TNT New Zealand 93

February 2013 Issue 93 tntdownunder.com

!

WNIN AJ

A HACKETT BUNGY BONANZA

THE STUFF OF LEGENDS BEACHED AZ Our pick of NZ’s best beaches

AM Maori aori cculture ultu ure fi fix x in Rotorua

T R A F O E T A ST

has it all d n la Is e k e . Waih d and w ine o fo , ic s u m reat the gulf + g n o + WHAT’S ON DIGGING AROUND FIJI e r tu lp u Sc MUSIC TRAVEL PHOTOS

The original Kiwi Experience, since 1989 100% awesome Kiwi Driver Guides Stacks of inclusions and exclusive discounts Get immersed in nature, adventure and kiwi culture

Phone 09 336 4286 or www.kiwiexperience.com

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

www.kiwiexperience.com

ALEX HARMON EDITOR editor@tntdownunder.com

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the recently revamped TNT! We’ve given the magazine a fresh lick of paint and we’ll be coming at you monthly now with all the latest gigs, films, bars and events.

But don’t worry, travel around this magnificent country is still our focus and you’ll discover features on Waiheke Island (pg26); the über cultural Rotorua (pg30); plus the best walks and beaches in the land of the long white cloud. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK NZ DIARY

4

HOT SHOTS

20

TRAVEL

22

COMPETITION

24

LISTINGS TRANSPORT

45

LISTINGS NORTH ISLAND

47

LISTINGS SOUTH ISLAND

56

LISTINGS TRAVELLING ON

64

TRIVIA

66

FEATURES

8

BEACH BUMMING

8

We go around New Zealand looking at some of the best beaches

STRONG AND SILENT

14

The louder half of the hit US comedy duo Jay and Silent Bob chat to us

BEST COAST

14

26

Only half an hour from Auckland the Waiheke Coast is an excellent get away

CULTURE CALLS

30

Get a little Maori culture in you with a trip to Rotorua, the thermal capital of NZ

KEEP ON WALKING

34

Comfy shoes are a must as we set out across some of the best tracks in NZ

BELLICOSE STRAINS

38

Fiji is a place rich in history and was once dominated by tribal warriors

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

66

A scuba quiz that will get to the depths of your dive knowledge

26

34 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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NZDIARY OZDIARY

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EDITORIAL Editor Alex Harmon Staff writer Hugh Radojev Contributors Damian Hall, Fraser Kidd, Leigh Livingstone, Jahn Vannisselroy, Ian Neubauer Intern James Besanvalle, Caitlin Stanway

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Design and production manager Lisa Ferron SALES Account manager Justin Steinlauf Sales executive Mike Ramsden MARKETING & EVENTS Business development manager Tom Wheeler ACCOUNTS Financial controller Trish Bailey

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

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New Zealand’s national public holiday held on the 6th February every year is a time of great celebration amongst all Kiwis. All around the country various Waitangi themed events are taking place. The Ministry of Culture and Heritage will hold a large Waitangi celebration in Auckland, while in the capital of Wellington the Kwhia Kai Festival celebrating Maori culture kicks off on the 2nd. Generally a fantastic time to be in NZ. FREE

Feb 6 Nationwide

newzealand.co.nz

NITRO CIRCUS 2013

CLASSIC HITS WINERY TOUR

HERTZ SEVENS 2013

The most popular touring act across New Zealand in 2011 returns in 2013 with non-stop action and daredevil motorbike acts. 13 time X-Games medallist Nate Adams will lead the charge, well supported by a collection of the world’s best riders.

The annual Classic Hits Winery Tour is quite simply a “must do” on the summer calendar. With a top array of homegrown musical talent on offer to beautifully offset some of the best wines produced anywhere in the world. A great day out for anyone.

A major event on the national sporting calendar, particularly for a rugby-loving country such as New Zealand, the Hertz Sevens features teams representing 16 countries from all over the world in a two day action packed tournament.

Feb 2–9 Across NZ nitrocircuslive.com

9 Feb Alana Estate, Martinborough winerytour.co.nz

Feb 1-2 Westpac Stadium, Wellington sevens.co.nz

$49

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests.

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

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

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97 CUBA ST / 04 801 6970 5 HIGH ST / 09 303 2949 CASHEL MALL / 03 943 4400 355 GEORGE ST / 03 479 2949 WWW.COSMICNZ.CO.NZ 179 CUBA ST / 04 894 6971 284 K ROAD / 09 379 2509 PALMS MALL / 03 385 2949 FACEBOOK.COM/COSMICNZ 47 CUSTOMS ST / 09 914 4294 131 MANNERS ST / 04 801 6972 TWITTER.COM/COSMIC_NZ

GIGLISTINGS

follow us on Whammy Bar, Auckland tmukuna.co.nz

DON’T MISS!

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DON’T MISS!

FRIDAY 8 Alien Nation Festival $100 Wairoa Gorge, Nelson aliennation.co.nz

SATURDAY 9 Music at Matua $45 Matua Wines, Auckland matua.co.nz

SUMMERFEST 2013 Blake Park, Maunganui. Feb 2. From $30 Having been so well supported in its innaugural year Summerfest returns in 2013 with a bigger and better line up.

Blake Park, Maunganui

FRIDAY 1 Raggamuffin Festival $139 International Stadium, Rotorua raggamuffin.co.nz

SATURDAY 2 Valley Vibes $40 Linden Estate, Napier lindenestate.co.nz

summerfest.nz Vic Esplanade Gardens, Palm North espy.co.nz

MONDAY 4 Luminate Festival $185 Canaan Downs, Takaka luminatefestival.co.nz Mount Eerie $70 Barrytown Hall, Greymouth pwelverumandsun.com

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra $40 Neudorf, Upper Moutere ukulele.co.nz

SUNDAY 3 The Hollies $79.90 Church Rd Winery, Napier hollies.co.uk Ali Campbell, Toots + The Maytals $109 Vektor Arena, Auckland ticketek.co.nz

TUESDAY 5 Andrew Keoghan From $20 Q Theatre, Auckland qtheatre.co.nz

WEDNESDAY 6 Music in Parks 2013 Free Henderson’s Park, Auckland musicinparks.co.nz

THURSDAY 7 Thee Oh Sees $20

Esplanade Sunday’s Free

BOOK NOW!

Shotover Summer Festival $79 Littles Road, Queenstown dashtickets.co.nz

SUNDAY 10 Moondogs Gypsy Blues Band Free Riverhead, Auckland moondogsblues.com

MONDAY 11 Acoustic Song and Music Session Free The Thirsty Dog, Auckland thirstydog.co.nz

TUESDAY 12 Fat Freddy’s Drop $65 Sentry Hill, New Plymouth winerytour.co.nz

WEDNESDAY 13 Eddie Gaiger Free McCarthy’s Irish Bar, Auckland mccarthysirishbar.co.nz

THURSDAY 14 Flip Grater + Rodney Fisher $15 Old Library Building, Whangarei facebook.com/oldlibrary

FRIDAY 15

MORE FM VINEYARD TOUR Reef Mills Vineyard, Tauranga Feb 15. From $32 The tour kicks off in Tauranga and features plenty of wine and great music including Aussie Missy Higgins head lining a good line up.

Tauranga

summervineyardtour.co.nz

SATURDAY 23

TBS Theatre, New Plymouth reecemastinofficial.com

TUESDAY 19 Garbage $51 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington garbage.com

WEDNESDAY 20 Garbage $86 Civic Theatre @ Aotea Centre, Auckland theedge.co.nz

Cat Power $85 Wellington Town Hall muzic.net.nz

SUNDAY 24 Deep Purple From $99 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz Fat Freddy’s Drop $75 Villa Maria Marlborough Winery, Blenheim ticketmaster.co.nz

THURSDAY 21 Linkin Park $87 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

FRIDAY 22 Gypsy Fever $10 Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland theedge.co.nz

TUESDAY 26 Stone Roses From $99 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

WEDNESDAY 27 The Offspring $97 Vector Arena, Auckland ticketmaster.co.nz

Mihirangi $15 Tillerman’s, Invercargill mihirangi.com

BOOK NOW!

SATURDAY 16 Pat Benatar, BTO + America $95 Unison Amphitheatre, Taupo greenstone.co.nz Fat Freddy’s Drop $75 Mud House Winery, Waipara ticketmaster.co.nz

SUNDAY 17 RONAN KEATING Trusts Arena, Auckland. Feb 27. $95 Supported by Brian McFadden one of the highest selling solo artists of all time returns to New Zealand for a night of entertainment.

Auckland

trustsarena.co.nz

Mac Miller TBA Powerstation, Auckland macmiller.com

MONDAY 18 Reece Mastin $66.50

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THE OFFSPRING Vector Arena, Auckland. Feb 27. $97.50 Huge news for NZ punk fans, one of the best names in the business are returning to rock out bringing great tunes from nine albums in tow.

Auckland

vectorarena.co.nz

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PUBLISTINGS

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AUCKLANDPUBS

HAPPY HOUR!

FU Bar 174 Queen Street, Auckland fu.co.nz

Rolly Inn 2 Brookside Road, Rolleston rollyinn.co.nz

Reef Bar 71 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay reefbar.co.nz

The Paddington 117 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell thepaddington.co.nz

Cock & Bull 401 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket cockandbull.co.nz

VIC MAC’S BREWBAR Nelson. Open seven days.

The South Island’s first fully fledged Mac’s Brewbar. With ample outdoor seating, take advantage of $10 cocktail specials on Saturdays.

281 Trafalgar St, Nelson The Jolly Roger Pub Unit 22, Ranger Building 190 Jack Lachlan Drive Pine Harbour 210 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby thejollyrogerpub.co.nz whiskeybars.com Degree Gastro Bar Rakino’s 204 Quay Street, Auckland Level 1/35 High Street, Auckland degree.co.nz rakinos.com Spy Bar The Clare Inn Viaduct Quay 204 Quay Street, 278 Dominion Road, Mt Eden Auckland theclareinn.com spybar.co.nz The Library Bar 1 Pakenham Street East, The Viaduct, Auckland thelibrarybar.co.nz

Bellini Bar Hilton Hotel, Princes Wharf 147 Quay Street, Auckland bellini.co.nz

The Patriot Devonport 14 Victoria Road, Devonport thepatriot.co.nz

Villager 606 Remuera Road, Remuera villager.co.nz

The Kentish Hotel Level 1/5 Queen Street, Waiuku kentishhotel.co.nz/

Lolabar 212 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland lolabar.co.nz

Tabac Bar 6 Mills Lane See Map 11 Mills Lane, Auckland tabac.co.nz The Bluestone Room 9-11 Durham Lane, Auckland thebluestoneroom.co.nz Corner Store 25 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace thecornerstore.co.nz The Kingslander 470 New North Road, Kingsland thekingslander.co.nz

WELLINGTONPUBS

vicbrewbar.co.nz The Big Kumara 60 Dixon Street, Te Aro bigkumara.com

Q’TOWN PUBS Altitude Bar & Café 49 Shotover Street altitudebar.co.nz Skybar 26 Camp Street skybar.co.nz Brazz On The Green 1 Athol Street brazz.co.nz Winnies The Mall 7 Ballarat Street winnies.co.nz The World Bar Restaurant & Nightclub 27 Shotover St theworldbar.co.nz

Malthouse 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro themalthouse.co.nz

Monty’s Bar and Restaurant 12 Church Street montysbar.co.nz

Shed 5 Restaurant & Bar 48 Courtenay Place, Te Aro shed5.co.nz

Surreal 7 Rees Street surrealbar.co.nz

The Garden Club 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne thegardenclub.co.nz

Pog Mahones Irish Bar 14 Rees Street pogmahones.co.nz

De Fontein 75-79 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay defontein.co.nz

The Establishment 13 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington mbbk.co.nz

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

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

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

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

Kings Arms Tavern 59 France Street South, Newton kingsarms.co.nz

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

Celsius 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction celsiusbar.co.nz

Hashigo Zake 25 Taranaki Street, Te Aro hashigozake.co.nz

The Whiskey

The Olde Establishment 224 Mannering Street, Tokoroa finda.co.nz theUNDERGROUNDbar 1220 Hinemaru Street maoriculture.co.nz

Holy Grail Sports Bar 88 Worcester Street bluelighthotels.com

Margaritas Bar 137 Quay Street, Princes Wharf margaritas.co.nz

Masonic Tavern 29 King Edward Parade, Devonport masonictavern.co.nz

Village 85 Hereford Street mickyfinns.co.nz

Brewery Bar & Restaurant 4 Taranaki Street, Wellington thebrewerybar.co.nz

NELSON PUBS

Wunderbar 19 London Street, Lyttelton wunderbar.co.nz

Vic Mac’s Brewbar 281 Trafalgar Street vicbrewbar.co.nz

Lyme Bar 817 Colombo Street ymebar.co.nz

The Free House 95 Collingwood Street thefreehouse.co.nz

The Twisted Hop 7 Parkhouse Road, Wigram thetwistedhop.co.nz

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

The Bowl and Jack Tavern 15 Opawa Road, Opawa finda.co.nz Base Bar & Nightclub 92 Struthers Lane thebase.co.nz

ROTORUA PUBS

DUNEDIN PUBS The Bog Irish Bar 387 George Street thebog.co.nz Neesham Lounge Bar 678 George Street choicehotels.co.nz pubs

Lava Bar 1286 Arawa Street stayatbase.com

Pequeno 50 Princes Street pequeno.co.nz

The Grumpy Mole Saloon 1232 Arawa Street grumpymole.com

Inch Bar 8 Bank Street, Opoho inchbar.co.nz

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

WANAKA PUBS

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

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

The Buddha Lounge 61B The Strand, Tauranga baysalsa.co.nz

Lalaland Wanaka 99 Ardmore Street lalalandwanaka.co.nz

Scenic Cellars 37 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo sceniccellars.co.nz

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

Pig & Whistle 1182 Tutanekai Street pigandwhistle.co.nz

Barluga 33 Ardmore Street barluga.co.nz

HAPPY HOUR

Minus 5 88 Beach Street minus5icebar.com The Blue Door 18 Buchingham Street, Arrowtown thebluedoor.com.au Slainte Irish Bar 48A Shotover Street yha.co.nz

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

ALTITUDE BAR Queenstown. Open every night.

The best party bar in town, but don’t take our word for it. Get in there Thursdays for the horizontal bungy and 2-for-1 drinks between 8-9pm.

49 Shotover St, Queenstown

altitudebar.co.nz

Micky Finn’s Irish Pub in the

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Our top eight beaches NEW ZEALAND

Abel Tasman National Park [Caption] 8

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SUMMERLOVING

Life’s a beach With New Zealand’s summer sun 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, water-based 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 10

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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.

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.

KAIKOURA BEACH CANTERBURY

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

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. ❚

NZ’S BEST BEACH BARS

Sure, when you think beach bars, you probably think Hawaii or Mexico. But we’re here to tell you that New Zealand’s beachside drinking dens can cut it with the best of them. By James Besanvalle MAKO BEACH BAR Where? Paihia, The Bay of Islands (North Island) The vibe: Looking for a place with a great view, beer flowing freely and awesome pub grub? Look no further!

Locals recommend the good ol’ fish ‘n chips, while enjoying a beer on a hot day and looking out onto the Pacific Ocean. Good price for good grub!

ON THE BEACH Where? Midway Beach (North Island) The vibe: Situated above the Surf Lifesaving Club and across the road from the Olympic Pools complex, On The Beach Restaurant and Bar has delicious food and stunning views across Poverty Bay. The restaurant has a relaxed, family atmosphere, whether it’s a quick snack or a three course meal. You won’t be disappointed!

BEACH BABYLON Where? Oriental Bay, Wellington (North Island) The vibe: ‘The Fat Bastard’, ‘Dogaccino’ and ‘The Vegeholic’ - can you guess which meal is for your dog?

That’s right, Beach Babylon has a special ‘K9’ menu! The people-food is pretty great too. There’s a huge menu of food and drink, you won’t be able to help yourself.

JOUST BEACH BAR Where? Orewa, Auckland (North Island) The vibe: Featuring a buffet menu and a great selection of wines, the restaurant is casual and overlooks the Orewa Beach. Joust also hosts wedding receptions and various functions with extensive buffet options. There may be a few jousts along this popular buffet!

EAST PIER BEACH BAR Where? Napier, Hawkes Bay (North Island) The vibe: With great views over Hawkes Bay, friendly service and good food to go with it all, this is a brilliant place for a family brunch or a lunch with friends.

Looking for a relaxing place with afternoon drinks and nibbles? Look no further than the East Pier Beach Bar!

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WIN

ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

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

BIG NIGHT OUT IN QUEENSTOWN 12 January 2013

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Snootchie bootchies...

Jason Mewes comes clean on Jay, Silent Bob, his first forays into threesomes and escaping a drug-fuelled past WORDS ALASDAIR MORTON

Photos: Courtesy of Dimension Films/ Miramax Films/Getty; Kevin Winter Images

The first time Jason Mewes, the foul-mouthed half of Jay and Silent Bob, came to London, it was on the press tour for 2001’s Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back movie and the city failed to make much of an impression. Eleven years later, when he and Kevin Smith embarked on touring the live show of their hugely popular weekly podcast, Jay And Silent Bob Get Old, around the UK, Smith discovered that his newly sober buddy had little recollection of being in London previously. Which might explain why Mewes was much more taken with the Big Smoke when he and Smith played at the Hammersmith Apollo in London earlier this year.

“Me and the wife [Jordan] talk about it. I love living in LA, but if there was anywhere else I’d love to live, it would be London,” Mewes tells us, as we catch up with him on the phone from his home in LA. He’s chatting to us while packing ahead of jetting off to Connecticut for what is fast approaching the 100th ... Get Old podcast.

“I like the people, I feel the vibe of it. It’s a beautiful city, man.” Mewes’ opposing experiences of London fairly encapsulate the journey in recent years of this slacker/junkieturned-Hollywood actor.

Mewes was thrust into the spotlight by Smith’s breakout Clerks, a comic book-splattered no-budget flick that achieved instant cult fame, in which he played Jay, the crude and highly vocal half of the convenience store-loitering duo. He appeared as the character in Smith’s following five movies, but while his supporting turns ran right up to a whole film about the hapless duo, 2001’s ... Strike Back, off camera, Mewes’ life wasn’t following the same climb to success.

Behind the scenes he was plagued by substance abuse, and continued attempts at rehab, none of which ever took.

As long-term friend and supporter Smith noted of Mewes on stage in London at the start of the year: “You couldn’t even produce a fucking heart beat because of all the heroin, and now you’ve produced a movie.”

The pair’s, but particularly Mewes’, past are the focus for their live podcast tour – all three of their 2012 Teabagging In The UK shows feature in the out-for-Christmas DVD – which is equal parts for the ‘View Askewniverse’ fans (as Smith’s

“

There’s usually some crazy sex story there

”

movie fans call it), as it is for Mewes himself as a weekly therapy stand-in where he can discuss his unruly past.

“The first part of the show is us talking about what has been going on in the last couple of weeks,” Mewes says of the format they’ve taken out on the road for nearly two years now. “The second part is usually some kind of wacky, crazy sex story, like crapping yourself when you’re in bed with a woman, and the last part is usually a drugs story in which I tell people how many days I have sober (closing in on 700 days at the time of the London show, which received a strangely ‘American’ round of applause).”

Such has been the role that the show’s played in Mewes’ recovery that the odd times they have not been able to record a podcast when other movie work has clashed, fans have tweeted the duo, unsure of whether this marks a falling from the wagon or not.

“People are always really concerned and keeping track of whether I am sober and stuff, which is really cool,” he says, clearly moved by people’s support.

Mewes, for one, does not shirk from talking about the more gut-wrenching moments of his past life: getting booted out by his missus for spending the last of their money on drugs, tearing off through back alleys and fields with a pocket full of narcotics and the cops in pursuit, or a festive memory that would be especially grim and harrowing, were it not told with his trademark self-mocking awareness and the wisdom of a reformed junkie.

“People always dig the story about when I got high during Christmas,” he recalls of what is, in some respects, the Stairway To Heaven of his ‘past indiscretions’ tour.

“It’s one of the biggest drug stories I have that I can go

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Mewes at the movies; hanging out in Clerks II; on stage with Kevin Smith

back to now and laugh at, but it was really sad at the time.

“I was really messed up and we’d lost all the power and the heat as we hadn’t paid our bills. We were getting thrown out of our apartment and had candles everywhere, all over the place, man. We fell asleep high and the fucking couch caught fire!”

If the show is half about Mewes’ narcotic past, then it is just as much about his sex life, too – its past, its present and, as an anecdote about wanting his wife to put on a British accent reveals, its possible future.

Predictably, he and Smith’s penchant for the lurid is never far from the discussion, whether it be their dogs humping each other or Mewes explaining his reliance on his ‘halfhalf-whole’ penetrative approach. As fans of Jay and Silent Bob will know, sex – be it discussed, sought or simulated – is never off, or far from, the agenda. For example, a segment that frequently closes out the show involves audience members in on-stage clinches with Mewes as they act out sexual positions such as ‘Riding Nelson’s Column’.

“I love telling stories and telling the truth,” he says of his fearless approach to the shows. “But also entertaining and keeping people interested.”

Does he have any favourite stories for the smut segment?

“The first time I had a threesome,” he shoots back without any pause for thought. “It’s always a good one to tell, especially when it is given in great detail. It’s a pretty amazing story, and it was a pretty awesome situation, man.”

Despite the fact the content of their shows is not for the easily offended, ‘off-stage’ Mewes comes across as less like his on-screen alter ego than you might expect. Their penchant for profanity is a shared passion, granted, but Mewes now seems humbled by his success rather than unaware of it, and proud of the century milestone he and Smith have almost reached with ... Get Old. 16

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Walking out on to the stage of the 5000-capacity Apollo back in February, their biggest show to date which was sold out weeks before, was clearly still a moving experience for someone who knows just how fortunate he has been.

“Everything with me is an open book and the podcast is me being accountable to other people,” he reflects.

“It’s me being able to tell old stories that I can laugh about now, but I don’t want to ever go back there or be in that sort of situation again. As long as the podcast helps me stay sober and entertains, that’s the goal.”

Away from Jay, he now has a successful career as an actor, with 10 projects this year alone and more lined up. He has plans to move behind the camera in the future, too.

“I am into anything,” he says of his ambition. “I just directed a PSA [public service announcement – called My Mom Is ...] and am producing a cartoon [and exec-produced horror movie Switchback] and I want to do more. More TV, and just to direct more, too.”

But as for the live action Jay and Silent Bob, it appears they may have loitered on the big screen for the last time, with Mewes saying he and Smith are set to focus on the cartoon and podcast for now, with no more plans for New Jersey convenience store-bound movies right now.

Will they be back in Mewes’ second favourite town again in the near future? For fans the news on this is significantly better. “Definitely, we’ve been talking about it and exploring the possibilities of how we can do it again,” Mewes says.

“Any chance to be able to go out to London for work is a real plus for me.” ❚

Jay And Silent Bob Get Old – Teabagging In The UK is out now.

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TNT NZ October 2012 indd 1

5/10/2012 4:48:20 p m

FILMREVIEW

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THE HOBBIT FILM review by James Besanvalle STARRING: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellend, Richard Armitage | M | 169 min

QUARTET FILM review by Caitlin Stanway Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtney, Michael Gambon | PG | 98mins

Set in a retirement home for the crèmede-la-crème of classical music, the incredible (and mostly geriatric) cast of The Quartet take you on journey of memory loss, music and broken hearts.

While not a musical per-se classical music is the superstar as the old folks take sing-alongs to a whole new level.

Seriously touching and very funny. Your nanna will love this one!

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It was never going to rival the success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but just like the underdog Hobbit featured in this film, it tries its very best to impress.

Ground breaking 48-frames-per-second technology aims to add a new dimension to the film (both literally and figuratively) but sadly, appears more like video game graphics. There are some scenes like the opening storyline that lend itself comfortably to this fantasy medium, but a lot of scenes just seem to lack realism.

The storyline follows a great wizard known as Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellend) who chooses an undaring hobbit by the name of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) for a long and ‘unexpected adventure’. The quest aims to reclaim a fortress that was taken by a dragon many years ago, who now resides within the chambers of gold.

The movie is an extremely long and sometimes stagnant journey... and watching it was much the same. There just doesn’t seem like enough meat from the book to sustain three movies and this first one spends too much time setting up storylines that will no doubt be made more prominent in the sequels.

As the premise technically precedes the events prominent within The Lord of the Rings, there will be a lot of lightbulb moments for fans who have seen the previous films. But it just seems like the storyline doesn’t offer as much, and often drifts into scenes that don’t seem to eventuate into anything substantial.

The action is broken up with light-hearted humour throughout and a few sneaky songs. It’s worth seeing, and as Gandalf says, “You’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back.”

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HOTSHOTS WINNER

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WINNER PEAK HOUR PHILIPPE ZEIZINGER, SUISSE

PHIL SAYS: “This was taken on my recent trip to New Zealand. The Pouakai Circuit walk was amazing!”

WE SAY: “We obviously loved this photo from Phillipe as we’ve made it our monthly winner. The mountain in the background is beautiful and juxtaposes wonderfully with the water and grass in the foreground as well as the man. Great photo. Well done!”

RUNNER-UP

RUNNER-UP FRANZ-TASTIC! Sarah Fitzpatrick, 26, UK SARAH SAYS: “A photo I took of the Franz Josef glacier in New Zealand.”

WE SAY: “What a beautiful part of the world Franz Josef is! This photo looks like it was taken somewhere in Middle Earth. We love the glacier being mirrored in the lake water.”

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HOT TIPS: Symmetry

TWO NORTHLAND TOURS

Symmetry and patterns can make for great, eye catching images. The beauty of these types of photos is they’re easy to find – symmetry is everywhere, or you can set up the shot yourself. The key is to maximise the impact. The more symmetry you have in one shot, the more prominent the effect of the outcome will be. Strong, straight and diagonal lines along the frame play a strong role. Architecture uses repeated patterns and symmetry so often that is often goes unappreciated. Before shooting, look around to see if there’s a way to bring symmetry to the shot.

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

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WIN

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

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T N T E R O M T WAN am! urite travel te o v fa r u o y from at’s on offer h w f o te s ta Here’s a

TRAVEL FEATURES & STORIES...

+ NEWS & REVIEWS

COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL OFFERS...

JOBS, JOBS & MORE JOBS...

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10/01/13 11:00 AM

TRAVELNEWS

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ZORBED TO DEATH The sport of Zorbing has become so popular on Russian ski slopes that it will be used as one of the symbols for the next Winter Olympics.

Although this new craze sweeping the nation has been mired by tragedy. One man was killed and another seriously wounded after their zorb ran off course and careered off tje side of a mountain. Sergei Loginov, deputy director of z-orb.ru said that the fatal run contravened the zorbing safety rules. “It’s not even irresponsibility. It’s an experiment on life,” Loginov said.

WHAT A DUMP A British family forked out over $6,100 to have a holiday in Tunisia and stay at what they thought was a luxurious four star hotel.

However upon arriving at the hotel, Michelle and Ian Brayford and their three young children found that it was located in a rubbish tip. Not only was the hotel’s outside surrounded by rubbish, the interior of the hotel didn’t exactly live up to its luxury billing. “The rugs in the hotel corridor were wet through and as we walked in, the stench of cat wee hit us.” said Michelle. That place sounds a bit rubbish.

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FORGOT SOMETHING? Know that sinking sensation you get when you get back home and suddenly realise you’ve left something essential at the hotel? Keys, maybe, or your wallet? Well, imagine how you would feel if you’d left your breasts behind. That’s what happened to one Travelodge guest, who left her implants in a hotel room. Another forgot a live python last year according to the British budget hotel chain, which has released a list of the strangest items discovered in its rooms.

“Our lost and found departments provide plenty of revelations,” said a spokesman.

VISA-FREE CHINA Time to brush up on your Mandarin, as China has finally lifted its arduous visa restrictions for short stays in Beijing and Shanghai. To the delight of many travellers itching to visit the Far East, Aussies, Kiwis and Brits are among 45 nationalities that will now be allowed to make visa-free visits to both cities for up to three days. It is hoped that the relaxed rules will promote tourism in China’s two key cities. Visitors will require an outbound plane ticket to another country scheduled for a departure within 72 hours. .

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TRAVELLERSTALE

GRACELESS GLACIER

English traveller PRIYAL DADHANIA looked forward to the picturesque Franz Josef glaciers. But all it took was one person in the group with a dodgy stomach to ruin the serenity.

When you think of New Zealand it’s difficult to refrain from imagining mountains and lakes. These postcard worthy features are not be missed, especially not the glaciers with their crevasses and ice caves ready for us to explore. Franz Josef, on the west coast of New Zealand’s south island is continuously inundated with tourists in their 20-somethings as the Kiwi Bus pulls in for two nights at a time. The majority of people will partake in some sort of glacier related activity – whether it’s a hike or an ice climb. In my case it was an eight hour hike storming through the ice and snow.

Waking up hangover-free, everyone on the Kiwi Experience was brimming with excitement. Unlike the usual hushed voices trying not to alarm anyone’s banging head the head cradling was thrown aside as there was no need to work out the antics of the night before. Instead, like mature adults we were in bed by 11pm and ready for this early morning start (well,

most of us were – there’s always one!)

Bursting with energy we walked down in groups to check-in for the mission which lay ahead.

The next step: the outfit. Shorts or swimming trunks were advised, and layering up was a smart move seeing as it was set to be freezing the further up we went. As we put on our gloves and hats, and packed our lunches in an orderly fashion it bought us back to the days of school trips. This was the last toilet stop for a large part of the day – where are you going to find toilets on a glacier? Marching around with our hiking boots we jumped on the bus and began the hike through the rainforest and on toward the glacier.

Fast, medium, slow – we all split off into ability groups. The boys, wanting to show their manly abilities, bundled into the fast group. Similarly, the Essex girl – dressed with her fake lashes and full face of make-up (to attract who exactly?) bundled into the slow group.

We began to make pace getting into the swing of things and stamping into the ice with the clawed hiking boots, better known as crampons, curiosity got the better of me.

“Has anyone ever needed to pee

on the ice?” I asked, slightly intrigued.

While this wasn’t too bad for boys, girls can you imagine having to get your tush out in the freezing cold while balancing in the squat position, it doesn’t sounds like fun does it?

I was told that the number one rule of the hike was no pollution. If you have a chocolate, you take the wrapper with you. If you want a mandarin, you carry the peel around till you’re back on firm ground. Similarly, if you need to poo, you do it in a plastic bag and carry the stinking bag around with you the whole day.

It’s definitely not an activity for a dodgy stomach – well, you’d think. This once in a lifetime opportunity got the better of someone in the group. Can you see where this is going? With a dodgy stomach due to some interesting Chinese the night before, a girl in our group couldn’t quite make it through the day without a toilet stop. And another. And another.

Most people would have called it off, asked for a refund and curled up in the foetal position for the day. On a glacier you’ve got no privacy.

Needless to say after the first couple of hours she decided, thankfully for the group, it was time for her to turn around and head home.

Luckily I had a bit more control over my bladder. The only thing I had to complain of was a couple of aching muscles and a few stiff joints, which were well worth the views.

Besides, it was easily cured later that night by relaxing in the hot pools, followed by a couple of drinks at the bar, of course.

TRAVEL VOUCHERS Send us your scary, funny or embarrassing travel tale (preferably about New Zealand, Australia or Fiji) and if published you’ll win a trip to see the highlights of New Zealand’s North Island with a Tom North Island Pass, worth $250 from Stray Adventure Travel Network (straytravel. com). Email your stories (700 words max), to travel@tntdownunder.com

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WIN 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 THE ULTIMATE AJ HACKETT BUNGY PACKAGE You might have noticed that here at TNT, T we’re strong believers that a trip to New Zealand should feature some sort of death-defying adrenalin feat that, well, makes you feel just a little bit sick to think about if we’re honest.

And when it comes to those sorts of extreme activites, there’s no denying the AJ Hackett Bungy crew are the kings. We love them we do. And so, being the good buddies that we are, we’ve joined forces with them to offer one of you lucky readers (plus a mate) the chance to take on the ultimate adrenalin challenge – doing not just one of Hackett’s legendary jumps, but seven of their Kiwi experiences.

THE PRIZE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING FOR TWO PEOPLE: KAWARAU BRIDGE BUNGY: The world’s first

24 24 TNTDOWNUNDER.COM TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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bungy, valued at $180 each. THE LEDGE BUNGY: Queenstown’s only freestyle bungy, valued at $180 each. THE LEDGE SWING: Jump from 400m above Queenstown, valued at $150 each. THE NEVIS BUNGY: New Zealand’s highest bungy, valued at $260 each. THE NEVIS SWING: The world’s biggest swing, valued at $180 each. THE AUCKLAND BRIDGE BUNGY: New Zealand’s only ocean touch, valued at $150 each.

THE AUCKLAND BRIDGE CLIMB: Take a tour to the top, valued at $120 each.

Competition closes Sunday, March 10, 2013.

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

worth over

$2,400

NEVIS UmNetrGesY B 134 G IN W S NthEe wVoIS rld’s biggest swing Total prizes worth over

$3,600

www.bungy.co.nz TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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Waiheke Island NORTH ISLAND

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NZTRIP

The coast with the most Spend a day or three on Waiheke Island, the jewel in the crown of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, and only 35 minutes from the big smoke WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY

It’s 2pm and I’m hurtling above a forest canopy swells to 30,000 during the new year). of a New Zealand native bush, the green Locals swear New Zealand’s third most GETTING THERE: Get a leaves just out of reach below as I fire along ferry from downtown Auckland populated island has its own microfor $35.50 return (fullers. a zip line at EcoZip (ecozip.co.nz) on Waiheke climate and weather statistics show Island, 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland. The there’s less humidity than Auckland, less co.nz). If you’re travelling NZ chorus of The Who’s, I Can See For Miles plays rain and more sunshine hours. You’ll by campervan or car, a car ferry need more than a day to fully explore operates from Half Moon Bay in in my mind as I rotate on my line, snatching Auckland. Supersaver fares begin Waiheke, such is the variety of the magnificent 360 views of verdant valleys and at $120 return (sealink.co.nz). scenery and attractions. hills; the sparkling Hauraki Gulf; and, far in the distance, the buildings of New Zealand’s STAY: Budget-conscious Beaches largest city. Alongside me, a fellow adrenaline travellers should book in at Kina Backpackers in Onetangi enthusiast, whoops and hollers as we surge Being an island, Waiheke is surrounded towards the end of our 200m ride, the second (kinabackpackers.co.nz) or by ocean, meaning there’s enough sand in a series of three, each progressively steeper Hekerua Lodge in Oneroa (40km worth) for everyone to enjoy and faster than the last. I want more – and I’m (hekerualodge.co.nz). without having to compete for towel not alone. space. Big and Little Oneroa, decorated DRINK: Check out Sandbar, EcoZip is the island’s latest attraction and has Ricky’s and The Bay, where you’ll with the red-flowering pohutakawa fast become a must-do for visitors. It’s not as (the New Zealand Christmas tree) are also be able to drink to your terrifying as a bungy jump, but offers enough a short walk from the main village heart’s content. exhilaration to please those seeking a rush and offer – like everywhere on the from their adventure. At the same time, it affords a chance island – clear, blue water and sun-bleached white sand. A to get intimately acquainted with New Zealand’s native bush: after finishing our rides, we enjoy a half an hour walk through a 300-year-old forest back to HQ, our guides filling us in on all things New Zealand, from the native tui bird and the towering rimu to medicinal kawakawa leaf and the leaf of the rangiora tree, used for toilet paper (should the need arise). With that, it’s time for a quick debrief, then a van tour back to the island’s main village, Oneroa, to enjoy what the rest of this slice of paradise has to offer.

The 19km long Waiheke Island is a special place for travellers: off the beaten track, but accessible enough to those in the know. With white sand beaches galore; a diverse, friendly 8,000-strong population, made up of anyone from professionals to alternative lifestylers; and stunning scenery, it’s the kind of place your friends back home will wish they visited. The best time to make the ferry trip is at the end of January onwards when the tidal wave On a crowded summer’s day of holidaying hordes has receded (Waiheke’s population

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[Caption]

The adventure begins as soon as you board the ferry

little further away is Palm Beach, where, if you’re lucky, phosphorescence will float in, making for a stunning night-time display. Little Palm Bach is a nudist hotspot, so if you’re into getting your kit off and letting it all hang out, you’ll be amongst friends. Deeper into the island is Onetangi, at 2km long Waiheke’s biggest beach, which will offer surfing waves if a northerly swell blows in, but is a great spot for windsurfing if not. More intrepid travellers should seek out Cactus Bay, accessible only from the water, but considered Waiheke’s most perfect sandy spot. There are plenty more beaches, so hire a scooter (from $50 a day) and explore the island for yourself, creating a personalised itinerary and a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

On the water It’s one thing being on land looking at the water, quite another being on water looking at land. The pick of the ways to do this is via stand-up paddleboard with Board Riders Waiheke. Paddleboarding, as well as being a great workout, offers a height and view not afforded by many other watercraft and is easy enough to pick up the first time. Explore countless little bays, many otherwise inaccessible, by yourself, as part of a group or with a guide as you float silently across the pristine water, gaining a new perspective of life on Waiheke. (boardriderswaiheke.co.nz) Those preferring to give their legs a rest can hire a kayak and paddle their way from bay to bay on a variety of guided tours, including overnight and weeklong adventures. It’s by kayak that you’ll have the best chance

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of encountering some of the abundant marine life around Waiheke. Blue Penguins, gannets and petrel are among the varied birdlife and, under the surface, rays of up to 2 metres are often spotted. Bottlenose and common dolphin make year-round appearances and orca cruise through a few times a year, feeding on the rays. (kayakwaiheke.co.nz)

Vine times Stony soil and dry, hot summers means Waiheke is a perfect grape growing spot. During the past 30 years, the island has cultivated a growing reputation for the quality of its wines and now boasts more than 25 wineries. Bordeaux-type wines grow especially well, as well as some whites, and the Island’s Syrah (that’s Shiraz to you Australians) are regularly winning awards. It would be amiss to visit New Zealand’s Island of Wine and not sample a glass or three, preferably in the relaxed settings of a vineyard (most host visitors year-round). Pop along to the likes of Stonyridge or Passage Rock or take a tour with Ananada (anandatours.co.nz) for small, flexible tours, Fullers (which will include return ferry ticket and an all-day bus pass; fullers.co.nz) or Waiheke Wine Tours (which welcome the novice as well as the connoisseur; waihekewinetours).

Sculpture by the sea There’s a thriving arts community on Waiheke and plenty of spots to visit to get your dose of local culture. However, the island’s must-attend arts event is headland Sculpture on the Gulf, an attraction considered New Zealand’s premier contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition. Thirty new

Where archery meets the vines

large-scale sculptures from established and emerging artists will be exhibited along a spectacular 2.5km coastal. At the conclusion of a trip through mind-blowing art and views, the island’s top food and drink will be showcased. You’ll have the chance to chow down on a menu from New Zealand MasterChef runner-up Ana Schwarz, and former three-star Michelin chef Nico Fini, both of whom are locals. Waiheke musicians and bands will also liven up proceedings and the event will also host wine tastings and artist talks. Art, exercise, music, food and wine: quite the experience when you add it all up. (sculptureonthegulf.co.nz)

Get competitive Wild On Waiheke is a one-of-a-kind activity venue where you can challenge your mates to a spot of archery or laser clay pigeon shooting and claim bragging rights for the ferry ride home.

If there’s a group of you, get involved in the Great Escape Team Challenge where you’ll use vehicles and digital cameras to complete a range of challenges that have been designed to showcase the sights, scenery and activities Waiheke has to offer. There’s also the much-loved Team Tactics where you’ll be challenged to build a catapult, race amongst grape vines using planks and ropes and navigate a maze.

When it’s all over, sit back and enjoy one of six wines made form 100 per cent Waiheke grapes, or get amongst the range of craft beers made on the premises. With giant chess, volleyball and pentanque to help you wind down, the question has to be asked: why would you ever want to return to the city? (wildonwaiheke.co.nz) ❚

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Joining the culture club Xxxxxx Xxxxxx [web]

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ROTORUA

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CULTUREFIX

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

Photos: Destination Rotorua, Tourism New Zealand, Fay Looney

WORDS FRASER KIDD

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 – 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 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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GET TIED UP: ROTORUA CANOPY TOURS (173 OLD TAUPO ROAD, ROTORUA) One you’ve got your culture fix, why not head into the woods for a bit of an adrenalin injection? Rotorua Canopy Tours will have you flying through the forest on your very own zipline. The guides will have you suspended from treebridges and tree platforms while sharing their passion and knowledge for the local history, the forest and the conservation challenges to preserve it all, bringing alive the stunning environment you are passing through.

The company opened in August last year and are gaining a reputation quickly as the ultimate tourist experience.

A three hour wilderness adventure high in an ancient virgin New Zealand rainforest customers experience a world only a privileged few will ever see. High up amongst trees over 500 years old, this is the ultimate in low impact eco tourism adventure.

You’ll fly through the treetops like a bird on ziplines up to 220 metres long, stand on platforms attached to trees that were giants even before Europeans discovered New Zealand, walk swing bridges high in the canopy, admire the sheer beauty and laugh your way through three incredible fun filled hours.

Xxxxxxxx With two guides and no more than 10 customers this is the pure New Zealand landscape you have been promised.

For all enquiries call 0800 22 66 79 (free) or head to canopytours.co.nz

OUR PICK

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The nine Great Walks NEW ZEALAND

What a tramp New Zealand might just be the best country in the world for hiking, and where else to start but with those routes known simply, and for good reason, as the nine Great Walks?

WORDS DAMIAN HALL

Why would you go for a walk voluntarily? We use our feet every day, as a necessary means of transport: to the bus, to the hostel, to the pub (then, if we’re lucky, to someone else’s hostel). Walking can be boring, slow and it makes your feet smell. It’s a chore, like cleaning your teeth or wiping your bum. It’s certainly not something to be enjoyed and not something you’d ever choose to do, especially on holiday.

That was my mentality before I came to New Zealand.

But New Zealand changed my life.

As I campervanned around the South Island I fell head over heels for the scenery. Those dashing Southern Alps, those glowing glacial lakes and mysterious fiords, ancient moss-strewn forests, moody volcanoes, rugged coastline and thundering waterfalls. It’s no wonder this country was chosen for the setting of The Lord Of The Rings, it’s the perfect backdrop for it. It’s like a fantasy land. Go on, tell me a country as beautiful. Even if you think you can name one, I bet that; A, it’s not nearly as safe, B, it’s much more crowded, and C, they talk funny there (okay, jandles is pretty funny, but funny as in you can’t understand them ‘cos they’re 34

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proper foreign).

I’ve never been hypnotised before. But when I saw the mountains, lakes and fiords, I found myself leaving my campervan almost involuntarily and walking towards it.

And into it. For several days. Okay, I turned the engine off and acquired a map first, but otherwise my movements were almost entirely beyond my control. I had to experience the landscape up close, to touch it, admire it, clamber all over it and lick it. This is not a country to be admired solely from behind a bus window.

TRACK RECORD Walking gripped me like a fever. By the time I’d left Kiwi Country, I’d walked the three-day Kepler Track, the threeday Queen Charlotte Track, the five-day Rees-Dart Track (a great one for crowd dodging), the three-day Tongariro Northern Circuit, the two-day Ball Pass Crossing (in Mt Cook National Park), part of the Routeburn (guttingly had to turn back with an abscess on my tooth which made me look like the ugly one from The Goonies), part of the Abel Tasman

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GREATESCAPE

Admiring Mt Aspiring from the Routeburn Track

I’d discovered I liked walking, or hiking, or trekking, or tramping – as they call it here.

There are lots of things to like about tramping: it’s very cheap, it’s very healthy, you get off the tourist trail somewhat, meet real Kiwis and lots more very likeable people (outdoor people are always good people). It’s peaceful (being away from traffic fumes and bleating communication devices, and your days are wonderfully simple – just walk from A to B), but above all it’s very, very beautiful. Yes you get wet sometimes. Yes you get blisters occasionally. Yes you can get lost from time to time too.

But boy have I seen some incredibly beautiful places in New Zealand, and often had them entirely to myself. I’ve enjoyed them all the more for knowing I’ve earned the right to see them, putting in the hard yards on foot.

At the same time as I was falling for my new hobbyturned-obsession, I was falling for New Zealand. Because the country the same size as Britain, that looks like an upside-down cut-in-half Italy, is an especially good place for walking. Probably the best place in the world in fact (I’ve since walked in many more countries too).

HIT THE HUT As well as all the natural splendour, the country’s so safe and easy to travel in. It’s almost like NZ was built for trampers. In fact it sort of is. The Department of Conservation (DoC) has created and maintained a series of multi-day walking routes in the most spectacular parts of

the best national parks. The paths are usually clear to follow and lined with surprisingly fancy huts (with toilets, cooking facilities, drinking water etc) for trampers to rest their weary heads and smelly socks in (camping is also available), and play cards and drink wine in with like-minded souls. Not many countries have a hut system like this. Every country should do it.

Nine walks in particular have been adjudged to be the best of the bunch and are called the Great Walks (see boxout), even if, um, one of them’s a kayaking trip. The nine are the most popular and include what some say is the most spectacular trail in the world, the Milford Track (which usually takes three days). The Fiordland tramp is so popular people come from the world over to walk it and it’s booked up many months in advance. On all the Great Walks, numbers are limited and a booking system is in operation (see doc.govt.nz for more). Locals will tell you the nearby Routeburn is even better, but again book well ahead, especially in peak season (December-February).

My favourite memories of New Zealand are of hiking.

Of climbing smoking volcanoes, of mist clearing to reveal gaping fiords, of devastating snow-covered mountains, of drying out clothes by a fire with new friends, of feeling exhausted but exhilarated and of feeling very happy.

Nowadays, whenever I have free time all I want to do is go for a walk in the countryside. I used to be a football journalist, now I mostly write about the great outdoors.

And I’ve got New Zealand to thank for that. What a place. ❚ TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

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1

LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK

Where: Te Urewera National Park, North Island The details: Three to four days (46km) Tell me more: A moderate tramp, this mostly lakeside trail climbs up the Panekire Ridge before winding round parts of Lake Waikaremoana

2

TONGARIRO NORTHERN CCT

Where: Tongariro National Park, North Island The details: Three days (50km) Tell me more: The circuit includes the Tongariro Crossing, the country’s most popular day walk (and if you’ve only got time for one, make it this).

Brightly coloured rock pools, hissing sulphur, lavic rock and smoking volcanoes. It’s like Mars. Or Mordor (which was filmed here).

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3

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK

Where: Whanganui National Park, North Island The details: Four to five days (145km) Tell me more: Although a river journey, the Whanganui is one of the Great Walks. Paddle the Whanganui from Taumarunui to Pipiriki and visit a remote Maori meeting house.

4

ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK

Where: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island The details: Four days (54.4km) Tell me more: An easy, mostly flat tramp that features superb coastal views and lovely beaches.

5

HEAPHY TRACK

Where: Kahurangi National Park, South Island The details: Four to six days (78.4km) Tell me more: The longest of the Great Walks includes some spectacular coastline, lush forests and expansive tussock downs. One of the less crowded.

2 6

ROUTEBURN TRACK

Where: Mount Aspiring National Park/ Fiordland National Park, South Island The details: Three days (32km) Tell me more: Possibly the best of the lot. To really make an epic of it, the stunning Routeburn Track can be walked in conjunction with the Greenstone and Caples tracks.

2 7

Taking a breather on the Abel Tasman Track

MILFORD TRACK

Where: Fiordland National Park, South Island The details: Three days (53.5km) Tell me more: One of the world’s most famous walks is often booked up. It starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound.

8

KEPLER TRACK

Where: Fiordland National Park, South Island The details: Three days (60km) Tell me more: A long ascent leads to alpine terrain then down again through ancient beach forests.

Nutty Kiwis run this trail in an annual race.

9

RAKIURA TRACK

Where: Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island The details: Three days (37km) Tell me more: Nice and remote.

Definitely for those who don’t like sharing the trail with crowds of trampers.

The Great Walks are the most popular, but there are lots more very good trails too. Just go into a DoC office and ask about the nearest national park. Better still, if you’ve really caught the bug and have the time, you could try Te Araroa, a new 3,000km trail that “links New Zealand’s most spiritual, historic and scenic locations,” say DoC, from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. If you want something a bit more self-guided, Flying Kiwi Adventure tours offer flexible, great value walks and cover all areas of NZ. flyingkiwi.com

Home sweet home.

A hut on the Kepler Track

EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY Didn’t count on doing any tramping when you packed your round-theworld bag, but now you fancy a go? The most important thing is comfortable footwear, which doesn’t have to be walking boots (sometimes trainers will do), but they’re you best bet. New Zealand is well stocked with good gear and most towns have outdoor shops. You’ll also need a waterproof jacket, ideally Gore-Tex or equivalent, to allow your body to sweat. Plus, get a water bottle (plastic bottles will do), sleeping bag and mat, a map (DoC can provide these) and compass (which you should know how to use), some food, basic first aid (plasters, pain killers and antiseptic cream) and something to carry all that in (your backpack?). And you’re set.

Most hostels are happy to look after any kit you don’t want to take on your hike – and the lighter your pack the more you’ll enjoy yourself.

Though New Zealand has no grizzly bears, crocs or snakes to threaten the tramper, there is a serious and often underestimated outdoor adversary: the weather.

Referred to as having “five seasons in one day” by locals, the climate changes faster than you can say “jandles”. Needless to say, being a weather reporter here is a thankless job. Trampers need to be properly

equipped for all conditions. This often means setting off in shorts and t-shirt in the glorious morning sunshine with your back weighed down with warm and waterproof layers. It can seem over cautious, but many have lived to be thankful.

The Great Walks are all well marked, with warden-manned huts and you’re rarely far from helicopter access. But the country has many – often more dangerous – routes, some in alpine terrain and all the dangers that brings. Make sure you do your research. Talk to locals, or better still the Department of Conservation (DoC) and heed any warnings. Plus, always tell someone where you’re going – leave an itinerary with a friend (DoC have a good system in place for this). And of course, it’s hard to drink too much water or wear too much sunscreen.

It may feel like you’re being mollycoddled by an especially protective Grandmother, but to experience the country’s profoundly beautiful scenery, and return safely to show off your photos, all the hassles are well worth it.

For more info, try the Department of Conservation website (doc.govt. nz). You may also enjoy reading Kiwi Tracks, a book about a guy who walks all nine Great Walks while dealing with a broken heart.

TNTDOWNUNDER.COM

37

Taveuni FIJI

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Once were warriors We bypass the cocktails, coconuts and world-class diving to investigate the fertile island of Taveuni’s rich military history WORDS IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

The life of a backpacker progresses as so: At first it’s all about getting tanked on a tropical beach or dancing for days without sleeping at a concert or carnival in some strange country.

But eventually you get to the point where you want something deeper out of travel. You’ll try to cleanse your soul with eco-travel and give something back with community-based travel, but even those will seem blasé after a while. From there some will advance to luxury travel (when they can afford it) while a very small number will seek true adventure and discovery – hardcore Bear Grylls-type stuff.

Earlier this year I did the latter, on a self-guided archeological dig. Well, I didn’t do any digging per se, but I cleared a lot of branches from an 200-year-old hilltop garrison smothered the jungle. And I did it in Fiji of all places – on an island called Taveuni, a 90-minute flight east of the capital Nadi.

But first, a little background…

stops amazing me,” says Allan Davies, an Australian diver I befriend at Taveuni’s tincan airport.

“The first time I came here there were 15 dolphins right in front of here. Last year I swam with a minke whale not 50 meters offshore and a few days later, three humpback whales.”

But I’m not here to dive. I’m on an altogether different mission: to investigate Taveuni’s rich military history. In 1860, the canoe navy of Tongan warlord Enele Ma’afu was torn to ribbons in these waters following a 13-year-long campaign of terror against the people of Fiji.

The key to the Tongans’ downfall at Taveuni was a series of fortified hilltop watchtowers – a primitive but effective early warning system that let the chiefs of Taveuni prepare their armies against surprise attacks from the sea.

Today, all of Taveuni’s old watchtowers have fallen pretty to weather and time. One of the few that’s still recognisable as an artificial structure is found on Vatuwiri – a 1,500-acre copra (coconut meat) plantation in the very south of the island. The plantation is owned by the Tartes – descendents of British cotton farmers who settled on the island in 1871.

Allan tells me the patriarch Spencer Tarte is an extremely private man who may not appreciate me snooping around on his land. But he promises to make enquiries on my behalf and call me if he has any luck.

WHAT TO DO: Peckham Pearls offer lectures on blackpearl cultivation and snorkeling excursions to their pearl farm for FJ$25. The Vidawa Rainforest Walk is a full-day rainforest trek takes in friendly villages and stage one of the Tavoro Waterfalls for FJ$40.

WHERE TO STAY: First Light Inn (+679 888 0339) in Waiyevo charges FJ$65 for crabby old double rooms overlooking the Somosomo Strait. The only budget-priced hotel in Taveuni.

CURRENCY: Fijian dollar. $1 = 1.85 FJD SEE: tourismfiji.com

The garden island The third largest and most fertile island of the Fijian Group, Taveuni is a whopping 50 percent national park. Blessed with freakishly beautiful attractions like natural waterslides that empty into freshwater lagoons and waterfalls that empty into the sea, this 40 kilometer-long cigar shaped landmass is paradise found. Its highlands are nothing but thick, hardcore jungle home to amazing fauna like the endangered Fijian Flying Fox and fabled Orange Dove. Fiji’s national flower – the magnificent red and white tagimaucia – grows nowhere else but here, on the shores of a high-altitude crater lake of the same name.

Taveuni is also a world-class diving destination – consistently rated in the top five in the world. There are at least 1,500 kinds of fish here and 1,000 species of invertebrates living in these warm blue waters and more soft coral than anywhere else on earth.

“I’ve been coming here to dive for years and it never

Charles in charge The next day I catch a taxi north along the palm-fringed west coast, taking in killer views of the island-studded Somosomo Strait. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sailed past here in 1643 but never stepped off his ship. Captain Cook also refused to make land as did Captain William Blight of the Mutiny of the Bounty fame. Such was the reputation of Fiji in those times – a place known to Europeans mariners as ‘The Cannibal Isles’.

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39

I get off at Wairiki – near Taveuni’s administrative center, Waiyevo – to rendezvous with Fijian-Canadian land developer Charles Stinton. The son of the former Fijian ambassador to Australia, Charles has offered to show me around for the day. “Things have definitely changed here since I was a kid,” he says, “but Taveuni still has that raw quality. I think it’s about 30 years behind the rest of Fiji in terms of development.”

Our first stop is the massive Wairiki Mission. Set against dramatic highland scenery that ambles into the ocean, it’s an impressive bloody Church. It’s also a mausoleum for a sterling-silver crucifix considered holy to Taveuni’s Christians, as the pastor Father Petero explains: “The day before the Tongan army came the missionaries told our king if he accepted this crucifix and became a Christian, he would defeat his enemies. So this crucifix is so holy to us.”

After our chat with Father Petero, we jump back in Charles’ car and check out the Waitawala natural waterslide.

Formed by molten lava that poured down the face of one of Taveuni’s 150 now-extinct volcanoes, it’s a playground cut out of the Garden of Eden.

“We spent all our free time here when we were kids, playing all sorts of games and even running down the slide on our feet,” Charles says. “I can’t remember how many times I sprained my ankle.

“We also used to surf the offshore reefs. Not many know this, but Taveuni is the only place in the world, other than Hawaii, where surfing is indigenous – only in Hawaii it was for men only while in Taveuni women surfed as well.”

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Killing time in paradise I spend the next few days sleeping in Matei, a speck of a town on Taveuni’s north coast. It’s the high season but there are only a few dozen tourists around, mostly honeymooners bunked up in luxury resorts.

“Most tourists stay at Matei – not only because it’s close to all the airport and all the infrastructure, but because it’s closest to the eco-tourism sites,” says Ronna Goldstein, owner

“

In Hawaii it was men only, while in Taveuni women surfed as well

”

of a restaurant called Coconut Grove. “You’ve got Bouma National Park, the Lavena Coastal Walk and all the waterfalls in between. Go for a swim in one while you’re here if you get the chance. The water’s amazing.”

The most visited of Taveuni’s waterfalls – the tridentate cascades of Tavoro – lie an hour’s drive from Matei on Taveuni’s sparsely populated east coast.

“Taveuni is special: free of the introduced mongoose that has destroyed native wildlife in other parts of Fiji,” reads a billboard at the Tavoro Visitors Center.

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The call I’ve been waiting for...

On my second last day on Taveuni I get the call I’ve been waiting for – permission to visit the old fortress at Vatuwiri.

I’ve also been granted an audience with Marcus Tarte, a fourth generation family member.

Taveunians are avid gossipers and over the past week I’ve been fed some very colorful stories about the Tartes. I’ve been told their farm laborers live in colonial-type squalor and must address their employer as ‘Lord’. I was also told the founder, James Valentine Tarte, swindled the land from illiterate natives for two bottles of rum and wooden pipe.

Inasmuch I imagine Marcus as an English aristocrat in

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“Our island’s lush rainforest interior is becoming increasingly precious as native forests throughout the world are milled for timber.”

I pay the $5 entry fee and continue on foot, engulfed in a impossibly green world brimming with wildlife. I see a pair of Taveuni Parrots, a Fiji goshawk, camouflage lizards and purples land crabs with white-tipped claws. The flora is just as trippy, with forest giants like the Fijian kauri tree, ferns of every description, orchids and pandanus.

The first waterfall is about 30 meters high, rising like a glass obelisk in a sunlit jungle clearing. It’s only a tenminute walk from the visitor center, making it a popular stopover for passing cruise ships and their silver-haired passengers.

A intense 45-minute climb along a heavily forested ridge leads to waterfall number two. The route involves a number of slippery river crossings, one I end up face down in, even with the aid of a suspension rope. The third waterfall lies at the end of a muddy path ensconced in humidity and heat.

It’s far from easy going but the effort is worth it – rewarded with a swim in an Olympic-size freshwater pool. Like Ronna says: the water’s amazing.

Complete freedom to explore the Yasawa Islands, including Beachcomber.

Choose from a 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 21 day pass.

Passes from $279

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

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41

a safari suit and pith helmet donning an elephant gun. I picture him perched on a wooden porch sipping an icy mint tulip while a topless Melanesian beauties fans him with a peacock feather.

But the reality couldn’t be any more different. Marcus is of mixed-race, dark as any Fijian, dressed in shorts and an old T-shirt with tribal tattoos on his arms. He laughs when I tell him the story about the rum bottles, saying his family bought the plantation from the paramount chief, Tui Vuna, for more than its worth.

“You’re welcome to go have a look at the ruins but they’re covered in jungle,” he says. “We had it cleared and tried to promote it as a tourist site about 15 years ago, but there was no interest and we gave up. One of my men will show you around, but don’t expect to see much; no one’s been there in years.”

Accompanied by Marcus’ man Navita, I follow a dusty gravel road that ascends into rich green hills. It takes more than an hour to reach the site – an irregularly shaped mount overlooking the reef where the final battle for Taveuni was waged more than 150 years ago.

With baited breath I climb the hillock, searching the ground feverishly until we stumble on a rude stone hedge.

We then begin tearing at the vegetation identifying the remains of an elevated rotunda where the paramount chief held court. Peering down the ridge toward the alwaysblue ocean, I picture an armada of enemy canoes crashing through the reef. The mental image is just about complete when my thoughts are interrupted by Navita, mouthing the one word I haven’t been able to stop repeating all week.

“Raravinaka – beautiful,” he says. ❚

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BAREESSENTIALS BANKS

Wellington

CHECK IN!

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

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

Changing money

INSURANCE

You can change money at any bank.

American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Thomas Cook travellers’ cheques are all widely recognised.

Banks will give cash advances on Visa and Mastercard credit cards but for American Express you must go to a designated Amex office.

Foreign exchange is available for all international flights at airports.

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

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PHONES Pay phones in NZ are usually of the card variety and phone cards are available in values of $5, $10, $20 and $50. The country dial code for New Zealand is 64.

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

Directory assistance 018

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

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International operator: 0170 (reversed charges) Emergency (Fire, ambulance, police): 111 Compass communications Kia Ora cards. Prepaid calling card kiaoracard.co.nz

DOM AIRLINES Auckland Air New Zealand 0800 737 000, 09 357 3000 Great Barrier 09 275 9120

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

@tnt_downunder you must also have sufficient money (NZ$1000 for each month of your visit) to support yourself during your stay. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you should apply for a Visitor’s Visa (which will allow you to stay in NZ for up to nine months) before you arrive in New Zealand, although British passport holders on arrival in NZ may be issued a permit valid for a stay of up to six months.

Extensions If you like New Zealand and decide you’d like to stay here longer you may extend your stay to a maximum of nine months in an 18 month period. To do this you need to apply for a further visitor permit. You can apply for these permits online ( immigration.govt. nz). If you do need to apply in person, New Zealand Immigration Service offices are located in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The Auckland office is very busy and you may experience long delays when applying there. When applying, you need to show your outward ticket or prove your ability to purchase such a ticket; your current passport, a recent passport-sized photo and evidence that you still have sufficient funds to support yourself. If you do not have the required funds, you will need a guarantee of accommodation and maintenance from a NZ friend or relative who is willing to be your sponsor.

Photo: Tourism New Zealand

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

03 477 9083, bottombus.co.nz

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

Spaceships 0800 772 237, spaceshipsrentals.co.nz

United Campervans 09 275 9919, unitedcampervans.co.nz

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

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

Wicked Campers 0800 246 870, wickedcampers.co.nz

Flying Kiwi Wilderness Expeditions 0800 693 296, flyingkiwi.com

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

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

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

Air Pacific Fiji flights 0800 800 178, airpacific.com

Econo Campers 09 275 9919, econocampers.co.nz

Emirates 050 836 4728, emirates.com

Escape Rentals 0800 216 171, escaperentals.co.nz

Jetstar 0800 800 995, jetstar.com

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

Jucy Rentals 0800 399 736, jucy.co.nz

NZ Travelpass 0800 339 966, travelpass.co.nz

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

Stray 09 526 2140, straytravel.com

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

West Coast Shuttle Greymouth to Christchurch buses.

03 768 0028, westcoastshuttle.co.nz

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

ROLL WITH IT

Standby Cars 0800 789 059, standbycars.co.nz

AIRLINES

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

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

Travel around New Zealand with our

GET YOUR OWN WHEELS Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret it.

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CANYONING For a day of adventure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to beat canyoning in Auckland. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like an outdoor playground. Imagine sliding, jumping, abseiling and jumping into rock pools in some of the most magnificent rainforests. 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. canyonz.co.nz

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

Base Travel Level 3, 229 Queen St, 09 358 4874, basetravel.com i-SITE Visitor Information 287 Queen St, 09 979 2333, reservations@aucklandnz.com Ferry Tickets Online (For inter-island ferry services) 39 Beach Rd, 0800 500 660, ferrytickets.co.nz Parks Information Centre Details on tramping, camping grounds, the Gulf Islands and exploring the regional parks. 21 Pitt St, open Mon-Fri, 09 366 2000 Airport Transport The airport is 21km from the city and shuttle buses run every half an hour.

Airbus Airport is every 20 mins.

0800 247 287, airbus.co.nz City buses Tickets and timetables are available from the 10 central city Star Mart stores.

09 366 6400 Auckland InterCity Travel Centre Buses around Auckland and the rest of New Zealand leave from here. Located beside the casino, Hobson St, 09 623 1503 Train Intercity trains arrive and depart from Britomart, 12 Queen St, Auckland.

09 270 5211

AUCKLAND STAY

Photo: Tourism New Zealand, Arno Gasteiger

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

09 275 4443, skywaylodge.co.nz

CHECK IN! BAMBER HOUSE 22 View Rd, Auckland. Dorms from $22 Bamber House is a colonial mansion in the beautiful surroundings of Mt Eden and provides a wonderful atmosphere for all travellers.

Mt Eden, Auckland

bamberhouse.co.nz

3 Mercury Ln, Central. 09 307 0052, bkhostel.co.nz Central City Backpackers 26 Lorne St. 09 358 5685, backpacker.net.nz City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell.

09 302 0880 City Groove Backpackers (BBH) 6 Constitutional Hill, Parnell.

09 303 4768, bed@backpackersco.nz

Queen Street Backpackers (VIP) 4 Fort St. 09 373 3471, enquiries@qsb.co.nz Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.

09 378 8990 Surf ‘n’ Snow Backpackers 102 Albert St. 09 363 8889, surfandsnow.co.nz The Brown Kiwi (BBH) 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby.

09 378 0191, brownkiwi.co.nz

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

Verandahs (BBH) 6 Hopetown St. 09 360 4180

Kiwi International Airport 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere.

0800 801 919, kiwiairport@xtra.co.nz Lantana Lodge (BBH) 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell.

09 373 4546, lantana@xtra.co.nz The Fat Camel (Nomads) 38 Fort St. 09 307 0181, nomadshostels.com New Zealand Backpackers 8 Nixon St, Ponsonby.

09 376 3871, ajlodge@xtra.co.nz Nomads Auckland 16-20 Fort St. 09 300 9999, nomadshostels.com

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

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

09 638 6545, oaklands.co.nz

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

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

BK Hostel (BBH)

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

Georgia Parkside Backpackers 189 Park Rd, Grafton.

09 309 8999, bacpacgeorgia@xtra.co.nz

Albert Park Backpackers (VIP) 27-31 Victoria St East.

09 309 0336, bakpak@albertpark.co.nz

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

09 623 4267, hostelbackpacker.com

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.

Auckland Zoo See kiwi birds in the nocturnal house and over 900 animals.

09 360 3800, aucklandzoo.co.nz

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

Pride of Auckland The Pride of Auckland operates an impressive fleet of large, purpose-built yachts on the sheltered waters of Auckland’s Auckland Museum Waitemata Harbour and is See the world’s finest collection world famous for its sailing and of Maori and Pacific Island dining cruises. Join them for a artefacts. Explore New coffee, lunch, dinner, Waiheke Zealand’s natural history, sailing experience cruise or a discover the largest bird that full-day sailing adventure and ever lived and experience a experience the “City of Sails” Maori cultural show. for what it is known for.

09 306 7067, 0800 397 567, aucklandmuseum.com explorenz.co.nz

i-SITE Auckland Atrium, skycity, Cnr Federal & Victoria Sts Backpackers World Travel 16-20 Fort St, 09 379 4126, backpackersworld.com

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

Ponsonby Backpackers (BBH) 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby.

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

Yaping’s House (BBH) 79 Owens Rd, Epsom.

09 623 4486, yapinghouse@hotmail.com Uenuku Lodge (BBH) 217 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.

09 378 8990 YHA Auckland City Cnr City Rd & Liverpool St. 09 378 8990 YHA Auckland International 5 Turner St. 09 302 8200, yha.co.nz

AUCKLAND DO Explorer Bus Sightseeing around Auckland, 0800 439 756 explorerbus.co.nz On the Road Tours and Charters Sightseeing bus tours of Auckland and the north shore.

0800 486 877, ontheroad.co.nz Harbour Ferries Ferries can take you all over the harbour. Info about timetables and destinations available at the Ferry Building on Quay St. 09 424 5561 America’s Cup Sailing Experience

Coast to Coast Walkway A walk between Waitemata Harbour and Manukau Harbour.

It takes about four hours and takes in Albert Park, Auckland Uni, Auckland Domain, Mt Eden, and One Tree Hill.

Devonport A 15-minute ferry or bus ride across the harbour on the north shore, Devonport is an idyllic setting for a picnic or a stroll along the beach.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World A seawater aquarium with a moving walkway through a transparent underwater cavern.

Antarctic Encounter is a recreation of an Antarctic environment where you jump on a snow mobile and tour a penguin colony, get attacked by an orca whale. Orakei Wharf, Tamaki Drive, 09 528 0603, kellytarltons.co.nz Mt Eden The highest point in the city, 4km south of the city centre with spectacular views.

Get there by bus.

NZ National Maritime Museum The museum celebrates NZ’s maritime heritage. 09 373 0800, nzmaritime.org Ponsonby West of the city, explore Victorian architecture and narrow streets with cafés, bars, clothes shops, art galleries and some lively nightlife.

Auckland Harbour Bridge Jump NZ’s only ocean touch bungy, 40m high. Westhaven Reserve, Curran St, Herne Bay, 0800 286 4958, ajhackett.co.nz Canyonz Ltd Explore subtropical canyons and abseil down crashing waterfalls.

0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz New Zealand Surf Tours 09 832 9622, newzealandsurftours.com Sky Jump Fall from the top of the 192m Sky Tower, 0800 759 586, skyjump.co.nz Sky Walk Walk around the external 1.2m wide platform, 192m up.

09 368 1835, skywalk.co.nz Fullers Bay of Islands Tours One, two and three-day tours from Auckland.

09 358 0259, boitc.co.nz Awesome Adventures Three-day Bay of Islands tours.

0800 658 058, awesomenz.com Beaches Auckland is surrounded by great beaches, including Judges Bay, Kohimarama, Okahu Bay, St Heliers Bay and popular Mission Bay.

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

Every Friday and Saturday at Whale & Dolphin Safari Aotea Square, Queen St. NZ See whales and dolphins from fashion labels, retro gear, foods, Auckland’s doorstep. The Pacific-style crafts, jewellery Hauraki Gulf is considered one and furniture, of the most biologically and 09 309 2677, geographically diverse marine the-edge.co.nz parks in the world. See dolphins, whales, sea birds and/ Victoria Park Market or even penguins. Dolphins are 3km from the CBD, an outdoor viewed on over 90% and whales market with fruit, veggies, books, clothes and handicrafts. on 75% of trips. Departs daily from the Auckland Viaduct.

Dolphin viewing guaranteed.

GREAT BARRIER 0800 397 567, explorenz.co.nz

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

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peppertree.co.nz Pickled Parrot Backpackers (BBH) Grey’s Lane, 09 402 6222, theparrot@paradise.net.nz

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

Saltwater Lodge (BBH) 14 Kings Rd, 0800 002 266, saltwaterlodge.co.nz

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

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

BARRIER DO Fullers Cruises Depart from the Ferry Building.

09 367 9102 Great Barrier Airlines Fly out of Auckland Airport or Auckland Shore Airfield.

0800 900 600, Fullers Great Barrier Explorers Cruise and tours, summer only (October-April).

09 367 9111

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

Hekerua Lodge Backpackers (BBH) 11 Hekerua Rd, Oneroa, 09 372 8990, hekerualodge.co.nz Waiheke Island Hostel Seaview Road, Onetangi, Ph: (09) 372 8971, waihekehostel.co.nz

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

HELENSVILLE The hot springs here have indoor and outdoor thermal pools and waterslides.

Malolo House (BBH) 110 Commercial Rd, 09 420 7262, helensville.co.nz/malolo.htm

HIBISCUS COAST Whangaparaoa Peninsula. A popular holiday spot, the peninsula offers water sport opportunities from windsurfing to boating. Busy in summer, this whole area is popular with bushwalkers.

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

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

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

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

Te Aro, Wellington

yha.co.nz

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

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

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

WHANGAREI The waterfront has been developed in the style of the early settlers (except with cafés, restaurants and galleries) and Mount Parahaki towers 241m above the city. Stroll along enticing beaches and dive at Poor Knights Islands. one of the world’s top diving sites. Also pay a visit to petty Whangerei Falls.

Whangarei I-SITE Visitor Centre 92 Otaika Rd, 09 438 1079

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

52 Punga Grove Ave, 09 438 8954, yha.co.nz

WHANGAREI DO Dive! Tutukaka Poor Knights Islands dives, plus tours with kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting.

PAIHIA Paihia is one of the most beautiful towns on the North Island with equal parts love for adventure, nature and a raucous nightlife.

AwesomeNZ Tours include Maori mythology, dolphin swimming and fast boats. Maritime Building, on the waterfront, 0800 653 339, awesomenz.com Bay of Islands i-Site The Wharf, Marsden Rd, Freephone: 09 402 7345 Base Travel 18 Kings Rd, 09 402 7111, basetravel.com

PAIHIA STAY Base Pipi Patch 18 Kings Rd 09 402 7111, stayatbase.com Captain Bob’s Beachhouse (BBH) 44 Davis Cres, 09 402 8668, capnbobs@xtra.co.nz Centabay Lodge (BBH) 27 Selwyn Rd, 09 402 7466, centaby@xtra.co.nz Mayfair Lodge (BBH) 7 Puketona Rd, 09 402 7471, bay-of-islands.co.nz/accomm/ mayfair.html Mousetrap (BBH) 11 Kings Rd, 09 402 8182, info@mousetrap.co.nz Peppertree Lodge (BBH) 15 Kings Rd, 09 402 6122,

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 (canoe) in the world, launched every Waitangi Day (Feb 6). \ 09 402 7437, waitangi.net.nz Boat cruises & dolphin watching Cape Brett “Hole in the Rock” Cruise Four-hour cruises, 09 402 7421 Dolphin Discoveries With the warmest water and friendliest dolphins (bottlenoses), this is a great place for swimming with the dolphins (conditions permitting).

The high-speed luxury catamaran offers easy access to the water and hot showers. Or do a “Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Viewing Experience” and see dolphins, whales, birds and other wildlife. Visit Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island during your island stop and explore this amazing place. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz Dune Rider Unique Adventure Tour Make your way up to Cape Reinga while traveling to the Gumdiggers Park and drive along the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Climb huge sand dunes and boogie board back down on the way and stop at the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop for fish and chips. Departing daily from Paihia. 0800 365 744, explorenz.co.nz Excitor “Hole in the Rock” Adventure One-and-a-half hours,

@tnt_downunder 0800 653 339, excitor.co.nz Lion New Zealand – “The Ultimate Day Sail in the Bay” Join Lion New Zealand, NZ’s most famous maxi yacht. Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch and activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, natural walks at Otehei Bay or simply kick back and enjoy the island atmosphere.

0800 365 744, bayofislands@explorenz.co.nz Overnight Cruises The Rock 24-hour cruise featuring kayaking, snorkelling with stingrays, fishing for your dinner, dolphin spotting.

0800 762 527, rocktheboat.co.nz Awesome Cape Reinga Via Ninety Mile Beach – learn Maori myths and legends, navigate the quicksand stream, ride the dunes, visit a thousand year old forest. 0800 653 339, awesomenz.com

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

Information Centre End of the Pier, 09 403 8020

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

KERIKERI A highlight of the sparsely populated town is the wonderful Maori village.

There is also an historic Maori pa (fortress) and the Kerikeri Mission Station.

Dept of Conservation Office 09 407 8474

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

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

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09 408 0879, kaitaiainfo@xtra.co.nz Farm Backpackers (BBH) End of Lamb Rd, Pukenui, 09 409 7863, farmbackpackers@xtra.co.nz

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

CHECK IN!

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

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

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

Tourist info centre Boyd Gallery, 09 405 0230.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WAIKATO

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

MATAURI BAY

The Welcome Swallow Backpackers Off Matauri Bay Road, 09 4051 019, welcomeswallow.com

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

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

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

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

RAGLAN STAY

09 439 2283

HAMILTON

GRANDMA’S PLACE 148 Grey St, Palmerston North. Dorms from $21.

Old fashioned, comfortable and wonderfully presented Grandma’s House is extremely comfortable and a great base for seeing the region.

Palmerston North

bbh.co.nz

Main Street Lodge (BBH) 235 Commerce St, 09 408 1275, mainstreet@xtra.co.nz Pukenui Lodge (YHA) Corner Wharf Rd & State Hwy 1, Houhora, 09 409 8837, yha.co.nz Waitiki Landing Far North Rd, 09 409 7508

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

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

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

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

AHIPARA This is the best spot for sandtobogganing, located at the south end of Ninety Mile Beach.

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

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

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

Forty Winks (BBH) 267 River Rd, Claudelands, 07 855 2033, forty_winks@ihug.co.nz

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,

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

TE AWAMUTU

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

Okopako Lodge (BBH) 140 Mountain Rd, South Hokianga, 09 405 8815,

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

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.

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

HOKIANGA STAY

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

Te Awamutu Info Centre 1 Gorst Ave, 07 871 3259.

Te Awamutu District Museum 135 Roche St. 07 872 0085

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

J’s Backpackers (BBH) 8 Grey Street, 07 856 8934, jsbackpackers.co.nz

HAMILTON DO Waikato Museum of Art & History Cnr Victoria and Grantham Sts. More than 3,000 items, with a permanent Maori War canoe.

Gold coin donations welcomed.

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

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

Otorohanga Visitor Info Centre 26 Maniapoto St, otorohanga.co.nz

WAITOMO

Definitely one of the best adventure spots in New Zealand. There are a Hobbiton Backpackers range of caving adventures, from 81 Arawa St, 07 888 9972, steve@hobbitonbackpackers.co.nz glowworm ogling, to long dramatic abseils deep towards the centre of the earth and excellent blackwater rafting (jump in an inner tube and CAMBRIDGE let the underwater current carry This very Olde English town with its you). town square and abundance of trees is in the heart of Waikato. The Waitomo Caves Discovery region is famous for its horses and Centre 21 Waitomo Caves Rd, jetboating.

0800 474 839. waitomodiscovery.org Cambridge Tourist Info Centre Cnr Queen and Victoria Sts, 07 823 3456 WAITOMO STAY Juno Hall (BBH) 07 878 7649

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

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

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

0800 924 866 Marakopa Falls, Managapohue Natural Bridge and Piri Piri Cave, 30 minutes drive from Waitomo.

Rap Raft ‘n’ Rock Blackwater adventures combining abseiling, rafting, glowworms, caving and rockclimbing all in one five-hour adventure. 0800 228 372, caveraft.com The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co Cave tubing in the blackness of the Ruakuri Cave river. 585 Waitomo Caves Rd, 0800 228 464, blackwaterrafting.co.nz

BOOK NOW!

Te Kuiti Information Centre Rora St, 07 878 8077.

DOC Office 07 868 6381

Dept of Conservation 78 Taupiri Street, 07 878 1080.

Canyonz Ltd 0800 422 696, canyonz.co.nz

Tiffany’s Tearooms, Rora St, 07 878 7640

TE KUITI STAY

THAMES STAY Dickson Holiday Park Victoria St, 07 868 7308,

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

Gateway Backpackers (BBH) 209 Mackay St, 07 868 6339, gatewayb@wave.co.nz

KING COUNTRY

The Sunkist International Backpackers (BBH, VIP, YHA) 506 Brown St, 07 868 8808, sunkist@xtra.co.nz

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).

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

COROMANDEL PEN

FOREST PARK

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

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

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

TE KUITI

THAMES

COROMANDEL

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

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

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

Information Thames 206 Poland St, 07 868 7284

Coromandel Information Centre

MUST-VISIT

follow us on Kapanga Rd, 07 866 8598.

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

OPOUTERE

This is a good place to go to just chill out. The beach here is glorious and generally empty. Skinny dip anyone?

YHA Opoutere 389 Opoutere Rd, 07 865 9072, yha.co.nz

WHANGAMATA

Southpacific Accommodation (BBH) Cnr Port Rd and Mayfair Avenue, 07 865 9580, thesouthpacific.co.nz Whangamata Backpackers Hostel (BBH) 227 Beverley Tce, 07 865 8323

WHITIANGA Whitianga, perched on pretty Mercury Bay, is the most popular stop-off point for travellers on the Coromandel. You can learn to make your very own bone carving, dive and surf to your heart’s content.

Whitianga Information Centre 66 Albert St, 07 866 5555

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

Whangamata Info Centre 616 Port Rd, 07 865 8340

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.

(BBH) 12 Albert St, 07 866 4663.

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

A real surfie town, Whangamata has one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and a laidback atmosphere to match.

WAITOMO CAVES

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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

BAY OF PLENTY The Bay of Plenty, extending from the Coromandel Peninsula to the East Cape, was named by Captain Cook in honour of both the fertile nature of the region and the friendly local Maoris he encountered.

Activities include paragliding, sky diving, white water rafting, 4WD safaris, gliding, jet boating and swimming with dolphins.

TAURANGA One of the fastest growing places in NZ, Tauranga combines a young population with a harbourside atmosphere. Enjoy diving, sailing, fishing and surfing.

Tauranga i-site 95 Willow St, 07 578 8103 Department of Conservation 253 Chadwick Rd West, 07 578 7677

TAURANGA STAY Appletree Cottage 47 Maxwell Rd, 07 5767404, appletreebackpackers @hotmail.com Bell Lodge (BBH) 39 Bell St, 07 578 6344, bell-lodge.co.nz Harbourside City Backpackers (BBH) 105 The Strand, 07 579 4066, backpacktauranga.co.nz Just The Ducks Nuts Backpackers (BBH) 6 Vale St, 07 576 1366, justtheducksnuts.co.nz Loft 109 (BBH) 8/109 Devonport Rd, 07 579 5638, loft109.co.nz Tuaranga Central Backpackers

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NORTHISLAND

MUST-VISIT

ROTORUA This central North Island town is famous for its geothermal activity and hot spring mud pools, thanks to a number of regularly spouting geysers. It is nature at its most exciting, but also most pungent, with all the volcanic goings on being to blame for the town’s infamous sulphur scent. The most renowned geyser in the region, the Pohutu Geyser, which means ‘big splash or explosion’, usually erupts up to 30 metres high every hour. Just over a third of Rotorua’s population is Maori and the locals take full advantage of all the geothermal activity for their cooking and heating. It is also a great place to indulge in a spa treatment or two, with the bubbling mud pools being full of natural ingredients that are wonderful for the skin. No trip to Rotorua is complete without visiting the living thermal village, Whakarewarewa, to experience real Maori culture. The people of this village will welcome visitors and demonstrate how they utilise the geothermal activity for everyday living, as well as cooking a Hangi – which is the traditional method of using heated stones to cook food in a pit oven covered by earth. You can enjoy cultural performances and guided tours of the area and learn all there is to know about the shifting tectonic plates that New Zealand straddles at the earth and science facility.

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.

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NORTHISLAND 64 Willow St, 07 571 6222, tgabackpack.co.nz YHA Tauranga 171 Elizabeth St, 07 578 5064, yha.co.nz

TAURANGA DO Butlers Swim With Dolphins 0508 288 537 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) 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

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 Planet Nomad Backpackers (VIP) 1193 Fenton St, 07 346 2831, downtown-rotorua@xtra.co.nz Rotorua Central Backpackers (BBH) 1076 Pukuatua St, 07 349 3285, rcbenquiry@slingshot.co.nz Spa Lodge (BBH) 1221 Amohau St, 07 348 3486, spalodge@wave.co.nz

ROTORUA DO Agroventures Five adrenalin activities in one adventure park, including bungy jumping, sprint boats and a wind tunnel. 1335 Paradise Valley Rd. 07 357 4747, agroventures.co.nz Hell’s Gate Mud baths to heal and stimulate your body 07 345 3151 Kaitiaki Adventures Extreme whitewater activities.

Sledging and rafting trips on the Kaituna and Rangitaiki Rivers, 0800 338 736, kaitiaki.co.nz NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft over Rotorua, 07 345 7250, nzone.biz Off Road NZ Sprint car racing, Monster 4X4, 4WD Bush Safari and more.

07 332 5748, offroadnz.co.nz

Dive White 168 The Strand, 0800 348 394, divewhite.co.nz

Polynesian Spa Historical hot mineral water bathing spa on the edge of Lake Rotorua.

07 348 1328, info@polynesianspa.co.nz

White Island Tours Departs Whakatane daily.

0800 733 529

Raftabout Whitewater rafting and sledging.

0800 723 822,

WHAKATANE DO

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BOOK NOW! raftabout.co.nz Skyline Skyrides Spectacular Get the best views and luge down 5km of tracks, or take the 150ft skyswing.

07 347 0027, skylineskyrides.co.nz Waikite Hot Pools Natural hot spring water bathing. Provides private spas, BBQ area and campground facilities, 20 minutes south of Rotorua.

07 333 1861 Waimangu Volcanic Valley The location of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the 1886 volcanic eruption.

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

07 357 5100, zorb.com

MAORI CULTURE While you’re here, take the opportunity to see how the Maori lived before European settlment.

The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Whakarewarewa is a good place to begin. nzmaori.co.nz.

NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute 07 348 9047 The Realm of Tane A blend of guided tour, character theatre and story telling within a series of magical sets. 1220 Hinemaru St, 07 349 2999, maoriculture.co.nz Rotoiti Tours 0800 476 864 Tamaki Maori Village Tours, hangi and concert.

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

07 349 3463, whakarewarewa.com

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

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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

TURANGI STAY

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

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

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

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

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

TAUPO DO Craters of the Moon One of the most geothermally active areas in the region, full of boiling mud and steaming craters. Wairakei Park.

Huka Falls Take a relaxing walk up to Huka Falls where the water pours over the 35ft drop at up to 62,000 gallons per second. The more energetic will enjoy the trek up Mt Tauhara where you will be rewarded with sweeping views.

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

Hukafalls Jet Jetboating by the falls.

0800 485 2538, hukafallsjet.com

YHA Matai Lodge (BBH) 1 Rata St, Ohakune, 06 385 9169, matai.lodge@xtra.co.nz

Rock ‘n’ Ropes Ropes Courses including the trapeze and Giant Swing. At Crazy Catz on Highway 5. 0800 244 508, rocknropes.co.nz

National Park Backpackers YHA (BBH) Finlay St. The hostel runs transport to the Tongariro Crossing, 07 892 2870, npbp.co.nz Plateau Lodge & Motel (BBH) Carroll St, National Park, 07 892 2993, plateaulodge@xtra.co.nz

LAKE TAUPO

Taupo Bungy Bungy from a platform 47m above the Waikato River. 202 Spa Rd. 0800 888 408, taupobungy.com

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.

Tongariro Crossing Transport and National Park Links From Taupo and Turangi during summer months (NovMay). 07 377 0435, thetongarirocrossing.co.nz

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

Taupo Visitor Centre 30 Tongariro St, 07 376 0027 laketauponz.com

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

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

TAUPO STAY Berkenhoff Lodge (BBH)

MT RUAPEHU

Ruapehu Visitors’ Centre 54 Clyde St, 06 385 8427

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

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

RANGITIKEI

OPOTIKI

The Rangitikei District is a top destination for adventure sports.

Amongst stunning scenery, you can navigate grade five whitewater and take the leap of elasticated faith from an 80m bungy.

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

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

RANGITIKEI DO Mokai Gravity Canyon Extreme flying fox, bridge swing and bungy jump.

0800 802 864 River Valley Rafting and horse trekking. 06 388 1444, thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz

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

Maraehako Bay Retreat (BBH) SH35, Whanarua Bay, 07 325 2648.

Mel’s Place (BBH) Onepoto Beach Rd, Hicks Bay, 06 864 4694, eastcapefishing@xtra.co.nz

GISBORNE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brians Place (BBH) Potae St, Tokomaru Bay, 06 864 5870, briansplace1@hotmail.com Eastender Backpacker & Horse Treks (BBH) 836 Rangitukia Rd, Tikitiki, 06 864 3820, horsetreks@xnet.co.nz

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

Lake Waikaremoana, 06 837 3900

NAPIER Napier is a beautiful, surprising city.

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

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

Depart of Conservation Office Marine Parade, 06 834 3111

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

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

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

Haere Mai Cottage (BBH) 49 Mitchell Rd, 06 838 6817 DOC office for hut bookings

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

Visitor Info Centre 100 Marine Parade, 06 834 1911

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

Wairoa Visitor Information Centre Queen St, 06 838 7440

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

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

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

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

MASTERTON Home to the impressive Queen

WORD FROM THE STREET

Jean-Baptiste Mathieu, France FAVOURITE DAY SPOT? Franz Joseph glacier! It took us 6 hours to climb it, but the view from the top was totally worth it! Ice, mountains and amazing nature.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP? Definitely the Tongariro Crossing! It’s a 19,5 km hike and it takes about 6-8 hours.

TRAVELLER’S BEST TIP? Good quality walking shoes are a must! Warm clothes, because if you’re on the top of the mountain it’s really cold.

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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 on SH3.

06 752 2765

Department of Conservation 220 Devon St West, 06 758 0433

PLYMOUTH STAY Eco Inn (BBH) 671 Kent Rd, between Egmont Village and

(BBH) 7 Romeo St, Stratford, 06 765 5444, mttaranakilodge@hotmail.com

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

TARANAKI DO

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

North Egmont Visitors Centre, 06 758 3222.

STRATFORD

PLYMOUTH DO

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

Taranaki Surf Charters 20 Beach Road, 025 592 306, taracoastal@hotmail.com

Department of Conservation Pembroke Rd, 06 765 5144

MT TARANAKI The Camphouse (BBH) 6 Egmont Rd, 02 74 538 975, camphouse@taranaki-bakpak.co.nz Taranaki Accommodation Lodge

Single, twin, double, triple and share-room budget accommodation and we are the only Wellington backpacker hostel with camping facilities & MYLL VɈ Z[YLL[ WHYRPUN

Climbing Mount Taranaki It is possible to climb it and return to civilisation in one day, however the weather is notoriously volatile and you must always notify the DOC.

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

The Missing Leg (BBH) 1082 Junction Rd, Egmont Village, 06 752 2570, jo.thompson@xtra.co.nz

NEW PLYMOUTH Taranaki’s major town is New Plymouth. One of NZ’s finest art galleries is here (the GovettBrewster Art Gallery). It hosts a great café.

BOOK NOW!

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

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

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

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follow us on Wheatly Downs Farmstay Backpackers (BBH) 484 Ararata Rd, Hawera, 06 278 6523, wheatlydowns@taranakibakpak.co.nz

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

Explore with a kayak or riverboat tour.

Wanganui Information Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 349 0508, info@wanganui.govt.nz Department of Conservation Office Cnr Ingestre and St Hill Sts, 06 345 2402

PALMERSTON NTH Manawatu Visitor Centre 101 Guyton St, 06 490-508,

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manawatu.visitor-info@xtra.co.nz Department of Conservation Office 717 Tremaine Ave, 06 358 9004 Grandma’s Place (BBH) 146 Grey St, 06 358 6928, ak1@clear.net.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.

Wellington has a small centre, is easily navigated on foot and as any Wellingtonian will tell you, it has more cafés per head than New York.

The nightlife in “Welly” is pretty special too.

Wellington Visitor Info Centre Corner of Victoria & Wakefield Sts, 04 802 4860, wellingtonnz.com DOC Information Centre Lambton Quay, 04 472 7356 Ferry to the South Island Boats to Picton on the South Island. Ferries can be booked up well in advance in holiday

Photo: TNT Images

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periods. 0800 802 802, interislandline.co.nz Ferry Tickets Online 186 Victoria St, 0800 500 660, errytickets.co.nz

WELLY STAY Base Wellington 21-23 Cambridge Tce. 04 801 5666 stayatbase.com Cambridge Hotel (BBH) 28 Cambridge Tce. 04 385 8829 cambridgehotel.co.nz Downtown Wellington Backpackers (BBH) 1 Bunny St. 04 473 8482 db@downtownbackpackers.co.nz Lodge in the City (VIP) 152 Taranaki St. 04 385 8560 lodgeinthecity.co.nz Maple Lodge (BBH) 52 Ellice St. 04 385 3771 Nomads Capital 118 Wakefield St. 0508 666 237, nomadscapital.com Rosemere Backpackers (BBH) 6 McDonald Cres.

04 384 3041, backpackerswellington.co.nz

Rowena’s Backpackers (VIP) 115 Brougham St. 0800 80 1414 Wellywood Backpackers 58 Tory St. 0508 00 58 58 Worldwide Backpackers (BBH) 291 The Terrace.

04 802 5590, worldwidenz.co.nz YHA Wellington City 292 Wakefield St. 04 801 7280 yha.co.nz

WELLY DO Cable car Walk down Lambton Quay and you will see a sign for the cable car which departs every 10 minutes past Kelburn Park to the Botanic Gardens, 04 472 2199 Cosmic Corner Funk Store The funkiest store in the universe. Check out the legal highs and chat to the staff, who will happily point you in the right direction for parties, events and scenic spots.

215 Cuba St, 04 801 6970, funk@cosmiccorner.co.nz Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Many of New Zealand’s rarest

birds, reptiles and insects are living freely in this awardwinning conservation safe haven. Look for kiwis on a guided tour by torchlight. Times vary and bookings are essential.

Waiapu Rd, Karori.

04 920 9213, sanctuary.org.nz Mount Victoria The views are breathtaking. It’s damn windy so make sure you’re wearing heavy shoes. Walk, drive or bus it.

Museum of Wellington City & Sea Queens Wharf, 04 472 8904 Parliament House Free tours. Visit the Beehive, a uniquely designed centre of government with a distinct style of architecture, 04 471 9503 Te Papa – The National Museum Experience the earthquake simulation room, find out what the early settlers went through and visit Te Marae, Te Papa’s living modern marae.

Free entry, Cable St, 04 381 7000, tepapa.govt.nz Wellington Zoo Located in Newtown and home to a wide variety of weird and

wonderful animal and bird life, 04 381 6750 Harbour cruises The harbour is a handsome thing and the best way to fully appreciate its beauty is by boat.

Wellington Rover Tours Small group day tours exploring Wellington, its stunning rugged coastline and the Lord of the Rings locations.

0800 426 211, wellingtonrover.co.nz Beaches Wellington’s waterfront has cafés, restaurants and parks.

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

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

KAPITI COAST Tranz Rail The best way to

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

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

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

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

KAPITI IS A sanctuary for rare native birds.

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

Kapiti Island Nature Tours Tours and accommodation, 06 362 6606, kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz

MUST-VISIT

Photo: TNT Images

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

Hu Ha Bikerpackers (BBH) State Highway 6, Glenhope.

03 548 2707, smidgley@ihug.co.nz

ABEL DO

Rylands’ Retreat 163 Trafalgar St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz

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

0800 223 582, abeltasman.co.nz Abel Tasman Kayaks Ltd 0800 732 529 abeltasmankayaks.co.nz

NELSON Nelson is seen as the “sunshine capital” of NZ. Home to a string of attractive beaches, Nelson is only a short drive away from the famous Abel Tasman National Park. The town boasts great cafés and a strong artistic subculture. Nelson’s great climate is conducive to fruit growing and travellers can find plenty of work in the area.

Nelson Visitor Centre Cnr Trafalgar & Halifax St, 03 548 2304, nelsonnz.com Airport Shuttle 03 547 5782 Nelson City Taxis 03 548 8225

NELSON STAY Abode of the Buddha 181 Nile St East. 03 546 6890, cynthia@abodefthebuddha.co.nz Accents on the Park (BBH/VIP) 335 Trafalgar Square.

03 548 4335, accentsonthepark.com Almond House (BBH) 63 Grove St. 03 545 6455, almondbackpackers.co.nz Alpine Lodge St Arnaud.

03 521 1869, alpinelodge.co.nz Beach Hostel (BBH) 25 Muritai St. 03 548 6817, nelsonbeachhostel.co.nz The Bug (BBH) 226 Vanguard St. 03 539 4227, thebug.co.nz The Customhouse (BBH) 252 Haven Rd. 03 545 8365, customhousenelson.co.nz

The Palace Backpackers (BBH) 114 Rutherford St. 03 548 4691, thepalace.co.nz Paradiso (BBH) 42 Weka St. 0800 269 667, backpackernelson.co.nz

The 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

NELSON DO Abel Tasman Kayaks 0800 527 8022, kayaktours.co.nz Happy Valley 4x4 Motorbike Adventures Tours around spectacular private farm on chunky fourwheel motorbikes.

03 545 0304, happyvalleyadventures.co.nz Kaiteriteri kayaks Free transport from Nelson.

03 527 8383, seakayak.co.nz Skydive Abel Tasman Tandem jumps from 13,000ft over Abel Tasman.

0800 422 899, skydive.co.nz

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

MOTUEKA

03 528 6543, motuekaisite.co.nz

MOTUEKA STAY Bakers Lodge (YHA) 4 Poole St. 03 528 0102, yha.co.nz The Barn (BBH) Harvey Road, Marahau.

03 527 8043 Eden’s Edge Backpackers (BBH) 137 Lodder Lane, Riwaka.

03 528 4242, edens.edge@xtra.co.nz Lagoon Lodge (BBH) 500 High St. 03 528 8652, happyapplebackpackers.co.nz Hat Trick Lodge (BBH) 25 Wallace St. 03 528 5353, hattricklodge.co.nz The Laughing Kiwi (BBH) 310 High St. 03 528 9229, laughingkiwi.co.nz Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park 03 527 8288, oldmacs@xtra.co.nz The White Elephant (BBH) 55 Whakarewa St. 03 528 6208, whiteelephant.co.nz Vineyard Tourist Units & Cabins 328 High St. 03 528 8550

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

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.

The Innlet (BBH) Main Rd, Pakawau.

03 524 8040, goldenbayindex.co.nz/theinnlet Somerset House (BBH) Gibbs Rd. 03 524 8624, backpackerscollingwood.co.nz

TAKAKA STAY Annie’s Nirvana Lodge (BBH, YHA) 25 Motupipi St. 03 525 8766, nirvanalodge@paradise.net.nz

The Green Monkey (BBH) 129 Milton St. 03 545 7421, thegreenmonkey.co.nz Honey Suckle House (BBH) 125 Tasman St.

Motueka i-SITE Visitors Centre 20 Wallace St,

Kiwiana (BBH) 73 Motuipipi St. 03 525 7676

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

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

FAREWELL SPIT

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

0800 666 044, southernwilderness.com

Golden Bay Visitor Centre 03 525 9136

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

03 573 7877

MARLBOROUGH

Dept of Conservation Office 62 Commercial St, 03 525 8026

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

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

Information Centre Willow St, 03 525 9136

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Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company 03 573 6078

TAKAKA

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

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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.

Footprints by the Sea (BBH) 31 Beach Rd, Tahuna Beach.

03 546 5441, info@footprints.co.nz

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03 548 7576

BOOK NOW!

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,

QUEEN CHARLOTTE On the road-free outer Queen Charlotte Sound, everyone and everything travels by boat. The Queen Charlotte Track covers 71km and passes through magnificent forest, at times allowing spectacular views over the Marlborough Sounds. The whole track can be walked in four days, though you can also ride it by mountain bike.

Endeavour Express Water Taxi Day-trips, round-trips and luggage transfers.

03 573 5456

HAVELOCK Nestled at the head of Pelorus Sound, Havelock is the best place from which to explore the Marlborough Sounds. For trampers and mountain bikers there’s the beautiful Nydia Track.

DOC Office Mahakipawa Rd, 03 574 2019 Explore Pelorus Sea Kayaks 03 576 5251

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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

Leeways Backpackers (BBH) 33 Lansdowne St. 03 579 2213, leewaysbackpackers.co.nr Peacehaven Backpackers (BBH) 29 Budge St. 03 577 9750, hrnz@naver.com Stoney Acre 9 Marldene Avenue, Seddon. 03 578 6303, enquiries@stoneyacre.co.nz

KAIKOURA

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

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).

BLENHEIM

Kaikoura Visitor Info Centre, West End, 03 319 5641

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.

Adelphi Lodge (BBH, VIP) 26 West End. 0800 423 574, adelphilodge.co.nz

Blenheim Information Centre The Forum Building, Queen St, 03 578 9904

Albatross Backpacker Inn (BBH) 1 Torquay St. 03 319 6090, albatross-kaikoura.co.nz

Honi-B-Backpackers (BBH) 18 Parker St. 03 577 8441, honi-b.com

Bad Jelly Backpackers (BBH) 11 Churchill St. 03 319 5538, duskyjack@hotmail.com

Koanui Backpackers (BBH) 33 Main St. 03 578 7487, koanui.co.nz

Dolphin Lodge (BBH) 15 Deal St. 03 319 5842, dolphinlodge@xtra.co.nz

KAIKOURA STAY

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

KAIKOURA DO Kaikoura is famous for its large sperm whale population and picturesque mountain r Albatross Encounter Enjoy the sight of the magnificent albatross so close to the boat you can almost touch them. 96 Esplanade, 0800 733 365 albatrossencounter.co.nz Dolphin Encounter Swim with the acrobatic dusky dolphins or if you prefer, join the tour to view them from the

WORD FROM THE STREET

boat.

96 Esplanade, 0800 733 365, dolphin.co.nz

03 379 9629 christchurchnz.com Department of Conservation 4/195 Hereford Street (03) 371 3700

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

C’CHURCH STAY Around the World Backpackers 314 Barbadoes Street.

03 365 4363 aroundtheworld.co.nz

Kaikoura Kayaks Paddle with the playful fur seals, dusky dolphins and marine life of Kaikoura. Seal kayaking, kayak school, hire, retail and kayak fishing.

19 Killarney St, 0800 452 456, kaikourakayaks.co.nz

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

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

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

CHRISTCHURCH

Chester Street Backpackers (BBH) 148 Chester St East.

03 377 1897, chesterst.co.nz

Christchurch is the South Island’s major city and a lively, pretty base with a distinctly English feel to it.

Throw in Mount Cook and Mount Hutt with their skifields (early June to late October) and the Canterbury area is well worth spending some time discovering.

Christchurch & Canterbury i-Site Visitor Centre Rolleston Avenue (Next to the Canterbury Museum) Christchurch 8011

Foley Towers (BBH) 208 Kilmore St. 03 366 9720, backpack.co.nz/foley Haka Lodge 518 Linwood Ave. 03 980 4252 hakalodge.com Jailhouse Accommodation (BBH) 338 Lincoln Rd. 0800 524 546 jail.co.nz Kiwi Basecamp (BBH) 69 Bealey

Swim with the

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

ADULTS

$145 kids $115

Elisabeth Seppen, Netherlands SEEN MUCH OF NZ? I’ve been travelling for eight months and have been pretty much everywhere in New Zealand, across the South Island.

YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT? Franx Josef glacier was probably my favourite.

ANY RUN-INS WITH WILDLIFE? I saw some seals in Abel Tasman and walked into some sea lions on the Otago Peninsula. The best part was when we had dolphins following the sailboat I was on.

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

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SOUTHISLAND Ave. 03 366 6770 stay@kiwibasecamp.com Kiwi House 373 Gloucester St. 03 381 6645 kiwihouse.co.nz Marine Backpackers 26 Nayland St. 03 326 6609 themarine.co.nz Point Break Backpackers (BBH) 99 Seaview Road. 03 388 2050 pointbreakbackpackers.co.nz The Old Countryhouse (BBH) 437 Gloucester St. 03 381 5504 oldcountryhousenz.com Tranquil Lodge (BBH) 440 Manchester St. 03 366 6500 tranquil-lodge.co.nz Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel (BBH) 70 Bealey Ave. 03 377 7931 rucksacker.com Vagabond Backpackers (BBH) 232 Worcester St. 03 379 9677 vagabondbackpackers @hotmail.com

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

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

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

BANKS PENINSULA Banks Peninsula is a beautiful region with a stunning coastline chock full of mountains and wildlife.

The two harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton are craters of a once majestic volcano.

LYTTELTON Lyttelton is a quaint township with a beautiful scenic harbour and historic buildings. The harbour is a great place for boating, while the surrounding hills are good for mountain biking and walking.

Lyttelton Information Centre 20 Oxford St, 03 328 9093

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

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

0800 500 929 Akaroa French Connection Tours and shuttle bus, 0800 800 575

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

AKAROA DO Akaroa Museum 71 Rue Lavard, 03 304 1013 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

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BOOK NOW! Waipara Sleepers (BBH) 12 Glenmark Dr, Waipara.

03 314 6003, lewaiparasleepers.co.nz

CASTLE HILL Gateway to the Craigieburn Range.

Chill Adventures Multi-mountain snow passes. chillout.co.nz Springfield Hotel State Highway 73, Springfield. 03 318 4812, springfieldhotel.co.nz

ARTHUR’S PASS This township is the HQ for the magnificent national park which offers tramping expeditions to skiing.

National Park Visitor Centre 03 318 9211 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 Kowhai House (BBH) 17 McMillan St. 03 302 8887, kowhaihouse.co.nz Mt Hutt Bunkhouse (BBH) 8 Lampard St. 03 302 8894, mthuttbunks.co.nz Pinedale Backpacker Lodge (BBH) 11 Alford St. 0800 638 483, pinedalelodge.co.nz Redwood Lodge (BBH) 3 Wayne Place. 03 302 8964, skired@xtra.co.nz Skiwi House (BBH) 30 Chapman St. 03 302 8772, skiwihouse.com Snow Denn Lodge (YHA, VIP) Cnr Bank & McMillan Sts. 03 302 8999, yha.co.nz

TIMARU

follow us on Despite being industrial, it’s picturesque with views of the Southern Alps, plains and sea.

1873 Wanderer Backpackers (BBH) 24 Evans St. 03 688 8795 Old Bank Backpackers 232 Stafford St. 03 684 4392 Timaru Backpackers 44 Evans St. 03 684 5067 Toru Toru Wha Backpackers 334 Stafford St. 03 684 4729

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

Geraldine Information Centre Talbot Street, 03 693 1006 4x4 New Zealand Wilderness adventures and The Lord of the Rings tours, 03 693 7254, 4x4newzealand.co.nz

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

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

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

KARAMEA

Rangitata Rafts Peel Forest, 0800 251 251

Karamea contains pleasant walks, interesting caves and the Oparara River, a great trout fishing spot.

Walk along the wonderful Fernian Track or, try the more challenging hike up Mt Stormy.

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

Karamea Information Centre Bridge St, 03 782 6652

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

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

Activities include walking, watersports, fishing and skiing.

Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers (BBH) 9-11 Aorangi Cres. 03 680 6700, rtailor-made-backpackers@ xtra.co.nz Lake Tekapo Backpackers (VIP) SH8. 03 680 6808, stay@laketekapo.bix YHA Lake Tekapo 3 Simpson Lane. 03 680 6857, yha.co.nz

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

Discuss climbing plans with park rangers before you go.

Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village, 03 435 1819 The Cook Connection

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

MURCHISON With crazy terrain skewed by mining and earthquakes, one of the major attractions of Murchison is its proximity to Buller Gorge, a wonderfully scenic cluster of cliffs and trees. Activities include rafting on the Gowan River and mountain biking on the Matakitaki.

Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park 03 523 9809, bullergorge.co.nz The Lazy Cow Accommodation (BBH) 37 Waller St. 03 523 9451, lazycow@paradise.net.nz

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

Reefton Visitor Centre 67 Broadway, 03 732 8391 Reefton Backpackers 64 Shiel St. 03 732 8133, armsstat@hotmail.com The Old Nurses Home (BBH) 204 Shiel St. 03 789 8881

WESTPORT Visitor Information Westport 1 Brougham St, 03 789 6658 Basils Hostel (VIP) 54 Russell St.

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03 789 6410, basils.backpackers@xtra.co.nz Beaconstone (BBH) Birds Ferry Road, Charleston.

03 715 5760 Berlins Café & Lodgings (BBH) 1205 Lower Buller Gorge, Inangahua Junction.

03 789 0295, info@xtremeadventures.co.nz Pounamu Backpackers (BBH) Section 406, S H’way 6m Charleston. 03 789 8011, paulhoney@xtra.co.nz Robyn’s Nest Hostel 42 Romilly St. 03 789 6565, robyns.nest@xtra.co.nz Swaines (BBH) Inangahua Landing Bridge, Highway 69, Inangahua Jnctn. 03 789 0226, cathy.swaine@gmail.com TripInn (BBH) 72 Queen St. 03 789 7367 The Old Slaughterhouse (BBH) Highway 67, Hector.

03 782 8333

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

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

PAPAROA STAY Punakaiki Beach Hostel (BBH) 4 Webb St. 03 731 1852, punakaikibeachhostel.co.nz Te Nikau Retreat (BBH, YHA) 03 731 1111, tenikauretreat.co.nz All Nations Hotel & Backpackers (VIP) SH6, Barrytown.

03 731 1812, allnations@xtra.co.nz

GREYMOUTH The west coast’s largest town is dominated by the Grey River.

Highlights include the Monteith’s brewery tour, as well as aquatic activities like rafting and canyoning.

Visitor Information Herbert and Mackay Sts, 03 768 5101 TranzAlpine Scenic railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, travelling through Canterbury Plains and the Alps. Departs 9am every morning.

0800 872 467 tranzscenic.co.nz

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

HOKITIKA

HOKITIKA DO

Greenstone, a form of practically indestructible rock that was used by the Maori to make weapons and ornaments, is the main attraction here. There’s also the Westland Water World for all things wet, the Glowworm Dell and some excellent whitewater rafting.

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

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

Alpine Rafts Freephone: 0800 223 456.

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

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

OKARITO The tiny beach settlement of Okarito, near Franz Josef Glacier, sits at the mouth of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland – the Okarito Lagoon. Hike up to the Okarito Trig for excellent views.

Okarito Nature Tours 03 753 4014, kayaks@okarito.co.nz Royal Hostel (BBH) The Strand, 03 753 4080, okaritohostel.com YHA Okarito Palmerston St, Whataroa, 03 753 4347, yha.co.nz

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SOUTHISLAND FRANZ JOSEF

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

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.

Classic Flights Vintage Tiger Moth flights over Lake Wanaka. 03 443 4043, classicflights.co.nz Deep Canyon Canyoning in the Matukituki Valley. Adventure Wanaka, 23 Dunmore St, Wanaka. 03 443 7922, deepcanyon.co.nz

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

FRANZ STAY

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

JAILHOUSE ACCOMMODATION 338 Lincoln Rd, Christchurch. Dorms from $27 This hostel is situated in an old prison building but is certainly not spartan. In a great central location too for Christchurch.

Glow Worm Cottages (BBH) 27 Cron St, 0800 151 027, www.budgetaccommodation.co.nz Montrose (BBH) 9 Cron St, 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 Explore the glaciers from the water 03 752 0230, glacierkayaks.com Skydive Franz At 18,000ft, they currently offer NZ’s highest skydive.

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

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

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

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

DOC Visitor Centre State Hwy 6, 03 751 0807

FOX STAY Fox Glacier Inn

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Addington, Christchruch 03 751 0088 Ivory Towers (BBH) 03 751 0838, ivorytowerslodge.co.nz

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

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

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

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

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jail.co.nz

03 443 8372

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

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

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

03 4431 1233

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

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

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

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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

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

Pinewood Lodge (VIP) Queenstown’s best value accommodation. We offer an excellent variety of accommodation, everything from deluxe en-suite rooms with Wanaka Sightseeing Includes Lord of the Rings tours, private bathroom amenities, inexpensive double and twin 2 Anderson Rd, 03 338 0982, rooms, dorm beds and selfwanakasightseeing.co.nz contained family cabins. 48 Hamilton Rd. 0800 746 396, 03 442 8273, pinewood.co.nz

LAKE HAWEA

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

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

Info & Track Walking Centre 37 Shotover St, 03 442 9708 Peterpans Adventure Travel 27 Shotover St Queenstown. peterpans.com.au Queenstown Travel & Visitor Centre Corner of Shotover & Camp Sts, 03 442 4100

Q’TOWN STAY

Resort Lodge (BBH) 6 Henry St. 03 442 4970, resortlodge.co.nz Scallywags Traveller’s Guesthouse (BBH) 27 Lomond Crescent.

03 442 7083 Southern Laughter (BBH, VIP) 4 Isle St. 0800 728 448, southernlaughter.co.nz The Last Resort (BBH) 6 Memorial St. 03 442 4320, thelastresort@xtra.co.nz Thomas’s Hotel & BPs (VIP) 50 Beach St. 03 442 7180 YHA Queenstown Central 48A Shotover Street.

03 442 7400, yha.co.nz YHA Queenstown Lakefront 88-90 Lake Esplanade.

03 442 8413, yha.co.nz

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

Bungy, jetboating and rafting are all experiences not to be missed, and in winter, skiing the Remarkables is a must. To really appreciate the beauty of the region, take a scenic

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ALL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED HELI HIKES INCLUDE HOT POOLS ENTRY

Freephone: 0800 GUIDES www.franzjosefglacier.com

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SOUTHISLAND

Poplar Lodge (BBH) 4 Merioneth St, 03 442 1466, stay@poplarlodge.co.nz Riverdown Guesthouse (BBH) 7 Bedford St, 03 409 8499

TE ANAU

NOMADS QUEENSTOWN

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

5/11 Church St, Queenstown. Dorms from $24 With so many good amenities like a sauna, pool room and onsite cinema the central location is just a plus! Book early as it fills up fast.

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

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flight, or even jump out the plane.

AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown Jump off one or all of New Zealand’s most well-known sites. Nevis Highwire Bungy, the highest in New Zealand – 134m above the Nevis River. The Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first bungy – 43m above the Kawarau River. The 47m Ledge, 400m above the town which you can jump day or night. Access is

by Skyline Gondola.

0800 286 4958 bungy.co.nz Awesome Foursome Bungy (Nevis – 134m), jetboat, helicopter, whitewater rafting, 03 442 7318 Dart River Safaris Jetboating wilderness tours, 0800 327 8538, dartriver.co.nz Fat Tyre Adventure Mountain biking/heli biking, 0800 328 897, fat-tyre.co.nz Fergburger Best burgers in NZ. Shotover St, 03 441 1232 Flight Park Tandem Paragliding Operates from Coronet Peak 0800 467 325, tandemparagliding.com

Milford Sound Flightseeing Scenic flights to Milford Sound, 0800 65 65 01, realjourneys.co.nz Nevis Snowmobile Safaris Helicopter ride & snowmobile adventure, 03 442 4250, snowmobilenz.com

Fiordland Ecology Holidays 3-10 day cruises, all Southern Fiords. Mammal watching permit, 0800 249 660, fiordland.gen.nz High Ride Adventures Quad riding and scenic horse trekking. 03 249 8591, highride.co.nz Luxmore Jet Jetboating on the Waiau River, 0800 253 826, luxmorejet.co.nz Real Journeys Doubtful Sound daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises. Milford Sound daytime, overnight scenic, nature and small boat cruises. 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Milford Track Day Walk Lake cruise and guided walk, 0800 656 501

Te Anau Glowworm Caves realjourneys.co.nz

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

NZ Ski.com Info on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Mt Hutt, nzski.com

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

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

Queenstown Rafting Raft the Shotiver, Kawarau and Landsborough rivers. 35 Shotover St. 03 442 9792 rafting.co.nz

Real Journeys Coaches to Milford Sound, 0800 656 503

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

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.

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

Department of Conservation Beech St, 03 442 7933

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

Glenorchy Backpackers Retreat (VIP) Cnr Mull and Argyle Streets, Glenorchy, Ph: (03) 442 9902

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

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

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

NZONE Skydive Skydive from 15,000ft. 35 Shotover St,

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Department of Conservation 03 249 8514

72 Town Centre, 03 249 8500

03 442 5867, nzone.biz

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

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ARROWTOWN

TE ANAU DO Adventure Fiordland

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

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

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

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

Kayaking on Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound.

Rental kayaks and mountain bikes, 03 249 9071 Milford Sound Underwater

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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 connections, 0800 656 501, realjourneys.co.nz Tawaki Dive See Fiordland’s unique marine life on a day-trip with two guided dives in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

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

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

DOUBTFUL SOUND If you’re not one for crowds, an alternative Fiordland option is Doubtful Sound – the deepest of the fiords, made up of 100km of waterways. Where Milford is all pointy peaks and endless cascading falls, Doubtful is rounded mountains – a serene sanctuary, inhabited by loads of interesting critters.

Real Journeys Daytime wilderness, small boat and overnight cruises.

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

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facebook/tntdownunder 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

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

Nelson

accentsonthepark.co.nz

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.

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

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

INVERCARG STAY

THE CATLINS

Kackling Kea Backpackers (BBH) 225 Tweed St, 03 214 7950

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

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

Catlins Community Info Centre 3 Main Rd, Owaka, South Otago, 03 415 8371, info@catlins-nz.com Elm Lodge Wildlife Tours Two-day camping trips, 0800 356 563, elmwildlifetours.co.nz

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

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 Visitor Centre 48 The Octagon, 03 474 3300 Dept of Conservation Office 77 Stuart St, 03 477 0677 Penguin Patch 9 the Octagon, 03 471 8571, Email: penguinpatch@xtra.co.nz

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

54 Arthur St, 03 477 3384, jollypoacher@ihug.co.nz Kiwis Nest (BBH)597 George St, 03 471 9540.

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

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

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

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

OTAGO DO

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

Historic Fort Taiaroa An underground complex built in the 1880s, this fortified stronghold has been inhabited since earliest Maori settlement of the area. Tours available at the Visitor Centre. Fletcher House, Broad Bay, 03 478 0180

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

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

YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables 71 Stafford St, 03 474 1919, yha.co.nz

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

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

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.

Dunedin Public Art Gallery 30 The Octagon, 03 474 3240, dpagmail@dcc.govt.nz Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins just metres away every evening at dusk.

Waterfront Rd, 1-1/2 hrs north of Dunedin, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz Parachute Experience Skydiving from a great height 03 489 4113, dropzone.com

ALEXANDRIA Alexandra and Roxburgh are the two main towns for fruit-picking work in the Central Otago region.

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

Sinclair Wetlands and Educational Centre Freedom or conducted walks over 5km of walkways.

Backpacker and camping facilities. Rapid no 854 Clarendon/Berwick Rd (signposted on SH1 30km south of Dunedin), 03 486 2654

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

OAMARU

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

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

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

Visitor Information Centre Thames St, 03 434 1656

OTAGO PENINSULA

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony View blue penguins at dusk.

Waterfront Rd, 03 433 1195, penguins.co.nz

The Otago Peninsula is a beautiful

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ONWARDSFIJI NADI & WEST Aquarius Pacific Hotel +679 672 6000 Beach Escape Villas +679 672 4442, beachscape@ connect.com.fj Cathay Hotel +679 666 0566, fiji4less.com Horizon Beach Resort +679 672 2832, horizonbeachfiji.com Nadi Bay Resort Hotel +679 672 3599, fijinadibayhotel.com Nadi Down Town Backpackers Inn +679 670 0600, pacvalley@connect.com.fj Nadi Hotel +679 670 0000, ndht@connect.com.fj

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

Nomads Skylodge Hotel +679 672 2200

Octopus Resort +679 666 6337 reservations@octopusresort.com

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

Sunrise Lagoon Resort +679 666 6644

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

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

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

White Sandy Beach Dive Resort +679 666 4066

YASAWA ISLANDS Awesome Adventures Fiji +679 675 0499, awesomefiji.com

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

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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

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

SUVA

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

VANUA LEVU

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

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

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

Hidden Paradise Guest House +678 885 0106

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

Naveria Heights Lodge +679 851 0157, justnaveria@connect.com.fj

Raintree Lodge +679 332 0562, raintreelodge.com

Savusavu Hot Springs +679 885 0195, hotspringshotel@connect.com.fjj

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

NORTH VITI LEVU Bethams Cottage +679 669 4132, bethams.com.fj Macdonalds Beach Cottages +679 669 4633

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Fiji is thought to be amongst the best destinations in the world for diving. With over 400 species of corals, as well as plenty of sea walls, drops and caves, there’s something for the advanced diver, as well as perfect conditions for the beginner. There’s an abundance of tropical fish, as well as reef sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles while visibility is excellent too, often stretching to 50 metres. Plus, to top it off, sea temperatures average about 26°C all year around. Head to Beq Lagoon for the legendary shark dives, where it’s not unknown for a tiger shark to turn up. Nothing’s gone wrong, to date.

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Photo: Tourism Fiji

DIVING IN FIJI

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SYDNEY STAY Base Sydney 477 Kent St. CBD. 02 9267 7718, stayatbase.com

CHECK IN!

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

Westend Backpackers 412 Pitt St. CBD. 1800 013 186 nomadshostels.com Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Kings Cross.

02 8354 0488, boomerangbackpackers.com Dlux Hostel 30 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. 1800 236 213 dluxbudgethotel.com.au Kangaroo Bak Pak 665 South Dowling St. Surry Hills.

02 9261 1111 Avalon Beach Hostel 59 Avalon Pde, Avalon Beach.

02 9918 9709, avalonbeach.com.au Bondi YHA 63 Fletcher Street.

Tamarama. 02 9365 2088, yha.com.au

TRANSIT BACKPACKERS 251 Liverpool St, Hobart. Dorms from $19 This hostel provides twin, double and a full range of share rooms, large guest lounge, games area and kitchen amenities.

Hobart

transitbackpackers.com

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

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

07 3367 1157, bananabenders.com Base Brisbane Embassy 214 Elizabeth St. 07 3166 8000, stayatbase.com Base Brisbane Central 308 Edward St. 07 3211 2433, stayatbase.com

Lamrock Lodge 19 Lamrock Ave. Bondi.

02 9130 5063, lamrocklodge.com

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

Lochner’s Guesthouse 8 Gowrae Ave. Bondi.

02 9387 2162,

Brisbane City Apartments 1800 110 443, brisbanecityapartments.com

Aegean Coogee Lodge 40 Coogee Bay Rd. Coogee.

04 0817 6634, aegeancoogee.com.au

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

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

Elkes Backpackers 112 Mitchell St. 1800 808 365, elkesbackpackers.com.au Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St. 1800 068 686, frogs-hollow.com.au

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

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

Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street. The Rocks.

02 9261 1111, yha.com.au

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

The Greenhouse Backpacker Level 6, 228 Flinders Lane.

1800 249 207, greenhousebackpacker.com.au

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

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

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

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

DARWIN STAY

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

Brisbane City YHA 392 Upper Roma St 07 3236 1947, yha.com.au Chill Backpackers 328 Upper Roma St. 1800 851 875, chillbackpackers.com Bunk Backpackers Cnr Ann & Gipps Sts, Fortitude Valley.

1800 682 865, bunkbrisbane.com.au The Deck Budget Accommodation 117 Harcourt Street, New Farm.

04 3377 7061 Tinbilly Travellers Cnr George and Herschel Sts. 1800 446 646, tinbilly.com

CAIRNS STAY Bohemia Central Cairns 100 Sheridan St. 1800 558 589, bohemiacentral.com.au Bohemia Resort Cairns 231 McLeod St. 1800 155 353, bohemiaresort.com.au Calypso Backpackers 5 Digger St. 1800 815 628, calypsobackpackers.com.au Dreamtime Travellers Rest 189 Bunda St. 1800 058 440, dreamtimehostel.com Gilligans Backpackers and Hotel Resort 57-89 Grafton St. 1800 556 995, gilligans.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOBART STAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nomads Esplanade 93 The Esplanade. 1800 175 716, nomadshostels.com Northern Greenhouse 117 Grafton St. 1800 000 541, northerngreenhouse.com.au

MELBOURNE STAY All Nations Backpackers Hotel & Bar 2 Spencer St. 1800 222 238, allnations.com.au Base Melbourne 17 Carlisle St, St. Kilda.

1800 242 273, stayatbase.com Central Melbourne Accommodation 21 Bromham Place, Richmond.

03 9427 9826, centralaccommodation.net

ADELAIDE STAY

Adelaide Central YHA 135 Waymouth St. 08 8414 3010, yha.com.au Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St. 08 8224 0753, adelaidebackpackers.com.au

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

1800 188 100, oneworldbackpackers.com.au

The Old Swan Barracks 6 Francis St. 08 9428 0000, theoldswanbarracks.com

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 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

Underground Backpackers 268 Newcastle St, Northbridge.

08 9228 3755, undergroundbackpackers.com.au

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

Glenelg Beach Hostel 5-7 Moseley St. Glenelg. 1800 359 181, glenelgbeachhostel.com.au Hostel 109 109 Carrington St. 1800 099 318, hostel109.com My Place 257 Waymouth St. 1800 221 529, adelaidehostel.com.au Shakespeare Hostel 123 Waymouth St. 1800 556 889, shakeys.com.au

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TOTALLYTRIVIAL

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Who created modern diving Q 1.equipment? a) Navy Seals b) Jacques Cousteau c) Emile Gagnan d) b and c 2. The dive knife is primarily used by Q divers as a: a) Weapon b) Instead of a speargun c) Tool d) To show off Most surface waves are caused by?

Q 3.a) Earthquakes

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

Q 7.a)Which Winter b) Spring c) Autumn d) Summer

Q 8.die?In what year did Jacques Cousteau

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

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

Q 9. What was scuba tank first called? a) Scuba Doo b) Submergible Air bag c) Aqua-lung d) Mankini

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“PART-TIME MODEL”

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KIWI-ISM

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

SUDOKU PUZZLE

“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.”

SWEET AS!

Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

www.kiwiexperience.com

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