TNT Magazine: New Zealand

Summer 2011-12 Issue 87 tntdownunder.com

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SCREAM CITY All action Auckland

CULTURE CLUB Meeting Rotorua’s Maoris

LAND’S END Exploring Stewart Island

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ANDREW WESTBROOK EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Hello and welcome to your new, jazzed-up TNT Magazine.

We’ve been working through the night, giving every page a fresh lick of paint, so we hope you like it. One thing we’ll be doing a lot more of from now on, as well as still offering stacks of travel tips, is providing much more info on gigs, festivals, sporting events, whatever is going on. So make sure you keep picking up TNT to avoid missing out. Happy travels!

THIS WEEK NZ DIARY TRAVEL

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COMPETITION

12

GOLDEN BACKPACKS

36

LISTINGS TRANSPORT

37

LISTINGS NTH ISLAND

42

LISTINGS STH ISLAND

54

LISTINGS TRAVELLING ON

65

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

66

FEATURES

8

SCREAM FOR AUCKLAND

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Embracing our suicidal tendencies as we check out the city’s thrilling activities

RED WINE STAINS

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Chatting to Ali Campbell about his split with UB40 and his upcoming NZ show

DIVE ANOTHER DAY

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A TNT reader tells us about dropping into Taupo... from 15,000ft

BEACHED AZ BRO

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We name New Zealand’s best eight beaches, leaving no sand unturned

HANGI-ING OUT

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Meeting Rotorua’s top geysers and getting to grips with the Maori culture

END OF THE WORLD

28

Getting marooned on the south’s Stewart Island – last stop before Antarctica

RISE AND SHINE

30

Getting a new perspective on Fiji as we go up, up and away in a hot air balloon

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NZDIARY EDITORIAL Editor Andrew Westbrook Staff writer Alex Harmon Editorial assistant Leigh Livingstone Contributors Matt Risley | Fraser Kidd | Anna Scrivenger

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All together now...

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Sales manager Tom Wheeler Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Gareth Maguire MARKETING & EVENTS Associate publisher Denise Jinks Marketing assistants Lea Pahne | Fanny Boutet

TNT MULTIMEDIA LTD CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Australasia general manager Vicky Harris PUBLISHER TNT Multimedia Limited PRINTED BY Rural Press PICTURES Getty Images | Thinkstock | TNT Images | Tourism New Zealand | Tourism Fiji TNT Magazine , 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008 tntdownunder.com General enquiries Phone +61 2 8332 7500 Fax +61 2 9690 1314 Email enquiries@tntdownunder.com SALES ENQUIRIES

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THE MAIN EVENT WAITANGI DAY [ACROSS NZ]

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Monday, February 6 is the public holiday known as Waitangi Day. This national day of celebration is held to commerorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which granted equal rights to the Maori people in 1840. The day is celebrated all over the country with music festivals, cultural events and a few BBQs thrown in for good measure. Get along to a local event in your area and share in the community spirit and good times.

FREE

February 6

BIG DAY OUT [AUCKLAND]

KIWIBURN 2012 [MANGAKINO]

ENDLESS SUMMER FESTIVAL

The Big Day Out is one of the biggest yearly music events in the southern hemisphere. A jam-packed day of musical mayhem spread over multiple stages. The lineup this year includes Noel Gallagher, Soundgarden, My Chemical Romance, Beastwars and Kasabian.

Kiwiburn is an annual “burning man” event similar to the one in the US. The idea is that the audience are participants. There are installations, performers and almost anything goes. No money is exchanged for anything at the event. Tix are “pay what you can”.

The Urupukapuka Island’s idyllic Otehei Bay is celebrating summer by hosting a series of concerts by original artists, cover bands and DJs. Transport is provided by Explore NZ, the ferry costs $40 return. Rock up and get your groove on, although booking is a good idea.

January 20 Mt Smart Stadium bigdayout.com

January 18-23 Whakamaru Domain kiwiburn.com

January 7-29 Otehei Bay oteheibay.co.nz

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There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. TNT Magazine does not assume responsibility for unsolicited submissions – material is sent at the owner’s risk. TNT Magazine accepts advertising material and other contributions in good faith, and takes no responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.

Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers.

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RAGGAMUFFIN MUSIC FESTIVAL [Rotorua]

The 5th annual NZ Raggamuffin Music Festival is expanding this year to cover two full days. It features some of the best home grown reggae acts, such as Katchafire, plus international reggae royalty like Sly and Robbie, Arrested Development, Billy Ocean and Ali Campbell’s UB40 (see p14 for an interview with him). This is the only Raggamuffin festival in the southern hemisphere this year so don’t miss it if you’re craving your dub fix. Tix start from $109. $109

January 27-28 Rotorua International Stadium

SUMMERDAZE FESTIVAL

DRAGON BOAT REGATTA

A month long festival with the signature celebration being the New Year’s Eve event.

Held on the lakefront in Queenstown and Wanaka with great lineups of music and fireworks. Also worth checking out is the kite festival in Queenstown.

Experience the colour, noise and up-close excitement of dragon boat racing in the ‘ice-breaker’ event. Plenty of free viewing from the grassy banks around the man-made lake at Pegasus Town. This start-of-the-season race is the one to watch.

Dec 31- Jan 31 Queenstown Lakes District summerdaze.co.nz

December 4 Christchurch aoraki-dragons.co.nz

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Photos: Getty

raggamuffin.co.nz

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Don‘t forget to strap yourself in...

Action stations Auckland might be sat upon a stunning, volcano-ringed harbour, but it’s also home to some scream-inducing adrenalin thrills WORDS ALEX HARMON & MATT RISLEY

The easy-going hustle and bustle of Auckland has a lot in common with Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Stay with me, I’m going somewhere with this. Like the District (and its workers), Auckland spreads itself far and wide and when visitors arrive in both, they tend to get stuck in one place, neglecting to explore the beauty and culture of the surrounding areas.

However, Auckland’s beauty, unlike the ‘beauty’ of the District’s, is not skin deep. (For the sake of my love life, I’d like to categorically state that I don’t believe the majority of Auckland’s female workers are ladies of the night – nor are you likely to leave the city with a debilitating sexual disease.)

The point is that it’s well worth exploring the surrounding areas of New Zealand’s main metropolis. Despite the seemingly obvious pitfalls of building a city within a bosom of volcanoes (surely Dante’s Peak should be on their curriculum?), Auckland is snuggled 8

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cosily within a radius of about 50 volcanic vents.

However, what Auckland’s town planners lacked in common sense, the city makes up for in great scenery.

Several of these mountainous uprisings are worth visiting. One Tree Hill and Mount Eden are two nearby mounds, both offering great views only a few minutes from the city.

For a cheap way to see the natural beauty of Auckland’s sprawling suburbs, head up there before dusk and watch the sun set into the water’s edge. It’s stunning. To truly appreciate Auckland though, you have to head off the mainland and onto its islands.

Rangitoto is Auckland’s most recent volcano, barely 600 years young, and its size, symmetry and dominance over the entrance to the harbour make it one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks.

A short ferry ride over and you’re faced with a land that time forgot.

Upon further inspection though, the

looming green mountain behind is ominously reminiscent of Lost. The strangest, yet most appealing thing, is the complete and utter lack of noise.

Due to the acidity of the soil, very few birds inhabit the island.

The next closest inhabitable Island is Waiheke. Locals talk about how much the place has changed in the last 10 years, with tales of a bourgeois elite battling hippies and backpackers to stake their claim on a treasured piece of land. Yet it’s barely touched and wonderfully reminiscent of a Mediterranean getaway.

Once you’ve got your fill of scenery, however, and are feeling suitably relaxed, there’s only one thing you can do – embrace your suicidal tendencies and take on one, or a few, of the many crazy, adrenalin-pumping activities that Auckland so thrives on. Afterall, you’ll never appreciate a view more than those few seconds before plunging ›› towards the ground...

JETBOATING

PARAGLIDING

WHAT: Jetboating in Viaduct Harbour, in the heart of downtown Auckland, is an adventure combining highspeed thrills with jetboat manoeuvres. These include 180 and 270° spins with sweeping turns, as you travel up to an exhilarating 85km per hour. 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 Auckland’s most famous and iconic landmarks.

WHERE: Viaduct Harbour HOW MUCH: $65 MORE INFO: aucklandjetboattours.co.nz

WHAT: Using just some light nylon and string, paragliding is as close as you’ll get to flying like a bird, soaring up to 5 or 10,000 feet above the earth. 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 HOW MUCH: From $110 MORE INFO: nzparagliding.com

CANYONING WHAT: For a day of adventure it’s hard to beat canyoning in Auckland. It’s like an outdoor playground. Imagine sliding, jumping, abseiling and falling 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 down natural hydro slides, abseiling-rappelling down mystical waterfalls and getting some airtime with the awesome jumps into deep crystal-clear pools. Or Sleeping God Canyon for the really adventurous, where you get vertical descent of over 300 metres down a steep set of waterfalls. It’s the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors while getting the blood pumping at a thousand beats per minute.

WHERE: Just outside of Auckland HOW MUCH: From $195 MORE INFO: canyonz.co.nz

BRIDGE BUNGY

SKY JUMP WHAT: So you’ve done the Sky Walk, well how do you feel about taking it to the next level and jumping? The Sky Jump is kind of like base jumping but you’re attached to a wire – just like a movie stuntman. You’re jumping off the highest tower in the southern hemisphere and you’ll fall very fast (about 85km per hour) for around 11 seconds and then come to a very smooth landing in the Sky City Plaza.

Smooth as bro.

WHERE: Auckland Sky Tower HOW MUCH: From $195 MORE INFO: skywalk.co.nz

WHAT: Bridge climb not thrilling enough? Well then, you should think about jumping off the bridge into the harbour. AJ Hackett has given the climb some danger by allowing you to walk out onto the sensationally-suspended retro ‘bungy pod’. There are a variety of bungy options available with the optional water dunk being the obvious favourite.

WHERE: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Waitamata Harbour HOW MUCH: $150 MORE INFO: bungy.co.nz

SKY WALK WHAT: Walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway around Auckland’s famous Sky Tower – 192 metres above the ground with no handrails and nothing but air on either side of you.

The Sky Tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and you are literally hanging by a thread as you do the walk. If you’re really daring, have a go at dangling over the edge.

WHERE: Auckland Sky Tower HOW MUCH: From $125 MORE INFO: skywalk.co.nz

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Take a dip in the harbour with the bridge bungy

BRIDGE CLIMB WHAT: Make like Spider-Man and climb Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. Taking 90 minutes, you’ll go up, through and over the bridge, reaching heights of 67 metres above the water.

Meanwhile you’ll learn the history of the bridge while looking over the glorious Auckland harbour.

WHERE: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Waitamata Harbour HOW MUCH: From $120 MORE INFO: aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz

SURFING

SKYDIVING

WHAT: It may be called the city of sails but Auckland also has some epic waves.

For good surf less than 50km from the city, head to Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on the west coast. The beaches of Auckland range from those with marbled white sands fringed by palm trees to the rugged black sands of the west coast with towering black cliffs and rainforests.

HOW MUCH: Free unless you want a surfing lesson .

Try Surf Tours for 1 to 12 day surf lesson safaris MORE INFO: newzealandsurftours.com

WHAT: Want to see Auckland from 14,000ft whist plummeting to the ground? Skydiving is the best way to see the awesome rugged west coast beaches, Auckland city and the islands in the Pacific Ocean whist floating to the ground strapped to an instructor. You can also learn how to skydive on your own if you really get a feel for it.

WHERE: Parakai Airfield, 35min out of Auckland HOW MUCH: From $295 MORE INFO: blueskiesskydiving.co.nz

DIVING

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Photos: Getty, Auckland Tourism, Tourism New Zealand, Gareth Eyres

WHAT: We reckon Goat Island is the best place to go diving when you’re staying in Auckland. Off the east coast in this massive outdoor aquarium you can snorkel or dive straight from the beach to see snapper, parore, sea urchins, crayfish and stingrays, and if you’re lucky, an orca or two.

WHERE: One hour north of Auckland HOW MUCH: From $255 MORE INFO: goatislanddive.co.nz

SAILING

ZORBING

WHAT: With numerous islands and sheltered anchorages, the Hauraki Gulf is the perfect spot for getting some wind through your hair. And as the former home of the Americas Cup, it attracts the world’s best sailors and most amazing super yachts from all over the world. If you don’t have the time or cash to charter a yacht, join one of the many sailing tours. You can even take the helm of an actual Americas Cup boat.

WHERE: Hauraki Gulf HOW MUCH: From $160 MORE INFO: explorenz.co.nz/sailnz

WHAT: 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.

WHERE: A day trip from Auckland down to the Agrodome near Rotorua HOW MUCH: From $30 MORE INFO: agrodome.co.nz

AUCKLAND MUSEUM NAU MAI HAERE MAI WELCOME

Auckland Museum is one of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere, renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures.

The Museum tells the story of New Zealand; from award-winning natural history exhibits to captivating interactive galleries. It is the only place in Auckland where you can experience a Maori cultural performance and take a guided tour of Maori treasures every day.

Mention this ad and receive 20% off when you purchase 3 experiences: -Maori cultural performance -Guided tour -Special exhibition Open daily 10am to 5pm. Admission by donation. $10 per adult is suggested, children are free.

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WIN

HOW TO ENTER

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

WIN THIS NORTH ISLAND THRILL-SEEKING ADVENTURE Here at TNT, T we’re well aware that no trip to New Zealand is complete without a healthy dose of scaring yourself stupid. Indeed, whether you’re throwing yourself off bridges or down rivers, you haven’t really experienced Aotearoa until you’ve tested your nerve with a scream-inducing stunt.

Which is why we’ve got together with our friends at Mokai Gravity Canyon and Mangaweka Adventure Co to offer two lucky readers an incredible adrenalin package in which they’ll get to enjoy, for free, all of the following hair-raising treats on the Rangitikei River, by Taihape.

If you win, you will be facing your fears by taking on the 80 metre bungy jump, which is the highest bridge bungy in New Zealand. You will also be freefalling 50 metres into the Mokai Canyon on the giant swing, plus riding the flying fox at speeds

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@tnt_downunder

of up to 160km/hr, for 1.1km. Not enough?

Well, you’ll also be able to get closer to the wet stuff with some whitewater rafting or kayaking.

THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING BUNGY JUMP: Two jumps valued at $179 each. CANYON SWING: Two swings valued at $159 each. FLYING FOX: Two rides valued at $155 each. RAFTING OR KAYAKING: valued at $95 each. HOODIES: Two, valued at $85 each. USB STICKS: Two, valued at $85 each.

Competition closes Sunday 29 January 2012.

Log on to tntdownunder.com for further details and to enter.

worth over

$1,500

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MUSICFOCUS

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True to his roots The former UB40 frontman talks about why the band split up, why he loves reggae and the health benefits of drinking...

INTERVIEW ALEX HARMON

Ali Campbell seems to get better with age. I hate to say it but he matures like a bottle of fine red wine. With a career in music that spans over 30 years and over 70 million records sold with UB40 alone, Campbell has proved to the world that white men really can make reggae music.

"I was born in the 60s and all of my friends were Jamaican or West Indian in the area I lived, so the music of the streets was reggae," Campbell explains. "It was a time when rocksteady was becoming reggae and when I was 10 years old, I bought African Herbsman by Bob Marley and the Wailers and that was my greatest possession. I was wandering around with that in my arms, I wasn’t a normal kid."

This abnormal upbringing in the south of Birmingham, the "wrong side of the tracks" as he points out, introduced Campbell to these musical roots. It's this passion for reggae that lives on in his music today. And not just his own, he feels reggae has helped shape music for the past 50 years.

"All of your contemporary pop music is influenced by dub and all of the music that comes from dub originates from reggae really. Like rap, which comes from coasting, which comes from reggae. You know it’s ridiculous, it is the most influential music at the moment, just listen to J-Lo." With UB40, Campbell notched up more than 50 chart hits, including "Red, Red Wine", "I Got You Babe" and "Kingston Town". Now with a successful solo career he is bringing his new band, the Dep Band, to New Zealand where he promises to play a mix of his old covers and promote his new album – "which is again, an album of covers! It’s kind of synonymous to reggae music, covering other people’s stuff. And the new album has covers of the Beatles, The Who, The Stones, The Kinks. Basically I will be performing a show of hits."

It's these hits that he would like to be remembered by, but unfortunately, the messy split with UB40 in 2008 still creeps up into the headlines. It was just last month that a judge declared four members of the original band bankrupt.

Campbell, who made the bold choice to jump ship, saved himself from this demise. He calls the split "acrimonious" but with hindsight comes a sense of smugness.

"It's not like I didn’t tell them. I was saying that I wasn’t happy with the way the band was being managed. Well, I was right."

It's this integrity and razor-sharp instinct that makes Campbell a respected figure in an industry so focused on money. "I’ve just been getting on with it and doing what I’m doing and that is promoting reggae and promoting dub."

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Which is exactly what he'll be doing, spreading the reggae message to the world. "The last gig I did with UB40 was in Uganda and it was really weird because there was about 35,000 people there and they knew every lyric."

“

It's not like I didn't tell them [UB40]. Well, I was right

”

And does he still love red wine? "I do very much. What red wine does is it loosens the platelets in the back of your arteries. So as long as you don’t drink in excess and you have a couple of glasses of good Rioja or something like that, two of them every day, then you won’t have a heart attack." ❚ Ali Campbell plays the Raggamuffin Festival in Rotorua (Jan 27-28), alongside the likes of Sly & Robbie, Marvin Priest and Billy Ocean. raggamuffin.com.nz

Yeah, still got it...

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HOTSHOTS

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WINNER KING OF THE CASTLE Jill Quivooy, 27, Australia

JILL SAYS “This photo was taken in Santorini at Ioa of a stray dog enjoying the magnificent Greek island view.”

RUNNER-UP FIRE OF THE GODS Mike Saddler, 26, Scotland MIKE SAYS “I took this picture of the sunset over the Murray River near Barmera in South Australia. The sky colour was really intense due to the ash cloud from the Puyehue Volcano in Chile.”

RUNNER-UP

WINNER

HOT TIPS: Getting punch MANIPULATING COLOUR When altering the colours of your images, you must keep in mind that it will change the whole feel of the shot. Whether you want to oversaturate the colours to make them stand out, or add a colour wash, keep in mind that often the photograph will look digitally enhanced. It is hard to get these effects without playing around in some way after the shot has been taken. You can always indulge (I say “indulge”, as it will be more expensive) in some film – as opposed to digital – photography that will give you all sorts of effects in-camera. Trendy photo cults such as Lomo Photography aim to create burnt-in edges and distorted colours.

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THE WINNER GETS TWO NORTHLAND TOURS Jill wins a Total Northland Pass for her and a friend from Magic Travellers Network (magicbus.co.nz), while runner-up Mike wins a Rough Guides (roughguides.com) book of his choice, sent to an Australian or New Zealand address. 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 travel@tntdownunder.com

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TRAVELTIPS

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ON THE ROAD WITH TRAVEL

TALK JENNY AYRE 21, UK

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

WE ANSWER YOUR TRAVEL QUESTIONS

are New Zealand’s best dive Q Where spots? Peter Duncan, USA

are some of the areas you’d Q Where suggest to go tramping in New Zealand? Rachel Adams, Scotland

question. New Zealand doesn’t A Good exactly spring to mind when you think about the world’s best diving spots, but there are certainly some amazing wonders to be found below the surface. If you want to see first-hand some of the country’s most diverse range of sea life, including subtropical species found nowhere else in the world, then head to the Poor Knights Islands (rated as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites by Jacques Cousteau). They’re about 25km (or an hour on a dive boat) east of the coast of Northland’s Tutukaka. As well as striking underwater landscapes, waters north and south of the reserve are home to HMNZS Tui and Waikato, two navy wrecks scuttled for your diving pleasure. Make sure you check out White Island, it’s home to New Zealand’s most active volcano. It is a dramatic place, all hissing gasses, bubbling pools and streaming craters, about 50km from the North Island shore. Another favourite is Goat Island, which is located northeast of Auckland, It is like one giant natural aquarium full of plentiful and tame locals, plus lots of caves to explore and if you’re lucky you’ll see bottlenose dolphins. If you’re really lucky you may even get a glimpse of one of the orcas that sometimes visit. But if you’re after a really unique diving experience, head to the South Island’s west coast and the chilly waters of Fiordland, especially in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Keep your eyes peeled here for fur seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Winter is considered the best time to dive here by the locals with calmer skies making the water clearer.

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you know of another country more A Ifsuited to hiking than New Zealand, please enlighten us. Between an almost embarassing wealth of dashing scenery and a highlyorganised network of tracks, the country really is a hiker’s dream. Most famous are the nine Great Walks, which take several days, meaning you have to overnight in huts along the route.

These are without doubt the best way to really get away from it all and make the most of the Kiwi landscape. Fiordland, on South Island, probably boasts the pick of the bunch, like the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks. But if that all sounds a bit too intense, fear not as there’s plenty of excellent day tramps. Most popular is the dramatic Tongariro Crossing, just south of Taupo, while the Abel Tasman National Park also has some stunning treks. Rangitoto, an extinct island volcano in Auckland harbour, is also very popular and accessible, while South Island’s Mt Cook region is a must-see. The Copland Pass is one of the country’s most well-known alpine crossings. It’s a high-altitude tramp from Mt Cook National Park to the west coast with a night spent soaking at Welcome Flat thermal springs along the way. This crossing is quite dangerous and only for the most experienced and fittest of hikers. Otherwise, there are lots of other guided tramps you can go on which often offer large comfortable lodges at the end of the day, good food and other amenities that you won’t get if you go at it solo. Plus there’s also the security of having a guide who has done it all before. Happy hiking!

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN IN NZ? Everywhere, all over both islands.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COME TO NZ? To follow the Rugby World Cup and support my team WHERE IS YOUR FAVE DAY SPOT? Taupo. It’s a really nice place to chill by the lake or hire scooters and explore the town.

FAVE NIGHT SPOT? Queenstown is always a good night out.

PLACE YOU’D GO BACK TO? Wellington. I didn’t get to spend much time there at all.

DONE ANYTHING CRAZY? Skydived, swam with 500 dolphins, climbed a glacier. I’ve done everything except bungy jumping.

ANY SURPRISES? How proud everyone is of their Maori heritage. It’s very different to Australia.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP? Skydiving. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE

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Each month our fave interview WINS a four-day Conservation Volunteers New Zealand experience. Email: travel@tntdownunder.com

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TRAVELLERSTALE FALLING FOR TAUPO

English lass JENNY AYRE discovered that Taupo is one of the most underrated places in New Zealand.

She did this by getting over it.

In fact, 15,000 feet over it...

I arrived in Taupo excited to jump out of a plane, but not expecting much else from the small, lakeside town.

As with most places in New Zealand, Taupo is steeped in Maori myth and legend. The lake itself is the crater of a dormant volcano, but big enough to fit all of Singapore in it.

Driving down the hill towards the glittering Lake Taupo, I was struck by the beauty of the place. Like so much of New Zealand it is a place of contrasts; a serene lake overlooked by intimidating mountains, most famously Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Almost immediately after getting off the bus and checking into the hostel, myself and five others were being bundled into a minivan and driven to 20

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an airfield, ready to jump out of a small plane at 15,000ft.

I will admit I was slightly nervous to sign a disclosure against my death, and being told to pay after the jump, meaning it’s free if I don’t survive!

Always nice to know.

At this point there were a few thoughts along the lines of “why am I doing this?” going through my head.

My group were all dressed in bright red jumpsuits, not a fashion I expect to catch on any time soon, and partnered up with the pros. Then we all got into the plane, sandwiched up against each other and took off.

The flight was quite calm, I was busy looking out of the window, so almost forgot to put on the oxygen mask you need to breathe at altitude. Luckily the man I was strapped to wasn’t as forgetful. After about 20 minutes we got to the 15,000 feet we were jumping at and the door opened.

I was the first one out, so shuffled to

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the open door, second thoughts racing through my head. The photographer was hanging to the outside of the plane, ready to jump. I was expecting a countdown before jumping, so was more than a bit shocked to be suddenly plummeting towards the ground.

As soon as the shock passed, I started to enjoy it. I was turned upside down and saw the next person jump.

I was spun around in circles to see the whole view, the lake, the mountains.

It was a bit like being on a rollercoaster, but thousands of feet up in the air.

I had been ignoring the photographer up to this point, but then realised how he managed to almost fly around us, moving from above to below almost effortlessly.

Then the parachute was opened and I had plenty of time to admire the view on the leisurely descent towards Earth.

Skydiving is not the only amazing thing Taupo has to offer. As far as nightlife goes it is a good night out.

The Base bar is a fun place to start, and the numerous Irish bars are always busy. However one of my favorite activities in Taupo were the hot pools by the river. About 20 minutes outside of the town there is a spot where geothermal hot pools boil away next to the cold river, making it a lush place to swim, paddle or just relax with a cheeky drink or two.

I would recommend Taupo to everyone, after all, a trip to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a death defying fall from a plane and I reckon that Taupo’s the best place to do it!

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SUMMERLOVING

Life’s a beach With New Zealand’s summer sun finally beating down, we decided it was time to share the list of our eight favourite Kiwi beaches WORDS LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

Glaciers, bungy jumping, even hobbits perhaps? These are probably the sort of things that first made you ponder a trip all the way to New Zealand. Beaches were probably not even near the top of your list. But, in a land as blessed with staggering natural beauty and geological oddities as New Zealand, it should come as no surprise that there’s also no shortage of stunning sandy bits to help you soak up some of that summer sun.

Whether you’re hoping to just lie back and relax in a scene taken straight from a postcard or meet some of the country’s friendlier creatures, you’ll find a wealth of options.

So, here, after much debate, are our favourite eight.

HOT WATER BEACH COROMANDEL This is perhaps one of the only New Zealand beaches that can be comfortably enjoyed all year round. Hot Water Beach is a popular geothermal attraction located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Waikato region of the North Island. It is aptly named because digging a moderately sized hole in the sand near the rocks at the southern end of this beach will reveal naturally heated mineral water from a volcano’s underground reservoir.

The best time to make your own personal hot tub in the sand is two hours either side of low tide. Take care when jumping in though, as the water can reach up to 64°C when released from its underground fissures. Once the hot water bubbles to the surface, visitors can enjoy lying in their very own beach side pool. It’s a relaxing end to the day after a comparatively cool swim in the ocean.

PIHA BEACH WAITAKERE Piha Beach, located on the west coast of the North Island, is arguably New Zealand’s best surf beach because of its large swells. It is also credited with being the birthplace of NZ board riding in 1958. Many national and international surfing competitions have taken place there over the years.

Besides the crunchy black sand found on many west coast beaches, due to nearby volcanic eruptions, and ideal surf conditions, Piha Beach’s defining feature is the 101 metre high Lion Rock. This impressive monolith resembles a seated

lion staring out towards the sea and his ‘shoulder’, located two thirds of the way up, is a great climb for outstanding views. An energetic endeavour such as this, however, is best left until the cooler part of the day.

CATHEDRAL COVE COROMANDEL Cathedral Cove is named for the overhanging rock formation that visitors must walk through to get from Mare’s Leg Cove to Cathedral Cove. The remains of several more arches offshore create the atmosphere of an illustrious cathedral surrounding the gleaming beaches.

Both beaches are in a marine reserve called Te WhanganuiA-Hei (Cathedral Cove) that has some of New Zealand’s best snorkelling beaches full of intricate underwater caves and colourful reefs. Sheltered from the worst of the wind, this strip of pristine white sand is unspoilt and the area is only accessible by foot or boat.

It is a very picturesque spot and the cave/beach was also used in the movie Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, as the magical place where the Pevensie children first reenter Narnia. There’s no denying Cathedral Cove is a truly magnificent beach.

KAITERITERI BEACH ABEL TASMAN Located at the top of the South Island, Kaiteriteri is the opening to the Abel Tasman National Park. The popular destination is surrounded by native bushland, rocky cliffs and is full of beach houses, campsites and holiday parks. Indeed there is so much to see and do that visitors often stay for extended periods of time.

Besides the magnificent cliffs full of limestone and marble, which create the iconic turquoise coloured inlets, there is an abundance of amazing wildlife to see. Native birds, seals and dolphins frequent the area and the perfect way to spot them is to go snorkelling, sea kayaking or simply walking along the scenic bush tracks that line the beach.

The area is also famous for having the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, which means more beach time to soak up the sun, frolick with the marine locals and ›› enjoy the stunning scenery.

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NINETY-MILE BEACH AUPOURI PENINSULA Ninety Mile Beach, on the north-western tip of New Zealand’s North Island, is famous for its expansive stretch of golden sand.

However, despite the name, the beach is actually only around 60 miles long.

One of the beach’s biggest drawcards is the enormous sand dunes that line its edge, creating a blustering Mad Max-style desert landscape. Not surprisingly, waterbased activities are not necessarily the most popular pastimes at this beach. Visitors can grab body boards to sand surf down the dunes before making the long journey back up to the top and flying down all over again. Other fun things to do include quad biking, joining a guided tour that drives right across the beach or “sandy highway” and, of course, sampling one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world.

Also, close by at Cape Reinga is the spectacular lookout where visitors can see the Pacific Ocean dramatically collide with the Tasman Sea.

RAGLAN BEACH WAIKATO Widely regarded as a surf spot to rival Piha Beach, Raglan is another world-class location for surfers and body boarders alike because of its consistent conditions. It is situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in the Waikato region and is most famous for having one of the longest left-hand breaks at Manu Bay. Aside from being a renowned surfing beach, Raglan has plenty of other fun activities if the long board doesn’t float your boat. Visitors can kayak, kite board, horse ride along the beach, fish for dinner, hike the local trails, mountain bike or simply take a walk along the rocks and admire the black sand and spectacular sunsets.

Another top tip is to take the short walk to the top of Bridal Veil Falls, 55 metres up with an impressive view. There are plenty of things to keep any visitor busy in this dramatically scenic area.

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OTAGO PENINSULA New Zealand’s northern beaches can be enjoyed all year round, but while the South Island beaches might not be the warmest, even in summer, there’s still plenty with something to offer.

For example the Otago Peninsula, close to Dunedin, may not be ideal for winter swimming, but beaches like Sandfly Bay, Allans and Victory are home to a wide range of exciting wildlife. Sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and a variety of birds are the most commonly spotted along the shoreline of these three beaches.

A highlight is a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre on Taiaroa Head, where visitors can view the only accessible mainland colony of northern royal albatross in the world.

Victory Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the peninsula and also boasts remains of the SS Victory shipwreck scattered amongst the shoreline.

Photos: Getty, Tourism New Zealand, Chris McLennan, Ian Trafford, Peter Morath, Gareth Eyres

KAIKOURA BEACH CANTERBURY Located on the north-eastern side of the South Island, Kaikoura is a beach surrounded by unique scenery. The sand is backed by the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Range, making it one of very few places to have such awe-inspiring mountains so close to the sea.

There is a large colony of fur seals that like to laze on the rocky outcrops at the eastern side of the township and the region’s number one draw card is the abundance of wildlife scattered all over the area. Marine animals are in abundance here because of the ocean current and continental shelf conditions – there is a convergence of warm and cold water that pulls nutrients up from the sea bed creating a feeding zone.

Most visitors try to fit in a whale watching trip or go swimming with the seals. It’s also one of the best places you can swim with dolphins – expect to find pods of hundreds of duskys. ❚ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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CULTUREFIX

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Land of legends Rotorua’s fire-breathing landscape seems straight out of a sci-fi movie. It’s also one of the best places to learn about Maori culture WORDS FRASER KIDD

Joining the culture club ROTORUA

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Travelling turns you on to new experiences. Meeting new people, seeing new sights, eating new food. The whole point of leaving home and setting off to some exotic, farflung destination is the shock of the new. But after a while, like the spoilt little now-generation folk we are, we get a bit blasé. One tropical beach looks like another. A golden sunset reflected on the softly lapping ocean? Yawn. A stomach-relocating, bank-account-draining adrenalin rush?

Ho hum. So I am pleased to tell you, fellow “attention span of a goldfish” traveller, that I have been somewhere that is absolutely nothing like anywhere else. Somewhere so unique, so unusual, so downright weird, that I sincerely doubt I will find another spot on the globe quite like it.

It’s Rotorua. Slap-bang in the centre of NZ’s North Island.

If you lived in Rotorua, you might come home from work one day to discover that a small crater of steaming ooze had appeared in your driveway. And that it was trying to eat your car. If you lived in Rotorua you might have to get the repairman around every couple of months to de-corrode your TV and video. You see, the air carries gas that’s trying to eat your telly, too. It’s all very exciting.

But you don’t live in Rotorua. You’re like me – just visiting. Do yourself a favour and stay a while. The smell fades, the chances of being swamped by a spontaneous geyser eruption are slim and there’s lots to do in this decidedly odd town. You can explore all the exciting volcanic strangeness at the Whakarewarewa Reserve (known as “Whaka”, thankfully) or tours of the nearby geothermal areas, but you can also test your nerve with a range of adrenalin activities, plus it’s the place in NZ to experience some Maori culture up-close. Rotorua is also something of a party town. But remember kids, that sulphury smell in the air doesn’t sit well with a hangover...

Maori legends and oral history are alive and well in New Zealand, and Rotorua is one of the best places to learn about them. According to Maori legend, Rotorua was first explored

by Ihenga – although he believed he wasn’t the first to get there, mistaking the steaming geysers as signs of fire from other settlers. To learn more about the history of the area, I met up with Sonny – a descendent of the Te Arawa tribe that first settled in Rotorua – who runs a local legends tour.

Everything is covered on the trip, from visiting a marae – or meeting house – and learning the proper greetings and protocol for entering, to finding out the Hongi greeting

CHECKING IN

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Photos: Destination Rotorua, Tourism New Zealand, Fay Looney

– two touches on a person’s nose – signifies the sharing of the breath of life. On my tour, we had enough time between Sonny’s tales to take in the Lady Knox geyser, Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and the beautiful twin lakes of Tiki-tapu and Roto-kakahi (Green and Blue lake). Taking a breather for a coffee, Sonny told me the story of the silver fern and why it became a national symbol – Maori explorers would turn it upside down in the moonlight, and the silver reflection on the leaves would point the way home. If nothing else, you’ll leave knowing more about the Maori people.

That evening I headed to Tamaki Maori Village, where

Nice one, geyser

we were told we would see many aspects of the Maori experience, from traditional games and songs in the recreated village to the Whaikorero, or welcome speeches, in the Wharenui. Before entering the village, however, we had to nominate the chief of our bus. Liking the idea of being in charge, I put my hand up, only to find out my duties included having to stand in front of 300 people while a Maori warrior issued a challenge to me. I was told although he would look angry, it was a peaceful challenge, and even if his actions looked humourous, I was to remain straight-faced.

Not smiling didn’t prove a problem. If you could imagine a Maori warrior descending out of the mist to the wailing of his fellow warriors, twirling his fighting stick at great speed, the last thing I was going to do was laugh at him.

Earlier Sonny had spoken of the Maori as one of the kindest and most giving races in the world, but also to be careful if you ever crossed them, as their warrior instincts were never too far away. And it was in the Wharenui that I realised what he meant. One minute the men were softly pressing noses with the visitors, the next they were issuing war cries at the top of their voices.

The only thing left was to eat and be merry with a traditional hangi, where the food is cooked under the earth for three to four hours. Chicken, lamb, sweet potato and salmon were just a few of the gastronomic delights available – eating well comes second only to singing for this lot.

A final touching of the nose and I was on my way back to the hostel, enriched with my new-found knowledge of a fascinating, welcoming and proud race. Whether you choose to believe the legends or not, you’ll leave New Zealand feeling better for meeting the people who tell them. ❚ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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The end of the Earth STEWART ISLAND

[Caption] 28

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GREATESCAPE

A world away The last stop before Antarctica, Stewart Island is a national park with the world’s most southerly pub. It’s the perfect place to get marooned WORDS ANNA SCRIVENGER

New Zealand is usually described as a nation of two islands.

Not true. There are three. Actually, that’s not true either, there are hundreds of the buggers. But Stewart Island joins North and South Islands as one of the “big three” that make up “mainland” New Zealand. In Maori legend, it’s the anchor of Maui’s waka canoe (now South Island), from which he caught his giant fish (North Island). It’s the southernmost one, right down the bottom, pointing towards Antarctica, at the very ends of the Earth, on the brink of civilisation, and populated only by a handful of slightly peculiar fishermen in white wellies. And I was stranded there.

Not a bad place for it, as it turns out. It’s a very pretty, mellow spot, despite being the last outpost of humanity for about 12,000 miles, with 400 people living on an island the size of Singapore. It sits just below 45° south on the edge of the vast Southern Ocean, and the unsullied ocean winds that orbit Antarctica only touch land here and in southern Argentina. The waters are clear, freezing and teeming with life. The air is the purest in the world, and sometimes at night you can see the dancing lights of Aurora Australis, the southern version of the Northern Lights.

We caught the high-speed catamaran ferry across the notoriously bumpy Foveaux Strait from Bluff, following a three-hour drive south from Te Anau along the South Coast; the human population melting away with every mile. Once on the ferry, though, adventure beckoned. Here we were, breaking away from the well-trodden tourist trail, stepping boldly out to the final frontier with nowt but the waves and their attendant albatrosses for company. We were under no illusions: if we’d wanted wine bars, shopping, sunbathing, bus trips, top-notch restaurants or any of the usual holiday pleasantries, we’d caught the wrong boat.

Despite what we had heard about the crossing, ours wasn’t particularly rough, and we arrived to a calm, clear bay sprinkled with a few wooden buildings that turned out to be the island’s main settlement, Oban. But ours was to be the last ferry in for a while. A series of short-lived storms followed hard on our heels and the ferry spent the next few days anchored in the bay. But we were perfectly comfy; we rented a cosy cabin just up the hill, surrounded by flocks of squawking kakas and only a short stroll from the pub.

We discovered an island ruled by the rhythms of nature – the seasons, the tides, the night skies, the fish... and the deep

green forests, which cover 85 per cent of the island and in 2002 became Rakiura National Park. This unspoilt emerald blanket tumbles vibrantly across the entire island, is home to an array of native birds including kakas and kiwis, and is criss-crossed with walking tracks that traverse valleys of rushing water, remote sandy coves and rugged hills. The greatest of them is the Rakiura Track, a three-day circuit which is one of New Zealand’s official Great Walks.

On plodding around the island we found plenty to discover. Halfmoon Bay is home to the village, which contains most of Stewart Island’s human inhabitants. All roads lead here – and don’t extend much further. If you want to see much of the island, you’re best off with a boat, or a good pair of walking boots.

On our wet and windy walks we discovered some amazing golden-sand beaches that would be quite inviting were it not for the Antarctic waters; old wooden churches; fishing sheds; handicraft galleries; and graveyards dating from the early settler days. We rarely saw anyone else on our wanderings.

What with other people being quite a novelty outside of the village, it’s customary to wave or even chat to passers-by. The islanders are a mix of Maori, Scots and Norwegian descent, and possibly as a result of this they have one of the weirdest accents I’ve ever encountered in my life – a sort of hurdygurdy Gaelic Kiwi. It was quite enchanting to listen to, and a great incentive to chat to the locals, who are, fortunately, a chatty and friendly bunch. Indeed, after three days we were on hat-tipping terms with half the people on the island.

We spent quite a bit of time sitting in the South Sea Hotel (known to all on the island as “the pub”). It’s a corker. The locals are 90 per cent male, old and hairy, and this season’s hottest look (and, I suspect, quite a few seasons before that) is a pair of white wellies topped with several old, smelly jumpers and rain macs, and as much facial hair as possible.

There’s no crime, no fashion, no shopping. It struck me that this is all you need for a community to survive: pure air, unspoilt forest, the fruits of the ocean, a general store, a pub, the shipping news and some waterproof footwear.

This isolation from the outside world and its trappings leaves nothing but 100 per cent pure, simple, clean island life. If you want to get away from the 21st century (without sacrificing hot dinners and warm beds) head here; it’s like nowhere else on Earth. ❚ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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TOP FIVE

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Hot air ballooning FIJI

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Some like it hot There’s no better way to appreciate Fiji’s glorious scenery than to float above it all in a hot air balloon, a real-life magic carpet WORDS JUSTIN STEINLAUF

WHEN TO GO: November It’s 3.30am and I get a call from Kevin then informs us that we are the to March is humid and the wet the operations manager that we are first hot air balloon riders in the Southern a go for my first hot air balloon flight. At this season. April to October is the Hemisphere to see the sun rise and start the time of the morning, I’m barely together, but new day. And, wow, it’s an amazing sunrise. best for warm weather.

I manage to wake myself up to the adventure CURRENCY: $1 NZD = $1.4 Not a bad way to start the day! that lies ahead. And so I make my way down Next we start to climb higher to clear Fijian dollars to base to meet the pilot Kevin, who will be the jungle-drenched valleys, but, just as LANGUAGE: Fijian, but the taking me and 11 other people 4,000 feet I’m about to peek over the mountains, our majority of people speak English. up into the clouds, overlooking the scenic trusty pilot announces it’s time to pick some HOT AIR BALLOONS: interior and coastline of Fiji. flowers. Are you serious? The thought crosses Flights cost from $475 FJD ($336 Going out on a hot air balloon requires my mind that perhaps good ol’ Kevin has NZD), including pick up and specific winds and weather conditions. So, to been at the helium... drop off. determine our take-off point and flight path, But no, with us all inside, the basket is SEE: adrenalinfiji.com our veteran American pilot fills up several slowly lowered right smack into the middle normal-sized balloons with small, blinking of a giant blossoming tree so that we can LED lights inside so that he can observe what’s going on. pluck flowers right from the very top. It’s as unique an We stop at three different places to check the situation experience as I can remember. and soon find ourselves in a small Fijian village about an Newly-boosted by flower power, it’s then full throttle and hour’s drive inland from Nadi. Deciding this is the spot, we burn our way up to 4,000 feet and start drifting away our ballooning team quickly unpack the giant balloon from the mountains and towards the ocean. Emerging from from a crazily-small bag, which once blown up will reach the hilltops we really get to appreciate all of the natural 11 stories high. beauty that Fiji has to offer. Now, in full-on relaxation mode, Once the balloon is laid out, Kevin, as if from the movie we fly with the wind, looking down below at rivers running Rocket Man, climbs on board and cradles his three giant through the small, isolated villages. gas tanks, lighting up a monstrous 6ft flame that, with the In the distance we can spy Fiji’s famously picturesque assistance of a high speed fan, will get the balloon upright islands dotting the inviting blue ocean. Going over each and airborne in no time. of these small villages, the little kids heading to school in As we all load into our compact corners of the balloon, all directions shout up their welcome of “Bula, bula!”

I can’t help but feel relief at being tall, meaning that the towards us. Indeed, so many “Bula’s” fill the air that I can’t safety railings are at a comfortable height. And then it’s even figure out which one is coming from who. Luckily, lift off! With the flames’ heat toasting the back of my neck they don’t seem put off by my American attempts to return (I’m glad I opted for the hat), take off is a unique floating the greeting. sensation, as we rise slowly but steadily, Kevin keeping us Cruising along, with the rising sun casting a giant shadow stable so that we can all take in the sights. of our balloon along the face of the mountains, Kevin then

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TRAVELLING ON TO FIJI?

gives us the heads up that we will be landing soon.

With no regular place to land, due to changing wind conditions, this means keeping an eye open for an empty field, which he quickly finds.

We assume the landing position and swoop down into a dead cornfield, suddenly coming to a stop with a skip and a jump as we land safely back on solid ground.

To save the team picking up our one tonne basket, Kevin then gives it one last blast of heat to lift it back up and place all of us conveniently in the back of the truck.

To say thanks for landing on someone’s land, the team then give the landowner a 10 pound bag of rice, which will last them for months, following on from the original French tradition of always giving a bottle of Champagne to whoever owns the land you end up on.

You wouldn’t say no to that!

No doubt about it, this whole experience, from start to finish, is one of the coolest things I have ever done.

There aren’t many rushes that can beat floating high through the sky like a real-life magic carpet ride. ❚

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WORKESSENTIALS GOLDENBACKPACKSBOOK NOW!

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Best of the best The winners have been announced for TNT’s annual Golden Backpack Awards, celebrating backpacking’s best Down Under WORDS ANDREW WESTBROOK

If you spotted a mistake or two in this magazine, we apologise. We had a big (ahem, read boozy) week you see, as TNT Magazine hosted the cream of the Australian and New Zealand backpacking industry at a fancy do in Sydney (with none other than Dr Karl Kennedy from Neighbours providing the entertainment), as we were announcing the winners of our prestigious Golden Backpack Awards.

If you’re new to this part of the world, you might not be too sure what the Golden Backpacks are, but we can guarantee you’ll find their results useful.

The reason for this is that they’re kind of like the Oscars for the budget travel industry (only with a couple of extra goon stains on the red carpet).

However, unlike the Oscars, the Golden Backpacks celebrate the best hostels,

BEST AUSTRALASIAN INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE WINNER: Tamaki Maori Village (Rotorua, NZ) FINALISTS: Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Mitai Maori Village (Rotorua, NZ), Uluru Cultural Centre, Adventure North & The Bama Way Aboriginal Journeys, Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours (Rotorua, NZ)

NZ: BEST HOSTEL WINNER: Nomads Queenstown FINALISTS: Base Queenstown, Jucy Hotel (Auckland), Nomads Auckland, YHA Queenstown, YHA Wellington City

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tour companies, experiences and travel agents in New Zealand and Australia and, most importantly, they are voted for by you, our readers.

Indeed, over a 10-week period between July and September, we received almost 20,000 votes from your good selves, so thanks to all those who took the time. We love you.

And that’s what makes the results you’ll find below so important. These aren’t some mutual appreciation back-slapping industry gongs handed

out by the travel industry to itself.

These are Australia and New Zealand’s only consumer-voted awards for the independent travel sector.

Afterall, when looking to book anything from a bed to a tour, who are you going to trust more – the travel agent who will earn a commission from your booking, or your new-found buddy who’s just got back from where you’re heading? Word of mouth is king, which is why we decided to set up these annual awards a few years back, to give you a helping hand.

Aren’t we nice?

So read on and check out the names of the Kiwi winners below, as these are the companies deemed the best of the best at what they do, as chosen by you. Check out tntdownunder.com if you want to know the Aussie winners as well.

NZ: BEST TOUR/ACTIVITY

NZ: BEST CAR/ CAMPERVAN RENTAL

WINNER: AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown FINALISTS: Auckland Sea Kayaks, Flying Kiwi, Franz Josef Glacier Hikes, JUCY Cruize Milford Sound, Shotover Canyon Swing

WINNER: Jucy FINALISTS: Escape, Backpacker Campervans, Happy Campers, Spaceships, Wicked Campers

NZ: BEST BACKPACKER NIGHT

NZ: BEST TOUR/ TRANSPORT OPERATOR

WINNER: Big Night Out, Queenstown FINALISTS: Altitude (Base Queenstown), Globe Bar (Base Auckland), Nomads Queenstown, Pipi Patch Bar (Base Bay of Islands), The World Bar (Queenstown)

WINNER: Kiwi Experience FINALISTS: Flying Kiwi, InterCity Coachlines, Magic Travellers Network, Stray, Topdeck

BAREESSENTIALS NORTHISLAND OZWORK

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BANKS

0800 737 000, 09 357 3000

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

DON’T MISS!

HEALTH

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

INSURANCE

TMVC For all your medical needs.

Christchurch, Ph: (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

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

HEINEKEN OPEN Auckland. Mon, Jan 9 – Sat, Jan 14. From $85.

Coming the week before the Australian Open over in Melbourne, expect some of the world’s best to be in town trying to get in form.

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

Great Barrier 09 275 9120 Wellington

Changing money 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.

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 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.

ASB Tennis Centre

ticketek.co.nz

for rural areas. For international mail, use an airmail sticker.

PHONES

Compass communications Kia Ora cards. Prepaid calling card

kiaoracard.co.nz Country & area codes

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.

New Zealand 64; Auckland 09; Northland 09; Rotorua/Taupo 07; Wellington 04; South Island 03

Directory assistance Ph: 018

International: 0172

International operator: Ph: 0170 (reversed charges) Emergency (Fire, ambulance, police): 111

Directory service

DOM AIRLINES Auckland Air New Zealand

Extensions

VISA 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

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 passportsized 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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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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BUSES & TOURS

RENTAL FIRMS

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

03 477 9083, bottombus.co.nz Flexi-Pass Combines InterCity and Newmans. 0800 222 146, flexipass.co.nz Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 0800 693 296, flyingkiwi.com

Magic Travellers Network 09 358 5600, magicbus.co.nz Naked Bus 0900 62533, nakedbus.com NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

Rent-A-Dent 0800 736 823, rentadent.co.nz

Apex Car Rentals 0800 939 597 , apexrentals.co.nz

Rental Car Village 09 376 9935, hire-vehicles.co.nz

Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals 0800 422 267, backpackercampervans.com

Spaceships 0800 772 237, spaceshipsrentals.co.nz

Darn Cheap Rentals 0800 800 327, dcrentals.co.nz Econo Campers 09 275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

InterCity Coachlines 09 583 5780, intercity.co.nz Kiwi Experience 09 336 4286 kiwiexperience.com

Ace Rental Cars 0800 502 277, acerentalcars.com.nz

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

BOOK NOW! THE VILLAGE PEOPLE

Escape Rentals 0800 216 171, escaperentals.co.nz

Christchurch. Tue, Mar 13. ‘Disco floor’ tix $79.90.

This is not a joke! The not-so-young men are back to play all the 70s disco hits. They’ll also be strutting their stuff in Nelson.

Explore More 1800 447 363, exploremore.co.nz

CBS Canterbury Arena

ticketek.co.nz

Standby Cars 0800 789 059, standbycars.co.nz United Campervans 09 275 9919, unitedcampervans.co.nz Wicked Campers 0800 246 870, wickedcampers.co.nz

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

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.co.nz

Stray 09 526 2140, straytravel.com

to Christchurch buses.

03 768 0028,

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

West Coast Shuttle Greymouth

westcoastshuttle.co.nz

Pegasus Rental Cars 0800

NEED A CAR?

803 580, rentalcars.co.nz

Jetstar 0800 800 995, jetstar.com

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

To book or enquire call NZ Toll Free:

0800 789 059 Call after 10am

miles o f smiles

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Pip & Pete’s Last Minute Special

Try our last minute super special T Met service predicting a high of 30 degrees today? Then we’ll give you a sizzling 30% discount off the already low rates on the Econo Camper of your choice. Contact Econo Campers C now on Freephone 0800 759 919 or check www.econocampers.co.nz for the daily temperature and for full details.

Subject to availability within 72 hours of vehicle pick up from either Auckland or Christchurch

08000 759 91199

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ESCAPE... the world’s coolest campers Cheap Campervans for Backpackers Sleeps up to 3 Adults Depots in central Auckland and Christchurch Heaps of extras and no hidden costs

Freephone: 0800 21 61 71 www.escaperentals.co.nz

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NORTHISLAND NORTHISLAND

BOOKBOOK NOW! NOW!

AUCKLAND STAY

AUCKLAND

BOOK NOW!

In Maori language the city’s name is Tamaki Makau Rau, which translates as “the city of 100 lovers”. Auckland is admired for its cosmopolitan flavour, its sunny harbour for the fact that it makes every other city in NZ feel like a small town.

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

Backpackers World Travel 16-20 Fort St, 09 379 4126, backpackersworld.com Base Travel Level 3, 229 Queen St, 09 358 4874, basetravel.com

ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL Auckland. Mon, Jan 30. From $127.

This excellent boutique festival is back in Auckland for a third year running. The lineup includes Gotye, The Horrors and Laura Marling.

i-SITE Visitor Information 287 Queen St, 09 979 2333, reservations@aucklandnz.com

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

Airport Skyway Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 30 Kirkbride Road, Mangere.

09 275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz Albert Park Backpackers (VIP) 27-31 Victoria St East.

09 309 0336, bakpak@albertpark.co.nz

i-SITE Auckland Atrium, skycity, Cnr Federal & Victoria Sts

Ferry Tickets Online (For inter-island ferry services) 39 Beach Rd, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz

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Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter

and shuttle buses run every half an hour. Airbus Airport to the city every 20 mins.

0800 247 287, airbus.co.nz City buses Rideline Tickets, timetables and details of bus departure points are available from any of the 10 central city Star Mart convenience stores.

09 366 6400

ticketek.co.nz

Auckland InterCity Travel Centre Buses around Auckland and the rest of New Zealand leave from here. Located beside the casino, Hobson St, 09 623 1503 Train Intercity trains arrive and depart from Britomart, 12 Queen St, Auckland.

09 270 5211

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

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

Lantana Lodge (BBH) 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell.

09 373 4546, lantana@xtra.co.nz

Bamber House (BBH) 22 View Rd, Mt Eden.

09 623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

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

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

New Zealand Backpackers 8 Nixon St, Ponsonby.

09 376 3871, ajlodge@xtra.co.nz

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

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

City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell.

09 302 0880

Oaklands Lodge (BBH) 5A Oaklands Rd, Mt Eden.

09 638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

City Groove Backpackers (BBH) 6 Constitutional Hill, Parnell.

09 303 4768, bed@backpackersco.nz

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TONGARIRO CROSSING Made world famous ever since Peter Jackson decided to transform the Tongariro’s Mt Ngauruhoe into Mt Doom in those films, the Crossing is widely touted as being New Zealand’s best day walk, and we’re inclined to agree. After a steep (and early) start up the aptly-named Devil’s Staircase, you find youself emerging over a peak to see the simply breathtaking Emerald Lakes.

It’s a long day, allow 6-8 hours for the walk, meaning it’s well worth staying in nearby village National Park, rather than doing a daytrip from Taupo. Beware that if you’re hoping to also tackle the Mt Doom peak along the way, you’ll want to be picking up the pace from the word go.

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NORTHISLAND NORTHISLAND

like uslike on us on facebook/tnt facebook/tntdownunder downunder Ponsonby Backpackers (BBH) 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby.

09 360 1311, info@ponsonby-backpackers.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

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

Verandahs (BBH) 6 Hopetown St. 09 360 4180 Yaping’s House (BBH) 79 Owens Rd, Epsom.

09 623 4486, yapinghouse@hotmail.com YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. 09 309 2802, yha.co.nz 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 Auckland Museum See the world’s finest collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. Explore New Zealand’s natural history, discover the largest bird that ever lived and experience a Maori cultural show.

09 306 7067, aucklandmuseum.com Auckland Zoo See kiwi birds in the nocturnal house and over 900 animals.

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

Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours.

0800 658 058, awesomenz.com

Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.

09 378 8990

The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby.

09 378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz

the best beaches in NZ. Highlights include Ninety Mile Beach, Kerikeri and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Fullers Bay of Islands Tours One, two and three-day tours from Auckland.

09 358 0259, boitc.co.nz

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

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

Sky Walk Walk around the external 1.2m wide platform, 192m up.

09 368 1835, skywalk.co.nz

Beaches Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Bay, Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, St Heliers Bay and popular Mission Bay.

BON IVER Wellington. Mon, Feb 27 & Tue, Feb 28. From $38.

The singer-songwriter from the US will be playing his only New Zealand shows during the International Arts Festival.

Wellington Town Hall

festival.co.nz

09 360 3800, aucklandzoo.co.nz Coast to Coast Walkway A walk marked out 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

parks in the world. See dolphins, whales, sea birds and/or even penguins. Dolphins are viewed on over 90% and whales on 75% of trips. Departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct. Dolphin viewing guaranteed.

0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz Fullers Cruises Inner harbour cruises and longer cruises to Hauraki Gulf islands, with all-day passes and hop-on, hop-off options.

09 367 9111.

Pride of Auckland The Pride of Auckland operates an impressive fleet of large, purpose-built yachts on the sheltered waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and is world famous for its sailing and dining cruises. Join them for a coffee, lunch, dinner, Waiheke sailing experience cruise or a full-day sailing adventure and experience the “City of Sails” for what it is known for.

0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz

Mt Eden The highest point in the city, 4km south of the city centre with spectacular views. Get there by bus.

Auckland Bridge Climb Up and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 4958, ajhackett.com

NZ National Maritime Museum The museum celebrates NZ’s maritime heritage.

09 373 0800, nzmaritime.org

Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 4958,

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

ajhackett.co.nz

Queen Street Auckland’s main boulevard with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Whale & Dolphin Safari See whales and dolphins from Auckland’s doorstep. The Hauraki Gulf is considered one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine

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

Aotea Square Markets Every Friday and Saturday at Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ fashion labels, retro gear, foods, Pacific-style crafts, jewellery and furniture, 09 309 2677, the-edge.co.nz Victoria Park Market 3km from the CBD, an outdoor market with fruit, veggies, books, clothes and handicrafts.

WAIPU

Orama Resort (YHA) Karaka Bay Rd, 09 429 0063, yha.co.nz

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.

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

SAIL ROCK

BARRIER DO

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

Fullers Cruises Depart from the Ferry Building.

09 367 9102

Waipu Wanderer (BBH) 25 St Marys Rd, 09 432 0532.

Great Barrier Airlines Fly out of Auckland Airport or Auckland Shore Airfield.

0800 900 600,

WHANGAREI

Fullers Great Barrier Explorers Cruise and tours, summer only (October-April).

09 367 9111

WAIHEKE ISLAND

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

Marco Polo Backpackers Inn (BBH) 2d Hammond Ave, Hatfields Beach, 09 426 8455, marcopolo.co.nz

PAKIRI BEACH

GREAT BARRIER

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

Hisbiscus Coast Visitor Info Hibiscus Coast Hwy, 09 426 0076.

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

The island is dominated by a native forest a network of criss-crossing tracks. greatbarrier.co.nz

A 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland. It is popular for its long sweeping beaches and craft shops.

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.

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 Piano Hill Farm (BBH) Piano Hill, Kauri, 09 433 7090, thefarm.co.nz

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NORTHISLAND Little Earth Lodge (BBH) 85 Abbey Caves Road, 09 430 6562, littleearthlodge.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

BOOK NOW!

The Wharf, Marsden Rd, Freephone: 09 402 7345

14 Kings Rd, 0800 002 266, saltwaterlodge.co.nz

Base Travel 18 Kings Rd, 09 402 7111, basetravel.com

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

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)

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

Opua Forest The DOC provides a leaflet of forest walks, which features a small stand of Kauri trees. Drive into the forest via Oromahoe Rd or walk from School Rd. Te Rawhiti Cape Brett Walkway Guided tours include experienced local Maori guides, all meals, hut accommodation, transport by boat to hut taking in the famous Hole in the Rock, Maori culture, myths and legends and hangi, 09 403 7248 Waitangi Treaty Grounds The site where the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Also see carvings that represent all Maori tribes in NZ and one of the largest ceremonial waka

follow us on (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

@tnt_downunder

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

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

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.

0800 365 744, bayofislands@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

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

Overnight Cruises The Rock 24-hour cruise featuring kayaking, snorkelling with stingrays, fishing for your dinner, dolphin spotting.

0800 762 527, rocktheboat.co.nz

RUSSELL

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WAITANGI Often referred to as the nation’s birthplace, Waitangi is steeped in history. It is where the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand was signed, in 1835, and then, five years later, the Waitangi Treaty, which was signed by representatives of the British crown and Maori chiefs, giving the Maori ownership of their land and the rights of British subjects... well, that’s the official description anyway. Not everybody agrees that it was quite so progressive! It’s a great place to be on either New Year’s Eve or Waitangi Day, on February 6. Nearby Paihia and Russell also boast some of New Zealand’s oldest drinking establishments.

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

Information Centre End of the Pier, 09 403 8020

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

KERIKERI A highlight of the sparsely populated town is the wonderful Maori village. There is also an historic Maori pa (fortress) and the Kerikeri Mission Station.

Dept of Conservation Office 09 407 8474

KERIKERI STAY

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

NRTH BAY OF ISL i-Site Far North South Rd in Jaycee Park.

09 408 0879, kaitaiainfo@xtra.co.nz

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

The Welcome Swallow Backpackers 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230.

Backpackers Heaven (VIP) Wagener Holiday Park, Houhora Heads, 09 409 8564, wagenerpark@xtra.co.nz

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

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

Main Street Lodge (BBH) 235 Commerce St, 09 408 1275, mainstreet@xtra.co.nz

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

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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BAY OF ISLANDS Great for catching some rays in the winter, the Bay of Islands is even better once summer for real kicks in. Northland’s most popular tourist resort attracts visitors from all over the world – and rightly so. It’s NZ at its best. With quiet coves, soft sandy beaches, sparkling waters and an interesting history, the Bay of Islands is a must-see. Situated 257km north of Auckland, this irregular and spectacular coastline has 144 remote and uninhabited islands bathed in sunshine year-round. It’s the perfect place to do a skydive, an overnight cruise, scuba dive, kayak or take a fishing trip. Paihia is the main take-off point for the many boat tours which cruise the islands for pleasure, fishing and dolphin swimming.

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NORTHISLAND YHA Ahipara Backpackers & Motor Camp 168-170 Takehe St, 09 409 4864, yha.co.nz Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863 farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz Endless Summer Lodge (BBH) 245 Foreshore Rd, 09 409 4181, endlesssummer.co.nz

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

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

Hokianga Information 09 405 8869, hokiangainfo@xtra.co.nz

HOKIANGA STAY Okopako Lodge (BBH) 140 Mountain Rd, South Hokianga, 09 405 8815, Globe Trekkers Lodge (BBH)

SH12, Omapere, 09 405 8183.

Waitawa Farm Hostel (BBH) 164 Pukemiro Rd, 09 409 5809, valleyfarm@xtra.co.nz

DARGAVILLE On the road from Hokianga, the famous “Big Trees”, the native kauri trees of Waipoua Kauri Forest. Once in Dargaville, attractions include the masts from the ill-fated Rainbow Warrior and the fascinating bird sanctuary nearby.

Dargaville Info Centre 61 Normanby St, 09 439 8360.

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

MATAKOHE Travellers Lodge (BBH) 64 Jellicoe Rd, Ruawai,

BOOK NOW! 09 439 2283 Kauri Country Northland 3hr 4WD eco-adventures, including free ticket to Kauri Museum. Devon Grove, Matakohe, 09 431 6007

WAIKATO

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

HAMILTON Nicknamed the “Fountain City”, Hamilton is NZ’s largest inland city and is known for its parks and gardens.

Hamilton Visitor Centre 5 Garden Place, Hamilton 07 958 5960 visithamilton.co.nz DOC Office Level 5, Rostrevor St.

HAMILTON STAY Colts n Fillies (BBH) 37 Smith

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CAMBRIDGE

Rd, Karamu, 07 825 9809, ktt.co.nz Eagles Nest (BBH) 937 Victoria St, 07 838 2704, a.morris@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

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.

River Cruises The Waikato River is a vast expanse of water best seen by boat.

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

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

This very Olde English town with its town square and abundance of trees is in the heart of Waikato. The region is famous for its horses and jetboating.

Cambridge Tourist Info Centre Cnr Queen and Victoria Sts, 07 823 3456

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WAITOMO CAVES One of the real treasures of the North Island, don’t skip past this tiny town without first exploring the cavernous wonders that lie beneath it. Ten minutes north of Otorohanga, the caverns are one of NZ’s natural marvels. Waitomo caters for just about everyone. You can either keep it on the tranquil side by simply taking a guided tour to gawp in awe at the millions of glowworms that call the area home, or you can test your adventurous spirit (and your ability to cope with claustrophobia), by getting roped up and instead trying abseiling and blackwater rafting, which is basically cruising through the underground rivers in an inflatable ring. Word of advice: try not to watch The Descent just before going.

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

DON’T MISS!

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

TE AWAMUTU

Te Awamutu District Museum 135 Roche St. Ph: (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.

abseiling and/or blackwater rafting. 0800 924 866, waitomo.co.nz

Kiwipaka School Rd, 07 878 3395,

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves 07 878 8227, caveinfo@waitomo.co.nz

Rap Raft & Rock Backpackers (BBH) 95 Waitomo Caves Rd, 07 873 9149, rapraftnrock@xtra.co.nz

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

WAITOMO DO

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, Ph: (07) 871 3259.

Juno Hall (BBH) 07 878 7649

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

0800 924 866

NEW ZEALAND VS ZIMBABWE Napier. Thur, Jan 26 – Mon, Jan 30. Price TBC. Catch the one Test Match between the Black Caps and the touring minnows. There’s also ODIs and T20 matches around the country.

McLean Park

blackcaps.co.nz

Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 26 Maniapoto St, 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

WAITOMO STAY

TE KUITI

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

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, Ph: (07) 878 8077.

Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080.

Tiffany’s Tearooms, Rora St, 07 878 7640

TE KUITI STAY

Waitomo Adventures Five adventure options include

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

BOOK NOW Become part of the legend with New Zealand’s first Black Water Rafting company. An exhilarating world of ancient caves, rivers, waterfalls and breathtaking glowworms.

Climb, leap and float with the Black Labyrinth or descend into the black, bottomless depths with the ultimate caving tour, the Black Abyss.

www.waitomo.com TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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NORTHISLAND 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 of doing things).

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

506 Brown St, 07 868 8808, sunkist@xtra.co.nz

Lions Den (BBH) 126 Te Tiki St, 07 866 8157

Te Aroha YHA Hostel Miro Street, Te Aroha (south of Thames), 07 884 8739, yha.co.nz

Tidewater Tourist Park (YHA) 270 Tiki Rd, 07 866 8888, 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

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

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

Information Thames 206 Poland St, 07 868 7284

Coromandel Information Centre Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598.

DOC Office 07 868 6381 Canyonz Ltd 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz

THAMES STAY Dickson Holiday Park Victoria St, Ph: (07) 868 7308, Gateway Backpackers (BBH) 209 Mackay St, 07 868 6339, gatewayb@wave.co.nz The Sunkist International Backpackers (BBH, VIP, YHA)

BOOK NOW!

CORO STAY Anchor Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 448 Wharf Rd, 07 866 7992, anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz Black Jack Backpackers (BBH) Kuaotunu, 07 866 2988, black-jack.co.nz Colville Farm (BBH) 2140 Colville Road, Colville, 07 866 6820 Coromandel Town Backpackers (BBH) 732 Rings Road, 07 866 8830

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

follow us on 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 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

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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.

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, jet skiing, 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, Ph: (07) 5767404, appletreebackpackers@hotmail. com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WHITEWATER SLEDGING Near Rotorua, hit the grade 3 Kaituna River for $109 or the grade 5 Wairoa River for $299.

Who needs a boat, eh? Perhaps one of the more novel and insane, yet brilliantly simple, adventure sports available. Started by some crazy Frenchmen back in the 70s, all you need is a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, flippers, a healthy amount of guts, a small board and you’re off – flying through the rapids with a, er, fish’s eye view. kaitiaki.co.nz

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JETBOAT - SLEDGE - KARTING - ZORB - MONSTER TRUCK - SWOOP - LUGE

COMBINE ROTORUA’S LEADING ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES!

RAFT - SKYDIVE - MUD POOL - HANGI - HELI/RAFT - MOUNTAINBIKING & MORE

www.rotoruacombos.com FREEPHONE 0800 338 786

JUMP BEFORE 11AM FOR $129 OR

SWING BEFORE 12 PM AND GET A FREE DVD Valid until 30 June 2012

SPA RD:TAUPO:NEW ZEALAND www.taupobungy.com 0800 888 408

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NORTHISLAND 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

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

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

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

MT MAUNGANUI Home to Ocean Beach which, at 15km long, is considered by locals to be among the finest surfing in the country. The town stands at the foot of Mt Maunganui, a slab of rock 232m high, around which you can appreciate stunning views.

Mt Maunganui Visitor Centre Salisbury Ave, 07 575 5099 Te Puke Information Centre 130 Jellicoe St, 07 573 9172

MAUNGA STAY Hairy Berry Backpackers (BBH) 2 No One Rd, Te Puke, 07 573 8015, work@hairyberrynz.com Mount Backpackers (BBH) 87 Maunganui Rd, 07 575 0860, mountbackpackers.co.nz Pacific Coast Backpackers (BBH) 432 Maunganui Rd, 0800 666 622, pacificcoastlodge.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)

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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 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

BOOK NOW! Off Road NZ Sprint car racing, Monster 4X4, 4WD Bush Safari and more.

07 332 5748, offroadnz.co.nz Raftabout Whitewater rafting and sledging. 0800 723 822, raftabout.co.nz Swoop and Rotorua Bungy 142ft bungy tower and a flying swoop.

07 357 4747 Wet ‘n’ Wild Rafting Guided rafting options on five different rivers – the Wairoa, Rangitaiki, Kaituna, Motu and Mohaka. 0800 462 7238, wetnwildrafting.co.nz Zorbing Get harnessed inside the perspex Zorb before rolling head-over-heels downhill.

07 357 5100, zorb.com Skyline Skyrides Spectacular Get the best views and luge down 5km of tracks, or take the 150ft skyswing. 07 347 0027, skylineskyrides.co.nz

NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft over Rotorua, Ph: (07) 345 7250, nzone.biz

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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, Ph: (07) 378 9292, blackcurrantbackpackers@xtra. co.nz Rainbow Lodge (BBH) 133 Summers St, Ph: (08) 9227-1818, rainbowlodge@clear.net.nz

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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

Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body 07 345 3151

Finns Global Backpackers (VIP) Cnr Tongariro & Tuwharetoa Sts, 07 377 0044, go-global.co.nz

Polynesian Spa Historical hot mineral water bathing spa on the edge of Lake Rotorua. 07 348 1328, info@polynesianspa.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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

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

07 333 1861

Planet Nomad Backpackers (VIP) MAORI CULTURE 1193 Fenton St, 07 346 2831, While you’re here, take the downtown-rotorua@xtra.co.nz opportunity to see how the Maori lived before European settlment.

Rotorua Central Backpackers The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (BBH) 1076 Pukuatua St, in Whakarewarewa is a good place 07 349 3285, to begin. nzmaori.co.nz. rcbenquiry@slingshot.co.nz NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute Spa Lodge (BBH) 07 348 9047 1221 Amohau St, The Realm of Tane 07 348 3486, A blend of guided tour, spalodge@wave.co.nz character theatre and story telling within a series of magical sets. 1220 Hinemaru St, ROTORUA DO 07 349 2999, Agrojet NZ’s fastest jet-boating maoriculture.co.nz experience, on a 1km purposebuilt course, Rotoiti Tours 07 357 2929 0800 476 864 Kaitiaki Adventures Extreme whitewater activities.

Sledging and rafting trips on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, 0800 338 736, kaitiaki.co.nz

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Tamaki Maori Village Tours, hangi and concert.

Hinemaru St, 07 349 2999, maoriculture.co.nz Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Maori village set amidst a landscape of geothermal wonders. Take a guided tour, see a cultural performance,

Base Taupo 7 Tuwharetoa St, 07 377 4464, stayatbase.com Taupo Urban Retreat 65 Heu Heu St, 0800 872 261, taupourbanretreat.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

TURANGI STAY

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)

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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

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

The park’s showcase is Mt

EAST COAST

Ruapehu, an active volcano

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.

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.

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

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

Opotiki Information Centre Cnr St John and Elliot Sts, 07 315 3031 Central Oasis Backpackers (BBH) 30 King St, 07 315 5165, centraloasis@hotmail.com Opotiki Backpackers Beach House (BBH) 7 Appleton Rd, Waiotahi Beach, 07 315 5117, hangout@paradise.net.nz

EAST CAPE

06 867 3269, yha.co.nz

As you head around the Cape the towns get tinier and the scenery more dramatic. At Te Araroa, you can thead around to the East Cape Lighthouse.

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, 06 864 4694, eastcapefishing@xtra.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

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.

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

HASTINGS

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

Napier is a beautiful, surprising city.

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

Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

NAPIER STAY

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

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

DOC office for hut bookings Lake Waikaremoana, 06 837 3900

Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911

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

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

NAPIER

GISBORNE

YHA Gisborne 32 Harris St,

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

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

A1 Backpackers (BBH) 122 Stortford St, 06 873 4285, a1backpackers@xtra.co.nz Glenross Lodge (BBH) Route 52, Rakaunui, 06 376 7288, glenross@xtra.co.nz Lochlea Farmstay (BBH)344 Lake Rd, Wanstead, 06 8554 816 info@lochleafarm.co.nz

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience!

Experience the warmth of our people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting!

Share in the Powhiri; our ancient ceremony of welcome before you are invited into our Pre-European Maori village nestled within the native Tawa forest. Enter our living village, as it comes alive with the sights, sounds and activity of days gone by. Witness the earth being scraped carefully away from the hangi pit by your selected Chiefs, to reveal baskets laden with your sumptuous, mouth watering feast.

At the heart of the Village, enter our ancestral Meeting House, and relax as our family entertain you with a powerful Cultural performance. Dine on the traditional hangi buffet feast, followed by our New Zealand dessert.

The evening draws to an end with the Poroporoaki – the official closing ceremony as we farewell our visitors.

Phone: (07) 3492 999 www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz WHITE TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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.

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

NEW PLYMOUTH

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.

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yha.co.nz 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 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.

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.

North Egmont Visitors Centre, 06 758 3222.

Department of Conservation 220 Devon St West, 06 758 0433

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

PLYMOUTH STAY Eco Inn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth on SH3.

06 752 2765 Egmont Lodge (BBH, YHA) 12 Clawton St, 06 753 5720,

STRATFORD

New Plymouth Info Centre Puke Ariki Complex, St Aubyn Street, 06 759 6080, info@newplymouth.govt.nz Department of Conservation Pembroke Rd, 06 765 5144

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SOUTH TARANAKI Information South Taranaki 55 High St, Hawera, 0800 111 323, visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz

DON’T MISS!

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

Wheatly Downs Farmstay Backpackers (BBH) 484 Ararata Rd, Hawera, 06 278 6523, wheatlydowns@taranaki-bakpak. co.nz

WANGANUI Braemar House (YHA) 2 Plymouth St, 06 348 2301, yha.co.nz Tamara Backpackers Lodge (BBH) 24 Somme Pde, 06 347 6300, tamaralodge.com Whanganui National Park The major attraction is the Whanganui River, snaking through picturesque scenery.

Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX VS PERTH GLORY Wellington. Sat, Dec 10. From $29.

It’s the longest distance fixture in world domestic football. Catch NZ’s A-League team as it hosts Perth and former Phoenix star Shane Smeltz.

Westpac Stadium

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

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.

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

Wellington Visitor Info Centre Corner of Victoria & Wakefield Sts, 04 802 4860, wellingtonnz.com

PALMERSTON NTH

DOC Information Centre Lambton Quay, 04 472 7356

Manawatu Visitor Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 490-508, manawatu.visitor-info@xtra.co.nz Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 358 9004

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

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

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

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.

wellingtonrover.co.nz

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

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 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

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 Wellington, its stunning rugged coastline and the Lord of the Rings locations. 0800 426 211,

Beaches Wellington’s waterfront has cafés, restaurants and parks.

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

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

KAPITI COAST Some 45km north-east of Wellington and famous for its long stretches of sandy white beaches is the area known as the Kapiti Coast.

It’s a popular holiday spot for Wellingtonians who flock here during summer.

Tranz Rail The best way to explore the Kapiti Coast is by train and most places along the way can be reached within an hour or so, 04 498 3000 Stillwater Lodge (BBH) 34 Mana Esplanade, Mana, 04 233 6628

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

PARAPARAUMU The beach here is glorious and the scene of most of the action in town.

Barnacles Seaside Inn (BBH, YHA) 3 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu, 0800 555 856, yha.co.nz

KAPITI IS A sanctuary for rare native birds.

There’s a good chance of seeing elusive kiwis and blue penguins.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE KAPITI COAST Only an hour from Wellington, the Kapiti is ideal for a city break, thanks to its good beaches and interesting mountain range. Paraparaumu Beach is a favourite.

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ABEL TASMAN

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

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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.

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

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

ABEL DO

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

Wilsons Abel Tasman Sea kayaking, water taxis and lodge accommodation.

0800 223 582, abeltasman.co.nz

RIVERDANCE

Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 732 529 abeltasmankayaks.co.nz

Christchurch. Thur, Jun 7 – Sun, Jun 10. From $90.

Looking well in advance due to expected strong demand, the original Irish dancing phenomenon heads to NZ for its farewell tour.

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

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

Beach Hostel (BBH) 25 Muritai St. 03 548 6817, nelsonbeachhostel.co.nz

NELSON DO

The Bug (BBH) 226 Vanguard St. 03 539 4227, thebug.co.nz

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

The Customhouse (BBH) 252 Haven Rd. 03 545 8365, customhousenelson.co.nz

Happy Valley 4x4 Motorbike Adventures Tours around spectacular private farm on chunky fourwheel motorbikes.

03 545 0304, happyvalleyadventures.co.nz

Footprints by the Sea (BBH) 31 Beach Rd, Tahuna Beach. 03 546 5441, info@footprints.co.nz

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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

Lagoon Lodge (BBH) 500 High St. 03 528 8652, happyapplebackpackers.co.nz Hat Trick Lodge (BBH) 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz

The Green Monkey (BBH) 129 Milton St. 03 545 7421, thegreenmonkey.co.nz

Kaiteriteri kayaks Free transport from Nelson.

03 527 8383, seakayak.co.nz

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

Honey Suckle House (BBH) 125 Tasman St. 03 548 7576

Skydive Abel Tasman Tandem jumps from 13,000ft over Abel Tasman.

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

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Golden Bay Visitor Centre 03 525 9136

MARLBOROUGH

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

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

Eden’s Edge Backpackers (BBH) 137 Lodder Lane, Riwaka. 03 528 4242, edens.edge@xtra.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.

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.

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

The Barn (BBH) Harvey Road, Marahau.

03 527 8043

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

TAKAKA

Aquapackers (BBH) Anchorage Bay, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 0800 430 744, aquapackers.co.nz

MOTUEKA STAY

The Innlet (BBH) Main Rd, Pakawau.

03 524 8040, goldenbayindex.co.nz/theinnlet

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.

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.

Bakers Lodge (YHA) 4 Poole St. 03 528 0102, yha.co.nz

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

Kanuka Ridge (BBH) 21 Moss Rd, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park. 03 527 8435, abeltasmanbackpackers.co.nz The Nook (BBH) Abel Tasman Dr. 03 525 8501, thenook@paradise.net.nz River Inn (BBH) Golden Bay. 03 525 9425 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.

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

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

Airport shuttle bus 03 573 7125

PICTON STAY Atlantis Backpackers (BBH) London Quay.

03 573 7390, atlantishostel.co.nz Bayview Backpackers (BBH) 318 Waikawa Rd. 03 573 7668, truenz.co.nz/bayviewbackpackers The Jugglers Rest (BBH) 8 Canterbury St. 03 573 5570, info@jugglersrest.com Picton Lodge (VIP) 9 Auckland St. 03 573 7788, pictonlodge.co.nz 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

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PICTON DO Dolphin Watch Encounters Picton Foreshore, 03 573 8040, naturetours.co.nz

Christchurch & Canterbury i-Site Visitor Centre Cnr Deans Av & Kilmarnock St 0800 423 783 christchurchnz.com

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QUEEN CHARLOTTE

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

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

BLENHEIM The largest town in Marlborough, and considered (ahem, also) the“sunshine capital of New Zealand”. Whitewater rafting on the Buller and Gowan Rivers is great fun.

Blenheim Information Centre The Forum Building, Queen St, 03 578 9904 Honi-B-Backpackers (BBH) 18

SUMNER

C’CHURCH STAY

Southern Wilderness NZ Guided walk, wine trek and sea kayaking specialists.

0800 666 044, southernwilderness.com

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.

Up Up and Away Hot air ballooning, 03 381 4600, ballooning.co.nz

Department of Conservation 133 Victoria St, 03 379 9758

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company 03 573 6078

Waka Whenua Tours Wine tours. Sightseeing/ historical/ cultural tours also available.

03 573 7877

0800 697 593 skydivingnz.com

This surf beach is also a great place to chill for a while. If you’re feeling adventurous, mountain biking, paragliding and surfing are just some of the activities you can try.

Christchurch is the South Island’s major city and a Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street.

03 365 4363 aroundtheworld.co.nz

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED Queenstown. Sun, Feb 5 . From $89.

The legendary rockers will be rolling out all their classic hits on this three-date Kiwi tour.

Queenstown Events Centre 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.nr

ticketek.co.nz Top Spot Backpackers (BBH) 22 Deal St. 03 319 5540 YHA Kaikoura, Maui 270 Esplanade. 03 319 5931, yha.co.nz

KAIKOURA DO

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

Kaikoura is famous for its large sperm whale population and picturesque mountain r

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

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

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 The Lazy Shag (BBH) 37 Beach St. 03 319 6662 Lyell Creek Lodge (BBH) 193 Beach Rd. 03 319 6277, jedwards120@hotmail.com Sunrise Lodge (BBH) 74 Beach Rd. 03 319 7444

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

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

LYTTELTON

Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East.

03 377 1897, chesterst.co.nz

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.

Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. 03 366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546 jail.co.nz Kiwi Basecamp (BBH) 69 Bealey Ave. 03 366 6770 stay@kiwibasecamp.com

Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

AKAROA

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

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

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

Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud, 03 304 8600

Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road.

03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz

Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch to Akaroa buses.

0800 500 929

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

Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. 03 366 6500 tranquil-lodge.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH

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.

Canterbury House (BBH) 257 Bealey Ave. 03 377 8108, canterburyeh257@hotmail.com

The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. 03 381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com

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.

BANKS PENINSULA

Avon City Backpackers Worcester Street. 03 389 6876, avoncitybackpackers.com

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

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

The Marine Backpackers (BBH) 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609, themarine.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,

Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

AKAROA STAY Bon Accord Backpackers (BBH) 57 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7782, bon-accord.co.nz Chez La Mer (BBH) 50 Rue Lavaud. 03 304 7024, chezlamer.co.nz Double Dutch (BBH) 32 Chorlton Road, Okains Bay. 03 304 7229, doubledutch.co.nz Halfmoon Cottage (BBH) SH25 Barrys Bay. 03 304 5050, halfmoon.co.nz Onuku Farm Hostel (BBH) 03 304 7066, onukufarm.com

AKAROA DO Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013

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

03 328 9078.

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

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

HANMER SPRINGS Hanmer Springs boasts the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, where the water can reach 40°C (03 315 7511, hotfun.co.nz). Mt Lyford offers good winter skiing and is a cheaper option to the South Island resorts.

Department of Conservation Cnr Amuri Rd & Jacks Pass Rd, 03 315 7128 The Hanmer Connection Christchurch to Hanmer Springs buses.

0800 242 663

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

03 314 6003, lewaiparasleepers.co.nz

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

BOOK NOW! Rata Lodge Backpackers (BBH) State Highway 73, Otira Arthur’s Pass National Park.

03 738 2822 Smylies Accommodation (YHA) 03 318 9258, yha.co.nz

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

follow us on Kowhai House (BBH) 17 McMillan St. 03 302 8887, kowhaihouse.co.nz

@tnt_downunder Toru Toru Wha Backpackers 334 Stafford St. 03 684 4729

Mt Hutt Bunkhouse (BBH) 8 Lampard St. 03 302 8894, mthuttbunks.co.nz

GERALDINE

Pinedale Backpacker Lodge (BBH) 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz

As well as a wonderful old movie theatre and whitewater rafting on the Rangitata River, visiting the mighty Emily Falls is recommended.

Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, skired@xtra.co.nz

Geraldine Information Centre Talbot Street, 03 693 1006

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

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/

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

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

Old Bank Backpackers 232 Stafford St. 03 684 4392 Timaru Backpackers 44 Evans St. 03 684 5067

Tallyho Lodge & Backpackers 7 School Rd. 03 685 8723

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BUNGY JUMPING We’re pretty certain that no country can match New Zealand’s dedication to scaring its visitors senseless, which is why no trip to Kiwiland is complete without some form of scream-inducing adrenalin activity. There’s no shortage of weird and wacky thrills available throughout the country, but there’s no doubting that the purest, and arguably scariest, experience is good old fashioned bungy jumping. You can do a bungy jump in just about every NZ town nowadays, but the original fear factory is Queenstown. AJ Hackett runs various jumps in the area, including the world’s first commercial bungy, the Kawarau (pictured), plus the ledge jump, towering 400m above Queenstown, and of course, the daddy of them all, the 134m Nevis jump. While in town, make sure you also check out Shotover Canyon Swing. It may not match the height of the Nevis, but the unique jumping styles and, er, sadistic tendencies of the jump masters make it a match for any adrenalin activity in New Zealand.

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LAKE TEKAPO A stunning turquoise-coloured lake, 100km west of Timaru. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, frames the view beautifully.

Activities include walking, watersports, fishing and skiing.

Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers (BBH) 9-11 Aorangi Cres. 03 680 6700,

rtailor-made-backpackers@xtra. co.nz Lake Tekapo Backpackers (VIP) SH8. 03 680 6808, stay@laketekapo.bix YHA Lake Tekapo 3 Simpson Lane. 03 680 6857, yha.co.nz

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

Discuss climbing plans with park rangers before you go.

Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village, 03 435 1819 The Cook Connection Day trips to Mt Cook from Tekapo.

Ph: 021 583 211, cookconnect.co.nz

MT COOK STAY Mount Cook National Par 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

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

Reefton Backpackers 64 Shiel St. 03 732 8133, armsstat@hotmail.com

TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367

The Old Nurses Home (BBH) 204 Shiel St. 03 789 8881

WESTPORT

The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Highway 67, Hector.

03 782 8333

PAPAROA NP

Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658 Basils Hostel (VIP) 54 Russell St. 03 789 6410, basils.backpackers@xtra.co.nz

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

Visitor Information Punakaiki 03 731 1895

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

Barrytown Knife Making 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown, 03 731 1053, barrytownknifemaking.com

PAPAROA STAY

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

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

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

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

SHUTTLE BUS TRANSPORT September 15th 2011 - May 31st 2012

Stay warm and Dry in our new Dry suits

TEKAPO TWIZEL

Daily 2 x Day

MT COOK MT COOK

Bookings Essential. Call our Reservations Freephone:

0800 2 6 6 5 2 6

COOK CO

Web address: www.cookconnect.co.nz

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

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

BOOK NOW!

41 Weld St, 03 755 8007, mtjade@minidata.co.nz Riverview Cabins (BBH) 154 Kaniere Rd, 03 755 7440

GREYMOUTH

HOKITIKA

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.

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.

Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101

Hokitika Visitor Info Centre Carnegie Building, corner of Hamilton & Tancred Street, 03 755 6166

TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning.

0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

CAROLINE BAY CARNIVAL Timaru. Mon, Dec 26 – Sun, Jan 8. Free entry.

This southern Canterbury port is holding its summer party, including the NYE fireworks, for the 101st year. Expect rides, games and music.

Virtue St

GREYMOUTH STAY The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Duke Backpackers (BBH) 27 Guiness St. 03 768 9470 Global Village (BBH) 42-54 Cowper St, Ph: (03) 768 7272, globalvillage@minidata.co.nz

carolinebay.org.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

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, www.madkiwi.co.nz Mountain Jade Backpackers (BBH)

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Stumpers Accommodation 2 Weld St, 03 755 6154, www.stumpers.co.nz

HOKITIKA DO Alpine Rafts Freephone: 0800 223 456.

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

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

OKARITO The tiny beach settlement of Okarito, near Franz Josef Glacier,

QUEENSTOWN NEW ZEALAND

from

$

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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5 minutes from the centre of

booking@pinewood.co.nz

Queenstown

0800 746 396

Beautiful

alpine setting www.pinewood.co.nz Accommodation for singles, couples & groups

02 NZ 79 pp16-35.indd 29

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MT COOK It’s the tallest mountain in Australasia, at 3,754m, and the drive there, past the stunning blue Lake Pukaki is almost as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the destination itself.

11/11/09 2:19:15 PM

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sits at the mouth of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland – the Okarito Lagoon. Hike up to the Okarito Trig for excellent views.

Chateau Franz (VIP, BBH) 8-10 Cron St, 0800 728 372, www.chateaufranz.co.nz

Okarito Nature Tours 03 753 4014, kayaks@okarito.co.nz

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

Royal Hostel (BBH) The Strand, Ph: (03) 753 4080, okaritohostel.com YHA Okarito Palmerston St, Whataroa, Ph: (03) 753 4347, yha.co.nz

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

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Montrose (BBH) 9 Cron St, Ph: (03) 752 0188, montrosebackpackers@xtra.co.nz Rainforest Retreat (VIP) Cron St, 0800 873 346 YHA Franz Josef 2-4 Cron St, 03 752 0754, www.yha.co.nz

FRANZ DO Alpine Adventure Centre Footage on a helimax screen, 03 752 0793 Franz Josef Glacier Guides Guided walks and heli-hikes on the Franz Josef Glacier 0800 484 337, franzjosefglacier.com Glacier Country Kayaks 03 752 0230, glacierkayaks.com

Skydive Franz At 18,000ft, they offer NZ’s highest skydive.

0800 458 677, skydivefranz.co.nz The Guiding Company 0800 800 102, nzguides.com

FOX GLACIER Similiar activities to Franz Josef only with fewer crowds. The best walk is up to the Welcome Flat Hot Springs.

For stunning views, head up the wonderfully scenic Chalet Lookout Walk. Look out for the beautiful kea (grey-green mountain parrot).

Nearby is Lake Matheson, with its stunning twin mountain reflection.

DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 751 0807

FOX STAY Fox Glacier Inn 03 751 0088 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

get sore as the South Island’s jawdropping scenery becomes more prevalent. From the adrenalin thrills of Queenstown to the achingly beautiful Milford Sound, there’s never a dull moment down south.

Stop frequently, take deep breaths and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Glacier Country Kayaks 20 Cron St, 0800 423 262, glacierkayaks.com Skydive NZ: Fox Glacier 0800 751 0080, skydivingnz.co.nz

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

HAAST PASS Running through Mt Aspiring National Park, this stretch of road is among the most scenic that you’ll come across in New Zealand, showing off pristine lakes, magnificent forests and waterfalls.

DOC Centre Cnr SH 6 and Jackson Bay Rd, 03 750 0809 Haast Highway Accommodation Marks Rd, 03 750 0703 Wilderness Backpackers (BBH) Marks Rd, 03 750 029, whitesnalex@xtra.co.nz

SOUTHLAND The top of your chest will quickly

LAKE WANAKA The cosy town and its crystal-clear waters which reflect the dramatic landscape is the gateway to Mount Aspiring Park. The World Heritage area has magnificent tramping and mountaineering. Lake Wanaka boasts almost as many adrenalintastic activities as neighbouring Queenstown, such as mountain biking, jet-boating, canyoning, and whitewater sledging. It’s a favourite with snowboarders in winter, and has lively nightlife year-round.

Boasting the most sceneray from those films with wizards and hairyfooted hobbits, there are great Lord of the Rings tours, too.

Lake Wanaka Visitors Centre The Log Cabin, Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street.

03 4431 1233

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SOUTHISLAND WANAKA STAY Albert Town Lodge (BBH) Cnr SH6 and Kingston St, Albert Town, Ph: (03) 443 9487, alberttownlodge.co.nz Holly’s Backpackers (BBH) 71 Upton St, Ph: 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 The Silver Demon Aerobatic flights.

03 443 4043, silverdemon.co.nz Skydive Lake Wanaka Freefall from 12,000 or 15,000ft with views of NZ’s highest mountains.

0800 786 877, skydivenz.com Treble Cone Ski Field 03 443 7443, treblecone.co.nz Wanaka Rock Climbing One, three and five-day rock climbing courses for everyone.

03 443 6411, wanakarock.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise from Wanaka, 03 443-8787, flightseeing.co.nz

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

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

QUEENSTOWN Paradise for the energetic traveller, Queenstown is one of the world’s most action-packed towns. The town, which is surprisingly small compared to its big reputation, is located on Lake Wakatipu and rises up to the peaks of the aptly-named Remarkables (which you can ski in winter). In winter, the town is a centre for nearby skifields and in summer adventure activities and tramping take over. There’s also a hectic social scene which extends well into the wee small hours.

Info & Track Walking Centre 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708 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 Butterfli Lodge (BBH) 62 Thompson St. 03 442 6367, butterfli.co.nz Cardrona Alpine Resort Between Queenstown and Wanaka. 03 443 7341, cardrona.com Deco Backpackers (VIP, BBH) 52 Man St. 03 442 7384, decobackpackers.co.nz Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (BBH) 39 Robins Rd. 03 442 5494, flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz Hippo Lodge (BBH) 4 Anderson Hts. 03 442 5785, hippolodge.co.nz Nomads Queenstown 5-11 Church St. 03 441 3922, nomadshostels.com Pinewood Lodge (VIP) 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 7463 9663, rgrieg@xtra.co.nz

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BOOK NOW! Resort Lodge (BBH) 6 Henry St. 03 442 4970, resortlodge.co.nz Queenstown Lodge Sainsbury Rd, Fernhill. 0800 756 343, queenstownlodge.co.nz Scallywags Traveller’s Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent. 03 442 7083 Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz The Last Resort (BBH) 6 Memorial St. 03 442 4320, thelastresort@xtra.co.nz The Lost Sock 107 Hallenstein St. 03 442 8107 Thomas’s Hotel & BPs (VIP) 50 Beach St. 03 442 7180 YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street. 03 442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade.

03 442 8413 yha.co.nz

Q’TOWN DO There are hundreds of activities to keep you occupied in Queenstown.

Bungy, jetboating and rafting are all experiences not to be missed, and in winter, skiing the Remarkables is a must. To really appreciate the beauty of the region, take a scenic flight, or even jump out of 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 Fergburger Best burgers in NZ, Shotover St, 03 441 1232 Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com Mad Dog River Boarding River sledging & other actionpacked water activities, 03 442 7797, riverboarding.co.nz

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

famous in the world, but often booked out. The Routeburn, ReesDart and Kepler are ace alternatives. doc.govt.nz

Nevis Snowmobile Safaris Helicopter ride & snowmobile adventure, 03 442 4250, snowmobilenz.com

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

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 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

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 Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503 Scenic Shuttle Daily between Te Anau and Invercargill in summer months, twice weekly in winter.

Connects with the Catlins Coaster from Invercargill to Dunedin 0800 277 483 Top Line Tours Coach to and from Te Anau and Queenstown, 03 249 8059

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

TE ANAU DO Adventure Fiordland 72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500 Fiordland Ecology Holidays 3-10 day cruises, all 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

Ask about our TNT deal!

OFFERING: COACH - CRUISE - COACH EX - QUEENSTOWN

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SOUTHISLAND Luxmore Jet Jetboating on the Waiau River, 0800 253 826, luxmorejet.co.nz Real Journeys Doubtful Sound daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. Milford Sound daytime, overnight scenic, nature and small boat cruises. 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Milford Track Day Walk Lake cruise and guided walk, 0800 656 501 Rosco’s Milford Sound Sea Kayaks 0800 476 726, roscosmilfordkayaks Skydive Fiordland Dive 44 Caswell Rd, Te Anau, 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz 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

Tawaki Dive See Fiordland’s unique marine life on a day-trip with two guided dives in Milford Sound.

Rental gear available, max four divers. 0800 829254, tawakidive.co.nz TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks and cycling. realjourneys.co.nz Wanaka Flightseeing Milford Sound flight and cruise, 0800 105 105, flightseeing.co.nz

MANAPOURI Manapouri is the proud owner of arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful stretch of water. This is where the boat trip on Doubtful Sound leaves from – most start the trip in Queenstown or Te Anau.

From the boat you may see seals and possibly dolphins and penguins.

Adventure Charters and Hires 03 249 6626 Real Journeys 0800 656 502

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

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.

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

Milford Sound Lodge (BBH) 03 249 8071, milford.sound.lodge@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.

MILFORD DO Real Journeys 0800 656 501, reservations@realjourneys.co.nz Great Sights On and under the water, 03 442 9445 Kiwi Reel Rifle Guided fishing & hunting.

Kayaking on Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound.

Rental kayaks and mountain bikes, 03 249 9071 Milford Sound Underwater Observatory Discover a coral reef beneath Milford Sound, 03 249 9442 Milford Sound Cruise & Observatory Visit 0800 656 501 Milford Wanderer Cruises Day and overnight options with kayaking, etc. Coach

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connections, 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz

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

DOUBTFUL SOUND

Real Journeys Daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises.

0800 656 502 Fiordland Navigator Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 03 249 6602, yha.co.nz Deep Cove Hostel Doubtful Sound, 03 249 7713, hostel.co.nz

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

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

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

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

The Dubliner (BBH) 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 1896, andreas69@xtra.co.nz Dustez Bak Paka’s (BBH) 15 Colac Bay Rd, Riverton, 03 234-8399 dustez@xtra.co.nz The Globe Backpackers (VIP) 144 Palmerston St, Riverton, 03 234 8527, globebackpackers@xtra.co.nz Harbison Backpackers (BBH) 5 Harbison St, Otautau, 03 225 8715, michdale@xtra.co.nz Shooters Backpackers 73 Main St, Tuatapere, 03 226 6250

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

Old Fire Station Backpackers (BBH) 19 Hokonui Dr, 03 208 1925, oldfirestation@ispnz.co.nz Anglem House 20 Miro Crescent, 03 219 1552, yha.co.nz

THE CATLINS The beautiful Catlins is a sprawling mass of bush, forest and rivers, stretching all the way from Waipapa Point in Southland to Nugget Point in Otago. The best bit about the

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Catlins is the abundance of wildlife.

backpacker@slingshot.co.nz

Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, South Otago, 03 415 8371, info@catlins-nz.com

Chalet Backpackers (BBH) 296 High St, 03 479 2075

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

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

The Falls Backpackers (BBH) Purakaunui Falls Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8724, sparx@es.co.nz Fernlea Backpackers (VIP) Moana St, Kaka Point, 03 412 8834 The Split Level (BBH) 9 Waikawa Rd, Owaka, 03 415 8304, brianwayne@clear.net.nz Surat Bay Lodge (BBH) Surat Bay Rd, New Haven, 03 415 8099, www.suratbay.co.nz/ Penguin Paradise Holiday Lodge (BBH) 612 Waikawa-Niagara Rd, Waikawa Village South Catlins, 03 2468 552, dolphinsurf@xtra.co.nz Thomas Catlins Lodge & Holiday Park, 03 415 8333, yha.co.nz Wright’s Mill Lodge (BBH) 865 Tahakopa Valley Rd, 03 204 8424 catlinsaccommodation.co.nz

DUNEDIN Dunedin is Celtic for “Edinburgh” and many Scottish principles endure here. One thing the locals do much better than their Scots ancestors is play rugby, so if there’s a game on at Carisbrook (the “House of Pain”) while you’re in town, beg, borrow or steal to get yourself there.

Dunedin Central Backpackers (BBH) 243 Moray Pl, 03 477 9985, duncb_nz@yahoo.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 74 Elm Row, 03 477 3384 Hogwartz (BBH) 277 Rattray St, 03 474 1487, hogwartz@actrix.co.nz The Jolly Poacher (BBH) 54 Arthur St, 03 477 3384, jollypoacher@ihug.co.nz Kiwis Nest (BBH)597 George St, 03 471 9540.

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

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

Dunedin Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300

Cosmic Corner Funk Store Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff about where to go for parties, events and the beautiful parts of New Zealand.

355 George St, 03 479 2949

Dept of Conservation Office 77 Stuart St, 03 477 0677

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

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

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk.

Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz

DUNEDIN STAY The Asylum Lodge (BBH) 36 Russell Rd, Seacliff, 03 465 8123

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

Bus Stop backpackers (BBH) 252 Harrington Point Rd, Portobello, 03 478 0330,

Sinclair Wetlands and Educational Centre Freedom or conducted walks

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over 5km of walkways.

Backpacker and camping facilities. Rapid no 854 Clarendon/Berwick Rd (signposted on SH1 30km south of Dunedin), 03 486 2654 Speights Brewery Heritage Tours 03 477 7697, speights.co.nz Royal Albatross Centre 03 478 0499, albatross.org.nz

OTAGO PENINSULA The Otago Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of rugged coast, home to a fascinating collection of rare and native birds such as the albatross and yellow-eyed penguin.

Billy Browns (BBH) 423 Aramoana Rd, Port Chalmers, 03 472 8323, billybrowns@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.

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

Two Bob Flashpackers (BBH) Marshalll Rd, 03 449 3188, twobobs@xtra.co.nz

Buscot Station (BBH) 732 Omarama, 03 438 9646, buscotstn@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 Chillawhile Backpackers (BBH) & Art Gallery 1 Frome St, Roberts Park, 03 437 0168, chillawhile.co.nz

Olive Grove Lodge (BBH) 2328 SH1, Waianakarua, 03 439 5830, info@olivebranch.co.nz The Dubliner 105 Tiverton St, Palmerston, 03 465 8123

KUROW

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

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

Old Bones Backpackers (BBH) Rapid Number 468 Beach Rd, Kakanui, 03 434 8115, simon@oldbones.co.nz

STEWART ISLAND 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.

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

MILFORD SOUND One of the most beautiful places in New Zealand (and there’s some serious competition!), Milford Sound is definitely worth the mission to the country’s south-west. Indeed the drive there is as spectacular as the destination – all winding roads, gaping drops, dense woodland and crashing waterfalls. Once there, head out onto the water and keep your eyes peeled for seals and penguins.

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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 0499awesomefiji.com

MAMANUCA ISL Beachcomber Island Resort +679 666 1500, beachcomberfiji.com

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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 Beachouse +679 653 0500, fijibeachouse.com Mango Bay Resort +679 653 00690, mangobayresortfiji.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

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Tsulu Luxury Backpackers & Apartments +679 345 0065, tsulu.com

tipple@connect.com.fj

Vakaviti Motel & Dorm +679 650 0526, bulavakaviti@connect.com.fj

Volivoli Beach Resort +679 669 4511, volivoli.com

Safari Lodge Fijis +679 669 3333 safarilodge.com.fj

Vilisite Place +679 650 1030

VANUA LEVU

SUVA Colonial Lodge +679 92 75248, sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz Lami Lodge Backpackers +679 336 2240, volau@connect.com.fj Leleuvia Island Resort +679 331 9567, eleen@leleuvia. com Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com Royal Hotel +679 344 0024 royal@connect.com.fj

Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

Albert’s Sunrise +679 333 7555

Tailevu Hotel +679 343 0028

NORTH VITI LEVU Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj

Morrison’s Beach Cottagess +679 669 4516,

Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106

TAVEUNI

South Seas Private Hotel +679 331 2296, fiji4less.com

Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

Bayside Backpacker Cottage +679 885 3154, tripntour@connect.com.fj

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE YASAWAS Fiji’s main budget backpacker properties are situated in the Yasawa Islands, north-west of Nadi. Some 24 properties operate over 20 rugged islands, with crystal blue lagoons and great beaches. The islands are serviced daily by the Yasawa Flyer, a large and fast catamaran.

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SYDNEY STAY

ONWARDSAUSTRALIA BOOK NOW!

Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com Big Hostel 212 Elizabeth St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, bighostel.com Bounce Budget Hotel 28 Chalmers St. CBD. 02 9281 2222, bouncehotel.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

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

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

The Furnished Property Group 02 8669 3678, furnishedproperty.com.au Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place. CBD. 02 9218 9000 www.yha.com.au

Australia. Wed, Dec 28 – Sat, Jan 14.

The indie kings are playing Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, as well as the Falls Festival over New Year’s Eve. arcticmonkeys.com

manlybackpackers.com.au

Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com

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

BRISBANE STAY

CAIRNS STAY

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

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

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au Coogee Beachside 178 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee. 02 9315 8511, sydneybeachside.com.au Surfside Backpackers 186 Arden Street. Coogee.

02 9315 7888, surfsidebackpackers.com.au Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road. Glebe. 02 9692 8418, yha.com.au Boardrider Backpacker Rear 63, The Corso, Manly. 02 9977 3411 boardrider.com.au The Bunkhouse 35 Pine St, Manly. 1800 657 122, bunkhouse.com.au Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan St. Manly. 02 9977 3411

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

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

HOBART STAY

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

Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

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

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

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

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162,

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

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

Banana Bender Backpackers 118 Petrie Terrace.

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com

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

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

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

Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

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

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

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

Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARCTIC MONKEYS

Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks.

02 9261 1111, yha.com.au

Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com

DARWIN STAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One World Backpackers 162 Aberdeen St, Northbridge.

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.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

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.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,

The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

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

Annie’s Place 239 Franklin St. 1800 818 011, anniesplace.com.au Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St. 1800 633 307, backpackoz.com.au

Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

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MYTHBUSTERS WHY THE NAME?

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ

NEW ZEALAND FILMS MYTH

a) Lord of the Rings b) Harry Potter c) The Piano d) The Lovely Bones

a) Mossy b) The Muss c) Muscle man d) Mousy

The title of the film Broken English Q 6.refers to which language?

Which film won the Palme Q 2.D’or at Cannes in 1994?

a) French c) Chinese

a) The Piano b) The Hobbit c) Heavenly Creatures d) Crush

film Eagle Vs Shark falls Q 7.intoThewhich genre? a) Documentary b) Action c) Comedy d) Horror

Principal scenes in Avatar Q 3.were filmed in which NZ city? a) Auckland c) Queenstown

Which NZ region was used for “The Q 8.Shire” in the Lord of the Rings films?

b) Rotorua d) Wellington

a) Kapiti Coast b) Rotorua c) Nelson d) Upper Hutt

Q 4. The lead character in the film Boy is obsessed with which pop star? a) Michael Jackson b) Ricky Martin c) Kylie Minogue d) Lady Gaga

Q 9. Sir Peter Jackson was knighted

Q 5. Peter Jackson adapted which

bestselling novel into a film in 2009?

in which year? a) 2008 b) 2009 c) 2010 d) 2011

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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

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TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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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.” An insult.

ANAGRAM-ARAMA

THIS TIME IT’S...

ACTS PLAYING NZ FESTIVALS 1. A THICK FEAR 2. O MY! LET ME 3. HELLO LARGE NAG 4. LYRIC MACHO-MAN CAME ANSWERS: 1. Katchafire 2. Tommy Lee 3. Noel Gallagher 4. My Chemical Romance

1. The lead character in Once Were Q Warriors had what nickname?

OF THE Why is the NZ rugby GAME team called the ‘All Blacks’?

The NZ test side were not always called the All Blacks. In the early days they were called the Maorilanders or the New Zealanders. Until 1892 they didn’t even wear black, their kit was dark navy blue. The new name came during the 1905 tour to the British Isles where, according to player Billy Wallace, a London newspaper reported that the New Zealanders played as if they were “all backs”.

However, due to a typo the article stated that they played as if they were “all blacks”. The name stuck, as did their uniform of black shirts, shorts and socks.

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