751 by TNT MAGAZINE

March 2015 Issue 751

IN WE-DA Y TOUR

A THRE OF ULURU AND FLIGHTS WITH THE ROCK TOUR

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO ‘AAAAH!’ 23 activites to make you crap your pants

WHAT LIES BENEATH Explore nature’s water park in the Waitomo Caves

A C I R F A E R O L EXP

p side your Jee in y ta s to t s hough it’s be lt a – i r fa a s n ive o See the Big F

+ EASTER BREAKS TOP 10 QUEENSLAND KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE HOSTELS

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- SCORE YOURSELF -

$50 OFF YOUR TRIP AT STA TRAVEL Book in store today or phone 134 782

Terms and conditions apply. Valid on all new confirmed bookings made in conjunction with a minimum of $500 worth of accommodation, touring and/or travel insurance. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Non refundable if part used. Offer expires 31 December 2015

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EDITORIAL Editor Caroline Garnar caroline.garnar@tntmagazine.com Contributors Andrew Westbrook, Michael Gadd 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 Spotpress PICTURES Getty Images | iStock | TNT Images | Supplied COVER IMAGE: Credit for our cover image to Dean Hood, image taken for Unicorns. TNT Magazine online tntdownunder.com

WHERE TO GET TNT

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

FROM THE EDITOR It’s fair to say that most of us take life for granted. People who travel, however, are at least scratching the surface of how amazing this planet is. Chasing adventure and with a natural-born curiosity, we see sights and experience moments that make us realise how very tiny and insignificant we are, and how we need to soak up every minute we get on this here planet that we call home. Africa is one of those places that will have you pondering the ‘why are we here?’s and the ‘how did it all begin?’s; whether it’s as you lay beneath a blanket of stars, watch herds of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti, or spot a lone elephant gently washing her calf. Seeing these epic animals in their stunning natural habitat is a humbling and awing experience – turn to page 82 to find out more. Another way of instilling gratitude for your life is by risking it. Of course, you and I know that we’re safe when plummeting to the earth at high speed or dangling at a great height, because we have equipment and people there to keep us safe. But try telling your mind – or your bowels – that. They’ll have you believing these are your last moments. But when you survive, the rush is like no other and the world comes into a sharper focus than ever before. Turn to page 18 to find 23 ways to make you say ‘thank God I’m alive’. Of course this part of the world has its own ways of giving you pinch-yourself moments. Perhaps it’s when you abseil into an underground abyss to find a magical world of natural water flumes and glowing poop (p62); maybe the seals, penguins and, of course, Joeys of Kangaroo Island will have you smiling like an ‘I’m so glad I’m alive’ goofball (p38). Or maybe it’s the simple but brilliant fact that you can now spend your Easter break on the beach rather than on the sofa watching Jeremy Kyle while it pees down outside (see p34 for short-break inspiration). All I know is, when I travel, I rarely take this incredible world for granted. You?

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.

West Australia beaches

Euro Van Tour

Alice Springs

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THIS MONTH DIARY 6 FOOD & DRINK 10 GIGS 12 PUBS

CRAP YOUR PANTS

FRANCESCA HAIG

SPORT F1 GRAND PRIX 26 TRAVEL TRAVEL BITES 30 HOTSHOTS 32 TOP 5: EASTER BREAKS 36 OZ: KANGAROO ISLAND

TOP 10: QUEENSLAND 44 NZ: WAITOMO CAVES

BIG TRIP: AFRICA

AUSTRALIA LISTINGS

NEW ZEALAND LISTINGS

CAREERS 88 DESPERATELY SEEKING

ON THE COVER THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO ‘AAAAAH!’

23 ways to crap your pants

WILDLIFE HOSTELS

YHA’s top spots for getting wild

EASTER BREAKS

Where to go for the long weekend

KANGAROO ISLAND

Meet Joey and co, wild and free

TOP 10 QUEENSLAND

Hot spots in the Sunshine State

EXPLORE AFRICA

18 4

Spot the Big Five on safari

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WIN

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HOW TO ENTER

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

Worth

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WIN A THREE-DAY

ULURU TOUR & FLIGHTS TNT and The Rock Tour are offering two lucky travellers the trip of a lifetime, plus one-way flights to Uluru. You will fly into Uluru airport from Sydney or Melbourne with Jetstar and be picked up to start your three-day Uluru adventure with ‘The Rock Tour’ (www.therocktour.com.au) – yes the one that wins all the awards! Return to Alice Springs on day three at 4.30pm with accommodation at the best hostel in the area, Toddy’s Backpackers. Share tales of your travels and celebrate the best that the Northern Territory outback has to offer with your group and guide at the Rock Bar. Freecall The Rock Tour 1800 246345 To enter simply go to the Contact Us tab on The Rock Tour site and send your name, mobile, email address and the message “Strewth. Jetstar fly from Sydney and Melbourne to Uluru airport from only $109.00!” Or enter at tntdownunder.com/deals-and-competitions therocktour.com.au

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OZDIARY

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OUR TOP PICKS F1 GRAND PRIX

ST PATRICK’S DAY

Mar 12-15 Melbourne

Mar 17 Everywhere

It’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie sporting calendar, and the race that gets the Formula 1 season started. This year promises to be as big as ever with new Aussie superstar Daniel Ricciardo pushing for glory. It’s not just about the cars, though, with Carl Cox headlining the after party.

March 17 is the day when everyone is Irish and drinking green beer is perfectly normal. Chances are you’re within a leprechaun’s reach of a PJ O’Brien’s, so be sure to head to the classic Irish pub for entertainment and Guinness by the bucketload. Parades will be on Sunday March 15.

Times vary Albert Park grandprix.com.au

Times vary Everywhere stpatricksday.org.au

$50+

FREE

MUST DO MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Mar 25-Apr 19 Melbourne Get your laughing gear ready, as this annual get-together of rib-ticklers is by a mile the biggest comedy festival Down Under. There’s free stuff plus loads of top acts, including Ross Noble, Ruby Wax, Jason Byrne, Noel Fielding, Paul Foot and millions more.

FREE+

Noel Fielding’s heading to Oz

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP

MOONLIGHT CINEMA

SCULPTURE BY THE SEA

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW

Ends Mar 29 Oz & NZ

Ends Mar 29 Nationwide

Mar 6-23 Perth, WA

Mar 26-Apr 8 Sydney

The cream of the cricketing world are still battling it out on Aussie and Kiwi shores. Pakistan and Ireland bring the group stages to an end in Adelaide, on March 15. It’s then onto the quarters and semis before the final itself, at the MCG, on March 29.

Yes, we’ve been going on about it for ages, but this month really is your last chance to get down to one of these awesome cinemas under the skies. They’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and offer a mix fo current hits and classics.

This public art installation might be more famous for visiting Bondi Beach each November, but for 11 years it has also been stopping by Perth’s glorious Indian Ocean beach Cottesloe. Check out the 70 works used to transform the sand into a sculpture park.

An annual institution, it’s billed as the biggest celebration of the country coming to town. Expect sheep shearing and wood chopping comps, plus a huge carnival and circus acts, as nothing says Easter like watching the Human Cannonball lady.

Times vary Oz & NZ (13 cities) icc-cricket.com

Dusk Nationwide (five cities) moonlight.com.au

24/7 Cottesloe Beach, Perth sculpturebythesea.com

From 9am Sydney Showground eastershow.com.au

$20+

comedyfestival.com.au

$19+

FREE

$35+

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Catch the masters at work on the legendary Bells Beach

RIP CURL PRO Apr 1-12 Bells Beach, Victoria Watch the planet’s best surfers carve up the blue room at the world’s longest-running pro-surfing comp, just down the road from Australia’s surfing capital, Torquay, home to both Rip Curl and Quiksilver. The locals will be hoping Aussie Mick Fanning can make it two in a row. $10

Times vary Near Torquay, Great Ocean Road

BLUESFEST Apr 2-6 Byron Bay, NSW In our humble opinion, the finest music festival that exists Down Under. Expect the world’s best blues acts, but also a setting, vibe (and often weather) that makes it the nearest Oz gets to Glasto. Lineup includes Ben Harper, Paolo Nutini, David Gray and Counting Crows. $159+

11am-midnight Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron bluesfest.com.au

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ripcurl.com.au

FREMANTLE STREET ARTS FESTIVAL Apr 4-6 Fremantle One of Australia’s biggest street arts festivals is back in one of the country’s coolest suburbs (sorry, cities), featuring 10 stages of buskers, street theatre, comedy, circus acts, cabaret and a lot, lot more. FREE+

All day Fremantle, WA fremantlestory.com.au

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OZDIARY

@tntdownunder

Hamilton goes hot air balloon crazy this month

From skateboarding to wakeboarding, you’ve got no chance of getting bored at WA’s Action Sports Games

NORTH

WEST

SOUTH

FLICKERFEST MAR 19-21 / 7.15PM / $15+ The world’s largest travelling short film festival makes it to the Red Centre for three nights.

FORCE VS REBELS MAR 13 / 7PM / $50+ Boasting the best of Australia, NZ and South Africa, Super 15 rugby rucks into round five, with Perth playing host to Melbourne’s Rebels.

ADELAIDE FRINGE ENDS MAR 15/ 10.30AM / FREE+ Second in the world only to Edinburgh, this giant open-access arts festival has more than 900 acts taking to the city’s streets, parks and theatres.

nib Stadium

Across the city

Gapview Hotel Gap Road, Alice Springs flickerfest.com.au

310 Pier Street, Perth

superxv.com

Adelaide

adelaidefringe.com.au

RAW COMEDY MAR 21 / 8PM / $35 Comedy contestants thrash out the NT RAW final, hoping to make it to the national finals and potentially onto the Edinburgh Festival.

ACTION SPORTS GAMES MAR 14 & 15 / 7AM / FREE This World Cup stop for global wakeboarding and waterskiing tours also has skateboarding, BMX riding, motocross, pyrotechnics and DJs.

BEN & JERRY’S OPEN AIR CINEMAS MAR 1-APR 12 (SUNDAYS) / 6PM / $15 Grab a tram to the beach for a ‘Sundae Session’ of film and music, with some ice cream thrown in. Movies include Point Break and Kingsman.

Darwin Entertainment Centre

Mandurah Foreshore

Brian Nadilo Reserve

93 Mitchell St, Darwin

Hall Park

actionsportsgames.com.au

yourcentre.com.au

JIM JEFFERIES APR 9 / 8PM / $53 Australia’s biggest selling comedy export of the last decade is back from filming his US TV show. Darwin Entertainment Centre 93 Mitchell St, Darwin yourcentre.com.au

Catch Kingsman with some free Ben & Jerry’s

Glenelg Beach, Adelaide openaircinemas.com.au

WEST COAST BLUES ‘N’ ROOTS FESTIVAL MAR 29 / 10.30AM-10PM / $149+ It’s a mini WA version of the mighty Bluesfest, but still has a great lineup, including John Butler, Paolo Nutini, Jurassic 5 and David Gray. Fremantle Park Fremantle

OPEN MIC NIGHT MAR 18 & 25 / 7.30PM / FREE Get some free laughs, or at least some heckling practice, with this regular free night of comedy. The Gov 59 Port Road, Hindmarsh, Adelaide

westcoastbluesnroots.com.au

thegov.com.au

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EAST

NEW ZEALAND

RABBITOHS VS ROOSTERS MAR 15 / 4PM / $10+ The rugby league season is only into its second round but it’s already thrown up a classic NRL clash, as Russell Crowe’s Premiership-holding South Sydney Rabbitohs host Sydney Roosters.

AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL MAR 4-22 / FREE+ A 19-day festival that’s a celebration of people, culture and art. There’s stacks of theatre, music, art and dance, with the headline free event being White Night, on March 14, when dramatic performances will pop up across the city from 6pm. Grab a drink at the Festival Garden in Aotea Square to soak up some atmosphere.

ANZ Stadium Sydney Olympic Park nrl.com

WATCH THIS

City-wide

COOGEE FORESHORE FESTIVAL MAR 15 / 11AM-4PM / $45 This inaugural foodie event at the beach so beloved by backpackers forms part of the five-week March into Merivale food and booze shenanigans. The ground floor of the Pavilion will be transformed into a marketplace, plus there will be pop-up eateries outside. Entrance gets you eight tokens for food and drink.

BALLOONS OVER WAIKATO MAR 25-29 / FREE This five-day visual feast of balloons and fireworks (not together!) gets started with a dramatic mass launch at dawn. It ends with the magical Nightglow, set to music.

Coogee Pavilion

Various locations

aucklandfestival.co.nz

Coogee Beach, Sydney

Hamilton, North Island

marchintomerivale.com.au

balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz

BYRON SPIRIT FESTIVAL MAR 20-22 / DUSK / $88+ There’s nowhere better to get your hippy on. Packed with teachers, musicians and all-round visionaries, this festival is all about the yoga workshops, conscious dance and sacred music. Mullumbimby, NSW spiritfestival.com.au

MARCHFEST 2015 MAR 28-29 / 11AM-11PM/9PM / $10 Did you miss out on Oktoberfest? Then head to this two-day event at The German Club Tivoli. There will be traditional bands, pretzels, traditional German dancers, singers and of course lots of good food, beer and Schnapps.

CHIEFS VS CHEETAHS MAR 28 / 4.30PM / $22+ It’s round seven of the Super 15 and, as the rugby season approaches its halfway point, we’re treated to a top-of-the-table clash as the top-ranked Kiwi and South African sides – the Waikato Chiefs and the Free State Central Cheetahs – come face-to-face. It promises to be a bruising encounter. Waikato Stadium Hamilton, North Island

superxv.com

291 Dandenong Road, Windsor, Melbourne

JIMMY CLIFF MAR 28 / 8PM / $69 Jamaican reggae royalty is paying a visit to Kiwiland so get in early and warm-up your vocal cords for that “You Can Get It If You Really Want” sing-a-long.

wherevent.com/detail/Volkstanzgruppe-

The Powerstation

The German Club Tivoli

Oberbayern-Marchfest-2015

Photos: Tourism Victoria, iStock, supplied

Auckland, North Island

ticketmaster.co.nz

SURFERS PARADISE FESTIVAL APR 3-18 / FREE This three-week celebration gets started with the four-day Australian Street Entertainment Championships, with everyone from magicians to mimes competing across four stages. There’s also a short film festival, plenty of fireworks and the Festival Pavilion.

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP ENDS MAR 29 / $20+ As it heads to the business end of the competition, there are still plenty of matches to be seen in New Zealand. After the pools wrap up, Wellington Regional Stadium will host a quarter-final on March 21, while Auckland’s Eden Park will host a semi-final on March 24.

Various locations

Wellington Regional Stadium & Eden Park

Surfers Paradise, Queensland

Wellington & Auckland, North Island

surfersparadise.com

icc-cricket.com

AUSSIE RULES The world of tight shorts, brilliantly over-the-top umpires and all-round anarchy returns Down Under this month. Yes, the Aussie Rules Football season is getting underway once more. But don’t be too quick to mock, as this most Australian of sports is arguably also the country’s most popular. Indeed, an average attendance of more than 33,000 means that the NFL, Bundesliga and Premier League are the only other competitions on Earth to regularly pull in more fans. And that’s doubly impressive considering 10 of the 18 teams are based in Victoria. The main season runs for 23 rounds from March to September, when the top eight then play off in a four-round finals series, building up to the Grand Final, traditionally held on the last Saturday in September at an MCG crammed with 100,000 screaming fans. Catching a match, preferably at the MCG, is an Aussie experience not to be missed. Tickets can generally be had on the gate for around $20. Nationwide (mainly Melbourne) afl.com.au

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OZEATS

@tnt_downunder

THE COLLAROY Café and bar with bistro dining, Collaroy Beach, Sydney

Uniquely positioned smack bang on Collaroy Beach, The Collaroy is built on the bones of the old Surf Rock Hotel. It boasts a crisp white beach-shack vibe with local memorabilia on the walls and modern, beachy décor. Spend the morning brunching with a coffee and your feet in the sand at the Pelican Pavilion, grab some casual fare in the sports bar or pop-up weekend burger shack, or go in for finer nosh in the upstairs a la carte area – whatever you choose, the water views and relaxed, breezy vibe will frame your experience. THE GRUB For breakfast, the health-conscious will appreciate the powerhouse porridge brimming with seeds, goji berries and coconut, or for those who want a treat, a full English breakfast or pulled pork eggs Benedict will satisfy. For lunch and dinner, classic pub grub options meet healthy dishes such as the superfood bowl filled with dressed buckwheat noodles, shredded nori, tofu, sprouts, veggies, toasted sesame seeds and rare tuna; or go for the creative crispy pork belly with Paris mash and Asian slaw, with a side of prawn hushpuppies or incredibly moreish waffle fries with chipotle sauce. BEHIND THE BAR A range of wines and extensive craft beers, while housemade syrup mixers lend an exotic edge to your spirits on a warm day. BILL PLEASE Breakfast dishes $5-$22; lunch-dinner dishes $17-$28. VERDICT You can easily while away hours here. Not for those in a rush and be prepared for weekend line-ups. Niyati Libotte THE SCENE

Photos: Supplied and Facebook

1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097

3 OF THE BEST

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BURGER BARS

751 OZ food.indd 10

collaroyhotel.com.au

THE BURGER SHED, SYDNEY

MISSY MOO’S, PERTH

TUCK SHOP TAKE AWAY, VICTORIA

This place takes classics and dresses them up to impress, with treats such as buttermilk dressing, truffle and parmesan chips, and freshly squeezed hibiscus and berry soda. This relaxed burger bar delivers flavour in style without being pretentious.

With high-quality ingredients and nursery-rhyme names, these burgers are as delicious as they are whimsical. Get your hands around a Yankee Doodle, or Two Little Dickie Birds, and never leave unsatisfied. Head down on a Tuesday for $10 burgers!

This quirky milk bar is a nod to old-school nostalgia with shakes, burgers and interesting soft serves. Try some wacky baked goods, like choc chip cookies with actual potato chips inside. Ask for the secret Bully Burger not on the menu!

burgershed.com.au

missymoos.com.au

Facebook: TuckShopTakeAway

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TOP THREE... ... beach-front cafes

THE WHITE ELEPHANT BEACH CAFE, WEST OZ

JINDA THAI Authentic Thai food, Melbourne

Found in a converted warehouse at the back of restaurant-crowded Victoria Street in Abbotsford, the vibe, like the food on offer, comprises many elements. At once industrial (exposed brick), mixed with beach-chic (painted weatherboard, breezy white wooden furniture), and a touch of royal sparkle (gold-framed images of the Thai royal family and pretty, gold drop lanterns). THE GRUB Not your standard suburban Thai fair – the food at Jinda has a reputation for its authenticity. If you appreciate the standards they’re all there – a green chicken curry that balances perfectly its blend of spices with coconut milk and a pad Thai that is neither bland nor overly sweet. A Thai fried rice is bursting with both flavour and fresh prawns and the squid salad is an explosion of fresh, tangy flavours redolent with Vietnamese mint and coriander. For the more adventurous there’s a whole page of Esarn dishes, including pickled bamboo shoot salad and a highly spiced minced chicken larb, as well as five versions of Thailand’s famous green papaya salad (som tum). We tried the original and the version with soft-shell crab – both were flavourful, textural experiences. Oh, and the boat noodles will take you straight back to Bangkok. BEHIND THE BAR Jinda is licensed and BYO. The Cha Yen (Thai Iced Milk Tea) is like drinking a caramel-filled Easter egg through a straw, so doubles up as dessert. BILL PLEASE: Dishes for sharing between $7-$25 A cheap and tasty night out. Cash only for lunch. Dinner bookings recommended as the place packs out. VERDICT: Fresh, friendly and fashionable. Order big, be adventurous and enjoy the culinary adventure in your mouth. Cath Ferla THE SCENE

7 Ferguson St, Abbotsford, 3067, Melbourne

facebook.com/Jindamelb

If this chilled-out cafe in Gnarabup, West Australia, were any closer to the sea you’d be plucking fish out of the ocean yourself. Whether you’re heading down for breakfast or watching the sun set over dinner, this is a dining experience that leaves you dreading the thought of returning to four-walled city dining. Open only in the summer months, be sure not to miss this place on your next escape to the coast. whiteelephantcafe.com.au

BYRON BAY CAFE, NSW The award-winning Byron Bay Beach Cafe offers relaxed yet stylish dining that surpasses your average fish and chips. You get what you pay for in meal quality, plus the incredible location upon Byron Bay’s famous coast. Dinner reservations are essential. byronbeachcafe.com.au

THE BEACH CAFE, VICTORIA Situated on Australia’s largest inland beach and overlooking the Murray River, you’re very aware that you’re in Australia here. Dine on tapas among the red gums in what is a natural koala habitat, then take a walk along the sand after dinner. Travel by Perfect. thebeachcafecobram.com.au

bus or tram and

Traditional Bands

German f

Melbourne Australia Est. 1860

Free face painte

Traditional bands, dancers, singers food

Travel by bus or tram and be safe! Trams 5 & 64 - Tram Stop 36 Travel by bus Snapps or tram and & be beer! safe! Trams 5 &admission. 64 - Tram Stop 36 PLUS $10 Traditional Bands - Pretzels - Dancers - Singers Traditional Bands - Pretzels - Dancers - Singers food and beer/schnaps 291 Dandenong German Road, Windsor, Victoria 3181 Ph: (03) 9529 5211 German food and beer/schnaps Admission $10.00 Admission $10.00 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

Free face painter on Sunday 12 noon - 3pm Free face painter on Sunday 12 noon - 3pm 751 OZ food.indd 11

Travel by bus or tram and be safe! Trams 5 & 64 - Tram Stop 36

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GIGLISTINGS

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KYLIE’S HOME From Ramsay Street starlet to pop goddess, Kylie Minogue – sorry, it’s just Kylie nowadays – has come a hell of a long way. But now she’s back Down Under, with her Kiss Me Once tour, her first Aussie arena tour in four years. Check out kylie.com for more info.

WED MAR 11 The Prodigy $75 Big Top Luna Park, Sydney moshtix.com.au

THU MAR 12 Rufus Wainwright $99 The Tivoli, Brisbane ticketmaster.com.au

FRI MAR 13 Jessie J $71 Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane oztix.com.au

SAT MAR 14 Kylie $112+ Perth Arena premier.ticketek.com.au London Grammar $70+ Festival Hall, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au Jessie J $71 Big Top Luna Park, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au Macy Gray $95 The Tivoli, Brisbane ticketmaster.com.au

TUE MAR 17 Kylie $107+ Adelaide Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au Jessie J $74 Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

premier.ticketek.com.au

WED MAR 18 Kylie $108+ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au Billy Idol $100 WIN, Wollongong ticketmaster.com.au Kele $35 Corner Hotel, Melbourne ticketscout.com.au Jessie J $74 Adelaide Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

THU MAR 19 Macy Gray $79+ Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

$73 Crown Theatre, Perth premier.ticketek.com.au

$99 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

Bobby Brown $84+ Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Mastodon $78+ Big Top Luna Park, Sydney oztix.com.au

SAT MAR 21 Kylie $110+ Brisbane Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au Xavier Rudd $67 Metro Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

SUN MAR 22 Xavier Rudd $69 The Tivoli, Brisbane ticketmaster.com.au

TUE MAR 24

Xavier Rudd $71 Forum, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

Ed Sheeran $99 Qantas Arena, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Sinéad O’Connor $79 Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Billy Idol $99+ Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

FRI MAR 20

SAT MAR 28

Kylie $110+ Qantas Arena, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Ben Howard $70+ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Ed Sheeran $99 Riverstage, Brisbane ticketmaster.com.au

Jurassic 5 $96 Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

Jessie J

Ed Sheeran

Leo Sayer $69 Darwin Entertainment Centre yourcentre.com.au

MON MAR 30 Hozier $55 Metro Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

TUE MAR 31 Ben Howard $70+ Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au Paolo Nutini $84 Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

WED APR 1 George Clinton $99 Enmore Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au Paolo Nutini $82 Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au David Gray $98+ State Theatre, Sydney ticketmaster.com.au Ed Sheeran $99 Adelaide Entertainment Centre premier.ticketek.com.au

Jurassic 5 $93+ Festival Hall, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

SAT APR 4 Counting Crows $100+ Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au Jurassic 5 $94 The Tivoli, Brisbane ticketmaster.com.au

SUN APR 5 Ed Sheeran $101 Perth Arena premier.ticketek.com.au David Gray $142+ Palais Theatre, Melbourne ticketmaster.com.au

MON APR 6 Lenny Kravitz $101+ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne premier.ticketek.com.au

THU APR 9 Jimmy Cliff $83 Metro Theatre, Sydney premier.ticketek.com.au

SUN APR 12 Jimmy Cliff $79 Darwin Entertainment Centre yourcentre.com.au

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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

Photo: Facebook

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

CENTURY BAR, SYDNEY CBD It’s all about live music, top DJS and great booze deals at Century Bar. Mondays see free live acoustic nights, and Tuesday brings cheap tequila and Coronas ($5 each) for Mexican nights, where you can also tuck into free corn chips and salsa. Saturday sees DJs playing to a crowd drunk on $3 beers and spirits, while Sunday classes things up with top shelf temptations for $5. 8 1/640, George St, CBD barcentury.com.au

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Best Of Both Sides Festival 2015 March 30 — April 5

Love is a Two Way Street

50% North • 50% South • 100% Free

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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

5 King St, CBD barpetite.com.au

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

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

Burwood Inn Hotel 77 Berner Street, Merewether theburwood.com.au

Mary Ellen Hotel 57 Railway St, Mereweather maryellenhotel.com.au

HOBART

Cambridge Hotel 789 Hunter St, CBD yourcambridge.com

Oriental Hotel 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill facebook.com/theorihotel

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

Premier Hotel 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow hotelpremier.com.au

Bar Celona 23 Salamanca Sq, CBD barcelonahobart.com Raincheck Lounge 392 Elizabeth St, North Hobart rainchecklounge.com.au Republic Bar & Cafe 299 Elizabeth St, North Hobart republicbar.com Shipwrights Arms 29 Trumpeter St, Battery Point shipwrightarms.com.au The Duke 192 Macquarie Street CBD theduke.com.au

NEWCASTLE Albion Hotel 72 Hannell St, Wickham thealbion.com.au Bar Petite

Hamilton Hotel 442 Kingsford Smith Dve, Ham hamiltonhotel.com.au Hamilton Station Hotel 2-6 Beaumont St, Islington hamiltonstation.com.au

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

Glasshouse Nightclub 90 Crown Street facebook.com/ sucasawollongong Grand Hotel 234 Keira Street wollongongnightlife.com.au Harp Hotel 124 Corrimal Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

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

The Northern Star 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton northernstarhotel.com.au

OneFiveOne 150 Keira Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

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

Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd, Islington thewicko.com.au

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

shooterssuperclub.com

BYRON BAY

Ivory Nightclub 77 Crown Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

DARWIN

Beach Hotel Bay St beachhotel.com.au

Ducks Nuts 76 Mitchell St, CBD ducksnuts.com.au

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

Squires Tavern 3 Edmunds St, CBD squirestavern.com.au

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

Shenannigans 69 Mitchell St, CBD shenannigans.com.au

La La Land Level 1/6 Lawson St lalalandbyronbay.com.au The Northern 35-43 Jonson St thenorthern.com.au Treehouse on Belongil 25 Childe St treehouseonbelongil.com Woody’s Surf Shack 90-96 Jonson St woodysbyronbay.com

CANBERRA Academy Club 15 Bunda St 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

Photo: Shooters Facebook

Castros 5 Victoria Street facebook.com/castros

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

A pole dancing woman dressed in a sailor’s outfit complete with, er, veil is exactly the sort of thing you can expect to see at the huge party spot of Shooters. This is one of the few places where thongs won’t cut it, so get your glad rags on and get ready to pout.

WOLLONGONG Alibi 76 Crown Street wollongongnightlife.com.au

Hotel Delany 134 Darby St, CBD hoteldelany.com

SHOOTERS SUPERCLUB, GOLD COAST

Shop 46, The Mark, Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Royal Inn Hotel Waratah 61/69 Station St, Waratah truelocal.com.au

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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

PJ O’Reilly’s 52 Alinga St pjoreillys.com.au

The Rock Bar 78 Todd St therockbar.com.au

Transit Bar 7 Akuna St transitbar.com.au

Todd Tavern 1 Todd St toddtavern.com.au

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NZPUBS

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

CHRISTCHURCH

The Zookeeper’s Son 715 Mt Albert Rd zookeepersson.co.nz

Bealey’s Speight’s Ale House 263 Bealey Ave bealeysalehouse.co.nz

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

Bailies Bar 1066 Colombo St, St Albans bailiesbar.co.nz

4.20 bar 373 Karangahape Rd 420.co.nz

Becks Southern Alehouse 155 Colombo St beckssouthernalehouse.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

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

Four Kings Sports Bar 7-11 Dixon St fourkings.co.nz

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

Havana Coffee Works 163 Tory St, Te Aro havana..co.nz

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

Hawthorn Lounge 82 Tory St, Te Aro hawthornlounge.co.nz J J Murphy & Co 119 Cuba St, Te Aro jjmurphy.co.nz Mac’s Brewbar 4 Taranaki St thebrewerybar.co.nz Matterhorn 106 Cuba St, Te Aro matterhorn.co.nz MIghty Mighty 104 Cuba St, Te Aro mightymighty.co.nz Molly Malones 134 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro mollymalones.co.nz San Francisco Bath House 171 Cuba St, Te Aro sfbh.co.nz Southern Cross Garden Bar 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro thecross.co.nz Sprig & Fern 342 Tinakori Rd sprigandferntaverns.co.nz

Garden Hotel Bar 110 Marshland Rd, Shirley

gardenhotel.co.nz Pegasus Arms 14 Oxford Terrace pegasus-arms.com Tequila Mockingbird 98 Victoria St tequilamockingbird.co.nz The Brewery 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston casselsbrewery.co.nz The Twisted Hop Pub 616 Ferry Rd thetwistedhop.co.nz Monteiths Brewery Bar 53 Merrin St mbbmerrinst.co.nz No. 4 Bar 4 Mansfield Ave, St Albans no4bar.co.nz

HAMILTON Axces Bar 28 Alexandra St yellow.co.nz

Foundation Bar Maahanga Dr, Te Awa foundationbar.co.nz The Bank Bar & Brasserie Cnr Victoria St & Hood St thebank.co.nz The Cook 7 Cook St, Hamilton East thecook.net.nz 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 McCool’s 14 Rust Ave mccools.co.nz pub McMorrisseys Irish Pub 7 Vine St, Vinetown mcmorrisseys.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

The Apartment 25 Allen St, Te Aro theapartment.co.nz

Bar 101 118 Victoria St bar101.co.nz

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

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

The Green Man 25 Victoria St thegreenmanpub.co.nz

CBD Corner Pub 26 Hood St cbdpub.co.nz

Lonestar Restaurant & Bar 60 The Esplanade, Inner Kaiti lonestar.co.nz

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

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

Soho 2 Crawford Rd, Inner Kaiti sohobar.co.nz

GISBORNE Aladdin Bar/First Light Aikido 63 Peel St firstlighttaikido.net

The Poverty Bay Club 57/65 Customhouse St thepovertybayclub.co.nz The Jolly Stockman 3 Saleyards Rd yellow.co.nz Verve Cafe & Bar 121 Gladstone Rd facebook.com

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 The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar 64 W Quay, Ahuriri gintrap.co.nz The Rose Irish Pub 64 Hastings St masonic.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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Around the world in 23 screeeeams From bungy jumps to haunted houses, humans appear to love scaring themselves shitless, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found 23 top ways to do just this. Fill your boots, or rather pants, with this lot... 18

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HIGH STUFF Scared of heights? This Lot will definitely make you scream, then – or at least freeze in terror. From skyscraper viewing platforms to climbing mother nature’s sky-high wonders, watch out for those jelly legs, you wouldn’t want to fall now would you...

GRAVITY CANYON, NEW ZEALAND There’s nothing to make you more nervous about being at a great height than knowing you’re about to jump off it. New Zealand is king of the bungy, but if you’re not quite up for that Gravity Canyon also offers other options, including the Swing (pictured). Sit in a harness and drop in a 50m freefall, but instead of boinging back up, you will swing across the river below. You can lie back or even dangle upside down if you do want to spice things up. gravitycanyon.co.nz

Redwoods, USA

CLIMB REDWOODS, USA These trees are slightly different to the ones we used to climb in our back gardens at home. To begin with, they’re in America, crazily resistant to diseases – oh, and can reach over 350 feet tall, making them the tallest in the world. Growing along a narrow 450-mile stretch of land, from central California into the wilds of Oregon, the mighty trees tower over visitors. North Coast Adventure Centres gets dare-devils racing through the treetop canopies at heights of up to 100ft northcoastadventurecenters.com

BURJ KHALIFA, UAE

Trolltunga Rock, Norway

The tallest building in the world arguably offers one of the best city views in the world, particularly as the city of Dubai looks like the future. The centrepiece of downtown Dubai, it’s a real draw for tourists, fascinated by how the hell they managed to build something so big (830m!). The observation deck is on the 124th floor – although that’s actually only the third highest in the world. burjkhalifa.ae

Photo: Gravity Canyon

TROLLTUNGA ROCK, NORWAY Trolltunga (literally translated as ‘Troll’s Tongue’) overlooks the Ringedalsvatnet Lake close to the village of Tyssedal. The trek there isn’t for the faint hearted. However, if you do manage to survive the eight-hour climb, hike and cycle up, you’ll be rewarded with an epic view across the fjords – just don’t stand too close to the edge! OpplevOdda organises group tours for around $91 per person, with all equipment included opplevodda.com

Edgewalk, Canada TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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EDGEWALK, CANADA Visitors to the EdgeWalk tread around a five-foot metal ledge which circles the top of the Tower’s main pod 1168ft above the ground. To put it into perspective, that’s more than 80 double decker buses balanced on top of one another. Of course, participants are all safely strapped into harnesses which are clipped onto the overhead safety bar. However, with nothing to hold onto, you just have to put all your trust into the safety equipment. To make things a little bit more thrilling, once you get up there, try the go-to EdgeWalk pose, which involves leaning backwards off the ledge as if you’re about to abseil down. Rather you than us with that one. edgewalkcntower.ca

SKY TOWER, NEW ZEALAND At 328m high, Auckland’s Sky Tower is the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere and, not only are the views from the top great, you can also jump off it! Yep, this one is for all the adrenaline junkies out there, home to New Zealand’s highest jump, a base jump by wire which offers a gentle introduction to an extreme sport skyjump.co.nz

BODIES, LAS VEGAS At this exhibition you’ll be able to gawp at 13 preserved human bodies and 250 organs. The polymer preservation process is a revolutionary technique in which human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone. All water is removed from the specimens before veins are injected with silicon to make a mould of the human form. The end result is a detailed view of the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. The exhibition is at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Go before lunch. luxor.com/entertainment/bodies.aspx

CATACOMBS, ITALY

FREAKY STUFF Humans have always had a morbid curiosity for the weird, the grotesque, and the scary. Luckily for us, the world is full of this stuff. Warning: both balls and stomachs of steel are required.

Found on the outskirts of Palermo City, the Capuchin Catacombs are home to the remains of around 8,000 mummies. The practice began after monks discovered a mysterious preservative that helped to mummify the dead within the walls of the catacombs. The preserved bodies, which range in date from the late 1500s to 1920s, are dressed in their best clothes and are either lying in a coffin or hung from a hook by their necks. Dark corridors of ghoulish skeletons with empty eye sockets and peeling faces... this human library is not for the fainthearted. darkrome.com

4D EXPERIENCE OF DEATH, CHINA

Photo: iStock, © AREA 47 and supplied.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be cremated? Well, thanks to China’s possibly weirdest attraction – the death simulator – now you can experience it first-hand! Shanghai’s Samadhi 4D Experience of Death is a morbid game, allowing players to experience death and, if you fail a particular challenge, a fake cremation. Stuffed into a coffin and loaded in to a faux cremator, hot air and light projections simulate a cremation before you’re reborn through a womb-like capsule. Weird. No website, 101-104, Building 2, Gongyi Xintiandi, 105 West PuYu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, LA Scream like a Hollywood star as you come face to face with King Kong, Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs and Jaws himself. Doubling up as a theme park and film studio, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use – indeed, it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Other themed rides include Revenge of the Mummy, Transformer’s: The Ride – 3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Fast & Furious – Supercharged is opening this summer and 2016 welcomes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now please excuse us while we pass out from excitement. Ahhhhhh! universalstudioshollywood.com

ISLAND OF DOLLS, MEXICO Known locally as La Isla de las Muñecas, this eerie island is covered with limbless, headless dolls; hanging from trees, scattered on the ground, attached to stakes – everywhere. The island was once property to a local farmer, called Don Julián Santana, who witnessed a little girl drown in the canals surrounding the island. He thought the girl’s spirit haunted the island, so he began collecting dolls and adorning the place with them to protect himself. Don Julián’s cousin, who now owns the island, claims the dolls come alive at night and whisper to each other... Xochimilco, Mexico, accessible by boat

FUN STUFF If you’re not looking to be totally terrified, theme parks and water parks are great options. Designed with fun in mind, sure you may be plummeting towards earth at silly miles an hour one minute and hanging upside down the next, but at least your screams will be screams of joy... well, maybe not all of them...

AREA 47, AUSTRIA This is a waterpark with a difference, as it’s all set on a giant lake in the mountains of Austria. It’s like the waterpark nature intended. Of course, man has had a helping hand: there are epic slides, diving platforms, waterski jumps, blobbing (the giant inflatables you bounce off), zip lining and more. For those of you who prefer not to get wet, there is also an off-road area, where you can bump over a dirt track on a KTM bike or cross buggy. Want more action? You can stay in a teepee overnight and do it all again the next day. area47.at

Photo: iStock, © AREA 47 and supplied.

AQUAVENTURE, DUBAI Ramping up the fear factor straight away is Atlantis Dubai’s Aquaventure, where the steepest slide plunges you through a tank full of sharks. Not that you’d notice, you’re going so fast. Other highlights include a slide where you can race your mate as your speeds are timed – also the perfect excuse to eat doughnuts as the heavier you are the better; and there’s a raft ride where you cling on for dear life as you shoot down a drop and up a near vertical wall, almost like a skateboard ramp. atlantisthepalm.com/marine-water-park

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ALTON TOWERS, UK Yep, the UK can compete with the big dogs when it comes to cool theme parks. Why? The adventure park in Stoke-onTrent, Staffordshire, offers a ‘flying’ coaster, Air, where you are strapped up facing down. Cool. Along with other massive spine-tinglers, AT also has a waterpark and hotel, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway when you’re already sick of seeing the folks back home. altontowers.com

WET ’N WILD, FLORIDA America is pretty damn good at theme parks, and its water parks are equally epic. Wet ’n Wild is arguably the pick of the bunch, and it’s great for a group of mates as it has more multi-person rides than any other water park. Well, playing with other people is arguably better than playing with yourself... Take your seat in a raft to drop into a funnel, whiz around in the dark, take a slippery trip through the 1970s, toboggan down a bumpy slope and more. Soloists can take a six-story plunge after the floor disappears from underneath your feet, spin down a ‘body coaster’, or drag race your mates headfirst down a slide. wetnwildorlando.com

SUNWAY LAGOON, MALAYSIA Sunway Lagoon is a hybrid of a waterpark and a theme park. Divided up into areas, you can splash about in the Water Park, which includes a surf beach, a ‘5D’ film where you get soaked, toboggan race slides, and they’ve even managed to make the annoying vuvuzela fun, using its funnel shape for a raft ride. Dry off and head to the Amusement Park for classic rides, including a pirate ship which rotates 360°; the Wildlife Park to see animals from tigers to tortoises; the Extreme Park where you can bungy jump, zip-line and go kart; then finish off by getting chased by zombies at the Scream Park. You will definitely scream here – but will anyone hear you? sunwaylagoon.com

FUJI-Q HIGHLAND, JAPAN

DISNEYLAND, PARIS Okay, this might be designed for kids, but if you don’t at least let out a squeal when you see Mickey Mouse, you are a bigger person than us. This branch of Disney is arguably better for adults, too, as it has eight adrenalin rides, including the dropping lift in Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a coaster in the dark in Space Mountain, and Rock and Rollercoaster with Aerosmith, which takes you on a loud journey of G-force. us.parks.disneylandparis.com/disneyland-park

POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS STUFF If you can only get your kicks if they’re coming from the Grim Reaper himself, this lot is for you. Just really try not to hurt yourself or, y’know, die. We’ll miss you.

WARRIOR TRAINING, MONGOLIA Located at the foot of Mount Fuji near Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji-Q Highland offers awesome thrill-seeker rides with a sprinkling of Japanese quirkiness. Alongside coasters with the highest total number of spins in the world, accelerations of 172km/h in 1.8 seconds, and the steepest drop in the world at 121°, you will also find a Labyrinth of Fear and the Ultimate Fort. Only enter the labyrinth if you dare, as you won’t re-surface for an hour – if ever, mwah-ha-ha. While the fort maze will have you solving puzzles and cracking codes to (hopefully) escape. fujiq.jp/en/ 22

Under Genghis Khan, the Mongols were the most powerful military force of their day. In this nine-day adventure, find out the secret behind their success. Don a Mongolian warrior costume, stay in traditional nomadic tents, learn 13th-century battle tactics (watch out for the pointy sticks!), archery lessons, horse lassoing, wrestling and yak-cart riding. Enjoy the hospitality of actual, 21st-century nomadic families and get tipsy on Mongolian milk vodka. pioneerexpeditions.com

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EXTREME PICNICKING, VARIOUS No, we don’t mean living life on the edge by bringing glass flutes instead of paper cups. Extreme picnicking is all about, well, picnicking in the most extreme place you can think of. Previous attempts have ranged from the acceptable (think folks on plastic chairs in the sea) to the practically insane, where people have dangled off a cliff on a bench to enjoy a bottle of beer. The more inventive the scene, the more kudos you receive. Just don’t be an idiot and make this picnic your last.

FISH FOR PIRANHA, SOUTH AMERICA Cruising the Amazon is bucket list material, but add killer fish to the mix and that bucket could come earlier than you think if you fall in... Learn how to fish for piranha, take a dip in a black water river and enjoy sightings of squirrel monkeys, three-toed-sloths and pink dolphins. Far from roughing it, enjoy everything from aboard a five-star luxury cruise liner. If the piranhas don’t bite your hand off for this, we will. aquaexpeditions.com

CLIMB A FROZEN WATERFALL, VARIOUS Make like John Snow and defy The Wall. When climbing a wall of ice, there’s not just danger from thin ice, avalanches or frostbite, but White Walkers too. Seriously, though, before undertaking a climb, you have to make sure the frozen waterfall is bonded to a base and wall of rocks – otherwise, the ice may collapse at any point, bringing you down with it. Gulp. If this still hasn’t deterred you, grab your ice axes and crampons and head to Colorado, the Canadian Rockies or Norway where the best climbing sites are.

STORM CHASING, USA If even the unpredictable weather back in England bores you, chasing tornadoes around the Great Plains could be right up your alley. In scenes reminiscent of Twister, learn from experts about storm safety and how to read weather data, while witnessing breathtaking phenomena like supercell tornadoes and spectacular lightning. On quiet days, take in sights such as the world’s largest ball of twine in Kansas or Nebraska’s ‘Carhenge’. April to June. tempesttours.com. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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CHATROOM

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Francesca Haig

Dividing her time between the UK and her Aussie homeland, celebrated poet Francesca Haig has put pen to paper for her first novel and created a new world of her own – though not one we’d likely choose to live in. INTERVIEW CAMILLA DAVIES

Photo: Supplied

Francesca Haig’s debut novel, The Fire Sermon, drummed up massive buzz even before publication. Touted as the next Hunger Games, DreamWorks have already snapped up the movie rights – something which Haig calls, “frankly, a bit surreal”. The novel in question is the first of a trilogy in which, 400 years from now, Earth has returned to a primitive form following some sort of nuclear destruction. Now, every human birth results in twins: of each pair, one is Alpha, and physically perfect; the other Omega, is born with a mutation and cast outside of the Alpha community. Alphas and Omegas live separately, in the ever-binding knowledge that when one twin dies, the other cannot survive. Haig explains that actually, fantasy fiction is not her main genre as a reader. “I wasn’t thinking about genre at all when I wrote it, I just thought of a story about twins who share the fatal bond – where one twin dies the other dies – and everything else just grew organically out of that.” Although the novel has aspects of sci-fi fantasy, Haig says, “It’s probably much closer to a kind of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road ‘post-apocalyptic’

than it is to any kind of high fantasy – there are no dragons, no buxom wenches in leather brassieres. It’s a much more stark and realistic kind of novel, I think, than any other kind of high fantasy that’s certainly in vogue at the moment.” Like most organic things in life, Haig’s writing process wasn’t fast. In fact, the seeds of her novel had been swirling around Haig’s head for “literally years and years”. “I had the idea more than a decade ago and it was just ticking away at the back of my mind. I started writing it in a very slapdash way – I would go on holiday and maybe bang out 10,000 words, and then I would go back to work and literally not look at it for six months at a time. So for about three or four years I was writing it in a very dilettantish, unfocused way, and then for about a year at the end I suddenly thought, ‘hang on, maybe there is actually a serious project here’, and so I applied myself to it much more seriously,” says Haig. The London-based writer was able to scribe her tome across continents thanks to having an English dad and an Australian mum – “I grew up in Tasmania, my parents still live there so we go back and see them from time to time.” Haig hasn’t lost her love for her homeland, saying, “If my husband’s work would permit, I would move to the Tasman Peninsular at the drop of a hat” – though she’s settled in “fabulous” Melbourne too. “I did my undergrad and my PHD in Melbourne and lived very happily there for eight years. I still have relatives there and that’s where my husband’s family is from, so we go back every few years; every year if we can manage it, but now we have a baby son, of course the flight is a complete nightmare!” Having divided her time between England and Australia, working as

a lecturer in Chester and now living in London, she’s always “a bit torn” when there’s a sporting fixture. “I have slightly mixed loyalties. But, without wanting to sound like a Qantas ad, I would still call Australia home.” Look closely, and aspects of Down Under may jump out between the lines of Haig’s debut novel. “[Those who live in Australia] will definitely catch pieces of Australian landscape there; the location is not tied to any specific place – I’ve cannibalised locations from all over my experience and also my imagination – but there are certainly hints, particularly of the Tasmanian coastal landscape in parts of the book.” Haig remarks that lots of authors hail from the island state. “Tasmania really punches above its weight when it comes to novelists and poets – The Flanagans, Margaret Scott – there are so many wonderful writers who have come out of Tasmania and I’m sure part of that is how the landscape gets under your skin.” Having lived and taught in England, Haig finds humour in British interpretations of Oz. “People always think Tasmania is this tiny little island because they see it on the map next to the huge scale of the Australian mainland, and when I point out Tasmania is actually two thirds the size of England it just blows their minds! “Also, whenever anything happens in Australia I get very sweet concerned messages from English friends. There’ll be a fire in Perth and I’ll have worried calls about my relatives in Tasmania. The scale of Australia just doesn’t quite compute to European mind-sets.” But, with her first novel snapped up by DreamWorks and another two to complete, it seems Haig’s fiction will soon be a talking point on both sides of the world. The Fire Sermon is out now, published by Harper Voyager

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SPORTFOCUS

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Closing the gap Mercedes were in a league of their own in 2014 with Lewis Hamilton coming out on top of a two-car contest for the title. But the pack is catching, says former F1 driver Anthony Davidson

Podium finish: (from left) Daniel Ricciardo finished third in 2014 to Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

After no shortage of drama, Lewis Hamilton topped team-mate Nico Rosberg for the 2014 Formula One driver’s championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. And despite attempts to derail each other’s campaigns on and off the track, their individual successes combined won Mercedes the constructor’s equivalent in a doddle. Between them, Hamilton and Rosberg won all but one pole position and went on to win 16 of the 19 races. It’s safe to say they best handled the biggest shake-up in F1 history, the move from 2.4L V8s to a 1.6L V6 hybrids. But close behind them, even without Mercedes’ mother of all power units, came Daniel Ricciardo with the season’s other three wins. And Sky Sports pundit Anthony Davidson, a former F1 driver himself and the reigning World Endurance Championship winner, believes the Aussie has the mettle to build on his impressive Red Bull debut after his promotion from Toro Rosso. “Daniel Ricciardo surprised so many people last year,” says 26

Photo: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images

WORDS: MICHAEL GADD

Davidson of the driver who outperformed the previous four season’s champion Sebastian Vettel after replacing compatriot Mark Webber at Red Bull. “He really is the complete package I feel. If the team can deliver him a car that is capable of race victories, he will be right there to take them.” With a year in the bank at Red Bull and with the team constantly improving their Renault power unit, 2015 could be even better for the 25-year-old from Perth. “Last year there really was a big gap in terms of the power unit, not the car,” says Davidson. “[Red Bull’s] car was quite good, and they were coming off the back of winning four world championships in a row so they clearly know a thing or two about car design. “With the change in regulations the big difference was the power unit and Renault just didn’t have the right one. If they’ve got on top of that, I’m sure they’ll be mixing it right at the front. “Even without the power unit being right last year they

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Photo: © Red Bull Media House

managed to salvage race wins with Ricciardo at the wheel. It’s very much poised for him to take many more race wins if they get the equipment right.” While Ricciardo’s building on his success, he’ll have a new teammate in the neighbouring garage in Russian Daniil Kvyat when the first green lights of the season flash in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix on March 15. Kvyat makes the same move as Ricciardo did last year from Toro Rosso and replaces Vettel after the German’s bold switch to link up with Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari. If Ricciardo is the driver to watch, early testing has shown that with Seb and ice cool Kimi – both former world champions – at their wheels, Ferrari is the dark stallion. “The real surprise so far this season has been Ferrari,” says Davidson. “It’ll be interesting to see how they get along in a challenge for race victories. Vettel chose the team at the right time too and join Kimi, even if they have a long way to go. “They’re good friends off the track as well, and they’re both world champions in their own right. “Both of them should be pumped up for a potentially good season.” In another big move, Fernando Alonso joins Britain’s Jenson Button at McLaren as the team comes to grips with a switch from Mercedes-Benz after 20 years to Honda, a return to F1 for the Japanese manufacturing giant. Could Button, who’s endured frustration since winning the title in 2009, crack a smile with the new set-up? “He’s got a difficult year ahead of him,’ says Davidson. “Honda will be going through a learning process like everyone did last year and nothing substitutes track time – they have a big learning curve ahead of them, but at the same time they have no pressure necessarily to perform.” But as things change they look set to stay the same in many ways. For all the big name changes at their rivals, it is Mercedes that is still setting a hot pace, and with a substantial buffer. “The safest bet is on Mercedes,” admits Davidson. “After such a dominant season last year everyone expects them to be at the front... whether they’ll have the same advantage is yet to be seen. “It’s a bit of a mountain to climb for the other teams. And [Mercedes] seem to have the better reliability now they’ve shifted their focus to that knowing their car has inherent speed.” And riding high on confidence after his victory last year, Hamilton is in pole position to go back-to-back. “I got it right last year and said Lewis was going to win the championship and I think I’ll be boring and say the same thing again,” says Davidson. “I’ll be surprised if anyone can topple Mercedes and Lewis will be hard to beat. Ricciardo will be second and Vettel will be third, that’s my top three.” Although Rosberg may have something to say about that. Gentleman, start your engines. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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TRAVEL NEWS | TOP 5 | OZ TRIP | TOP 10 | LISTINGS

SKIPPY TO IT / 34 ‘Kangaroo Island is quite simply one giant zoo, only without the cages. Nicknamed Australia’s Galapagos for good reason, there’s nowhere else Down Under where so much native wildlife can so easily be experienced.’

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TRAVELBITES Smile please! Lost camera’s owner traced A snap-happy British backpacker has been reunited with the camera he lost while kayaking off the coast of east Australia six months ago. London lawyer Chris Hesford’s trusty GoPro camera had met with a watery end after its six-month dip in the briny – but the real bonus for the 22-year-old was that hundreds of priceless photographs from his oncein-a-lifetime world trip had survived intact on the memory card. The waterlogged camera was found by Gold Coast local Steve Carmody in a riverbed at Fingal Head, around 60km from where Chris saw it plunge into Byron Bay in September. Steve posted a message on Facebook saying: “If we can track down this bloke, I have 32GB of precious memories to be returned.” After two weeks, 8,000 Facebook shares and Australian TV coverage, Chris’s picture was spotted by friends, meaning the precious images could be returned to their delighted owner 12,000 miles away. “I’m still in shock,” Chris told ABC Gold Coast. “It took me a few hours to really comprehend that that was my face up there on the other side of the world.” Describing the loss of the camera, he said: “We were just trying to ride this surf into the shoreline and the waves were obviously too big for my skills in a kayak and I just completely bailed. The force of the water just ripped the camera off my head. I thought it was gone forever, that it was just washed away into the sea.” Camera rescuer, samaritan Steve said: “It’s very cool. It just goes to show the power of social media.” Chris has promised to buy Steve a pint should he ever happen to be down London way. Meanwhile that memory card will soon be winging its way back to Blighty. Let’s just pray it doesn’t get lost in the post...

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TOP 10 YHA HOSTELS FOR WILDLIFE IN AUSTRALIA YHA Australia has published a top 10 list of its hostels to show that Oz is not just about surfing, beaches and Joeys, and has lots of wildlife to offer.

GRAMPIANS ECO YHA in Halls Gap in the Grampian National Park. For kangaroos, wallabies, emu, possums and sugar gliders. PORT STEPHENS YHA for koalas, dolphins and whales. PITTWATER YHA 30km north of Sydney in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Home to possums, wallabies, goanna and kookaburras. HERVEY BAY YHA. For Fraser Island’s native birds, dingo and friendly humpback whales. If you want to spy on Oz’s creatures great and small, here are the places to go, and the YHA to stay in... KANGAROO ISLAND YHA, a few hours south of Adelaide, for kangaroos, penguins, sea lions, echidnas and goannas. PORT LINCOLN YHA for Great White Shark, blue fin tuna and sea lions. PHILLIP ISLAND YHA for the island’s famous Penguin Parade, Australian fur seals and the Koala Conservation Centre for fuzzy bears.

MAGNETIC ISLAND YHA, for koala, pythons, lizards and crocodile as well as dolphins, turtles, coral reef fish and sea eagles. Cairns Central YHA for the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest with its crocs and maybe a cassowary, and the Atherton Tablelands for platypus and tree kangaroos. DARWIN YHA to explore the Kakadu National Park, for native bird species, crocodiles and other native fauna. FREMANTLE PRISON YHA, opening soon, will be a base for visiting Rottnest Island quokkas – cute marsupials similar to a small wallaby.

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10 THINGS TO DO IN MACKAY Tigerair Australia has teamed up with Mackay Airport, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Tourism to launch the ‘101 Things To Do in the Mackay Region’ campaign to help turn outdated perceptions of Mackay. “The southern perception of Mackay as a mining town needs to be changed and the focus turned on the reality of our amazing 28 beaches, tropical rainforest and wonderful climate,” said Mackay Airport GM, Rob Porter. “If you are standing in the cold and rain in Melbourne in July and a tropical beach is less than $100 and under three hours away direct, well, I know where I would be booking a weekend to ease the winter blues,” he added. These are the 10 things we will definitely be doing when we visit Mackay. To see the full list of 101 things to do visit mackayairport.com. au/101things.

TRY THE MACKAY HIGHLANDS GREAT WALK Stunning scenery including dense rainforest, deep gorges, steep escarpments and tranquil farming communities make the Mackay Highlands Great Walk a very special experience.

GO BLOKARTING Power down Mackay’s long smooth beaches in a wheeled cart with a sail, powered by nothing but the wind. Awesome fun.

GO OFF-ROAD BIKING Explore Pioneer Valley,

Photos: Central Queensland Blokart Club (www.cqbc.yolasite.com)

From blokarting to platypus spotting to off-road biking, Queensland’s Mackay should not be overlooked.

Blokarting Eungella National Park, and more while getting seriously muddy on an off-road bike.

National Park, offering some of the most unique panoramas in Queensland.

SEE MINIATURE ANIMALS

SPOT A PLATYPUS

Get ready to ‘aww’ over miniature pigs, horses, donkeys and goats at the Jarravale Alpacas and Miniature Animal Farm.

Broken River is recognised as the world’s most certain place to see these crazy critters in the wild. All you need is a bit of patience.

HAVE A PINT IN A HISTORIC PUB

STAY ON A FARM

Nebo’s Heritage listed Hotel still retains great character and hasn’t changed much since it was built overlooking Nebo Creek in 1862.

Enjoy a farm stay and take a leisurely horse ride on meandering trails through grassland and luscious rainforest.

SWIM IN FINCH HATTON GORGE

HANG OUT WITH WALLABIES ON THE BEACH

Finch Hatton is a popular spot with waterfalls that flow all year round, swimming holes and walking tracks.

The closest thing to a crowd at Cape Hillsborough during a beach stroll is a family of friendly wallabies.

CLIMB WOLFGANG PEAK

Tigerair flies regularly between Melbourne and Mackay four times weekly and offers the only direct

Climbers will discover a 360-degree view of the surrounding farmland and

air link between the two destinations. To celebrate the launch of the integrated Mackay marketing campaign, Tigerair is offering special airfares from just $65 each way. As always the key to securing the best-value fares with Tigerair is to plan ahead and book early – as demand increases closer into the travel date, so does the price of the fare generally. tigerair.com

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TOPFIVE

EASTER BREAKS

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ROAD TRIP DOWN THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

words: Mariah Mathew. Images: iStock

Whether you’re taking time off from your studies or wanting to take advantage of the precious long weekend off work, the longanticipated Easter break offers the opportunity to spread our arms beyond the reach of the nearest Creme Egg and indulge in something a little different. Capturing your last chances of sunkissed skin before those 20 degree winters set in (brrr), the sand and sea

are a siren’s call. Or leave behind the big cities and take a hike into nature before throwing yourself off a dropdead gorgeous cliff side. Whether it’s at your back step or beyond, the Easter break gives you the perfect opportunity to blow off steam and treat yourself to some welldeserved rest and relaxation. Here are a few of our Easter break favourites to give you some inspiration...

There’s hardly a better way to escape from the humdrum of work and study than to grab a car and some friends and do something that will really stimulate your senses. Smell the unpolluted air, hear the beating of waves against the coast, taste the sea salt on your skin, feel the sun on your face, and take in some of the most awe-inspiring natural sights that Australia has to offer when driving along the Great Ocean Road. The name says it all really. It’s a road, next to an ocean, and it’s great! Whether you squeeze it into a day, or stretch it out over several, you’ll have the chance to explore some breathtaking sights such as the 12 Apostles and the Bay of Islands. Take a few detours to visit the Great Ottway National Park, try whale watching at Warrnambool, or take a leisurely detour via the Bellarine Peninsula to visit quaint coastal towns and wineries. Perfect.

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EASTER BREAK

TOPFIVE

ADRENALINE RUSH IN QUEENSTOWN

WEST AUSTRALIAN BEACH TOWNS

New Zealand is a country well-known for its untouched sceneries, and with so many natural wonders on the back porch of Queenstown, you’re spoilt for choice. If your work life is getting you down, take a hike through nature before throwing yourself off a bridge at The Ledge or Nevis Bungy, to name a few. Being only a short drive out of the CBD, it’s perfect for a day trip for your nature or adrenaline fix, and you’re bound to experience a rush greater than any chocolate-induced sugar high could give you.

After gorging on chocolate, what better way to relax than to collapse onto the beach and let the soft sand mould around your food baby, free of judgement? With the many beautiful beaches in WA to choose from, Dunsborough is one of the most popular seaside tourist destinations – indeed, in 2013 it was awarded the Top Tourism Award for populations under 5,000. Relax in the sun by day, head up to the nearby wineries in Margaret River for a relaxing drink or six, and then head back in time for a late-night dip on a secluded beach.

Images: AJ Hackett Bungy, iStock

BALI’S BEST

GOLD COAST CITY AND SEA

To many, Bali has become synonymous with Australians partying on a budget and behaving in a way that instills the highest degree of national pride. However, this beautiful island is filled with rich culture that tends to be overlooked in one’s search for mushies and Bintang. Away from the tourism clutches of the south, venture to Sanur or Lovina to escape the party scene for a more relaxing getaway. See how the island still maintains its heritage through ceremonies, architecture, markets and traditional villages. When you can purchase flights to Bali that can cost less than crossing Australia, why wouldn’t you explore this gem?

If you want to use your break to explore closer to home, your back door can be the first place to look. The Gold Coast is where natives and tourists alike flock to sea to enjoy one of Australia’s most notorious beach and nightlife destinations. Spend your day in the water then drag yourself back onto shore to dig your toes in the sand and soak up the sun. As the afternoon ticks on, trade in the pinks and yellows of breathtaking sunsets, for those of a tequila sunrise, and your evening is just beginning as the nightlife of this city by the sea comes alive. TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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OZTRIP

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A zoo without cages Joey may have the spotlight when it comes to the name of Kangaroo Island, but they have serious competition when it comes to our attentionâ&#x20AC;Ś WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

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Endless months aboard a 19th-century ship would, you’d expect, work wonders for your imagination. It’s little surprise, after all, that so many crusty seadogs dreamily mistook lardy lumps of wet blubber for scantily clad mermaids – the human mind, it seems, can only be content with mouldy biscuits and talk of buried treasure for so long before taking matters into its own hands. For that reason, I’m always surprised there aren’t more decidedly dodgy Aussie place names joining the glorious likes of Mount Buggery, Yorkeys Knob and Fannie Bay. As such, when in 1802, English navigator Matthew Flinders dropped anchor off Australia’s then uninhabited third biggest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island), and named it Kangaroo Island, I’m guessing it must have been around lunchtime.

OZTRIP

Captain Flinders met such prolific numbers of the bouncy marsupial on the South Australian island, that his men could catch a whole mob of them before the barbie had even warmed up. But just naming it after Skippy is seriously selling the place short. Whether it be the koala population, the plentiful seals, echidnas, penguins, pelicans and any number of other Aussie critters, Kangaroo Island is quite simply one giant zoo, only without the cages. Nicknamed Australia’s Galapagos for good reason, there’s nowhere else Down Under where so much native wildlife can so easily be experienced. Indeed, one of the island’s main attractions is the sea lions. So, after a dawn pick-up in Adelaide, a couple of hours’ drive across the Fleurieu Peninsula and a 45-minute ferry ride, our two-day tour (from $436, sealink.com.au) heads straight

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[Caption]

Sealed with a kiss: Seal Bay to Seal Bay on the island’s south coast. Home to about 1,000 Australian sea lions (or five per cent of the global population), this conservation park is one of the few places on Earth where you can take guided walks onto the beach to view the whiskered wonders from just metres away. After a short stroll along a boardwalk, the ranger leads us onto the sand, where hundreds of the creatures are lazily catching some rays, seemingly oblivious to our presence as they chill out between regular three-day 120km fishing trips to the continental shelf. All along the beach are large males, or bulls, and females with pups. It’s a spectacular sight, made all the more impressive by how close we’re able to get. At one point, as we’re admiring a trio of pups bickering and chasing each other just in front of us, a mum and pup who had been relaxing at the top of the beach start heading down the sand towards us. We clamber out of the way as the family waddles past only a few metres away, each one dutifully stopping to pose for its money shot as if a red carpet A-lister while we click away like a hungry pack of paparazzi, before carrying on down to play in the surf. Memory cards already limping, we move on, stopping now and then to spot yet more kangaroos. At one point we veer dramatically off-road to excitedly catch a glimpse of a spiky little echidna cruising across a field. Kangaroo Island, however, isn’t just about cooing at cute creatures. It also boasts Little Sahara, an area where giant white sand dunes stretch across the landscape for 2km, rising 70m above sea level. Now sand dunes, as any self-respecting traveller will know, are three things: they are breathtakingly pretty, they are destroyers of cameras and, of course, they are brilliant for hurling yourselves 36

down. So that’s exactly what we do. Sand boards under arms, we clamber up the lung-burstingly steep dunes. There’s just a few moments to admire the dramatic surroundings while teetering nervously over the edge, before a quick push off and I’m suddenly at the mercy of gravity, flying down the bank and screaming my head off until I skid to a giggling mess of sandy limbs at the bottom. Hooked by the rush, the climb becomes less of an effort and we rush up again and again, flinging ourselves down the hill, feet first, face first, standing up, even on top of each other, until our legs scream out for mercy. From Little Sahara it’s on to the gorgeous Vivonne Bay, once named Australia’s best beach by a professor with the enviable gig of rating all the sandy bits Down Under. Suitably calmed from our Little Sahara adrenalin rush, it’s then home to the campfire for a night of beers and burgers. On day two we’re up early to make our way west to Flinders Chase National Park to check out KI’s most famous sight – Remarkable Rocks. Rich in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, these bizarre granite shapes were first forged as part of a mountain range 500 million years ago before gradually being pushed out of the cliff top surface, where they have remained for our comedy photo-op pleasure, like the discarded playthings of the children of gods. After scrambling over the strange sculptures for a while, it’s time to head on to something we’ve been excited about all day – we’re going quad biking (from $79, kioutdooraction.com.au). Having ridden a quad before, I can’t resist upgrading to the 250cc, five gear, sports version… and I don’t regret it. We’re soon off, tearing across the KI landscape and screeching around dirt tracks and past

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kangaroos. It’s a thrilling rush and more than satisfies our need for speed. But like all these things, despite lasting an hour or two, it still ends way too quickly. Finally pried away from our machines, we find ourselves standing around, chatting excitedly, not wanting to leave as we’re still buzzing from the experience. But the time is up on our two-day adventure so we’re dragged back to the bus. On the road again, there’s just time to stop off for some incredible fish and chips and an insane pelican-feeding show before heading back to the mainland, full of exhausted contentment. Kangaroo Island, says Flinders? We say Awesome Island.

Your itinerary The natural landscape and local wildlife are by far the biggest draws of Kangaroo Island, an ideal two or three-day escape from Adelaide. An obligatory stop-off is Flinders Chase National Park (entry $10), a protected area on the western end of the isle that plays host to rugged cliffs, sheltered bays and plentiful bush-walking opportunities. This is where you’ll find KI’s poster boys, Remarkable Rocks, a cluster of giant attentiongrabbing stones that have been sculpted into weird shapes by the elements and now look out to sea from atop the smooth granite coastline. Another Flinders highlight is Admirals Arch, a surf-battered rock formation home to a

large colony of New Zealand fur seals. Kangaroo Island’s tagline of being like a ‘zoo without the fences’ may sound clichéd but is in fact well deserved. Beyond the ‘roos, it’s as good as anywhere in Oz for spotting a huge range of Aussie animals – such as koalas, echidnas and penguins – up close and in the wild. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Seal Bay Conservation Park (entry $32, sealbay.sa.gov. au), where you can take a ranger-guided walk right along the beach among the colony of hundreds of sea lions. To get your glimpse of a koala, head for the Koala Walk at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary ($6, hansonbay.com. au), while you can watch pelicans gobbling their dinner at the Penguin Centre – which no longer does penguin tours, we’re afraid ($5, kipenguincentre.com.au).

Where to stay While still enjoying a seemingly undeveloped tourism scene, there’s a large array of sleeping options on Kangaroo Island. Bear in mind that multi-day tours from Adelaide often include accommodation on remote bush properties, while budget hostels can be found at the ferry port of Penneshaw, the town of Kingscote and dotted across the rest of the isle. An easy starting point is Kangaroo Island Backpackers (kangarooislandbackpackers.com), a laid-back hostel with beds from $28pn. You’ll find it just 100m from the Penneshaw ferry terminal. Another handy option for the

2 Day Wilderness Explorer

Enjoy 2 days of fun and adventure!

• Pick-up and set-down from selected Adelaide hostels • Return coach and ferry tran sfers to Kangaroo Island • Rob’s Sheep Shearing, Em u Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Seal Bay , Little Sahara sand dunes, Viv onne Bay, Hanson Bay Koala Sanctu ary Flinders Chase National Park, , Remarkable Rocks and Adm irals Arch • Accommodation at a private bush lodge with use of kayaks and bikes • Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunche s and 1 dinner

Call 08 8202 8678 or vis kiadventuretours.com.itau

The wildlife, wonder and beauty of Kangaroo Island... TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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OZTRIP

@tnt_downunder

Photos: Kangaroo Island Tours, South Australian Tourism and iStock. This article is from the TNT archives

Stone me: The impressive Remarkables

ferry is the Kangaroo Island YHA (yha.com.au), which enjoys great views of Hog Bay, plus they run tours to see the local fairy penguins. Beds cost from $31.50pn. If you want to be among the action, the cheap option in Kingscote is Kangaroo Island Central Backpackers (kicentralbackpackers.com), where beds cost $27pn. Alternatively, there are also a few options found away from the bright lights. Flinders Chase Farm (flinderschasefarm.com.au) is in the remote far west by the national park. It offers lodge-style accommodation on a working farm. Double cabins cost from $70pn, while dorm beds are also available, from $25pn. Vivonne Bay Lodge (sealink.com.au), meanwhile, is set on an expansive property on the gorgeous south coast, with plenty of beach-front action. Rooms for up to four people cost from $120pn.

Where to eat With its rich, fertile lands and 509km of largely unspoilt coastline, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little surprise that Kangaroo Island is renowned as a hotspot for locally grown and organically produced gourmet delights. From its honey, cheeses and yoghurt, to oysters, snapper and King George whiting, all washed down with a bottle of KI wine, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely your palette will leave disappointed. 38

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OZTRIP Come meet the locals!

The Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its abundant native bird and animal wildlife. Enjoy the best of Australian native animals such as Koalas, Kangaroos, Tammar Wallabies, Possums and Echidnas on our Sanctuary. Our Koala Walk is open every day for Koala viewing and is recognised as the best place on Kangaroo Island to see a sustainable population of Koalas in the wild. We have a volunteer program that we run for international young travellers. • We offer a nocturnal tour each night to discover wildlife. • We have a Koala Colony of approx 34 which live high in our trees. • There is a beautiful walk through the trees that showcases our wildlife. • We also produce our own honey & have onsite hives & beekeeper...YUM!!!

hansonbay.com.au

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

Drinking and events Kangaroo Island isn’t exactly a destination renowned for its all-

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

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QUEENSLAND

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Photos: iStock

THE WHITSUNDAYS & GREAT BARRIER REEF Okay we are cheating a bit by squeezing two into our top spot, but if you do one of these without doing the other then, quite frankly, you are a fool. Take a sailboat tour of the picture40

perfect Whistunday islands with their spectacular beaches. The jewel in the crown is Whitehaven, which has the kind of white sand and turquoise waters that the Bounty ads had you dreaming of. Airlie beach is also renowned, but this time for being a party port. And we mean party. Of course beneath the waters on which you sail lies none other than one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. If you haven’t heard of it, you deserve a slap around the face with one of its beautiful tropical fish – although that would be cruel to the fish, so we will refrain. Instead, spy them through your snorkel, along with vibrant coral, sharks (the harmless kind, hopefully) and sweet sea turtles. There are numerous boat tours on offer, but we recommend Wings Diving and Sailing trips. wings.com.au/tours/diving AW5462

Ah, Queensland. There are so many reasons to visit the Sunshine State, you’d be hard pressed to find something that doesn’t suit your fancy. The east coast is home to endless partying, the world famous reef, idyllic islands, not to mention the creatures of the rainforest – everything from cute koalas to croc-filled rivers. And it ain’t called the Sunshine State for nothing. Queensland is indeed Australia’s sunniest state – officially. So grab your shades and your swimmers and dive in head first with this top 10...

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Great Barrier Reef Adventures

Truly one of the great wonders of the natural world and a “must-see” for any visitor to the region. Our pontoons at the outer reef include an underwater viewing chamber, snorkelling, reef experts, diving and much more. Includes an all you can eat buffet lunch departs Airlie Beach from $169pp*

Whitehaven Beach Camira Sailing Adventure

Swim at one of the best beaches in the world, sailing on one of the world’s fastest commercial catamarans. BBQ lunch and all refreshments included. An all inclusive day departs Airlie Beach from $150pp*

Reef & Beach Combos

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

REEF & BEACH

A choice of combos with backpacker accommodation, transfers, must–do activities, sailing to Whitehaven Beach and Island experiences, Great Barrier Reef Adventures and Reefsleep under the stars! Combos start from $399pp* (3 days / 3 nights stay Airlie Beach) * Backpacker price with valid bona fide Backpacker Card, terms & conditions apply see our website for full details.

For info and bookings see your Travel Centre or contact us AW5462

awesomewhitsundays.com

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TOPTEN

QUEENSLAND

@tnt_downunder

AND WHILE YOU’RE HERE... THE LESS-OFFICIAL THINGS TO TRY WHILE IN QUEENSLAND ARE... LAMINGTONS

Yes, they taste like a bath sponge, but they’re very Aussie and they’re from QLD. OUTBACK BOOZERS

Big wooden buildings with huge, wrap-around verandahs, glasses kept in the fridge and wrinkly men in shorts perched on rickety bar stools – that’s what we want from an Outback pub. And Queensland has heaps of them. BEEF

FRASER ISLAND

PLAY WITH GRAVITY

Worthy of a top must-dos list all on its own (indeed, we covered its top five in our January issue), Fraser Island is mainly famous for its dingo population, but there is so much more to it. From rubber ringing down Eli Creek, to chilling in the stunning Lake Mackenzie to dodging crabs on a beach segway tour. If you do want to spot the illusive dingo, though, the disused central station and rainforest is a likely spot.

Party spot Cairns is the best place to go bungy jumping in the whole of Australia, as original jumpers AJ Hackett have set up a base here. Launch yourself off the 50m-high platform with 16 jump varieties on offer from their very own ‘jump menu’. The other way to get your falling fix is by jumping out of a plane, with Mission Beach offering great birds-eye views and a soft landing. ajhackett.com/

dropbearadventures.com.au

cairns; skydivemissionbeach.com.au

Rockhampton in central Queensland is the beef capital of Australia. Yes, they have one of those. Presumably, the burgers are better in Rocky. RUM

Bundaberg Rum to be specific. When in the town, order a ‘dark and stormy’ – Bundy rum and ginger beer. MANGOES

If you’ve never eaten a perfectly ripe, dribble-downyour-chin Bowen mango, you haven’t lived, love. MULLETS

The worst haircut that ever raised its tufty spikes still lives large in QLD. The comedy value is priceless.

CAPE TRIBULATION

MAGNETIC ISLAND

Cape Tribulation has this mystique of being a remote, untouched Nirvana (and in many ways it still is) while still offering the necessities. Spend your days exploring endless, near-deserted beaches, their sparkling sands crowned on one side with palmfringed rainforest and glistening ocean on the other. Go horse riding on the beach, croc-cruising, kayaking in the clear waters, bush-walking and, of course, boozing. cape-trib.com

It’s easy to see why backpackers love “Maggie”, as the locals affectionately know her. The luscious, tropical playground is a 20-minute ferry from Townsville and it’s home to the largest population of koalas in northern Oz. With more than 25km of walking tracks, Maggie is a great place for bushwalking – and remember to keep eyes up, checking out the eucalyptus trees for furry koala butts. magnetic-island.com.au

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QUEENSLAND

@tnt_downunder

WHITE WATER RAFTING, TULLY RIVER

DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK

Like a rollercoaster on water, the Tully River offers a wild ride of gushing torrents and winding rapids. Cling on for dear life as you are convinced every bump is going to throw you over board, and every rock is going to bash you right in the face. But the instructors know what they are doing – and that is to make you believe you might die, but they won’t actually let that happen, which is nice. You may end up with a few bruises and a fat lip from a oar to the face, but fun is pain, right? Or is that beauty...?

Walking through Daintree National Park feels like you’re in Jurassic Park. This ancient tropical rainforest has been flourishing for more than 100 million years – four times longer than the Amazon. It’s misty and dark inside, with just a few spears of sunlight piercing through the bright green canopy. Ferns the size of trees, dangling vines and larger-than-life palm leaves choke the trail. You can’t shake the feeling that a bloodthirsty raptor may be lurking in the thick of it all, but it’s not hard to let your imagination run wild in this amazing place. daintreerainforestinformation.com

ragingthunder.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS

ATHERTON TABLELANDS

SURFERS PARADISE

When the time comes that you are bored of the pole dancing and wet T-shirt contests of Cairns (if that’s possible), head north to Port Douglas. It’s a bit more upmarket here as this is the holiday destination where A-listers “in the know” come to relax, not to mention a couple of exUS presidents. Fancy. Cycle around, catch some fish or rent a small boat to hit the water.

Swimming in croc-free fresh water on a hot day is as close to heaven as most of us are likely to get, and the Atherton Tablelands does them best, complete with waterfalls. You can also go on a midnight canoe trip – you can do it during the day too, of course, but the moonlight adds an eerie but magical twist. Look out for platypus in the water and tree kangaroos in the, er, trees.

Well with all this sunshine it would be plain silly not to go surfing, wouldn’t it? Also known as the Ibiza of Australia, the party scene is huge here. Just avoid it like the plague when the schoolies are on summer break. Otherwise, surfing and chilling on the beach by day and hitting the bars and clubs by night sounds like a decent way to spend your time to us. surfersparadise.com

visitportdouglasdaintree.com.au

athertontablelands.com.au

Raging Thunder, Tourism Queensland

TOPTEN

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SAIL DIVE SNORKEL KAYAK EXPLORE BEACHWALK SWIM BUSHWALK PLAY RELAX ECO FUN ADVENTURE WHITEHAVEN BEACH GREAT BARRIER REEF WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS AUSTRALIA

PH 1300 653 100

MINI

TOUR

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The Ultimate Whitsunday Adventures TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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OZLISTINGS TOUR FIRMS Adventure Tours Australia-wide tours 1800 068 886, adventuretours.com.au Airliebeach.com Whitsundays packages 1800 677 119, airliebeach.com Autopia Tours Tours around Victoria 03 9391 0261, autopiatours.com.au Awesome Adventures Oz Whitsundays packages 1800 293 7663, awesomeoz.com Tours in Tasmania Tours around Tasmania 1800 777 103, tourstascom.au Bunyip Tours Tours around Victoria 1300 286 947, bunyiptours.com

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 08 8202 8678, kiadventuretours.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

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. 02 9358 5000, carmarket.com.au

Standbycars.com 1300 789 059, standbycars.com Travellers Auto Barn 1800 674 374, travellers-autobarn.com.au Wicked Campers 1800 246 869, wickedcampers.com

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TRANSPORT Greyhound Australia Buses around Australia. 13 20 30, greyhound.com.au Jetstar Airline. 131 538, jetstar.com.au Premier Transport Group Buses along the east coast. 13 34 10, premierms.com.au Qantas Airline. 13 13 13, qantas.com.au Regional Express Airline. 13 17 13, rex.com.au Spirit of Tasmania Ferries to Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, spiritoftasmania.com Tiger Airways Airline. 03 9999 2888, tigerairways.com Redline Coaches For getting around Tasmania. 03 6336 1446, tasredline.com.au Virgin Australia Airline. 13 67 89, virginaustralia.com

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SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD.

SYDNEY MUSIC

DON’T MISS

Hordern Pavillion playbillvenues.com Oxford Art Factory oxfordartfactory.com

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

Sydney Opera House sydneyoperahouse.com

Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD.

The Annandale annandalehotel.com

Easy Go Backpackers 752 George St. CBD. 02 9211 0505, easygobackpackers.com.au

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

Eva’s Backpackers 6-8 Orwell Street Kings Cross 02 9358 2185, evasbackpackers.com.au

SURF AUSTRALIA

City Resort Hostel 103-105 Palmer St. Woolloomooloo 02 9357 3333 cityresort.com.au

The ultimate Aussie experience has to be surfing. Unless you’re a brave-the-cold sort, we doubt you learnt back in the UK, so sign up for a surf camp in Oz, where the water’s are warm and the instructors are hot. mojosurf.com / surfcamp.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. yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. yha.com.au

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

Waves Surf School wavessurfschool.com.au

Terrigal Beach YHA 9 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal. yha.com.au The Entrance Backpackers 2/56 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, 2261 02 4334 5005 theentrancebackpackers.com Skydive Central Coast Warnervale. skydivethecentralcoast.com.au

Byron Bay Accom 02 6680 8666, byronbayaccom.net The Arts Factory 1 Skinners Shoot Rd. Nomads Byron Bay Lawson Lane. Byron Bay YHA 7 Carlyle St. Skydive the Beach Byron Bay Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina 1800 302 005 skydivethebeachbyronbay.com

COFFS HARB Coffs Harbour YHA 51 Collingwood St. 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

CENTRAL COAST Newcastle Beach YHA 30 Pacific St, Newcastle. yha.com.au

Backpackers Inn 29 Shirley St 1800 817 696 backpackersinnbyronbay.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

Blue Mountains YHA 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba. yha.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

BLUE MTNS

BYRON BAY Backpackers Holiday Village 116 Jonson St 1800 350 388, byronbaybackpackers.com.au

Skydive the Beach Wollongong. skydivethebeach.com Sydney Olympic Park Darling Harbour. sopa.nsw.gov.au Sydney Tower and Skytour 100 Market St, CBD. sydneytowereye.com.au Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks. bridgeclimb.com

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK If Carlsberg did parks, it would be just like this one. With a stadiums hosting regular concerts and sporting events, naturally, there is also 35kms of cycle paths, the pretty Homebush Bay, which is home to four shipwrecks including this former military ship; then there’s woodlands to walk through, playgrounds to play in, barbecue pitts and a complex of bars and restaurants in which to eat and be merry, plus lots more. And to think we used to be impressed when a park had a duck pond... sopa.nsw.gov.au

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TASLISTINGS PORT ARTHUR

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

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

Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com

LAUNCESTON

Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. Narrara Backpackers 88 Goulburn St. 03 6234 8801, narrarabackpackers.com Pickled Frog 281 Liverpool St. 03 6234 7977, thepickledfrog.com Transit Backpackers 251 Liverpool St. 03 6231 2400, transitbackpackers.com

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

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

BICHENO

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

Bicheno Backpackers 11 Morrison St. 03 6375 1651, bichenobackpackers.com

Launceston Backpackers 103 Canning St. 03 6334 2327, launcestonbackpackers.com.au

Bicheno Penguin Tours 03 6375 1333, bichenopenguintours.com.au

Lloyds Hotel 23 George St. 03 6331 9906, backpackersaccommodation.com.au

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

Salamanca Markets Every Saturday, Salamanca Place. salamanca.com.au

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

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery 5 Argyle St. tmag.tas.gov.au

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

CRADLE MTN

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

Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain Rd. 1800 068 574 discoveryholidayparks.com. au/TAS

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

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

MELBOURNE STAY

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

All Nations Nomads 2 Spencer St. Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net Exford Hotel 199 Russell St. 03 9663 2697,

@tnt_downunder

exfordhotel.com.au Flinders Station Hotel 35 Elizabeth St. 03 9620 5100, flindersbackpackers.com.au The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane. 1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. 1800 202 500, habitathq.com.au Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212 homemansion.com.au Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, homehostels.com.au Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 03 9329 7525 discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. Space Hotel 380 Russell St.

Photos: boags.com.au/

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BOAG’S BEER LOVERS’ TOUR Well the name says it all, really. This is a tour of Boag’s Brewery, and it’s for beer lovers, obvs. Established in 1881, Boag’s says the purity of the water in Tasmania is what makes their beer stand out. Take a look behind the scenes at what goes into making the brews, before having a sample of a few at the end. If you haven’t got time for a tour, just stop by Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers for a swift one and some cheese – yep, it’s not just for wine snobs y’know. boags.com.au

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1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au

DON’T MISS

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 Elephant Backpackers 250 Flinders St elephantbackpacker.com.au Elizabeth Hostel 490 Elizabeth St elizabethhostel.com.au King St Backpackers 160 King Street kingstreetbackpackers.com.au Hotel Discovery 167 Franklin St hoteldiscovery.com.au Lords Lodge Backpackers 204 Punt Rd lordslodge.com.au Melbourne International Backpackers 450 Elizabeth St mibp.com.au Melbourne Metro YHA 78 Howard St 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 The Nunnery 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy nunnery.com.au Victoria Hotel Backpackers Victoria Hotel, 380 Victoria St vichotelbrunswick.com.au

ST KILDA

MURRAY REGION

The mighty Murray River, lined with 600-year-old river gums, ‘drowned’ trees, paddle-steamers and houseboats, forms the border between NSW and Victoria. From the citrus fruitbowl of Mildura, nestled amongst the borders of not only Victoria and NSW, but also South Australia in the top western corner of Victoria, all the way down to the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga, which actually straddle the Murray, this region is largely agricultural and a wonderful view of the “real Australia”. murrayregion.info 109 Barkly St ritzbackpackers.com St Kilda Beach House 169B Fitzroy St stkildabeachhouse.com.au

MELBOURNE DO Australian Centre for the Moving Image Federation Square. 03 8663 2200, acmi.net.au Melbourne Aquarium Cnr of Flinders St & King St. 03 9923 5999, melbourneaquarium.com.au Discovery Melbourne 167 Franklin St. discoverymelbourne.com Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Av. 03 9657 8888 mcg.org.au Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. 13 11 02 melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Back of Chapel Backpackers 50 Green St backofchapel.com

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

Base St Kilda 17 Carlisle St

Old Melbourne Gaol 377 Russell St. 03 8663 7228, oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Coffee Palace Backpackers 24 Grey St coffeepalacebackpackers.com. au Habitat HQ 333 St Kilda Rd, thehabitathq.com.au Oslo Hotel 38 Grey St oslohotel.com.au The Ritz for Backpackers

Official Neighbours Tours 570 Flinders St. neighbourstour.com.au Skydive the Beach Melbourne 1300 798 843 skydivethebeachmelbourne.com Tourism Victoria Backpacking ideas. backpackmelbourne.com

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

GREAT OCEAN RD Anglesea Backpackers 40 Noble St, Anglesea. 03 5263 2664, angleseabackpackers.com.au Apollo Eco Beach YHA 5 Pascoe St. Great Ocean Road Backpackers 10 Erskine Av, Lorne. 03 5289 1070, greatoceanroadcottages.com Port Campbell Hostel 18 Tregea St, Port Campbell. 03 5598 6305, portcampbellhostel.com.au Surfside Backpackers Cnr Great Ocean Rd & Gambier St, Apollo Bay. 1800 357 263, surfsidebackpacker.com

MORNINGTON Bayplay Lodge 46 Canterbury Jetty Rd, Blairgowrie. 03 5988 0188, bayplay.com.au Sorrento Foreshore Reserve Nepean Hwy. 1800 850 600, mornpen.vic.gov.au Sorrento YHA 3 Miranda St, Sorrento. Tortoise Head Lodge French Island. 03 5980 1234, tortoisehead.net

03 5674 1447, inverlochholidaypark.com.au

DANDENONG Emerald Backpackers 03 5968 4086

BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park 24 Old Bridge Dr, Newhaven. 03 5956 7227, phillipislandcpk.com.au

MURRAY RIVER Echuca Gardens YHA 103 Av, Mitchell St, Echuca.

Cowes Caravan Park 164 Church St, Cowes. 03 5952 2211, cowescaravan.com.au

Mildura City Backpackers 50 Lemon Ave, Mildura. 03 5022 7922, milduracitybackpackers.com.au Oasis Backpackers 230 Deakin Av, Mildura. 04 0734 4251, milduraoasisbackpackers.com.au

GIPPSLAND Prom 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. Anchor Belle Holiday Park 272 Church St, Cowes. 03 5952 2258, anchorbelle.com.au Avenue Apartments 204 Thompson Avenue, Cowes. 03 5952 6718, visitphillipisland.com Beach Park Tourist Caravan Park 2 McKenzie Rd, Cowes. 03 5952 22113, beachpark.com.au BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park 2 Cuttriss St, Inverloch.

Koala Park Resort 1825 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes. 03 5952 2176, koalaparkresort.com.au The Island Accommodation 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road. 03 5956 6123 theislandaccommodation.com. au San Remo Holiday Park 4 Mary Grove, San Remo. 03 5678 5024 visitphillipisland.com

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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SAY HELLO!

WHALE WATCHING OFF HERVEY BAY The Humpback Whale season in Hervey Bay is late July to early November, as they take a holiday off from their long migration along Queensland’s ghost to have a play in the warm waters. Hervey Bay is fondly known as ‘The whale watching capital of the world’, and for good reason as thousands of whales visit the bay each season. whalewatchingherveybay.com.au

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

Photos: Tourism Queensland/Darren Jew

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

GOLD COAST Aquarius Backpackers 44 Queen St, Surfers Paradise. 1800 22 99 55, aquariusbackpackers.com.au Backpackers in Paradise 40 Peninsula Drive, Surfers Paradise. 1800 268 621, backpackersinparadise.com.au

Coolangatta 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 friendlyhostel.com.au

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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 Base Airlie Beach Resort 336 Shute Harbour Rd

Pleasure Divers 07 4778 5788

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

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

LIAʼS N TO DIVE WITH AUSTRA TAKE THE PLUNGE, LEAR VE PROFESSIONALS GREAT BARRIER REEF DI

Mission Beach Retreat 49 Porters Promenade missionbeachretreat.com.au

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bhacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353 bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJoy Backpackers Hostel

141 Sheridan St. and fast food joints to help with yourHarbour Gilligan's hangover. 1800 807 055, Magnums Whitsunday Village Resort 13:00: Continuing north of Port Douglas you’ll land in njoy.net.au 366 Shute Harbour Rd. 1800Gorge 624 634 (mossmangorge.com.au). At Daintree Mossman Nomads Beach House magnums.com.au Sheridan St. National Park the gorge is a must-see.239 Once you’ve trekked along the path you’ll be able to give your feet a rest and Northern Greenhouse BOWEN 117that Grafton Street. admire the crystal clear Mossman River cascades over Bowen Backpackers 1800 229 228, Beach end of Herbert St. granite boulders. northerngreenhouse.com.au 07 4786 3433 15:00: Heading back to the car and continuing north bowenbackpackers.net CAIRNS DO you’ll find yourself at Cape Tribulation. Check out Ferntree AJ Hackett Bungy jumping & canyon Rainforest Lodge (ferntreerainforestlodge.com.au) TOWNSVILLE swinging. 1800 622 888 Adventurers Resort with a bar and wooden which has classic huts tables. They cairns.ajhackett.com 79 Palmer St. serve scrumptious After eating 1800 211 522, meals night and day. Go Wild Jungle Tours it’s adventurersresort.com tours a to Croc Daintreecruise Rainforest. time to enjoy the delights of the CapeDaywith 07 4041 9440, Adrenalin Dive (daintreerivercruises.com.au) A onejungletours.com.au hour wildlife cruise 07 4724 0600, that lets you spot wild animals in their habitat. Be adrenalindive.com.au Pronatural Dive 07 4031 5255 warned: Yongala don’t Dive walk too close to any mangroves, you might prodivecairns.com Yongala diving. get an unwanted snap. 07 4783 1519, Raging Thunder Adventures 19:00: Withyongaladive.com.au all that excitement it’s time to head back Whitewater rafting. 07 head 4030 7990, towards Cairns. As the evening settles, straight into the ragingthunder.com.au city centre where there is wide MAGNETIC IS array of restaurants for you Skydive Cairns to pick from along Island the main strip. Base Magnetic POBOX 105N Cairns 1 Nelly Bay Rd. 4052 1822, 19:00: And it wouldn't be true Cairns 07 experience without skydivecairns.com.au Bungalow Bay Backpackers dancing the night away at The Woolshed (thewoolshed. Horseshow Bay. com.au).1800 With themed nights on every night, try your luck 285 577, CAPE TRIB in the wet bungalowbay.com.au T-shirt competitions or seeCrocodylus how you fare in their Village Arcadia games. Either way you'll Lot 5, Buchanan Creek Cairns Rd, Mexican Hotel drinking end your 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay. Cow Bay. trip on a07high. 4778 5177, 07 4098 9166,

hotelaracadia.com.au

. . . E R E H Y L L A IN F E ’R YOU

crocodyluscapetrib.com

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 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM53 51 tntdownunder.com

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QLDLISTINGS 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

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

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

@tnt_downunder 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

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

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

Bli Bli House B&B 600 David Low Way, Pacific Paradise. buderimmotorinn.com

Base Magnetic Island 1 Nelly Bay Rd

Kanu Kapers Australia Noosa Everglades kanukapersaustralia.com

Farm work, Innisfail farmwork.tv/farmwork/innisfail

Beach Front Towers 4 Aerodrome Rd, Marochydore beachfronttowers.com.au

Bungalow Bay Koala Village 40 Horseshoe Bay Rd bungalowbay.com.au

Amore on Buderim 27 Earlybird Dr, Buderim amoreonbuderim.com.au Buderim Motor Inn 45 King St, Buderim buderimmotorinn.com

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

MAGNETIC IS

Photos: iStock

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

LEARN TO SURF AT NOOSA BEACH On first impression, the Noosa Heads’ main drag has an international playboy feel about it – the cosmopolitan conversations and European convertibles, the deck-shoes and Ralph Lauren, the waterfront mansions and the yachts in the bay. But beyond the resort-wear and chardonnay lunches is a classic Australian surf town. And a darn pretty one at that. In between waves, in the deeper water, you can spot dolphins and turtles – even whales – bobbing up to the surface for the occasional breather. learntosurf.com.au

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gold Coast

Famous for fun

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DARWIN STAY

SAY HELLO!

Banyan View Lodge Darwin 119 Mitchell St. 08 8981 8644, banyanviewlodge.com.au Darwin YHA 97 Mitchell St.

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

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

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

ALICE SPRINGS REPTILE CENTRE Check out the weird and wonderful creatures at this reptile centre. You can get hands on with snakes, lizards and crocs – although the latter are safely tucked away in a glass-fronted water tank. Phew. reptilecentre.com.au

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

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

BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park 20 Shadforth Road. 1800 501 984, big4.com.au Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers Third St. 08 8972 2722

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

DARWIN DO

KATHERINE STAY

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

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

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

ALICE SPRINGS

@tnt_downunder

Toddy’s Backpackers 41 Gap Rd. Rock & dorm specials. 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

Alice Springs YHA Cnr Parsons St & Leichhardt Tce.

School of the Air Long-distance schooling museum. 80 Head St. 08 8951 6834, assoa.nt.edu.au

Haven Resort 3 Larapinta Drive. 1800 794 663, alicehaven.com.au

Toddy’s Backpackers 41 Gap Rd. Rock & dorm specials. 1800 027 027 toddys.com.au

Alice Lodge 4 Mueller St. 08 8953 1975, alicelodge.com.au

FLY JETSTAR TO ULURU AIRPORT FROM $99 BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY! 54

Photos: Alice Springs Reptile Centre website & Wickicommons

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

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

STAY HERE

One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. The Old Swan Barracks 2-8 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

Wickham Retreat Backpackers 25-27 Wickham St, East Perth 08 9325 6398

Grand Central Hotel Backpackers 379 Wellington St 08 9421 1123

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

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, undergroundbackpackers. com.au

Easy Perth Backpacker 4 Francis Street, Northbridge easyperthbackpackers.com.au

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

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

Northbridge shiralee.com.au

YMCA Jewell House 180 Goderich St ymcajewellhouse.com.au

Hay Street Backpackers 266-268 Hay St haystbackpackers.com

BILLABONG BACKPACKERS RESORT This fun and casual hostel on Beaufort Street is a good place to rest your head. Close to the CBD, its staff are fellow travellers so understand what you want from a hostel. The atmosphere is buzzy and the swimming pool is a great place to wash off your hangover. www.billabongresort.com.au Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, underground backpackers.com.au

Backpack City and Surf 41-43 Money St backpacker.com.au

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

Cheviot Lodge 30 Bulwer St cheviotlodge.com

Beatty Lodge 235 Vincent St beattylodge.com.au

Coolibah Lodge 194 Brisbane St coolibahlodge.com.au

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

PERTH DO

Mountway Holiday Apartments 36 Mount St mountwayapartments.com.au Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottesloe oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au Perth Beach YHA 256 West Coast Hwy, Scarbrough Planet Inn Backpackers 496 Newcastle St planetinn.com.au The Shiralee Hostel 107 Brisbane St,

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

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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

Photos: iStock

St Mary’s Cathedral 17 Victoria Square,, Perth. 08 9223 1350, perthcatholic.org.au

PERTH ZOO See this friendly fellow in the sea lion enclosure at Perth Zoo. Other animals can be found from Asia, Africa and The Americas as well as native creatures, from tigers and elephants to tortoises and koalas. If you are a real animal lover, you can even volunteer as a tour guide at the zoo. perthzoo.wa.gov.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,

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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

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

FREO STAY

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre 1-9 Short St. 08 9335 5044, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

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

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

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

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

NINGALOO REEF

Backpackers Inn Freo 11 Pakenham St. 08 9431 7065, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

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

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

Ningaloo Club Coral Bay 08 9948 5100, ningalooclub.com

Sundancer Backpackers Resort 80 High St. 08 9336 6080, sundancerbackpackers.com Pirates Backpackers Resort 11 Essex St. 08 9335 6653, piratesbackpackers.com.au

FREO DO Fremantle Markets Henderson Street Fremantle 08 9335 2515, fremantlemarkets.com.au Fremantle Prison 1 The Terrace. 08 9336 9200, backpackersinnfreo.com.au

Excape Backpackers YHA Murat Rd, Exmouth.

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

CORAL BAY Ningaloo Club Robinson St ningalooclub.com

ESPERANCE

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

Blue Waters Lodge YHA 299 Goldfields Rd,

Fremantle Arts Centre 1 Finnerty Street. 08 9432 9555, fac.org.au

Pete’s Exmouth Backpackers YHA Cnr Truscott Cres & Murat Rd

EXMOUTH

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SALISTINGS

@tnt_downunder

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BAROSSA VALLEY For wine lovers, touring the Barossa Valley, one of the most famous wine growing regions, is like going backstage at a Guns N’ Roses concert. The Barossa not only produces more than half of the wine in Australia, but is recognised as one of the world’s greatest wine regions, up there with Bordeaux and Tuscany. Try Jacob’s Creek Winery for a tasting. jacobscreek.com/uk/visit-us/tours-experiences/

ADELAIDE STAY

adelaideoval.com.au

Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, abpi.com.au

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

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St.

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

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au

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

BAROSSA VAL

Barossa Backpackers 9 Basedow Road, Tanunda. 08 8563 0198, barossa backpackers.com.au

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

KANGAROO IS Kangaroo Island YHA 33 Middle Terrace, Penneshaw. Vivonne Bay Lodge 66 Knofel Drive, Vivonne Bay 13 13 01 sealink.com.a

RIVERLAND

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

Berri Backpackers Sturt Highway, Berri. 08 8582 3144, berribackpackers.com.au

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

Harvest Trail Lodge Loxton. 08 8584 5646, harvesttrail.com.au

DON’T MISS

Photos:iStock

EYRE PENINSULA Coodlie Park Farmstay Flinders Highway, Port Kenny. 08 8687 0411 coodliepark.com Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Sea lion and dolphin swims. 08 8626 5017 bairdbay.com

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

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

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

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

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

Adelaide Oval Home to the Donald Bradman collection. War Memorial Drive. 08 8300 3800

Riverland Backpackers Labour Hire Services 08 8583 0211

Calypso Star Charters Great white shark cage diving. 08 8682 3939, sharkcagediving.com.au

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

ADELAIDE DO

Nomads on Murray Sturt Highway, Kingston on Murray.

FLINDERS RANGES SEA LIONS AT LINCOLN NATIONAL PARK Found in fancy Port Douglas on the Eyre Peninsula, at Lincoln National Park you can engage in activities such as bush-walking, camping and fishing. While you’re at it, check out the abundance of bird life and native animals, including sea lions, fur seals and dolphins. Just watch out if you get in the water.... some of the scenes from Jaws were filmed nearby! environment.sa.gov.au/parks

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

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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 the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have been using TNT as their guide to living and working in overseas. With a growing audience comes growing demand and over quarter of a million users are now demanding travel offers and information for tours across the globe. Here at TNT we have listened to the demands of our readers and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to have launched TNT Tour Search. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a weekend in away, 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 Tour Search 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.

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WIN

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HOW TO ENTER

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

WIN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH KIWI EXPERIENCE $Worth TNT Down Under is offering two lucky winners the chance to win the trip of a lifetime on a Northern Round Up coach pass with Kiwi Experience. The Northern Round Up will take you around the best that the North Island has to offer. Dig a hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach, experience Waitomo with Legendary Black Water Rafting, Rotorua for a unique Maori marae stay and Taupo with its stunning lake and walks. This pass also includes a stop at the unique adventure lodge River Valley, New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool capital Wellington and all the way back to Auckland.

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NZ TRAVEL NZ TRIP | NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND LISTINGS

NATURE’S WATER PARK / 65 ‘Waitomo, sitting in the heart of the North Island, is every caver’s wet dream. Hundreds of underground limestone caverns ageing back millions of years spiral deep below the surface, intertwining to create a subterranean labyrinth of Neolithic proportions.’

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HOTSHOTS

@tnt_downunder

WINNER WINNER QUEENSTOWN, NZ Alex Stone, UK TELL US MORE Resting on the summit of Ben Lomond high above Queenstown drinking in the view. A memory that will last a lifetime.

RUNNER-UP BAY OF PLENTY Jemima Salt, Sydney TELL US MORE Overlooking Mt. Maunganui, Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s north island. Not a bad view...

WANT TO SEE YOUR TRAVEL SHOTS IN PRINT?

RUNNER-UP 62

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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The Big Tiki 19 days from $3015

New ZealaND Adrenalin inducing, jaw dropping & all around awesome. New Zealand may be small but the land of the long white cloud sure is mighty. This is the country of epic adventures; go skydiving, zorbing, bungee jumping or jet boating. Sail through the Bay of Islands in the north or hit the slopes of the south. Meet incredible people, experience Maori tradition & fall in love with everything Kiwi. A New Zealand trip is something you’ll never forget.

UlTimaTe NZ Ski 7 days from $1434

‘SweeT aS’ SoUTh 9 days from $1375

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM Call us now on 1300 188 635, head to contiki.com or speak to your local travel agent. 01_751p 88pp.indd 63

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SHORTTRIP

Cave in to adventure Abseil in to Mother Nature’s underground assault course, with glowing poop to help guide your way…

New Zealand is a country that thrives on adventure, and the Kiwis have made it possible to jump, drive, slide, roll, fly or hike through pretty much any part of its terrain. The Waitomo Caves are one of the best examples of this and, while exploring the belly of the earth isn’t everybody’s idea of a good time, if you can muster the courage it’s worth heading deep down into a damp, dark tunnel for a day of extreme caving where you can explore a hidden world. Waitomo, sitting in the heart of the North Island, is every caver’s wet dream. Hundreds of underground limestone caverns ageing back millions of years spiral deep below the surface, intertwining to create a subterranean labyrinth of Neolithic proportions. Coupled with this geological marvel are thousands of glowworms (larvae with glow-in-the-dark poop), which help to create an unearthly underground world that mixes aesthetics and adrenaline to suitable measure. Over the years, we’ve sent a few intrepid explorers down into the caves. Here, they share their experiences... ›› TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Finding the Lost World Paul Franklin abseiled down a Waitomo sinkhole about 100m deep and tried out a ‘Lost World Epic’ tour with Waitomo Adventures. Here he shares his experience... “Meaning ‘water passing through a hole’, Waitomo is just a village with a pub, campsite and a peculiar motel,” Paul tells. “In the 1800s, a bunch of waistcoat-wearing chaps went to investigate the land’s suitability for a railroad and almost fell down a bloody great hole. This sinkhole is about 100m deep, and is where my brother and I commenced our ‘Lost World Epic’ tour. “We were clad in rubber wetsuits – which, if condoms, would be the opposite of Fetherlite – latched to a slender cable and dropped into a mossy abyss. I’ve abseiled before, but it’s different when you aren’t leaning against a sturdy wall. You’re just dangling, easing out the rope, trying to find the balance between ‘too slow’ and ‘fuck, stop!’.” The ‘Lost World’ title for the hole is apt, says Paul, since (a) you can see how someone might lose it – its entry crevice is surprisingly thin – and (b) it’s Jurassic Park-like, with its prehistoric age and verdant rainforest feel. “This is the beginning, the literal scratch on the surface of a 45km-stretch of limestone caves that concede the volume of a double-decker bus each year to acid erosion.” Once at the bottom, they scrambled up some hefty boulders and stopped to make amusing silhouettes against the backlit scene of the entrance behind. As you would. “Venturing on, we saw the route we would’ve taken had it not recently rained,” Paul says. “‘Gushing’ is the word. Plan B seemed preferable to drowning, so we side-stepped that via some glowworms and braved a big ladder. After a surprisingly 66

arduous climb that made my forearms ache like I had been whipping meringue for too long, we ducked and dived and occasionally crawled until we reached a rope and a hole. We clipped on, turned around, and abseiled down a drop of unknown height whilst a gush of cold water coursed over us. You know those ‘invigorating’ shower gel adverts? Similar, minus the minty aroma. “After I’d hit the bottom, fallen on my arse and stood up again, I got my bearings (‘I’m somewhere in a dark wet hole’) and splodged to one side. Once we were all down, grinning like soggy hyenas, the guides led us through more tricky channels and to another waterfall. We were made to tuck our limbs in and turn out our headlights... then we dropped into darkness. Screaming like we were on a log flume... without the log.” Further on, past ancient whalebones and oyster fossils, he met another waterfall. But this one he had to go up. He had the option of using a ladder to the side or to climb it. Paul climbed. The first few metres were easy enough, but near the top was an overhang and a narrow cleft to wriggle through. “The guide at the top urged me on, but I found I was hindered not only by my belt buckle snagging in the tight gap, but my right boot, filled with water, which was surprisingly heavy to lift. ”With one big push and a tennis player grunt, I made it. Then I crawled through a few more passages into yet another cave, flicked off my light, and enjoyed a chocolate bar in total blackness, which makes it even more delicious. “Eventually, after a relatively gentle ascent but still flanked by some vertiginous drops, we emerged, blinking, through a

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Become part of the legend with New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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5/03/2015 6:44 am

small leafy hole into the daylight. My immediate thoughts were, ‘I could do that all over again, right now’. But, next on the agenda was a hot shower, which I happily settled for.” Paul’s tour took seven hours and costs $515 (it is cheaper if you book an Early Bird special). The Lost World Epic includes lunch, a dinner barbecue meal and all drinks. Take your swimwear and towel. Shorter, cheaper tours are available. Booking is essential. waitomo.co.nz

The descent We sent Jahn Vannisselroy to Waitomo’s main attraction, Ruakuri Cave, for a day of extreme caving with Waitomo’s Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. Here he shares his take on the Black Odyssey experience... “As we enter Ruakuri through two massive doors and stamp our way down a seemingly never-ending spiral staircase, the feeling is a descent into the underworld. The smallest sound produces an echo and the knowledge that an ancient Maori burial ground is nearby provides a chilling atmosphere. “The butterflies in my stomach have not yet settled, but soon guides Drew – a chirpy Canadian – and Jed – a superchilled Kiwi – are taking us through a practice run, teaching us how to use our carabiner clips which attach to the ropes snaking throughout the cave system. We get taught to fight 68

Images courtesy of Legendary Black Water Rafting Co

our instincts and lean back on the ropes, relying on our metal clips. We’re also reminded of the buddy system – looking out for our appointed partner at all times – before we squeeze into a crevice and make an ascent along what appears to be just a minute crack in a massive limestone slab. “I creep gingerly onto a tiny ledge and begin the painstaking task of attaching and unlatching my three carabiners as I shuffle along in my gumboots, part of a slow army of human spider-walkers, silent except for the clacking of the clips and Drew’s ever-enthusiastic cheer leading. “At some places in the cave there doesn’t even seem to be a ledge, and I peer into the shadowy stone in search of a foothold. There’s always one to be found, though; it’s amazing how resourceful you can be when you’re miles underground, living only on your wits and the strength of your rope.” “You learn things about yourself in a place like Ruakuri. Fears are conquered; new strength is discovered; and you learn that even in the darkness your determination can light a path for you.” Jahn’s tour took four hours and all his equipment was provided, as was a hot shower and some soup at the end of his adventure. Black Odyssey Tours take place twice daily and cost AUS$179 waitomo.com/black-water-rafting.aspx

This article is from the TNT Down Under archives

Glowworm strings!

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TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

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AUCKLAND 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.

STAY HERE

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 ever lived and experience a Maori cultural show. 09 309 0443, aucklandmuseum.com

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 Auckland Airport Kiwi Hotel 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere. 09 256 0046, kiwiairporthotel.co.nz Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere. 09 275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Auckland International Backpackers 2 Churton St, Parnell. +64358 4584, aucklandinternationalbp.com

AUCKLAND AIRPORT KIWI HOTEL This place is perfect if you’ve got an early morning flight, or you arrive late at night and need somewhere to crash before you get your holiday started. Five minutes from Auckland Airport, it offers a free pick-up service, or will drop you off for just $2. kiwiairporthotel.co.nz BK Hostel (BBH) 3 Mercury Ln, Central. 09 307 0052 bkhostel.co.nz

Queen Street Backpackers 4 Fort St. 09 373 3471, qsb.co.nz

Borders Beyond 8 Nixon St, Grey Lynn. 09 360 9880, bordersbeyond.co.nz

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

City Garden Lodge (BBH) 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 302 0880 citygardenlodge.co.nz

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

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

Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby. 09 378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz

Freemans Backpackers (BBH) 65 Wellington Street. 09 376 5046 freemanbackpackers.co.nz Freinz Backpackers (BBH) 27-31 Vitoria St. East. 09 307 6437 frienz.com Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. 09 300 9999, nomadshostels.com Jandal Palace (BBH) 38 Glenesk Rd, RD2. 09 812 8381, pihabeachstay.co.nz JJ House (BBH) 4 MacMurray Road. 09 214 9791 jjhouse.co.nz

KR City Travellers (BBH) 146 Karangahape Rd. 09 377 6027, kroadcitytravellers.co.nz Verandahs (BBH) 6 Hopetown St. 09 360 4180, verandahs.co.nz YHA Auckland City 18 Liverpool St. 09 309 2802, yha.co.nz YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. 09 302 8200, yha.co.nz

AUCKLAND DO

Kiwi International Hotel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz

Explorer Bus Sightseeing around Auckland, 0800 439 756 explorerbus.co.nz

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

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

Base Backpackers Auckland 229 Queen St. 09 358 4877, stayatbase.com

Ponsonby Backpackers 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby. 09 360 1311, ponsonby-backpackers.co.nz

Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden. 09 623 4267, bamberhouse.co.nz

Princeton Backpackers 30 Symonds St. 09 963 8300, princeton.net.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

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. 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 Ponsonby West of the city, explore Victorian architecture and narrow streets with cafés, bars, clothes shops, art galleries and some lively nightlife.

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cruises to Hauraki Gulf islands, with all-day passes and hop-on, hop-off options. fullers.co.nz 09 367 9111, Pride of Auckland The Pride of Auckland operates an impressive fleet of large, purpose-built yachts on the 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. fullers.co.nz 09 367 9111, Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours. 0800 658 058, awesomenz.com

Beaches Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Queen Street Bay, Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, Auckland’s main boulevard with St Heliers Bay and popular shops, cafés and restaurants. Mission Bay. Whale & Dolphin Safari Aotea Square Markets See whales and dolphins from Every Friday and Saturday at Auckland’s doorstep. The Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ Hauraki Gulf is considered one fashion labels, retro gear, foods, of the most biologically and Pacific-style crafts, jewellery geographically diverse marine and furniture, 09 309 2677, parks in the world. See the-edge.co.nz dolphins, whales, sea birds and/ or even penguins. Dolphins are Victoria Park Market viewed on over 90% and whales 3km from the CBD, an outdoor on 75% of trips. Departs daily market with fruit, veggies, from the Auckland Viaduct. books, clothes and handicrafts. Dolphin viewing guaranteed. 09 357 6032, exploregroup.co.nz GREAT BARRIER Fullers Cruises This unique island destination is Inner harbour cruises and longer dominated by a native forest a

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network of criss-crossing tracks. thebarrier.co.nz Orama Oasis Karaka Bay Rd, 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. fullers.co.nz 09 367 9111, 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.

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 Coastal Cow Backpackers (BBH) 299 Molesworth Drive, Mangawai Heads 09 431 5246, mangawhaibackpackers.com Little Earth Lodge (BBH) 85 Abbey Caves Road, 09 430 6562, littleearthlodge.co.nz Whangarei Falls Backpacker (BBH) 12 Ngunguru Rd, Whareora, 09 437 0609, whangareifalls.co.nz YHA Whangarei Manaakitanga 52 Punga Grove Ave, 09 438 8954, yha.co.nz

WHANGAREI DO

Hekerua Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 11 Hekerua Rd, Oneroa, 09 372 8990, hekerualodge.co.nz

Dive! Tutukaka Poor Knights Islands dives, plus tours with kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammalspotting.

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

PAIHIA

HELENSVILLE The hot springs here have indoor and outdoor thermal pools and waterslides. Malolo House 110 Commercial Rd, 09 420 7262, malolohouse.co.nz

HENDERSON BAY North Wind Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 88 Otaipango Road, RD4, 09 409 8515 northwind.co.nz

HIBISCUS COAST Orewa Beach Hillary Square, Orewa 09 426 2638, orewabeach.co.nz Pillows Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 412 Hibiscus Coast Highway, 0800 426 6338, pillows.co.nz

SAIL ROCK

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 Cap’n Bob’s Beach House (BBH) 44 Davis Crescent, 09 402 8668, capnbobs.co.nz Centabay Lodge (BBH) 27 Selwyn Rd, 09 402 7466, centabay.co.nz

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

Admirals View Motel 2 MacMurray Rd, 09 402 6236, admiralviewlodge.co.nz

Waipu Wanderer (BBH) 25 St Marys Rd, 09 432 0532 waipu-hostel.co.nz

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

Peppertree Lodge 15 Kings Rd, 09 402 6122, peppertree.co.nz Pickled Parrot Backpackers (BBH) Grey’s Lane, 09 402 6222, pickledparrot.co.nz Saltwater Lodge (BBH) 14 Kings Rd, 09 402 7075, saltwaterlodge.co.nz Seabeds (BBH) 46 Davis Cres, 09 402-5567 seabeds.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

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.

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

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

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

Sunseeker Lodge (BBH) 12 Old Hospital Rd, 09 405 0496, sunseekerlodge.co.nz

KARIKARI PENIN The Rusty Anchor 1 Tokerau Beach Rd, 09 406 7141, rustyanchor.hostel.com

RUSSELL STAY

KAITAIA

Wainui Lodge (BBH) 92D Te Wahapu Rd, 09 403 8278, wainuilodge-russell-nz.com

The ideal starting point for Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Pukenui Lodge Hotel (BBH) Cnr SH1 & Pukenui Wharf Rd 09 409 8837, pukenuilodge.co.nz

Ferry Landing (BBH) 395 Aucks Rd, Okiato Point 09 403 7985, ferrylandingrussell.co.nz

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

Pipi Patch Backpackers 18 Kings Road, 09 403 7111.

KERIKERI

KAITAIA DO

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

Ancient Kauri Kingdom Giant kauri tree stumps are fashioned into furniture and other trinkets.

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

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

AHIPARA

Hideaway Lodge Wiroa Rd, 0800 562 746 kerikeri.co.nz

Kahoe Farms Hostel (BBH) 1266 State Highway 10, 09 405 1804, kahoefarms.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

Relax a Lodge (BBH) 1574 Springbank Rd (SH10) 09 407 6989 relaxalodge.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

The Rainbow Warrior A monument to the noble but doomed Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior, sits on the site of a Maori

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

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HOKIANGA STAY Okopako Lodge (BBH) – Farm Hostel 140 Mountain Rd, Whirinaki, 09 405 8815, homepages.paradise.net. nz/njandlv/

STAY HERE

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.

Globetrekkers Lodge (BBH) 281 State Highway 12, Omapere, 09 405 8183, globetrekkerslodge.com The Tree House Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 168 West Coast Rd, Motukaraka 09 405 5855, treehouse.co.nz

OTOROHANGA

DARGAVILLE On the road from Hokianga, the famous “Big Trees”, the native kauri trees of Waipoua Kauri Forest. Once in Dargaville, attractions include the masts from the ill-fated Rainbow Warrior and the fascinating bird sanctuary nearby. Dargaville Info Centre 4 Murdoch St, 09 439 4975, dargaville.co.nz

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

This farm hostel, run by accommodation giants BBH, is the perfect place to soak up the gorgeous countryside. With a beautiful harbour, giant trees and even sand dunes nearby, Hokainga is a veritable adults’ playground. homepages.paradise.net.nz/njandlv/

Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 27 Turongo St, 07 873 8951, otorohanga.co.nz

DOC Office 73, Rostrevor St. 07 858 1000

HAMILTON STAY Backpackers Central 846 Victoria Street, 07 839 1928, backpackerscentral.co.nz

Kaihu Farm 334 State Highway 12, Kaihu, 09 439 4004.

Central Green (BBH) 846 Victoria St, 07 839 1928, backpackerscentral.co.nz

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

Eagle’s Nest Backpackers 937 Victoria St, 07 838 2704, eaglesbackpackers.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 Farm (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

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

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

OKOPAKO LODGE

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

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, 07 825 7076, ragland.org.nz

RAGLAN STAY Solscape Eco Retreat Backpackers (BBH) 611 Wainui Rd, 07 825 8268, solscape.co.nz Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (BBH) 6 Wi Neera St, 07 825 0515, raglanbackpackers.co.nz Karioi Backpacker Lodge (VIP) & 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

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

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

WAITOMO STAY Juno Hall (BBH) 600 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 878 7649 junowaitomo.co.nz Kiwi Paka Hotel Caves 256, Access Rd, 07 878 3395 waitomokiwipaka.co.nz Kiwi Cave Rafting (BBH) 95 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 873 9149, caveraft.com

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, 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

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TE KUITI Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077. Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080. Tiffany’s Cafe, 241 Rora St, 07 878 7640

TE KUITI STAY Casara Mesa Backpackers (BBH) Mangarino Rd, 07 878 6697, bbh.co.nz Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park 636-732 Rings Rd, 07 866 8830, coromandeltop10.co.nz

OTOROHANGA Just 59km south of Hamilton, many travellers use this small farming community as a base for visiting the Waitomo Caves. Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 27 Turongo St, otorohanga.co.nz

COROMANDEL 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,

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07 866 7992, anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz Black Jack Backpackers Kuaotunu, 07 866 2988, black-jack.co.nz

Fernbird (BBH) 24 Harsant Ave, Hahei, 07 866 3080, bbh.co.nz

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

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

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

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

The Pinnacles Backpackers (BBH) 305 Main Road (SH25), 07 864 8448, pinnaclesbakpak.co.nz

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

Lions Den (BBH) 126 Te Tiki St, 07 866 8157 ionsdenhostel.co.nz Tui Lodge (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, coromandeltuilodge.co.nz Tairua Backpackers (BBH) 200 Main Road, 07 864 8345, tairuabackpackers.com

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

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 Apple Tree Backpackers (BBH) 47 Maxwell Rd, 07 576 4001 appletreebackpackers.co.nz Harbourside City Backpackers 105 The Strand, 07 579 4066, backpacktauranga.co.nz Bell Lodge (BBH) 39 Bell St, Judea, 07 578 6344, bell-lodge.co.nz

Southpacific Accommodation 245 Port Rd, 07 865 9580, thesouthpacific.co.nz

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

NZ Surf n Stay (BBH) 227 Beverley Tce, 07 865 8323 whangamata-backpackers.co.nz

Kingfisher Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 122b Word Road,

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

07 552 0388, kingfisher-backpack.co.nz Loft 109 (BBH) 8/109 Devonport Rd, 07 579 5638, loft109.co.nz Seagulls Guesthouse (BBH) 12 Hinau Street, 07 574 2099, seagullsguesthouse.co.nz Tauranga Central Backpackers 64 Willow St, 07 571 6222, tgabackpack.co.nz YHA Tauranga 171 Elizabeth St, 07 578 5064, yha.co.nz

TAURANGA DO Butler’s Swim With Dolphins 101 Te Awanui Dr, 0508 288 537

Waimarino Adventure Park 07 576 4233, waimarino.com Coyote Bar and Restaurant 107 The Strand, 07 578 8968.

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

TE PUKE STAY Hairy Berry Backpacker Hostel 2 No One Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 8015, work@hairyberrynz.com Kiwi Corral Backpackers 26 Young Road, 07 573 4530, kiwicorral.co.nz Blue Tide Beachfront Retreat 7 Te Awhe Rd, Maketu Beach, 07 533 2033, bluetides.co.nz

TE PUKE DO Kiwifruit Country Young Rd, 07 573 6340, kiwifruitcountry.co.nz 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 Otapawa Farmstay (BBH) 255 Haunui Road, 06 376 7250 otapawafarmstay.co.nz/ backpackers

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 Astray Motel & Backpackers (BBH) 1202 Pukuatua St, 07 348 1200, astray.co.nz Base Backpackers Rotorua 1286 Arawa St, 07 348 8636, stayatbase.com Blarney’s Rock Backpackers 1210 Tutanekai St, 07 343 7904, blarneysrock.com Cactus Jack Backpackers 1210 Haupapa St, 0800 122 228 cactusjackbackpackers.com Crash Palace Backpackers 1271 Hinemaru St, 07 348 842, crashpalace.co.nz Funky Green Voyager (BBH) 4 Union St, 07 346-1754, funkygreenvoyager.co.nz Kiwipaka 60 Tarewa Rd, 07 347 0931, kiwipaka.co.nz Planet Nomad Backpackers 1080 Eruera St, 07 350 2550, rotoruaplanetbackpackers.co.nz Oasis Hostel/Backpackers 33A Tarewa Rd, 07 343 6563, oasishostel.co.nz

Whakatane Hotel 79 The Strand, 07 307 1670

Rotorua Central Backpackers (BBH) 1076 Pukuatua St, 07 349 3285, rotoruacentralbackpackers.co.nz

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

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers (BBH) 1193 Fenton St, 07 347 1170, rotorua-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

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 Waikite Hot Pools Natural hot spring water bathing. Provides private spas, BBQ area and campground facilities, 20 minutes south of Rotorua. hotpools.co.nz Waimangu Volcanic Valley The location of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the 1886 volcanic eruption. waimangu.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 Zorb Rotorua Get harnessed inside the perspex Zorb before rolling head-over-heels downhill, 07 357 5100, zorb.com

MAORI CULTURE

Spa Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 1221 Amohau Street, 07 348 3486, spalodge.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.

YHA Rotorua 1278 Haupapa St, 07 349 4088, yha.co.nz

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

Roquette Restaurant & Bar 23/29 Quay St. 07 307 0722

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

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

Wallys on the Wharf 2 The Strand, 07 307 0722, wallysonthewharf.co.nz

Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body hellsgate.co.nz

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Maori village set amidst a landscape of geothermal

The Wharf Shed Restaurant 2/2 The Strand E. 07 308 5698

ROTORUA DO

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NORTHISLAND 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 Blackcurrant Backpackers (BBH) 20 Taniwha St, 07 378 9292, blackcurrantbp.co.nz 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, budgetaccommodation taupo.co.nz Sportsman Lodge Backpackers Retreat 15 Taupahi Rd, 0800 366 208, sportsmanslodge.co.nz Base Taupo 7 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 4464, stayatbase.com Taupo Urban Retreat 65 Heu Heu St, 0800 872 261, tur.co.nz Tiki Lodge 104 Tuwharetoa St, 0800 845 456, tikilodge.co.nz YHA Taupo 56 Kaimanawa St, 07 378 3311, yha.co.nz Silver Fern Lodge 118 Tamamutu St, 07 377 4929, silverfernlodge.co.nz Lake Maraetai Lodge 5 Totara Terrace, 07 882 8940, lake-maraetai-lodge.co.nz

TAUPO DO Craters of the Moon One of the most geothermally active areas in the region, full of boiling mud and steaming craters. Wairakei Park. cratersofthemoon.co.nz Huka Falls Take a relaxing walk up to Huka Falls where the water pours over the 35ft drop at up to 62,000 gallons per second.

hukafalls.com

BOOK NOW! TONGARIRO

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

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

The Crossing Backpackers Erua Rd East, 07 892 2894, thecrossingbackpackers.co.nz

Taupo Bungy Bungy from a platform 47m above the Waikato River. 202 Spa Rd. 0800 888 408, taupobungy.com Tongariro Crossing Transport and National Park Links From Taupo and Turangi during summer months (NovMay). 07 377 0435, thetongarirocrossing.co.nz Taupo Tandem Skydiving Skydive from up to 15,000 feet (over one minute freefall). Free shuttle, DVD and digital photos. Yellow Hangar, Taupo Airport. 0800 275 934, taupotandemskydiving.com

TURANGI On the southern shores of Lake Taupo, Turangi is known as the trout fishing capital of the world. It offers heaps of outdoor adventure activities and is a good base for venturing into the Tongariro National Park. Turangi Visitor Centre Tongariro St, 07 376 0027, turangi.co.nz

TURANGI STAY A Plus Samurai Lodge (BBH) 41 Iwiheke Place, 07 386 8979, tongariro-hostel.co.nz Asure Parklands Motorlodge Cnr Arahori St & State Hwy 1, 07 386 7515, parklandsmotorlodge.co.nz Extreme Backpackers (BBH) 26 Ngawaka Place, 07 386 8949, extremebackpackers.co.nz Judges Pool Motel 92 Taupahi Rd, 07 386 7892, judgepoolmotel.co.nz The Lazy Dog (BBH) 3 Rangipoia Place, 07 386 0317, lazydogbackpackers.co.nz Riverstone Backpackers (BBH) 222 Tautahanga Rd, 07 386 7004, riverstonebackpackers.com Settlers Motel 24 Arahori St, 07 386 7745, settlersmotelturangi.co.nz Turangi Kiwi Holiday Park 13 Te Reiti Tamara Grove, 07 386 8754, turangiholidaypark.co.nz

daKune Lodge (BBH) 42 Park Ave, Ohakune 06 385 8448, dakunelodge.co.nz Howards Mountain Lodge (BBH) 43 Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2827, howardslodge.co.nz Skotel Alpine Resort Whakapapa Village, 07 892 3715, skotel.co.nz National Park Backpackers YHA (BBH) 4 Findlay St. The hostel runs transport to the Tongariro Crossing, 07 892 2870, npbp.co.nz

follow us on swing and bungy jump. 0800 802 864 River Valley Rafting and horse trekking. 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

OPOTIKI Opotiki Information Centre Cnr St John and Elliot Sts, 07 315 3031 opotikinz.com Central Oasis Backpackers 30 King St, 07 315 5165, centraloasis@hotmail.com Fruit Forest Studio 197 Omarumutu Rd, 07 315 8143, fruitforest.co.nz Opotiki Beach House (BBH) 7 Appleton Road, 07 315 5117 opotikibeachhouse.co.nz

EAST CAPE

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

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.

Plateau Lodge 17 Caroll St, National Park Village, 07 8922 993, plateaulodge.co.nz

Maraehako Bay Retreat SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648. maraehako.co.nz

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

Stranded in Paradise (BBH) 21 Potae Street, 06 864 5870, stranded-in-paradise.net

Station Lodge (BBH) 60 Thames Street, The Junction, Ohakune, 06 385 8797, stationlodge.co.nz

MT RUAPEHU

Wainui Beach Motel 34 Wairere Rd, 06 868 5882, wainuibeachmotel.co.nz

GISBORNE

The park’s showcase is Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano towering at 2,796m.

Flying Nun Backpackers (BBH) 147 Roebuck Rd, 06 868 0461, flynun.co.nz

Ruapehu Visitors’ Centre 54 Clyde St, 06 385 8427 visitruapehu.com

YHA Gisborne 32 Harris St, 06 867 3269, yha.co.nz

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

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.

@tnt_downunder 53 Nelson Cres, 06 835 4523, bbh.co.nz Archie’s Bunker (BBH) 15 Herschell Street, 06 833 7990, archiesbunker.co.nz The Art House (BBH) 259 Marine Parade, 06 835 5575, arthousenapier.co.nz Blue Water Lodge (BBH) 471 Marine Parade, 06 835 8593, arthousenapier.co.nz Criterion Art Deco Backpackers (VIP, Roamfree) - (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, coromandeltuilodge.co.nz 48 Emerson St, 06 835 2059, criterionartdeco.co.nz Stable Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 370 Hastings Street, 06 835 6242, bluewaterlodge.co.nz Toad Hall Backpackers (BBH) 11 Shakespeare Road, 06 835 5555, toadhall.co.nz Waterfront Lodge & Backpackers 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, a1backpackers.co.nz Glenross Lodge (BBH) Route 52, Rakaunui, 06 376 7288, tararua.net/glenross Lochlea Farmstay 344 Lake Rd, Wanstead, +6468554816 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, ajs.backpackerslodge.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.

Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911

MOKAU

Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

Palm House Backpackers taranaki-bakpak.co.nz

NAPIER STAY Aqua Lodge (BBH)

NEW PLYMOUTH Taranaki’s major town is New

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people, New Zealand’s most interesting city.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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

WELLY STAY Barnacles Seaside Inn (BBH) 3 Marine Parade. 04 902 5856 seasideyha.co.nz

MOUNT TARANAKI Taranaki is located midway between Auckland and Wellington – nevertheless it is worth a detour. Mount Taranaki is a famous spiritual centre for the Taranaki populace and is located in the heart of the region. It is possible to climb to the summit and back down again in a day, but the weather can be temperamental so you should go with a guide. mttaranakiguidedtours.co.nz

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 EcoInn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth on SH3. 06 752 2765 ecoinnovation. co.nz/t-Accommodation.aspx 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, seasprayhouse.co.nz Ducks & Drakes Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lemon St, 06 758 0404 ducksanddrakes.co.nz Sunflower Lodge (BBH) 33 Timandra St, 06 758, 2842 sunflowerlodge.co.nz

PLYMOUTH DO

Photo: iStock

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, mttaranaki.co.nz/retreat/ wheatly_downs_farmstay/

WHANGANUI College House 42b Campbell Street, 021 852 100 42b.co.nz Hikurangi Stay Place

1 Mount View Road, 06 343 333 stayplace.co.nz YHA Whanganui 2 Plymouth St, 06 348 2301, yha.co.nz Tamara Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 24 Somme Pde, 06 347 6300, tamaralodge.com Whanganui National Park The major attraction is the Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery. Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour.

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

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. 04 473 8482 hotelwaterloo.co.nz

Moana Lodge (BBH) 49 Moana Road. 04 233 2010 lmoana-lodge-accommodation. co.nz Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St, 04 381 3899, wellywoodbackpackers.co.nz

Department of Conservation Office 74 Ingestre St, 06 348 8475

Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 MacDonald Crescent. 04 384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

PALMERSTON NTH

Rowena’s Lodge 115 Brougham St. 04 385 7872, wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz

Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 350 9700 Grandma’s Place (BBH) 146 Grey St, 06 358 6928, grandmas-place.com Pepper Tree Hostel (BBH) 121 Grey St, 06 355 4054, peppertreehostel.co.nz

WELLINGTON The nation’s capital is to many

Museum of Wellington City & Sea Queens Wharf, 04 472 8904

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

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

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

Mount Victoria The views are breathtaking. It’s damn windy so make sure you’re wearing heavy shoes. Walk, drive or bus it.

Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. 04 385 8829, cambridgehotel.co.nz

Wanganui Information Centre 31 Taupo Quay, Whanganui, 06 349 0508, wanganui.com

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

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 Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6755 Harbour cruises The harbour is a handsome thing and the best way to fully appreciate its beauty is by boat.

The Setup (BBH) Level 3/15, Dixon Street, Te Aro 04 802 4779 setupdixon.co.nz Wild Zebra Backpackers (BBH) 58 Tory Street. wellingtonbackpacker.com

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 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 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 Abba Lodge (BBH) 11 Awaroa Bay, 03 528 8758, abbalodge.co.nz 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 Aurora Backpackers (BBH) 161-163 Trafalger Square. 03 929 5553, aurorabackpackers.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 Villa by the Sea (BBH) 252 Haven Rd. 03 545 8365, villabythesea.co.nz Footprints by the Sea 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 honeysucklehouse. weebly.com/ 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 The Prince Albert Backpackers (BBH) 113 Nile St. 03 548 8477 theprincealbert.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 Shortbread Cottage (BBH) 33 Trafalgar St. 03 546 6681 shortbreadcottage.co.nz Tasman Bay Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 10 Weka St. 03 548 7950, tasmanbaybackpackers.co.nz Trampers Rest (BBH) 31 Alton St. 03 545 7477 Idesia B&B 14 Idesia Grove, Richmond, 03 544 0409 YHA Nelson 59 Rutherford St, 03 545 9988, yha.co.nz

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.

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

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, edensedge.co.nz Motueka Garden Motel 71 King Edward St, 0800 101 911, motmotel.co.nz Hat Trick Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz Laughing Kiwi (BBH) 310 High St. 03 528 9229, laughingkiwi.co.nz Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park 03 527 8288, oldmacs.co.nz The White Elephant (BBH) 55 Whakarewa St. 03 528 6208, whiteelephant.co.nz Equestrian Lodge Motel 2 Avalon Ct, 03 528 9369

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 Annie’s Nirvana Lodge (BBH, YHA) 25 Motupipi St. 03 525 8766, nirvanalodge.co.nz

follow us on Aquapackers Anchorage Bay, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 0800 430 744, aquapackers.co.nz Golden Bay Barefoot Backpackers (BBH) 114 Commercial St. 03 525 7005, bare-foot.co.nz Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676 kiwianabackpackers.co.nz Kanuka Ridge (BBH) 21 Moss Rd, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 03 527 8435, abeltasmanbackpackers.co.nz The Rocks chalets 2086 Takaka Valley Hwy, 03 525 8096, travelbug.co.nz River Inn Golden Bay. 03 525 9425 riverinn.co.nz Shambhala (BBH) 1234 Takaka-Collingwood Highway. 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.

@tnt_downunder portage.co.nz Watson Way Backpackers (BBH) 56 High Street 03 572 8228 watsonswaylodge.com

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

PICTON STAY Atlantis Backpackers (BBH) 42 London Quay, 03 573 7390, atlantishostel.co.nz The Buccaneer Lodge 314 Waikawa Rd, 03 573 5002, buccaneerlodge.co.nz The Jugglers Rest (BBH) 8 Canterbury St. 03 573 5570, jugglersrest.com Fat Cod Backpackers (BBH) 9 Auckland St, 03 573 7788, fatcodbackpackers.co.nz 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

The Innlet (BBH) 839 Pakawau Main Rd, 03 524 8040, theinnlet.co.nz

Tombstone Backpackers (BBH) 16 Gravesend Place. 03 573 7116, tombstonebp.co.nz

Somerset House (BBH) 10 Gibbs Rd. 03 524 8624, backpackerscollingwood.co.nz

Parklands Marina Holiday Park 10 Beach Rd, 03 573 6343, parktostay.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 401 (BBH) 401 Anakiwa Rd. 03 574 1388, anakiwabackpackers.co.nz Copperbeech (BBH) 73 Maxwell Rd. 03 579 2246, copperbeechbackpackers@hotmail. com Hopewell (BBH) Kenepuru Rd. 03 573 4341, hopewell.co.nz The Partage Resort Hotel Kenepuru Sound. 0800 275 373,

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.

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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 Linkwater Motel 1594 Queen Charlotte Dr, 03 574 2600 linkwatermotel.co.nz Okiwa Bay Lodge 169 Anakiwa Rd, 03 574 2527, okiwabaylodge.co.nz

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

BLENHEIM The largest town in Marlborough, and considered (ahem, also) the“sunshine capital of New Zealand”. Whitewater rafting on the Buller and Gowan Rivers is great fun. Blenheim I-Site 8 Sinclair Street Railway Station 03 577 8080 Koanui Lodge & Backpackers (BBH) 33 Main St. 03 578 7487, koanui.co.nz The Grapevine (BBH) 29 Park Terrace, 03 578 6062, thegrapevine.co.nz Arrow Backpackers (BBH) 107 Budge St, 03 577 9857, bbh.co.nz Leeways Backpackers (BBH) 33 Lansdowne St, 03 579 2213, leeways.byethost22.com

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 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 Sunrise Lodge (BBH) 74 Beach Rd, 03 319 7444, bbh.co.nz The Fairways at Ocean Ridge 1 Kersage Drive, 03 319 3055 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

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

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.

LEWIS PASS

Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street. 03 365 4363 aroundtheworld.co.nz

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

At The Right Place (BBH) 85 Bealey Street. 03 366 1633 atrp.co.nz

BANKS PENINSULA

Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. 03 389 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com Dorset House (BBH) 1 Dorset St, 03 366 8268, dorset.co.nz Celtic Backpackers (BBH) 12 Dublin St, 03 377 4417, celticbackpackers.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 Point Break Backpackers 6 Union Street. 03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. 03 381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge 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

C’CHURCH DO

Banks Peninsula is a beautiful region with a stunning coastline chock full of mountains and wildlife. The two harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton are craters of a once majestic volcano.

LYTTELTON

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 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. 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.

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

Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

HANMER STAY

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

Hanmer Backpackers 41 Conical Hill Rd. 03 315 7196, www.hanmerbackpackers.co.nz Jack in the Green (BBH) 3 Devon St. 03 315 5111, jackinthegreen.co.nz

Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud, 03 304 8600

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

Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch to Akaroa buses. 0800 500 929

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

Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

AKAROA STAY Bon Accord Backpackers (BBH) 57 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7782, bon-accord.co.nz Chez La Mer (BBH) 50 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7024, chezlamer.co.nz Double Dutch (BBH) 32 Chorlton Road, Okains Bay. 03 304 7229, doubledutch.co.nz Halfmoon Cottage (BBH) SH25 Barrys Bay. 03 304 5050, halfmoon.co.nz

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

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

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

Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

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

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

SUMNER

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

AKAROA DO

Dolphin Experience

CASTLE HILL Gateway to the Craigieburn Range. Chill Adventures Multi-mountain snow passes. chillout.co.nz Springfield Hotel State Highway 73, Springfield. 03 318 4812, springfieldhotel.co.nz

ARTHUR’S PASS This township is the HQ for the magnificent national park which offers tramping expeditions to skiing. National Park Visitor Centre 03 318 9211 Mountain House (BBH) Main Road, Arthur’s Pass National Park. 03 318 9258 trampers.co.nz Rata Lodge Backpackers (BBH) State Highway 73, Otira Arthur’s Pass National Park, 03 738 2822 rata-lodge.co.nz The Sanctuary (BBH) 126 Main Road, Arther’s Pass National Park 03 942 2230, thesanctuary.co.nz Smylies Accommodation (YHA) 03 318 9258, yha.co.nz

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SOUTHISLAND METHVEN

LAKE TEKAPO

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.

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.

Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre 160 Main St, Methven, 03 302 8955, NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt. nzski.com

METHVEN STAY Brinkley Resort 43 Barkers Rd, Mt Hutt, 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 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, snowboardnz.com Skiwi House 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. 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

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

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

MT COOK Mt Cook National Park is part of a World Heritage area that forms one of the most amazing sights in NZ. The showcase is Mt Cook (Aoraki). NZ’s greatest climber Sir Edmund Hillary used it for practice before conquering Mt Everest, but Mt Cook has claimed the lives of more than 160 people. Discuss climbing plans with 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

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

REEFTON The centrepiece of the town is Victoria Forest Park, the largest forest park in New Zealand.

Beaconstone Eco Lodge Birds Ferry Road Charleston 027 431 0491 beconstoneecolodge.co.nz The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Dean Creek, RD1, Highway 67, Hector 03 782 8333 oldslaughterhouse.co.nz TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 tripinn.co.nz

PAPAROA NP

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

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

MURCHISON

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.

Noahs Ark Backpackers (BBH) 16 Chapel St, 03 768 4868, noahs.co.nz

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

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

WHATAROA

GREYMOUTH STAY

The Old Nurses Home 104 Shiel St, 03 789 8881

WESTPORT

right, it can’t look as good as that in real life. Hokitika Gorge is one of those places. hokitika.org

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.

Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, 03 768 7272, globalvillagebackpackers.co.nz

Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658

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TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning. 0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

Reefton Old Bread Shop 155 Buller Rd, 03 732 8420, reeftonbackpackers.co.nz

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.

KARAMEA

Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101

Duke Hostel (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470 duke.co.nz

WEST COAST

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.

brewery tour, as well as aquatic activities like rafting and canyoning.

Reefton Visitor Centre 67 Broadway, 03 732 8391

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.

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

Rawhiti House (BBH) 27 Hewlings St. 03 693 8252 rawhitibackpackers.co.nz

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

BOOK NOW!

Greymouth KIWI Holiday Park & Motel 318 Main South Rd, 03 762 6768, southbeach.co.nz Kainga-RA YHA 15 Alexander St, Ph: (03) 768 4951, yha.co.nz

HOKITIKA Greenstone, a form of practically indestructible rock that was used by the Maori to make weapons and ornaments, is the main attraction here. There’s also the Westland Water World for all things wet, the Glowworm Dell and some excellent whitewater rafting. Hokitika Visitor Info Centre Carnegie Building, corner of Hamilton & Tancred Street, 03 755 6166

HOKITIKA STAY Hokitika Holiday Park 242 Strafford St, 03 755 8172 Birdsong (BBH) 124 SH6, 03 755 7179 birdsong.co.nz Drifting Sands Backpackers (BBH) 197 Revell St, driftingsands.kiwi Mountain Jade Backpackers (BBH) 41 Weld St, 03 755 5185, mountainjadebackpackers.co.nz Riverview Cottage & Cabins (BBH) 154 Kaniere Rd, 03 755 7440 riverviewcottageandcabins.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

OKARITO

Okarito Nature Tours 03 753 4014, okarito.co.nz Okarito Beach House Close to Franz Josef Glacier, 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: Sir Cendrics (VIP, BBH) 8-10 Cron St, 0800 728 372, sircedrics.co.nz Glow Worm Cottages (BBH) 27 Cron St, 0800 151 027, glowwormcottages@xtra.co.nz Montrose Lodge (BBH) 9 Cron St, 03 752 0188, montroselodge.co.nz Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346 rainforestretreat.co.nz YHA Franz Josef 2-4 Cron St, 03 752 0754, yha.co.nz

FRANZ DO Alpine Adventure Centre Footage on a helimax screen, 03 752 0793 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,

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FOX GLACIER Similiar activities to Franz Josef only with fewer crowds. The best walk is up to the Welcome Flat Hot Springs. For stunning views, head up the wonderfully scenic Chalet Lookout Walk. Look out for the beautiful kea (grey-green mountain parrot). Nearby is Lake Matheson, with its stunning twin mountain reflection. DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 752 0796

FOX STAY Fox Glacier Inn (BBH) 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, wildernessaccommodation.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 Holly’s Backpackers (BBH) 71 Upton St, 03 443 8187, hollys-backpacker.co.nz LHH (BBH) 1 Capell Ave, 03 443 1224, lakehawea.co.nz Mountain View Backpackers (BBH) 7 Russell St, 0800 112 201, wanakabackpackers.co.nz Matterhorn South (BBH) 56 Brownston St, 03 443 1119, matterhornsouth.co.nz The Purple Cow (BBH) 94 Brownston St, 03 443 1880, purplecow.co.nz Wanaka Bakpaka (BBH) 117 Lakeside Rd, 03 443 7837, wanakabakpaka.co.nz YHA Wanaka 181 Upton St, 03 443 7405, yha.co.nz

WANAKA DO Adventure Consultants Mountaineering instruction courses and guided ascents, 03 443 8711, adventure.co.nz Aspiring Guides Guided mountain climbing and ice climbing instruction courses, 03 443 9422, aspiringguides.com Classic Flights Vintage Tiger Moth flights over Lake Wanaka. 03 443 4043, classicflights.co.nz Deep Canyon Canyoning in the Matukituki Valley. Adventure Wanaka, 23 Dunmore St, Wanaka. 03 443 7922, deepcanyon.co.nz Frogz Have More Fun Sledge down either the Clutha, Hawea or Kawarau Rivers. 0800 437 649, frogz.co.nz

Wanaka Rock Climbing One, three and five-day rock climbing courses for everyone. 03 443 6411, wanakarock.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise from Wanaka, 03 443-8787, flightseeing.co.nz Wanaka Sightseeing Includes Lord of the Rings tours, 2 Anderson Rd, 03 338 0982, wanakasightseeing.co.nz

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

QUEENSTOWN Paradise for the energetic traveller, Queenstown is one of the world’s most action-packed towns. The town, which is surprisingly small compared to its big reputation, is located on Lake Wakatipu and rises up to the peaks of the aptly-named Remarkables (which you can ski in winter). In winter, the town is a centre for nearby skifields and in summer adventure activities and tramping take over. There’s also a hectic social scene which extends well into the wee small hours. Info & Track Guided Walks 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708 Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au Queenstown Travel & Visitor Centre Corner of Shotover & Camp Sts, 03 442 4100

Q’TOWN STAY Alpine Lodge (BBH) 13 Gorge Rd. 03 442 7220, alpinelodgebackpackers.co.nz Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge Rd. 03 442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. 03 441 1185, stayatbase.com Black Sheep Lodge (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

The Silver Demon Aerobatic flights. 03 443 4043, silverdemon.co.nz

Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. 03 443 7341, cardrona.com

Skydive Lake Wanaka Freefall from 12,000 or 15,000ft with views of NZ’s highest mountains. 0800 786 877, skydivenz.com

Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. 03 442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz

Treble Cone Ski Field 03 443 7443, treblecone.co.nz

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

4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz

0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com

The Last Resort Queenstown (BBH) 6 Memorial St. 03 442 4320, tlrqtn.com

Haka Adventure Snow Tours 03 980 4250, hakatours.com Mad Dog River Boarding River sledging & other actionpacked water activities, 03 442 7797, riverboarding.co.nz

Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.com Pinewood Lodge (VIP) Queenstown’s best value accommodation. We offer an excellent variety of accommodation, everything from deluxe en-suite rooms with private bathroom amenities, inexpensive double and twin rooms, dorm beds and selfcontained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz Southern Laughter: Sir Cedrics (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 441 8828, sircedrics.co.nz

Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35 Shotover St, 03 442 5867, nzone.biz NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt, nzski.com Queenstown Rafting Raft the Shotover, Kawarau and Landsborough rivers. 35 Shotover St. 03 442 9792 rafting.co.nz

Scallywags Travellers’ Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent. 03 442 7083, bbh.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

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

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

Awesome Foursome Bungy (Nevis – 134m), jetboat, helicopter, whitewater rafting, combos.co.nz

Glenorchy Backpackers Retreat (VIP) Cnr Mull and Argyle Streets, Glenorchy, glenorchynz.com

Dart River Safaris Jetboating wilderness tours, 0800 327 8538, dartriver.co.nz

Kinloch Lodge 862 Kinloch Rd, 03 442 4900, kinlochlodge.co.nz

Fat Tyre Adventure Mountain biking/heli biking, 0800 328 897, fat-tyre.co.nz Fergburger Best burgers in NZ. Shotover St, fergburger.com Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak

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

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SOUTHISLAND 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 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 Bob & Maxine’s (BBH) 20 Paton Place, 03 931 3161, bbh.co.za Rosie’s Backpacker Homestay (BBH) 23 Tom Plato Drive, Lake Te Anau, 03 249 8431, rosiesbackpackers.co.nz Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers (BBH) 48/50 Lakefront Dr, 03 249 7713, teanaubackpackers.co.za Steamers Beach Backpackers (BBH) 77 Manapouri- Te Anau Hwy, 03 249 7737, smarturl.it/steamersbeach 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, tawakidive.co.nz

ANAU TO MILFORD The distance between Te Anau and Milford Sound may be 119km but the breathtaking scenery along the way makes the journey extremely enjoyable. Along the road watch out for the Mirror Lakes and the disappearing mountain. Another highlight is the 1.2km rough-hewn Homer Tunnel. It’s pitch black, having no lighting plus it’s pretty darn steep – a thrilling experience for those afraid of the dark.

MILFORD SOUND Green, wet and breathtakingly beautiful, Milford Sound is one of the most picturesque sights in the world. Much of the action in the Milford Sound takes place on the water and the best way to appreciate the beauty on show is on a cruise or kayak. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins all hang out there.

MILFORD DO Real Journeys 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445 greatsights.co.nz Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Discover a coral reef beneath Milford Sound, 03 249 9442 Milford Sound Cruise & Observatory Visit 0800 656 501

BOOK NOW! 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. 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, freestone.co.nz Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn 68 Cathedral Drive, 03 249 6652, manapouri.co.nz Possum Lodge 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

Milford Wanderer Cruises Day and overnight options with kayaking, etc. Coach connections, 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz

The southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill is a farmingorientated community with a pleasant collection of parks and museums to keep you busy.

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

Invercargill I-site Visitors Centre 108 Gala St, 03 214 6243

TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks and cycling.

wildlife encounters. Farmstay options are available, 0800 304333, catlinscoaster.co.nz

STEWART ISLAND Stewart Island Flights Flights to Stewart Island, 03 218 9129, stewartislandflights.co.nz Bunkers Backpackers (BBH) 13 Argyle St, Halfmoon Bay, Stweart Island, 027 738 1796 bunkersbackpackers.co.nz

INVERCARG STAY

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CATLINS STAY Wrights Mill Lodge 865 Tahakopa Valley, 03 204 8424 Lazy Dolphin 529 Curio Bay Rd, 03 246 8579. lazydolphinlodge.co.nz Cedar Tree Lodge (BBH) 36 Hosptial Road, 027 611 7932. goldbox.catering@gmail.com Happy Inn Backpackers (BBH) 11 Shakespeare St, 03 417 4161. happyinn@clear.net.nz

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

Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834

Tuatara Backpacker Lodge 30 Dee St, 03 214 0956, tuataralodge.co.nz

The Split Level (BBH) 9 Waikawa Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8304, thesplitlevel.co.nz

SOUTH SCENIC The beautiful road west of Invercargill towards Fiordland is known as the Southern Scenic Route.

Surat Bay Lodge (BBH) Surat Bay Rd, New Haven, 03 415 8099, suratbay.co.nz

Pepper Tree Hostel 121 Grey St, Palmerston, 06 335 4054, peppertreehostel.co.nz

Penguin Paradise Holiday Lodge (BBH) 612 Waikawa-Niagara Rd, Waikawa Village South Catlins, 03 2468 552, catlins-surf.co.nz/736.html

Grandma’s Place 146 Grey St, Palmerston North, 06 358 6928, grandmas-place.co.nz

Thomas Catlins Lodge & Holiday Park, 8 Clark St, Owaka 03 415 8333, thomascatlins.co.nz

The Globe Backpackers (VIP) 144 Palmerston St, Riverton, 03 234 8527, globebackpackers@xtra.co.nz

Wright’s Mill Lodge 865 Tahakopa Valley Rd, 03 204 8424 catlinsaccommodation.co.nz

Harbison Backpackers 5 Harbison St, Otautau, 03 225 8715, michdale@xtra.co.nz Shooters Backpackers (BBH) 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. 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.

Dept of Conservation Office Don St, 03 214 4589

Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, South Otago, 03 415 8371, catlins.org.nz

Catlins Coaster Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins with many stops to the main natural attractions and

Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours Two-day camping trips, 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.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 Chalet Backpackers (BBH) 296 High St, 03 479 2075 chaletbackpackers.co.nz Dunedin Central Backpackers (BBH) 243 Moray Pl, 03 477 9985, centralbackpackers.co.nz Pavlova Palace (BBH) 74 Elm Row, 03 477 34728 pavlovapalace.co.nz Hogwartz (BBH)

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277 Rattray St, 03 474 1487, hogwartz.co.nz Kiwis Nest (BBH) 597 George St, 03 471 9540, kiwisnest.co.nz Leviathan Hotel 27 Queens Gardens, 0800 773 773, dunedinhotel.co.nz Manor House 28 Manor Place, 03 477 0484, manorhousebackpackers.co.nz On Top Backpackers (BBH) 12 Filleul St, cnr Moray Pl, 03 477 6121, ontopbackpackers.co.nz Pennys Backpackers (BBH) 6 Stafford St, 03 477 6027, pennys.co.nz Next Stop Backpackers 2 View St, 03 477 0477, nextstop.co.nz YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables 71 Stafford St, 03 474 1919, yha.co.nz

DUNEDIN DO Baldwin Street In the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world.

Cadbury World 280 Cumberland St, 0800 223 2879, cadbury.co.nz Cosmic Corner Funk Store Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff about where to go for parties, events and the beautiful parts of New Zealand. 355 George St, 03 479 2949 Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz 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 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 774 Portobello Rd, Portobello, 02 5206 0640, mcfarmers@xtra.co.nz Pinot Lodge (BBH) 102 Barry Avenue, Cromwell, Fiordland 03 445 1260, pinotlodgenz.com

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

ROXBURGH Villa Rose Backpackers 79 Scotland St, 03 446 8761, villarose.co.nz

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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 Ahuriri Backpackers (BBH) 5 Clay Cliffs Lane 03 438 9451 ahuririmotels.co.nz Chillawhile Backpackers (BBH) & Art Gallery 1 Frome St, Roberts Park, 03 437 0168, chillawhile.co.nz Coastal Backpackers (BBH) The Hall, Waianakarua Rd, All Day Bay, 03 439 5411, coastalbackpackers.co.nz Buscot Station (BBH) 732 Omarama, 03 438 9646, buscotstn@xtra.co.nz Empire Hotel (BBH) 13 Thames St, 03 434 3446, empirehotel@hotmail.com Old Bones Lodge (BBH) 468 Beach Rd, 03 434 8115, 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, swaggersbackpackers.co.nz

MOERAKI Just 30km south of Oamaru lies a remarkable collection of eerie giant boulders.

Photo: iSotck

DOUBTFUL SOUND Doubtful Sound is the bigger, less famous sibling of Milford Sound – call it the Randy Jackson to Michael. It’s three times longer and has 10 times the surface area of Milford but with half the amount of visitors. It may be because its name has given it a crisis of confidence, but it’s more likely because it requires quite a bit of effort to get to. First a boat takes you over Lake Manapouri to West Arm, then there’s a bus trip over the most expensive road in New Zealand – Wilmot Pass – to Deep Basin Harbour. Doubtful is more of a slow burner in the ‘wow’ stakes too, in that as you pull away from Deep Basin, its beauty is still to be revealed. Its delights unveil themselves to the observer piece by piece as the boat turns another corner to showcase another imposing rock formation poking out of the water. The burner picks up its heat until all of a sudden you say to yourself, “My God, this is a stunningly beautiful place”. doubtfulsound.com

Riverside Haven (BBH) 2328 SH1, Waianakarua, 03 439 5830, olivebranch.co.nz The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

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Safari so goody Tired of kicking it with kangaroos? Be humbled by nature’s giants and predators, as well as the overwhelming landscape they call home, by heading on an African safari WORDS RACHEAL GETZELS AND ALASDAIR MORTON

Africa is a continent full of diversity and wonder; its broad spectrum of cultures, climate and environment make it a must-visit for everyone. It need not cost you an arm and a leg either, as there are safari packages to suit all budgets, and you can even go solo, make up your own itinerary and choose at timetable to suit your sightseeing needs. Here you will find the top countries across Africa in which to spot the Big Five – that’s rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard to those uninitiated with big game box-checking – and more exotic creatures great and small...

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Tanzania THE EXPERIENCE This eastern African country is a great place to take in all your safari desires as it has something for everyone, from towering mountain peaks and breathtaking views through to nature reserves and everything you could possibly think of for your dream safari experience. As well as the numerous creatures that are on-hand to occupy your time spotting, you are just as likely to be bewitched by the scenery in which these animals live. The great plains of the Serengeti are a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold, equally so Mount Kilimanjaro, which towers more than 19,000ft above sea level. It is the highest mountain in the continent, as well as one of the big seven mountains (the tallest mountains on each of the world’s continents) that driven climbers seek to ascend. For the adventurous and strong, you can bag yourself a summit too as part of a five-day trekking excursion – best get ready for the altitude though! THE ANIMALS Being home to no fewer than 15 national parks including Mikumi, Ruaha and Saadani means it is the perfect place from which to get out and tick off the big five. THE WOW FACTOR Tourists descend upon Tanzania every year to witness the great migration, in which 1.5 million wildebeest journey 1200 miles across the country’s grasslands and hills towards their destination in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. tanzaniatouristboard.com

Killimanjaro, Tanzania

South Africa THE EXPERIENCE There are all manner of safari options for the intrepid explorer to find in South Africa. While most visitors to the 84

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country will take the most common starting point landing at Cape Town and heading out east along the Garden Route, you would do better to make your own way up to the northern part of the country where some of the best safari experiences in all of Africa can be found. Kruger National Park is one of the biggest in all of the continent – it’s almost the size of Wales. Despite its size it can get crowded, meaning it is best to get off the beaten track and avoid the popular routes. With everything from campsites to bustling compounds though, this is never too much of a problem. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a game reserve in the semi-desert Kalahari region. Its name translates as ‘place of thirst’, and it is located further to the west, with one quarter lying in South Africa, the remaining three quarters across the border in Botswana. It is a less well-travelled park and offers bountiful opportunities for embarking on a more rugged and wild, not to mention cheaper, big five experience, and is a good option for those journeying on a budget. THE ANIMALS The big five are joined by plenty of game. The best time to visit is in the winter season, which runs from June to September – the weather will be colder and there will be more chance of rain, but less foliage means you will have a better chance to catch a glimpse of some critters. THE WOW FACTOR You can combine your lion-watching with sunbathing time by visiting Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. This park is famed for its beaches, so you can do two holidays in one by chilling out on the the beach one day, and spotting the big five the next. Nice. southafrica.net

The Gambia THE EXPERIENCE The Gambia is 300 miles long and 30 miles wide, bisected by the namesake river. The River Gambia National Park (also known as Baboon Islands) is home to a primate protection programme based on five islands in the river, which you can visit via boat tours. The Abuko Nature Reserve offers up chances to get your eyes on hyenas, crocs and some of the three types of monkeys that live in the Gambia (vervet, patas and red colobus), with day-long bush and beach safaris also popular so you can get out to spot the animals before taking a picnic on the beach. THE ANIMALS The Gambia doesn’t have any of the big five creatures on its books for you to peer at through your binoculars. It does though, offer some serious simianspotting, with apes, chimps and baboons among its most readily spied animal inhabitants. If squawking monkeys aren’t your bag, then you can take in some of the 560 different species of birds that live within six protected areas. Best spots for bird watchers include the Kiang West National Park and the Ginack Island National Park, as well as bird reserves in the coastal city of Tanji. THE WOW FACTOR One of the most unique points about visiting this west African country from the UK is that it is no more than seven hours away, so there is no jet lag time difference to contend with. This means no dreaded tired eyes, which is handy for animal spotting. . visitthegambia.gm TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Botswana THE EXPERIENCE The Moremi Game Reserve in northern Botswana was voted the best game reserve in Africa a few years ago by the African Travel and Tourism Association, and it’s clear why. The first reserve in Africa to be started by local residents, it is focused as much on environmental conservation as it is on tourism. Or straddling the Shashe, Motloutse and Limpopo Rivers in eastern Botswana is the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, which is just as well known for its spectacular landscapes and rich cultural history as it is for its abundance of wildlife. Comprising 71,000 hectares of diverse habitat, it is one of the largest privately owned game reserves in south Africa and home to bushland, woodland and marshland with towering cliffs, meaning you are just as likely to get caught up checking out the scenery as you are the 48 species of mammals and 350 species of birds that can be found living in it. THE ANIMALS Situated along the Okavango Delta, Moremi is known for its bountiful wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced into the park meaning it is a top destination for big five spotting, and with more than 400 species of birds to be found it is ideal for ornithology enthusiasts, too. THE WOW FACTOR The Makgadikagi Pans Game Reserve in the central region of the country offers something a little different, with its 1,2000 square miles of seemingly neverending flat, featureless terrain making up one of the largest salt planes in the whole world. Flat it may be, but the zebra and wildebeest can be found in plentiful supply, serving up another safari option in this diverse country. tourism.go.ke

Zambia THE EXPERIENCE Green vegetation sets apart Zambia’s parks from the arid desert that makes up most other safaris, so you’re in for a visual treat. Because of the many rivers in the country, canoe trips through the wilderness are also possible. Zambia has a collection of more luxurious lodges with waterfront views and extra comforts you wouldn’t always expect so far from home. THE ANIMALS Permanent rivers all over Zambia mean it’s a magnet for wildlife – and far less visited than safari parks in neighbouring countries. You’re basically guaranteed a run-in with the biggest rhino of all here, the white rhino, and the lush grassland attracts absolutely enormous herds of grazing zebras and antelopes, which can only mean one thing... predators lurking in the trees. You’re more likely to spot a leopard here, though the giant cats do keep to themselves. Packs of wild dogs also rule the roost, but they’re hard to track down (and won’t respond to ‘Fido’). THE WOW FACTOR Hippos may look slow and dopey, but as the world’s most dangerous animal they’re not creatures for cuddling up to. However for those of you who live life on the edge, some of the safaris in the south of the country take you so close to the bathing mud-lovers, you can almost reach out and touch them. Watch out for floating limbs. expertafrica.com/Zambia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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THE EXPERIENCE Zimbabwe is trying hard to attract visitors following years of instability and danger that black-listed the country as a safe and popular tourist spot. However, international flights are flying there once again and many of the safaris cater to younger travellers whose cash may not be flowing. Rustic camping grounds with wooden huts surrounded by armed guards is the name of the game here. The benefit is that many lodges are right out there in the wilderness, maximising chances of a good sightings. THE ANIMALS In Zimbabwe, they have elephants. So many that the population of the magnificent animals has soared to more than double what the land can support. And as a result they’re wreaking havoc in towns and villages – think stampedes smattering farms, crushing houses, and feasting on whole fields for lunch. It’s a jumbo problem that makes for a unique safari experience. THE WOW FACTOR Zimbabwe has the best views of the jawdropping Victoria Falls and many of the packages include a visit. Going on safari close to the waterfalls is a birdwatcher’s dream – it may sound less exciting than coming face-toface with the big five but when you see creatures coasting through waterfall mist that can be seen and felt from kilometres away, it will take your breath away. expertafrica.com/Zimbabwe

Namibia THE EXPERIENCE Nambia offers up coast line that many other safari parks lack, so it truly stands apart. There’s something for everyone here too – from more budget campsites with showers under the trees to luxury lodges where honeymooning couples shack-up and make some animal noises of their own. Nudge nudge, wink wink. THE ANIMALS Namibia has the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs in the world; but they run so fast, it’ll be hard to catch more than a fleeting glimpse. If you’re squeamish when it comes to snakes, cross this one off your list. The arid desert is home to more than 70 species of the slithering reptile, including the three types of spitting cobra and the African puff adder, which hide out in river beds ready to strike if your feet smell particularly good (probably nothing to worry about, if your hiking boots are anything to go by). If you hit the coast on safari, you’ll see a whole new set of wild delights – flamingos and seals holding court with hulking elephants and lounging lions. THE WOW FACTOR Watching the red-hot African sun set atop some of the biggest sand dunes in the world at NamibNaukluft National Park has got to be on your bucket list. Think Lawrence of Arabia (or, Africa) and you’ll be close – this is one of the world’s oldest deserts and nothing has changed except windstorms whipping the massive piles of sand into towers. The narrow road in and out of the park is also a sight to behold, flanked by huge dunes that will not do you any favours if you’re claustrophobic. namibiatourism.com.na

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OZCAREERS

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What’s yours is mine It’s a laborious job, but working in the mining industry is a great option for skilled expats and you will reap the rewards

We’re pretty sure there’s an ancient proverb that goes, “work in Australia’s mines, make a lot of money”. And if there isn’t, there should be. The lucrative mining industry in Western Australia is booming with opportunity; it’s created a wealth of jobs for Australians and international workers alike. Its benefits and salaries are attractive as they tend to be greater compared to similar jobs in other work sectors. Best of all for expats, there is a shortage of skilled Aussie workers – so this is being compensated for by bringing in outside help, particularly from the UK. To those expats looking for work in the mining industry, there is a wide variety of employment opportunities depending largely on your prior experience and qualifications, from truck drivers to labourers, engineers to contractors. While there are 88

positions available that don’t require qualifications, they’re much more limited. To find out more on what careers are available and requirements specific to each, visit miningca.klyp. co/career-paths for more information. The salaries one can expect are dependent on the position and degree of qualifications it requires, with averages ranging from $40,000 to $260,000+ per year. For more specific estimations, visit the annual Hays Salary Guide at hays.com.au/ employer-services/resources-miningrecruitment/. Rosters vary between companies and between sites. It’s not uncommon for employees to work on a fly-in/ fly-out basis, with full 12-hour days of work for their two weeks on site, before flying back to the city for a week off. It’s important to think about the implications of relative seclusion

and demanding work schedules when considering a career in mining. You can apply for roles directly through the websites of the individual companies, whether it be for a particular job vacancy, an apprenticeship or traineeship. Contracting companies are another possibility as they play a significant role in the company’s operations and, depending on the nature of the job, it may be best to apply via them. Alternatively, you can try national recruitment websites like miningoilandgasjobs.com.au. So, once you’ve gotten your dream job in mining you’ll be rolling in those glitzy pink $5 bills. The next step is nabbing your very own Aussie hottie, for which your job can also help: simply tell them you work in the mines and explicitly describe how you can manoeuvre a big drill. Good luck!

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WANT TO STAY LONGER? • Are you looking to come and work in a regional area, to satisfy the requirements of your 2nd Working Holiday Visa? • Are you looking for 457, employer based sponsorship? • Do you currently have a working holiday visa and want to find out workable options for you? • Do you have experience in the Building or Hospitality sectors? If you want to find out more about this and more exiting opportunities, please call our offices during office hours or visit our website.

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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.

JOBS www.tntdownunder.com/jobs

Solving your recruitment problems

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DESPERATELYSEEKING

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

SAY WHAT?!

THINGS TONY ABBOTT SHOULD DO, JUST BECAUSE...

She had a really sexy body but a face like a troll. I rooted her - but made sure it was from behind the whole time.

if i close my eyes when i eat this brownie, do you think my hips won’t notice i’ve eaten it?

apparently i said ‘i don’t know how to send a fax’ in my sleep last night. to be fair, i don’t.

we really want to open a scotch egg theme park. it will be called ‘great scotch’ and have a sausage rollercoaster. that’s all we’ve got so far...

i’m pretty sure i used to be a black rapper in a past life, which is why i have such an affinity for the rhyme.

i must stop buying myself early birthday presents. but who else is going to?

‘how do you cook a stir-fry?’ ‘the clue’s in the name babe’ ‘stir it?’

Train to be a warrior in Mongolia. He’d be crap, but then what’s new? Prrretty please: I had never heard the expression ‘the cat’s pyjamas’ before, and got really excited when I thought they were an actual thing. Now I just have to get a pair for my pet cat – any ideas where I can buy some from? Wedding smasher: So I know this is very rom-com of me, but I need a guy to be my date at my mum’s wedding. She thinks I’ve been dating a guy called Paul for a year. You need to have brown hair and blue eyes and be 6ft5. I can’t pay you but you will get a free

meal out of it and I will probably suck you off – I do that when I get drunk. Any takers? Single minded: So I’m in a relationship of five years and I think my girlfriend is expecting me to propose, but I am planning on finishing it. How do I tell her? Perhaps through this? Tara Greenworth, if you’re reading this, it’s about you – sorry! Bringing sexy back: You were wearing one of those tops that’s cut right to the waist at the back and it turned me on big time. You’ve got a

scripture tattoo on your lower back but I never got close enough to see what it said. Can I? Feeling flush-tered: I have a confession to make. I went for a poo after a one-night stand and his toilet wouldn’t flush. Classic. So I wrapped my poo up in loo roll and put it in my bag. We ended up going to the cinema and I had it the whole time – I could even smell it. Anyway, I left it on the cinema floor, so I just wanted to say I’m sorry to the cleaners! Christ alive: I’m pretty sure my boyfriend is Jesus reincarnated. He sleeps in the crucifix position, has long hair and beard, wears sandals and only eats bread and fish. He never bloody turns my water into wine, though. Bastard. Flat line: I’m about to rent a room in a house where the person who last rented it died. In the bed. Feeling really creeped out about it but the rent’s really cheap. Maybe I should at least buy a new mattress? Mystic pizza: I’m pretty sure I can tell people’s fortunes using grated cheese. I get them to throw it on the table and I read the way the cheese has landed – I just see shapes and words. So far I have done it on one person and got nearly everything (around 20%) right. Spooky, eh? Time to blow: Babe, I have gone down on you five times now and you are yet to return the favour. Seriously, if you don’t give me a blowy soon, it’s time to kiss this dick goodbye. Good neigbours: Just want to apologise to my boyfriend’s neighbours. We heard you have sex for the first time in six months the other day, which made us realise how thin the walls are. You must hear us ALL the time. Sorry! Message in a bottle: I sent a bottle of champagne over to your table and you didn’t even acknowledge me. Snobby bitch. Okay it was the cheap brand, but still, that cost me a day’s wages. I hope you choked on it.

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One of our amazing overnight stops - Lake Tekapo, South Island, NZ

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