TNT New Zealand 94 by TNT MAGAZINE

March 2013 Issue 94 tntdownunder.com

!ME IN W N AWESO

a white Queenstown ing water raft adventure

it’s in tents Our pick of NZ’s best camping spots

ice cool Chills in the south island’s glaciers

d n u o r g r e d so un

c av e s glow wor m ’s o m o it a e in W a hard plac d n a k c o r t between a + what’s on fiji island guide Hanging ou music travel photos

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ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER We all know you backpackers like to get down. And whether that means going underground to explore the unknown like we did in the Waitomo Caves (pg28); lying on the grass in the country’s best camping sites (pg10); or finding love in the islands of Fiji (pg38) we’ve pretty much got you covered this month. We also have a guide to the best films of 2013 (pg16), you know, for when things settle down. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK Nz Diary

Gigs

Pubs

hot shots

travel

competition

listings transport

listings north island

listings south island

listings travelling on

Trivia

Features campers guide

NZ is beautiful and we’ve found some top spots to pitch a tent and enjoy

Movie Buffs

We look at some of Hollywood’s biggest and best upcoming offers for 2013

The descent

A day of extreme caving in Waitomo’s Ruakuri cave network

cold as ice

Franz Josef and the Fox Glacier are unlike any place on Earth

Hammock Time

We look at Fiji’s best islands for diving, partying, getting laid and more!

trivial pursuits

A general Kiwi knowledge quiz – just how well do you know New Zealand?

38 tntdownunder.com

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nzDIARY ozDIARY Editorial Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Alisdair Morton, Jahn Vannisselroy, Andrew Westbrook Intern James Besanvalle, Rosemarie Marino

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Design and production Design and production manager Lisa Ferron Sales Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Mike Ramsden marketing & events Business development manager Tom Wheeler accounts Financial controller Trish Bailey

tnt MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Publisher TNT Multimedia Limited Printed by Rural Press Pictures Getty Images | Thinkstock | TNT Images | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone +61 2 8332 7500 Fax +61 2 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntdownunder.com

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Combining live music, theatre and comedy with art exhibitions, installations and an internationally renowned food festival, Auckland’s festival of the arts is back, bigger and better than ever before. Some of the highlights include the bawdy, farcical play One Man, Two Guvnors, the spectacular The Breathe of the Volcano from French performing collective Group F, and the Auckland Philarmonic performing War Requiem. A must see! TBA

Mar 6 – 24 Across Auckland

New Zealand Fringe Festival

Belgian beer German BBQ and mussel fest Festival

Catch the last week or so of New Zealand’s internationally renowned Fringe festival. The breathtaking play A Collection of Noises and the Pinwheel Dance Company’s manic Gizza Hoon are just some of the highlights from the last days of the festival.

As part of Feast 2013, the Belgian Beer and Mussel Festival returns to Christchurch for another year. Sample some of the best Belgian craft, Trappist and lager beers including Leffe and Stella Artois as well as delicious, authentic mussel dishes.

Hosted by the Beachlands Cafe on Wakelin Road in Beachlands. Come and enjoy the drive out to Beachlands on that upcoming beautiful weekend and enjoy the unforgettable sausage sizzle. Chef Andrei Kainer promises a culinary experience.

Feb 15– March 9 Wellington fringe.co.nz

9 March Riccarton House, Christchurch riccartonhouse.co.nz

Feb 2 – March 30 Westpac Stadium, Wellington sevens.co.nz

Tba

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

aucklandfestival.co.nz

$15

$18

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gigLISTINGS

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DON’T MISS!

sunday 10 The Navy $20 Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

monday 11 Glenn Frey $99.90 Vector Arena, Auckland vectorarena.co.nz

tuesday 12

Jim Beam Homegrown Wellington Waterfront, Wellington. March 2. $103 New Zealand’s answer to Homebake is back with another huge line up of homegrown Kiwi talent. Check them out! Wellington Waterfront

homegrown.net.nz

friday 1 The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain From $39 Wellington Town Hall, Wellington ticketek.co.nz

saturday 2 Jaycen A’mour Free Piha Beach, Auckland piha.co.nz

welovemeow.co.nz

tuesday 5 Dinosaur Jr $66 The Powerstation, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

wednesday 6 The National Office Door Sales Only. Mighty Mighty, Wellington mightymighty.co.nz

thursday 7

sunday 3 The Eastern $25 Ashburton Trust Event Centre, Ashburton aotnz.co.nz

monday 4 The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion $50 The Kings Arms, Auckland undertheradar.co.nz

Bloc Party $89.90 The Powerstation, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

friday 8 Ed Sheeran $89.90 TBS Bank Arena, Wellington frontiertouring.com

saturday 9

Big Band Night Free Meow, Wellington

The Stone Cold Chillers Free

Candyrat Guitar Night $12.00 The Free House, Nelson thefreehouse.co.nz

wednesday 13 Fun $50 Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

thursday 14 Villainy and Rival State $25 Brewer’s Bar, Mt Maunganui nztix.co.nz

friday 15 Ricky Lee Jones $89.90 Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland aucklandfestival.co.nz

saturday 16 Seth Haapu From $35 Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall greenstone.co.nz

sunday 17 Rodriguez $101 Logan Campbell Theatre, Auckland ticketek.co.nz

DON’T MISS! Bloc Party The Powerstation, Auckland Thur 7. $89.90 One of the UK’s biggest bands is playing a special, one off gig in Auckland to celebrate the release of their new album. Auckland

ticketmaster.co.nz

Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

friday 22

Gerry and the Pacemakers $70.00 Aurora Centre, Christchurch ticketmaster.co.nz

thursday 28

8 Foot Sativa $25 The Cabana, Napier cabana.net.nz

saturday 23 Paul Kelly $69.20 Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

sunday 24 Tony Joe White From $99 The Powerstation, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

tuesday 26 The Jacksons From $89 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

wednesday 27

The Floating Bridges $5 Mangawhai Tavern, Mangawhai mangawhaitavern.co.nz

friday 29 The Atarmies Free Sandridge Hotel, Christchurch sandridge.co.nz

saturday 30 Myele Manzanza Trio Free Hashigo Zake, Wellington hashigozake.co.nz

sunday 31 Miho Wada $39 Baycourt Community and Arts Centre baycourt.co.nz

monday 18 The Presidents of the United States of America $79.90 Studio, Auckland studiovenue.co.nz

tuesday 19 Santana $149 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

BOOK NOW! Paul Kelly Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland. Sat 23. $69.20 Australia’s unoffical Poet Laureate brings his soulfoul songwriting and wonderful live performance to Auckland.

Auckland

ticketmaster.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

wednesday 20 The Jam Free Meow, Wellington welovemeow.co.nz

thursday 21 Neil Young From $116.60

Wilco Auckland Town Hall, Auckland. April 6. TBA American Indie heavyweights Wilco return to New Zealand for a quick fire, two show tour in April. Make sure you don’t miss out! Auckland

muchmoremusic.co.nz

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FrEE Rooftop Spa FrEE Sauna FrEE 2-4-1 arrival drink FrEE Tea & coffee FrEE 15 Minutes internet 16-20 Fort street, downtown auckland

FlEXiblE accommodaTion Pass

MNaid ghts

7 nights Mad new Zealand Pass

Dont forget to check out our other Mad Choice NZ hostels

Kiwi Paka Rotorua

Taupo Urban Retreat

Crash Palace Rotorua

Kiwi Paka Waitomo

Nomads Capital Wellington

Nomads Queenstown

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PUBLISTINGS aucklandpubs FU Bar 174 Queen Street, Auckland fu.co.nz Reef Bar 71 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay reefbar.co.nz Margaritas Bar 137 Quay Street, Princes Wharf margaritas.co.nz The Paddington 117 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell thepaddington.co.nz Masonic Tavern 29 King Edward Parade, Devonport masonictavern.co.nz

The Kingslander The Establishment 470 New North Road, Kingsland 13 Dixon Street, Te Aro thekingslander.co.nz mbbk.co.nz De Fontein 75-79 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay defontein.co.nz

The Empire Hotel 25-29 Taranaki Street, Te Aro theempire.co.nz

The Occidental 6/8 Vulcan Lane, Auckland occidentalbar.co.nz

San Francisco Bathhouse 57 Swan Street Richmond sfbh.co.nz

Wine Loft 67 Shortland Street, Auckland wineloft.co.nz

Electric Avenue 132 Courtenay Place, Te Aro electricavenue.co.nz

Hashigo Zake Kings Arms Tavern 59 France Street South, Newton 25 Taranaki Street, Te Aro hashigozake.co.nz kingsarms.co.nz Brewery Bar & Restaurant Celsius 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction 4 Taranaki Street, Wellington thebrewerybar.co.nz celsiusbar.co.nz

Cock & Bull 401 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket The Whiskey The Big Kumara cockandbull.co.nz 60 Dixon Street, Te Aro 210 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby bigkumara.com whiskeybars.com The Jolly Roger Pub Unit 22, Ranger Building 190 Jack Rakino’s Lachlan Drive Pine Harbour q’town pubs Level 1/35 High Street, Auckland thejollyrogerpub.co.nz rakinos.com Altitude Bar & Café Degree Gastro Bar 49 Shotover Street The Clare Inn 204 Quay Street, Auckland altitudebar.co.nz 278 Dominion Road, Mt Eden degree.co.nz theclareinn.com Skybar Spy Bar 26 Camp Street Bellini Bar Viaduct Quay 204 Quay Street, skybar.co.nz Hilton Hotel, Princes Wharf 147 Auckland Quay Street, Auckland Brazz On The Green spybar.co.nz bellini.co.nz 1 Athol Street The Library Bar brazz.co.nz Villager 1 Pakenham Street East, The 606 Remuera Road, Remuera Winnies Viaduct, Auckland villager.co.nz The Mall 7 Ballarat Street thelibrarybar.co.nz winnies.co.nz Lolabar The Patriot Devonport 212 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, The World Bar Restaurant & 14 Victoria Road, Devonport Auckland Nightclub thepatriot.co.nz lolabar.co.nz 27 Shotover St The Kentish Hotel theworldbar.co.nz Level 1/5 Queen Street, Waiuku wellingtonpubs Monty’s Bar and Restaurant kentishhotel.co.nz 12 Church Street Malthouse Tabac Bar montysbar.co.nz 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro 6 Mills Lane See Map 11 Mills themalthouse.co.nz Lane, Auckland Surreal tabac.co.nz 7 Rees Street Shed 5 Restaurant & Bar surrealbar.co.nz 48 Courtenay Place, Te Aro The Bluestone Room shed5.co.nz 9-11 Durham Lane, Auckland Pog Mahones Irish Bar thebluestoneroom.co.nz 14 Rees Street The Garden Club pogmahones.co.nz 160 Clarendon Street, South Corner Store 25 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace Melbourne Minus 5 thecornerstore.co.nz thegardenclub.co.nz 88 Beach Street

minus5icebar.com The Blue Door 18 Buchingham Street, Arrowtown thebluedoor.com.au Slainte Irish Bar 48A Shotover Street yha.co.nz

christchurchpubs SOL - South of Lichfield His Lordships Lane &, Poplar Lane Christchurch sol.net.nz Parklands Tavern 6 Inwoods Road, Parklands t heturf.co.nz

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The Buddha Lounge 61B The Strand, Tauranga baysalsa.co.nz Scenic Cellars 37 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo sceniccellars.co.nz Pig & Whistle 1182 Tutanekai Street pigandwhistle.co.nz The Olde Establishment 224 Mannering Street, Tokoroa finda.co.nz theUNDERGROUNDbar 1220 Hinemaru Street maoriculture.co.nz

nelson pubs

Micky Finn’s Irish Pub in the Village Vic Mac’s Brewbar 281 Trafalgar Street 85 Hereford Street vicbrewbar.co.nz mickyfinns.co.nz Rolly Inn 2 Brookside Road, Rolleston rollyinn.co.nz

The Free House 95 Collingwood Street thefreehouse.co.nz

Holy Grail Sports Bar 88 Worcester Street bluelighthotels.com

Club Waimea 345 Lower Queen Street, Richmond clubwaimea.co.nz

Wunderbar 19 London Street, Lyttelton wunderbar.co.nz Lyme Bar 817 Colombo Street ymebar.co.nz The Twisted Hop 7 Parkhouse Road, Wigram thetwistedhop.co.nz The Bowl and Jack Tavern 15 Opawa Road, Opawa finda.co.nz Base Bar & Nightclub 92 Struthers Lane thebase.co.nz

rotorua pubs

dunedin pubs The Bog Irish Bar 387 George Street thebog.co.nz Neesham Lounge Bar 678 George Street choicehotels.co.nz pubs Pequeno 50 Princes Street pequeno.co.nz Inch Bar 8 Bank Street, Opoho inchbar.co.nz

wanaka pubs

Lava Bar 1286 Arawa Street stayatbase.com

Paradiso Cinema, Cafe & Bar 1 Ardmore Street paradiso.net.nz

The Grumpy Mole Saloon 1232 Arawa Street grumpymole.com

Lalaland Wanaka 99 Ardmore Street lalalandwanaka.co.nz

BREW - Craft Beer Pub 1103 Tutanekai Street brewpub.co.nz

Woodys Post Office Lane 33 Ardmore Street goodgroup.co.nz

Latitude 37 Bar 181-183 Maunganui Road 37.co.nz

Barluga 33 Ardmore Street barluga.co.nz

HAPPY HOUR! Kraken Quiz Night The Bluestone Room, Auckland. Wednesday Nights. $6 Kraken Rum and all the funny quiz trivia and banter you can handle on a Wednesday. Well worth checking out if you’re in Auckland. 9-11 Durham Ln, Auckland

bluestoneroom.co.nz

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LIVE LIFE WITHOUT REGRETS BOOK YOUR RIDE TODAY! P: 0800 SHOTOVER E: reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz W: www.shotoverjet.com

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Camping north and south island

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Pitch perfect Bust out the swag and dust off that deck of cards, we present you with our favourite camping spots in New Zealand Words hugh radojev

The camping holiday is not necessarily something for everyone. You are either for, or against the camping holiday. Indeed Mother Nature and her great outdoors brook no fence sitters, there is no room for neutral shades in a world of vibrantly coloured foliage, birds and bugs. If you are a fence sitter, or indeed someone for whom the idea of sleeping out under the stars causes your heart rate to quicken and the first quivers of a full blown panic attack to start at the base of your spine, look away now! Go do a cryptic crossword, take some rhubarb to your sullied pots, write a letter to your childhood pen pal or something else interminably dull and boring. This article is for the campers, the outdoorsman, the river waders and nature hikers. Those for whom the five stars found in resorts aren’t worth the millions you can see at night by the light of the fire. For whom a sleeping bag is just as comfortable a place to sleep as any queen sized mattress or four-poster bed. And what place better for it than New Zealand? Be it the North Island or South you are guaranteed to find some of the world’s most beautiful, awe inspiring landscapes. Jagged, snow dusted mountain peaks, verdant green valleys, crystal clear, meandering rivers and deep lakes full of fish. We’ve scoured the length and breadth of New Zealand from Surville Cliffs in the North Cape to Slope Point in the south in search of some of the best campsites, caravan parks and campgrounds where you can pitch your tent. So come gentle readers, strap on your pair of sturdiest walking shoes, fill up your backpack with essentials and make sure your sleeping bag has been properly stuffed, because we’re going camping.

the south island

totaranui Abel Tasman National Park Tell me more: This beautiful one kilometer long beach is famous throughout the Tasman region for its golden sands and temperate, mild climates year round. Needless

to say it is a very popular holiday destination for locals and international tourists alike. It is also the final destination of the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, one of New Zealand’s great hikes. Starting in the coastal town of Maharu, 54kms south, the track winds it way along the area’s beautiful coastline taking in places like Anchorage, Bark Bay and historical Awaroa Lodge over five not too stressful days. If you can’t face the idea of a five-day hike but still want to do a spot of nature walking there are plenty of day long or even shorter walks you can do from the Totaranui campsite. The campsite itself is within a minutes walk of the beach which gives the place its’ name and despite it housing over 850 people during the peak visiting times between December and February you’ll never feel penned in or crowded.

Lake Pearson North Canterbury Tell me more: Set besides a high country lake in the Waimakariri Basin, the Lake Pearson sight is tiny compared to that at Totaranui or indeed many others, with only 20 or so tents at a time able to properly pitch up alongside one another. The lake though and the surrounding mountains look like something straight out of one of Tolkein’s fantasies, giant dark mossy peaks, jutting ruggedly out of the basin floor like errant, green coloured teeth. While the camp itself is nestled in a long the banks of a river, surrounded by mature willow trees. Very peaceful and serene. It’s also a wonderful spot to fish for rainbow trout and even the odd chinook salmon who have made it down from the Waimakariri River. This is also a popular site for bird watching enthusiasts, keen to catch a glimpse of any number of unique birds. Definitely not the most easily accessible or the best-equipped campsite, but a great place to get yourself a little closer to nature.

Lake Wanaka queenstown Tell me more: A hugely popular spot year round for

››

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Clockwise: Mavora Lakes; kitesurfing in Kaiteriteri; hiking in Hawkes Bay

adrenalin junkies and nature hikers alike, this is a great base from which to explore the wider Queenstown area. Queenstown is known internationally as one of the great adrenalin sport spots in the world. Here you can endanger yourself personally in any number of different and diverse ways including jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving and of course, bungy jumping. Indeed Queenstown is almost devoted to these kinds of pursuits year round and you can also add great skiing and snowboarding to the list in the winter months. In summer the area around Diamond Lake make for some lovely bush hiking, the lake is beautiful and there are some wonderful walks in that area ranging from anywhere between 40 mins to a full day taking in the rugged mountain tops. There are also a bunch of great climbs for those of you out there who are into their rock climbing.

Mavora Lakes Te Wahipounamu Tell me more: Just one of the hundreds of beautiful regions of rugged, untamed wilderness that brought the Middle Earth of J.R.R Tolkein to life in the Lord of the Rings movies. Mavora Lakes consist (as the plural of lake would suggest) of two bodies of water one to the north the other to the south nestled in amongst a breath taking landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussocky grassland. One of the best things about Mavora Lakes is the huge amount of activities available to the recreationist: hiking, four wheel driving, boating, fishing, mountain biking, motor biking and even horse riding if you’re into that sort of thing. The best campsite in the area is situated near the southern lake, nestled in amongst rock-topped mountains and a forest of old growth Beech trees. Mavora Lakes is a very popular 12

spot in the peak months during the summer and as a result booking in advance is encouraged, if not insisted upon. Huts are available to rent out but if you’d rather sleep out under the stars you can pitch a tent there as well.

Kaiteriteri Canterbury Tell me more: This is definitely one for the camping surfers. Kaiteriteri, located near Nelson in the northern part of the South island is the holiday, beachside destination for people living in Canterbury. Consistently voted as one of the best beaches anywhere in New Zealand the beautiful coastline around Kaiteriteri is also home to one of the country’s best and most consistent breaks. Kaiteriteri also has the distinction of logging the most sunshine hours of anywhere else in the country, which is certainly conducive to the whole surfing/beach bum lifestyle the place tries to promote. However if surfing isn’t your thing there are plenty of other aquatic and non-aquatic activities that’ll keep you endlessly enthralled. The sheltered harbours and inlets along the Tasman region make for easy exploration with a skiff or you can even try your hand at kitesurfing.

north island (by james besanvalle)

Turihaua Point gisborne Tell me more: Turihuana Point is a fantastic freedom camping site in the Gisborne area that’s open during the best time of the year: 30 September 2012 and 7 April 2013. Located approximately 16km from the main Gisborne

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settlement, park your car or campervan right next to the water and enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This area is great for fishing so if you’ve got your rod with you, drop in a line and see what you can catch. The area’s also a great place for swimming and diving, so make sure you grab your “togs” (as the Kiwis say) and jump into the wide blue water. Turihaua Point is one of the East-most parts of New Zealand, so you’ll be waking up to a new day and a new sun that only you and a few local residents will have seen first. As this is a freedom camping site, there are no amenities (which means no fees) so if you want to get in touch with nature, there’s no better place to go.

Uretiti Beach Whangarei Tell me more: If you want the whole camping experience, with a few extras included, the Uretiti Beach campsite is for you. Situated on the Uretiti Recreation Reserve, you won’t want to leave the peaceful surrounds, as you get back in touch with nature and your fellow campers. The walk to Bream Bay is so short; you won’t have time to burn your feet on the sand because you’ll already be at the water’s edge! While you’re there, get out your surfboard or just relax in the glistening rays reflected off the bustling waves. Only a 20min drive south, you can walk along the stunning coastal track at Mangawhai Heads. For a little more adventure, explore the nearby Waipu Caves, where you can go caving, climbing or bird and wildlife watching. Head back to the campsite to see the sun set along the beach, as you share a few stories around the campfire and drink to an awesome day.

Mokau Landing Te Urewera National Park Tell me more: Between the Te Urewera National Park and the Mokau Lake, lies the picturesque Mokau Landing. The

Hiking in the Te Urewera National Park

pristine lake shimmers in the sunlight as couples, kids and families frolic in the beautiful water. Be prepared to share the lake with local wildlife from the nearby national park, as nature engulfs every aspect of your life. This grassy site is perfect for a range of different activities, with spacious land for family fun or a lazy afternoon in the sun. A brisk 1.5km walk to the Mokau Falls will leave you breathless (from the spectacular sight, not the walk) as you gaze upon the magnificent 37-metre waterfall. Back at the campsite, there’s a boat ramp, in case you wanted to go for a spin on the water or try your hand at fishing. Set up a campfire, throw back a few beers, share some laughs and enjoy the serenity of this hidden gem. This is the perfect destination for any traveller wanting to find a relaxing spot to unwind – make sure you get there early because there’s only a limited amount of tent sites.

Te Punga Wanganui Tell me more: Located on the banks of the beautiful Whanganui River in Manawatu Te Punga Homestead is a cheap and very comfortable place to pitch a tent under the 100 year old walnut tree and use it as a base for further exploration into the area. The majestic Whanganui offers plenty of activity options including kayaking, swimming and fishing. Indeed it is one of the main kayaking rivers in the country while the fishing is also fantastic along the rivers banks with huge rainbow trout and even eels out there for keen anglers. You can also take Jet Boat tours, which run for four hours out of the nearby township of Pipiriki, and some of the tour providers will even for a small fee run you up or down to either end of the river. There is also one of New Zealand’s Great Walks trails located in the region. The three to four day Matemateaonga Track is considering by some to be one of the country’s best tracks. It’s very remote and perhaps as a result doesn’t attract the same hordes of trampers that so many other of the popular walking tracks do, even during peak seasons. This walk follows an ancient Maori track deep into untouched, undamaged bush land and beautiful inland streams. An absolute must do for all hiking enthusiasts and absolutely beautiful. The homestead itself is a beautiful old heritage listed building, very rustic and quite basic, so you wont feel spoilt or pampered if you chose to stay there too.

Photos: Getty, Tourism New Zealand

hawkes bay hastings district Tell me more: Known as one of New Zealand’s warmest and driest regions, the areas around Hawkes Bay are hugely popular with campers, hikers and general outdoor enthusiasts year round. Due to the magnificent climate this area is the heartland of New Zealand’s red wine industry, producing Cabernet Sauvingnon and Shiraz of great complexity and weight. One of the most popular and highest recommended activities in this region then is the Classic Wine Trail which can be walked or driven, but in order to get the most out of it we’d recommend hiring a bicycle and packing a little lunch hamper. There are also some lovely forest trails one can walk around Ruahine and Kaweka Forest Parks and a wander down to the seaside will take in the colourfully named Cape Kidnapper. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try rafting down the wild Mohaka river. tntdownunder.com

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WIN

Are you spotted in the circle?

Email us at tom@ tntdownunder.com with ‘Spotted’ in the subject line, email must include a photo of yourself! Boom - You’ve won yourself 2x free boat party tickets Like us on facebook/ tntdownunder for more party pics from the night!

Big Night out in Queenstown 15 February 2013

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Prequels and sequels As this stellar line-up of films shows, the apocalypse-predicting doom-mongers had it all wrong: 2013 is going to be truly epic! Words alasdair morton

Last year gave us one of the biggest films of all time, again, with The Avengers, but 2013’s looking to go one better. Comic books go dark, Oz has a new hero (sort of) and Clark Kent returns to the big screen to take up his role as king of the superheroes. Seriously, 2012, you had it easy!

The one with bite: The Wolverine Hugh Jackman became a star as the sideburned mutant but Wolfy’s first solo outing, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, was muted by its who’s-who cast. This post-X-Men: The Last Stand sequel, based on a Japanese-set comic story, should make Logan a standalone star with a bulkier, more character-focused script. Released July 25

The period one: The Great Gatsby Postponed from its December release while Baz Luhrmann tinkers to perfection, this colourful new adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s roaring Twenties state-of-a-nation classic has a stellar cast – Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan. It may be Baz’s biggest, boldest and brashest yet. Released May 10

The dark Stark: Iron Man 3 Iron Man Tony Stark finds his dark side in the third Robert Downey Jr starring solo outing from writer-director Shane Black (Hollywood legend behind Eighties hits including Lethal Weapon). With Guy Pearce up to no good and Ben Kingsley’s villain Mandarin, Stark is facing his biggest struggle yet. Released April 25

The new Batman: Man Of Steel Chris Nolan produces a new take on Superman from Zack Snyder (Watchmen) in the hope he can bring some of his Dark Knight magic to DC’s other property. Brit Henry Cavill is the man with his pants on the outside. The mean and moody trailer suggests this will be out of this world. Released June 27

The sci-fi sequel: Star Trek Into Darkness Despite the shonky title, this should be one of the big hitters, with the returning ensemble cast (Chris Pine’s Kirk, Zachary

The South African one: Elysium Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 follow-up, about a future in which the poor live on Earth and the rich on the titular space-station paradise, is one of the most anticipated movies of the new year. Big cast, big stars – Matt Damon and Jodie Foster – and a big budget mean the pressure’s on the Saffa. Released August 15

The oddball comeback: Jack The Giant Slayer After basically inventing the contemporary trend for comic book movies with 2000’s X-Men, Bryan Singer abandoned the franchise to sink his career somewhat with the multi-millionbucks misfire Superman Returns. His first film in five years sees Nicholas Hoult as a human waging a war against giants in this contemporary reworking of the fabled beanstalk tale. Released March 21

Cumberbatch and Pine in Star Trek Into Darkness tntdownunder.com

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Clockwise: Depp does quirky Tonto to Hammer's Lone Ranger; Jackman beefs up again for The Wolverine; Up the beanstalk in Jack The Giant Slayer Quinto’s Spock, Simon Pegg’s Scotty and more) and new boy Benedict Cumberbatch as Trek-lore big bad, Khan (so say the rumours) or John Harrison (says the producer). JJ Abrams’ 2009 reinvention did so-so box office. With Avengers showing that geekdom can be big dollar, he’ll expect better. Released May 16

The mainstream oddity: The Lone Ranger Johnny Depp re-teams with his Pirates director Gore Verbinski to play Tonto to Armie Hammer’s Lone Ranger in this fantasy-tinged adventure makeover of the popular TV show. Depp does his wide-eyed oddball routine a la Jack Sparrow. Released August 4

The one that could go either way: Cloud Atlas Matrix minds The Wachowskis (Andy and Larry-turnedLana) hit back from their Speed Racer car crash with this ambitious, era-spanning, sprawling sci-fi epic (adapted from David Mitchell’s 2004 novel) about how our actions connect us all, or something like that. Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Grant and more, it looks absolutely bonkers. Released February 28

The new technicolour: Oz The Great And Powerful Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man follow up is this 3D Wizard Of Oz prequel, starring James Franco as a Kansas ’magician’ zapped to the land of the yellow bricks where, helped by witches Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz, he must become the man worth the long walk to see and rise to save Oz. Released March 7 18

Franco goes way back in time for the Oz prequel

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Awkward family photo?

silver linings playbook FILM review by Carol Driver Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence | M | 122 min

i give it a year Preview. Out now Anna Faris, Rose Byrne, Simon Baker | M | 130mins

Picking up where most films end – a year into a couple’s marriage – I Give it a Year looks at the trials and tribulations of matrimony. Once again, Aussie talent Rose Byrne puts her comedy shoes on as the female lead, while Anna Faris plays the cute exgirlfriend who may or may not rock the boat. The only thing this film is missing is Rebel Wilson as an obese in-law. 20

David O Russell’s follow-up to the double Oscar winning The Fighter mines similar territory – familial drama shot with a realistic, organic touch and no shortage of humour – and is equally as deserving of golden baldie plaudits. Written before The Fighter, it follows Bradley Cooper’s Pat, a school teacher who moves back in with his parents after an eight-month stint in a mental institution, and his blossoming relationship with Jennifer Lawrence’s Tiffany, a family friend who empathises with his anxieties – she has plenty of her own. Russell has become a chronicler of dysfunctional families, and in Playbook he creates a corker, with Pat’s gambler father (Robert De Niro) and his well-meaning but misguided mother (reliably superb Aussie Jacki Weaver). He finds humour in the everyday and relationships’ complexity, and expertly finds a tone that is observant and compassionate – he’s empathetic rather than just sympathetic. He again opts for an approach, both in performance and direction, that is both realistic and energetic, and keeps the focus on the story while maintaining a swift pace. As much as it is a story about mental illness and families finding one another, it is also a warming love story, and features a raft of sterling performances. Cooper makes Pat engaging when he could come off as frustratingly neurotic, Lawrence shows why she is the hottest young star out there and De Niro gives his best performance in years. Even Chris Tucker, as Pat’s mate from the clinic, plays a comedic supporting role that is moving and really very funny. Good for: A comedy-drama crowd pleaser with heart, humour and, above all, soul.

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flight

DART RIVER JET

Get involved with nature

FILM review by Alasdair Morton

Photos: TNT Images

Starring: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly | M | 111min

Denzel Washington is in the ‘best actor’ Oscar race, only is likely to lose out to awards-hogger Daniel Day-Lewis. But his performance as Whip Whitaker, an alcoholic airline pilot battling with inner demons after his jet goes down, is no less impressive in Bob Zemeckis’s powerful addiction-drama. The tendency for a film of this nature – Whitaker is drunk at the controls when his plane suffers a mechanical failure that forces him to crash land, his superior skills alone resulting in a miraculous evasion of what could have been a far larger tragedy – would be overly preachy, sentimental and, for the actor, showboaty. Washington, though, is too savvy to over-egg it and delivers a performance that is subtle and compassionate without glossing over the fact Whitaker is no saint.He’s a self-deluded mess, prone to playing the victim, yet he’s empathetic, too. Zemeckis allows the story and relationships to unfold naturally, and stages a barnstorming crash sequence opening. Despite a closing act that threatens to veer into Hollywood excess, it closes with warmth, honesty and touching drama. Washington may not win the golden gong, but it wouldn’t be a travesty, as he proves here that he’s a damn fine actor.

‘Funyak Safari’ is an amazing journey deep into the Mt Aspiring National Park combining wilderness jet boating with unique ‘Funyak’ inflatable canoes. It’s a fun way to explore the Dart River as well as hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms. Stop and enjoy a delicious wilderness buffet lunch before continuing in your ‘Funyak’ downstream to ‘Paradise’.

www.dartriverjetsafaris.com

Good for: A crowd pleaser with heart, humour and, above all, soul. tntdownunder.com

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HOTSHOTS

WINNER

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WINNER Pontoon ahoy Kate Lam, 28, Malaysia

Kate says: “This photo was taken at Lake Rotoiti on New Zealand’s South Island. A great spot for taking a few snaps!” we say: “Now that looks like the kind of spot you could get some real thinking done. The beautiful mountains rising in the back ground with their snow capped peaks and the crystal clear water (which looks freezing but beautiful none the less). Good work Kate, very good work indeed!”

RUNNER-UP

Lounge Lizard Kate Scollary, 31, Australia Kate says: “On a amazing trip to Galapagos Islands earlier this year I was met by several of these gorgeous lizards. Very prehistoric right.” we say: “Check that lizard out! Ain’t he just about the most handsome reptile you ever did see?! We love how sharply you’ve framed him (or her?) as the photo’s clear focal point.”

HOT TIPS: Travel photography

two northland tours

If you are planning to photograph as you travel, it can be helpful to be prepared before you go. Research your destination and study existing images to give you and idea of what to expect. You want to travel light so keep your equipment to a DSLR body and a spare (just in case). A few lenses that can be used for more than one situation, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment and a durable carry case or bag. Carry spare memory cards, a card reader and a portable hard drive for back up your images. Also keeping your equipment covered with insurance can well prove a life saver.

Kate L wins a Total Northland Pass for him and a friend from Magic Travellers Network (magicbus.co.nz), while runnerup Kate S wins a Black Labyrinth rafting voucher from the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co (waitomo.com). Winners are chosen by the TNT team, with the editor’s decision being final. To enter the next Hot Shots competition, send your best travel photos (300 dpi jpegs), along with your name, age, nationality and a description, to hugh@tntdownunder.com

WIN

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TRAVELNEWS

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paying for fresh air A Beijinger has started flogging fresh air in a can, after Northern China’s pollution levels rose higher than ever. The concentration of polluting airborne particles went past the “hazardous” range and off the chart last week, according to the American Embassy in Beijing. Hospitals reported a sharp rise in admissions and visibility dropped to as low as 200m. So for $1 a pop, a businessman started selling cans of air in flavours including “pristine Tibet” and “post-industrial Taiwan”. He said he wanted to demonstrate that the idea of bottled fresh air is no longer ridiculous.

Photos: Thinkstock

world record surf

Veteran surfer Garrett McNamara surfed an incredible 100ft wave in Portugal last week. He already holds the title for the biggest wave ever surfed, but when the height of this one is verified, he’ll have broken his own record. The Hawaiian 45-year-old was towed in by a jet ski to catch the wave off the coast of Nazaré which is known for its colossal swells. McNamara set his last record in the same place in 2011, on a wave measuring 90ft. As well as big-wave surfing, McNamara is also known for having ridden tidal waves from caving glaciers in Alaska.

brazil’s qr codes Rio has launched a brilliant new scheme to help out tourists – QR codes embedded as mosaics in the pavement. The bar codes have been installed in the Arpoador district at the end of Ipanema beach, using the same black and white stones was as are used to decorate the rest of the stretch with pictures of fish and waves. If you have a QR code-reading app on your smartphone, you can take a snapshot of the mosaic, and a map will appear to show you where you ate, and provide information about the area.

prague corruption A travel agency is tackling corruption in the Czech capital by taking visitors on a tour of its sites of sleaze and scandal. “We have corruption in our cultural heritage,” said the founder of the CorruptTour agency. “We want corruption in Prague to be listed by Unesco.” Tours include the ‘Best of the Worst’ which includes a lecture on alleged dodgy weapons deals held outside the Ministry of Defence and the ‘Crony Safari’, visiting the homes of mafia, businessmen and politicians. Transparency International rank the Czech Republic 57th on their corruption index.

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falling for taupo

English lass JENNY AYRE discovered that Taupo is one of the most underrated places in New Zealand. She did this by getting over it. In fact, 15,000 feet over it... I arrived in Taupo excited to jump out of a plane, but not expecting much else from the small, lakeside town. As with most places in New Zealand, Taupo is steeped in Maori myth and legend. The lake itself is the crater of a dormant volcano, but big enough to fit all of Singapore in it. Driving down the hill towards the glittering Lake Taupo, I was struck by the beauty of the place. Like so much of New Zealand it is a place of

contrasts; a serene lake overlooked by intimidating mountains, most famously Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Almost immediately after getting off the bus and checking into the hostel, myself and five others were being bundled into a minivan and driven to an airfield, ready to jump out of a small plane at 15,000ft. I will admit I was slightly nervous to sign a disclosure against my death, and being told to pay after the jump, meaning it’s free if I don’t survive! Always nice to know. At this point there were a few thoughts along the lines of “why am

I doing this?” going through my head. My group were all dressed in bright red jumpsuits, not a fashion I expect to catch on any time soon, and partnered up with the pros. Then we all got into the plane, sandwiched up against each other and took off. The flight was quite calm, I was busy looking out of the window, so almost forgot to put on the oxygen mask you need to breathe at altitude. Luckily the man I was strapped to wasn’t as forgetful. After about 20 minutes we got to the 15,000 feet we were jumping at and the door opened. I was the first one out, so shuffled to the open door, second thoughts racing through my head. The photographer was hanging to the outside of the plane, ready to jump. I was expecting a countdown before jumping, so was more than a bit shocked to be suddenly plummeting towards the ground. As soon as the shock passed, I started to enjoy it. I was turned upside down and saw the next person jump. I was spun around in circles to see the whole view, the lake, the mountains. It was a bit like being on a rollercoaster, but thousands of feet up in the air. I had been ignoring the photographer up to this point, but then realised how he managed to almost fly around us, moving from above to below almost effortlessly. Then the parachute was opened and I had plenty of time to admire the view on the leisurely descent towards Earth. Skydiving is not the only amazing thing Taupo has to offer. As far as nightlife goes it is a good night out. The Base bar is a fun place to start, and the numerous Irish bars are always busy. However one of my favorite activities in Taupo were the hot pools by the river. About 20 minutes outside of the town there is a spot where geothermal hot pools boil away next to the cold river, making it a lush place to swim, paddle or just relax with a cheeky drink or two. I would recommend Taupo to everyone, after all, a trip to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a death defying fall from a plane and I reckon that Taupo’s the best place to do it! tntdownunder.com

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

Win an awEsome swing + raft in queenstown Do you like to swing? Do you like to get wet? Well we here at TNT Magazine are firm believers in both, and we reckon that the powers of pull in Queenstown are second to none. We’re taking about adventure, of course. Imagine having the chance to go swinging and rafting over the Shotover River Canyon. With this awesome combo package, you’re given the choice to first raft under the Swing and view the 109m high cliff top platform that you’re about to leap from or swing first for a unique preview of the rafting canyon. Either way this Swing Raft Combo gives you a day of action packed adventure. TNT is offering you and a lucky mate the chance to do just this while you’re in Queenstown, the undeniable adventure capital of New Zealand.

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THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING FOR TWO PEOPLE: Shotover Canyon Swing and Rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau River All transfers, training and wetsuit Valued at $375.00 per person Queenstown Rafting and Shotover Canyon Swing. Competition closes Sunday, April 10, 2013. Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

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Waitomo Cave System North island

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Taking it underground Get tied up and head deep down into Waitomo’s Ruakuri Cave for a day of extreme caving. Only the hardy need apply Words Jahn Vannisselroy

It’s in the ‘fit box’ where the first pangs of anxiety stab me, needles of panic piercing my confidence and allowing the first sour taste of self-doubt to seep in. I’m a slim guy, but it’s a tight fit, a suffocating experience even for someone for whom ‘claustrophobia ‘is a foreign word. I crawl my way forward, and, thankfully, the narrow corridor offers a respite, opening up just enough to allow me room to stoop. I muddle on, navigating a couple of swinging ropes as I reach another hands-and-knees cavern. I can see the light, but escape doesn’t come easily. I thrust my head through the exit and have to drag my legs through – doing my best not to bang my spine on the box’s lip – and then, only then, am I able to relax in an undignified heap on the floor of Waitomo’s Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. It’s not so much the thought of the confined spaces that’s got me going, it’s those spaces combined with the collection of “mind-blowing” heights promised by the company’s latest adventure: The Black Odyssey. The fit box is designed to weed out those likely to undergo a massive freak-out in the deep, dank Ruakuri Cave, requiring them to be floated out the cave’s dark Huhunui River, while everyone else waits for the guide to return. Despite my reservations, I’ve cut the mustard, and as chief instructor Angus Stubbs explains, my reaction is exactly the type he likes to see. “This isn’t about something that’s easy,” he tells me, wearing an almost maniacal grin. “It’s about that challenge, that anticipation. Those butterflies in your stomach right now – that’s exactly what we want people to feel.” Previously, thrillseekers arriving in Waitomo could attempt to conquer the five-hour Black Abyss: a journey involving scaling waterfalls, whizzing along a flying fox and abseiling in Waitomo’s main attraction, Ruakuri; or they could take on the Black Labyrinth: three hours’-worth of tubing and scrambling through the black waters inside the cave. Now, after repeated requests for something more, Stubbs and his team have taken things to the next level, spending two years creating the fearsome Black Odyssey, billed as an extreme, dry, technical caving experience. I just hope I can handle it. As we enter Ruakuri through two massive doors, and

then 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 karabiner clips, to make sure we have at least two at a time are always attached to the ropes snaking throughout the cave system. “You’d have to do something very, very stupid to actually fall. You’d probably have to want to fall,” Drew says. “Let’s hope no one wants to.” We get taught to fight our instincts and lean back on the ropes, relying on our metal clips. It works. 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 really just seems to be just a minute crack in a massive limestone slab. It’s about here the aforementioned fit test becomes appropriate. I’m hemmed in, mentally thanking my parents for my skinny genes and loudly applauding the guides for the helmet I’m wearing as my noggin bounces off the wall for the third time in as many minutes. Turns out I’m quite cosy, and it also turns out that this was the easy bit. I squirt out of the tiny opening, having only a second to admire the stalactites dripping from the ceiling before I hear what I fear most: the roar of the Huhunui River below. It’s announcing its fearsome presence, but it will not be spotted, proving a little too far down to be captured on my headlamp. Just the echo of the water bouncing off the limestone is enough to provide a tasty shot of adrenaline. The river lies in the complete unknown, its only saving grace is that if I fall, at least I’d land in water. The downside is that the opening is so narrow that I’d bounce off the wall a few times. At least I’d have my helmet on, I guess. I creep gingerly onto a tiny ledge and begin the painstaking task of attaching and unlatching my three karabiners as I shuffle along in my gumboots, part of a slow army of human spider-walkers, silent except for the clacking

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of the clips and Drew’s ever-enthusiastic cheerleading. 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. The buddy system works well, as my pal for the day, ‘Scuba’ Steve, notices one of my karabiners not attached properly. Phew. I’ve wisely positioned myself at the back of the group, to a) use the others as guinea pigs and imitate (or not) how they tackle each rocky (or slippery or crumbly) obstacle and b) to allow my thumping heart time to calm down before I continue the technical trail along the ledge. I allow myself an occasional glance down, but at this height (or depth –orientation has long abandoned me), a vast, black nothingness swallows everything it touches. Soon, however, I’m into my stride, my fingers nimbly working the safety and my feet experimenting with just how fast they can travel as my legs learn to stretch as far as possible. Hell, I’m even leaning back (although just quickly). But confidence can be a killer, and Scuba notices another karabiner mistake, dutifully pointing it out and making sure I remember to stay alert. And then just when I’m getting comfortable again, I’m invited to drop down into a dark hole using only a rope to break my fall. I can’t remember the last time I abseiled but, somehow, the dark makes it that little bit easier. And when my feet touch the ground after a 7m skid down a thin rope, I feel a strong pang of satisfaction that I’m through phase one 30

“

Just like in an Indiana Jones movie, the rope swing is the only way to continue

”

of this beautiful nightmare. We’re closer to the water now and the yells and whoops of those who have decided to enjoy a wet adventure come up from below us. We turn our headlights off so as not to ruin their cruise through the dark (although I do feel like yelling ‘you should have done this one’), before snaking along another ledge and coming to rest in a flat, solid piece of ground. It’s been well over an hour since I entered this underground chamber – long enough to have worked up an appetite. Drew and Jed hand out perhaps chunkiest, chewiest Anzac biscuits I’m ever likely to see – great sustenance for what I’m promised is going to be a full-on phase two. Somehow, I’ve foolishly found my way to the front and after a 20m crawl along the next ledge, I find myself being hooked to something by Jed, who warns me: “whatever you do, don’t kick against the wall.” Wall? What wall. I can hardly see a thing. “Ok, hold on”, he warns as he pushes me out into the

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darkness. I cling to the rope for dear life and, through the use of echo (my low-pitched pleading, perhaps?) deduce a wall is quickly coming up. I’m convinced I’m going to smash face-first into it – Wiley Coyote-style – but miraculously find myself travelling in an arc towards the same side I launched off, albeit far further on. It turns out that, just like in an Indiana Jones movie, the rope swing is the only way to continue. From then on everything seems a lot more fun: I mean who doesn’t love a flying fox? And who doesn’t love two of them – especially underground? I shoot through the darkness, the whirr of the mechanics above my head making a pleasant change from the heaving breathing and grunting of my fellow cavers – and the rush of air providing a small respite from the stuffiness of the cave system. But then Ruakuri throws up another challenge: a ladder. No, not one leaned against a wall, but one stretched out across an abyss. The guides tell tales of their colleagues who can walk over it using no hands. Stuff that. My sweaty palms grip firmly at the guide wire. There’s some spring to this ladder and it’s resting on a slight incline. I can hear the Huhunui rumbling hungry below as I give up the safety and security of the limestone ledge and wobble my way on to the first rung … and then the second. I bounce my way over it as surefooted as a new-born foal, my tired legs bending like plasticine as my hands almost drag me across via the wire. My mouth is dry and my heart thumps in my ears. My gumboots, wet from a muddy patch further back, squeak and slip, teasing they’ll send me skidding any second. I have to use every iota of my balance and I’m sure I find a new strength in the process. When I finally set foot back on solid ground, the relief is phenomenal. Until I see the next obstacle: another bloody ladder. With that and a seemingly untameable wire bridge (plus another two-and-a-half hours of alternating bursts of clinging on for dear life and death-defying climbing manoeuvres) conquered, we reach an almighty door, one that wouldn’t look out of place on a Middle Earth bush palace. It’s the way out, and as we stumble towards the exit, huge weta lazily walk up the walls. The large cricketlike insects may look unfriendly, but the butterflies I’ve dealt with today have been far more intimidating. I firmly grip one last rope and descend the day’s final rock face, welcomed by the warmth and security of the Waitomo daylight. Only then can I reflect on my journey. It’s not every day we’re taken out of our comfort zone and placed in an alien environment. 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. And as I remember, Stubbs’ words ring in my ears: “We want you to feel those butterflies …This isn’t about something that’s easy.” Damn straight, Angus – and you’ve named your experience perfectly: that wasn’t just an adventure, that truly was an odyssey. Damage & Details: The Black Odyssey takes at least four hours and all equipment is provided. Tours depart twice daily (9am and 2pm) and cost $175. See: waitomo.com. The writer travelled from Auckland to Waitomo in the Mighty Jackpot campervan, courtesy of Mighty Campers mightycampers. co.nz

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Franz Josef + Fox Glaciers south island

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NZadventure

The big freeze The west coast glaciers, on the South Island, are amongst New Zealand’s must-see attractions, so wrap up warm and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime Words andrew westbrook

“You’re going to love this,” declares my group’s trusty guide, Brendan, as he disappears through a narrow gap in the wall of ice. Poking his head back around, he adds, “this is a path I cut out the other day, you’ll never guess what’s at the end of it”. Several things cross my mind. After all, the landscape surrounding us is strange to say the least. We’ve landed on the top of Franz Josef Glacier, standing on ice that is 70m deep and moving at a pace of between one and five metres a day. Our entire world is made up of strange bubbly walls and bottomless holes. It’s how you’d imagine a sub-zero foam party on Superman’s planet Krypton would look, if, er, that’s the sort of thing you think about. So, I’ll be honest and admit when asked what was at the end of a secret tunnel built into a surreal world which looks like it’s made of shaving foam, to me, the answer seems obvious: ice gremlins. cold as ice Luckily I keep quiet. I even consider a couple more of my “what’s the craic” and “this is so cool” puns, but remember the sighs with which they were met last time. Instead, I keep these comments to myself and follow Brendan, soon discovering he’s not wrong. I absolutely love it. Squeezing sideways through the gap in the ice, using the crampons on my boots to give me leverage, I ease my way into the path. At the end of the recently axed ice is a perfectly formed, brilliant blue tunnel spiralling upwards. Its walls are impossibly smooth, meaning everyone slips and slides as we eagerly clamber up, one by one, to enter the chamber.

Once inside, the clarity of the colour and purity of the ice is breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and by the time we all pop out the other end, Alice In Wonderland-style, we’re all grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Once we’re done with the excited chattering, I really take in the view and realise that a transformation has taken place. Since the moment I’d woken for my full-day glacier hike, it had been raining. This shouldn’t come as such a surprise, though, considering I’m in a part of the world that gets a staggering amount of rain dropped on it over 200 days every year. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s great fun being completely soaked through. However, the sky has gloriously cleared. The valley spans out to the right, and we can see the lush green mountainsides that frame the glacier, their steep edges being the reason why the huge ice-mounds move 10 times faster than most others in the world. willing to sacrifice I make it to the bottom, from where I can see the point to which the glacier extended in the last ice age, 15,000 years ago, at a time when the town of Franz Josef itself would have been up to 60m under ice. While on either side I am confronted by towering waterfalls, in front of me is another ice tunnel, sloping downwards in a slide, like some kind of ancient geological playground. I’ve already been having fun, despite the weather, tntdownunder.com

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mastering the spiky crampons until I can hop across the ice like a carefree arctic bunny. But with the sky clear and enough altitude to be able to explore the genuinely breathtaking features such as the tunnels, it really strikes home just how stunning the surroundings are. It’s clear this is the natural beauty which inspired the Maori legends behind both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers,

which are linked forever through the tale of Hinehukatere, who loved to climb mountains and managed to persuade her beloved Tuawe to join her. However, the story goes that the expedition ended in disaster, and Tuawe was killed by an avalanche. The spot where he finally came to rest became known as Te Moeka o Tuawe, meaning ‘the bed of Tuawe’, but has since been

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“

I hop across the ice like a carefree arctic bunny

”

renamed Fox Glacier after an early Kiwi prime minister (who, incidentally, had nothing to do with mints). A broken-hearted Hinehukatere, meanwhile, was devastated. She cried so much, the legend continues, that her tears eventually froze to form Franz Josef Glacier, or Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere, to give it its Maori name, meaning ‘the tears of Hinehukatere’. you want paradise In a land of such awe-inspiring geology, where the power of the Earth is on show like few other places, it’s easy to understand how such romantic tales can capture the imagination. The deeper into the glacier I get, the more extreme the terrain becomes. Soon, I’m sidestepping past huge crevasses, having to use ropes to pull myself up ice walls, then exploring the surreal world of the caves, while Brendan is just a few steps ahead, hacking out our path like a crazed ice pick-wielding woodpecker. Our time is eventually up, however, and we have to start hopping our way back down to the valley floor. But while we’re all tired, aching and absolutely soaked, there’s no doubt we’re all as content as a bunch of ice gremlins with a new Mr Frosty machine. ❚

what the heli! it’s now the only way to see franz josef glacier, that’s right, from a chopper After a nervous night worrying about the weather, I wake up to a crisp blue sky. We’re in action. Before I know it, I’m kitted up and jogging, with my head down, towards the chopper. Almost immediately the helicopter is up and away, zooming towards the Franz Josef glacier. With my helmet on and the pilot chatting away in my ear, I try to play it cool (after all, this is as close as I’ll get to being Ice Man from Top Gun ... not counting the occasional game of homo-erotic beach volleyball, of course. It’s not long before the ice field is directly below us, and, as if that pesky Maverick is trying to cut us off, we hug one side before suddenly banking sharply to the left, crossing the glacier to take a closer look at a giant waterfall crashing down from the cliffs above. From the air, the ice doesn’t actually look that big. That is until I spot some tiny dots. These dots are people, and the glacier is, in fact, massive. Before I know it, we’re tearing down towards them, and it turns out they are the other half of our group, who came up in the first chopper. There’s no landing pad here, and rope ladders, it seems, aren’t an option, so we just crunch straight down on to the ice. With the blades spinning at a deafening rate, we touch down just long enough for us all to jump out and join the others in the middle of a giant ice field. It really does feel like we’re in the middle of a lunar-like warzone. We’re ordered to crouch down and cover our eyes from the ice being blown everywhere by our transport. I manage to resist the urge to stand up defiantly, declaring: “Ah, I love the smell of ice in the morning.” Maybe next time. Instead I make do with joining my group while humming the tune to Take My Breath Away. From there, we get our spikes on and set off to explore for a few hours, marvelling that not only is flying in helicopters just about the coolest way to get around, but that thanks to being dropped off halfway up the glacier, we’re away from the crowds and next to some of the most exciting caves and tunnels. Many travellers rate it as one of the best things they’ve done in NZ, and I’m inclined to agree.

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15/02/13 8:48 AM

Yasawa + Mamanuca Islands fiji

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BIGTRIP

Cultivating desert islands Fiji is made up of 332 islands. Sounds overwhelming but whether it’s diving, partying or hooking up, we’ve made it easy for you Words ANDREW WESTBROOK

Picture the scene. You’re swinging in a This is where the Yasawa and Mamanuca hammock, gazing across cobalt blue waters as island chains come into their own. With WHEN TO GO: It’s the perfect you sip from a cocktail-filled coconut, all while time to go – any time between now their divine beaches, underwater treats and a half naked beauty fans you with a giant friendly welcoming faces, they’re the Fiji and the end of the year, although palm. Sound anything like how you imagine you expect in a nutshell – think snorkelling it starts to get a bit muggy later Fiji to be? Well, you’re not too far wrong on. And you probably want to avoid in the morning, beach volleyball in the (although the half naked beauty might require the school holidays. afternoons and kava ceremonies in the some extra charm). evening. You’ll be met on the sand by a CURRENCY: Fijian dollar. Comprising hundreds of tiny islands, most troupe of beaming, singing villagers, fed to $1 = 1.85 FJD of which are surrounded by sparkling white bursting point three times a day and left to ACCOMMODATION: Make sands, crystal clear waters and enough world do as little or as much as you’d like. your selections based on which class coral to have even the most indifferent of islands you want to visit. Check out Better still is that many of these islands divers squeezing into wetsuits, Fiji does exactly p64 for more information or go to are aimed primarily at the budget crowd. what it says on the tin. Sure you can splash out on your own bure awesomefiji.com. Whether you want relaxation, indigenous (a traditional thatched hut, usually just SEE: For an overview of what Fiji culture, hiking, partying, water sports, or all of has to offer, go to tourismfiji.com. a few metres from the beach), but most the above, you’ll find them in ample supply on Or for more information on the resorts also offer much cheaper dorms, and the South Pacific archipelago, with the added some even let you camp. islands, see yasawafijiresorts.com bonus that you get to enjoy them from the And the cherry on top is that the or mamanucafiji.com. confines of your own desert island. Yasawas and Mamanucas are very easy to However, be warned, paradise comes at get to, making them ideal if you’re only a price. If you simply jump on a flight to Nadi or Suva and visiting Fiji for a week or two. More likely than not, you’ll plan to wing it as you go, you might be in for a shock. Many fly into Nadi (pronounced Nandy), on Viti Levu. From there, things in the country, notably accommodation, don’t come you can jump on a free transfer to Denarau Marina and catch cheap. Indeed, hostel prices are regularly higher than you’ll the Yasawa Flyer. A swift, reliable catamaran than journeys find in Australia and certainly New Zealand. It’s a destination up through the Mamanucas, Yasawas and back every day, long on the radars of holidaying Aussies and Kiwis, not to you can simply pay for the Flyer on a per trip basis. Generally mention the honeymoon crowd, meaning that all-inclusive the cheaper option, however, is to buy a multi-day Bula Pass resorts and package holidays are often the order of the day. (awesomefiji.com), which covers the cost of all your islandBut it’s not all bad news for your bank balance. Fiji is more hopping transfers for a set number of days. The passes start geared up to backpackers than anywhere else in the South at NZ$248 for five days and become better value the longer Pacific and the country can be done on a budget (albeit one you stay. slightly higher than you’re probably hoping for). The key is However, before you snap up your Bula Pass and think to put in some planning. you’ll just sort out your hostel once you’ve arrived, think Sure, if you’re content to stick to the main islands Viti again. The resorts are by no means huge, meaning the best Levu and Vanua Levu, then you’ll find public transport is dirt ones often get booked out in advance. cheap and beds not super expensive. However, let’s face it, Then there’s the cost to consider. Paying the nightly rate you can’t travel somewhere like Fiji and not taste your own isn’t cheap to start with, but it’s also vital to factor in that castaway experience by visiting the smaller islands, many of many resorts also make you pay for a compulsory food plan, which are little more than palm-fringed dots in the ocean. for which you generally get three good meals a day, but

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Beachcomber Island: a desert island that is full of er, fluids...

for substantially more than a bowl of pasta cooked up in a hostel kitchen. Indeed, all things considered, it’s well worth signing up for that most dreaded of words in the backpacker dictionary – a package. Hard to beat for these are Awesome Adventures (awesomefiji.com), whose packages cover your bed and Yasawa Flyer ticket, plus usually food. They start at NZ$481 per person, staying in dorms on two islands for two nights each. Still remaining, of course, is the most important decision of all – which of the island resorts to dedicate your time to. With more than 20 to choose between, and with information on them being fairly thin on the ground before you arrive, picking an island can feel like a tricky decision. Fear not, however, as TNT is here to help. Read on for our guide to the best of the best.

The damage: A dorm bed, with meals included, costs from $NZ87/night. Also check out: Beachcomber Island and Bounty Island.

best desert island

best parties

South Sea Island (Mamanucas) Time from Denarau: 30 minutes Tell me more: Get your shipwrecked fix with this uninhabited postcard-perfect speck in the South Pacific, which is home to the closest resort to Denarau Marina. Stroll around the palms, hammocks and glimmering sands in under 10 minutes before grabbing a snorkel or free kayak to explore the surrounding coral lagoon.

Beachcomber Island (Mamanucas) Time from Denarau: 45 minutes Tell me more: While feedback on Beachcomber’s food and accommodation is, er, mixed, you won’t find anywhere in Fiji more dedicated to getting on the booze. The tiny island also has good snorkelling, water sports like jet skiing, plus a pool and spa. The damage: Sleep in the 82-bed dorm (yes, 82) from NZ$31/

best authentic experience Naqalia Lodge (Wayalailai Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 2 hours Tell me more: One of the Yasawas’ smallest backpacker resorts, which until recently was only for campers, Naqalia offers the opportunity to escape the crowds and feel a part of the family. You can also go on the brilliantly chaotic shark feeding snorkel trips or hike up the island’s peaks. The damage: Beds cost NZ$54/night, including all meals naqalialodge-yasawa.com Also check out: Otto and Fanny’s Place.

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VELLING TRA ON TO F IJI?

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ISLAND HOPPING PASSES

best for swimming with manta rays Mantaray Island Resort (Nanuya Balavu Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 3 hours Tell me more: Nanuya benefits from having not just some of the best coral you could hope to see, right off the beach in front of the resort, but also plays hosts to giant manta rays, up to 6m wide, between May and October each year. Food fans are also unlikely to be disappointed. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$28/night, while food is NZ$52/day. Also check out: Barefoot Lodge.

best for romance Navutu Stars (Yaqeta Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 4 hours Tell me more: Need to make amends, whatever the cost? Well, better reach for the Stars. This Italian-owned boutique resort, with just nine bures, has been hailed by the likes of Condé Nast and Vogue America, plus been voted one of the world’s sexiest resorts. ‘Nuff said. The damage: No dorms here. Two person bures cost from NZ$461/night, while food will be another NZ$124/day each navutustarsfiji.com

EASY FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

Explore the real Fiji. From 5 to 11 nights. Includes vessel transfers, accommodation, meals and activities. Packages from $755

ISLAND ESCAPES A bit like survivor but a lot more fun! Strand yourself on one island for 2, 4 or 6 nights. If you can stand the pain of coral lagoons and coconut palms then stay longer. Packages from $289

GREAT PAIRS 5 days 4 nights 2 islands Straight out of your tropical Island Fantasy. Two island stays have always been extremely popular so we ve made it really easy for you with a matching of islands that we think make a great pair. Packages from $543 Daily departures for all packages and passes from Denarau Marina For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us: phone 0800 293 766 or SKYPE awesomeﬁji

info@awesomefiji.com

www.awesomefiji.com

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night, plus pay NZ$54/day for the compulsory food plan. Also check out: Mantaray Island Resort and Coral View Resort.

Complete freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber. Choose from a 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 21 day pass. Passes from $279

Prices are ex Denarau, Fiji, in New Zealand dollars and valid for travel to 1 April 2012 - 31 March 2013.

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Blue Lagoon Resort: basically paradise with dorm rooms

best for budget Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort (Wayalailai Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 2 hours Tell me more: This spacious resort at the southern tip of the Yasawas has plenty of facilities, another stunning beach, plus offers one of the region’s most dramatic hikes, up to the top of the island’s mountain, for spectacular views across to Kuata Island. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$47/night, while camping costs just NZ$37pp including food bcdi.ca/wayalailai Also check out: Naqalia Lodge, Nabua Lodge and Bay of Plenty Lodge.

best for hollywood good looks Blue Lagoon Beach Resort (Nacula Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 4 hours 30 minutes Tell me more: If you think this place looks good enough to be in a movie, then you’d be right, as it’s located on the Blue Lagoon, which starred in the 1980 Brooke Shields film of the same name. It’s upmarket, but still has good dorm options. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$29/night, while food is NZ$65/day bluelagoonbeachresort.com.fj Also check out: You can also visit the Blue Lagoon from the area’s other resorts, including Oarsman’s, Nabua and Safe Landing. Uninhabited Monuriki, in the Mamanucas, meanwhile, was also used as the location for Cast Away.

best for diving Octopus Resort (Waya Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 2 hours 30 minutes Tell me more: Situated on the largest landmass in the Yasawas, and with a dramatic volcanic backdrop, Octopus 42

has plenty going for it, not least its diving opportunities. The many nearby sites include the world-renowned Black Coral Rock Garden. It’s also home to Likuliku Bay, recently voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches by Condé Nast readers. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$25/night, while food is NZ$58/day (octopusresort.com). Also check out: Bounty Island, South Sea Island, Barefoot Island and Mantaray Island Resort.

best for beaches Oarsman’s Bay Lodge (Nacula Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 4 hours 30 minutes Tell me more: It’s a tough call choosing the best beach in this region, when just about any island you pick will have one of the most sublime stretches of sand you’ve ever seen, but Oarsman’s is arguably home to the best. Don’t miss visiting the Sawa-i-lau Caves while you’re there. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$67/night, including food oarsmansbaylodge.com Also check out: Any of the others, but especially Octopus Resort and those near to the Blue Lagoon.

best for escaping the crowds Otto and Fanny’s Place (Tavewa Island, Yasawas) Time from Denarau: 5 hours Tell me more: Located right at the end of the Yasawa Flyer line, long after most of the boat has emptied out, you’ll find this family run place with just three bures and an eightbed dorm, where getting to know the locals is as easy as befriending fellow travellers. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$34/night, plus NZ$60/day for food ottoandfanny.com Also check out: Nabua Lodge, Gold Coast and Barefoot Island (if in a bure).

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ask the expert Selina McGowan is a sales executive for Awesome Adventures Fiji

When is the best time of year to visit Fiji? Fiji is a great destination year round, but is most popular between May to October as the weather is warm and sunny but without the summer humidity and rainfall. Some mainland and Mamanuca resorts may alter their pricing to reflect the seasons, but in the Yasawas, it’s one price all year. What makes Fiji so special? The Fijian people, with their big smiles, big ‘bulas’ and their warm hearts, are what always draws people to return. Family is the number one priority in Fiji and as a visitor you feel like a part of their family. So it’s worth the money? Fiji can sometimes be seen to be expensive, especially for food and drinks on the mainland, but you always have options. On the islands, most resorts offer half board or full board meal plans so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive.

Isles of smiles: Fijian people are amongst the friendliest in the world

JETSET ACCOMMODATION JetSet Accommodation is one of Nadi's premier choice for upscale accommodations desirably located in Nadi Bay. The exceptional location of our hotel places you amidst the famous Wailoaloa Beach and the Nadi International Runway.

Why are the Yasawas/Mamanucas so good for backpackers? Fiji is the only Pacific Island that can offer a `hop-on, hop-off` service around the islands with such ease and for such good value for money. Backpackers can get to experience a range of islands, resorts and activities and can customise their holidays to fit in with the budget they have. How long do you recommend spending on each island? A minimum two nights per resort. If you were to turn up one day and leave the next it is hard to get a real feel for the resort, the staff and to explore the beautiful surroundings. Is there much to do, besides lying on the beach? The diving is amazing so a lot of properties have dive centres on them. During manta ray season (May to October) at certain resorts you can see them feed – an amazing lifetime experience that people travel from around the world to do. A visit to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves is a must when in the Blue Lagoon region. Otherwise, you can also participate in village visits, walks, kayaking and fishing.

ROOM AMENITIES

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• Walk-out balconies • Air-Condition • Bathtub • Internet data-port in rooms • 32" LCD TV • Fridge / Freezer • Tea/Coffee making facilities

• Free airport pickup • Large outdoor swimming pool • Restaurant • FRee on-site parking • FRee wired & wireless internet service • Conference center

PALM ROAD, WAILOALOA, NADI. FIJI ISLANDS PH: (+679) 6728750 FAX: (+679) 6728751 Email: mailbox@jetsetaccommodation.com See our website for rates and bookings

www. jetsetaccommodation.com tntdownunder.com

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bareessentials

Wellington

banks

CHECK IN!

Nationwide banks like Westpac, ANZ and Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) have the most branches and, if you are planning on spending a long period of time here, issue cards for use at ATMs (cashpoints).

Air New Zealand 0800 737 000, Soundsair Wellington 0800 505 005 03 520 3080

Changing money

insurance

You can change money at any bank. American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Thomas Cook travellers’ cheques are all widely recognised. Banks will give cash advances on Visa and Mastercard credit cards but for American Express you must go to a designated Amex office. Foreign exchange is available for all international flights at airports.

Downunder Worldwide Travel Insurance 09 376 8292, dunder@internet.co.nz

visa Blarneys Rock 1210 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua. Dorms from $17 Wonderfully clean, with friendly staff and fun, vibrant travellers looking for a good time, Blarney’s is (arguably) the best in Rotorua.

health Auckland Metro Doctors Travelcare

For accident and medical care and all international travel vaccines. Pharmacy, X-ray and laboratory. Open six days. BNZ Tower, cnr 125 Queen & Swanson Sts, Auckland, 09 373 4621, Email: doctor@ travelcareMD.com TMVC For all your medical needs. Christchurch, 03 379 4000

post Post Offices are open 9am-5pm on weekdays. Mail can be sent to ‘Poste Restante, CPO’ in the relevant city. CPO stands for Chief Post Office. Mail will be held for 30 days. Delivery time is two days between major centres, a bit longer for rural areas.

BOOK NOW!

Rotorua

blaryneysrock.com

phones Pay phones in NZ are usually of the card variety and phone cards are available in values of $5, $10, $20 and $50. The country dial code for New Zealand is 64. Directory assistance 018 International operator: 0170 (reversed charges) Emergency (Fire, ambulance, police): 111 Compass communications Kia Ora cards. Prepaid calling card kiaoracard.co.nz

Country & area codes New Zealand 64; Auckland 09; Northland 09; Rotorua/Taupo 07; Wellington 04; South Island 03 Directory service International: 0172

dom airlines Auckland Air New Zealand 0800 737 000, 09 357 3000 Great Barrier 09 275 9120

The type of visa you will need to enter NZ is determined by how long you want to stay and what you want to do while you’re there. If you are only entering New Zealand as a tourist you may need a visa depending on what country you are from. If you intend to work while you are in New Zealand you can apply for one online, once you’re here. Citizens of many countries can get a 23-month Working Holiday visa. immigration.govt.nz Visitor’s Visas Citizens of a number of countries do not require visas if they are visiting NZ for three months or less. On arrival, all visitors must be in possession of a valid ticket or enough funds to purchase a ticket out of NZ to a country they have the right of entry to, ie: you must already hold a visa for that country if one is required – you cannot expect to get the visa once you are in New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for three months beyond when you expect to leave NZ, and

@tnt_downunder you must also have sufficient money (NZ$1000 for each month of your visit) to support yourself during your stay. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you should apply for a Visitor’s Visa (which will allow you to stay in NZ for up to nine months) before you arrive in New Zealand, although British passport holders on arrival in NZ may be issued a permit valid for a stay of up to six months. Extensions If you like New Zealand and decide you’d like to stay here longer you may extend your stay to a maximum of nine months in an 18 month period. To do this you need to apply for a further visitor permit. You can apply for these permits online immigration. govt.nz. If you do need to apply in person, New Zealand Immigration Service offices are located in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The Auckland office is very busy and you may experience long delays when applying there. When applying, you need to show your outward ticket or prove your ability to purchase such a ticket; your current passport, a recent passport-sized photo and evidence that you still have sufficient funds to support yourself. If you do not have the required funds, you will need a guarantee of accommodation and maintenance from a NZ friend or relative who is willing to be your sponsor.

Photo: Tourism New Zealand

CHECK OUT

New Zealand’s oldest city Dunedin, located in the South Island’s south-east, has strong connections to Scotland, thanks to early settlers turning up in the area after finding the Australian climate too humid for their liking. The cooler coastal weather reminded them of home and even today this town is full of shops and reminders of the Scots culture. Even the name ‘Dunedin’ comes from the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. A gold rush in the 1850s provided a jump in population and Dunedin has been thriving ever since. These days the city is a big student town and has an abundance of fresh seafood and local wildlife, with sea lions, fur seals and penguins all being easily spotted along the Otago coastline. It is also home to one of New Zealand’s most famous beers – Speights, which is an icon of the South Island. Visitors can tour the brewery – which is still standing on the original 1876 site – and enjoy one (or many) of the award-winning varieties of beers being produced. Record fans might want to head to Baldwin Street in the suburbs, which is widely considered the steepest road in the world.

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Dunedin

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buses & tours Atomic Shuttles South Island buses. 03 349 0697, atomictravel.co.nz Bottom Bus Far south tours. 03 477 9083, bottombus.co.nz

rental firms Ace Rental Cars 0800 502 277, acerentalcars.com.nz Apex Car Rentals 0800 939 597 , apexrentals.co.nz

Spaceships 0800 772 237, spaceshipsrentals.co.nz

United Campervans 09 275 9919, unitedcampervans.co.nz

Flexi-Pass Combines InterCity and Newmans. 0800 222 146, flexipass.co.nz

Mighty Cars and Campers (Formerly Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals) 0800 081 026 mightycampers.co.nz

Wicked Campers 0800 246 870, wickedcampers.co.nz

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 0800 693 296, flyingkiwi.com

Bargain Rental Cars 0800 001 122, bargainrentals.co.nz

Air New Zealand 1800 737 000, airnewzealand.co.nz

Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 800 327, dcrentals.co.nz

Air Pacific Fiji flights 0800 800 178, airpacific.com

Econo Campers 09 275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

Emirates 050 836 4728, emirates.com

Escape Rentals 0800 216 171, escaperentals.co.nz

Jetstar 0800 800 995,

Kiwi Experience 09 336 4286 kiwiexperience.com Magic Travellers Network 09 358 5600, magicbus.co.nz Nakedbus.com 0900 62533, nakedbus.com

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.co.nz

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Nationwide Rental Cars 0800 803 003, nationwiderentalcars.co.nz

Stray 09 526 2140, straytravel.com

Pegasus Rental Cars 0800 803 580, rentalcars.co.nz

West Coast Shuttle Greymouth to Christchurch buses. 03 768 0028, westcoastshuttle.co.nz

Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz Rental Car Village 09 376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz

SURFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S UP

Standby Cars 0800 789 059, standbycars.co.nz

airlines

jetstar.com

Qantas 0800 808 767, qantas.com.au Virgin Australia 0800 670 000, virginaustralia.com Webjet Flights comparison website. webjet.com.au

ferries Interislander Linking Wellington and Picton. 0800 802 802, interislander.co.nz

Travel around New Zealand with our

surfing auckland It may be called the city of sails but Auckland also has some epic waves. Head to Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on the west coast. Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beaches range from those with white sands and palm trees to the black sands of the west coast with towering cliffs and rainforests.

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bungy jumping We’re pretty certain that no country can match New Zealand’s dedication to scaring its visitors senseless, which is why no trip to Kiwiland is complete without some form of screaminducing adrenalin activity. There’s no shortage of weird and wacky thrills available throughout the country, but there’s no doubting that the purest, and arguably scariest, experience is good old fashioned bungy jumping. You can do a bungy jump in just about every NZ town nowadays, but the original fear factory is Queenstown. AJ Hackett runs various jumps in the area, including the world’s first commercial bungy, the Kawarau (pictured), plus the ledge jump, towering 400m above Queenstown, and of course, the daddy of them all, the 134m Nevis jump.

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enjoy the action as you sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. The two hour sails departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct. No experience necessary. 0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz

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. i-SITE Auckland Atrium, skycity, Cnr Federal & Victoria Sts Backpackers World Travel 16-20 Fort St, 09 379 4126, backpackersworld.com Base Travel Level 3, 229 Queen St, 09 358 4874, basetravel.com i-SITE Visitor Information 287 Queen St, 09 979 2333, reservations@aucklandnz.com Ferry Tickets Online (For inter-island ferry services) 39 Beach Rd, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz Parks Information Centre Details on tramping, camping grounds, the Gulf Islands and exploring the regional parks. 21 Pitt St, open Mon-Fri, 09 366 2000 Airport Transport The airport is 21km from the city and shuttle buses run every half an hour. Airbus Airport is every 20 mins. 0800 247 287, airbus.co.nz City buses Tickets and timetables are available from the 10 central city Star Mart stores. 09 366 6400 Auckland InterCity Travel Centre Buses around Auckland and the rest of New Zealand leave from here. Located beside the casino, Hobson St, 09 623 1503 Train Intercity trains arrive and depart from Britomart, 12 Queen St, Auckland. 09 270 5211

auckland stay

Photo: Tourism New Zealand, Arno Gasteiger

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

CHECK IN! Pentlands 22 Pentland Ave, Mt Eden. Dorms from $19.50 Located just out of the hustle and bustle of Auckland this is the perfect spot to spend a few relaxed days and explore the sights Auckland

pentlands.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Georgia Parkside Backpackers 189 Park Rd, Grafton. 09 309 8999, bacpacgeorgia@xtra.co.nz Kiwi International Queen St Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen St. 0800 100 411, kiwihotel.co.nz Kiwi International Airport 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere. 0800 801 919, kiwiairport@xtra.co.nz Lantana Lodge (BBH) 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. 09 373 4546, lantana@xtra.co.nz The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. 09 307 0181, nomadshostels.com New Zealand Backpackers 8 Nixon St, Ponsonby. 09 376 3871, ajlodge@xtra.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

auckland do Explorer Bus Sightseeing around Auckland, 0800 439 756 explorerbus.co.nz On the Road Tours and Charters Sightseeing bus tours of Auckland and the north shore. 0800 486 877, ontheroad.co.nz Harbour Ferries Ferries can take you all over the harbour. Info about timetables and destinations available at the Ferry Building on Quay St. 09 424 5561 America’s Cup Sailing Experience A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and

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 Auckland Museum dining cruises. Join them for a See the world’s finest collection coffee, lunch, dinner, Waiheke of Maori and Pacific Island sailing experience cruise or a artefacts. Explore New full-day sailing adventure and Zealand’s natural history, experience the “City of Sails” discover the largest bird that for what it is known for. ever lived and experience a 0800 397 567, Maori cultural show. explorenz.co.nz 09 306 7067, aucklandmuseum.com Auckland Bridge Climb Up and over the Auckland Auckland Zoo Harbour Bridge. Westhaven See kiwi birds in the nocturnal Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, house and over 900 animals. 0800 286 4958, 09 360 3800, ajhackett.com aucklandzoo.co.nz Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump Coast to Coast Walkway NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, A walk between Waitemata 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Harbour and Manukau Harbour. Curran St, Herne Bay, It takes about four hours and 0800 286 4958, takes in Albert Park, Auckland ajhackett.co.nz Uni, Auckland Domain, Mt Eden, and One Tree Hill. Canyonz Ltd Explore subtropical canyons and Devonport abseil down crashing waterfalls. A 15-minute ferry or bus ride across 0800 422 696, the harbour on the north shore, canyonz.co.nz Devonport is an idyllic setting for a picnic or a stroll along the beach. New Zealand Surf Tours 09 832 9622, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic newzealandsurftours.com Encounter & Underwater World A seawater aquarium with a Sky Jump moving walkway through a Fall from the top of the transparent underwater cavern. 192m Sky Tower, Antarctic Encounter is a 0800 759 586, recreation of an Antarctic skyjump.co.nz environment where you jump on a snow mobile and tour a Sky Walk penguin colony, get attacked by Walk around the external 1.2m an orca whale. Orakei Wharf, wide platform, 192m up. Tamaki Drive, 09 528 0603, 09 368 1835, kellytarltons.co.nz skywalk.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, nzmaritime.org Ponsonby West of the city, explore Victorian architecture and narrow streets with cafés, bars, clothes shops, art galleries and some lively nightlife.

Fullers Bay of Islands Tours One, two and three-day tours from Auckland. 09 358 0259, boitc.co.nz Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours. 0800 658 058, awesomenz.com Beaches Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Bay, Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, St Heliers Bay and popular Mission Bay.

Queen Street Auckland’s main boulevard with shops, cafés and restaurants. Aotea Square Markets Every Friday and Saturday at Whale & Dolphin Safari Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ See whales and dolphins from fashion labels, retro gear, foods, Auckland’s doorstep. The Pacific-style crafts, jewellery Hauraki Gulf is considered one and furniture, of the most biologically and 09 309 2677 the-edge.co.nz geographically diverse marine parks in the world. See Victoria Park Market dolphins, whales, sea birds and/ 3km from the CBD, an outdoor or even penguins. Dolphins are market with fruit, veggies, viewed on over 90% and whales books, clothes and handicrafts. on 75% of trips. Departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct. Dolphin viewing guaranteed. great barrier 0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz The island is dominated by a native Fullers Cruises forest a network of criss-crossing Inner harbour cruises and longer tracks. greatbarrier.co.nz cruises to Hauraki Gulf islands, with all-day passes and hop-on, Orama Resort (YHA) Karaka Bay Rd, 09 429 0063, hop-off options. 09 367 9111. yha.co.nz

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

BOOK NOW!

saltwaterlodge.co.nz YHA Paihia Cnr Kings and MacMurray Rds, Paihia, 09 402 7487, yha.co.nz

CHECK IN!

barrier do Fullers Cruises Depart from the Ferry Building. 09 367 9102

paihia do Haruru Falls Picturesque falls offering swimming, camping and kayaking opportunities – and a pub!

Great Barrier Airlines Fly out of Auckland Airport or Auckland Shore Airfield. 0800 900 600, Fullers Great Barrier Explorers Cruise and tours, summer only (October-April). 09 367 9111

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

northland The “winterless north” is Northland’s famous tag. The subtropical climate is good all year round and the area boasts some of the best beaches in NZ. Highlights include Ninety Mile Beach, Kerikeri and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

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

hibiscus coast Whangaparaoa Peninsula. A popular holiday spot, the peninsula offers water sport opportunities from windsurfing to boating. Busy in summer, this whole area is popular with bushwalkers. Hisbiscus Coast Visitor Info Hibiscus Coast Hwy, 09 426 0076. Marco Polo Backpackers Inn (BBH) 2d Hammond Ave, Hatfields Beach, 09 426 8455, marcopolo.co.nz

pakiri beach Famous for its white sand and isolation, there are several coastal walks here and gorgeous views.

waipu Come to Waiku for snorkelling, fishing and exploring the caves. The Bream Bay Coast is a magnificent expanse of white sparkling sand just 30 mins drive from the city.

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.

Cambridge hotel 28 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro. Dorms from $21 Located in the heart of Te Aro, in a newly renovated heritage building this hotel and backpacker hostel has just about everything you need. Wellington

bbh.co.nz

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

whangarei The waterfront has been developed in the style of the early settlers (except with cafés, restaurants and galleries) and Mount Parahaki towers 241m above the city. Stroll along enticing beaches and dive at Poor Knights Islands. one of the world’s top diving sites. Also pay a visit to petty Whangerei Falls. Whangarei I-SITE Visitor Centre 92 Otaika Rd, 09 438 1079

whangarei stay Bunkdown Lodge (BBH) 23 Otaika Road, 09 438 8886, bunkdownlodge.co.nz Coastal Cow Backpackers (BBH) 299 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads, 09 431 5444, coastalcow@xtra.co.nz Little Earth Lodge (BBH) 85 Abbey Caves Road, 09 430 6562, littleearthlodge.co.nz Piano Hill Farm (BBH) Piano Hill, Kauri, 09 433 7090, thefarm.co.nz Whangarei Falls Backpackers (BBH) Ngunguru Road, Glenbervie, 09 437 0609, whangereifalls.co.nz YHA Whangarei, Manaakitanga 52 Punga Grove Ave, 09 438 8954, yha.co.nz

whangarei do Dive! Tutukaka Poor Knights Islands dives, plus

tours with kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting.

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

paihia stay Base Pipi Patch 18 Kings Rd 09 402 7111, stayatbase.com Captain Bob’s Beachhouse (BBH) 44 Davis Cres, 09 402 8668, capnbobs@xtra.co.nz Centabay Lodge (BBH) 27 Selwyn Rd, 09 402 7466, centaby@xtra.co.nz Mayfair Lodge (BBH) 7 Puketona Rd, 09 402 7471, bay-of-islands.co.nz/accomm/ mayfair.html Mousetrap (BBH) 11 Kings Rd, 09 402 8182, info@mousetrap.co.nz Peppertree Lodge (BBH) 15 Kings Rd, 09 402 6122, peppertree.co.nz Pickled Parrot Backpackers (BBH) Grey’s Lane, 09 402 6222, theparrot@paradise.net.nz Saltwater Lodge (BBH) 14 Kings Rd, 0800 002 266,

Te Rawhiti Cape Brett Walkway Guided tours include experienced local Maori guides, all meals, hut accommodation, transport by boat to hut taking in the famous Hole in the Rock, Maori culture, myths and legends and hangi, 09 403 7248 Waitangi Treaty Grounds The site where the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Also see carvings that represent all Maori tribes in NZ and one of the largest ceremonial waka (canoe) in the world, launched every Waitangi Day (Feb 6). 09 402 7437, waitangi.net.nz Boat cruises & dolphin watching Cape Brett “Hole in the Rock” Cruise Four-hour cruises, 09 402 7421 Dolphin Discoveries With the warmest water and friendliest dolphins (bottlenoses), this is a great place for swimming with the dolphins (conditions permitting). The high-speed luxury catamaran offers easy access to the water and hot showers. Or do a “Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Viewing Experience” and see dolphins, whales, birds and other wildlife. Visit Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island during your island stop and explore this amazing place. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz Dune Rider Unique Adventure Tour Make your way up to Cape Reinga while traveling to the Gumdiggers Park and drive along the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Climb huge sand dunes and boogie board back down on the way and stop at the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop for fish and chips. Departing daily from Paihia. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz Excitor “Hole in the Rock” Adventure One-and-a-half hours, 0800 653 339, excitor.co.nz Lion New Zealand – “The Ultimate Day Sail in the Bay” Join Lion New Zealand, NZ’s most famous maxi yacht. Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch and activities such as kayaking, snorkelling,

@tnt_downunder natural walks at Otehei Bay or simply kick back and enjoy the island atmosphere. 0800 365 744, bayofislands@explorenz.co.nz Overnight Cruises The Rock 24-hour cruise featuring kayaking, snorkelling with stingrays, fishing for your dinner, dolphin spotting. 0800 762 527, rocktheboat.co.nz Awesome Cape Reinga Via Ninety Mile Beach – learn Maori myths and legends, navigate the quicksand stream, ride the dunes, visit a thousand year old forest. 0800 653 339, awesomenz.com

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

russell stay The Coast Road Farm (BBH) Coast Rd, Whangaruru, 09 433 6894, thefarm.co.nz Ferry Landing (BBH) 395A Aucks Rd, Okiato Point, 09 403 7985, ferrylanding@clear.net.nz Wainui (BBH) 92D Te Wahapu Rd, 09 403 8278, stocked@xtra.co.nz

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

kerikeri stay Kerikeri Top 10 Holiday Park & Aranga Backpackers Aranga Drive off Kerikeri Rd, 09 407 9326, kerikeritop10.co.nz Hideaway Lodge Wiroa Rd, 0800 562 746 Hone Heke Lodge (BBH) 65 Hone Heke Rd, 09 407 8170, kerikeri.net/honeheke Kerikeri Farm Hostel (BBH) Ph: (09) 407 6989, kkfarmhostel@xtra.co.nz

nrth bay of isl i-Site Far North South Rd in Jaycee Park. 09 408 0879, kaitaiainfo@xtra.co.nz Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863, farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz North Wind Lodge Backpackers

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(BBH) Otaipango Rd, Henderson Bay, 09 409 8515, northwindlodge@xtra.co.nz

CHECK IN!

Waikato District Info Centre 160 Great South Rd, Huntly, 07 828 6406

Pukenui Lodge Hostel (BBH) Cnr SH1 & Wharf Rd, Pukenui, 09 4098837, stay@pukenuilodge.co.nz

Shekinah (BBH) 122 Pungapunga Rd, Pukekawa, 09 233 4464, shekinah@ps.gen.nz

matauri bay

hamilton

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 Off Matauri Bay Road, 09 4051 019, welcomeswallow.com The Rainbow Warrior A monument to the noble but doomed Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior, sits on the site of a Maori pa on the headland at Matauri Bay. Travellers come here to dive the ship’s wreck.

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

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

1271 Hinemaru St, Rotorua. Dorms from $17. With unlimited free Wi-Fi, a thermally heated spa and pool and a famously loose Saturday night pub crawl, this is a great place to be. Rotorua

yha.co.nz Waitiki Landing Far North Rd, 09 409 7508

kaitaia do

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

Far North Regional Museum Featuring all kinds of goodies, like the skeleton of a giant moa bird and salvages from local shipwrecks.

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

taipa A tiny village with a boat-dotted harbour. You can swim with dolphins, hire boats or kayaks, and swim at the beautiful Coopers Beach. Taipa is worth visiting for its pretty beach.

kaitaia The ideal starting point for Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Backpackers Heaven (VIP) Wagener Holiday Park, Houhora Heads, 09 409 8564, wagenerpark@xtra.co.nz Main Street Lodge (BBH) 235 Commerce St, 09 408 1275, mainstreet@xtra.co.nz Pukenui Lodge (YHA) Corner Wharf Rd & State Hwy 1, Houhora, 09 409 8837,

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

90 mile beach The west coast of the Far North Peninsula is Ninety Mile Beach,a beautiful strip of coastline that takes you way up to Cape Reinga.

ahipara This is the best spot for sandtobogganing, located at the south end of Ninety Mile Beach. YHA Ahipara Backpackers & Motor Camp 168-170 Takehe St, 09 409 4864, yha.co.nz Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863 farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Endless Summer Lodge (BBH) 245 Foreshore Rd, 09 409 4181, endlesssummer.co.nz

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

hokianga Heading south, you’ll hit Hokianga

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

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

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

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

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

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

te awamutu

DOC Office Level 5, Rostrevor St.

hamilton stay

crashpalace.co.nz

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

doubtless bay

Hamilton Visitor Centre 5 Garden Place, Hamilton 07 958 5960 visithamilton.co.nz

Crash Palace

Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230.

Less touristy than the Bay of Islands, the area around Doubtless is made up of tiny bays and coves, beach resorts and historical villages.

Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (BBH) 6 Wi Neera St, 07 825 0515, raglanbackpackers.co.nz

waikato

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

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

matamata Rural town famous for being turned into Hobbiton in those films – some of the set still stands.

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

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

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

waitomo

Hobbiton Backpackers 81 Arawa St, 07 888 9972, steve@hobbitonbackpackers.co.nz

Definitely one of the best adventure spots in New Zealand. There are a range of caving adventures, from glowworm ogling, to long dramatic abseils deep towards the centre of cambridge the earth and excellent blackwater This very Olde English town with its rafting (jump in an inner tube and let the underwater current carry town square and abundance of you). trees is in the heart of Waikato. The region is famous for its horses and Waitomo Caves Discovery jetboating. Centre 21 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 474 839. Cambridge Tourist Info Centre waitomodiscovery.org Cnr Queen and Victoria Sts, 07 823 3456

waitomo stay

raglan One of New Zealand’s best-known surfing beaches, Raglan is situated 48km west of Hamilton. Raglan Information Centre 2 Wainui Rd, 07 825 0556

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

raglan stay Ewe Dream’Inn (BBH) 2458 State Highway 22, Glen Murray, 09 233 3144, glenmurray.net

waitomo do Dundle Hill Walk A two-day walk through native bush; limestone outcrops includes overnight with spectacular

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northisland views at Kays Cabin. 0800 924 866 Marakopa Falls, Managapohue Natural Bridge and Piri Piri Cave, 30 minutes drive from Waitomo. Rap Raft ‘n’ Rock Blackwater adventures combining abseiling, rafting, glowworms, caving and rockclimbing all in one five-hour adventure. 0800 228 372, caveraft.com The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co Cave tubing in the blackness of the Ruakuri Cave river. 585 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 228 464, blackwaterrafting.co.nz

Tiffany’s Tearooms, Rora St, 07 878 7640

te kuiti stay Casara Mesa Backpackers (BBH) Mangarino Rd, 07 878 6697, casara@xtra.co.nz

king country The King Country is the region south of the Waikato and the Maori influence has remained strong with the opportunity to experience Maoritanga (the Maori way).

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

coromandel pen

forest park

Woodlyn Park Pioneer Show, caving adventure, and quirky accommodation in a 1950s train carriage. Waitomo Valley Road, 07 878 6666.

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.

There are heaps of walks to choose from. The Colville Range is the most popular but the Department of Conservation in the Kauaeranga Valley is the place to begin.

te kuiti

thames

coromandel

Located 19km south of Otorohanga, Te Kuiti is known as “The Shearing Capital of the World”. There’s also a magnificent Maori marae (meeting house) here.

A great canyoning spot, with loads of natural pools and waterslides.

Some 55km north of Thames is the town of Coromandel, home to the popular Driving Creek Railway.

Information Thames 206 Poland St, 07 868 7284

Coromandel Information Centre Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598.

Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077.

DOC Office 07 868 6381

Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080.

Canyonz Ltd 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz

coro stay Anchor Lodge Backpackers (BBH)

MUST-VISIT

follow us on 448 Wharf Rd, 07 866 7992, anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz Black Jack Backpackers (BBH) Kuaotunu, 07 866 2988, black-jack.co.nz Colville Farm (BBH) 2140 Colville Road, Colville, 07 866 6820 Coromandel Town Backpackers (BBH) 732 Rings Road, 07 866 8830 Lions Den (BBH) 126 Te Tiki St, 07 866 8157

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

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

Photo: TNT Images

Seabreeze Tourist Park (BBH) 1043 SH25 Tairua-Whitianga Rd, 07 866 3050 Tatahi Lodge (BBH) Grange Rd, Hahei, 07 866 3992, dreamland.co.nz/tatahilodge

whitianga do

Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove Rated as one of the world’s 10 best beaches, Hot Water Beach is an unusual phenomenon. For two hours Tui Lodge (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, either side of low tide you can dig a hole in the sand and sit in tuilodge@paradise.net.nz your very own thermal spa pool.

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

Arguably home to the most famous surfing scene in New Zealand, Raglan’s beaches have something for everyone. Manu Bay is said to have the longest left hand break for boardriding, but if that isn’t your thing, then there are some great spots along the coast for swimming or chilling out on a hot day. Situated on the west coast of the North Island, this is one of many New Zealand beaches that have black volcanic sand, creating a unique feel to a day at the beach. Raglan has a very active population and if you’ve had enough of the beach then there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.

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

Tidewater Tourist Park (YHA) 270 Tiki Rd, 07 866 8888, yha.co.nz

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

Raglan

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Cathedral Cove Lodge Villas (VIP) 41 Harsant Ave, Hahei Beach, 07 866 3889. Cat’s Pyjamas Backpackers (BBH) 12 Albert St, 07 866 4663. Fernbird (BBH) 24 Harsant Ave, Hahei, 07 866 3080, fernbird@xtra.co.nz

bay of plenty The Bay of Plenty, extending from the Coromandel Peninsula to the East Cape, was named by Captain Cook in honour of both the fertile nature of the region and the friendly local Maoris he encountered. Activities include paragliding, sky diving, white water rafting, 4WD safaris, gliding, jet boating and swimming with dolphins.

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 Department of Conservation 253 Chadwick Rd West, 07 578 7677

tauranga stay Appletree Cottage 47 Maxwell Rd, 07 5767404, appletreebackpackers @hotmail.com Bell Lodge (BBH) 39 Bell St, 07 578 6344, bell-lodge.co.nz Harbourside City Backpackers (BBH) 105 The Strand, 07 579 4066, backpacktauranga.co.nz Just The Ducks Nuts Backpackers (BBH) 6 Vale St, 07 576 1366, justtheducksnuts.co.nz Loft 109 (BBH) 8/109 Devonport Rd, 07 579 5638, loft109.co.nz Tuaranga Central Backpackers 64 Willow St, 07 571 6222, tgabackpack.co.nz YHA Tauranga 171 Elizabeth St, 07 578 5064, yha.co.nz

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northisland tauranga do Butlers Swim With Dolphins 0508 288 537 Waimarino Adventure Park 07 576 4233 Coyote Bar and Restaurant 107 The Strand, 07 578 8968, coyotes.com

mt maunganui Home to Ocean Beach which, at 15km long, is considered by locals to be among the finest surfing in the country. The town stands at the foot of Mt Maunganui, a slab of rock 232m high, around which you can appreciate stunning views. Mt Maunganui Visitor Centre Salisbury Ave, 07 575 5099 Te Puke Information Centre 130 Jellicoe St, 07 573 9172

maunga stay Hairy Berry Backpackers (BBH) 2 No One Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 8015, work@hairyberrynz.com

Tourism Rotorua & Visitor Info Centre 1167 Fenton St, 07 348 5179

rotorua stay Base Rotorua 1286 Arawa St, 0800 227 369, stayatbase.com Cactus Jack Backpackers (BBH) 1210 Haupapa St, 07 348 3121, cactusjackbp@xtra.co.nz Crank Backpackers 1140 Hinemoa St, 07 348 0852, crankbackpackers.co.nz Crash Palace Backpackers (BBH, VIP) 1271 Hinemaru St, 07 348 8842, info@crashpalace.co.nz Planet Nomad Backpackers (VIP) 1193 Fenton St, 07 346 2831, downtown-rotorua@xtra.co.nz

Mount Backpackers (BBH) 87 Maunganui Rd, 07 575 0860, mountbackpackers.co.nz

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

Pacific Coast Backpackers (BBH) 432 Maunganui Rd, 0800 666 622, pacificcoastlodge.co.nz

Spa Lodge (BBH) 1221 Amohau St, 07 348 3486, spalodge@wave.co.nz

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

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

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

culture, the steaming volcanic scenery and adrenalin thrills. Visit the bubbling mud at Whaka, take a dip in a thermal bath and pig out on a hangi at a Maori concert. Even the air here is special – it’s heavy with sulphur. You’ll smell it the moment you arrive.

rotorua do Agroventures Five adrenalin activities in one adventure park, including bungy jumping, sprint boats and a wind tunnel. 1335 Paradise Valley Rd. 07 357 4747, agroventures.co.nz Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body 07 345 3151 Kaitiaki Adventures Extreme whitewater activities. Sledging and rafting trips on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, 0800 338 736, kaitiaki.co.nz NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft over Rotorua, 07 345 7250, nzone.biz 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, info@polynesianspa.co.nz

rotorua

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

Rotorua is a must for three reasons: the abundance of accessible Maori

Skyline Skyrides Spectacular Get the best views and luge

BOOK NOW! 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. 07 333 1861 Waimangu Volcanic Valley The location of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the 1886 volcanic eruption. Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting Guided rafting options on five different rivers – the Wairoa, Rangitaiki, Kaituna, Motu and Mohaka. 0800 462 7238, wetnwildrafting.co.nz Zorbing Get harnessed inside the perspex Zorb before rolling head-over-heels downhill. 07 357 5100, zorb.com

maori culture While you’re here, take the opportunity to see how the Maori lived before European settlment. The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Whakarewarewa is a good place nzmaori.co.nz. to begin . NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute 07 348 9047 The Realm of Tane A blend of guided tour, character theatre and story telling within a series of magical sets. 1220 Hinemaru St, 07 349 2999, maoriculture.co.nz Rotoiti Tours 0800 476 864 Tamaki Maori Village Tours, hangi and concert. Hinemaru St, 07 349 2999, maoriculture.co.nz Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Maori village set amidst a landscape of geothermal wonders. Take a guided tour, see a cultural performance, check out Maori art. 07 349 3463, whakarewarewa.com

lake taupo Lake Taupo used to be a hidden gem, but nowadays it’s the place to visit in the North Island, thanks to its wicked mix of adrenalin adventures, sedate lake life and after-dark partying. Taupo Visitor Centre 30 Tongariro St, 07 376 0027 laketauponz.com

taupo stay Berkenhoff Lodge (BBH) 75 Scannell St, 07 378 4909, bhoff@reap.org.nz Blackcurrant Backpackers (BBH)

follow us on 20 Taniwha St, Ph: (07) 378 9292, blackcurrantbackpackers@xtra. co.nz Rainbow Lodge (BBH) 133 Summers St, Ph: (08) 9227-1818, rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz Finns Global Backpackers (VIP) Cnr Tongariro & Tuwharetoa Sts, 07 377 0044, go-global.co.nz

@tnt_downunder trout fishing capital of the world. It offers heaps of outdoor adventure activities and is a good base for venturing into the Tongariro National Park. Turangi Visitor Centre Ngawaka Place, 07 386 8999

turangi stay

Silver Fern Lodge Flash-Packers (VIP) Cnr Tamamutu & Kaimanawa Sts, 07 377 4929, silverfernlodges.co.nz

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

Sunset Lodge (BBH) 27 Tremain Ave, 07 378 5962, info@sunsetlodgetaupo.co.nz

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

Base Taupo 7 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 4464, stayatbase.com Taupo Urban Retreat 65 Heu Heu St, 0800 872 261, tur.co.nz Tiki Lodge 104 Tuwharetoa St, 0800 845 456, tikilodge.co.nz YHA Taupo 56 Kaimanawa St, 07 378 3311, yha.co.nz

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

turangi On the southern shores of Lake Taupo, Turangi is known as the

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

tongariro The World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, an extraordinary volcanic landscape which became Mordor in those films. Pop into the national park headquarters in Whakapapa. Adventure Lodge & Motel (VIP) Carroll Street, National Park, 07 892 2991, adventurenationalpark.co.nz Forest Lodge (BBH) Cnr Omaki and Ohorere Rds, Owhango, 07 895 4773, forest.lodge@xtra.co.nz Howards Lodge (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2827, howardslodge.co.nz YHA Matai Lodge (BBH) 1 Rata St, Ohakune, 06 385 9169, matai.lodge@xtra.co.nz National Park Backpackers YHA (BBH) Finlay St. The hostel runs transport to the Tongariro Crossing, 07 892 2870, npbp.co.nz Plateau Lodge & Motel (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2993, plateaulodge@xtra.co.nz Ski Haus (BBH) Carroll St, McKenzie St, 07 892 2854, skihaus.co.nz

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

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Whakapapa Visitor Centre SH 48, Whakapapa Village, 07 892 3729

Zealand that has so much to offer that it can only be a matter of time before visitors begin to flock here.

rangitikei

opotiki

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.

A summer holiday town which was once a large Maori settlement and the indigenous people maintain a strong presence here.

The Stockmans Lodge (BBH) 9 Dixon Way, 06 388 1584, stockmanslodge@xtra.co.nz River Valley Dorms 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

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

east coast The East Coast is among the first places in the world to see the sun rise each morning. This is a relatively tourist-free area of New

Maraehako Bay Retreat (BBH) SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648. Mel’s Place (BBH) Onepoto Beach Rd, Hicks Bay, 06 864 4694, eastcapefishing@xtra.co.nz

gisborne

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

Gisborne is a peaceful surfie town that boasts diving, windsurfing, kayaking and whitewater rafting; try Wainui, Midway and Makarori beaches. You can also soak up the Maori heritage at one of the largest carved maraes in NZ.

Opotiki Backpackers Beach House (BBH) 7 Appleton Rd, Waiotahi Beach, 07 315 5117, hangout@paradise.net.nz

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

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

east cape As you head around the Cape the towns get tinier and the scenery more dramatic. At Te Araroa, you can thead around to the East Cape Lighthouse. Brians Place (BBH) Potae St, Tokomaru Bay, 06 864 5870, briansplace1@hotmail.com Eastender Backpacker & Horse Treks (BBH) 836 Rangitukia Rd, Tikitiki, 06 864 3820, horsetreks@xnet.co.nz

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

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.

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

Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

Lochlea Farmstay (BBH) 344 Lake Rd, Wanstead, 06 8554 816 info@lochleafarm.co.nz

napier stay

wairoa

Napier Prison Backpackers (BBH) 55 Coote Rd, 06 835 9933, getnicked@napierprison.com

DOC office for hut bookings

The Rotten Apple Backpackers (BBH) 114 Heretaunga St, 06 878 4363, rottenapple.co.nz

Aqua Lodge (BBH) 53 Nelson Cres, 06 835 4523, aquaback@inhb.co.nz

Wairoa is a large town, great as a stop-over before heading into the area’s main attraction: the gorgeous Te Urewera National Park.

Haere Mai Cottage (BBH) 49 Mitchell Rd, 06 838 6817

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

Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911

Criterion Art Deco Backpackers (VIP, Roamfree) 48 Emerson St, 06 835 2059, criterionartdeco.co.nz

Wairoa Visitor Information Centre Queen St, 06 838 7440

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.

Travellers Lodge Hastings (BBH) 608 St Aubyn St, West Hastings, 06 878 7108, tlodge.co.nz

wairarapa The Wairarapa is a green, tree-lined region north-east of Wellington, famous for its wine and its many sheep – quintessential NZ.

Waterfront Lodge & Backpackers (BBH) 217 Marine Pd, 06 835 3429, napierwaterfront.co.nz

masterton

YHA Napier 277 Marine Parade, 06 835 7039, yha.co.nz

Home to the impressive Queen

DISCOUNT

Discount upon presentation of this advert. Valid for single transaction only. Not to conjunction with any other offer be used in or discount. Expires 30 September 2013.

Karetoto Road, Wairakei Tourist Park (10 minutes north of Taupō)

HukafallsJet VJ-1235

0800 4 THRILLS

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northisland Elizabeth Park, the Wairarapa Arts Centre, and the best-tasting icecream in New Zealand. Chanel Backpackers 14-18 Herbert St, 06 378 2877

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

mokau Palm House Backpackers (BBH) 06 278 6523, taranaki-bakpak.co.nz

new plymouth Taranaki’s major town is New Plymouth. One of NZ’s finest art galleries is here (the GovettBrewster Art Gallery). It hosts a great café. Department of Conservation 220 Devon St West, 06 758 0433

plymouth stay

BOOK NOW!

taracoastal@hotmail.com

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

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

stratford Stratford Information Centre Broadway Stratford (State Hwy 3), 06 765 6708, stratford@info.stratford.govt.nz

Eco Inn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth on SH3. 06 752 2765

New Plymouth Info Centre Puke Ariki Complex, St Aubyn Street, 06 759 6080, info@newplymouth.govt.nz

Egmont Lodge (BBH, YHA) 12 Clawton St, 06 753 5720, yha.co.nz

Department of Conservation Pembroke Rd, 06 765 5144

Seaspray House (BBH) 13 Weymouth St, 06 759 8934, seaspray@maxnet.co.nz Shoestring Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lemon St, 06 758 0404 Sunflower Lodge (BBH) 33 Timandra St, 06 758, 2842 The Missing Leg (BBH) 1082 Junction Rd, Egmont Village, 06 752 2570, jo.thompson@xtra.co.nz

plymouth do Taranaki Surf Charters 20 Beach Road, 025 592 306,

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

whanganui Braemar House (YHA) 2 Plymouth St, 06 348 2301, yha.co.nz Tamara Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 24 Somme Pde,

06 347 6300, tamaralodge.com Whanganui National Park The major attraction is the Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery. Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour. Wanganui Information Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 349 0508, info@wanganui.govt.nz Department of Conservation Office Cnr Ingestre and St Hill Sts, 06 345 2402

palmerston nth

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Ferry Tickets Online 186 Victoria St, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz

welly stay Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. 04 801 5666 stayatbase.com Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. 04 385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. 04 473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz

Manawatu Visitor Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 490-508, manawatu.visitor-info@xtra.co.nz

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

Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 358 9004

Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. 04 385 3771

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

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

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

wellington The nation’s capital is to many people, New Zealand’s most interesting city. Te Papa, the multi-million dollar museum, has sealed its position as cultural capital too. Wellington has a small centre, is easily navigated on foot and as any Wellingtonian will tell you, it has more cafés per head than New York. The nightlife in “Welly” is pretty special too. Wellington Visitor Info Centre Corner of Victoria & Wakefield Sts, 04 802 4860, wellingtonnz.com DOC Information Centre Lambton Quay, 04 472 7356 Ferry to the South Island Boats to Picton on the South Island. Ferries can be booked up well in advance in holiday periods. 0800 802 802, interislandline.co.nz

Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres. 04 384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414 Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58 Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace. 04 802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. 04 801 7280 yha.co.nz

welly do Cable car Walk down Lambton Quay and you will see a sign for the cable car which departs

MUST-VISIT

MataMata This rural town, two hours south of Auckland, got an injection of tourism after those three little Lord of the Rings films were made. Matamata suddenly became ‘Hobbiton’, and Peter Jackson was kind enough to leave most of the set for people to explore. A tour of the location will let you visit some of the leftover hobbit holes which were fully recreated for The Hobbit film instalments last year. The set is on a private farm, which also offers sheep shearing demonstrations and scenic views of the picturesque Kaimai ranges.

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every 10 minutes past Kelburn Park to the Botanic Gardens, 04 472 2199

appreciate its beauty is by boat.

CHECK IN!

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

Cosmic Corner Funk Store The funkiest store in the universe. Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff, who will happily point you in the right direction for parties, events and scenic spots. 215 Cuba St, 04 801 6970, funk@cosmiccorner.co.nz Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Many of New Zealand’s rarest birds, reptiles and insects are living freely in this awardwinning conservation safe haven. Look for kiwis on a guided tour by torchlight. Times vary and bookings are essential. Waiapu Rd, Karori. 04 920 9213, sanctuary.org.nz Mount Victoria The views are breathtaking. It’s damn windy so make sure you’re wearing heavy shoes. Walk, drive or bus it. Museum of Wellington City & Sea Queens Wharf, 04 472 8904 Parliament House Free tours. Visit the Beehive, a uniquely designed centre of government with a distinct style

YHA Wellington city 292 Wakefield St, Wellingotn. Dorms from $28 Ultra clean, modern and wonderfully provisioned the YHA Wellington is one of NZ’s most visited and recommended hostels. Te Aro, Wellington

yha.co.nz

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

plimmerton Moana Lodge (BBH) 49 Moana Rd, 04 233 2010, moanalodge.co.nz

of architecture, 04 471 9503

04 381 7000, tepapa.govt.nz

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

Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6750 Harbour cruises The harbour is a handsome thing and the best way to fully

kapiti coast Tranz Rail The best way to explore the Kapiti Coast is by train and most places along the way can be reached within an hour or so, 04 498 3000

Stillwater Lodge (BBH) 34 Mana Esplanade, Mana, 04 233 6628

paekakariki Paekakariki Backpackers (BBH) 11 Wellington Rd, 04 902 5967, wellingtonbeachbackpackers. co.nz

paraparaumu The beach here is glorious and the scene of most of the action in town. Barnacles Seaside Inn (BBH, YHA) 3 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu, 0800 555 856, yha.co.nz

kapiti is A sanctuary for rare native birds. There’s a good chance of seeing elusive kiwis and blue penguins. Kapiti Island Nature Tours Tours and accommodation, 06 362 6606, kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz

Photo: TNT Images

Single, twin, double, triple and share-room budget accommodation and we are the only Wellington backpacker hostel with camping facilities & free off-street parking

Rowena’s Lodge is ideally located amidst the tranquil green surroundings of Mount Victoria with panoramic views yet only minutes away from Wellington city centre and the Wellington entertainment precinct of Courtenay Place

NZ freephone 0800 80 14 14 Ph/Fx +64 4 385 7872 email: rowenas@wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz www. wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz

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

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

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

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

Hu Ha Bikerpackers (BBH) State Highway 6, Glenhope. 03 548 2707, smidgley@ihug.co.nz The Palace Backpackers (BBH) 114 Rutherford St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz Paradiso (BBH) 42 Weka St. 0800 269 667, backpackernelson.co.nz Rylands’ Retreat 163 Trafalgar St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz The Palace Backpackers (BBH) 114 Rutherford St. 03 548 9001, rylands@kol.co.nz Shortbread Cottage (BBH) 33 Trafalgar St. 03 546 6681 Tasman Bay Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 10 Weka St. 03 548 7950, tasmanbaybackpackers.co.nz

BOOK NOW! motueka stay Bakers Lodge (YHA) 4 Poole St. 03 528 0102, yha.co.nz The Barn (BBH) Harvey Road, Marahau. 03 527 8043 Eden’s Edge Backpackers (BBH) 137 Lodder Lane, Riwaka. 03 528 4242, edens.edge@xtra.co.nz Lagoon Lodge (BBH) 500 High St. 03 528 8652, happyapplebackpackers.co.nz Hat Trick Lodge (BBH) 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz The Laughing Kiwi (BBH) 310 High St. 03 528 9229, laughingkiwi.co.nz

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

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

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

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

Welcome House (BBH) 108 Parkers Road, Tahunahui. 03 548 5462

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

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

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

Vineyard Tourist Units & Cabins 328 High St. 03 528 8550

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

motueka do

farewell spit

Abel Tasman Kayaks 0800 527 8022, kayaktours.co.nz

Wilsons Abel Tasman 265 High St, 0800 223 582, abeltasman.co.nz

Happy Valley 4x4 Motorbike Adventures Tours around spectacular private farm on chunky fourwheel motorbikes. 03 545 0304, happyvalleyadventures.co.nz

Southern Exposure Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking & Water Taxis 0800 695 292, southern-exposure.co.nz

takaka

marlborough

Kaiteriteri kayaks Free transport from Nelson. 03 527 8383, seakayak.co.nz

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

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

Skydive Abel Tasman Tandem jumps from 13,000ft over Abel Tasman. 0800 422 899, skydive.co.nz

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

motueka

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

takaka stay Annie’s Nirvana Lodge (BBH, YHA) 25 Motupipi St. 03 525 8766, nirvanalodge@paradise.net.nz Aquapackers (BBH) Anchorage Bay, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 0800 430 744, aquapackers.co.nz

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.

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

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

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

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

03 573 7668, truenz.co.nz/bayviewbackpackers

River Inn (BBH) Golden Bay. 03 525 9425

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

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

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

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

picton stay Atlantis Backpackers (BBH) London Quay. 03 573 7390, atlantishostel.co.nz Bayview Backpackers (BBH) 318 Waikawa Rd.

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

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

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

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

havelock stay Bluemoon Lodge (BBH) 48 Main

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Rd. 03 574 2212, bluemoonhavelock.co.nz Nikau Cottages 48 Main Rd. 03 443 9010 Rutherford YHA Hostel 46 Main Road. 03 574 2104, yha.co.nz

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

blenheim The largest town in Marlborough, and considered (ahem, also) the“sunshine capital of New Zealand”. Whitewater rafting on the Buller and Gowan Rivers is great fun. Blenheim I-Site 8 Sinclair Street Railway Station 03 577 8080 Honi-B-Backpackers (BBH) 18 Parker St. 03 577 8441, honi-b.com Koanui Backpackers (BBH) 33 Main St. 03 578 7487, koanui.co.nz Leeways Backpackers (BBH) 33 Lansdowne St. 03 579 2213, leewaysbackpackers.co.nz

Peacehaven Backpackers (BBH) 29 Budge St. 03 577 9750, hrnz@naver.com

The Lazy Shag (BBH) 37 Beach St. 03 319 6662

Stoney Acre 9 Marldene Avenue, Seddon. 03 578 6303, enquiries@stoneyacre.co.nz

Lyell Creek Lodge (BBH) 193 Beach Rd. 03 319 6277, jedwards120@hotmail.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 Adelphi Lodge (BBH, VIP) 26 West End. 0800 423 574, adelphilodge.co.nz Albatross Backpacker Inn (BBH) 1 Torquay St. 03 319 6090, albatross-kaikoura.co.nz Bad Jelly Backpackers (BBH) 11 Churchill St. 03 319 5538, duskyjack@hotmail.com Dolphin Lodge (BBH) 15 Deal St. 03 319 5842, dolphinlodge@xtra.co.nz Dusky Lodge (BBH) 67 Beach Rd. 03 319 5959

Fyffe House 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura’s oldest building, 03 319 5835.

Sunrise Lodge (BBH) 74 Beach Rd. 03 319 7444 Top Spot Backpackers (BBH) 22 Deal St. 03 319 5540

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

At The Right Place 85 Bealey Street. 03 366 1633 atrp.co.nz Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. 03 389 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com

Seal Swim Kaikoura Swim with wild NZ Fur Seals. 58 West End, 0800 732 579, sealswimkaikoura.co.nz

YHA Kaikoura, Maui 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

word from the street

c’church stay Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street. 03 365 4363 aroundtheworld.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

Canterbury House (BBH) 257 Bealey Ave. 03 377 8108, canterburyeh257@hotmail.com Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East. 03 377 1897, chesterst.co.nz Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. 03 366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley 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 stay@kiwibasecamp.com Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. 03 381 6645 kiwihouse.co.nz

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

Swim with the

dolphins Main wharf Akaroa Just a 90min scenic drive from Christchurch

ADULTS

$145 kids $115

Dallal Messabhia, France Seen much of nz? Auckland from the north to the south, from east to west, I have also been to Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Cape Reinga, and a few other places. your favourite spot? Rotorua because of the landscapes and the Maori people, even if it did smell badly of sulfur. Favourite night spot? Auckland, the Lounge, a very good night club because it was small, people were not annoying me and the music was very good.

Call today 0800 436 574 or book online at www.blackcat.co.nz

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southisland Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609 themarine.co.nz Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. 03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. 03 381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. 03 366 6500 tranquil-lodge.co.nz Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. 03 377 7931 rucksacker.com Vagabond Backpackers (BBH) 232 Worcester St. 03 379 9677 vagabondbackpackers @hotmail.com

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

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

banks peninsula 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 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. Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

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. Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud, 03 304 8600 Akaroa Shuttle

Christchurch to Akaroa buses. 0800 500 929 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 Onuku Farm Hostel (BBH) 03 304 7066, onukufarm.com

BOOK NOW! 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 Rata Lodge Backpackers (BBH) State Highway 73, Otira Arthur’s Pass National Park. 03 738 2822 Smylies Accommodation (YHA) 03 318 9258, yha.co.nz

akaroa do

methven

Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

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

Black Cat Cruises Offer a number of cruises in Akaroa. See Akaroa Harbour or swim with dolphins. 03 328 9078. Dolphin Experience Swim with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour. 61 Beach Rd, 0508 365 744, dolphinsakaroa.co.nz

lewis pass About 200km north of Christchurch, the Lewis Pass connects the west and east coasts on the SH7, with stunning surrounding scenery.

hanmer springs Hanmer Springs boasts the Hanmer 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 Cnr Amuri Rd & Jacks Pass Rd, 03 315 7128 The Hanmer Connection Christchurch to Hanmer Springs buses. 0800 242 663

hanmer stay Hanmer Backpackers (BBH) 41 Conical Hill Rd. 03 315 7196, info@hanmerbackpackers.co.nz Kakapo Lodge (YHA) 14 Amuri Avenue. 03 315 7472, yha.co.nz Le Gite Backpackers (BBH) 3 Devon St. 03 315 5111, legite.co.nz Waipara Sleepers (BBH) 12 Glenmark Dr, Waipara. 03 314 6003, lewaiparasleepers.co.nz

Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre 121 Main St, Methven, 03 302 8955, NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt. nzski.com

methven stay Big Tree Lodge (BBH) 25 South Belt. 03 302 9575, bigtree@xtra.co.nz Backpacker Heaven (YHA) Cnr Bank & McMillan Sts. 03 302 8999, yha.co.nz Kowhai House (BBH) 17 McMillan St. 03 302 8887, kowhaihouse.co.nz Mt Hutt Bunkhouse (BBH) 8 Lampard St. 03 302 8894, mthuttbunks.co.nz Pinedale Backpacker Lodge (BBH) 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, skired@xtra.co.nz Skiwi House (BBH) 30 Chapman St. 03 302 8772, skiwihouse.com Snow Denn Lodge (YHA, VIP) Cnr Bank & McMillan Sts. 03 302 8999, yha.co.nz

timaru Despite being industrial, it’s picturesque with views of the Southern Alps, plains and sea. 1873 Wanderer Backpackers

follow us on (BBH) 24 Evans St. 03 688 8795 Old Bank Backpackers 232 Stafford St. 03 684 4392 Timaru Backpackers 44 Evans St. 03 684 5067 Toru Toru Wha Backpackers 334 Stafford St. 03 684 4729

geraldine As well as a wonderful old movie theatre and whitewater rafting on the Rangitata River, visiting the mighty Emily Falls is recommended. Geraldine Information Centre Talbot Street, 03 693 1006 4x4 New Zealand Wilderness adventures and The Lord of the Rings tours, 03 693 7254, 4x4newzealand.co.nz

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mt cook stay Mountain Chalets (VIP) Wairepo Rd, Twizel. 03 435 0785, mt.chalets@xtra.co.nz YHA Mt Cook Cnr Bowen and Kitchener Drives. 03 435 1820, yha.co.nz

west coast Rugged is the word often used when it comes to the South Island’s west coast. It’s quite an amazing place, sparsely inhabited, untouched in many areas and studded with geographical wonders. Don’t miss the two mighty glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef, or the Pancake Rocks.

karamea

Rangitata Rafts Peel Forest, 0800 251 251

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.

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

Karamea Information Centre Bridge St, 03 782 6652

fairlie Mt Dobson Ski Area, 03 685 8039, dobson.co.nz Tallyho Lodge & Backpackers 7 School Rd. 03 685 8723

lake tekapo A stunning turquoise-coloured lake, 100km west of Timaru. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, frames the view beautifully. Activities include walking, watersports, fishing and skiing. Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers (BBH) 9-11 Aorangi Cres. 03 680 6700, rtailor-made-backpackers@ xtra.co.nz Lake Tekapo Backpackers (VIP) SH8. 03 680 6808, stay@laketekapo.bix YHA Lake Tekapo 3 Simpson Lane. 03 680 6857, yha.co.nz

mt cook Mount Cook National Park is part of a World Heritage area that forms one of the most amazing sights anywhere in New Zealand. The showcase is the majestic Mt Cook (Aoraki). NZ’s greatest climber Sir Edmund Hillary used it as a practice ground before conquering Mt Everest, but Mt Cook has claimed the lives of more than 160 people. Discuss climbing plans with park rangers before you go. Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village, 03 435 1819 The Cook Connection Day trips to Mt Cook from Tekapo. Ph: 021 583 211, cookconnect.co.nz

Rongo (BBH) 03 782 6667, rongo@actrix.co.nz

murchison With crazy terrain skewed by mining and earthquakes, one of the major attractions of Murchison is its proximity to Buller Gorge, a wonderfully scenic cluster of cliffs and trees. Activities include rafting on the Gowan River and mountain biking on the Matakitaki. Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park 03 523 9809, bullergorge.co.nz The Lazy Cow Accommodation (BBH) 37 Waller St. 03 523 9451, lazycow@paradise.net.nz

reefton The centrepiece of the town is Victoria Forest Park, the largest forest park in New Zealand. Reefton Visitor Centre 67 Broadway, 03 732 8391 Reefton Backpackers 64 Shiel St. 03 732 8133, armsstat@hotmail.com The Old Nurses Home (BBH) 204 Shiel St. 03 789 8881

westport Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658 Basils Hostel (VIP) 54 Russell St. 03 789 6410, basils.backpackers@xtra.co.nz Beaconstone (BBH) Birds Ferry Road, Charleston.

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facebook/tntdownunder 03 731 1053, barrytownknifemaking.com

03 715 5760 Berlins Café & Lodgings (BBH) 1205 Lower Buller Gorge, Inangahua Junction. 03 789 0295, info@xtremeadventures.co.nz

paparoa stay Punakaiki Beach Hostel (BBH) 4 Webb St. 03 731 1852, punakaikibeachhostel.co.nz

Pounamu Backpackers (BBH) Section 406, S H’way 6m Charleston. 03 789 8011, paulhoney@xtra.co.nz

Te Nikau Retreat (BBH, YHA) 03 731 1111, tenikauretreat.co.nz

Robyn’s Nest Hostel 42 Romilly St. 03 789 6565, robyns.nest@xtra.co.nz

All Nations Hotel & Backpackers (VIP) SH6, Barrytown. 03 731 1812, allnations@xtra.co.nz

Swaines (BBH) Inangahua Landing Bridge, Highway 69, Inangahua Jnctn. 03 789 0226, cathy.swaine@gmail.com

greymouth The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Grey River. Highlights include the Monteith’s brewery tour, as well as aquatic activities like rafting and canyoning.

TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Highway 67, Hector. 03 782 8333

Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101

paparoa np

TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning. 0800 872 467 tranzscenic.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. Visitor Information Punakaiki 03 731 1895 Barrytown Knife Making 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown,

greymouth stay

The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Duke Backpackers (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470 Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, Ph: (03) 768 7272, globalvillage@minidata.co.nz The Hairy Lemon 128-130 Mawhera Quay, 03 768 4022, Neptunes International Backpackers (BBH) 43 Gresson St, 0800 003 768, info@neptunesbackpackers.co.nz Noahs Ark Backpackers (BBH) 16 Chapel St, 03 768 4868, noahsark@xtra.co.nz The Ranch 37 MacDougall Ave, 03 762 7801, dunolliebackpackers@hotmail.com YHA Greymouth Kainga-ra 15 Alexander St, Ph: (03) 768 4951, yha.co.nz

hokitika Greenstone, a form of practically indestructible rock that was used by the Maori to make weapons and ornaments, is the main attraction

here. There’s also the Westland Water World for all things wet, the Glowworm Dell and some excellent whitewater rafting. Hokitika Visitor Info Centre Carnegie Building, corner of Hamilton & Tancred Street, 03 755 6166

hokitika stay Beach House BPs 137 Revell St, 03 755 6859 Birdsong (BBH) 124 SH6, 03 755 7179 Drifting Sands Backpackers (BBH) 197 Revell St, 03 755 7612, madkiwi.co.nz Mountain Jade Backpackers (BBH) 41 Weld St, 03 755 8007, mtjade@minidata.co.nz Riverview Cabins (BBH) 154 Kaniere Rd, 03 755 7440 Stumpers Accommodation 2 Weld St, 03 755 6154, stumpers.co.nz

hokitika do Alpine Rafts Freephone: 0800 223 456.

The Just Jade Experience Design and create your own treasures with NZ jade/ greenstone. Allow at least 6-10 hours. 197 Revell St, 03 755 7612, madkiwi.co.nz

whataroa About 35km south of Harihari and one of the South Island’s prime fishing spots. Also the magnificent white heron (Kotuku) colony which thrillseekers can reach by jet boat.

okarito The tiny beach settlement of Okarito, near Franz Josef Glacier, sits at the mouth of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland – the Okarito Lagoon. Hike up to the Okarito Trig for excellent views. Okarito Nature Tours 03 753 4014, kayaks@okarito.co.nz Royal Hostel (BBH) The Strand, 03 753 4080, okaritohostel.com YHA Okarito Palmerston St, Whataroa, 03 753 4347, yha.co.nz

franz josef The glacier is about 12km long and offers a wide variety of challenging

best

Backpacking at it’s

TRAVELLERS’ PARADISE just a short walk form the city but behind the garden gates you will feel a million miles away. Rest, relax and enjoy our hostel or indulge in a little luxury at our recently added Spa Pool and Sauna area while experiencing the excitement of the South Island’s largest city. Tranquil gardens, lovingly restored villas, custom hand-made furniture, warm cozy central heating plus the company of Max, the hostel puppy.

FREE WiFi vouchers worth $5 per night FREE Sauna & Spa pool FREE Tour, activity & Bus pass Booking Service

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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.

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

DOC Visitors Information Centre Westland National Park, Hwy 6, 03 752 0796

franz stay Black Sheep (VIP) SH 6, 03 752 0007 Chateau Franz (VIP, BBH) 8-10 Cron St, 0800 728 372, chateaufranz.co.nz

CHECK IN!

Glow Worm Cottages (BBH) 27 Cron St, 0800 151 027, budgetaccommodation.co.nz

Around the world backpackers 314 Barbados St, Christchurch. Dorms from $25 A small, family owned hostel just five mins from the city centre, Around the World offers a very relaxed experience.

Montrose (BBH) 9 Cron St, 03 752 0188, montrosebackpackers@xtra.co.nz

Christchruch Central ivorytowerslodge.co.nz

Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346 YHA Franz Josef 2-4 Cron St, 03 752 0754, yha.co.nz

franz do Alpine Adventure Centre Footage on a helimax screen, 03 752 0793 Franz Josef Glacier Guides Guided walks and heli-hikes on the Franz Josef Glacier 0800 484 337, franzjosefglacier.com Glacier Country Kayaks Explore the glaciers from the water 03 752 0230, glacierkayaks.com Skydive Franz At 18,000ft, they currently offer NZ’s highest skydive. 0800 458 677, skydivefranz.co.nz The Guiding Company 0800 800 102, nzguides.com

fox glacier Similiar activities to Franz Josef only with fewer crowds. The best walk is up to the Welcome Flat Hot Springs. For stunning views, head up the wonderfully scenic Chalet Lookout Walk. Look out for the beautiful kea (grey-green mountain parrot). Nearby is Lake Matheson, with its stunning twin mountain reflection. DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 751 0807

fox stay Fox Glacier Inn 03 751 0088

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.

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

DOC Centre Cnr SH 6 and Jackson Bay Rd, 03 750 0809

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

Haast Highway Accommodation Marks Rd, 03 750 0703

Holly’s Backpackers (BBH) 71 Upton St, 03 443 8187, hollys@xtra.co.nz

Wilderness Backpackers (BBH) Marks Rd, 03 750 029, whitesnalex@xtra.co.nz

Mountain View Backpackers (BBH) 7 Russell St, 0800 112 201, stay@mtnview.co.nz

southland The top of your chest will quickly get sore as the South Island’s jawdropping scenery becomes more prevalent. From the adrenalin thrills of Queenstown to the achingly beautiful Milford Sound, there’s never a dull moment down south. Stop frequently, take deep breaths and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Info Centre Cnr Ballantyne Rd & Ardmore St, 03 443 8372

Ivory Towers (BBH) 03 751 0838,

aroundtheworld.co.nz

lake wanaka

The Purple Cow (BBH) 94 Brownston St, 03 443 1880, purplecow.co.nz Wanaka Bakpaka (BBH) 117 Lakeside Rd, 03 443 7837, wanakabakpaka@xtra.co.nz YHA Wanaka 181 Upton St, 03 443 7405, yha.co.nz

wanaka do Adventure Consultants Mountaineering instruction courses and guided ascents, 03 443 8711, adventure.co.nz Aspiring Guides Guided mountain climbing and ice climbing instruction courses, 03 443 9422,

Frogz Have More Fun Sledge down either the Clutha, Hawea or Kawarau Rivers. 0800 437 649, frogz.co.nz

Aspen Lodge (BBH) 11 Gorge Rd. 03 442 9671, aspenlodge.co.nz Base Discovery Lodge Queenstown 49 Shotover St. 03 441 1185, stayatbase.com Black Sheep Lodge (BBH/VIP) 13 Frankton Rd. 03 442 7289, blacksheepbackpackers.co.nz Bungi Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 15 Sydney St. 0800 728 286, bungibackpackers.co.nz Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. 03 442 6367, butterfli.co.nz

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 Wanaka Rock Climbing One, three and five-day rock climbing courses for everyone. 03 443 6411, wanakarock.co.nz

Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.com

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) Queenstown’s best value accommodation. We offer an excellent variety of accommodation, everything from deluxe en-suite rooms with private bathroom amenities, Wanaka Sightseeing inexpensive double and twin Includes Lord of the Rings tours, rooms, dorm beds and self2 Anderson Rd, 03 338 0982, contained family cabins. 48 wanakasightseeing.co.nz Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise from Wanaka, 03 443-8787, f lightseeing.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 Walking Centre 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, alpinelodge@xtra.co.nz

Resort Lodge (BBH) 6 Henry St. 03 442 4970, resortlodge.co.nz Scallywags Traveller’s Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent. 03 442 7083 Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz The Last Resort (BBH) 6 Memorial St. 03 442 4320, thelastresort@xtra.co.nz Thomas’s Hotel & BPs (VIP) 50 Beach St. 03 442 7180 YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. 03 442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade. 03 442 8413, yha.co.nz

q’town do There are hundreds of activities to keep you occupied in Queenstown. Bungy, jetboating and rafting are all experiences not to be missed, and in winter, skiing the Remarkables is a must. To really appreciate the beauty of the region, take a scenic flight, or even jump out the plane. AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown Jump off one or all of New Zealand’s most well-known

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southisland

Riverdown Guesthouse (BBH) 7 Bedford St, 03 409 8499

te anau

CHECK IN!

56 Hamilton Rd, Queenstown. Dorms from $25 Fully renovated less than two years ago, Reavers offers one of the most modern, cozy and comfortable hostels in all of Queenstown.

Queenstown

reavers.co.nz

sites. Nevis Highwire Bungy, the highest in New Zealand – 134m above the Nevis River. The Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first bungy – 43m above the Kawarau River. The 47m Ledge, 400m above the town which you can jump day or night. Access is by Skyline Gondola. 0800 286 4958 bungy.co.nz Awesome Foursome Bungy (Nevis – 134m), jetboat, helicopter, whitewater rafting, 03 442 7318 Dart River Safaris Jetboating wilderness tours, 0800 327 8538, dartriver.co.nz Fat Tyre Adventure Mountain biking/heli biking, 0800 328 897, fat-tyre.co.nz Fergburger Best burgers in NZ. Shotover St, 03 441 1232 Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.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 Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz Nevis Snowmobile Safaris Helicopter ride & snowmobile adventure, 03 442 4250, snowmobilenz.com NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35 Shotover St, 03 442 5867, nzone.biz NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the

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

Reavers Lodge

Remarkables and Mt Hutt, nzski.com Queenstown Rafting Raft the Shotiver, Kawarau and Landsborough rivers. 35 Shotover St. 03 442 9792 rafting.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 Shotover Canyon Swing Jump or be released 109m off the world’s highest cliff jump. 0800 279 464, canyonswing.co.nz Shotover Jet Jetboat ride. 0800 746 868 shotoverjet.com Sky Trek Hang Gliding 03 442 9551, skytrek.co.nz Vertigo Mountain Biking Heli-bike and gondola downhill. 0800 837 8446, vertigobikes.co.nz

glenorchy Just out of Queenstown is Glenorchy (or “Isengard”) which has some of the best walks in the area, including the Greenstone and Caples tracks. Department of Conservation Beech St, 03 442 7933 Glenorchy Backpackers Retreat (VIP) Cnr Mull and Argyle Streets, Glenorchy, Ph: (03) 442 9902 Kinloch Lodge (BBH) 862 Kinloch Rd, 03 442 4900, kinlochlodge.co.nz

arrowtown Poplar Lodge (BBH) 4 Merioneth St, 03 442 1466, stay@poplarlodge.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

Department of Conservation 03 249 8514

Southern Fiords. Mammal watching permit, 0800 249 660, fiordland.gen.nz

Milford Sound Cruise & Observatory Visit 0800 656 501

High Ride Adventures Quad riding and scenic horse trekking. 03 249 8591, highride.co.nz

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

Te Anau Glowworm Caves realjourneys.co.nz

Rosco’s Milford Sound Sea Kayaks 0800 476 726, roscosmilfordkayaks

Air Fiordland Flights to Queenstown, Milford and Mt Cook, 03 249 7505

Skydive Fiordland Dive 44 Caswell Rd, Te Anau, 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz

Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503

Tracknet 03 249 7737, res@tracknet.net.au

Scenic Shuttle Daily between Te Anau and Invercargill in summer months, twice weekly in winter. Connects with the Catlins Coaster from Invercargill to Dunedin 0800 277 483 Top Line Tours Coach to and from Te Anau and Queenstown, 03 249 8059

te anau stay Barnyard Backpackers (BBH) 80 Mt York Rd, Rainbow Downs, 03 249 8006, rainbowdowns@xtra.co.nz Bob & Maxines (BBH) 20 Paton Place, 03 931 3161, bob.anderson@woosh.co.nz Grumpy’s Backpackers Te Anau-Milford Sound Highway, 03 249 8133, grumpys@xtra.co.nz Rosies Backpacker Homestay (BBH) 23 Tom Plato Drive, 03 249 8431, backpack@paradise.net.nz Steamers Beach Backpackers (BBH) 77 Manapouri Rd, 03 249 7457, teanau.info Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lakefront Dr, 03 249 7713, teanaubackpackers.co.nz YHA Te Anau 29 Mokonui St, 03 249 7847, yha.co.nz

te anau do Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500 Fiordland Ecology Holidays 3-10 day cruises, all

@tnt_downunder

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

milford sound Green, wet and breathtakingly beautiful, Milford Sound is one of the most picturesque sights in the world. Much of the action in the Milford Sound takes place on the water and the best way to appreciate the beauty on show is on a cruise or kayak. Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins all hang out there. Milford Sound Lodge (BBH) 03 249 8071, milford.sound.lodge@xtra.co.nz

milford do Real Journeys 0800 656 501, reservations@realjourneys.co.nz Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445 Kiwi Reel Rifle Guided fishing & hunting. Kayaking on Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound. Rental kayaks and mountain bikes, 03 249 9071 Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Discover a coral reef beneath Milford Sound, 03 249 9442

Tawaki Dive See Fiordland’s unique marine life on a day-trip with two guided dives in Milford Sound. Rental gear available, max four divers. 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks and cycling. realjourneys.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise, 0800 105 105, flightseeing.co.nz 

manapouri Manapouri is the proud owner of arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful stretch of water. This is where the boat trip on Doubtful Sound leaves from – most start the trip in Queenstown or Te Anau. From the boat you may see seals and possibly dolphins and penguins. Adventure Charters and Hires 03 249 6626 Real Journeys 0800 656 502

manapouri stay Freestone Backpackers (BBH) 270 Hillside Rd, 03 249 6893, freestone@xtra.co.nz Manapouri Lakeview Backpackers (VIP) 68 Cathedral Drive, 03 249 6652, manapouri@clear.net.nz Possum Lodge (BBH) 13 Murrel Ave, 03 249 6623.

doubtful sound If you’re not one for crowds, an alternative Fiordland option is Doubtful Sound – the deepest of the fiords, made up of 100km of waterways. Where Milford is all pointy peaks and endless cascading falls, Doubtful is rounded mountains – a serene sanctuary, inhabited by loads of interesting critters. Real Journeys Daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. 0800 656 502 Fiordland Navigator Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 03 249 6602, yha.co.nz Deep Cove Hostel Doubtful Sound, 03 249 7713, hostel.co.nz

invercargill

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southisland

facebook/tntdownunder Purakaunui Falls Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8724, sparx@es.co.nz Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834 The Split Level (BBH) 9 Waikawa Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8304, brianwayne@clear.net.nz

CHECK IN! The BUg Backpackers 226 Vanguard Street, Nelson. Dorms from $21 A national award winning hostel in 2011 and 2012, The Bug is one of the best hostels around and a great place to stay in Nelson.

Nelson

thebug.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. Invercargill I-site Visitors Centre 108 Gala St, 03 214 6243 Dept of Conservation Office Don St, 03 214 4589 Catlins Coaster Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins with many stops to the main natural attractions and wildlife encounters. Farmstay options are available, 0800 304333, catlinscoaster.co.nz Stewart Island Flights Flights to Stewart Island, 03 218 9129, sif@xtra.co.nz

invercarg stay Kackling Kea Backpackers (BBH) 225 Tweed St, 03 214 7950 Southern Comfort (BBH) 30 Thompson St, 03 218 3838 Tuatara Lodge (VIP) 30 Dee St, 03 214 0956, tuataralodge.co.nz

southern scenic The beautiful road west of Invercargill towards Fiordland is known as the Southern Scenic Route. The Dubliner (BBH) 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 1896, andreas69@xtra.co.nz Dustez Bak Paka’s (BBH) 15 Colac Bay Rd, Riverton, 03 234-8399 dustez@xtra.co.nz The Globe Backpackers (VIP) 144 Palmerston St, Riverton, 03 234 8527,

globebackpackers@xtra.co.nz Harbison Backpackers (BBH) 5 Harbison St, Otautau, 03 225 8715, michdale@xtra.co.nz Shooters Backpackers 73 Main St, Tuatapere, 03 226 6250

gore Gore spans the Mataura river and boasts some lovely scenery in the Hokonui Hills and the Country and Western festival each June. Old Fire Station Backpackers (BBH) 19 Hokonui Dr, 03 208 1925, oldfirestation@ispnz.co.nz Anglem House 20 Miro Crescent, 03 219 1552, yha.co.nz

the catlins The beautiful Catlins is a sprawling mass of bush, forest and rivers, stretching all the way from Waipapa Point in Southland to Nugget Point in Otago. The best bit about the Catlins is the abundance of wildlife. Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, South Otago, 03 415 8371, info@catlins-nz.com Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours Two-day camping trips, 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

catlins stay Blowhole Backpackers (BBH) 24 Main Rd, Owaka, 03 415 5635, catlinsbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Curio Bay Backpacker Accommodation (BBH) 501 Curio Bay Rd, 03 246 8797. The Falls Backpackers (BBH)

Surat Bay Lodge (BBH) Surat Bay Rd, New Haven, 03 415 8099, suratbay.co.nz Penguin Paradise Holiday Lodge (BBH) 612 Waikawa-Niagara Rd, Waikawa Village South Catlins, 03 2468 552, dolphinsurf@xtra.co.nz Thomas Catlins Lodge & Holiday Park, 03 415 8333, yha.co.nz Wright’s Mill Lodge (BBH) 865 Tahakopa Valley Rd, 03 204 8424 catlinsaccommodation.co.nz

dunedin Dunedin 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.

Leviathan Heritage Hotel 27 Queens Gardens, 0800 773 773, leviathan@xtra.co.nz

423 Aramoana Rd, Port Chalmers, 03 472 8323, billybrowns@actrix.co.nz

Manor House (BBH) 28 Manor Place, 03 477 0484, manorhousebackpackers.co.nz

McFarmers Backpackers (BBH) 774 Portobello Rd, Portobello, 02 5206 0640, mcfarmersbackpackers @hotmail.com

On Top Backpackers (BBH) 12 Filleul St, cnr Moray Pl, 03 477 6121.

otago do

Pennys Backpackers (BBH) 6 Stafford St, 03 477 6027, info@pennys.co.nz

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

Queens Garden Backpackers (VIP) 42 Queens Garden, 03 479 2175, dunedinbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Ramsay Lodge (BBH) 60 Stafford St, 03 477 6313, ramsay.lodge@xtra.co.nz

Larnach Castle Australasia’s only castle. The architecture is amazing and the intricate details (including a foyer ceiling that took nearly seven years to build) are breathtaking.

YHA 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

Dunedin Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300

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

Dept of Conservation Office 77 Stuart St, 03 477 0677

Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz

Penguin Patch 9 the Octagon, 03 471 8571, Email: penguinpatch@xtra.co.nz

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz

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

NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium Run by the University of Otago, the Portobello Aquarium and Marine Biology Centre (near Quarantine Point) is a refuge for a diverse collection of fish and reptile life. 03 479 5826 Elm Wildlife Tours 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

taiaroa head Taiaroa Head is the place to see the albatross colony, the only mainland colony in the world inside the bounds of a city.

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

alexandria Alexandra and Roxburgh are the two main towns for fruit-picking work in the Central Otago region. Two Bob Flashpackers (BBH) Marshalll Rd, 03 449 3188, twobobs@xtra.co.nz

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

roxburgh Villa Rose Backpackers (BBH) 79 Scotland St, 03 446 8761, remarkableorchards@xtra.co.nz

oamaru

Speights Brewery Heritage Tours 03 477 7697, speights.co.nz

A charming little place noted for both its interesting collection of white granular limestone buildings and its large penguin population.

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

Visitor Information Centre Thames St, 03 434 1656

otago peninsula

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz

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)

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

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coral coast

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Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com Royal Hotel +679 344 0024 royal@connect.com.fj South Seas Private Hotel +679 331 2296, fiji4less.com Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

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vanua levu Bayside Backpacker Cottage +679 885 3154, tripntour@connect.com.fj Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106 Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

taveuni Albert’s Sunrise +679 333 7555 Matava Resort +679 330 5222, matava.com Reece’s Place +679 362 6319 Waisalima Beach Resort +679 738 9236, waisalima.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ovalau is a sexy island in the Lomaiviti Group in Fiji’s traditional heartland. Little Levuka is its biggest town and one of Fiji’s prettiest, hugging a strip of land between the sea and the slopes of Nandelaiovalau, the island’s single volcanic peak. Wander the old colonial streets and engage the locals in a chat – they’re some of the country’s friendliest. When you’ve had enough of Levuka, hike out on the dusty road towards Lovoni, an indigenous village inhabited by proud locals and snugly nestled in the island’s spectacular crater.

Photo: Tourism Fiji

ovalau island

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sydney stay Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com

The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, witchshat.com

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

CHECK IN!

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

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com

darwin stay Banyan View Lodge Darwin 119 Mitchell St. 08 8981 8644, banyanviewlodge.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home at the Mansion 66 Victoria Parade. 03 9663 4212, homemansion.com.au

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au

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

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

The Furnished Property Group 02 8669 3678, furnishedproperty.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 yha.com.au Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks. 02 9261 1111, yha.com.au Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross. 02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills. 02 9261 1111 Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

exford hotel 199 Russell St. Dorms from $27 This 80 bed facility in dormitory style rooms offers twin and double rooms with lockers under every bed located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Melbourne

exfordhotel.com.au

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

1800 446 646,

tinbilly.com

cairns stay

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

Nomads Melbourne 198 A’beckett St. 1800 447 762, nomadshostels.com

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

Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au

Montgomery’s YHA 9 Argyle St. 03 6231 2660, yha.com.au

Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com

The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com

Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com

Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au

Urban Central 334 City Rd, Southbank. 1800 631 288, urbancentral.com.au

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

Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com

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

Brisbane Backpackers Resort 110 Vulture St, West End. 1800 626 452, brisbanebackpackers.com.au

NJOY Travellers Resort 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au

Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

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 City Backpackers 380 Upper Roma St 1800 062 572, citybackpackers.com

Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com

Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au

Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com

Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au

Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley. 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au

melbourne stay

Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122,

hobart stay

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

Nomads Beach House 2 39 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee. 04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

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

Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi. 02 9387 2162,

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com

The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts.

All Nations Backpackers Hotel & Bar 2 Spencer St. 1800 222 238, allnations.com.au Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au Hobart Hostel 41 Barrack St. 1300 252 192, hobarthostel.com

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

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

adelaide stay

Britannia on William 253 William St, Northbridge. 08 9227 6000, perthbrittania.com Emperor’s Crown 85 Stirling St, Northbridge. 1800 991 553, emperorscrown.com.au

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au

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

Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au

Ocean Beach Backpackers 1 Eric St, Cottlesloe. 08 9384 5111, oceanbeachbackpackers.com.au One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. 1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au Blue Galah Backpackers Lvl 1, 52-62, King William St. 08) 8231 9295, bluegalah.com.au

Perth City YHA 300 Wellington St. 08 9287 3333, yha.com.au The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

Adelaide Oval Home to the Adelaide Backpackers Inn 112 Carrington St. 1800 24 77 25, adpi.com.au

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au

tntdownunder.com

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totallytrivial

@tnt_downunder

who to blame

and their essential camping item Editor

Alex Harmon [Goon bag pillow]

Staff writer Hugh Radojev [Cyanide)

Intern

amelia gray [Bug spray)

aussie rules General Kiwifootball quiz What are kiwi fruit also known as in Which island is commonly known to Q 6. locals Q 1.some parts of the world? as the “mainland”? a) Green strawberry b) Appleberry c) Furballs d) Chinese gooseberry

Design & production Lisa Ferron [Red wine]

Which of these celebrities wasn’t born Q in2. New Zealand? a) Russell Crowe c) Rachel Hunter

Business development Tom Wheeler [Power Ranges sleeping bag]

account manager

Justin Steinlauf (Allergy pills)

b) Sam Neil d) Peter Jackson

Flip flops are known as what in New Q 8.Zealand? a) Thongs b) Plastic slip-ons c) Jandals d) None of the above

Wellington? a) Tron: Legacy b) I, Robot c) Avatar d) King Kong

Q 9. What is NZ’s main sport? a) Rugby Union b) Cricket c) Sheep shearing d) Table tennis

Q 5. Who is NZ’s Prime Minister?

a) Helen Mirren b) John Key c) John Lock d) Sir Richard Hadlee

Financial controller

is New Zealand’s largest lake Q 7.byWhich surface areas? a) Lake Wakatip b) Lake Tasman c) Lake Ohau d) Lake Taupo

3. How many people live in NZ? a) 1.5 million b) About 3.3 million c) Over 4 million d) 2.34 million

Q 4. Which film wasn’t partly made in

Sales executive Mike Ramsden (Lube and sweets)

a) South Island b) North Island c) Auckland Island d) Stewart Island

Trish Bailey

what we’re doing in march heading to taupo for a week of skydiving, biking and wine drinking. the place that has it all checking out the fringe festival in wellington. it’s the windy city because we’re going to be blown away! getting our camp on as we check out the best tenting spots in the country

sudoku puzzle 5

9 3

8 6

2 3

6 1

kiwi-ism “CHilly Bin”

answers: 1. d 2. c 3. c 4. a 5. c 6. a 7.b 8. c 9. a

(Titanium spork)

An essential when hosting a BBQ in NZ, a chilly bin is what Aussies would call an esky or Brits would call an cool box. It’s not as crazy a Kiwi-ism as you may think. Chilly = cold and bin = box, not that bad really!

tntdownunder.com

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