin

Champ under fire: Rafael Nadal

HARD COURT MAJOR WIDE OPEN IN NY US OPEN

TENNIS AUG 26-SEP 8 It doesn’t get much more open at a tennis major these days than the leadup to this year’s US Open.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal, who won his second big one in New York in 2013, has gone off the boil since moving off the clay.

Current world No.1 Djokovic, who beat Roger Federer in a five-set epic to win the Wimbledon final, will be after him to add a second US Open to his mantlepiece – it’s the only major he’s won only once.

Federer’s won it five times, but that was all in a row with the last one in 2008, but he’s shown he still has class to beat the best.

His Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka hasn’t made the final here – just the semi last year – but is considered a strong outsider along with Grigor Dimitrov.

Serena Williams is hot favourite to defend her title but has serious question marks over her health, fitness and even some speculation about where her head is at leading into the tournament after she bowed out of Wimbledon with a bizarre illness.

This leaves it wide open for 2006 champion Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, who’s fallen in the final at Flushing Meadows the past two years.

The young guns are also well-fancied, with Simona Halep and losing Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard hot prospects.

Photos:Getty. Words: Michael Gadd and Ian Armitage

LET’S GET TRIVIAL | India v England limited For two teams that play each other so much – it’s good for the coffers – it’s been a while for England and India. Their last meeting was at Edgbaston in the Champions Trophy final in June last year.

It was on England turf but felt like an India home game, such was the support, as the visitors won by five runs. Shouldn’t have been a surprise as England had won just two of the 10 games before that, however they were in India.

Good news for Alastair Cook’s side though – the last time India were in England they were just as rubbish as England are in India.

Three home wins, a tie and a no result marked their September 2011 series. Their five-match series starts in Bristol on August 25, followed by Cardiff (Aug 27), Nottingham (Aug 30), Birmingham (Sep 2) and Leeds (Sep 5).

India win the Trophy

1 AFL: Sydney v Essendon 2 AFL: North Melbourne v Geelong 3 Commonwealth Games: Closing ceremony 7 Cricket: England v India 4th Test 7-10 Golf: US PGA Championship 8 NRL: South Sydney v Manly 8 NRL: Brisbane v Bulldogs 9 Rugby Union: Premiership Rugby Sevens Final 9 Challenge Cup RL: Leeds v Warrington 9 AFL: Geelong v Fremantle 11 Challenge Cup RL: Widnes v Castleford 13-18 Athletics: European Championships 14 NRL: South Sydney v Brisbane 15 Super League: Hull KR v Wigan 15 Cricket: England v India 5th Test 16 Football: Premier League Begins 16-17 Rugby Union: World Club Sevens 16 NRL: Wests Tigers v Roosters 16-28 Athletics: Youth Olympic Games 16 Premier League: Man United v Swansea 17 Premier League: Arsenal v Crystal Palace 17 Premier League: Liverpool v Southampton 18 Premier League: Newcastle v Man City 19 Premier League: Burnley v Chelsea 23 Premier League: Aston Villa v Newcastle 24 Premier League: Everton v Arsenal 24 Premier League: Hull v Stoke City 25 Athletics: British Athletics Grand Prix 25 Formula 1: Belgian Grand Prix 25 Cricket: ODI – England v India 26 Premier League: Man City v Liverpool 26-Sep 8 Tennis: US Open 27 Cricket: ODI – England v India 29 AFL: Collingwood v Hawthorn 30 NRL: Roosters v Storm 30 Cricket: ODI – England v India 31 Super League: Catalan v London 31 Premier League: Everton v Chelsea 31 Premier League: Tottenham v Liverpool Sep 2 Cricket: ODI – England v India TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Defending champs: Manchester City’s Manuel Pellegrini and Yaya Toure

League intrigue They’ve bought big and are aiming for the stars, or simply survival – TNT previews the EPL The 2014/15 Premier League season kicks off in the small hours of August 17, with so much changing since last season yet so much staying the same. Read on for the lowdown on EPL title race and Champions League contenders, those who’ve made the leap from the Championship, and the best buys in the transfer market.

THE CONTENDERS If listening to bookies, Chelsea are well and truly the favourites with Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Diego Costa and Felipe Luis (both Atletico Madrid) joining an already star-studded squad that managed second last year and should have done better. They’re so strong they’ve let Frank Lampard and Samuel Eto’o go and can afford to keep Fernando Torres.

After that we’ve got Manchester City, the Champions, who have been relatively quiet on the transfer front but have kept Yaya Toure after his spat over them missing his birthday.

After these two come some unknown packages in Manchester United and Arsenal, with the very busy shoppers Liverpool.

United’s biggest addition is manager Louis van Gaal, while Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao) and Luke Shaw (Southampton) add quality and more youth to the squad.

Arsenal are looking strong with Chile’s Alexis Sanchez 26

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(Barcelona) and France’s Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle).

Liverpool have flashed the chequebook big time after letting chompy striker Luis Suarez go to Barca. They’ve raided Southampton for Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, and picked up Benfica’s Lazar Markovic and Lille’s Divock Origi (although he’ll remain at the French club on loan). They also turned down Loic Remy on medical grounds.

Tottenham would wish they were on the list, but after spending big last summer, new manager Mauricio Pochettino has signed no one of note so far and their chances of reaching the Champions League look grim.

UP AND COMERS The promotion-relegation battle has to be one of the most exciting clashes in sport – and it comes when most of the season is done and dusted. Cardiff, Fulham and Norwich have dropped down a division as Queens Park Rangers, Leicester and Burnley come up.

QPR won what is the richest game in football, beating Derby in the play-off final (TV money for PL teams is huge!).

Harry Redknapp’s mob are joined by Rio Ferdinand, the biggest signing of the promoted clubs, but it’s easy to forget from all the excitement of the play-offs that the top two teams in the Championship went through before them.

Leicester ended a 10-year absence from the top-flight

Man U signed Luke Shaw

No sympathy for sold Liverpool striker Luis Suarez All White Chris Wood leads Leicester celebrations

when they won the second-tier title in style - their 102 point haul just four short of Reading’s record points tally. The Foxes are managed by another stern and pivotal figure in their rise, Nigel Pearson.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche meanwhile looks like he should wield a sledgehammer but is known as the Ginger Mourinho. His side won promotion after finishing second behind Leicester. It’ll be a season of spirited scrapping for these guys to stay up.

BEST BUYS Arsenal’s Chilean Alexis Sanchez was one of the most exciting stars of the World Cup, only surpassed by Colombia’s James Rodriguez, now with Real Madrid, and the efficient unit that was the Germany team – his pullingup-shorts habit’s a bit weird though.

Gareth Barry was epic for Everton on loan last season and has official joined from Man City.

Tom Ince is a good get for Hull FC after Inter Milan showed genuine interest, while they’ve also landed Robert Snodgrass from relegated Norwich.

Up front Liverpool have gone bananas but Bayer Leverkusen’s Emre Can could be key to their midfield depth – as back-up for Steven Gerrard – going into Europe.

Man City’s Costel Pantilimon got sick of being No.2 to Joe Hart and will be good for Sunderland.

DOWN UNDER IN THE TOP FLIGHT CHRIS HERD (Aus, Aston Villa) Had some personal problems in 2013 but back on track and ready to stake his claim on a first team spot.

ALEX CISAK (Aus, Burnley) Poland-born keeper and lower league journeyman who’s played for Aussie U20s.

MARK SCHWARZER (Aus, Chelsea) At 41, signed a new one-year deal at the west London giants. Will be third string to Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois.

MILE JEDINAK (Aus, Crystal Palace) Socceroos and Palace skipper and stalwart in the heart of midfield.

CHRIS WOOD (NZ, Leicester) No-nonsense powerhouse striker who’s found a permanent home with the Foxes.

BRAD JONES (Aus, Liverpool) Another of Australia’s outstanding arsenal of keepers – unlucky to have played in this era – is Simon Mignolet’s understudy.

CURTIS GOOD (Aus, Newcastle) The serial loanee defender missed the World Cup with injury.

WINSTON REID (NZ, West Ham) The All Whites captain is fit after injury and ready to menace strikers again.

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TRAVEL LATE DEALS | TRAVEL DIARY | TRAVEL LISTINGS IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A PLANE? No, it’s Flyboarding man! Strapping powerful water jets to your feet and arms, you can zoom above the water – before face-planting back down into it, probably; but it’s the closest you’ll ever get to being Iron Man. Try it out at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi (thesunsiyam.com/irufushi)

INSIDE

EXTREME SPORTS /44

LUCKY NUMBER 7 /38

FLASHY GITS /36

Bungee Jumping, skydives, shark swims, zip-wires... These extreme adventure sports will leave you scared shitless, basically.

World Cup hangover? Start frothing over the HSBC Sevens World Series, on its way to the Gold Coast in October.

Tired of cold showers and dirty dorms? It’s time to upgrade your backpacking style and do a bit of flashpacking.

TRAVELDIARY

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All aboard for Victoria Falls...

Stick to one colour: When you take a picture that is mainly one colour you can create depth and layers of shade, and you can really capture the mood of a moment. A mainly blue picture can look romantic and relaxed, while reds can make everything look a little bit more exciting. Use simple hues and your pictures are bound to have more impact.

Utilise natural light: iPhonography is still photography, so it’s just as important to use light to your advantage. For portraits and group pictures try to keep the subjects lit from the back or the side, so they’re not looking right into the sunshine. It can be hard to get good lighting around the middle of the day, so try to get your mates posing in the mornings and late afternoons. Try to take photos during the ‘golden hour’ just before sunset. Everything looks better under the subtle rouge of dusk.

Get low: Don’t be afraid to get on the floor. Shooting from the ground up can lead to dramatic perspectives and exaggerated angles, and it can simply make your pictures a bit more interesting.

Whether you’re snapping towering landmarks or the inside of a Mediterranean villa, jazz it up by laying down.

For more tips, see David’s new book, Take Great Digital Pictures in 24 Hours

Photos: Thinkstock and Vic Falls Carnival

IPHONOGRAPHY Professional photographer David Fairman (davidfairman.com) gives us some tips to get those iPhone holiday snaps looking spectacular. #nofilter.

VIC FALLS CARNIVAL Zimbabwe In the shadow of ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, Vic Falls Carnival rages in to the New Year with salsa, circus acts and DJ sets until the sun comes 29-31 up. Parties are interspersed with activities ranging from daring to ridiculous, and there’s even the chance to take a traditional steam train to a rave in the African Bush. All aboard.

DEC

WHERE: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe WHY GO: As well as wild landscapes, there will be artists piling in from all over western Africa. So far for this year Goldfish Live, Beatenberg, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi and Winky D have been announced.

WHAT ELSE? Take advantage of the once-in-

MELBOURNE FRINGE Australia

They say Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia – a city with the soul of an artist – and when the Fringe Festival takes over the streets, artists of all genres, styles and shapes use the city as their canvas. Expect new ideas, fresh talent and exceptional creativity. melbournefringe.com.au

P’CHUM BEN

Cambodia

P’Chum Ben is a time when Khmer people believe 14 the spirits of dead ancestors rise and walk the Earth. Offerings are made at temples as early as 4am as people go to give the spirits food to eat in an attempt to ease their suffering.

Most commonly, sticky rice is thrown onto the ground for the spirits as it is said to be the easiest thing for them to eat. tourismcambodia.com OCT

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a-lifetime location with elephant safaris, white water rafting, or, if you’re feeling gutsy, a bungee jump over the gorge. For views to the Falls, brave a dip in the famous Devil’s Pool.

HOW MUCH: From ZAR550 (£30) for one day to ZAR1,100 (£60) for a three-day pass. vicfallscarnival.com

BANG FAI PHAYA NAK

Thailand

This unusual spectacle in which glowing balls are alleged to naturally rise from the river Mekong high into the air has baffled even the most skeptical onlookers. Locals believe the Naga Fireballs – as they’re known in English – occur because of Naga, the great serpent of the underworld.

DEEPAVALI Malaysia OCT

Often known as the Festival 23 of Lights, Deepavali is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar.

Celebrated in communities throughout the world, the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over dark. Candles and lanterns will be lit to guide souls of the deceased back to their loved ones. tourism.gov.my

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

WINNER BLUEYS BEACH IN NEW SOUTH WALES Anthony Greaves, 17

TELL US MORE I call this shot ‘reflections’ mainly because every aspect of this shot is reflecting. It was just before a storm, which is why the contrasts are so strong.

RUNNER-UP MOSSMAN GORGE, QUEENSLAND Sofie Michielsen, 21

TELL US MORE This year I did an internship in Cairns. I was lucky to do some travelling and I have seen the most wonderful things I have ever seen in my life, including this.

WANT TO SEE YOUR TRAVEL SHOTS IN PRINT? Send high-res (300 dpi) jpegs with name, age, nationality and a description to: lisa.ferron@tntmagazine.com. Photos are judged by the TNT team at their own discretion. Photos will also be placed on TNT’s Facebook page. For terms and conditions, see tntdownunder.com.

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TO BRAVELY GO...

WORLDWIDE

Are you a solo traveller who’s fed up because group packages always seem better? So you want a similar deal but you don’t want to go with loads of other people, right? Well Intrepid Travel has unveiled a new range of tours just for you.

Independent Journeys and Independent Experiences are designed to cater for smaller groups, solo travellers, or couples.

Starting from January 2015, Independent Journeys will include Intrepid’s 25 most popular group tours remade for one or two people, while Independent Experiences will offer two to five-day city packages, designed to be linked up to create one bespoke itinerary. Nice one Intrepid. intrepidtravel.com

CAN YOU HACKETT? NEW ZEALAND

Adrenaline rushes are part and parcel of living in this part of the world (see our Extreme Sports feature on 44 for more details), and you’ll certainly get your fair share if you book a climb, swing or jump with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand.

No trip to NZ is complete without meeting the mad-fellows at AJs who laugh in the face of danger on a daily basis. AJ Hackett Bungy NZ are the absolute kings of hurtling through the air with nothing much more than a rope attached to you. With over 25 years experience, there are eight activities on offer, from the original bungee jump, to a unique bridge climb or zipride, or perhaps the world’s biggest swing is more to your fancy? Whatever it is, take a change of pants. bungy.co.nz 34

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It’s that time of year again: the whale migration is underway, and the Australian coast is blessed with some great opportunities for seeing these massive giants up close. Whether you go out on your own or with a tour group, watching the humpback whale migration (above) can be a never-forget experience. See story below for more details.

WHALE TALES

NSW, AUSTRALIA Despite what you may have read or seen on the internet, whale watching is not the act of going to a restaurant with the sole purpose of watching really fat people eat.

Nope, whale watching is just that: watching whales – you know those massive mammals of the sea – and the southern migration from September to November just happens to be the best time to do it.

NSW is blessed with a number of fantastic coastal whale watching vantage points and Eden and Port Stephens were both recently named in Australian Geographic’s top 10 whale watching spots in Australia.

Experts believe 2014 will see the longest and largest season in half a century (they’ve been arriving since May) and Eden is one of the few places in the world that Humpback Whales feed on their southern migration – in fact, due to the meeting of currents from the north and south, the waters in and

around Twofold Bay are generally overrun with many species of whale and dolphin which stop to feed as it’s rich with nutrientpacked prey. Twofold Bay’s calm waters and open ocean access give you a unique experience of seeing these graceful giants up close. visiteden.com.au

BOARD CRAZY NSW, AUSTRALIA

In Byron Bay? Love to surf? You’ll love this... Backpackers Inn on the Beach, the only beachfront hostel in the town, has teamed up with the Byron Bay Surf School to create Surf Camp Byron Bay. You’ll stay in the lush, tropical grounds of Backpackers Inn, and surf every day under the guidance of professional surfing instructors in Australia’s No.1 surf town.

Surfing is to Australian culture what tea, football and getting burnt to a luminous crisp on Bondi are to the British. So to come Down Under and not even attempt to surf would be like going to France and not trying a croissant, or New Zealand and not

Words: Ian Armitage. Photos: Facebook/AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, Thinktock and Getty

AJ Hackett’s freestyle ‘ledge’ bungy jump

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MAD WORLD

BEWARE OF SWEETTOOTHED THIEF AUSTRALIA Go beyond the velvet ropes of Versailles recklessly flinging yourself from a buttocktremblingly high cliff. In other words, do eeet. surfcampbyronbay.com.au

TRAVEL LIKE A ROCKSTAR EUROPE

Ever wanted to tour the Vatican without the crowds, or step beyond the velvet ropes of Versailles and into secret rooms? Those things are usually reserved for the rich and famous VIPs right? Wrong.

Viator.com has a number of exclusive and VIP-style tours across Europe – travel experiences you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Tours include special access to the Sistine Chapel after it has closed to the public with guided commentary (which is usually forbidden), a private tour of the Palace of Versailles’ Royal Quarters with access to off-limit rooms like Louis XVI’s library, and a private balcony (with free champagne and wine) at the Moulin Rouge. They also have a couple of GoT (Game of Thrones to those out of the loop) tours that give you access to the landmarks and locations used in the filming of the HBO series –awesome! viator.com

DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED CHINA

We all yearn for a unique travel experience, and they don’t come

more unique than those from Backyard Travel, which has launched a fascinating new tour to the little-known Chinese region of Xishuangbanna.

Home to tropical rainforests and indigenous tribes, Xishuangbanna borders Laos and Myanmar. On this full guided three-day tour, travellers will explore the incredible natural beauty, it’s wildlife (particularly the wild elephants), and learn more about the unique traditions and cultures of the tribes that live in this unearthed gem. backyardtravel.com

SKIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH SA, AUSTRALIA

Kangaroo Island. It’s great, but naming it after just skippy really sells it short. Sea lions. Koala bears.

Echidnas. Penguins. It has it all.

And the even better news is that, if you’ve ever wanted to go, Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours – one of the market’s leading specialists – has dropped its price for its popular two-day trip to the island to just $399 until the end of August. Staying at the coolest backpacker accommodation on the island, Vivonne Bay Lodge, with full use of kayaks and bikes, the tour includes a visit to Seal Bay, sandboarding at Little Sahara and stops at KI icons, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Bargain.

Thieves are often found guilty of robbing banks or stealing jewels, but this particular thug was more interested in edible treasure.

Following the opening of Australia’s first Krispy Kreme in Adelaide on July 4, there has been a frenzy of doughnut lovers queuing out the door for a sweet bite of the beloved pastry. So much so that two teenagers heading to their car were robbed of six boxes of fresh doughnuts by a knife-wielding thief on July 16. Mark Higginbottom, store manager, commented that the robbery was an isolated circumstance, but they are taking extra security precautions just in case. At least the police will be keen to get involved with this case...

MAILMEN TESTED WITH CRYPTIC ADDRESSES

UK

A graphic designer is putting Royal Mail to the test by creating puzzling addresses on envelopes for postmen to decipher.

James Addison has been fascinated with the postal service ever since growing up with an “efficient postman” in his community. He began his ‘Puzzles for Postman’ project five years ago and has since used word searches, drawings and maps to set the challenge, with incredible results. Addison commented, “They never fail to deliver. Somehow I doubt that any other postal service in the world would embrace badly addressed envelopes in such an eccentric and light-hearted way.”

kiadventuretours.com.au

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TOPFIVE

FLASHPACKING TOURS

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We know you’re fed up with ice-cold showers, dirty dorms and a diet of nothing but banana pancakes. It’s time to upgrade your backpacking style and do a bit of flashpacking.

Don’t worry, you won’t suddenly become upper-middle class.

Flashpackers love the traditional back-to-basics travelling style, but are prepared to fork out that little extra for

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certain creature comforts or once-in-alifetime experiences.

Some like to up their whole budget just a smidge, others prefer to mix high- and low-end experiences as they go. You only live once, after all.

So, if you’ve got the cash to splash, get out your wallet and live like a king (or queen) from time to time on one of our favourite flashpacking tours...

WHITSUNDAYS GREAT BARRIER REEF PACKAGE When you flew into Cairns you probably noticed how awesome the Great Barrier Reef looked from above.

Most tours, though, only offer trips to view it from on the water or under it.

Air Whitsunday’s Panorama Tour, though, allows you to get those postcard-perfect pictures from all angles: from above in a seaplane, then up close from their glass bottom boat and from below while snorkelling.

The most comprehensive experience of the Whitsundays ends at Whitehaven beach for a secluded sunbathe and a taste of some complimentary Australian wine. Sit back and let yourself imagine you own the beach and the pilot is your personal chauffeur. Sigh.

Price: $490 Value for money: A sea plane trip is an awesome experience, plus this tour offers four unbelievable experiences wrapped into one, showing you almost everything that the Whitsundays have to offer. By that measure, it’s a great deal. airwhitsunday.com.au

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REEFSLEEP

THE GHAN TRAIN

Enjoy a day cruise around the Great Barrier Reef and then, once everybody else departs at 3pm, wave them off with a smug smile as you get to stay overnight on the only permanent pontoon on the entire Great Barrier Reef for a truly unique experience.

Reefsleep guests can experience the underwater viewing chamber and scenic deck before sleeping snuggly under a ‘star swag’ tent. Price: $399

Train and luxury don’t always come hand in hand, but on this trip you can indulge yourself on the most soughtafter train expedition in Australia.

The Ghan is an all-inclusive trip with booze and a tasty menu with flexible times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It travels between Adelaide and Darwin and allows you to see the Red Centre, Flinders Ranges and the tropics of the Top End. Price: from $969 for gold service, low season. greatsouthernrail.com.au

australianexplorer.com

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KIMBERLY REGION TOURS Photos: Supplied, Thinkstock, Bounce Sydney and Getty

FLASHPACKING TOURS

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The Kimberley Ranges are the last unspoilt wilderness left in Australia – it’s so remote, day tours hardly scratch the surface.

The best way to experience this rarely seen beauty is on a Kimberley Expedition. Available tours from nine12 days will take you between Darwin and Broome (or the other way around) or, if you are short on time, two and three days tours are available. Price: $495-2,645 kimberleywild.com.au

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HUNTER VALLEY WINE TOURS If you love wine, head down to the Hunter Valley where you can experience the best Australia has to offer with some amazing tasting experiences.

The trouble is there are loads of coach tours that’ll take people through some of the area’s bigger wineries and it can be a chore. What you need is a private tour, personalised to your own needs. Go on, splash out. Price: Around $200 divinetours.com.au

TOPFIVE WHERE TO STAY

BOUNCE HOTEL SYDNEY Overview Hostel or boutique hotel? Bounce Sydney manages to be both, offering spacious queen rooms with flatscreen TVs and private bathrooms, alongside the more traditional backpacker fare (dorms and communal areas). Best of all, Bounce is really central, conveniently located next to Central Station and no more than 10-15 minutes walk from anywhere you’ll want to go in the city.

Wow factor Rooftop sitting area with views of the city, lockers with power-points inside and bright, eyepleasing modern art. Voted Hostelworld’s Best Hostel in Australia for the last two years, Bounce is at the top of the flashpacking list with spotless clean rooms and a cool rooftop barbecue area.

Bill please Dorms (four to eight sharing) from $36pp; queen rooms from $129pn.

28 Chalmers Street bouncehostel.com.au

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Strike gold Still recovering from your World Cup fever hangover? Start frothing over the HSBC Sevens World Series, on its way to the Gold Coast in October WORDS ALEX HARMON

What began in the 1800s in Scotland due to a lack of skilled rugby players has grown into an international tournament followed by fans from around the world. Indeed, this year the sport made history when it was announced the Sevens had been granted Olympic status. So before you see it on the world stage in Rio 2016, see it here when Australia hosts a leg of the series on the weekend of October 11-12.

And, trust us, the off-field antics are as exciting as the onfield prowess...

So how does the game work? Well, it’s basically Rugby

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Union, except the match is played by seven players on each side, consisting of three forwards and four backs, and goes for seven minutes each side. It’s rugby – but it’s shorter and faster. Which of course means you can concentrate less - and drink more. Hence its popularity in Australia, and hence why the host city is none other than the party capital of the country – the glittery Gold Coast.

A typical crowd at a Sevens match is anything but typical – think droves of spirited rugby fans in fancy dress – everything from burly looking nuns to beer-

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guzzling superheroes. In fact, the colourful crowd are very much a part of the tournament. There is also half-time entertainment, playful heckling and lots and lots of drinking.

The game travels across the world with the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong, England, Scotland and Australia all taking turns in hosting a leg of the Series. We can’t speak for the rest of the world, but we know the Gold Coast puts on a true blue Aussie bonanza with high temperatures and even higher spirits. And although Australia has never won a tournament

OZTRIP

– they leave that to the Kiwis who have won a whopping 11 titles – that doesn’t stop the crowd from having a bloody good time. In fact, the Gold Coast is an integral game for the Aussies as it’s their first Olympic qualifying tournament – and in front of a home crowd to boot. Pressure’s on, boys!

Keep your eye on some of the ‘underdog’ teams who are slowly creeping into the limelight, in particular Samoa, South Africa and Fiji. But even if you don’t have a team to root for or don’t know a thing about rugby, you’re guaranteed to be cheering from pure enjoyment.

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Catch the epic waves on the Gold Coast All that glitters is Gold Coast

To keep the adrenalin going…

Since you’re in the Gold Coast, you’re probably wondering what there is to do once the dust has settled in the Rugby Sevens stadium. Well the Goldie, as it’s affectionately known, is kind of like an adult’s Disneyland, where you’ll find thrills on every corner, colourful characters and a hedonistic atmosphere from dusk to dawn. Whether it’s theme parks or nightclubs, there’s action to suit all needs.

Some people like to refer to it as the Miami of Australia, because the city, just north of the New South Wales border, enjoys a subtropical climate all year round, perfect for getting that beach body out. You’ll see plenty of flesh on display in Surfers Paradise, which is the heart of the Goldie (but rather misleadingly, not the greatest spot in the area for surfing).

You’ll also find shopping, nightclubs and dining on the Esplanade by the beach. If rollerblading was still cool, you’d see that here too. You get the picture.

If you really need to get away from all of this (perhaps this is your liver talking), you can escape to the hinterland for some recuperation in the fresh mountain air.

If you’re still on a rugby high, then keep the momentum going at the theme parks. You have several to choose from including the quintessential theme park, Dreamworld (dreamworld.com.au), where you can test your nerve on the country’s most hair-raising rides, or Wet ‘n’ Wild (wetnwild.com.au) where you are in for some thrilling water slides, wave pools and dive-in movie nights.

Prefer DIY thrills? Why not strap yourself inside a big bouncy ball and roll down a hill in the phenomena known as zorbing?

Invented by the slightly unhinged Kiwis, it’s a must-do on your Gold Coast thrill-seeking itinerary (you can do it in Pimpana).

The three metre PVC ball has an opening on one side, big enough for a person to squeeze through and be harnessed up.

You’re then launched down the hill, spinning upside down and out of control. Don’t be hungover for this one.

If you’ve got the cash to splash (and you can stay away from the casino) lay it down on a Tiger Moth flight (tigermothjoyrides.com.au). The 1930’s-style red-and-silver Tiger Moth plane is iconic to the Gold Coast – it even features in the Tourism Australia commercials. It’s part of the Gold Coast mise-en-place as much as chiselled surfers and drunk teenagers.

You’ll often see the vintage plane in the sky performing acrobatics and, if you can keep your food down, it’s the best way to see the city, the ocean and the hinterland all in one viewing – and from many a different angle. Take a 35-minute ‘Extreme Aerobatic’ flight and feel those G-forces in action.

If you want to see the city from up high, but prefer not to battle with keeping your lunch down, the Q1 building (1.com. au) is for you. It looks like a gun with a bayonet piercing the sky, but in actual fact it was inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch. It’s the tallest residential building in the country and, if you can afford it, you can also rent a holiday apartment here too. But for most of us, a trip to Skypoint at the top of the building via the super fast elevator (77 floors in 43 seconds) is as good as it gets. Since you’re here, treat yourself to the Skypoint Climb, an exhilarating outdoor climb 270m above sea level where you can see it all as you’re

Where to surf The Gold Coast is home to some of the most consistent waves in the country, with more than 70km of coastline. While the true surfers won’t get an epic ride at Surfers Paradise beach, it is great for learning. Start off with a two-hour lesson and see if you catch the surfing bug.

For the more advanced wave rider, launch yourself into the ocean at Burleigh Heads, a classic right-hander and the home to many a surfing competition. Likewise with Kirra, you can be sharing the waves with some of the world’s best surfers, many who got their start in these very waters. The legendary ‘Superbank’ breaks here at Snapper Rocks and is one of the longest rideable waves in the world. Possibly one of the most crowded too. For a more peaceful surf, go south to Coolangatta, a small, relaxed surf town where you can also go diving (Kirra and Cook Island) or watch humpback whales along the jagged coastline.

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Australia’s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

AdventureGoldCoast.com

facebook.com/AdventureGoldCoast twitter.com/AdventureGoldCoast

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiger Moth flight

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Thunderbird Park Treetop Challenge strapped onto the railing and dangled about. Up here you’ll feel like you’re vis à vis with the Tiger Moth planes.

Animal lovers should make tracks for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (cws.org.au), just south of the Goldie, where you can get up close and personal with crocodiles, wallabies, kangaroos and koalas. You can even give a koala a cuddle – something you can’t do in other states.

There’s also the thinking man’s theme park, Thunderbird Park (thunderbirdpark.com), situated in the heart of Mount Tambourine, part of a mountain range that towers over the Gold Coast. The concept began in Europe when an ex-military man decided to use his commando training to create a challenging ropes course – in fact it’s the largest in the country.

You can spend hours here maneuvering your body through the extensive course, and you can’t cheat – we tried – you must make it to the end by completing every flying fox, every tunnel, every Tarzan swing and every suspended bridge.

Speaking of, these are the hills you should be running for if the going gets too tough. The Hinterland is only an hour away where Tamborine National Park awaits with hiking, mountainbiking and the odd distillery. Often referred to as the ‘green behind the gold’ it’s made up of the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Scenic Rim, Tamborine Mountain and the beautifully green Lamington National Park. Up here you’ll feel miles from the partying of Gold Coast.

The Sevens is being held October 11 & 12. Tickets cost from $50 (single day pass). rugby.com.au/sevens

OZTRIP Poolside at Islander

Photos: Thinkstock, Getty, Hurricanes Bar & Grill, Thunderbird Park, Coolangatta Sands Hostel, Islander Backpackers Resort and TigerMoth Joyrides.

WHERE TO STAY Islander Backpackers Resort (islander.com.au/ backpackers), near Cavill Avenue, puts other hostels to shame. With an outdoor swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and steam rooms, you will be boasting about this one on the road for months to come.

Sleeping Inn backpackers (sleepinginn.com.au) is also a reputable place to rest your weary head in Surfers.

You stay in serviced apartments so you can save a few coins by cooking, or at least microwaving packets of two-minute noodles.

Down south in the quieter parts of Coolangatta (Cooly), stay at the Coolangatta Sands Backpacker Hostel (coolangattasandsbackpackers.com.au) where you’ll be minutes from the beach and get free surfboard hire too. There’s also a bar downstairs, but it’s not the party-central that Surfers is known for. It’s the kind of place where you’re more likely to hear the strum of a guitar on the verandah as you sink a few beers.

Meanwhile in downtown Surfers you can stay at the quirky but cute QT Hotel (qtgoldcoast.com.au) where the staff look like they belong in a Beach Boys music video and the rooms are chock full of hidden treasures.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Enjoy a cocktail at Hurricanes (surfers. hurricanesgrill.com.au), a steakhouse and bar with sweeping views of the beach, or for something a little more low-key, go for a cheap schooner at the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club (51 Garfield TCE, Surfers Paradise), also with views of the beach. You can get more of a retro Miami-kitsch vibe – without the sand on the floor – at Stingray, located in the QT Hotel (qtgoldcoast.com.au).

Cavill Avenue is probably where you will end up if you want to go clubbing, one of the Gold Coast’s main attractions. Here you’ll find a strip of clubs, bars and clubs of the naked-women variety. Things have evolved over the years and now you’ll find it’s not as tacky as it once was, with the streets cleaning up and lots of surf art and live music from talented buskers.

Down the arcades and streets nearby you can stumble upon delicious and cheap Asian food, surfboard shops, tattoo parlours, and secret nightclub doors.

If you really want to be a tourist (come on, there’s no shame in it here) dance the night away at Cocktails and Dreams (cocktailsnightclub.com.au). Based on the Tom Cruise movie from the ’80s, it’s one of the largest nightclubs in Surfers Paradise. Or if you aren’t good at making decisions, join a Wicked Club Crawl (wickedclubcrawl.com.au), where the tour guides will have you weaving in and out of some of the hottest bars in town all night, downing shots and playing drinking games; you won’t need to use a single brain cell.

For some reason Rugby Sevens seems to go hand in hand with gambling, so you’ll often find spectators filling their evenings and draining their wallets at the casino. Jupiters (jupitersgoldcoast.com.au) is located on Broadbeach Island and you can easily get lost in there among the roulette wheels, buffets, fine-dining restaurants and entertainment. You’ve been warned!

Coolangatta Sands Hostel

Poolside at Islander

Hurricanes TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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EXTREME SPORTS

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Looking for your next adrenalin fix?

You’re in the right place for it. Australia and New Zealand’s shores are ripe with crazy activities. Ready? Jump!

SKYDIVING When it comes to getting your adrenalin going, free-falling out of a plane at speeds of 120mph will do the job every time. Yep, hurtling towards the earth at trouser-filling speed is hard to beat.

Although it’s actually not as buttclenchingly scary as you might think. If you go tandem, which is a heck of a lot easier as there’s no training involved so you can just turn up and jump, you are strapped to a seasoned pro who will do the hard bits for you. They will waddle you over to the door, then you put your head back on their shoulder (so you won’t fling your head back and knock them out, but it also means you can’t look down) and, most importantly, jump – oh, and take care of that other important bit, the parachute. After 30-or-so seconds of freefall, the ’chute 44

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comes up and you glide down slowly and safely. Woop!

There is a catch. It costs lots of money. You can however grab a bargain: Wollongong is about an hour’s drive from Sydney and there you’ll find Skydive the Beach (skydivethebeach. com.au). Its Wicked Wednesday special allows you to tandem jump from $259. Staying in NSW, Skydive Byron Bay (skydivebryonbay.com) offers Australia’s highest tandem jump at 14,000ft. The online price is just $254.

If you fancy something really special, how about seeing the Great Barrier Reef from a completely different angle? Yep, with Jump the Beach (skydivemissionbeach.com.au) you can (they’re part of Skydive Australia along with Skydive Bryon Bay, Skydive Brisbane, Skydive Cairns and Skydive North Coast). It offers awesome views of Mission Beach and the Great Barrier Reef from $369. If you’re at the Gold Coast, go for Gold Coast Skydiving (goldcoastskydive.com.au). Prices start from $345. Enjoy!

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3 TOP SPORTS FOR WIMPS

BUNGEE JUMP

DIVING WITH SHARKS

You might think it’s crazy, but when you’ve done your first bungee you’ll be back for more, guaranteed.

There are hundreds of places you can do it but, for us, SkyJump at Sky Tower in Auckland takes some beating – you’ll plummet 192m off the city’s standout landmark at 85km an hour. You can also do the SkyWalk for double the adrenalin fix (and they have a 2for1 offer on ‘til Sept 30).

If falling through the sky isn’t for you, why not try swimming with Jaws in the waters of the Eyre Peninsula? It’s an adrenaline rush like no other when you come eye to beady eye with these incredible man-eaters.

Rodney Fox, a great white attack survivor (don’t be put off), runs cage diving expeditions off Port Lincoln and the four-day, three-night tours will get you closer than ever to these beasts.

skywalk.co.nz

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rodneyfox.com.au

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Keen to go home in one piece and with a clean pair of pants? You’ll want something less extreme (shame on you, p*ssy!). These will be much more to your liking...

HOT AIR BALLOONING

Hot air ballooning (balloonaloft.com) conjures up one of two images – both of which involve middle-aged gents with impressive facial hair: Phileas Fogg or Richard Branson. If you join their ranks and try out a hot air balloon ride you’ll be in for unmatchable bird’s eye views.

It isn’t extreme, but you will get the adventure of not knowing in which direction the wind will take you. Ooh!

Photos: Supplied, Jet Fighter, Andrew Fox

THEME PARKS

ZIP-LINING

JOY FLIGHTS

For this one, head to Waiheke Island, the jewel in the crown of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

EcoZip is one of the island’s mustdos. It’s a chance to get acquainted with New Zealand’s native bush, if you will, while hurtling above a forest canopy. EcoZip has two state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and a forest walk.

You can see the whole of Auckland from up there! Well, nearly.

You could go for a flight in a vintage biplane, but if you want something a bit more extreme, how about a jet?

If you’ve ever harboured dreams of copying Maverick or Iceman (‘Talk to me Goose’) then Jetfighter is right up your alley. You’ll become a Top Gun pilot for a day and there are a number of exciting high-speed missions to choose from. It does cost, but then being Tom Cruise always does. Price: $1,200.

ecozipadventures.co.nz

Adventure World (adventureworld.net.au) in Perth is the place to go if you’re partial to a rollercoaster or two. The Abyss boasts a G-force thrust greater than a space shuttle launch and speeds of up to 85km/h.

WATERPARKS

Waterparks have all the fun without the fear factor – unless you go for that vertical drop one, of course.

Australia’s biggest and most popular water park is Queensland’s Wet ‘n’ Wild (wetnwild.com.au).

jetfighter.com.au

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EXTREME SPORTS

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PARAGLIDING

WHITE WATER RAFTING

We once saw a 68-year-old granny paragliding – you don’t get more extreme than that do you? And if she can do it, so can you, right?

Head down to the Sunshine Coast and Rainbow Paragliding to get a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s best beaches on a tandem flight with a nice chap called Jean Luc. Rainbow Beach is famous for its safe launch and landing, its smooth and laminir airflow and spectacular views of the colour sands and pristine clear sea. It’s the perfect site for your first adventure of flying.

When it comes to white water rafting you simply have to go to Tasmania and the Franklin River because it is by far the best white water rafting destination you’ll find.

Rapidly fluctuating water levels, unpredictable weather and demanding portages make this a hell of a challenge – it’ll definitely get your pulse racing. You’ll also get to take in some amazing wilderness, superb rapids, deep gorges and awesome scenery. Tasmanian Expeditions runs some of the best trips, most of which take between five and 10 days. tasmanianexpeditions.com.au

paraglidingrainbow.com

Photos: Thinkstock, Supplied

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ROCK CLIMBING

WAKEBOARDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Remember the scene from Mission: Impossible II with Tom Cruise solo climbing up Dead Horse point in Utah? Well, while nobody actually climbs like that, it made rock climbing an adrenaline junkie mustdo pastime.

The Grampians is a great place to go if you fancy a bit of a climb with its rugged cliffs. There are several adventure specialists in Halls Gap.

In Sydney, make your way to Cables Wake Park where, on two manmade lakes, you can jump on a wakeboard and get dragged around on a motorised ski lift-like circuit.

All abilities and ages are welcome at this Penrith attraction which has coaches that’ll get beginners up on the water and offer thrills for the more experienced. All equipment is included in the price.

You’ll probably know that Thredbo is a popular ski destination but you might not be aware that it’s also a mecca for mountain biking, with a range of trails from easy-riding for casual riders to gnarly terrain for the downhill dynamos.

You can hire a bike and all the gear you need from RawNRG, which also runs a few guided tours, including the Cannonball Run.

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linking Adelaide, Alice Springs & Melbourne 1800 661 177, groovygrape.com.au

Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tours 07 4946 6848, oceanrafting.com

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

Oz Experience Hop on-hop off Australia-wide tours 1300 300 028, ozexperience.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cool Dingos Fraser Island Tours 1800 072 555, cooldingotour.com

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Whitsundays sailing 07 4940 2007 WhitsundaysSailingAdventures. com.au

Explore Whitsundays Whitsundays packages 1800 675 790, explorewhitsundays.com Groovy Grape Getaways Tours

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Mojosurf Sydney to Byron surfing tours 1800 113 044, mojosurf.com

RENTAL FIRMS Apollo Motorhomes 1800 777 779, apollocamper.com Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan Rentals) 1800 809 944 mightycampers.com.au Boomerang Cars 0414 882 559, boomerangrentacar.net Hippie Camper 1800 777 779, hippiecamper.com

Under Down Under Tours Tours around Tasmania 1800 064 726, underdownunder.com.au

Spaceships 1300 132 469, spaceshipsrentals.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

Kings Cross Car Market For buying and selling vehicles. 110 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo.

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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.

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SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD.

SYDNEY MUSIC

CHECK IN

Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD.

City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 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.

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

HOEY MOEY BACKPACKERS 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harb. Rooms from $69 (including meal) Half way between Sydney and Brisbane, the Hoey Moey Backpackers is a great stopover point for backpackers travelling the east coast. It’s also the only hostel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach access. Winner.

Coffs Harbour

hoeymoey.com.au

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road.

Glebe.

Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. sydneyaquarium.com.au

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly.

02 9977 6077 boardrider.com.au

Sydney Wildlife World Darling Harbour. sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly.

1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

Taronga Zoo Mosman. taronga.org.au

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly.

02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au

The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd.

The Metro metrotheatre.com.au

Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane.

BLUE MTNS Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle.

Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

COFFS HARB

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St.

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

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

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

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

Powerhouse Museum Darling Harbour. powerhousemuseum.com.au

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

The Enmore enmoretheatre.com.au

Wake Up! 509 Pitt St, CBD.

Oceanworld Manly West Esplanade. oceanworld.com.au

Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee.

02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney.

02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

Lochner’s Guesthouse 27 Paul St. Bondi.

02 9389 5421

Coogee Beach House 171 Arden St. Coogee.

02 9665 1162, coogeebeachhouse.com

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net

The Annandale annandalehotel.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

Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.com.au

Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

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

116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.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

THE HUNTER VALLEY First and foremost the Hunter Valley is a wine region with more than 120 wineries and cellar doors from the areas of Pokolbin and Rothbury, to the heights of sunny Mountainview and the beautiful Wollombi Valley. The region is well known for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho wines, so pretty much any taste buds are likely to be satisfied. Drive yourself or take one of the many guided tours on offer with transport ranging from mini bus to chauffeured Pontiacs and limousines, horse-drawn carriages and mountain bikes.

winecountry.com.au

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NOOSA Noosa is home to several beautiful beaches, a stunning coastline, a national park and pristine rivers as well as events spread out over the calendar year. The list is endless when visiting Noosa, ranging from visiting the world famous Eumundi markets, shopping on Hastings Street or soaking up the sun on Noosa beach.

BRISBANE STAY Aussie Way Backpackers 34 Cricket St. 07 3369 0711, aussiewaybackpackers.com Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au Brisbane City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, 1800 682 865, katarzyna.com.au The Deck 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3270 6666 Balmoral House 33 Amelia St, Fortitude Valley vipbackpackers.com

Tin Billy Travellers 462 George St tinbilly.com

BRISBANE DO Australia Zoo Glasshouse Mountains, Tourist Drive, Beerwah.

07 5436 2000, australiazoo.com.au Gallery of Modern Art Australian and international paintings, sculptures and decorative art.

07 3840 7303, qag.qld.gov.au Riverlife Adventure Centre Kayaking & rock climbing.

Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

07 3891 5766, riverlife.com.au Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

1300 254 627, storybridgeadventureclimb. com.au XXXX Brewery Tours & Ale House Brewery tours.

Cnr Black & Paten St, Milton.

07 3361 7597, xxxxalehouse.com. au

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St The Elephant Hotel 230 Wickham St elephanthotel.com.au Somewhere to Stay Cnr Brighton Rd & Franklin St somewheretostay.com.au The Palace Backpackers Cnr Anne & Edward St backpackbrisbane.com

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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

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Coolangatta YHA Pl, 230 Coolangatta Rd, Bilinga.

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World wetnwild.myfun.com.au

Gold Coast International BP 28 Hamilton Ave, Surfers.

1800 816 300, goldcoastbackpackers.com.au

Warner Bros Movie World movieworld.com.au

Islander Backpackers Resort 6 Beach Rd, Surfers.

1800 074 393, islander.com.au Sleeping Inn Surfers 26 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise.

1800 817 832, sleepinginn.com.au

Zorb 07 5547 6300

SUNSHINE CST Mooloolaba Backpackers 75-77 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

1800 020 120 mooloolababackpackers.com

RAINBOW BEACH

Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort 2837 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers.

1800 282 800, surfersparadisebackpackers. com.au

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

Surfers Paradise YHA Mariners Cove, 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise.

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

Trekkers Backpackers 22 White St, Southport.

07 5591 5616, trekkersbackpackers.com.au

Skydive Rainbow Beach 0418 218 358, skydiverainbowbeach.com

Nomads Islander Resort 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surf & Sun Backpackers 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd surfnsun-goldcoast.com

GC DO Dreamworld Theme park. dreamworld.com.au Get Wet Surf School 1800 438 938 Seaworld

seaworld.com.au

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 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

..

.

E R E H Y L L A IN F E ’R U O Y friendlyhostel.com.au Woolshed Backpackers 181 Torquay Road woolshedbackpackers.com.au

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

07 4131 2999 bundabergrum.com.au

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

AIRLIE BEACH airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800 677 119 Airlie Beach YHA 394 Shute Harbour Rd. Backpackers by the Bay 12 Hermitage Dr. 1800 646 994, backpackersbythebay.com

07 4778 5177, hotelaracadia.com.au Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

MISSION BEACH Absolute Backpackers 28 Wongaling Beach Road.

07 4068 8317, absolutebackpackers.com.au Beach Shack 86 Porters Promenade missionbeachshack.com Scotty’s Beach House 167 Reid Rd. 07 4068 8676, scottysbeachhouse.com.au

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

Jackaroo Hostel Mission Beach Frizelle Rd, Bingil Bay jackaroohostel.com Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.com.au

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bhacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353 bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 4051 7642, hangover. your07Gilligan's jjsbackpackers.com

and fast food joints to help with Base Airlie Beach Resort 13:00: Continuing north 336 Shute Harbour Rd of Port Douglas you’ll land in NJoy Backpackers Mossman Gorge (mossmangorge.com.au).

AtHostel Daintree Harbour 141 Sheridan St. Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 807 055, National366 Park the gorge Once you’ve trekked Shute Harbour Rd. is a must-see.1800 njoy.net.au 1800 624 634 along the path you’ll be able to give your feet a rest and magnums.com.au Nomads House over admire the crystal clear Mossman River thatBeach cascades 239 Sheridan St. granite boulders.BOWEN Northern Greenhouse 15:00: Heading back to the car and continuing north Bowen Backpackers 117 Grafton Street.

Beach end of Herbert St. Tribulation.

1800Check 229 228, out Ferntree you’ll find yourself at Cape 07 4786 3433 northerngreenhouse.com.au bowenbackpackers.net Rainforest Lodge (ferntreerainforestlodge.com.au) which has classic huts with a bar and wooden tables. They CAIRNS DO TOWNSVILLE serve scrumptious meals night and day.

After eating it’s & canyon AJ Hackett Bungy jumping Adventurers time to enjoy theResort delights of the Capeswinging. with a Croc cruise 79 Palmer St. 1800 622 888 (daintreerivercruises.com.au) A onecairns.ajhackett.com hour wildlife cruise 1800 211 522, adventurersresort.com that lets you spot wild animals in their Be Gonatural Wild Junglehabitat.

Tours Dive too close to any mangroves, Day tours to Daintree warned: Adrenalin don’t walk youRainforest. might 07 4724 0600, 07 4041 9440, get an unwanted snap. adrenalindive.com.au jungletours.com.au 19:00: With allDive that excitement it’s time to head back Yongala Pro Dive diving.

07 head 4031 5255 towards Yongala Cairns.

As the evening settles, straight into the 07 4783 1519, prodivecairns.com city centre yongaladive.com.au where there is wide array of restaurants for you Raging Thunder Adventures to pick from along the main strip.

Whitewater rafting.

4030 7990, IS Cairns 07experience 19:00: And it MAGNETIC wouldn't be true without ragingthunder.com.au Island at The Woolshed (thewoolshed. dancing Base the Magnetic night away 1 Nelly Bay Rd. Skydive Cairns com.au). With themed nights on every night, try your luck POBOX 105N Cairns Bungalow Bay Backpackers 07 4052 1822, in the wet T-shirt competitions or see how you fare in their Horseshow Bay. skydivecairns.com.au 285 577, games. Either way you'll end your Cairns Mexican 1800 drinking bungalowbay.com.au trip on a high.

CAPE TRIB Hotel Arcadia 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay.

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

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

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

www.prodivecairns.com SHOP: Cnr Shields & Grafton Sts, Cairns FREECALL: 1800 353 213 PHONE: +617 4031 5255 RES: info@prodivecairns.com

Crocodylus Village

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QLDLISTINGS 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 Nomads Noosa Backpackers 44 Noosa Dr Noosa Inland Noosa Backpackers 9-13 William St, Noosaville noosabackpackers.com Halse Lodge YHA 2 Halse Lane, Noosa.

1800 242 567, halselodge.com.au Dolphins Beach House Noosa 14 – 16 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach dolphinsbeachhouse.com

NOOSA DO Australia Zoo 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Sunshine Coast australiazoo.com

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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 Global Port Douglas 38 Macrossan St globalbackpackerscairns.com. au/port-douglas Parrot Fish Lodge 37 Warner St parrotfishlodge.com Port O’Call YHA 7 Craven Close portocall.com.au

INNISFAIL Codge Lodge 63 Rankin St codgelodge.com

The Discovery Group Noosa Everglades thediscoverygroup.com.au

Crown Hostel 25 Ernest St (07) 4061 2266

Drop Bear Adventures Fraser Island from Noosa dropbearadventures.com.au

Backpackers Shack 7 Ernest St fbackpakershack.com

Kanu Kapers Australia Noosa Everglades

Farm work, Innisfail farmwork.tv/farmwork/innisfail

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

SUNSHINE COAST Amore on Buderim 27 Earlybird Dr, Buderim amoreonbuderim.com.au Buderim Motor Inn 45 King St, Buderim buderimmotorinn.com Bli Bli House B&B 600 David Low Way, Pacific Paradise. buderimmotorinn.com Beach Front Towers 4 Aerodrome Rd, Marochydore beachfronttowers.com.au

Cotton Tree Beachouse 15 the Esplanade cottontreebackpackers.com The Duporth 6 Wharf St, Maroochydore theduporth.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 Bungalow Bay Koala Village 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd bungalowbay.com.au

Photo: Thinkstock

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MORETON BAY Some 30 minutes drive from Brisbane, the nearby Moreten Bay and Island region offers an array of beaches and spectacular blue waters perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkelling and sailing. Moreton is the largest of the bay islands and is great for the wilderness lover – it’s a bit like Fraser Island but without the crowds, a great place for 4WD driving down the beach and giving sandboarding a go. Best of all you can feed the friendly dolphins. visitbrisbane.com.au

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HAHNDORF Australian’s oldest surviving trendy German village is situated in the Adelaide Hills. Get the taste of Europe in this historical town with traditional beer, wine, and food. There are boutique cellars, bakeries, butchers (with German sausages) and small goods outlets lining the streets with fresh produce, and even the option to pick your own strawberries (when in season). There are heritage buildings, homes, galleries and museums to visit, so you can really get the feel of what it was like in the old days. Don’t forget to go a little further out to the wineries that SA is famous for. For the child inside, there is also a German model train farm. Adelaide hahndorfsa.org.au

ADELAIDE STAY Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, abpi.com.au Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg.

1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au

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

COOBER PEDY

Haigh’s Chocolates Factory tours.

153 Greenhill Rd, Parkside 1800 819 757, haighschocolates.com.au Temptation Sailing Dolphin swimming, Glenelg.

04 1281 1838 dolphinboat.com.au

BAROSSA VAL Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road, Tanunda.

08 8563 0198, barossa backpackers.com.au

Opal Cave Coober Pedy Hutchinson St. 08 8672 5028, opalcavecooberpedy.com.au Radeka Down Under 1 Oliver St. 1800 633 891, radekadownunder.com.au Riba’s Underground 1811 William Creek Rd. 08 8672 5614, camp-underground.com.au

KANGAROO IS Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.

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

RIVERLAND Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri.

08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton.

08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

FLEURIEU PEN Port Elliot Beach House YHA 13 The Strand, Port Elliot.

CHECK IN

Photos: Facebook/Hahndorf and Facebook/Hostel 109

Flinders Highway, Port Kenny.

08 8687 0411

coodliepark.com Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims.

08 8626 5017

bairdbay.com Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving.

08 8682 3939,

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

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Great white shark cage diving.

08 8363 1788

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

rodneyfox.com.au

FLINDERS RANGES

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

Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection.

War Memorial Drive.

08 8300 3800 adelaideoval.com.au

Coodlie Park Farmstay

portlincolntouristpark.com.au

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

ADELAIDE DO

EYRE PENINSULA

Angorichina Tourist Village 08 8648 4842,

HOSTEL 109 109 Carrington St, Adelaide. Dorms from $34 Small, modern hostel in the heart of Adelaide. Everyone we know that has stayed here has nothing but good things to say – excellent facilities and friendly staff. Do you need anything more?

Adelaide

hostel109.com

angorichinavillage.com.au Wilpena Pound Resort Wilpena Rd. 08 8648 0004,

wilpenapound.com.au

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TASLISTINGS

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HOBART STAY

LAUNCESTON DO

CHECK IN

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

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. 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

DEVONPORT

Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

MONTGOMERY’S YHA 9 Argyle Street, Hobart. Dorms from $28 Good central location close to Constitution Dock and Franklin Square. It has also been recently renovated.

HOBART DO Cascade Brewery 140 Cascade Rd. 03 6224 1117 cascadebreweryco.com.au Mt Wellington Descent Bike tours. 03 6274 1880 mtwellingtondescent.com.au

Hobart

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

Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.tas.gov.au

montgomerys.com.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

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

CRADLE DO Devils @ 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. Freycinet National Park Brewery, Wineglass Bay camping. 03 6256 7000 wineglassbay.com

STRAHAN, Strahan YHA 43 Harvey St.

STRAHAN DO Wild Rivers Jet Jet Boat Cruises.

0364717396 wildriversjet.com.au Water by Nature Extreme multiday whitewater rafting. 1800 111 142, franklinrivertasmania.com

Photos: Facebook/ Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service & Montgomery’s

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

54

MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK Maria Island National Park is a nature lovers’ wonderland where you can spot all types of animal, including forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and emus. This peaceful island has spectacular scenery, including fossil-lined sandstone and limestone cliffs. There’s also a semi-ruined village, originally a convict settlement, which adds an air of quiet history to this traffic-free haven. parks.tas.gov.au

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VICLISTINGS

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MELBOURNE STAY

CHECK IN

All Nations Nomads 2 Spencer St.

Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 03 9329 7525 discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 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 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

03 5952 6718,

visitphillipisland.com Beach Park Tourist Caravan Park

Great Ocean Road Backpackers 10 Erskine Av, Lorne.

03 5289 1070, greatoceanroadcottages.com

2 McKenzie Rd, Cowes.

03 5952 22113,

beachpark.com.au BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park

Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell.

03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au

KING STREET BACKPACKERS 197-199 King St, Melbourne. Prices from $27 Budget accommodation smack-bang in the middle of Melbourne.

Free breakfasts daily and a free pasta dinner on Wednesdays.

Melbourne kingstreetbackpackers.com.au

Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au

The Ritz for Backpackers 109 Barkly St ritzbackpackers.com

Lords Lodge Backpackers 204 Punt Rd lordslodge.com.au

St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St stkildabeachhouse.com.au

Melbourne International Backpackers 450 Elizabeth St mibp.com.au Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St Melbourne Oasis YHA 76 Chapman St St Arnaud 99 Park St, South Yarra, starnaudguesthouse.com The Spencer City Central BP 475 Spencer St spencerbackpackers.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

2 Cuttriss St, Inverloch.

03 5674 1447,

inverlochholidaypark.com.au

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

BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven.

03 5956 7227,

MORNINGTON

phillipislandcpk.com.au

Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie.

03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au

Cowes Caravan Park

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

Koala Park Resort

164 Church St, Cowes.

03 5952 2211,

cowescaravan.com.au

1825 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes.

03 5952 2176,

koalaparkresort.com.au

Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento.

The Island Accommodation

Tortoise Head Lodge French Island.

03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123

theislandaccommodation.com. au

DANDENONG

San Remo Holiday Park

Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

4 Mary Grove, San Remo.

03 5678 5024

visitphillipisland.com

MURRAY RIVER

The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au

Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au

Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca.

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

Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton.

13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura.

03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au

National Gallery of Victoria Federation Square. ngv.vic.gov.au

Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura.

04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

ST KILDA Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com Base St Kilda 17 Carlisle St

Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au

Coffee Palace Backpackers 24 Grey St coffeepalacebackpackers.com.au

Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au

Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au

King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au

Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au

Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. neighbourstour.com.au Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com

Avenue Apartments 204 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

Apollo Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St.

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

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda.

1800 008 718, homehostels.com.au

03 5952 2258,

Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea.

03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au

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

Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade.

03 9663 4212 homemansion.com.au

272 Church St, Cowes.

GREAT OCEAN RD

Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

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

Anchor Belle Holiday Park

anchorbelle.com.au

Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

Wildlife Tours Australia Specialising in Victorian tours +61 3 9314 2225 wildlifetours.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 97 Church St, Cowes.

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

timsplace.com.au

MILDURA Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Avenue

milduracitybackpackers.com.au

STRATHMERTON Riviera Backpackers YHA 669 Esplanade

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WALISTINGS

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PERTH STAY

CHECK IN

Billabong Backpackers Resort 381 Beaufort St. 08 9328 7720, billabongresort.com.au Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge.

08 9227 6000, perthbritannia.com

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

COOLIBAH LODGE

Perth Beach YHA 256 West Coast Hwy, Scarbrough

194 Brisbane Stt, Northbridge, WA. Rooms from $29 Northbridge is a historical and exciting area of Perth and this hostel is close enough to party the night away and still get a good night’s sleep.

Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au

Perth

coolibahlodge.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, Witchs-hat.com

Backpack City and Surf 41-43 Money St backpacker.com.au Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St, Northbridge shiralee.com.au

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St

coolibahlodge.com.au Easy Perth Backpacker

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, undergroundbackpackers.com.au Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St, East Perth 08 9325 6398

4 Francis Street, Northbridge

easyperthbackpackers.com.au

YMCA Jewell House

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

Karijini Experience Travel to Karijini with Integrity Coach Lines THE ONLY COACH SERVICE TO KARIJINI IN AUSTRALIA Always wanted to experience the real Western Australia?

Integrity Coach Lines and The Flying Sandgroper have teamed up to bring you an Australian adventure you will never forget.

Book online at www.integritycoachlines.com.au

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HOP ON HOP OFF TICKET $365 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, Karijini National Park 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.

Photo: Coolibah Lodge

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe.

08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

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

Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au

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

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St.

Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St 08 9421 1123

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

Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge.

1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

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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 Art Gallery of Western Australia Perth Cultural Centre/Roe St, Perth. 08 9492 6600, artgallery.wa.gov.au Aviation Heritage Museum Bull Creek Drive, Air Force Memorial Estate, Perth.

08 9311 4470, raafawa.org.au Crown Perth Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood. 08 9362 7777, crownperth.com.au Kings Park & Botanic Garden bgpa.wa.gov.au Moonlight Cinema Synergy Parklan, Kings Park, Perth. moonlight.com.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 Penguin Island 153 Arcadia Drive (corner of Penguin Road), Shoalwater, Perth.

08 9591 1333, penguinisland.com.au Perth Concert Hall 5 St George’s Terr., Perth. 08 9231 9900, perthconcerthall.com.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 The Perth Mint 310 Hay Street, Perth. 08 9421 7376, perthmint.com.au The WACA Nelson Crescent, East Perth.

08 9265 7222,, waca.com.au Western Australian Museum James St, 08 9212 3700, museum.wa.gov.au

Photo:Thinkstock

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

KUNUNURRA One of the last settlements of WA on the map – near the border of the Northern Territory – much of Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia, starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, was filmed in Kununurra, a popular stop for backpackers heading to Darwin for fruit-picking work. kununurra.org.au

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WALISTINGS PERTH MUSIC Amplifier Capital amplifiercapitol.com.au Astor liveattheastor.com.au Belgian Beer Cafe belgianbeer.com.au Perth Arena pertharena.com.au Metro Cityl metroconcertclub.com The Bakery nowbaking.com.au The Ellington Jazz Club ellingtonjazz.com.au The Rosemount Hotel rosemounthotel.com.au The Newport Hotel thenewport.com The Beat Megaclub thebeatmegaclub.com.au Universial Bar universalbar.com.au Ya-Ya’s ya-yas.com.au

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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

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

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

Rottnest Island YHA Kingstown Barracks.

Pirates Backpackers Resort 11 Essex St. 08 9335 6653, piratesbackpackers.com.au

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

FREO DO

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MARGARET RIVER

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

Kimberley Club 62 Fredrick St 08 9192 3233,

kimberleyklub.com

CORAL BAY

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

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

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

Margaret River Lodge YHA 220 Railway Tce.

Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace.

08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

Harmony Forest 248 Sebbes Rd. 08 9757 7055, harmonyforest.com.au

Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

The Shipwreck Galleries Cliff St, 08 9212 3700, museum.wa.gov.au

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

Cable Beach Backpackers 12 Sanctuary Road.

1800 655 011, cablebeachbackpackers.com

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

Ningaloo Club Robinson St

ningalooclub.com

ESPERANCE Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Rd,

EXMOUTH Pete’s Exmouth Backpackers

BROOME STAY

YHA Cnr Truscott Cres & Murat Rd

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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 and South Africa have been using TNT as their guide to living and working in the UK. 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 from their base in the UK. Here at TNT we have listened to the demands of our readers and we’re excited to launch TNT Tours.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend in Dublin, a group tour across North Africa, 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. Oh! and you don’t have to be Australian.

t a kin g y ou w h e re y ou d rea m t o be... tntmagazine.com/toursearch a5 TOURSEARCH.indd 6

24/02/2014 5:48 pm

NTLISTINGS

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

KATHERINE STAY

MUST SEE

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road.

1800 501 984, big4.com.au

Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St.

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

CROCOSAURUS COVE

Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com

Saltwater crocs are the most famous of the NT’s creatures, and if the idea of being face-to-face with one is appealing to you then you should visit Crocosaurus Cove park in Darwin. The ‘Cage of Death’ (reassuring) costs $160 for a single cage.

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

Darwin

crocosauruscove.com

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

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

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

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

@tnt_downunder

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

DECKCHAIR CINEMA Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema is an outdoor cinema that runs throughout the dry season (April to November). It features alternative and Aussie movies, with booze on sale. Bring a picnic and enjoy some cinema under the skies. deckchaircinema.com.au

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Photos: Facebook/ Deckchair Cinema and Getty

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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NTLISTINGS

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Photo: Thinkstock

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MACDONNELL RANGES The scenery around Alice Springs is dramatic. To the east, the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessible by car and have some good walking trails and picnic areas. The Western MacDonnells have an array of spectacular gorges and ancient landforms. They can be explored by hiking the Larapinta Trail, by bicycle on a specially developed cycle track or by road.

Fly to Alice Springs from SYD/MELB from

$89.95

one way with Tiger Air TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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NZ TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURE | NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND LISTINGS

FLY ME TO THE MOON /66 Parasailing is one of the more peaceful ways to see the stunning Lake Taupo. Turn the page to find out all the awesome ways you can explore this natural wonder.

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WIN WIN

@tntdownunder

HOW TO ENTER

Go to tntdownunder.com and click on the WIN page. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random.

WIN 2 FANTASTIC HOP-ON, HOP-OFF TRA TNT Down Under has teamed up with Kiwi Experience to offer two lucky readers the chance to win Funky Chicken passes worth NZ$1,390 each.

Kiwi Experience is the leading hop-on, hop-off backpacker bus celebrating 25 years on the road and offering you some of the most unforgettable experiences and backpacker tours on the planet.

Our long history of legendary driver guides has made Kiwi Experience what it is today. They know when to stop the bus and soak it in, and when to keep on driving and leave the tourist traps behind. They’ll show you New Zealand’s big highlights, and incredible places so hidden even Peter Jackson couldn’t find them. Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie, a culture seeker, a beach bum, or have come to see the most awe-inspiring

64 64 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

landscapes in the world, Kiwi Experience is the trip of a lifetime! You couldn’t have a bad time if you tried.

The popular Funky Chicken pass shows you the best that the North and South islands have to offer. You can start anywhere you like and end up where you began, or using our unlimited travel, repeat some sectors again for free!

Flexible backpacker passes mean you have 12 months to complete your pass!

Over 25 years, Kiwi Experience’s reputation, awards, and word of mouth from thrilled travellers and New Zealand backpackers has spoken for itself.

Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details, terms and conditions and to enter. kiwiexperience.com

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worth over

$2,750

Total prizes worth over

00 $3,6PASSES TRAVEL WITH KIWI EXPERIENCE

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Taupo the world Get a bird’s eye view of New Zealand’s largest lake before sailing on it, biking around it, and catching fresh trout for your dinner. Ladies and gents, the glorious Lake Taupo WORDS FRANCESCA BAKER

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NZTRIP

They call it the Taupo Trap. Not that New Zealand’s largest lake actually sucks you in like some Australasian Bermuda Triangle (although covering an area of 616 sq km, it is capable of subsuming Singapore); but because, once you visit, you probably won’t want to leave. Indeed, many don’t, as I found out on my brief but wonderful stay in and around this North Island gem.

Like most things in New Zealand, it’s worth starting with the geology and geography. As part of the volatile chain of volcanoes that lines the Pacific Ring where the Pacific plate slides under its Indo-Australian neighbour, the area has had its fair share of earth moving and shaking, and the lake was originally a volcanic crater. The last major eruption

happened 1,800 years ago (making one 1,100 years overdue) and was so violent that it was recorded in Roman and Chinese history – both rather far away.

This has resulted in a dramatic location, offering far more than just a pool of water. The 170km of shoreline surrounds a glistening blue-green lake, fed by the Tongariro and Tauranga-Taupo rivers and 32 wandering tributaries, along with the Waikati River Outlet. It’s surrounded by a stunning backdrop of mountains looming over, including the ladyshaped Mount Tauhara and the vast Kaimanawa range, which shimmer in the waking light and glow in the setting sun. Along with access to activities all around as well as a bright ›› TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Photos: Destination Great Lake Taupo, Big Sky Parasail and Skydive Taupo.

NZTRIP

town centre, Taupo has become a vibrant hub for people, places, holidays and happiness.

Most people in Taupo don’t start on the lake, but above it. Hurtling towards it even. Taupo is the skydive capital of New Zealand, and the bright pink planes of Skydive Taupo can be seen every day over the lake. Taupo is both one of the prettiest (and cheapest) places to leap out of a plane. I jump with Chris, who has done more than 8,000 jumps – the first when he was nine! – but despite the fact that he clearly knows what he is doing, free falling from 12,000 or 15,000 feet is still a little unnerving. It is unnatural – gravity pulling you through the air while you plummet towards the ground, having leapt from a 200km/h plane – but glorious. A thrill and rush during the initial jump, and then a graceful glide once the parachute opens. Watching the world unfold beneath you is a rush that seizes you with fear and excitement. skydivetaupo.co.nz At a lower height, yet with just as beautiful views, try parasailing with Big Sky Parasail. With the sunshine on your shoulders and a breeze in your 68

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hair, music pumping and the ridge of the mountains all around, parasailing is one of the nicest and most relaxing ways you can see the lake, while still doing something ‘different’. The multicoloured swirls unfold behind you while you sit on the back of the boat, the winch starts, and suddenly you are off, legs waving as you gaze around.

From here the translucent turquoise water is amazing; patches of shadow from the clouds only highlighting its colour. It looks as though you can touch the bottom – you can certainly dabble your toes as you come back to the boat after your 20-minute sail, just ask. bigskyparasail.co.nz For those preferring to remain on dry land, Taupo is a relatively flat spot in which to amble on a bicycle. Hire one from Rainbow Lodge and take the easy Great Lake Trail down from the harbour to Two Mile, Three Mile, Four Mile (spot a pattern?), all the way to Wharewaka Point lookout. On the way back, paddle in the hot water lapping the beaches – you’ll spot the right places from the steam rising from the shoreline – but be careful, as it can reach over 65°C. Along here numerous rental spots for paddleboards, canoes,

367 822263 0800 184 189 or (+64)

$ 274

ONLY

BOOK HERE

+ Sailing Trip o ot Ph it Ex & ive yd Sk ft 00 ,0 12

Sail Fearless

!

with Fearless

NEED SOMEWHERE TO STAY IN TAUPO? blackcurrantbp.com

Photos: Destination Great Lake Taupo, Sail Fearless & Blackcurrant Backpackers, Richard Staines, White Striker Charters and Huka Falls Jet

and windsurfs dot the banks, and prices start from only a few bucks for half an hour. Bringing down a picnic and lazing an afternoon away on the lake is an ideal way to spend time.

Taupo is also famed for something else other than adventure. Very cold water and abundant food sources mean that it is the home of clean and tasty trout. The only two native species – bully and kaoro – are uninteresting for sport and eating, so in the early 1890s rainbow and brown trout were introduced and since then the sport has thrived. It is illegal to buy and sell trout in New Zealand – the only way to eat it is to catch it yourself. Get out with Richard on White Striker, the boat he has owned for more than 20 years. Reaching up to 180ft deep, there’s plenty up for grabs making it an ideal location to fish for beginners.

‘Chardonnay fishing’, he calls it. When he takes me out he treats me to a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc in the sunshine. Although at only 12lb my catch doesn’t rival the largest brown trout ever caught in 1904 at 52lb, but I am the most popular person in the hostel that night. troutcatching.com 70

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On the lake you might spot Dave and his beautiful sailing boat, Fearless. Over two-and-a-half hours he will take you to Acacia Bay, past the ‘sleeping lady’ silhouette forged by the range of Mt Tauhara, out to contemporary Maori carvings. Designed and etched by Matahi WhakatakaBrightwell in the 1970s, the 10m-high carvings depict Ngatoroirangi, the legendary Maori navigator who first led his people to the area, and smaller Celtic-inspired carvings depicting wind and a mermaid. When the wind is in the sails and the sun is setting, with a beer or wine in the hand, it is a pretty magical evening. And at only $35 (for life!) anyone can come back again, as long as they bring a bottle or biscuits. Bargain! sailfearless.co.nz You can’t come to this part of the world without doing a bit of tramping. It’s easy to get from Taupo to the Tongariro Crossing, but I recommend Adventure HQ, mainly because Paul, the owner and driver, gives me lots of Dairy Milk to appease my mood when lost walkers hold us up. Notoriously one of the world’s best walks, and housed in the Tongariro National Park, the 19km track takes you up rocky crags and down sandy slopes, across stony paths and over narrow ridges, over vast dead spaces and dense forest. The variety of landscape is startling, as is the beauty. The Emerald Lake remains one of those travel images etched on my brain, bright and deep from above, and the idea of traversing a live volcano is something that takes a while to accept, and delight in. Billowing smoke, sulphur aroma from the geothermal pools and wafting dust help. The last major eruption was in November 2012, when the Te Maori crater started to gas. No one was hurt, but passing the point, there is still a cloud of gas and steam being emitted from the fumaroles. For something only 19km long, it’s surprisingly tough, as these tectonic beasts tend to be, and a huge achievement. adventurehq.co.nz

WHERE TO STAY Rainbow Lodge Hostel (rainbowlodge.co.nz) was the first purpose-built hostel in the country. This comforting place houses dorms, twins and singles, although most people gather together regardless in the huge kitchen, dining and lounge area. Bikes are for hire, and there’s a sauna for aching limbs. Closer to the lake is Blackcurrant Backpackers (find them on bbh.co.nz), which prides itself on being friendly and welcoming, and dorm free. If you want something more upmarket, try the lovely Huka Falls resort (hukafallsresort.com), right by the gushing waterfall seven miles north of Taupo. Make sure you check out the Hukajet (hukafallsjet.com ) while you’re there!

WHERE TO EAT Crafty Trout Brewing Co (craftytrout.co.nz), is a boutique brewery making craft beer and cider, and great pizza. No trout however – it’s illegal to sell trout in restaurants in NZ. Chain Cobb & Co (cobb.co.nz) gets plenty of business, and rightly so, with its local-themed dinners and casual ambience.

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

WHERE TO PARTY

www.bungy.co.nz

Photos: Tourism New Zealand, Winter Festival

In every town in the world there is an Irish pub, and Taupo is no different. Mulligans (mulligansbar.co.nz) runs super drinks deals all week round, and a famous (in these parts at least) open mic evening. At the Element Bar (facebook.com/elementbartaupo) things get pretty rowdy (jelly wrestling anyone?), which suits the young backpacker vibe, but if you want something more sophisticated, where sharing and nattering is encouraged, it’s hard to beat Vine & Co (vineeatery.co.nz), with their 250 strong wine list and tasty tapas menu.

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AUCKLAND

follow us on ever lived and experience a Maori cultural show.

09 309 0443, aucklandmuseum.com

CHECK IN

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

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SURF ‘N’ SNOW BACKPACKERS Corner Victoria St & Albert St, Auckland. Dorm from $22 One of Auckland’s most centrally located backpacker’s hostels, just across from the spectacular Sky Tower.

Auckland

surfandsnow.co.nz

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,

Photo: Thinkstock

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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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OTOROHANGA

TE KUITI STAY

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.

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

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

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

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

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

WAITOMO

SOLSCAPE ECO RETREAT 611 Wainui Rd, Raglan. Dorms from $24 Budget accommodation for the travelling surfer and mega close to the world-famous surf break, Manu Bay.

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

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

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

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Raglan

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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.

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

Photo: Getty

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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

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ROTORUA DO

BOOK NOW!

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

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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

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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

follow us on The Rocks chalets 2086 Takaka Valley Hwy, 03 525 8096, travelbug.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

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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

LAKE HAWEA

Albert Town Lodge (BBH) Cnr SH6 and Kingston St, Albert Town, 03 443 9487, alberttownlodge.co.nz

Thirty-five kilometres long and more than 400m deep, Lake Hawea is a great source of salmon and rainbow trout.

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

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

Adventure Consultants Mountaineering instruction courses and guided ascents, 03 443 8711, adventure.co.nz

Queenstown Travel & Visitor Centre Corner of Shotover & Camp Sts, 03 442 4100

Aspiring Guides Guided mountain climbing and ice climbing instruction courses, 03 443 9422, aspiringguides.com

Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. 03 442 7220, bbh.co.nz

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

Q’TOWN STAY

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

rooms, dorm beds and selfcontained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz

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

Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com

Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz

Haka Adventure Snow Tours 03 980 4250, hakatours.com

Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.com

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

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

Shotover St, 03 442 5867, nzone.biz

Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35

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 Home to the second largest lake in NZ, Te Anau is a beautiful little town, a good jumping off point for the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. The park is the largest in New Zealand and offers some spectacular sightseeing. The Milford Track is one of the most famous in the world, but often booked out. The Routeburn, ReesDart and Kepler are ace alternatives. doc.govt.nz Fiordland I-site Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 03 249 8900

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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

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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

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.

SOUTHISLAND ALEXANDRA Alexandra and Roxburgh are the two main towns for fruit-picking 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

Buscot Station (BBH) 732 Omarama, 03 438 9646, buscotstn@xtra.co.nz 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.

Chillawhile Backpackers (BBH) & Art Gallery 1 Frome St, Roberts Park, 03 437 0168, chillawhile.co.nz

Olive Grove Lodge (BBH) 2328 SH1, Waianakarua, 03 439 5830, info@olivebranch.co.nz

Coastal Backpackers (BBH) The Hall, Waianakarua Rd, All Day Bay, 03 439 5411, coastalbackpackers.co.nz

The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

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 Parachute Experience Skydiving from a great height 03 489 4113, dropzone.com Sinclair Wetlands and Educational Centre Freedom or conducted walks over 5km of walkways. Backpacker and camping facilities. Rapid no 854 Clarendon/ Berwick Rd (signposted on SH1 30km south of Dunedin), 03 486 2654 Speights Brewery Heritage Tours 03 477 7697, speights.co.nz Royal Albatross Centre 03 478 0499, albatross.org.nz

OTAGO PENINSULA The Otago Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of rugged coast, home to a fascinating collection

IN THE SPOTLIGHT LAKE WANAKA 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 too. Be sure to try the wine. lakewanaka.co.nz

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OZCAREERS

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Recipe for success From tending bars at summer festivals to working a ski season, hospitality work is a great way to earn some cash while making the most of your Aussie experience

Are you desperate to see your favourite band, catch a big sporting event, or hit the slopes, but simply can’t afford it? Then why not kill two birds with one stone? Getting work through one of the many agencies that specialise in hospitality jobs is a great way to get your foot into events and get paid for the privilege.

The hospitality sector provides jobs in fun environments like hotels, restaurants, casinos, catering, and clubs as well as oneoff events, and is a great way to meet new people.

However, it’s vital that you get the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate – a mandatory requirement for anyone wanting to work in licensed premises in Australia. This includes hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants. Basically, if you are around alcohol, you need to get this certificate (especially in Victoria and NSW) and you can train online (onlinersa.com.au) from $65, although some states require you to attend a class (which lasts for just four hours).

Other than the RSA, experience and the right personality are two other must-haves. If you’ve got all that (personality will often count over experience), this is the time to find a job: the ski season runs until October and employers always need cover, and summer isn’t far off so places will start hiring now.

In terms of pay, you’re looking at around $3,500 a month for most hospitality jobs, plus tips, so remember ‘service with a smile!’. For events, such as festivals, you will likely be paid in the form of a free ticket.

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INTERVIEW WITH A MIXOLOGIST MEGAN WISKUS 22, from California What made you decide to come and work in Australia? A desire to get out, see the world and not jump into the normal 8-5 gig right after I graduated.

Sydney was screaming my name!

What’s the pay like? Enough to let me have a social life and put a roof over my head and food in my stomach, but not enough to live like a queen – tips are a plus!

What job did you have at home?

I worked in pubic relations at Sea World and bar tending at the West Inn. How does working here compare to back home?

It’s way more laidback here and I’m allowed to hang out with my managers, which would be frowned upon back at home. Plus the pay is heaps higher in hospitality here!

Any tips for travellers considering your job in Australia? lf you want a social job that allows you to interact with others, keeps you on your toes and allows you to get people intoxicated, then being a mixologist is your calling!

For more info see my.tntdownunder.com/jobs

ARE YOU JOB HUNTING? Visit tntdownunder.com/jobs for vacant positions in all industries across Australia and New Zealand.

At tntdownunder.com/jobs you’ll find out how to land your perfect job, an A-Z list of employers, job alerts, career news and information, visa advice and details of recruiters.

Solving your recruitment problems!

JOBS www.tntdownunder.com/jobs

Do you you want want to to earn earn from from£4,928 $ 8895 in in 88 weeks? weeks?

Do Are you for Care workwork in thetoUK suittravel your travel Arelooking you looking for Care suittoyour plans?plans?

Do you have what it takes to to become become aa Self-Employed Self-EmployedCarer?

Carer?

Patricia White’s Agency are looking for Health Professionals or Experienced Carers to introduce to their prestigious clients in London and the UK. Patricia White’s Carers provide companionship, practical and care support to elderly clients on a Live In or Live Out basis.

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Please contact our recruitment Please recruitment team team info@patriciawhites.co.uk Tel: 01372 46 11 00 | Email: info@patriciawhites.co.uk www.patriciawhites.co.uk www.patriciawhites.co.uk

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DESPERATELYSEEKING

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Are you desperately seeking someone or something? Email ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com with your message

SAY WHAT?!

God I really miss the cat - even though we’ve only been apart for two hours it feels like a lifetime.

she kept saying she’d stayed in a yurt. i’d like to punch her in the yurt.

Don’t think she likes ink: Attractive lady seeking handsome gentleman aged 39-45 for relationship. No tattoos. Get in touch if you fit the bill.

Post-it prank: Amanda, stop leaving all those notes on my desk!

I know it’s you! Pritesh Odd job: I’m looking for work with widows and orphans. I have experience of running a cattery, I’m allergic to watermelon and I hate

from everyone that you went to uni with, and your parents x What’s the Craig? I am having trouble pronouncing this name. Is it Creg or Crayg or Crig? Please help!

Anime buddy: Looking for someone to discuss anime. Am open minded to anything once but don’t like romance anime. No hentai. Will go to theatrical releases of anime. YOLO x Massive attack: Anyone know

midget. Seek like-minded male for friendship and more.

Everything but the girl: Tracey Thorn lookalike seeks smug Lauren Laverne and Caitlin Moran types to trade witticisms with on Twitter.

Use of capitals, the term ‘LOL’ and unfunny jokes essential.

Pup music: My puppy will only go to the toilet outside if I sing ‘Backstreet’s Back’. Does anyone else have this problem? Nick

THINGS TONY ABBOTT SHOULD DO, JUST BECAUSE...

stop telling everyone that you used to be in blur! it was oasis! he was so hungover he kept shaking his head at odd moments and by the end of the play, the people behind him were genuinely concerned. for his wellbeing.

is it an appropriate time to discuss finger banging yet? it’s 7.30pm... yeah, go for it.

The Henly-on-Todd Regatta, because at least he’ll be on one ship that’s guaranteed not to sink! veggie sausages are fine, but if you want your father to forgive you, i’d go for wild boar.

we should write a book about the importance of girth.

We’d call it ‘because we’re girth it’

i love your soft lips so much I want to cut them off and fashion them into a pillow.

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hot sauce. Hire me, please!

Absolutely nuts: I sat out on my porch late the other night to watch a fox. What a wonderful experience seeing it foraging around. I love nature. Such a shame I couldn’t save the squirrel from the tyrannical gardener. RIP. What a drain: Mark! Clean the kitchen. It’s disgusting!

Holy moly: My housemate claims to be a devout Catholic but I have proof that she is worshipping the devil in private. Should I oust her?

Mandy in Perth Shut up, Tim: Tim, we’re all delighted that you lost the weight, but if you post any more of those pouting, fish-lipped pictures, we will disown you immediately. Love

how to stop panic attacks? I always feel really terrible when I think about ‘that’ day. Tyrion Greek seeks goddess: Easygoing athletic Greek living in Sydney seeks SF, must be tall, slim and attractive.

White whine: Met a drunk girl at a party the other day who was proper tasty but a bit of a racist.

Shall I just bang her and try to forget about it for 10 minutes?

Looking for a beard mentor: So, seems everyone has a beard these days. I want one. Looking for a beard mentor. I’ve tried growing one a few times over the years but need help! Justin Wet ‘n’ wild: Into water sports. N/S. BB. GSOH. Fetish. SF

Time to travel: I’m looking for someone to take a risk and travel back in time with me. I can’t guarantee your safety. Doc Brown Dream on dreamer: Single man. Day dreamer. Visionary.

Seeks Christian woman who is sympathetic to men with mental illness and sees dead people but is self controlled.

Elastica fan: Where did you get your t-shirt? Maude x Stand by, Red Fox: ’Pedro’, my husband is becoming suspicious.

I think we may need to ‘take care’ of this matter.

World domination: Misunderstood evil genius seeks minions. Must work 24/7. No pay.

Death is likely.

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