TNT New Zealand 100 by TNT MAGAZINE

Spring 2013 Issue 100 tntdownunder.com

! , WDISN ’ STAY

NOMA AY TRAVEL & PL TH R PACKAGE WO 0 OVER $100

FIJI PEASY CAPITAL CAPERS

An island-by-island guide to the Yasawas

Why Wellington is the king of Kiwi cool

R O R R E T N O WAR

nalin thr ills e r d a t s e b d’s New Zealan h it w y r to c to the fear fa Take a tr ip

+ WAIKATO WEEKENDER THE DATSUNS NZ INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

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Andrew Westbrook Acting EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER It’s fair to say we’re feeling quite chuffed at TNT Towers. Not only is this the 100th issue of our NZ mag, but this month also marks another big birthday – it’s 30 years since TNT first hit the London streets. What’s that mean? Well, the hangovers now feel worse. Secondly, we love you. You rock. And finally, we really know what’s deserving of your dollars, so make sure you keep reading. Happy travelling!

THIS month nz Diary

cover Feature

Spotted

Film 20 datsuns interview

Hot Shots

Travel news

Competition 28 Getting Around

Bare Essentials

listings north Island 47 listings South Island

listings fiji 64 listings australia 65 trivial pursuits

Features the terror trials

We test-run Kiwiland’s most scream-inducing adrenalin thrills

screen team

What to see and where to go at this year’s NZ International Film Festival

givin’ it some welly

Believe the hype, boots ‘n’ all. The Kiwi capital is as cool as cities come

shire shenanigans

Caving, mountain biking and nature bothering in Waikato, aka the Shire

isle like it Not sure where to go in Fiji? Then read our island-by-island guide. Job done

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NZDIARY

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Editorial Group editor Carol Driver Acting editor Andrew Westbrook Deputy editor Hugh Radojev Contributors Alasdair Morton | Caroline Garner | Fraser Kidd | Stuart Macadam Interns Rory Platt | Emma Sabjan | Tash Levy Design and production Design and production manager Lisa Ferron Sales Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Georgina Pengelly marketing & events Business development manager Tom Wheeler distribution Lee Sutherland accounts Suzanne Welsh

Song and dance: celebrating Maori culture tnt MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Publisher TNT Multimedia Limited Printed by Rural Press News AAP Pictures Getty Images | Thinkstock | AAP | TNT Images | Tourism Australia | Tourism Victoria | Tourism New South Wales | Tourism NT | Tourism Queensland | Tourism Tasmania | South Australia Tourism | Tourism Western Australia | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji | Rip Curl Australia TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008 tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone 02 8332 7500 Fax 02 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntdownunder.com sales enquiries Phone 02 8332 7511 Email tom@tntdownunder.com

main event Atamira Maori In the City 2013 Auckland

This three-day festival, held every two years, is a celebration of traditional and contemporary Maori culture and has attracted upwards of 100,000 people to previous events. There will be live music from emerging artists and established names as well as kapa haka performances along with authentic art and crafts, master carvers, weavers and ta moko artists showing off their skills, food demos, and, of course, plenty of grub to sample, too. free

Sep 6-8, from 10am The Cloud, Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wharf, Auckland

atamira.org.nz

Britomart

Where to get TNT

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

fashion weekend

second hand book fair

California Design: 1930-1965

You can catch the latest designs from the likes of Andrea Moore, Hailwood, Jimmy D and Zambesi, who are debuting at the event with one of their legendary catwalk shows, along with beauty and fashion seminars.

Line yourself up with some new reading material at this two-day second-hand book fair, which is loaded with 1000s of novels for you to choose from. And, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not one for the written word, you can grab DVDs and CDs, too.

This exhibition enters its final month, so you have one final chance to catch the iconic objects and designs, including Saul Bass graphics and Barbie dolls, that have come from the artists and craftspeople of California.

Sep 6-8, 10am-6.30pm Viaduct Events Centre, Britomart Auckland 1010 nzfashionweek.co.nz

Sep 7 & 8, 8.30am-5pm Waiuku Memorial Town Hall, Bowen By Queen Waiuku 2123 aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Until Sep 29, 10am-5pm Auckland Art Gallery, Britomart Auckland 1010 aucklandartgallery.com

$15+

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. 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. Registered by Australia Post.

FREE

$20

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Taking the plunge: New Zealand is the home of the bungy

Full-throttle frolics There is no other country on Earth that will get your blood pumping quite like New Zealand. Wimps, you’ve been warned Words: hugh Radojev & Rory Platt

White Cloud has almost more bungy jump spots than it does sheep (we said almost). Throwing yourself off a bridge or a ledge has become a rite of passage for all visitors to this beautiful country. Quite frankly, if you visit New Zealand and don’t leap from a really tall structure with an elastic cord tied to your ankles, then you are, without a doubt, missing out. Skydiving too is hugely popular in New Zealand. As one TNT writer recently said: “You haven’t lived until you’ve thrown yourself out of a perfectly good plane for no real reason.” Quite right – there are few feelings worse than going up in the

plane and none better than when you start your descent back to Earth. But it isn’t just your stock-standard thrill-seeking activities at which New Zealand excels. If anything, the Kiwis are even better when they have to think of new ways to scare the hell out of you. Jetboating, canyoning, zorbing, caving – it’s all good. Here, TNT looks at some of the best adrenalin activities in NZ – from beautiful Queenstown in the south to Rotorua in the north, and everything in between. So strap on a helmet, kiss your loved ones goodbye and get your affairs in order – things are going to get a little scary.

Photos: Tourism New Zealand; Winter Festival

So, you’ve reached a point in your life where beautiful scenery, great food and lovely people simply don’t cut it any more. In order to make a visit to New Zealand worthwhile, you feel the overriding desire to spend piles of your hard-earned dollars on wantonly endangering your life. For that, TNT salutes you. New Zealand can quite comfortably claim to be the adrenalin capital of the southern hemisphere (if not the world), and when you take a brief look at the facts, it’s not hard to see why. For one, it was a Kiwi who founded the sport of commercial bungy jumping, which is why the Land Of The Long tntdownunder.com

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NEVIS UmeNtrGesY B 134 G IN W S NthEe woVIS rldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest swing

Photos: Tourism New Zealand; Winter Festival

www.bungy.co.nz tntdownunder.com

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Jetboating WHAT: Jetboating in Viaduct Harbour, in the heart of downtown Auckland, is an adventure full of high-speed thrilling manoeuvres. These include 180° and 270° spins with sweeping turns, as you travel up to an exhilarating 85km/hr. If you’re quick on the eye, you’ll get amazing views of the Auckland city skyline and plenty of photo opportunities to snap some lasting memories of the city’s iconic landmarks. Just keep your fingers crossed somebody on board hasn’t had too big a session the night before – vomit is a nightmare to get out of your hair. WHERE: Auckland. It’s also great in Queenstown and Taupo. COST: $85 aucklandjetboattours.co.nz

Shotover Canyon Swing WHAT: Anyone with a basic understanding of physics (we’re talking very basic) will tell you that to do this canyon swing requires more cojones than a mere bungy. Because of the nature of the jump, the showoffs amongst us have much more freedom to leap off the platform in almost any manner that pleases them. Backwards? No problem. Front flip? Easy peasy. Clinging to a tiny piece of rope, held up by nothing more than your brute strength and grip? Do it! Now, the purpose of the canyon swing is that you’re not slowed down by elastic, as your downward momentum transforms into the swing across the canyon. The result? A 60m mind-blowing free fall followed by a eye-popping 200m swing. (Your face will end up looking like the woman’s pictured right.) That’s a bargain if you break it down to adrenalin shot per dollar. WHERE: Queenstown, South Island. COST: $199 canyonswing.co.nz

Zorb Rotorua WHAT: Strapped into a knobbly, plastic ball, you’ll be rolled down a hill, going end over end while screaming inside the ball – and (if you’re a certain former editor of this magazine) vomiting profusely. To be fair to her, though, she’d had a massive session the night before. “Who in the hell thought this was a good idea?” you may well be asking. The answer to that question is, well, us. Sure it may not sound like fun in theory, but nor does bungy jumping – and like with that, once you’ve done it, you’ll admit it’s awesome. Trust us. In a zorb ball you can reach stomach-churning speeds of up to 30km an hour. You can also choose to either go by yourself, with a friend, or – in summer – have the sphere partially filled with water (don’t worry, you won’t drown). This is especially recommended for anyone who’s wondered what it would be like to be thrown down a hill in a washing machine... WHERE: Outside Rotorua, North Island. COST: $45 for the basic roll zorb.com

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“

ueenstown Q in h s u r t s e The b hem all + I’ve tried t n, UK

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CAVING For the ultimate in exploration and visual stimulation, look no further then adventuring in the Waitomo caves. Start by weaving through the winding underground passages filled with stalactites and squeezing through tunnels as you approach and then climb up/abseil down crashing underground waterfalls. Don’t forget to turn out the lights and view the glowworms at their best. There is a wide range of flexible guided tour options. Think starry-eyed canal boat rides, rock climbing and the perfect photo op. Thrill-seekers should head straight for the Lost World, which starts with a 100m abseil down into the abyss. See P34 for more. WHERE: Waitomo, North Island. COST: $48 and up waitomo.com

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike WHAT: Yes, the price tag looks steep, but it’s for good reason that many travellers consider the heli hike one of their best Kiwi experiences. As good as the full-day hikes might be (this is one time not to be a tightarse and settle for the half-day trip, which means turning around just as things start getting interesting), the heli ride is simply so much better. For starters, you get to go up in a chopper, land on the ice, then get picked up again on the ice later. There’s no getting around it – that’s just damn cool. But more importantly you get to fly quickly to a good height on the glacier, meaning you’re skipping the hours of hiking over the less interesting bits. As a result you spend your whole time gasping at the stunning blue ice, clambering through spectacular ice tunnels and enthusing about how amazing our planet can be. WHERE: Franz Josef, South Island. COST: $399 franzjosefglacier.com

The Nevis Bungy WHAT: No matter how many bungy jumps you’ve done, the Nevis is still enough to make the toughest nails-forbreakfast biker reach for their teddy bears. It’s not just the bleak, grey rock walls surrounding it, or that at 134m it’s the highest conventional jump in Australasia (and third in the world). It’s that instead of jumping from a nice, sturdy wooden structure, you’re jumping out of a metal hut suspended above the ground. It’s so rickety, it sways in the breeze. It even moves more depending on how many people are inside. All we have to say is, wow. And wow. Not for the faint-hearted, this is the jump for the most incorrigible, needle-to-the-bone, hardcore, adrenalin-mental-junkies of the lot. Buy the in-motion photos after to prove you did it. WHERE: Queenstown, South Island COST: $260 bungy.co.nz

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

? t n t e r o m t n wa am! urite travel te o v fa r u o y from atâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer h w f o te s ta Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

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blackwater rafting

CANYONING

You may have experienced whitewater rafting, bouncing down a rocky current in the great outdoors. But, in Waitomo’s caves (the great indoors, right?) which draw tourists from the world over, you’ll have the chance to ride through echoing, underground caverns, putting a whole new spin on a familiar adventure sport. You’ll abseil down a sheer rockface into Waitomo’s netherworld before the surreal experience of floating through vast catacombs in a rubber tyre tube. Deeper into the caves, you’ll encounter the resident glowworms, which light up the darkness like a Christmas tree. The caves were first explored more than 120 years ago, by an English surveyor and a Maori guide, who built a raft and floated into the network. So, in reality, you’ll be doing much the same, just with more reliable lighting. WHERE: Waitomo Caves, North Island. COST: $119 waitomo.com/black-water-rafting

WHAT: For a day of all-action adventure, it’s hard to beat canyoning – it’s like an outdoor playground. Imagine sliding, jumping and abseiling into rock pools in some of the most magnificent rainforests. Choose from Blue Canyon, which has 18 waterfalls, ranging in height from 2-25 metres. Here, the water has carved perfect pools into the dark volcanic rock. You spend the day sliding along natural hydro slides, abseiling down mystical waterfalls, and getting some airtime with the awesome jumps into deep crystal-clear pools. Or there’s Sleeping God Canyon for the really adventurous – there’s a vertical descent of more than 300 metres down a steep set of waterfalls. It’s the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors while getting the heart pumping. WHERE: Near Auckland, North Island. HOW MUCH: From $195 canyonz.co.nz

RIVER BOARDING WHAT: Wanaka is a gorgeous spot. Mesmerising mountains and stunning lakes are strewn around it like offerings to a gluttonous king. Though it’s relatively quiet around here, there are barrel loads of fun to be had. Most involve hurtling along at great speed. Ever been whitewater rafting without the raft? Sure, they give you a mini sledge, but whitewater sledging is still the nuts. Surprisingly, once you learn to go with the flow, it’s thrilling. And I actually got told off for going too fast. WHERE: Kawarau River, South Island COST: Half-day trips cost $189 frogz.co.nz

Skydiving

Paragliding WHAT: Using just light nylon and string, paragliding is the closest you’ll ever get to flying like a bird, soaring up to five or 10000ft above the ground. There’s no sensation quite like it. Sky Wings has traditional paragliders available as well as a speedflyer or miniwing – which is faster. Sky Wings will take you paragliding any day of the week (weather permitting) and will pick you up from the city centre. WHERE: Mount Wellington, Auckland, North Island. COST: From $110 nzparagliding.com

WHAT: If you’ve only done a bungy, you’ve barely experienced a tenth of the feeling of falling. Jumping from a bridge is swiftly brought to a halt by a cord. However, when you leap out of a plane, you’re given enough time to fathom that you’re descending and can do absolutely nothing about it – except go with it. The experience of soaring high above a landscape which barely an hour before you were pointing at and taking pretty pictures of, is phenomenal. More profound is that no matter how far into the dive you are, you feel as though you might never land. The realisation only comes as you soar over the landing strip and plant your feet on solid ground, feeling much like you’ve spent months on a boat and still have your sea legs. Almost every sizeable town catering to tourists will have a skydiving operation. Lake Taupo is known to be one of the cheapest places to do your dive, while Queenstown and Wanaka are also top destinations. However, no matter where you decide to do your jump in NZ, you won’t be disappointed. WHERE: Queenstown, South Island. COST: Tandem jumps from 9000ft cost $269 nzoneskydive.co.nz

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*PHOTO NOT TAKEN FROM DROPZONE

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Double-take: (clockwise) We Steal Secrets; Utu Redux; The Deadly Ponies Gang; Friday Tigers

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Falling head over reels As the NZIFF continues to screen cool and quirky films across the country, TNT rounds up the best of the bunch Words caroline garner “A varied movie diet is good for the system,” explains Bill Gosden, director of this year’s New Zealand International Film Festival. TNT quite agrees. We like to stay regular with a balanced diet of independents, home-growns, documentaries and those quirky flicks where Hollywood stars stick two fingers up to the usual crowd-pleasing stuff and test themselves out in murkier, but inevitably more interesting, waters. Our ‘systems’ have been positively stuffed with all of the above and more, courtesy of the film fest, now in its 35th year. And it ain’t over yet – the festival is due to hit six more cities between now and November 20. The rags-to-riches tale of the New Zealand International Film Festival is in itself worthy of a screenplay. Founded in the Sixties, when the then-insular country yearned for a movie industry to call its own, the organisers originally tagged it on to the Auckland Festival of the Arts, screening flicks that weren’t mainstream enough to be shown at the ‘strictly commercial’ cinemas of the time. Today, the festival proudly screens documentaries, feature films and shorts produced by local directors and producers – something the organisers could barely have dreamt of 35 years ago. There’s more on offer, too, from world cinema to independents, brand-new productions to rejuvenated classics and promising newcomers to blockbuster stars. Here, TNT picks six of the best films to watch when the festival comes to a town near you...

burner into being a fun and hypnotic watch. when & where: Now-Sep 15; Lido Cinema, Hamilton see: lidocinema.co.nz Also showing at: Nelson, Tauranga

Nelson: We Steal Secrets The one to watch: We Steal Secrets: The Story Of WikiLeaks, Alex Gibney Why: One of the most fascinating and important cases in recent history, even if you think you understand the story behind WikiLeaks, this is worth a watch. Documentary film director and producer Alex Gibney manages to relay the facts, sift through the murk and clarify the complications of the intricate story. Plus, with US state secrets, the CIA, computer hackers, a cross-dressing military intelligence analyst and the now infamous Australian whistleblower, Julian Assange, all featuring, the thrilling narrative unfolds like an espionage movie. when & where: Now-Sep 15; Suter Cinema and Motueka State Cinemas, Nelson see: suter.statecinemas.co.nz; motueka.statecinemas.co.nz Also showing at: Hamilton, Tuaranga ››

Hamilton: Only Lovers Left Alive The one to watch: Only Lovers Left Alive, Jim Jarmusch Why: Hamilton’s film fest is being played out on September 15 by the cool and clever Only Lovers Left Alive. The alwaysquirky Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston (who played Loki in Thor and The Avengers) portray a couple who have been in love since the beginning of time. Literally. Adam and Eve – see what they did there? – are vampires, although their coupling makes Edward and Bella look like Jason and Kylie. The intense pair grapple with their immortality as they find themselves in a world that they find increasingly trivial. Often lost in nostalgia, they also give us dystopic glimpses of the future (“Have the water wars started?“ – “No, they’re still all about oil“). The deadpan humour helps lift this slow-

Best friends: Ginger & Rosa tntdownunder.com

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Stellar performance: Alice Englert as Rosa and Elle Fanning as Ginger in TNT's Masterton pick

Photos: NZIFF

Tauranga: UTU Redux

New Plymouth: New Zealand's Best 2013

The one to watch: UTU Redux, Geoff Murphy Why: The original UTU helped put New Zealand on the filmophile radar back in 1983. Now, the movie has been restored and digitally remastered to impress us all over again. ‘Utu’ is Maori for ‘revenge’, and so this film follows Maori warrior, Te Wheke, in his fight against British colonials who killed his family during their hostile takeover in 1860. This Western-style film is old-school action at its best, and offers an important lesson in the history of NZ and its native people. when & where: Sep 12-Oct 12; Rialto Cinemas, Tauranga see: rialtotauranga.co.nz Also showing at: Hamilton, Nelson

The one to watch: New Zealand’s Best 2013, various Why: A collection of short films by home-grown talent, this is a great way to see New Zealand’s creative minds at work. Selected by international filmmaker Alison Maclean, the six shorts each run between 13-16 minutes long and cover topics spanning a kid’s decision about what to wear (it’s more poignant than it sounds), a day in the life of a Samoan child, and a love triangle. Friday Tigers by Aidee Walker, which delves into a fantasy world created by a single mother for her three-year-old daughter, was awarded both the Best New Zealand Short Film and the Audience Award last month – see if you agree. when & where: Oct 24-Nov 6; venue TBC see: nziff.co.nz/new-plymouth Also showing at: Hamilton, Masterton, Nelson, Tuaranga

Hawke's Bay: The Deadly Ponies Gang The one to watch: The Deadly Ponies Gang, Zoe McIntosh Why: When the Flight Of The Conchords graced the world's TV screens and delightfully assaulted our eardrums, we knew we had found comedic kindred in the Kiwis. Now, The Deadly Ponies Gang is making us want to give them a big hug – a manly back-pat one, but with a secret tear in our eye. Clint and Dwayne are real-life mates from South Auckland who can’t afford cars so they have pimped out their ponies with sunglasses and bling, using them to get around and “pull chicks”. This documentary follows the hip-hop loving gang (of two) members as they try to raise money to help “sex up” Dwayne after he lost all his teeth, culminating in the ‘Help My Mate Dwayne Get Some Teeth’ gig, held in Auckland. when & where: Oct 16-Nov 3; venue TBC see: nziff.co.nz/hawke-s-bay Also showing at: Hamilton, Masterton, Nelson, New Plymouth (TBC), Tuaranga

Masterton: Ginger & Rosa The one to watch: Ginger & Rosa, Sally Potter Why: With enough Britishness to make you suitably homesick, this film based around the friendship of two girls is dragged kicking and screaming away from the classic ‘coming-of-age’ tale thanks to a stellar performance by Elle Fanning and a raw approach to sexual and political issues. Set in the 1960s, the film explores the threat of nuclear war and sexual liberalism – themes that, unlike the era’s cars, furniture and clothes so wonderfully attested to in the film, are not so lost in the past. Definitely worth a watch. when & where: Nov 6-Nov 20; Regent 3 Cinemas see: regent3.co.nz Also showing at: Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, New Plymouth (TBC), Tuaranga For more info on the New Zealand International Film Festival, which runs until November 20, see nziff.co.nz

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Filmreview

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Gripping: Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska stars in Stoker

stoker FILM review by Alasdair Morton Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode | 15 | 98mins | Out Now

white house down FILM Starring: Channing Tatum | 12A | 137mins

For the second time this year after Olympus Has Fallen, the White House is attacked by terrorists, this time it’s down to Channing Tatum’s special forces tough guy to save Jamie Foxx’s president, kill the bad guys and be a big god damn hero. On general release September 1

“We don’t need to be friends, we’re family,” Mia Wasikowska’s young India Stoker says to her exceedingly strange uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) in Park Chan-wook’s fascinating thriller. It’s just as well. This family really can’t stand each other. Filmmaker Park (who was behind cult flick Oldboy which is currently getting the US remake treatment courtesy of Spike Lee) makes his English language debut with this warring family tale. Grief, guilt, rape, incest, murder – it delves into the most violent actions and darkest human emotions, and does so with a none-darker sense of humour through Wentworth Miller’s spiky, charged script. The story is simple – Nicole Kidman’s widow is falling apart, and embarks on a reproachful relationship with Charlie, the long-absent brother to her deceased husband, with Wasikowska the precocious daughter caught in the middle. But it is masterfully told. Park slots the pieces of the puzzle together superbly, displaying his technical superiority (sterling sound design, composition, recurring motifs) as motivations are revealed, actions concealed and back story unpacked. Goode is manipulatively creepy and the largely Aussie cast equally excellent: Jackie Weaver continues to enjoy her latter years career blossom; Wasikowska matures with every performance; and Kidman is reliably superb as the wine-guzzling mater (we can’t remember the last time we saw her smile on screen, though). It’s Park’s movie, however – he stamps his much celebrated style on Hollywood in what is a supremely fascinating and unrelenting thriller. Good for: Seeing that there’s no such thing as happy families

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Christian Livingstone

The Datsuns guitarist on their latest LP Death Rattle Boogie, their upcoming New Zealand tour and why they love the tambourine INTERVIEW aladsair morton

Looking forward to the shows in New Zealand this month? Yeah. Strangely, we haven’t actually toured New Zealand yet [for last year’s Death Rattle Boogie – their last nationwide NZ tour was in 2009]. We’ve toured Europe and Australia, but have only done two shows in New Zealand. So it is about time we went down there and did a proper tour. It’s always nice to get back there because I live in the UK now. Whereabouts? In Crystal Palace [south London]. We’ve been here for a few years. Dorf is in Stockholm, and Ben and Phil live in New Zealand. I usually get over there once a year, to see my family and friends, and play some rock ‘n’ roll. And you’re heading to Japan? We haven’t been there for a few years – we’ve played there five times and it was great. The crowds are always enthusiastic. How so? They’re just totally up for it, like ‘Beatlemania enthusiastic’. And they also know a lot more about music than people from other countries. They do a lot of research and find out facts about the band and us as individuals as well – they’d make good detectives! Their attention to detail about you and the music is impressive. What are they like during the show? They go mental during the song and then they’re quiet at the end. They want to hear everything you say, so they’ll be quiet between songs so they don’t miss anything. That must be weird? Usually the end of a song is when everyone goes mental but over there it’s the opposite. And the shows are on at 6.30pm, a weird time for a gig. So you go and do the show then go out for dinner afterwards. It’s very different. How did having the band spread out across the world influence the writing of Death Rattle Boogie? 22

(l-r) Christian Livingstone, Ben Cole, Phil Somervell, Dolf de Borst Thankfully it is in internet age, so we can communicate globally now. Did it impact on your writing process? It worked quite well. Having lived together and toured together for so many years, it’s nice that everyone has their own space. Everyone could go and work on their own ideas, and then we could work on them when we all got together. It helped give us all a new perspective. And we’re always super-focused as there is only a limited amount of time that we’re together. Half the album was recorded in New Zealand and half in Stockholm… Dolf has a studio in Stockholm – and it’s cheaper to use a studio owned by one of the band! We did half there, and then as the other two [Ben and Phil] were in New Zealand we did the other half of it there at Neil Finn’s studio [Roundhead Studios in Auckland]. How did that affect the finished record? The Swedish sessions were co-produced by Nicke Andersson, who used to be in a band called The Hellacopters, and is now in a group called Imperial State Electric with Dolf. Apart from the second record [2004’s Outta Sight/ Outta

Mind] which John Paul Jones produced, we have always done it ourselves. So to have Nicke was really nice. We like him and have similar tastes, and he brought a few different ideas to the project. He’s very keen on percussion, so there was a lot more of that on the last record. There’s also a lot more tambourine and shaker as he’s a big fan of those. So on every song, he was like: “Let’s put more on.” Why the name Death Rattle Boogie? We were thinking of names for the album, and then Dolf said: “I’ve already decided, it’s going to be Death Rattle Boogie.“ It wasn’t a democratic process, it was like: “I have already decided, it’s done. I have already told people”. I don’t even know how he came up with it. What has been your proudest achievement in the band? Probably the fact that we have been around for so long and are still doing it. We’ve overcome geographical odds and changes in the music business with downloading, but we’re still managing to put out records and tour. The Datsuns tour New Zealand Aug 29-Sep 14 the datsuns.com

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PURÉE MADNESS One reveller found a unique way to be spotted among the La Tomatina mayhem this year: a rather fetching hat. The fest in Buñol, Spain attracted an estimated 20,000 people, who threw 130 tonnes of ripe tomatoes at each other.

Photos: Thinkstock, Waitomo Adventures, WellingtonNZ.com

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

INSIDE

Capital capers /30

Waikato wild side /34

Fantasy islands /38

Famed for its café culture, pumping nightlife and windy streets, the Kiwi capital of Wellington is the San Francisco of the south

It’s got countryside so idyllic it doubled as Hobbiton in those films, but it’s not all woolly lambs and hairy feet in Waikato

Whether you want to dive, party or simply kick back, the choice in Fiji can feel overwhelming, so TNT’s made it easy

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With 45+ New Zealand hostels, you can skydive 134 metres in 8 seconds or plummet screaming on a bungy and still sleep soundly! YHA have got your accommodation sorted. Easy as.

your r o f n o i tures modat accom aland adven e New Z 299 ow: Book n ne 0800 278 o h Free p .nz yha.co book@ .nz .co or yha

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TRAVELNEWS

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BIKINIS AGAINST LAW British tourists are finding themselves in hot water abroad for committing ‘crimes’ that they did not know were unlawful, the Foreign Office has warned. Among some of the stranger laws that the average traveller isn’t aware of is that it’s illegal to go bare-chested or wear a bikini in Barcelona unless you’re on a beach, or that in Florence visitors can receive a large fine for eating food near a church or a public building. Perhaps even more bizarre is that it’s apparently illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados. Consular director Charles Hay said: “It is important to remember that laws and customs can vary greatly from country to country.”

afro-disney?

tomato tariff

Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality minister has announced plans to build a theme park next to Victoria Falls in an effort to attract more visitors. “We think it should be modelled along … Disneyland, including hotels, entertainment parks, restaurants, conferencing facilities,” he said, adding that the country was a “sleeping giant” in terms of its tourism potential. But Chris McIntyre, managing director of operator Expert Africa, told the Telegraph: “People go to Zimbabwe because it offers something that is authentically African ... [not] a Mickey Mouse experience.”

Last week saw the very first paid-for La Tomatina festival in the tiny Spanish town of Buñol. Visitors spent a minimum of €10 (£8.60) each to get involved in the world’s biggest food fight, with the 5000 free tickets available reserved for Buñol residents only. “This is the first year we are charging for access to this popular festival due to the need to limit the crowd for safety reasons,” Buñol town hall said in a statement. Organisers cut the number of people pelting each other with tomatoes by half thanks to the new ticketed entry system. Aussies bought 19.2 per cent of tickets sold, the largest cut of any country.

Risk taker: Justin Bieber would be arrested in Barbados for this

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER

Dormant Sandra Linhardt, 24, GErmany

Sandra says: “This photo was taken while I was completing the Tongariro Crossing. It was the greatest walk I’ve ever done! I’ll not forget that experience as long as I live.” we say: “Volcanoes when they’re alive are terrifying but, dormant giants like this are simply stunning. We love how rugged this image is and yet still beautiful at the same time – the snow-capped peaks in the distance are a really nice touch.”

RUNNER-UP

This evening light Sam Blackburn, 22, UK

Sam says: “I took this as the sun was setting over Cape Foulwind/ Tauranga Bay. The natural yellow and orange colours were simply unreal.” we say: “Unreal indeed, Sam. We love everything about this photograph – the aforementioned colour, the shadowing on the rocks and the reflection in the sand.”

HOT TIPS: Straight Horizons

two northland tours

Nothing screams ‘amateur photographer’ like a skewed horizon. Most cameras will have an option to turn on a grid reference through the viewfinder. This will give you a great visual reference when composing your photograph. Many modern digital SLR cameras even have a digital spirit level that displays on-screen – great when you’re using a tripod. If none of these options is available to you, just do your best to keep the horizon straight and use a basic editing package like ‘iPhoto’ to correct in post production.

Sandra wins a Total Northland Pass from Magic Travellers Network (magicbus.co.nz) for her and a mate, while runner-up Sam 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

WIN

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

Win a nomads’ stay, tra The problem with travelling is that the more places you visit, the more people you meet... and then you hear about more places you want to visit. Sure, that’s not exactly a depressing situation to find yourself in, but it can be an expensive one, especially in a country as action-packed as New Zealand. Luckily, we’re here to help. TNT has joined forces with our buddies Nomads and Stray to get one of you to all of the country’s best bits. Aren’t we nice, eh? THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: a national max pass with stray travel: This monster trip, worth $799, takes you round the whole country, leaving no highlight unvisited. It’s a case of hop on, hop off, so you can do it in three to four weeks, it’s up to you. Stops include

Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Kaikoura and even Stewart Island. two nights in a king room at nomads auckland: Enjoy the free wifi, tea/coffee and rooftop spa and sauna. two nights in a king room at nomads capital wellington: Get your free light dinner, tea/coffee and two-for-one house drink. a $50 tab at Blend bar wellington: Get drunk on us. two nights in a king room at nomads queenstown: Free sauna, light dinner, brekkie and nightly drink. Competition closes Saturday, 8 December 2013. Terms and conditions apply. Log on to tntdownunder.com for details and to enter.

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Capital of cool: (clockwise) Wellington harbour; cocktail oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock; Cuba Street; the Beehive; waterfront street art

Wellington north island

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Capital capers Famed for its café culture, pumping nightlife and windy streets, the Kiwi capital is the San Francisco of the south Words andrew westbrook

Beef, boots and a duke. Those are probably the first three things that spring to mind when you mention Wellington. But there’s a fourth you should add to that list – the Wellington that’s both the much-underrated Kiwi capital and also New Zealand’s most liveable city. Quirky and unique, Welly is immediately likeable. Better yet, it’s also blessed with the rare ability to keep growing on you, visit after visit. It effortlessly exudes a distinctive sense of cool reminiscent of Melbourne, while being set against a stunning natural harbour that would give catwalk-quality Sydney a run for its money. Kind of like a small San Francisco for the Southern Hemisphere, Wellington has both the looks and the brains. Plus, thanks to living somewhat in the shadow of its much bigger, northern nemesis Auckland, the seat of the Kiwi government lacks any of the big city pretences that so often beset capital cities. Indeed, being home to fewer than 400,000 people, meaning it’s less than a third of the size of Auckland, many people outside of New Zealand aren’t even aware that Wellington is the capital. And, in fact, that hasn’t always been the case. While legend has it that Maori forefather Kupe was the first to discover the area back in the 10th century, it was not until 1840 that the first European settlers washed up and plonked a flag in the sand. At that stage, it was Auckland which was the colony’s capital. However, fearing the country’s southern gold fields might fancy their chances at going it alone, the capital was moved to the opposite end of North Island in 1865, allowing the powers that be to keep a closer eye on any potential trouble-makers. The capital has remained there ever since.

superb (and free) Te Papa museum (tepapa.govt.nz). Meaning ‘Our Place’, the Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum and is without rival in the Land of the Long White Cloud. An easy place to lose at least a day, it is crammed with fascinating and creatively displayed artefacts, with great insights into New Zealand’s geological history, Maori

“

Wellington has both the looks and brains

”

culture and all else Kiwi up to the present day. There’s even a colossal squid. Back out on the street, it’s hard not to pick up on what a distinctive feel Wellington has. It’s one of the few cities in the world where, without the aid of any Big Ben-type landmarks, you could be zapped down in the middle of town, have your blindfold removed and pretty quickly guess where you are. ››

King of culture Despite still being relatively small, Wellington’s cultural and culinary riches betray its true position. Most newcomers will start their discovery with a walk along Wellington’s compact waterfront area, between the railway station and Oriental Bay. It’s here, nestled amongst the wharfs and lively restaurants that you will find the

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welcome to wellywood (aka gollum’s hometown) avatar to tintin: the special effects masters showing hollywood how it’s done Thanks in large part to local hero Peter Jackson, Wellington has carved out a growing niche for itself in the movie-making world, with the result that eastern suburb Miramar has adopted the nickname ‘Wellywood’. There are even proposals to erect a Hollywood-style sign. The industry is based primarily around the Weta Workshop, the brainchild of special effects genius Richard Taylor, another local boy. Well-known among the screen set since the late Eighties, it was The Lord Of The Rings trilogy that really put the studio’s groundbreaking techniques on the world stage and since then, there’s been no looking back. As such, stepping inside the Weta Cave is a must for film buffs. The free mini-museum is crammed with the props and characters from Weta’s films, as well as the stories behind them. wetanz.com

Steel and glass rise from the Tasman Strait waters, rowers scull through shimmering, pristine waterways while stingrays swim underneath, and a simply ridiculous number of theatres, restaurants, bars and cafés abound on every side. Serious politicians live side-by-side with bohemians. Indeed, every third person looks like they’re the bass player out of some-yet-to-be-discovered band, only less glum. It’s a place where everybody seems to enjoy living. But don’t take our word for it. Just about every study ranking cities according to liveability (and there are a lot) tends to place the Kiwi capital near the top of the table. Indeed, just last year, the UN-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities handed Wellington the top gong for being the planet’s best small city to live in during 2012. It’s a truly alive city, and not just because of the refreshing Roaring Forties winds that regularly blow through the streets, rarely making drowsiness an option. As well as its picturesque setting amidst the sparkling water and plunging valleys, the roads are lined with a far higher than average number of intriguing and original sculptures and street art. Even the unusual wooden government buildings, centred around the modernist Beehive, are hard not to stop and gawp at. Distinctly ugly, but undeniably unique, the Beehive is most definitely from the love-it-or-hate-it school of architecture. However, it’s when Wellingtonians are off duty that the world’s most southerly and remote national capital really comes into its own. Perhaps the single most amazing fact about this city is that Wellington has more bars, cafés and restaurants per capita than New York. Amazing, that is, until you spend some time walking the city’s streets. Whatever the reason, whether it be down to its political 32

Precious memories: the Weta creations and cultural superiority, or having an average income easily above the Kiwi median, you won’t struggle to find something up your street, whatever your taste or budget. Wellington’s finest eateries are consistently rewarded with gongs for being New Zealand’s best, so if you’re not worried about crippling your credit limit, you’ve got plenty of choice. Check out Hippopotamus (hippopotamus.co.nz) at the Museum Hotel, or really swank it up at Martin Bosley’s Yacht Club (martin-bosley.com), overlooking Oriental Bay.

Gourmet glory And yet the real joy of the capital is in discovering the tucked-away bars and bistros that pop up around every corner. Wellington is a foodies’ heaven and, whatever your budget, you won’t struggle to find a tasty meal. The biggest concentration of social spots can be found along Cuba Street. One local favourite is Satay Kingdom, or SKs. Famed for its cheap prices, perky staff and great atmosphere, the Mee Goreng is legendary. If you can’t get a table, jump in almost any other eatery on the Left Bank, the boho laneway off Cuba Street. Wellington is an infectious place and, like the Waterlooconquering Duke from whom it takes its name, it’s hard not to bask in its glory. Urbane and cultured, with an added slice of bohemia and yet an almost small-town feel, Wellington is also perfectly placed. Just a few hours’ drive to the north and you hit New Zealand’s biggest urban centre, Auckland, while a quick ferry ride in the opposite direction and you have all the beauty and excitement of South Island laid out before you. As the more pun-happy locals like to say, all’s well that ends Wellington. ❚

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capital getaways escape the crowds with these daytrips One of the many benefits of Wellington being such a compact city is that it’s even easier to escape the bright lights and explore some of its dramatic surroundings. Wellington Botanic Gardens The simplest option is to jump on the iconic red cable car that has been creaking its way up the hill to Kelburn for over a century. Gardens spread over 25 hectares await you at the top, along with spectacular vistas across the city. Mount Victoria If it is views you’re after, you’ll struggle to do better than Mt Victoria (pictured). Either jump on a bus, a bike or walk up to the peak, which sits 196m above the water.

Don’t just cross the Strait. Cruise it.

Kapiti Coast An hour’s drive from the city, the Kapiti Coast has good beaches, friendly locals and a mountain range well worth exploring. A local favourite is Paraparaumu Beach, which overlooks the impressive Kapiti Island, a bird sanctuary for many rare species.

Photos: Tourism New Zealand, WellingtonNZ.com, Andrew Westbrook, Thinkstock

Martinborough The Wairarapa’s boutique wine village is just a short drive away and boasts more than 20 wineries. As well as its wine, olive groves and plentiful sheep, Wairarapa is also a famed surf spot.

Pedal power: admiring Mt Victoria’s views

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Waikato region

Down time: dropping into Waitomoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lost World 34

Photo: Thinkstock; RST/Ian Brodie; Waitomo Adventures

north island

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The Waikato wild side It’s got countryside so idyllic it doubled as Hobbiton in those films, but it’s not all woolly lambs and hairy feet in Waikato Words fraser kidd & stuart macadam

The Cave and The Descent. Not exactly films you’re likely to find in the “snuggly” section of your local DVD store. Heck, even The Goonies wasn’t exactly the procaving endorsement I was looking for when I decided to do a little background research on the next leg of my Kiwi adventure. With a string of bad luck that had found me homeless, penniless and living in a van that broke down more often than Britney Spears, flinging myself face first into a dark wet abyss was not on my “to do” list. No matter what Freud would have to say on the matter. Still, I’m a glasshalf-full kind of guy and with the sun shining on the rolling hills of Waitomo and happy childhood memories of Fraggle Rock blurring fiction with reality, I merrily set off on a two-day rafting and caving extravaganza. Sitting in the King Country area of the North Island’s Waikato region, Waitomo is every caver’s wet dream. Hundreds of underground limestone caverns dating back millions of years spiral deep below the surface, intertwining to create a subterranean labyrinth of Neolithic proportions. Coupled with this geological marvel are thousands of glowworms, combining to create an unearthly underground world that mixes aesthetics and adrenalin to suitable measure. And so, after donning the always-fashionable skintight wetsuit, I stroll towards the entrance of the first cave. Clumsily stepping down a series of wet rocks, I turn to look at the light of day for what I’m convinced will be the last time, and before you can say “wait a mo” (sorry), the darkness envelops me.

waterfalls cascade off into the darkness. It’s truly incredible. Splashing my way through ankle-high water and ducking my head to avoid clonking my helmet on millennia-old stalactites, I next enter a crash course in abseiling down waterfalls and crawling through ankle-level holes that I reckon even Houdini would’ve balked at. After a series of abseils, stomach-crawls, shimmies and jumps, we enter the belly of the cave some 80 metres

“

Cannibalistic maggots with shiny shit

”

underground. Turning off our headlights, we look up at a canopy swimming in luminescence. Hundreds of glowworms sparkle and shine from above, blanketing us in a canvas of light, evoking romantic images of lost travellers finding their way by a constellation of subterranean stars. That is, until our guide delivered a ›› quick lesson in “Glowworm 101”.

Down time Clipping myself onto the safety rope I begin a slow, steady and particularly ungainly 25-metre descent. With my feet slipping off the wall and an overall lack of hand-eye co-ordination, I crash to the floor. Dusting off what is left of my dignity, I switch on my headlamp and rise to inspect my surroundings. I stand there, stunned. Intricate, timeless patterns cover the limestone walls while a number of underground

Downtown Hobbiton, Waikato tntdownunder.com

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You see, technically the glowworm is a small gnat at the larvae stage of its life cycle. To you and me: a maggot. The beautiful, spellbinding glow it emits is a sack of biowaste that, due to a chemical reaction with oxygen, burns bright and attracts other flying midges onto a dangling spit line to be consumed later. As our guide so delicately puts it, “They’re cannibalistic maggots with shiny shit.” I’m not sure if that’s the exact Latin pronunciation, but damn if it isn’t catchy. Emerging from the glowworm cavern I come to the first major rock climb, roughly 15 metres high. There’s an option of scrambling up an adjacent ladder, but when the feeble-looking, boss-eyed girl with the claw hand next to you has just scaled up it with monkey-like skill, it becomes quite tricky to take that option. Scrabbling up a sheer rock face composed of soft clay limestone isn’t as easy as it looks, and while the final squeeze feels like shoving a hippo through a drainpipe (or a hippo metaphor into a caving article), I finally beak through to the last stretch of our trip. A short wander and ladder climb later and daylight was upon me once again.

Arse waggling Confident of my new found caving skills, I’m now more than a little excited about my tubing adventure. Tooled up in my wetsuit once again (tool being the operative word), I head down to a nearby river where I take my pick of rubber ring, testing its relevant size by bending over with derriere in place. Waggling my arse at a bunch of strangers and asking

The wheel deal: (clockwise) cycling the Pureora Descent; enjoying the Honking Holes too much; baby kiwi if my ring is the right size is not something I tend to do on a regular basis, but with the obligatory humiliation out of the way, I begin a completely unique tubing voyage in water cold enough to grant me my very own mangina. Once accustomed to the temperature, lazily drifting along blackwater rivers is effortlessly relaxing. With the odd adrenalin stop to limbo under six-inch gaps, jump off miniwaterfalls and barrel down natural rapids, I once again find myself switching off my headlight, looking up and coasting all the way to the exit via the guiding lights of the glowmaggots.

Top gear

Wild ones: don’t mess with the local baaa-d boys 36

And here comes the sun. Back out in the glorious Waikato daylight, I make tracks for Pa Harakeke, an outdoor adventure region under the good-looking gaze of Mt Pureora-o-Kahu, about halfway between Taupo and the Waitomo Caves. I’m straight on a bike and hurtling down the Pureora Descent, basically a 14km stretch of wicked downhill which forms part of the very cool 85km Timber Trail. “On a good day you can see Mount Taranaki,” says my guide Daniel, after driving me to the summit. Loaded with cloud, today is not one of those days, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still one hell of a view. We’re not here, however, to look at pretty views. With nothing but a mountain bike, helmet and spare tube, it’s go time. Things begin with a slosh. Starting 900 metres above sea level after some light rainfall the night before, it’s mudfest after mudfest. Depending on your speed, the ride can take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, so I decide to go hard and fast. Fear, adrenalin and sheer excitement take over while now and then I

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remember to savour a glimpse of the amazing scenery. Trees cling onto a mouldy green moss, gradually becoming more petrified the lower we go. The moss becomes brighter and greener. Trees jump up into the air. Postcard pictures of the lively forest become ubiquitous. Surrounded by serenity and peacefulness, I seem strangely at odds with the landscape as my slippery descent borders on frightening. I figure out how to use the rear tyre brakes to skid around corners, and almost immediately have several near misses. Whoosh, skid, accelerate, brake, slide. Careful, sharp turn ahead; tree branch ahead. There’s never a dull moment.

Finding Sanctuary Adrenal gland suitably drained, I decide it’s time to slow the pace and so set off in search of more tranquil treasures amongst the green and rolling hills that made Waikato such an obvious location to use as the setting of Hobbiton in the Lord Of The Rings films. Heading through coffee connoisseur favourite Cambridge, I pull up for the night in Pukeatua to rest my nerves under the shadows of Mt Maungatautari and Mt Ruapehu. Refreshed and rejuvenated, I’m then perfectly placed to head straight to Sanctuary Mountain, an incredible world of ecological activity safe-guarded by the world’s longest pest-proof fence. I’m shown around by my guide Justine, who explains how the 3400-hectare forested ancient volcano provides a safe environment for endangered animals to still live in the wild. Indeed, almost all of the forest on the mountain is virgin, completely untouched by human hands. On the guided walk through the southern mountain enclosure, I’m given a rundown of the different species

which are roaming the mountain. Birds, insects and endangered animals are the main focus. Depending on what creature you want to see, hear or experience, there are day and night walks available, with many different trails to explore so as to increase your chances of seeing a different type of critter. And, yes, there are some kiwi birds here, although they’re notoriously shy. New Zealand birds, Justine explains, are different to Aussie birds – the Kiwis find each other through song while most Aussies rely on bright colours. It’s not just in the human world, apparently, that Aussies struggle to make intelligent conversation. Showing off slightly, bird whisperer Justine then calls some of her feathered friends over for some food. I spot a kaka, a tieke and a cheeky blackbird who helps himself to everyone else’s peanuts. The other birds are more shy, preferring to sing high above us in Rimu and Totara trees. Luckily, there’s a canopy tower stretching up three stories to help catch a glimpse of the more elusive birds. A bird watcher is not something I would have previously described myself as, and I still don’t. But walking out of Sanctuary Mountain, I feel as alive and wired as after the earlier adrenalin stunts. The fact that such places exist, and are so easy to explore, can only be a good thing. Waikato, it seems, is wild in more ways than one. ❚ Details: Waitomo Adventures’ Haggas Honking Holes caving tours cost from $200 waitomo.co.nz; Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company Black Labyrinth Tours cost $119 waitomo.com; guided mountain bike tours of the Pureora Descent cost $49 paharakeke.co.nz; beds at Out in the Styx, Pukeatua, cost from $85 styx.co.nz; Sanctuary Mountain guided tours cost from $25 sanctuarymountain.co.nz

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Isles of smiles: (clockwise) paddle boarding off the beach; wearing a welcome lei; the Blue Lagoon; a fertility god statue; a turtle

Yasawas & Mamanucas

Photo: Tourism Fiji; Thinkstock; Awesome Adventures

Fiji

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Fantasy islands Whether you want to dive, party or simply kick back, the choice in Fiji can feel overwhelming, so TNT’s made it easy Words andrew westbrook

Picture the scene. You’re swinging in a hammock, gazing across cobalt blue waters as you sip from a cocktail-filled coconut, all while a half-naked beauty fans you with a giant palm. Sound anything like how you imagine Fiji to be? Well, you’re not too far wrong (although the halfnaked beauty might require some extra charm). Comprising hundreds of tiny islands, most of which are surrounded by sparkling white sands, crystal clear waters and enough world-class coral to have even the most indifferent of divers squeezing into wetsuits, Fiji, despite all the hype, still does exactly what it says on the tin. Whether you want relaxation, indigenous culture, hiking, partying, water sports, or all of the above, you’ll find them in ample supply on the South Pacific archipelago, with the added bonus that you get to enjoy them from the confines of your own desert island. However, be warned, paradise comes at a price. If you simply jump on a flight to Nadi or Suva and plan to wing it as you go, you might be in for a shock. Many things in the country, notably accommodation, don’t come cheap. Hostel prices are regularly higher than you’ll find in Australia, and certainly New Zealand. It’s a destination long on the radars of holidaying Aussies and Kiwis, not to mention the honeymoon crowd, meaning that all-inclusive resorts and package holidays are often the order of the day. But it’s not all bad news. Fiji is more geared up to backpackers than anywhere else in the South Pacific and the country can be done on a budget (albeit one slightly higher than you’re probably hoping for). The key is planning. Sure, if you’re content to stick to the main islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, then you’ll find transport is dirt cheap and beds not super-expensive. However, let’s face it, you can’t travel somewhere like Fiji and not taste your own castaway experience by visiting the smaller islands, often little more than palm-fringed dots in the ocean. This is where the Yasawa and Mamanuca island chains come into their own. With their divine beaches, underwater treats and friendly welcoming faces, they’re the Fiji you expect in a nutshell – think snorkelling in the morning, beach volleyball in the afternoons and kava ceremonies in the evening. You’ll be met by a troupe of beaming, singing villagers,

fed to bursting point three times a day and left to do as little or as much as you’d like. Better still is that many of these islands are aimed primarily at the budget crowd. Sure you can splash out on your own bure (a traditional thatched hut, usually just a few metres from the beach), but most resorts also offer much cheaper dorms, and some even let you camp. And the cherry on top is that the Yasawas and Mamanucas are very easy to get to, making them ideal if you’re only visiting Fiji for a week or two. More likely than not, you’ll fly into Nadi (pronounced Nandy), on Viti Levu. From there, you can jump on a free transfer to Denarau Marina and catch the Yasawa Flyer, a swift, reliable catamaran than journeys up through the Mamanucas, Yasawas and back every day. The cheap option is to buy a multi-day island-hopping Bula Pass (awesomefiji.com). They start at NZ$292 for five days.

Nice package However, before you snap up your Bula Pass and think you’ll just sort out your hostel once you’ve arrived, think again. The resorts are by no means huge, meaning the best ones often get booked out in advance. Then there’s the cost to consider. It’s vital to factor in that many resorts make you pay for a compulsory food plan, for which you generally get three good meals a day, but 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 deals cover your bed and Yasawa Flyer ticket, plus usually food. They start at NZ$602 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 ... tntdownunder.com

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Down the hatch: a traditional kava ceremony Best desert island 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 less than 10 minutes before grabbing a snorkel or free kayak to explore the surrounding coral lagoon. The damage: A dorm bed, with meals included, costs from $NZ85pn. hostelworld.com Also check out: Beachcomber Island and Bounty Island.

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 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$54pn, including all meals. naqalialodge-yasawa.com Also check out: Otto and Fanny’s Place.

Best parties Beachcomber Island (Mamanucas) Time from Denarau: 45 minutes Tell me more: While feedback on Beachcomber’s food and beds is, er, mixed, you won’t find anywhere more dedicated to getting on the booze. The tiny island also has good snorkelling, water sports, plus a pool and spa. The damage: Sleep in the 82-bed dorm (yes, 82), and get 40

fed, for NZ$85pn. beachcomberfiji.com Also check out: Mantaray Island and Coral View Resort.

Best for swimming with manta rays Mantaray Island Resort (Nanuya Balavu, 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$28pn, while food is NZ$58 per day. mantarayisland.com 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 voted one of the world’s sexiest resorts. ‘Nuff said. The damage: No dorms here. Two person bures cost from NZ$449pn. Half-board meals (optional) cost another NZ$75 a day each. navutustarsfiji.com

Best for Hollywood good looks Blue Lagoon Beach Resort (Nacula, 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 an upmarket resort,

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Fiji Islands

the Yasawas Awesome Adventures

for alternative

travellers

Explore the real Fiji from 4 to 11 nights, visiting up to 6 stunning islands. Accommodation, meals and vessel transfers all included from $744*

Voluntouring in the Fiji Islands!

Explore, adventure and lend a hand voluntouring in the Fiji islands from one week or more. Support manta-ray protection

Lend a hand with specialist global interest groups to protect manta-rays and marine life. Take part in the marine conservation programme.

Maintain water harvesting systems

Make a difference by constructing and repairing water harvesting systems; and educating villagers on water conservation. Take part in the sustainable communities programme.

Support teachers in an island school

Alongside teachers, help children aged 3 to 13 with sport, play and extra curricular activities. Take part in the children & schools education programme.

Do something more with your vacation... If a holiday in the Fiji Islands, combined with lending a helping hand to people in need sounds like you, book a Vinaka Fiji Volunteering programme, it will be the highlight of your year.

GI VE BA CK , LAY BA CK For info and bookings see your travel centre or contact us info@awesomefiji.com SKYPE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;awesomefijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Freephone 0800 293 766 * Daily departures for all packages and passes from Denarau Marina. Prices are ex Denarau, Fiji, in New Zealand dollars and valid for travel to 31 March 2014.

For full details of holiday & volunteering programmes, accommodation & activities visit our website or facebook.com/vinakafiji or volunteer@vinakafiji.org.fj or call +679 675 0500

awesomefiji.com

vinakafiji.org.fj

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but still has incredibly good dorm options. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$30pn, while food is NZ$65 a 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 Tom Hanks’ 2000 movie 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 has plenty going for it, not least its diving opportunities. The many nearby sites include the highly regarded Black Coral Rock Garden. It’s also home to Likuliku Bay, voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches by Condé Nast readers. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$21pn, while food is NZ$62 a day. octopusresort.com Also check out: Bounty Island, South Sea Island, Barefoot Island and Mantaray Island Resort.

Best for budget Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort (Wayalailai, 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 it offers one of the region’s most dramatic hikes, up to the top of the island’s mountain.

The damage: Beds cost from NZ$47pn, camping costs NZ$37pp, both including food. wayalailairesort.com Also check out: Naqalia Lodge, Nabua Lodge and Bay of Plenty Lodge.

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$67pn, 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 eight-bed dorm, where getting to know the locals is as easy as befriending fellow travellers. The damage: Beds cost from NZ$34pn, plus NZ$60 a day for food. ottoandfanny.com Also check out: Nabua Lodge, Gold Coast and Barefoot Island (if in a bure). ❚

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! a l Bu

PaRadise tHat dOesnt COst tHe eaRtH! Small and with a friendly atmosphere, the Funky Fish offers you that tropical Fiji island vacation you will never forget. A small and friendly island resort with something for everyone! Situated on the majestic Fiji island of Malolo in the heart of the Mamanuca group just 22 kms from Fiji’s international airport. The resort offers dramatic sunsets, is close to Fiji’s great surf breaks, and delivers a very special experience swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters on the surrounding coral reefs, unforgettable! Accommodation to suit everyone! The Funky Fish Beach Resort has several different accommodation options: Premium beachfront 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom bure’s. Dormitory accommodation and private bedrooms. ALL MEALS, LOCAL BEERS & WINE IS INCLUDED IN THE ACCOMODATION RATES. Great food can be enjoyed at our fully licensed restaurant. We serve fresh seafood, Fijian and European dishes. Our bar restaurant offers breathtaking views over this spectacular tropical playground. The resort delivers a very special experience and is ideal for surfers,kite surfers and divers. We also offer an extensive mix of activities. We are located 5 minutes from the world class surf breaks Wilkes, Cloud Break restaurants, swimming pools, Namotu left to name a few.

Surf! Dive! Kite Surf! Hike! Fish! Snorkel! Swim! Fish Feed or simply stay and play.

www.funkyfishresort.com Funky Fish Beach Resort - Malolo Island, Fiji Ph:00 679 6282333 Email enquiries@funkyfishresort.com

Views, Vistas and Hideaways... Experience the magic of Beachcomber Island just once and you’ll want to come back year after glorious year; it does that to people. Come and join us on this “dream island” and share memories that will stay with you forever. Situated on a picturesque marine sanctuary in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, Beachcomber Island Resort is just 19km from Nadi International, Fiji’s National airport. It’s an island that’s easy to get to yet so very hard to leave! Our resort is unique, spectacular and fun – there’s nowhere else quite like it in Fiji. We look forward to welcoming you into our Beachcomber family to share the experience of a lifetime!

www.beachcomberfiji.com Beachcomber Island Resort.Vuda Rd Vuda, Fiji Islands Ph: 00 679 666 1500 Email info@beachcomberfiji.com.fj

Contact the australian sales Office for more information on these properties: email – info@travreps.com.au or call (07) 3415 3970. REVISEDBEACHCOMBER.indd 1 NZ100 PDF Travel Fiji.indd 43

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gettingaround 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

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,

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

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Standby Cars 0800 789 059, standbycars.co.nz

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

Kiwi Experience 09 336 4286 kiwiexperience.com

BOOK NOW!

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

zorbing This is another crazy New Zealand invention. The concept is quite simple: you climb into an inflated plastic sphere, strap yourself in and then roll head-over-heels downhill, rotating within the sphere at speeds of up to 30km per hour. You can do it dry or you can take a wash cycle where you’ll get soaked. You’ll get to it on a day trip from Auckland, just roll on down to the Agrodome near Rotorua. agrodome.co.nz

WHEEL DEAL

get your own wheels Whether it’s a campervan, car or even a bike, try to get your own transport for at least part of your Kiwi travels. There are few countries in the world that are so consistently stunning, safe and sparsely populated, so take advantage of the situation to get a bit of freedom and explore it for yourself, in your own time. You won’t regret it.

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bareessentials

Wellington

banks

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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 adventure queenstown hostel 36 Camp St, Queenstown. Dorms from $29 Spotless hostel, with modern kitchens and run by experienced travellers. Free bicycles, frisbees and then some.

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!

Queenstown

aqhostel.co.nz

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

arrowtown A well-preserved little gold mining town which appears to be stuck in a time warp, Arrowtown is 20km north-east of Queenstown. The old sycamore trees dropping their leaves on the quaint little houses and shops on the main street are a picturesque sight in autumn. Don’t miss the former Chinese Settlement, at the western end of town, featuring some of the Chinese miners’ preserved huts. Ideal for a day trip from Queenstown, it’s only a 20 minute drive through some of the stunning Southern Alps (pictured).

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AUCKLAND

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

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

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 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

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

Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 4958, ajhackett.co.nz Canyonz Ltd Explore subtropical canyons and abseil down crashing waterfalls. 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz New Zealand Surf Tours 09 832 9622, newzealandsurftours.com Sky Jump Fall from the top of the 192m Sky Tower, 0800 759 586, skyjump.co.nz Sky Walk Walk around the external 1.2m wide platform, 192m up. 09 368 1835, skywalk.co.nz

Fullers Bay of Islands Tours Mt Eden The highest point in the One, two and three-day tours city, 4km south of the city from Auckland. centre with spectacular views. 09 358 0259, Get there by bus. boitc.co.nz NZ National Maritime Museum The museum celebrates NZ’s maritime heritage. 09 373 0800, nzmaritime.org

Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours. 0800 658 058, awesomenz.com

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

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 Aotea Square Markets shops, cafés and restaurants. Every Friday and Saturday at Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ Whale & Dolphin Safari fashion labels, retro gear, foods, See whales and dolphins from Pacific-style crafts, jewellery Auckland’s doorstep. The and furniture, Hauraki Gulf is considered one 09 309 2677, of the most biologically and 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

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PAIHIA DO

BARRIER DO

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

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

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

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.

CRASH PALACE 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

crashpalace.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, saltwaterlodge.co.nz YHA Paihia Cnr Kings and MacMurray Rds, Paihia,

@tnt_downunder 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

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.

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

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

Catch a ferry to Russell, originally a sprawling fortified Maori settlement.

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, natural walks at Otehei Bay or simply kick back and enjoy the island atmosphere.

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

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Cnr SH1 & Wharf Rd, Pukenui, 09 4098837, stay@pukenuilodge.co.nz

shekinah@ps.gen.nz

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

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

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

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. Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230. Sunseeker Lodge (BBH) Old Hospital Rd, 09 405 0496, sunseekerlodge.co.nz

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

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

KAITAIA DO

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

Solcape Accommodation Centre (BBH) 611 Wainui Rd, 07 825 8268

DOC Office Level 5, Rostrevor St.

HAMILTON STAY Colts n Fillies (BBH) 37 Smith Rd, Karamu, 07 825 9809, ktt.co.nz

TREK GLOBAL 9 O’Reily Ave, Wellington. Dorms from $18 This fresh, fun and friendly backpackers in located in the hub of Wellington City. Plus it has its very own party planner!

Wellington

Ancient Kauri Kingdom Giant kauri tree stumps are fashioned into furniture and other trinkets. Far North Regional Museum Featuring all kinds of goodies, like the skeleton of a giant moa bird and salvages from local shipwrecks. Pack or Paddle Thoms Landing, 09 4098 445, packorpaddle@hotmail.com

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.

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

YHA Ahipara Backpackers & Motor Camp 168-170 Takehe St, 09 409 4864, yha.co.nz

Dargaville Holiday Park (VIP) 10 Onslow St, 09 439 8296, dargavilleholidaypark@xtra.co.nz

Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863 farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz

Kaihu Farm (BBH) RD6, Kaihu, 09 439 4004, kaihufarm@clear.net.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

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

trekglobal.net

The Greenhouse Hostel (BBH) 13 Portland St, 09 439 6342, m.stevens@clear.net.nz

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

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

Karioi Backpacker Lodge (VIP, BBH) & Raglan Surfing School 5 Whaanga Rd, Whale Bay, 07 825 7873, karioilodge.co.nz

Waikatoa Beach Lodge (BBH) 8 Centreway Rd, Sunset Beach, Port Waikato, 09 232 9961, sunsetbeach.co.nz

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

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

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.

Rural town famous for being turned OTOROHANGA into Hobbiton in those films – some Just 59km south of Hamilton, many of the set still stands. travellers use this small farming community as a base for visiting the Hobbiton Backpackers Waitomo Caves. 81 Arawa St, 07 888 9972, steve@hobbitonbackpackers.co.nz Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 26 Maniapoto St, otorohanga.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE

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

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

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

WAITOMO STAY

RAGLAN STAY Ewe Dream’Inn (BBH) 2458 State Highway 22, Glen Murray, 09 233 3144, glenmurray.net Raglan Backpackers & Waterfront Lodge (BBH) 6 Wi Neera St, 07 825 0515, raglanbackpackers.co.nz

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

WAITOMO DO

Karioi Backpacker Lodge (VIP, BBH) & Raglan Surfing School 5 Whaanga Rd, Whale Bay, 07 825 7873, karioilodge.co.nz

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

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NORTHISLAND 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

otorohanga.co.nz

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

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,

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

WAITOMO DO Dundle Hill Walk A two-day walk through native bush;

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

TE KUITI 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. Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077.

Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080. Tiffany’s Tearooms, Rora St, 07 878 7640

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

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).

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

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

MUST-VISIT

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

FOREST PARK 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.

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

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. The town of Matamata itself is famous for dairy farming, skydiving over the ranges and the Firth Tower, which was constructed in the 1880s to provide a lookout over the beautiful countryside.

Coromandel Information Centre Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598.

CORO STAY Anchor Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 448 Wharf Rd, 07 866 7992,

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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 Tidewater Tourist Park (YHA) 270 Tiki Rd, 07 866 8888, yha.co.nz Tui Lodge (BBH) 60 Whangapoua Rd, 07 866 8237, tuilodge@paradise.net.nz

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

WHANGAMATA A real surfie town, Whangamata has one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and a laidback atmosphere to match. Whangamata Info Centre 616 Port Rd, 07 865 8340 Southpacific Accommodation (BBH) Cnr Port Rd and Mayfair Avenue, 07 865 9580, thesouthpacific.co.nz Whangamata Backpackers Hostel (BBH) 227 Beverley Tce, 07 865 8323

WHITIANGA Whitianga, perched on pretty Mercury Bay, is the most popular stop-off point for travellers on the Coromandel. You can learn to make your very own bone carving, dive and surf to your heart’s content. Whitianga Information Centre 66 Albert St, 07 866 5555 Baywatch Backpackers (VIP) 22 The Esplanade, 07 866 5481, anchorage@ihug.co.nz Cathedral Cove Lodge Villas (VIP) 41 Harsant Ave, Hahei Beach, 07 866 3889. Cat’s Pyjamas Backpackers (BBH) 12 Albert St, 07 866 4663. Fernbird (BBH) 24 Harsant Ave, Hahei, 07 866 3080, fernbird@xtra.co.nz On the Beach Backpackers

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CAPTIVATING

WELLINGTON Arguably New Zealand’s coolest city, the capital Wellington boasts an enviable nightlife and cultural scene. It’s very easy to lose a day in the country’s best museum, Te Papa, while the interesting mix of government employees and bohemians that make up the local population make it an always lively place for a night out, especially in the area around Cuba Street. Don’t miss getting the cable car up to the botanic gardens for some spectacular views over the city.

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

NEW!

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

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NORTHISLAND Lodge (BBH, YHA) 46 Buffalo Beach Rd, 07 866 5380, yha.co.nz 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 either side of low tide you can dig a hole in the sand and sit in your very own thermal spa pool.

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

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

TAURANGA DO Butlers Swim With Dolphins 0508 288 537

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

the air here is special – it’s heavy with sulphur. You’ll smell it the moment you arrive. 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

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

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ROTORUA DO Agroventures Five adrenalin activities in one adventure park, including bungy jumping, sprint boats and a wind tunnel. 1335 Paradise Valley Rd. 07 357 4747, agroventures.co.nz Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body 07 345 3151 Kaitiaki Adventures Extreme whitewater activities. Sledging and rafting trips on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, 0800 338 736, kaitiaki.co.nz Off Road NZ Sprint car racing, Monster 4X4, 4WD Bush Safari and more. 07 332 5748, offroadnz.co.nz Polynesian Spa Historical hot mineral water bathing spa on the edge of Lake Rotorua. 07 348 1328, info@polynesianspa.co.nz Raftabout Whitewater rafting and sledging. 0800 723 822, raftabout.co.nz Skyline Skyrides Spectacular Get the best views and luge down 5km of tracks, or take the 150ft skyswing. 07 347 0027, skylineskyrides.co.nz Waikite Hot Pools Natural hot spring water bathing. Provides private spas, BBQ area and campground facilities, 20 minutes south of

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Rotorua. 07 333 1861

07 377 0044, go-global.co.nz

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

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

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

Sunset Lodge (BBH) 27 Tremain Ave, 07 378 5962, info@sunsetlodgetaupo.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 Rotoiti Tours 0800 476 864 Tamaki Maori Village New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience! Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Hinemaru St, 07 349 2099 tamakimaorivillage.co.nz

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

LAKE TAUPO 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) 20 Taniwha St, 07 378 9292, blackcurrantbackpackers@xtra. co.nz Rainbow Lodge (BBH) 133 Summers St, 08 9227-1818, rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz Finns Global Backpackers (VIP) Cnr Tongariro & Tuwharetoa Sts,

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 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

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TURANGI STAY A Plus Backpackers (BBH) 41 Iwiheke Pl, Turangi, 07 386 89 79, makoto0305@xtra.co.nz Club Habitat Backpackers Assoc YHA 25 Ohuanga Rd, 07 386 7492, yha.co.nz Extreme Backpackers (BBH) 26 Ngawaka Place, 07 386 8949, extremebackpackers.co.nz Riverstone Backpackers (BBH) 222 Tautahanga Rd, 07 386 7004, riverstonebackpackers.com

TONGARIRO 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

RANGITIKEI The Rangitikei District is a top destination for adventure sports. Amongst stunning scenery, you can navigate grade five whitewater and take the leap of elasticated faith from an 80m bungy.

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

06 864 4694, eastcapefishing@xtra.co.nz

GISBORNE

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

The Stockmans Lodge (BBH) 9 Dixon Way, 06 388 1584, stockmanslodge@xtra.co.nz

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

River Valley Dorms 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

Opotiki Backpackers Beach House (BBH) 7 Appleton Rd, Waiotahi Beach, 07 315 5117, hangout@paradise.net.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 Zealand that has so much to offer that it can only be a matter of time before visitors begin to flock here.

OPOTIKI

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 Maraehako Bay Retreat (BBH) SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648. Mel’s Place (BBH) Onepoto Beach Rd, Hicks Bay,

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

WAIROA Wairoa is a large town, great as a stop-over before heading into the area’s main attraction: the gorgeous Te Urewera National Park. Wairoa Visitor Information Centre Queen St, 06 838 7440 Haere Mai Cottage (BBH) 49 Mitchell Rd, 06 838 6817 DOC office for hut bookings Lake Waikaremoana, 06 837 3900

NAPIER Napier is a beautiful, surprising city.

WORD FROM THE STREET

Damian Hall, UK WHERE IN NZ HAVE YOU BEEN? I did a six-week circuit in a campervan. YOUR FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? Heck. In no particular order; canyoning and skydiving in Wanaka, the Nevis and Canyon Swing in Queenstown, Lord of the Rings tours in the same region, hiking in Mt Cook and Mt aspiring National Parks, the west coast in general. FAVOURITE NIGHT SPOT? Couldn’t tell you where how or who exactly, but definitely Wellington.

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NORTHISLAND Its “pleasing to the eye” status is actually the result of an enormous earthquake which meant the entire town had to be rebuilt.

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Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery. Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour.

CHECK IN!

Wanganui Information Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 349 0508, info@wanganui.govt.nz

Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911 Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

Department of Conservation Office Cnr Ingestre and St Hill Sts, 06 345 2402

NAPIER STAY Aqua Lodge (BBH) 53 Nelson Cres, 06 835 4523, aquaback@inhb.co.nz Criterion Art Deco Backpackers (VIP, Roamfree) 48 Emerson St, 06 835 2059, criterionartdeco.co.nz Napier Prison Backpackers (BBH) 55 Coote Rd, 06 835 9933, getnicked@napierprison.com

PALMERSTON NTH

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

MOKAU Palm House Backpackers (BBH) 06 835 7039, taranaki-bakpak.co.nz

HASTINGS

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

Department of Conservation 220 Devon St West, 06 758 0433

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

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

The Rotten Apple Backpackers (BBH) 114 Heretaunga St, 06 878 4363, rottenapple.co.nz Travellers Lodge Hastings (BBH) 608 St Aubyn St, West Hastings, 06 878 7108, tlodge.co.nz

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

MASTERTON Home to the impressive Queen 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.

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.

PLYMOUTH STAY

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

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

Stratford Information Centre Broadway Stratford (State Hwy 3), 06 765 6708, stratford@info.stratford.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, taracoastal@hotmail.com

MT TARANAKI

Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 350 9700 Grandma’s Place (BBH) 146 Grey St, 06 358 6928, ak1@clear.net.nz

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

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

Palmerston North Visitor Centre The Square, 0800 626 292, palmerstonnorth@i-site.org

CAMBRIDGE HOTEL

Waterfront Lodge & Backpackers (BBH) 217 Marine Pd, 06 835 3429, napierwaterfront.co.nz YHA Napier 277 Marine Parade, 06 835 7039, yha.co.nz

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

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

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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 every 10 minutes past Kelburn Park to the Botanic Gardens, 04 472 2199 Cosmic Corner Funk Store The funkiest store in the universe. Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff, who will happily point you in the right direction for parties, events and scenic spots. 215 Cuba St, 04 801 6970, funk@cosmiccorner.co.nz 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 of architecture, 04 471 9503 Te Papa – The National Museum Experience the earthquake simulation room, find out what the early settlers went through and visit Te Marae, Te Papa’s living modern marae. Free entry, Cable St, 04 381 7000, tepapa.govt.nz Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6750 Harbour cruises The harbour is a handsome thing and the best way to fully appreciate its beauty is by boat. Wellington Rover Tours Small group day tours exploring

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MUST-VISIT

Kate Lam, Malaysia Where in NZ have you been? I’ve been in NZ for seven months. I’ve seen most of the South Island and am heading to the North very soon. your favourite day spot? There are plenty. Fox Glacier, skydiving, Mount Cook National Park. Favourite night spot? By Lake Tekapo. Sitting next to the Good Shepherd church for the star-gazing. what is on the wish-list? I wish I could go to Tongariro for the white winter crossing.

Taupo For those who come to New Zealand simply for a taste of the extreme sports, then Taupo is a town that you cannot pass by. Almost everything that New Zealand is famous for can be done in this area: skydiving, bungy jumping and whitewater rafting. It’s even within reach of the North Island’s ski fields. Skydiving prices are very competitive here, and arguably one of the best places to take the leap in New Zealand. Some of the best activities in Taupo are free though, so make a point of heading out to Huka Falls to witness the torrent of impossible blue rapids followed by a warming dip in the Spa Park Hot Spring. It’s near the start of the Huka Falls Walkway and is also free. Taupo Lake is the main feature of the town and is great for swimming in key locations. Other than Hot Water Beach and several geothermal spots though, the lake is notoriously chilly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

River Inn (BBH) Golden Bay. 03 525 9425

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

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

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

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

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

takaka

marlborough

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

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

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

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

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

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

picton stay

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. 03 366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Haka Lodge 518 Linwood Ave. 03 980 4252 hakalodge.com

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ZIptrek Eco-tours Queenstown Suspended high above the ancient forests and jagged mountain peaks, a ZipTrek eco-tour is simply a must-do activity when visiting New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. With two seperate tours:the four-line Moa and the six-line Kea ZipTrek offer you a ropes-course experience like no other. The Kea Tour is a three-hour, high-velocity 6-line adventure that includes a stunning 20-minute guided trek along a new extension of the local ‘Tiki Trail’, an ancient native Beech forest along aerial tree-platforms. While the Moa is basically a series of death-defying flying fox runs through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. ZipTrek is also 100 per cent eco-friendly and takes great pride in keeping the pristine natural environment unharmed by any of its operational activity. Check ZipTrek’s website: ziptrek.com/queenstown-new-zealand for more details and experience the ride of your life.

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

Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch to Akaroa buses. 0800 500 929

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

Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

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

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

methven Methven is a small, friendly town popular with fishermen, hunters and backpackers. The area provides a variety of adrenalin thrills, including hot air ballooning, bungy jumping and skydiving. Mt Hutt also has the longest ski run in Australasia. 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 (BBH) 24 Evans St. 03 688 8795 Old Bank Backpackers 232 Stafford St. 03 684 4392 Timaru Backpackers 44 Evans St. 03 684 5067 Toru Toru Wha Backpackers 334 Stafford St. 03 684 4729

geraldine As well as a wonderful old movie theatre and whitewater rafting on the Rangitata River, visiting the mighty Emily Falls is recommended. Geraldine Information Centre Talbot Street, 03 693 1006 4x4 New Zealand Wilderness adventures and The Lord of the Rings tours, 03 693 7254, 4x4newzealand.co.nz Rangitata Rafts Peel Forest, 0800 251 251 Rawhiti Backpackers (BBH) 27 Hewlings St. 03 693 8252 rawhitibackpackers.co.nz/

fairlie Mt Dobson Ski Area, 03 685 8039, dobson.co.nz 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

@tnt_downunder The Cook Connection Day trips to Mt Cook from Tekapo. Ph: 021 583 211, cookconnect.co.nz

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

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

karamea Karamea contains pleasant walks, interesting caves and the Oparara River, a great trout fishing spot. Walk along the wonderful Fernian Track or, try the more challenging hike up Mt Stormy. Karamea Information Centre Bridge St, 03 782 6652 Rongo (BBH) 03 782 6667, rongo@actrix.co.nz

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

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Basils Hostel (VIP) 54 Russell St. 03 789 6410, basils.backpackers@xtra.co.nz Beaconstone (BBH) Birds Ferry Road, Charleston. 03 715 5760 Berlins Café & Lodgings (BBH) 1205 Lower Buller Gorge, Inangahua Junction. 03 789 0295, info@xtremeadventures.co.nz Pounamu Backpackers (BBH) Section 406, S H’way 6m Charleston. 03 789 8011, paulhoney@xtra.co.nz Robyn’s Nest Hostel 42 Romilly St. 03 789 6565, robyns.nest@xtra.co.nz Swaines (BBH) Inangahua Landing Bridge, Highway 69, Inangahua Jnctn. 03 789 0226, cathy.swaine@gmail.com TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Highway 67, Hector. 03 782 8333

paparoa np This park is home to the amazing Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. These are a series of eroded limestone rocks moulded into what appears to be a giant stack of pancakes.

Visitor Information Punakaiki 03 731 1895 Barrytown Knife Making 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown, 03 731 1053, barrytownknifemaking.com

paparoa stay Punakaiki Beach Hostel (BBH) 4 Webb St. 03 731 1852, punakaikibeachhostel.co.nz Te Nikau Retreat (BBH, YHA) 03 731 1111, tenikauretreat.co.nz All Nations Hotel & Backpackers (VIP) SH6, Barrytown. 03 731 1812, allnations@xtra.co.nz

greymouth The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Grey River. Highlights include the Monteith’s brewery tour, as well as aquatic activities like rafting and canyoning. Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101 TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every

morning. 0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

greymouth stay The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Duke Backpackers (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470 Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, 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

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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

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

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southisland franz josef The glacier is about 12km long and offers a wide variety of challenging activities. To get the ultimate perspective on the magnitude of Franz Josef, head for Sentinel Rock, which gives a sweeping view over both the Waiho Valley and the mighty glacier. DOC Visitors Information Centre Westland National Park, Hwy 6, 03 752 0796

franz stay Black Sheep (VIP) SH 6, 03 752 0007 Chateau Franz (VIP, BBH) 8-10 Cron St, 0800 728 372, chateaufranz.co.nz Glow Worm Cottages (BBH) 27 Cron St, 0800 151 027, budgetaccommodation.co.nz

fox stay Fox Glacier Inn 03 751 0088 Ivory Towers (BBH) 03 751 0838, ivorytowerslodge.co.nz

fox do Fox Glacier Guiding Guided walks and heli-hikes on the FoxGlacier. 0800 111 600, foxguides.co.nz Glacier Country Kayaks 20 Cron St, 0800 423 262, glacierkayaks.com Skydive NZ: Fox Glacier 0800 751 0080, skydivingnz.co.nz

haast pass

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

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.

Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346

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

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

Haast Highway Accommodation Marks Rd, 03 750 0703

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

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

Glacier Country Kayaks Explore the glaciers from the water 03 752 0230, glacierkayaks.com

The top of your chest will quickly get sore as the South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery becomes more prevalent. From the adrenalin thrills of Queenstown to the achingly beautiful Milford Sound, there’s never a dull moment down south. Stop frequently, take deep breaths and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Skydive Franz At 18,000ft, they currently offer NZ’s highest skydive. 0800 458 677, skydivefranz.co.nz

Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Info Centre Cnr Ballantyne Rd & Ardmore St, 03 443 8372

Franz Josef Glacier Guides Guided walks and heli-hikes on the Franz Josef Glacier 0800 484 337, franzjosefglacier.com

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

southland

lake wanaka The cosy town and its crystal-clear waters which reflect the dramatic landscape is the gateway to Mount Aspiring Park. The World Heritage area has magnificent tramping and mountaineering. Lake Wanaka boasts almost as many adrenalin-tastic 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 hairy-footed hobbits, there are great Lord of the Rings tours, too.

BOOK NOW! Lake Wanaka Visitors Centre The Log Cabin, Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street. 03 4431 1233

wanaka stay Albert Town Lodge (BBH) Cnr SH6 and Kingston St, Albert Town, 03 443 9487, alberttownlodge.co.nz Holly’s Backpackers (BBH) 71 Upton St, 03 443 8187, hollys@xtra.co.nz Mountain View Backpackers (BBH) 7 Russell St, 0800 112 201, stay@mtnview.co.nz The Purple Cow (BBH) 94 Brownston St, 03 443 1880, purplecow.co.nz Wanaka Bakpaka (BBH) 117 Lakeside Rd, 03 443 7837, wanakabakpaka@xtra.co.nz YHA Wanaka 181 Upton St, 03 443 7405, yha.co.nz

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

Wanaka Sightseeing Includes Lord of the Rings tours, 2 Anderson Rd, 03 338 0982, wanakasightseeing.co.nz

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

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) Queenstown’s best value accommodation. We offer an excellent variety of accommodation, everything from deluxe en-suite rooms with private bathroom amenities, inexpensive double and twin rooms, dorm beds and self-contained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz

queenstown

Resort Lodge (BBH) 6 Henry St. 03 442 4970, resortlodge.co.nz

lake hawea

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.

Scallywags Traveller’s Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent. 03 442 7083

Info & Track Walking Centre 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708

YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. 03 442 7400, yha.co.nz

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 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

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

Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. 03 442 6367, butterfli.co.nz

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

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

Treble Cone Ski Field 03 443 7443, treblecone.co.nz Wanaka Rock Climbing One, three and five-day rock climbing courses for everyone. 03 443 6411, wanakarock.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise from Wanaka, 03 443-8787, f lightseeing.co.nz

Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. 03 442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

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 Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade. 03 442 8413, yha.co.nz

q’town do There are hundreds of activities to keep you occupied in Queenstown. Bungy, jetboating and rafting are all experiences not to be missed, and in winter, skiing the Remarkables is a must. To really appreciate the beauty of the region, take a scenic flight, or even jump out the plane. AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown Jump off one or all of New Zealand’s most well-known sites. Nevis Highwire Bungy, the highest in New Zealand – 134m above the Nevis River. The Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first bungy – 43m above the Kawarau River. The 47m Ledge, 400m above the town which you can jump day or night. Access is by Skyline Gondola. 0800 286 4958 bungy.co.nz Awesome Foursome Bungy (Nevis – 134m), jetboat, helicopter, whitewater rafting, 03 442 7318 Dart River Safaris Jetboating wilderness tours, 0800 327 8538, dartriver.co.nz Fat Tyre Adventure Mountain biking/heli biking, 0800 328 897, fat-tyre.co.nz

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

Fergburger Best burgers in NZ. Shotover St, 03 441 1232

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

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

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

te anau Home to the second largest lake in NZ, Te Anau is a beautiful little town, a good jumping off point for the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. The park is the largest in New Zealand and offers some spectacular sightseeing. The Milford Track is one of the most famous in the world, but often booked out. The Routeburn, ReesDart and Kepler are ace alternatives. doc.govt.nz Fiordland I-site Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 03 249 8900 Department of Conservation 03 249 8514 Te Anau Glowworm Caves realjourneys.co.nz

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

Rosies Backpacker Homestay (BBH) 23 Tom Plato Drive, 03 249 8431, backpack@paradise.net.nz

Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503

Steamers Beach Backpackers (BBH) 77 Manapouri Rd, 03 249 7457, teanau.info

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

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers (BBH) 48 Lakefront Dr, 03 249 7713, teanaubackpackers.co.nz

te anau do

Top Line Tours Coach to and from Te Anau and Queenstown, 03 249 8059

Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500

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

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

Fiordland Ecology Holidays 3-10 day cruises, all Southern Fiords. Mammal watching permit, 0800 249 660, fiordland.gen.nz High Ride Adventures Quad riding and scenic horse trekking. 03 249 8591, highride.co.nz Luxmore Jet Jetboating on the Waiau River, 0800 253 826, luxmorejet.co.nz Real Journeys Doubtful Sound daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. Milford Sound daytime, overnight

DON’T MISS

abel tasman National Park Although this is the smallest of the many national parks in New Zealand, it is ideally located right at the top of the South Island which gives it a tempered climate all year round. There is a world famous coastal track to leisurely walk and plenty of golden sandy beaches along the way to explore or stop at for a refreshing dip. If you are looking to avoid the human species in your search for New Zealand wildlife, then there is a less frequented inland track. Sea kayaking and sailing are popular past times and sometimes may be the only way to reach a secluded beach obscured by the many magnificent granite outcrops.

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335 Trafalgar Sq, Nelson. Dorms from $20 Simply one of the best spots to stay in the centre of beautiful Nelson, this lovely old building is a great place for a base camp.

Nelson

accentsonthepark.co.nz

scenic, nature and small boat cruises. 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Milford Track Day Walk Lake cruise and guided walk, 0800 656 501

Kiwi Reel Rifle Guided fishing & hunting. Kayaking on Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound. Rental kayaks and mountain bikes, 03 249 9071

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

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

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

Milford Sound Cruise & Observatory Visit 0800 656 501

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

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

Milford Wanderer Cruises Day and overnight options with kayaking, etc. Coach connections, 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Tawaki Dive See Fiordland’s unique marine life on a day-trip with two guided dives in Milford Sound. Rental gear available, max four divers. 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks and cycling. realjourneys.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise, 0800 105 105, flightseeing.co.nz 

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

Real Journeys 0800 656 501, reservations@realjourneys.co.nz Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445

Manapouri Lakeview Backpackers (VIP) 68 Cathedral Drive, 03 249 6652, manapouri@clear.net.nz

Dustez Bak Paka’s (BBH) 15 Colac Bay Rd, Riverton, 03 234-8399 dustez@xtra.co.nz

Possum Lodge (BBH) 13 Murrel Ave, 03 249 6623.

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

doubtful sound

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

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.

Accents on the park

manapouri stay Freestone Backpackers (BBH) 270 Hillside Rd, 03 249 6893, freestone@xtra.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

Shooters Backpackers 73 Main St, Tuatapere, 03 226 6250

gore

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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.

Real Journeys Daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. 0800 656 502

Gore spans the Mataura river and boasts some lovely scenery in the Hokonui Hills and the Country and Western festival each June.

Fiordland Navigator Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 03 249 6602, yha.co.nz

Old Fire Station Backpackers (BBH) 19 Hokonui Dr, Dept of Conservation Office 03 208 1925, 77 Stuart St, oldfirestation@ispnz.co.nz 03 477 0677

Deep Cove Hostel Doubtful Sound, 03 249 7713, hostel.co.nz

Anglem House 20 Miro Crescent, 03 219 1552, yha.co.nz

invercargill The southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill is a farmingorientated community with a pleasant collection of parks and museums to keep you busy. Invercargill I-site Visitors Centre 108 Gala St, 03 214 6243 Dept of Conservation Office Don St, 03 214 4589 Catlins Coaster Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins with many stops to the main natural attractions and wildlife encounters. Farmstay options are available, 0800 304333, catlinscoaster.co.nz Stewart Island Flights Flights to Stewart Island, 03 218 9129, 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

the catlins

Dunedin Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300

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

dunedin stay The Asylum Lodge (BBH) 36 Russell Rd, Seacliff, 03 465 8123

The beautiful Catlins is a sprawling mass of bush, forest and rivers, stretching all the way from Waipapa Point in Southland to Nugget Point Bus Stop backpackers (BBH) in Otago. The best bit about the 252 Harrington Point Rd, Catlins is the abundance of wildlife. Portobello, 03 478 0330, backpacker@slingshot.co.nz Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, Chalet Backpackers (BBH) South Otago, 296 High St, 03 415 8371, 03 479 2075 info@catlins-nz.com Dunedin Central Backpackers Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours (BBH) 243 Moray Pl, Two-day camping trips, 03 477 9985, 0800 356 563, duncb_nz@yahoo.co.nz elmwildlifetours.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 74 Elm Row, catlins stay 03 477 3384 Blowhole Backpackers (BBH) 24 Main Rd, Owaka, 03 415 5635, catlinsbackpackers@xtra.co.nz

Hogwartz (BBH) 277 Rattray St, 03 474 1487, hogwartz@actrix.co.nz

Curio Bay Backpacker Accommodation (BBH) 501 Curio Bay Rd, 03 246 8797.

The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 54 Arthur St, 03 477 3384, jollypoacher@ihug.co.nz

The Falls Backpackers (BBH) Purakaunui Falls Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8724, sparx@es.co.nz Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834

southern scenic

The Split Level (BBH) 9 Waikawa Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8304, brianwayne@clear.net.nz

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

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

The Dubliner (BBH) 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 1896, andreas69@xtra.co.nz

Penguin Paradise Holiday Lodge (BBH) 612 Waikawa-Niagara Rd, Waikawa Village South Catlins,

Kiwis Nest (BBH) 597 George St, 03 471 9540. Leviathan Heritage Hotel 27 Queens Gardens, 0800 773 773, leviathan@xtra.co.nz Manor House (BBH) 28 Manor Place, 03 477 0484, manorhousebackpackers.co.nz On Top Backpackers (BBH) 12 Filleul St, cnr Moray Pl, 03 477 6121. Pennys Backpackers (BBH) 6 Stafford St, 03 477 6027, info@pennys.co.nz Queens Garden Backpackers (VIP) 42 Queens Garden, 03 479 2175, dunedinbackpackers@xtra.co.nz

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Ramsay Lodge (BBH) 60 Stafford St, 03 477 6313, ramsay.lodge@xtra.co.nz YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables 71 Stafford St, 03 474 1919, yha.co.nz

dunedin do

of Dunedin), 03 486 2654 Speights Brewery Heritage Tours 03 477 7697, speights.co.nz Royal Albatross Centre 03 478 0499, albatross.org.nz

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

otago peninsula

Cadbury World 280 Cumberland St, 0800 223 2879, cadbury.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.

Cosmic Corner Funk Store Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff about where to go for parties, events and the beautiful parts of New Zealand. 355 George St, 03 479 2949 Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk. Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz Parachute Experience Skydiving from a great height 03 489 4113, dropzone.com Sinclair Wetlands and Educational Centre Freedom or conducted walks over 5km of walkways. Backpacker and camping facilities. Rapid no 854 Clarendon/Berwick Rd (signposted on SH1 30km south

Billy Browns (BBH) 423 Aramoana Rd, Port Chalmers, 03 472 8323, billybrowns@actrix.co.nz McFarmers Backpackers (BBH) 774 Portobello Rd, Portobello, 02 5206 0640, mcfarmersbackpackers @hotmail.com

otago do Historic Fort Taiaroa An underground complex built in the 1880s, this fortified stronghold has been inhabited since earliest Maori settlement of the area. Tours available at the Visitor Centre. Fletcher House, Broad Bay, 03 478 0180 Larnach Castle Australasia’s only castle. The architecture is amazing and the intricate details (including a foyer ceiling that took nearly seven years to build) are breathtaking.

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

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

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

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

oamaru A charming little place noted for both its interesting collection of white granular limestone buildings and its large penguin population. Visitor Information Centre Thames St, 03 434 1656

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

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

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

The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

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

kurow Glenmac Farm Hostel (BBH) Gards Rd, 03 436 0200, glenmac@xtra.co.nz

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

stewart island

Empire Hotel (BBH) 13 Thames St, 03 434 3446, empirehotel@hotmail.com

The third major island of New Zealand, Stewart is home to wide array of wildlife and some good tramping. Much of Stewart Island is uninhabitable, not surprising given that the island contains 1,680km2 of thick, unrelenting bush.

Old Bones Backpackers (BBH) Rapid Number 468 Beach Rd, Kakanui, 03 434 8115, simon@oldbones.co.nz YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle Seasonal (open September/ October to May/June only). Corner of Reed and Cross Sts, 03 434 5008, yha.co.nz

DOC Stewart Island Visitor Centre Main Rd, Half Moon Bay, 03 219 0002

Swaggers Backpackers (BBH) 25 Wansbeck St, 03 434 9999, swaggers@es.co.nz

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

Real Journeys Stewart Island Ferry Services, Paterson Inlet cruises (including Ulva Island), village and bays tours, guided walks and rental services (motor scooters, mountain bikes and cars), realjourneys.co.nz

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Dunedin 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 it’s full of reminders of Scottish culture. Even the name ‘Dunedin’ comes from the Gaelic word for Edinburgh. It’s now a big student town plus has an abundance of fresh seafood and local wildlife, with sea lions, fur seals and penguins all being easily spotted along the Otago coastline.

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onwardsfiji nadi & west Aquarius Pacific Hotel +679 672 6000 Beach Escape Villas +679 672 4442, beachscape@ connect.com.fj Cathay Hotel +679 666 0566,

fiji4less.com

Horizon Beach Resort +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj

Coconut Bay Resort +679 666 6644 coconutbay_fiji2002@yahoo.com Korovou Eco Tour Resort +679 666 6644 korovoultk@connect.com.fj Kuata Resort +679 666 6644 Long Beach Backpackers Resort +679 666 6644 Manta Ray Island +679 672 6351 mantarayisland@connect.com.fj Nabua Lodge +679 666 9173 nabualodge@connect.com.fj Oarsmans Bay Lodge +679 672 2921 nacula@hotmail.com

Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel +679 666 1777, fiji4less.com

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

Smugglers Cove Beach Resort +679 672 6578, smugglers beachfiji.com

Wayalailai Island Resort +679 672 1377 wayalailai@connect.com.fj

Travellers Beach Resort +679 672 3322, beachvilla@connect.com.fj

White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

yasawa islands Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com

mamanuca isl Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com

BOOK NOW! Bounty Island Resort +679 666 6999, fiji-bounty.com Rau Kini’s Hostel +679 672 1959, rtkinihostel@connect.com.fj The Funky Fish Beach Resort +679 628 2333, funkyfishresort.com The Resort Walu Beach +679 665 1777, walubeach.com

coral coast

Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

suva Colonial Lodge +679 92 75248, sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz

Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com

Lami Lodge Backpackers +679 336 2240, volau@connect.com.fj

Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.com

Leleuvia Island Resort +679 331 9567, eleen@leleuvia. com

Pacific Safaris Club +679 345 0498, safariclub@connect.com.fj Rendezvous Dive Resort +679 628 4427, surfdivefiji.com Robinson Crusoe +679 629 1999, robinsoncrusoeislandfiji.com Seashell Cove Resort +679 670 6100, seashellresort.com Tabukula Beach Bungalows +679 650 0097, fiji4less.com The Uprising Beach Resort +679 345 2200, uprisingbeachresort.com

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

north viti levu Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

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Morrison’s Beach Cottagess +679 669 4516, tipple@connect.com.fj Safari Lodge Fijis +679 669 3333 safarilodge.com.fj Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

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 Nadelaiovalau, 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: Getty Images

ovalau island

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

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

CHECK IN!

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

Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.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

1 Oliver Street. Dorms from $35 The underground accommodation in Coober Pedy is an attraction in itself. Life in the rock is really the only way to escape the desert heat.

Coober Pedy

radekadownunder.com.au

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411 manlybackpackers.com.au Cammeray Gardens 66 Palmer St, North Sydney. 02 9954 9371 sydneyboardinghouse.com

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

Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills. 02 9261 1111

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

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach. 02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au

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

Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street. Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

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

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi. 02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

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

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

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

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

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

Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee. 02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au

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

Radeka Downunder

Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au

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

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

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

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

Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 yha.com.au

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

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

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

The Furnished Property Group 02 8669 3678, furnishedproperty.com.au

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

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley. 1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm. 04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

cairns stay Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au JJ’s Backpackers Hostel 11 Charles St. 07 4051 7642, jjsbackpackers.com NJOY Travellers Resort 141 Sheridan St. 1800 807 055, njoy.net.au Nomads Beach House 2 39 Sheridan St. 1800 229 228, nomadshostels.com Nomads Cairns 341 Lake St. 1800 737 736, nomadshostels.com Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

melbourne stay 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. 03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

Home Travellers Motel 32 Carlisle St, St Kilda. 1800 008 718, hometravellersmotel.com.au Hotel Bakpak Melbourne 167 Franklin St. 1800 645 200, hotelbakpak.com Melbourne Central YHA 562 Flinders St. 03 9621 2523, yha.com.au

Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St. 1800 811 250, geckolodge.com.au Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St. 1300 723 437, momdarwin.com Youth Shack 69 Mitchell St. 1300 793 302, youthshack.com.au

hobart stay Central City Backpackers 138 Collins St. 1800 811 507, centralbackpackers.com.au

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

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

Space Hotel 380 Russell St. 1800 670 611, spacehotel.com.au The Spencer 475 Spencer St. 1800 638 108, hotelspencer.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge. 08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au The Witch’s Hat 148 Palmerston St. 08 9228 4228, witchshat.com

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

tntdownunder.com

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totallytrivial

@tnt_downunder

who to blame

and what frightens them the most?

Acting Editor Andrew Westbrook [Monkeys]

Deputy ed

Hugh Radojev [Spiders]

rory platt [The Moa]

aussie Diving Scuba rules football quiz a) The Navy Seals b) Jacques Cousteau c) Emile Gagnan d) b and c

INTERN

TASH LEVY [Heights]

knives are mainly used for: Q 2.a)Dive Cutting ropes

Most surface waves are caused by? Q 3.a) Earthquakes

Tom Wheeler [Hermaphrodites]

account manager

Justin Steinlauf [People who use big words] marketing + events executive georgina pengelly [Doing work]

what we’re doing for Spring All this talking about adrenalin activities has got us keen for a visit to Queenstown – Fergburger anyone? Celebrating the ALl Blacks eleventh straight Bledisloe Cup win. gettin! There’s no prettier time to be in nZ than Spring, so we’re getting our tramp on

Q 4. The Rainbow Warrior is a famous NZ

wreck dive. In what year was it sunk? a) 1980 b) 1975 c) 1990 d) 1985

Q 5. ‘The bends’ are also known as what? a) Decompression sickness b) Diver’s ear c) Fake Plastic Trees d) Carson Disease

sudoku puzzle 6

scuba tank first called? a) Frank b) Submergible air bag c) Aqua-lung d) Mankini

3 8

Q 9. What was the

“Part-Time Model”

7 8

a) 1990 b) 1998 c) 1978 d) 1994

kiwi-ism

3 5

b) Spring c) Autumn d) Summer which year did Jacques Q 8. InCousteau die?

b) Wind gusts c) Motor boats d) Large birds

Business development

6. A submerged object that neither sinks nor floats is ‘what’ buoyant? a) Absolutely b) Positively c) Neutrally d) Negatively

season is best for NZ dives? Q 7.a)Which Winter

b) Underwater snacks c) Juggling d) Buddy death matches

Design & production Lisa Ferron [The boss/clowns]

is credited with inventing Q 1. Who modern diving equipment?

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

Intern

A woman who’s attractive, but not that attractive. From the Flight Of The Conchords song. “You’re so beautiful, you could be a part-time model, but you’d probably have to keep your normal job.”

tntdownunder.com

NZ100 PDF trivia.indd 66

29/08/13 10:41 PM

Fed up of carrying around heavy guidebooks? Then TNT has the answer tnt do wn un de r.co

We’ve published our 2013 Independent Traveller’s Guide to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. It’s free, it’s online and it’s full of tips on where to go, what to do and how to find work.

FIJI W ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA, NE

It’s also got listings for all the best hostels, tour companies and job agencies for all three countries, complete with links that will take you straight to their websites.

NT THE INDEPENDE

If you’re travelling on, there’s also sections on Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

ZEALAND & FI AUSTRALIA, NEW

To check it out, just head to tntdownunder.com and click the link on the right hand side.

UIDE TRAVELLERS' G JI

2013

A Product UK £9.95 WHERE SOLD

tntdownunder.com

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27/08/13 6:27 AM

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