Head to the Hobbit Capital

“Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold."

Hobbiton

Next time you're in Auckland, take a magical journey across the Shire from the Lord of the Rings! Hear filming secrets from behind the scenes and see if you can spot any Hobbits along the way. This magical trip takes you deep into Hobbiton and the fascinating Lord of the Rings story.

On this Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland, pickups from Auckland CBD hotels begin at 6am. Then, you'll drive from Auckland out towards Matamata, where Hobbiton awaits! The set is situated on a family-run farm, and as you drive, you'll see hints of the famous scenery emerge.

Once you arrive, you'll see exactly how this beautiful piece of farmland has been transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. Step into the lush pastures and wander around the tiny houses. Peek in the windows and make sure you get a selfie in front of the famous green door. Spend time exploring the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, the kitchen and enjoy hearing stories about the movie from your guide. They'll also point out tiny details and explain how the movie was made.

Hobbiton

After wandering The Shire to your heart's content, it's time to make a stop at the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a complimentary drink here and warm yourself by the roaring fire. It feels just like you're in the movie! You'll also have time to visit the Shire Store, which features an extensive selection of souvenirs to remind you of your visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

On the return journey to Auckland, you'll drive through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside, including the majestic Waikato River (the longest river in New Zealand), Ngaruawahia (home of the Maori King) and Taupiri (a sacred Maori burial ground), before arriving back in Auckland at approximately 1:30pm.

Click HERE to book and score up to 10% off your Hobbiton Tour.

ORIGINAL POST: November, 2012

While Wellington is worth a visit at anytime of the year, the 28th of  November, 2012 will be of particular note. For this is when New Zealand's capital once again becomes Wellywood for the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) Chief Executive David Perks says the city’s hotels are quickly filling up on the date of and surrounding the premiere and recommends fans act quickly if they wish to secure a spot.

“There is going to be a simply unmissable buzz pulsing through the coolest little capital in the world around the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in November. Now that the date has been announced we recommend fans get booking their flights, tours and accommodation immediately to avoid disappointment.”

Thousands of fans are expected to descend into the central city to welcome and celebrate the film’s stars, crew and international press on Wednesday 28 November, but the opportunity for Wellington is well beyond the premiere date.

“The legacy of the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will last years, if not decades beyond Wednesday 28 November for both Wellington and New Zealand,” Mr Perks says. “It’s yet another incredible chance to showcase our city, hospitality and innovation to the world. As we’ve seen from our experience with The Lord of the Rings, the awareness and interest films of this type and scale drive has the ability to significantly increase international visitation.”

While you can’t tangibly forecast the number of visitors or dollars The Hobbit films will draw to Wellington, you can look at the transformation of the city and its $2200 a minute tourism industry that has occurred since the release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mr Perks says.

“Wellington was dubbed a ‘city on the rise’ by Lonely Planet in 2007, then rose to the challenge and earned an upgrade to the ‘coolest little capital in the world’  and 4th top city in the world to visit for the publisher’s Best in Travel 2011. The film industry has played a lead role in both that transformation and international acclaim.”

International visitor arrivals into Wellington increased 50% in the decade from 2001 (the year of the first Lord of the Rings release) to 2010; American arrivals increased 54% across that period.

“Film tours are still in high demand in Wellington over a decade on from the release of the last of the trilogy. Thanks to the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in November this can certainly be expected to continue well into the future.”

Top 10 Backpacking Tips for travelling around Europe

Simply put travelling Europe is an amazing experience. You will be able to explore places that have thousands of years of history, such as Rome, meet fellow travellers from around the world and see breathtaking landscapes. Start your trip in a place like London, certainly one of the best cities in the world, but also somewhere English is spoken and at least some things will be familiar helping you ease into foreign travel. Below are top 10 backpacking tips for travelling around Europe.

Keep Weight Down
Europe's connectedness and relatively small size makes it easy to get around. One mistake many backpackers make is packing to much gear. The heavy weight quickly turns travelling into a chore and burns a lot of your energy. Another reason to keep weight down is to ensure that you meet the weight limits set by Europe's budget airlines for carry-on luggage, and avoiding paying extra to check your pack. To ensure both ease of moving about and travel weight restrictions keep your backpack total weight, including the pack, to 10kg (22lbs) max. Even if you plan to travel by train and not plane, keeping your backpack weight to 10kg makes keeping an eye on your belongings much more manageable.

Your Backpack
While on the subject of your backpack's weight, the pack itself is also an important consideration. This is something that it is worth investing a little money in to get a good quality backpack. It is better to buy a backpack that has an internal frame, as these are less bulky. Also check the straps to ensure they have sufficient padding that will help distribute the pack's weight in the most comfortable way. Get a backpack that is suitable for your size and height, otherwise you can end up very uncomfortable, or even worse hurting yourself. And finally, look for a backpack that comes with a detachable daypack, so you don't have to carry a large bag around when you're exploring your destination.

Clothing
Figuring out what clothes to pack for Europe can be a bit tricky. The weather and climates can change drastically from one end to the other. One thing to keep in mind is to blend in. This will make you less likely to be targeted by thieves. Avoid wearing American sports wear and sneakers as this makes you stand out as an American tourist from 100-feet away.

You will want to pack layers, so that you can stay cool or warm with the range of temperatures you'll experience. However, pack items that are lightweight, dry quickly, and not to bulky. A mac is a good addition to have with you. These are extremely lightweight rain jackets that can squish up, taking up a small amount of space. You will want some type of rain protection if you're visiting places like Ireland or Scotland where it can be sunny one minute and raining the next. A fleece jacket is a good warmth layer as they can be fairly thin and not heavy.

Accessories and Other Items
Keep non-clothing items to absolute necessities. One great little item to pack is a flexible travel clothesline, which can stretch across the poles of a hostel bunk allowing you to dry any clothes you've hand washed. Also pack a padlock, as you won't always be able to get one in all accommodation options. One that is both a lock and has a retractable cable is ideal.

You will most likely also need to pack one or more power converters, so that you can charge your phone or other devices. Make sure you have the right ones for the countries you're visiting, for example the UK and Ireland use the same type of plug, but it differs from other western European countries. Also, pack a mini plug extension, as many European hostel dorm rooms will have just one or two plugs for 10 people! One thing to note is that instead of packing your hair dryer, which can be large, and often they don't work with a plug converter, is to buy a small travel sized one once you arrive in Europe.

Money Belt
Money belts are small belts with a compartment where you can store you cash, documents, and bank cards. They are worn around your waist under your clothing. The most common crime tourists face is many European cities is pickpocketing. Some places are more notorious than others, but always being smart with how you store your money and passport will help you avoid a pickpocketing nightmare. Don't fumble with your money belt in full view, as this will give away your tourist status too.

InterRail and Eurail Pass
One of the most traditional and best ways to get around Europe is by train. An excellent rail network spans from country to country allowing you to connect to major cities and reach many more rural areas on local trains. If you purchase train tickets individually and last minute in Europe they can be expensive. However, backpackers have long made use of the InterRail or Eurail pass.

To use an InterRail pass, you need to have been a resident of Europe for at least 6-months prior to purchasing a ticket. If you are not a European resident then you should buy the Eurail pass. These passes come in different types that allow you to visit a certain amount of countries, with a certain amount of journies in a specified number of days. You can choose the pass that best suits the places you want to visit and make a good saving on your travel costs. You can even plan to travel on overnight trains, combining both a place to sleep with your travel.

Visa Debit Card
When travelling it is best to not carry a lot of cash with you just in case something gets stolen or lost. The traditional way easily access funds was to get a load of travellers checks from your local bank before departing. However, this is hardly done now. The best way to have quick access to your cash is to have a Visa debit card. Anywhere that accepts Visa cards or has a Visa symbol on the ATM machine, which is pretty much everywhere, means that you can instantly withdraw money in the local currency.

Learn Some of the Language
While no one expects you to be fluent in another language, especially when backpacking around Europe where you'll encounter several different languages, it is a good idea to learn a few useful phrases for each country you'll be visiting. Even a small attempt, such as simply saying hello and thank you will be much appreciated by the local people. It will show that you are making some effort to get to know the local culture and it will almost always get you a much more friendly response.

Get Ulmon
Ulmon is a brilliant app that you can download to your phone or tablet, and even better it's free. The app is made especially for travellers and has hundreds of maps that you can download covering Europe. The maps also include the locations of restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops in that destination; there are plenty of great photos too. You can use the maps offline, so you don't need to worry about expensive data charges or finding WiFi. You can even use them to navigate around a city even though you don't have a data connection. Plus, having these maps on your phone helps you blend in and not look like a tourist that is fumbling with an awkward to hold map while walking around. Plan ahead and download all the maps you'll need before leaving and make sure you have an alternative if Ulmon doesn't cover a particular area you plan to visit.

Random but Important Tips
Plan your route in advance but don't try to pack to much in. Take into consideration the time it will take you to travel between destinations; this is usually longer than you think as Europe's train stations are extremely busy. Make sure to give yourself enough time to truly explore each place. Europe has a vast history and many different, amazing landscapes. Book your accommodation in advance. You will get cheaper rates for hotel rooms or hostels by doing this. Also, make sure you take note of any important addresses, such as where you're staying and how to get there, so you can easily and inconspicuously find them when you arrive.

A fantastic tip one backpacker of Europe suggests is to get an extra debit card, so that you have two. This tip came after an ATM machine in the UK did not return his card and he was stuck taking, very expensive cash advances off a credit card. Finally, before you travel scan all of your important documents – your passport, driver's license, travel tickets, and even your birth certificate. Once scanned email them to yourself. If you end up loosing your actual documents while travelling having scans of them makes things much easier when you visit your country's consulate, as proving who you are is a lot less stressful.

Port Macquarie - Australia

If you are travelling along the East Coast of Australia make sure to visit Port Macquarie, a beautiful township just a four to five hour drive from Sydney, New South Wales. It is a calm place, compared to other backpacker destinations, great to relax for a few days. But don’t worry, there are still a lot of things to do, also for the adventure seeking traveler.

Some of the activities you can enjoy in Port Macquarie are enjoying stunning views along the scenic coastal walks, relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, visiting historical landmarks and so much more.

There are several budget accommodation options in town like Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers or Beachside Backpackers, which have all plenty of facilities and friendly staff. You can also spend the nights camping at one of the many camp sites nearby.

KoalaHospital6One of the great attractions in Port Macquarie is the Koala Hospital, a charitable organisation to treat sick and injured koalas. Since Koalas living near urban areas are at risk from traffic, more than 200 each year end up in this shelter. Visitors are welcome to walk around the open-air enclosures at any time of the day, however, a guided "Feed, Walk and Talk" tour is at 3pm every afternoon. If you haven’t seen Koalas yet, this is the perfect location. During the tour the koalas are fed and a volunteer will explain the issues that brought the koalas into the Hospital. There is no admission fee.

In Port Macquarie you can have a fantastic time without spending a fortune. There a lot of National Parks to recharge your batteries. You can have a picnic with your traveling friends and go for a relaxing walk. Willi Willi National Park is a great place to enjoy an extensive mountain wilderness. You can take a short waterfall walk and enjoy a swim in the rock pools. Swans Crossing is another wonderful National Park to visit with several walking and hiking trails.

Port Macquarie is also a true water lover's paradise with not only the beautiful Hastings River offering heaps of fun activities but also with 18 different beaches in the Greater area for swimming and surfing. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River to view whales and dolphins or go fishing with your mates. The adventure seeking travelers will have lots of fun to try their hands at water skiing and jet boat riding. A popular beach is the long and beautiful Lighthouse Beach next to the Historic Lighthouse, a significant landmark and breathtaking lookout. To get there you can stroll along the stunning 9km Coastal Walk, which starts at the iconic break wall on Town Green, where you can see colourful graffiti rocks. If you are looking for even more historical sights check out St Thomas Church, the 5th oldest Anglican Church still in use in Australia.

If you are seeking the extreme check out Australia’s most spectacular Skydives in Port Macquarie, offering you fantastic coastal views. There is a twenty minute ride at the beginning, followed by a 40 second freefall and a four minute parachute ride. It is the most exciting thing to do and will leave you with mind-blowing memories.

HugeLighthouse_CostalWalk4

To have a unique and fun filled experience hop aboard on one of Australia’s own camels and ride along the beautiful Lighthouse Beach. Camel Safaris are a true highlight for every traveling backpacker in Australia.

Another great experience to check out in Port Macquarie is to go on a wine tasting tour. Bring your mates or make new friends while tasting traditional wine and amazing local cheese at the Bago Vineyards and lose yourself in the beautiful scenery.

You see, Port Macquarie is a backpacker’s paradise offering fun activities in a relaxing environment.

 

Top 5 Places to Backpack in Mexico

A trip to Mexico would not be complete without some time spent in the wild country there. The climate and sunshine make this an ideal place for backpacking for the novice and expert alike. If you need a few places to consider for your next trip, take a look at a few of these top spots and see what you think.

1.Canyon del Sumidero National Park

If your journey takes you to southern Mexico, then a trip to the Canyon del Sumidero National Park in the state of Chiapas is worth fitting into your schedule. The Sumidero Canyon took more than a million years to be carved out by the Grijalva River and reaches depths of as much as 3,280 feet. The canyon is the focal point of the park and the hydro electric dam that was built in 1981 made the canyon accessible by boat. If you’re lucky, you may see an American crocodile or two as you hike the numerous trails and enjoy the lookout points.

2.Cumbres de Monterrey National Park

Cumbres de Monterrey National Park sits at the northeastern end of the country in the state of Nuevo Leon. If your vacation is in or near Monterrey, then this is the place to go to scratch your backpacking itch. Here you will find the renowned Cerro de la Silla skyline formation which is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. From mountains and waterfalls to canyons and rivers, the park offers everything a backpacker could want.

3.Cumbres de Majalca National Park

In north central Mexico near the city of Chihuahua in the state of Chihuahua is Cumbres de Majalca National Park, a wonderland of rock formations created by water and wind over millions of years. The park attracts those interested in bike riding, hiking, rock climbing and camping.

4.Nevado de Toluca National Park

Nevado de Toluca National Park lies in central Mexico just to the southwest of the city of Toluca in the state of Mexico. The park was created in 1936 to protect the volcano of the same name. At 15,387 feet, it is the 4th tallest peak in all of Mexico. At the top visitors can see a large crater that is home to a number of crater lakes. The park is also within reasonable travel distance from Mexico City.

5.Copper Canyon National Park

Copper Canyon National Park is perched In northern part of Mexico within the borders of the state of Chihuahua. Within the park are six distinct canyons, each formed by a different river. While many tourists view the canyons from aboard the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, you can hike and back pack through the canyons at your leisure.

Hiking Precautions: Make Backpacking Safe and Fun

Spending time in the great outdoors is an active sport and unlike any other. Backpacking your way through rugged terrain, overcoming the elements can give you a sense of empowerment and self-worth. The adventure is not without risk, however – something that actually appeals to many outdoor enthusiasts. The smart hiker never sets out without being prepared. Here are some things you should plan for before lacing up your hiking boots.

Camping Precautions

If you intend to camp as part of your adventure, check the weather conditions for both days and nights in the location you are exploring. Having the right tent and sleeping gear can make all the difference. Understand the wildlife. Some areas may be inhabited by bear; other may be home to alligators. Whatever the species, each requires that you handle things differently. With bears, for example, you will want to be able to store your food supplies in a bear bag. Don’t camp next to a lake, pond or stream if alligators are present because they roam at night. Always use fire safely and only where allowed.

Dehydration Concerns

Even in moderate temperatures, people don’t always remember to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water keeps the body performing at its best. Pack plenty of water - as much as 1 liter per every four miles you plan to hike and watch for signs of dehydration which can include chills, dizziness and nausea.

Dress for Success

This isn’t just true for the office. Your clothing and supplies can make your hike a brilliant success or a ghastly disaster. IF the weather can change where you are going, bring a jacket you can fold down and fit in your pack. Make sure to have rain gear and wear comfortable shoes suited to the terrain. Some basic supplies you should have on hand even for day-long hikes are a first aid kit, water, a flashlight, a compass and some energy snacks. A hat may be useful to keep the sun from beating down on the top of your head. Good socks – and a spare pair - are essential.

Hunting Season

Check with the local game and wildlife people in your desired hiking location. During hunting season, many hiking trails are closed because the lands are opened up to hunters. You certainly wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a deer or other game animal. If the trails are open, wear a bright range vest so hunters can easily see you.

Miscellaneous Tidbits

You may want to carry and use sunblock if you anticipate spending any time in the sun. Sunglasses and bug spray are also good things to have on hand. As for your vehicle, since it will be unattended for long periods, don’t leave valuables visible inside. Be sure it is locked and if you need a permit to be on the lands you are hiking, make sure it is displayed in the front window.

Exploring Auckland like a Local

Auckland is one of the world’s most geographically spread out city so finding ways to spend your time, especially if you don’t have a car, can often seem a daunting task. Too often visitors resort to following the footsteps of tourist troves and never truly experience the urban zest and recreational spirit that this microcosm metropolitan has to offer.

Thankfully, we’ve shared some yarns with the locals and have broken down a list of the top six things to check out in New Zealand’s Big Little City.

1. Big Picture Wine

Forget about sluicing down a glass from a goon box, this innovative establishment takes wine tasting to another level.

Complete with an aroma room, where you can put your sense of smell to the test and learn exactly what the hey ‘oaky’ and ‘woody’ means, the unconventional Big Picture Wine tour’s piece de resistance are its ‘fly overs’.

For little under $30NZ you can take a virtual flight over New Zealand’s wine country and experience a guided cinematic walkthrough of wine samples from the growers themselves.

It’s like being in the world’s coolest lecture theatre and education has never been so easy to swill.

2. Cook your own Catch

With miles upon miles of glorious beaches, it’s no surprise that New Zealand’s aquatic culture transcends all aspects of Auckland living—with seafood being no exception. No visit is complete without tucking into some fish and chips. But far better than queuing in line for your paper-wrapped meal is to learn how to make a Master Chef version at Auckland’s Seafood School located in the waterfront district.

Classes are run on most nights and cover all sorts of cooking techniques, from filleting to designer oysters, all the way through to pan-fried works of art.

After watching a demonstration by a local top chef, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making some culinary magic.

The best part, of course, comes when you get to sit down with a complimentary glass of wine and enjoy the spoils of your toils in good company.

3. The Classic Comedy Club

Located in the heart of Auckland’s entertainment precinct, the Classic has become a local institute and is guaranteed to inject a good chuckle into any stay.

Aucklanders love this establishment, and with good reason, the club is known for running weekly specials of 10 Comedians for $10 where patrons can put the heat on rookie comedians without breaking the bank.

The atmosphere is eccentric & laid-back and the cabaret-style seating is conducive to making new friends while enjoying food and some of the local drop.

4. Movies & Markets at Silo Park

The historic cement towers standing tall against the waterfront are perfectly complemented by the buzzing Wynyard Quarter and there’s always something interesting happening at Silo Park.

During the summer months, there are over 50 events being held in this public space, including the ever-popular open-air outdoor cinema sessions, as well as the Friday Night and Saturday Silo markets—where you can scour stalls like a true local in search of trendy brick a bracs and bargains.

Hopping on one of the vintage trams running through the district is also a great way to explore the area.

5. Waiheke Island

Although this little gem is only a short and enjoyable ferry ride across the Harbour, it may as well be a different country altogether. On this little paradise whipped from sunrays, the locals are charming, and the wine is always chilled and waiting to be tasted.

Rent a scooter and make the rounds of secluded beaches, or hop on a small tour to sample some award winning drops and meet new people (three drinks and you’ll all become best Facebook friends).

The best way to enjoy Waiheke, however, is to just meander around on the beaches and orchards, enjoying coffee and wine with friendly locals and dipping bread in freshly pressed olive oil.

6. Mount Eden

Sure you could spend a small fortune to make it up the Sky Tower, but Mt Eden is a far cheaper (FREE!) and healthier way to get those panoramic camera views of the city.

Yeah this dormant volcano is baby when you compare it to the likes of some of its Southern counterparts, but don’t let this little hump fool you, the walk up is colossal and suited best for those with thunder thighs.

It may not look like much from the outside—you could drive past and pass it unnoticed—but once you reach the top (which thankfully can also be reached by car) a giant lush green crater dimples the tip and panoramic views of both the Pacific and Tasman Sea makes for the perfect photo opportunities.

Aucklanders love to challenge their workout routine by taking on the Mount, if you need to burn off some of that backpacking beer gut there’s no better place to start.

www.yeity.com

Head out South

There is nothing quite as picturesque as South Island in New Zealand. Nearly one-third of this idyllic paradise is either designated as a park or a reserve meaning there is plenty of wilderness to explore. And there are many ways to explore it, too.
The West Coast is the site of many geological wonders. Here you can kayak in the sea or along rivers or hike over glaciers and through rainforests. Okarito Lagoon provides a lush wetland landscape replete with a diverse and spectacular flora to enjoy at your leisure including a saltmarsh.

There are two glaciers to choose from, the Fox and the Franz, each a formidable adversary with spectacular views. From towering heights, these majestic peaks wind their way back down to sea level.
When it comes to hiking tracks, there are several that should be on the diehard trekkers “to-do” list. Both the Routeburn and Kepler tracks traverse scenery including alpine lakes, crystal clear rivers and valleys with lush forests.
The Milford Sound is a great place to plan an overnight stay during your excursion because of the unique opportunities it provides. Another great stopover point is Queenstown. This setting can accommodate almost any activity you could conceive of before you resume your journey.

Mt. Cook National Park is another location that offers a wide range of scenery types to enjoy. Here you can find everything from native bush to glaciers and soaring peaks.

If you aren’t familiar with South Island, it is the larger of the two main islands that make up New Zealand. It has a smaller population than the North Island but is often referred to as the mainland. To the north is Cook Strait and to the west is the Tasman Sea. The island has a temperate climate year round.

While hiking and kayaking are definitely popular activities, they are not the only things you can do for fun on South Island. This popular tourist destination also caters to those with a taste for other types of adventure. Adventure tourism might include Bungee jumping, glacier climbing, camping and tramping on multiple day outings. Some locations such as the Milford track are known around the world while others are local secrets waiting to be unearthed by the truly adventurous.

From rugged coastlines to sweeping plains, South Island offers one of the most diverse geological treasure troves waiting to be discovered. You can plan your own excursion or hire on with a tour company that will organize your travel arrangements. Either way, an outdoor adventure vacation on New Zealand’s South Island is likely to be the vacation of a lifetime.
If you need assistance planning and preparing for your South Island adventure, checkout the deals at backpackerdeals.co.

Is the Tongariro Crossing really the world's best 1-day hike?

If you are looking for a one-day hike set in the most exotic location, look no farther than the Tongariro Crossing trail on New Zealand’s North Island. Here you will traverse contracts in landscape from dense woodlands to that resembling a Scottish moor and even trek across a volcanic landscape that leaves you feeling as though you have Earth altogether. This trail is not for the faint of heart, however. It includes several steep ascents.

The trail is situated in Tongariro National Park and is widely accepted as the country’s best one-day hike. The park is New Zealand’s first national park and doubles as a world heritage site. Within its borders are three volcanoes: Ruapahu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe. The track leads through the Mangatepopo Valley. Following it for about 1.5 km (1mile) brings you to a side trail that leads to the Mangatepopo Hut. Pressing ahead and following a stream, you pass through old lava beds and can enjoy the sight of Mt Ngauruhoe on your left. Roughly 2.5 km (1.5 miles) farther along the track you will reach the valley head from which you can reach a cold water spring, Soda Springs, by taking a short detour. The springs are surrounded by lush plant life.

Continuing on, the hike gets serious as you start ascending the saddle that lies between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Form here you are rewarded with amazing views of Tongariro and a clear day, of Mt Taranaki due west. From the saddle, the truly adventurous can choose to ascend Ngauruhoe, a tough climb over loose rock that can be particularly treacherous when ice is present. This part of the climb takes about three hours.

Following the signs from the saddle, trekkers can cross the South Crater. Another 7 km (4.4miles) father down the track, you reach the highest point of the trail, Red Crater. You will be able to tell this volcano is still active by the pungent smell of sulphur in the air. Below, you can see two small water-filled craters named Emerald Lakes because of their high mineral content. High winds and exposure to biting cold make it difficult to stay for very long.

Leaving Emerald Lakes, you will head north and arrive at Central Crater before embarking on a short hike to Blue Lake. Originally called Te Wai-whakaata-o-teRangihiroa (Rangihiroa's Mirror), Blue Lake is an old vent and it was a descendant of Rangihiroa's who donated the main section of Tongariro National Park in 1887.

Almost done now, the trail continues north as you edge North Crater on your descent to Ketetahi Hut. The vista open up and plumes of smoke and mineralstreaked rock formations are visible, part of, Ketetahi Hot Springs. The springs are on privately owned land and not accessible. Be aware that you are now crossing private land and there is no right of access to the springs.

If hiking the Tongariro Crossing appeals to you, contact backpackerdeals.co for assistance planning your trip.

Bald Hill From The Edge

Bald Hill in Sydney is one of the most visually beautiful places from which to hang glide.  Sweeping views of the ocean and coastline make this an ideal location for your maiden voyage or your one-thousandth. It has been called one of the premier  flying sites in all the world. Located about one hour south of Sydney, it is within easy reach for most.

About Hang Gliding

Hang gliding is an air sport utilizing a non-motorized, foot-launched aircraft. The aircraft resembles the delta-wing shape, is usually made of aluminum alloy and typically carries just the pilot. The pilot is secured to the frame with a harness and controls the aircraft by shifting his body weight to steer it. Modern aircrafts may have some flight controls as well. Long ago, a hang glider could only hope for a good ride by leaping from a tall place and coasting ever downward toward the ground. Now, flights can last hours and climb thousands of metres. Bald Hill is a fascinating place to entertain this type of experience.

About Bald Hill

Bald Hill is located in Illawarra, Australia and affords pilots an exquisite view of Grand Pacific Drive as well as spectacular views of the Royal National Park, the ocean and the coastal escarpment. The peak is about 500 above sea level and makes an ideal launch point. The best time to use Bald Hill for hang gliding is when the winds are from the south/southwest.

Flying at Bald Hill

Overseas visitors will need to procure a temporary HGFA membership before arriving at Bald Hill. Local non-members can get a temporary membership before flying. It is a good idea to introduce yourself to the safety officer on duty. Look for the orange ones designating the set up area. Paying attention to the weather and wind conditions is the most important aspect of hang gliding and here at Bald Hill, that is equally true. While there are a number of places to land safely, you are surrounded by ocean, rocks and trees, any of which could make for trouble if you are not cautious. Once airborne, however, you can glide for hours taking in al that the area has to offer, from Garie to Bulli. The views at Stanwell Park are gorgeous, too. Stanwell Park beach is also the most commonly used landing site. Use caution as those on the beach often wander into the landing zone. Top landing is only allowed in proper conditions and if you have the endorsement of the safety officer to do so.

Before you head out to Bald Hill, check with http://www.backpackers.co. for all your travel deals.

Dive into Northland

The Poor Knights Islands in Northland is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true

If you are looking for an adventure that combines your love of the outdoors with your love of diving, then look no farther. Just off New Zealand’s North Island lies the Poor Knights Islands. Here you will find a 4million year old volcano just waiting for you to explore.

Poor Knights Islands is a collection of three larger islands surrounded by smaller islets. The area has been uninhabited since the 19th century and had the feel of a lost world to it. The area has been designated both a nature and marine reserve in order to protect its unique, natural beauty.

What You Will Find

Marine life around the Poor Knights Islands is abundant and diverse. From lush kelp forests to soft corals, there is a colorful array to behold. Large pelagic species including sharks, dolphins and manta rays inhabit the waters.

For those who like to spend a little time underwater as well as above it, there is a wide range of diving available in the area. If you enjoy deep dives or exploring caves, you’ll find it here. You can also dive caverns, walls and wrecks to add variety. While here, snorkelers and sight-seers will have plenty to take in.

Underwater Experiences

You can experience nearly every aspect of ocean diving from this compressed marine eco system. Poor Knights Islands offers sunlit waters teeming with life and beauty for you to explore. From the upper levels of the ‘tumbling staircase’ to the depths and darkness of the numerous caves, an amazing underwater experience awaits.

Don’t miss the spectacular sponge gardens and gorgonian fields. Here fish of every species abound. Urchins, shellfish and anemones dance in the sparkling waters. The islands’ popular arches are another source of entertainment as numerous species of animals vie for space on their walls. Stingrays glide through archway waters in warmer months.

The marine reserve is home to many subtropical fish that cannot be found elsewhere in New Zealand. Many of these remarkable fish are known for their friendliness. An afternoon among these beauties will make for memorable vacation stories you will share for a lifetime.

If you are a novice diver, parts of the South Harbor are perfect for you. Nursery Cove is an ideal place for the novice and experienced diver alike. Some dive operators have special equipment on hand to help non-divers enjoy this underwater playground.

From the heights of the sheer cliffs that plunge to the depths of this remarkable underwater environment, the Poor Knights Islands are a blissfully, protected wonderland of natural beauty set in the coastal waters of one of New Zealand’s most protected and treasured assets. Make sure to spend some time here when you visit New Zealand.

Walking the Glaciers

Very few places in the world offer the adventure seeker the opportunity to walk on glaciers like New Zealand does. The West Coast contains remnants of the ice age cascade created from the enormous snowfields of the Southern Alps. Resting just 300 metres above sea level, New Zealand’s glaciers are the most accessible in the temperate zone. They cover almost half of the land mass of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Science has taught us that the formation of rivers and mountains take millions of years of geological movement to create. With glaciers, we get a much more up front and personal view of things in a more comprehensible time scale. The glaciers of New Zealand move up to about 200 metres each year.

The most famous glaciers in New Zealand are the Fox and the Franz Josef glacier on the West Coast of South Island. Mountaineers and hikers have easy access to these locales that nature took thousands of years to create.

You have your pick of companies that can escort you on journey to one of the most spectacular sites in all of New Zealand. The benefit of taking a tour is that you get expert information concerning the flora, fauna and geological formations.

Nothing beats an aerial view of the glaciers. From either a helicopter or a fixed wing plane, you can take in the majesty of these glaciers, soaring above the highest peaks. For those less inclined to the skies, walks can offer superb vistas and unmatched views of the glaciers as well as letting you explore surrounding rainforests.

Nowhere else on the planet will you find this dynamic combination of side-by-side ecosystems with both rainforests and glaciers. The combination is unique to New Zealand.

The Franz Josef Glacier

Of all the glaciers in New Zealand, the Franz Josef Glacier, located within the Westland National Park, is the steepest and fastest moving glacier. The Franz Josef is about 7000 years old and 12 kilometres long. The glacier can be seen from as close as 15metres. It was named for the Emperor of the Austro- Hungarian Empire by Julies von Haast, a geologist and explorer in 1863

The Fox Glacier

Just 25 kilometres from the Franz Josef is the Fox named got New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Sir William Fox, in 1872.  This glacier is 13 kilometres long and 300 metres deep. It falls nearly 2500 metres across its trek.

Mythical Creatures Lake Waikaremoana

Escape into the enchanted forest surrounding Lake Waikaremoana, the ancestral home of the Ngai Tribe, also known as the “Children of the Mist.” If that isn’t inviting enough, consider this – this region is also home to the patupaiarehe, mythical fairy creatures reported to have lured the wives of Maori warriors away.

Nestled entirely within the Te Urewera National Park’s boundaries, Lake Waikaremoana has it all –rainforests, wetlands, a herbfield and even a “goblin forest” imbued with magic. Navigate along rivers, past spectacular waterfalls and through valleys shrouded in a ghostly mist.

The 46 km hike takes between three and four days to complete, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the flora and fauna. A diverse plant life abounds here, rich beech forests of red and silver, lichen and moss, rimu trees and a wide range of ferns.

Making the climb to the Panekire Bluffs is the most challenging part of the journey but well worth the effort. You will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lake, surrounding forest and vast mountain range.

Bird lovers will find Lake Waikaremoana an ideal place to explore their hobby. It is here that you may see the kereru who sometimes dine on over-ripe berries leaving them in a comically intoxicated state. Your travels will be accompanied by the melodic sounds of the tui which seem to be everywhere. Fantail, grey mallards and paradise ducks will delight you as you hike the trails in and around the lake.

Take time out to go for a swim or enjoy one of the shorter walks at the Te Urewera National Park. Spend one day or several blending in with an ecosystem that seems to be from another time.

To find great adventure deals here and throughout New Zealand check backpackerdeals.co.

Underground Star Lights Exist Down Under

One of the most fascinating things about the underground world is the diversity of creatures that live there, often in total darkness. And I mean TOTAL darkness. If you have ever been on cavern tour where they shut off the lights for about 5 minutes to let you get a feel of the totality of what darkness is like, such as for those who were born blind, and how uncomfortable it makes you feel within the first 30 seconds, you can begin to appreciate what it must be like for the deep underground creatures of the world. Of course, they have the advantage of never knowing what light is, so the totality isn't as disturbing as it is for us.

But not all cave creatures are forced to live like this. In fact, there are some creatures that have benevolent purposes in life. And that is to be the light for the others that live among them. And then to eat those that get tangled up in their sticky snares because they headed toward that light. Ok, so not all THAT benevolent, I guess. But they aren't that always bad guys, since they simply cut free any prey that is too large, or unwanted. So, now we are back to benevolent again.
One of these creatures of the light is the titiwae glow worm of New Zealand's Footwhistle Cave (also known to local Maori as Te Anaroa Cave). Only one species, Arachnocampa luminosa, is found throughout New Zealand and large number of the glowing larvae of these carnivorous fungus gnats can be see during Waitomo's Caveworld tours. Don't worry, they only eat tiny flying creatures, and as larvae they are pretty much stuck on the cave roof so they aren't going to come after you.

But when they shut off the lights in THIS cave, the beauty of their truly natural, biological light will astound you! It is something you have to experience yourself, videos and photos just do not do this any justice at all!

But that's not all that family-run and locally-owned, Cave World has to offer. They also offer night abseiling (a.k.a. spelunking) where they provide everything and no experience is necessary. In fact, the Night Abseil is definitely an adventure tour that is considered by many to feature the best glow worm display in New Zealand. Black Water Rafting (a.k.a. Cave Tubing) gives you the chance to jump off a waterfall, ZOOM down a hydro slide and then drift under more glow worm lights. There's even a hidden waterfall  that you can visit, if you don't mind crawling into small spaces wearing a hardhat and a rope.

And...Cave World is the only operator in Waitomo to offer exclusive, private cave tours.

Book your tours now at Cave World and do it all! Because if you don't, you'll always wonder what you missed

More Kiwis Now Discovering What’s In Their Own Backyard

The growing number of world-class eco-tourism experiences on offer in New Zealand is helping Kiwis become more passionate about their environment, with people now flocking to traditional tourism centres like Rotorua to enjoy the great outdoors on a whole new level.

 The successful launch of Rotorua Canopy Tours and Foris Eco Tours are just two examples of how domestic tourism is evolving.

 While international tourists have always been keen to soak up our scenic beauty, Kiwis often take their environment for granted and have been reluctant to pay for guided nature-based trips. But a growing number of New Zealanders are now visiting tourism operators which offer a mix of education, adventure and conservation, and are delighted by what they are experiencing.

 Rotorua Canopy Tours has proven incredibly popular, having hosted thousands of visitors since opening on the Mamaku Plateau, near Rotorua, last August. Half of its customers are domestic tourists who are keen to enjoy this unique eco experience.

 Participants are taken on a journey from forest floor to canopy via a network of walking trails, treetop platforms, ziplines (flying foxes) and canopy swing-bridges. It’s described as ‘one of the most exciting, beautiful and engaging zipline canopy tours in the world’ with guides educating people about the forest and native birdlife along the way.

 Rotorua Canopy Tours owner James Fitzgerald says it’s exciting to see more New Zealanders immerse themselves in their outdoor environment.

 “The eco-tourism side is really connecting with New Zealanders. It’s awakening something in them and giving them a new appreciation for the forest and how unique our country is.”

 During the canopy tour, guides share information about how critically endangered our bird species are. “Over 60,000 birds are killed in New Zealand forests every night by introduced pests such as rats and possums,” Fitzgerald says. “People tell us they can’t believe they’ve lived here all of their lives and they didn’t know things like that.”

 Rotorua Canopy Tours is pledging $20,000 a year to eradicate predators from the 500 ha area and reintroduce native birdlife. “We get a lot of unsolicited donations from people at the end of their tour because they feel so strongly about it and want to help.”

 Foris Eco-Tours is another new eco-tourism company which runs guided walks through the majestic WhirinakiForest and rafting trips along the RangitaikiRiver, near Rotorua.

 Director Tom Lynch, who is a rafting guide, teacher and conservation educationalist, says eco-tourism is helping New Zealanders celebrate their own county and natural landscape.

 “To care about the outdoors, first you’ve got to enjoy it. We want to share some of these special places with New Zealanders to get them to appreciate what we have, which in turn, helps motivate people to look after their own backyard.”

 Lynch says eco-tourism allows people to enjoy nature in a different way, and it is well worth paying a professional guide rather than walking through the bush on your own.

 “Experienced well-trained guides can see things and interact with their surrounds to ensure you don’t walk right past a fascinating story,” Lynch explains. For example, people are astonished to learn there are six different birds rarer than kiwi that can be found within a one hour drive of Rotorua.

 “Rotorua is a prime place to visit because of its proximity to some incredible landscapes. Whirinaki is a ‘forgotten forest’ but it’s one of the top forests in the world. There are so many fantastic lakes, bush walks and native species here. Rotorua is the perfect gateway to get in touch with nature.”

 Tourism Industry Association New Zealand Chief Executive Martin Snedden says our environment is central to New Zealand’s tourism industry.

“The experiences we share with visitors tell a story to the world about the value we place on the environment and the efforts we make to protect and enhance it. Eco-tourism experiences epitomise the types of activities and care for nature that our visitors are increasingly seeking in New Zealand. They also contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

HANMER SPRINGS #1

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has been confirmed as New Zealand’s favourite ‘Must-Do’ according to AA Tourism’s iconic survey.

The six week voting campaign clocked up a staggering 283,000 votes split over 1600 attractions from the Far North to the deep South and everywhere in between.

The top 10 winners were evenly split between the North and South Islands, whereas the top 25 ranks were dominated by North Island attractions.

Voters showed a preference towards South Island scenic cruises, healing thermal waters and spectacular scenic ranges nationwide.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa in Canterbury was voted #1, followed by Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa, Akaroa’s Harbour Nature Cruises and Heliview Taranaki. Ranking fifth is The Otago Rail Trail.

GM Marketing for AA Tourism, Rebecca Cherry, cites the new list as a reflection of our evolving tourism industry.

“Many firm favourites were knocked off their perches by some surprising newcomers, however, the overriding winner is New Zealand tourism and that’s what this campaign has been all about so we’re hailing it as a huge success.”

“Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has cemented its position as one of our favourite iconic tourism experiences. Our congratulations go out to their team and to all of the attractions that have made it onto the top 101.

“The new list is a nod towards the increasing popularity of family- friendly soft adventures rather than adrenalin- pumping activities often associated with New Zealand, like bungy jumping. It’s great to see so many new activities voted onto the list,” adds Ms Cherry.

WOMAD has taken centre stage at #17 as the most highly voted for event. Closely following at #20 is Coromandel’s Waterworks which has entered the list with a big splash.

As a quirky twist to the rankings, two iconic Kiwi sweet treats made their debut - Pineapple Lumps (#60) and Pavlova (#98).

As further inspiration to explore New Zealand, AA Tourism are launching  voucher books crammed full of unique offers for both the South and North Island attractions in conjunction with their 101 Must-Do’s list. These will be distributed via AA Centres, Caltex Service Stations and selected rental car and campervan operators.

To see both the original and the new list of AA Tourism’s 101 Must-Do’s for Kiwis visit www.aatravel.co.nz/101

 

A Life-Changing Holiday

ACPE student, Scott Reynolds, returns from a life-changing volunteer trip to Cambodia

Scott Reynolds has recently returned from a life changing three-week trip to Cambodia made possible by The Australian College of Physical Education where he is currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Fitness. This is the second year in which ACPE staff and students have travelled to Cambodia to support the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) in delivering programs in the fields of sports and dance.

The CCF was founded in 2004 and aims to help the children of Cambodia through providing nourishment and access to education. The fund has grown from looking after a group of 87 children, to 1,200.

Scott was one of the lucky fifteen students selected to take part in the trip in 2011 and once again. he was chosen to return this year, with a fresh outlook and an excitement to see how the kids had grown in the past twelve months.

“Last year, I remember attending the first meeting at ACPE where students could put their name down if they’re interested in being considered for the Cambodia trip. I looked around the room and thought I had absolutely no chance as there were so many students putting in their application. I left the meeting without an application form,” says Scott.

“A few weeks later I was approached by student services and they suggested I should submit an application – I’m so glad I did!”

“My time in Cambodia can be described as a happy shock. It's one of those scenarios where you really need to see it to believe it. You begin to realise how much you appreciate even the smallest things that normally you would take for granted, like clean tap water and fresh air. Seeing kids that virtually have nothing but a huge smile on their face and life in their eyes is truly life-changing.”

“CCF is a vehicle to help drive the kids’ ambitions and aspirations, which they so desperately need. Having the chance to relive those experiences this year has been such an honour,” says Scott.

Scott is currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Fitness at the ACPE, a college he chose over university because he feared he would be lost in the crowds at a bigger institution. “I knew I would just be considered another number and my lecturers would most likely not know my name. I’ve never seen staff that are as devoted to their students as those at ACPE. I wouldn’t choose anywhere else.”

The ACPE Cultural Experience Program provides a unique opportunity for students to take part in something life-changing, in addition to what is learnt within the classroom. This is just one example of the way the ACPE endeavours to create well-rounded graduates, who are enriched mentally, physically and socially as a result of their time at the college.

Scott hopes to one day own his own business which targets all aspects of his clients’ lives, focusing on physical training, nutrition, diet, lifestyle job and much more.

Add a Bike or Two to Your Campervan

This summer Britz is adding cycle power to their fleet of campers. 

With 18 New Zealand Cycle Trails to choose from throughout New Zealand, which cater to all abilities, there’s no excuse not to enjoy nature at its finest with friends and family.

If you are heading north of Auckland this summer and looking for a great way to explore the Bay of Islands, try the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. With amazing local and national history to check out as you cruise along the track, there are great picnic spots to be found and you can marvel at the awesome scenery at the same time!

For those looking to head to the Bay of Plenty this summer, the Thermal by Bike Trail, located in the heart of Rotorua makes for the ideal way to spend a long weekend. Showing off what’s unique about the area, the trail route includes access to four noteworthy geothermal fields including Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu, and Orakei Korako.

For the experienced cyclist, the St James Cycle Trail in North Canterbury should be on the top of your to-do list. The trail offers a variety of terrains and natural features from lakes and rivers to beech forest and grassland valleys. On your way back to Christchurch makes sure to visit AA Tourism’s number one attraction; Hanmer Springs Thermal pools and spa and unwind in the soothing waters.

As one of the most well known cycle tracks and AA Tourism’s number five Must Do, the Otago Rail Trail is one of the best ways to see central Otago. Stretching between Clyde and Middlemarch, exploring this trail makes for a journey of discovery which is suitable for all ages and experience.

This historic adventure offers 150 kilometres of rocky landscapes, river gorges, tunnels, high country sheep stations and stone bridges with twenty townships scattered along the way, which make for the perfect overnight stop.

Britz Bike hire is available from as little as $16 per day from Auckland and Christchurch and to keep you pedalling up to speed there are plenty of extras included in the price: helmet, flat pedals, bottle cages, rear track, puncture repair kits, pump, spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool, lock and key, and 0800 on-road service.

britz.co.nz

Get on Ya Bike

New cycling packages help travellers explore Australia's Victoria High Country 250km Rail Trail.

Victoria’s High Country has a range of new cycling tour packages to help visitors explore more than 250km of safe, off-road Rail Trail network and quiet country roads, against a backdrop of panoramic landscapes.

The High Country offers the ultimate cycling holiday, with three unique legs of the Rail Trail network boasting views to the mountains as they meander through fertile valleys of natural bushland and farmland, alongside clear rivers and over majestic lakes, and past vineyards, hops,orchards and groves. Rewards await cyclists in unique villages such as Mansfield, Milawa, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright, Myrtleford and Tallangatta. Pedal into cellar doors and farm gates, top restaurants and quirky cafés, or pause for a gourmet picnic of regional produce collected along the way.

Three local tour operators service North East Victoria’s Rail Trail network, providing transfers and itineraries to suit each group’s cycling interest. New operators Riding High Cycling Tours, based in Tarrawingee, facilitate tours that take in picturesque mountain and valley vistas along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, with stops in culinary villages such as Bright, Beechworth, Milawa and Rutherglen showcasing the region’s bountiful food and wine offering. Riding High also offers a special tour on the High Country Rail Trail hugging the shoreline of the majestic Lake Hume in the region’s north. Day tours are priced from $150pp and multi-day tours from $660pp (self-guided, incl. accommodation, bike hire, transfers and some meals).

Milawa-based High Country Bike Adventures offer 2, 3, 4 and 5-day bike tour and accommodation packages along the panoramic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail via culinary villages as well as the King Valley, including gourmet tours featuring a special experience discovering Prosecco Road and a private cooking class at Pizzini’s A Tavola! Cooking School. Tours are priced from $700pp (selfguided, incl. accommodation, bike hire, transfers and some meals).

Mansfield-based All Terrain Cycles facilitates bike hire and transfers for the new Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail from Mansfield via Bonnie Doon and Yea to Tallarook, through rolling hills, across open fields and alongside abundant wetlands. Great for families is the gentle 22km cycle from Mansfield to Bonnie Doon, with rewarding views of Lake Eildon in all her glory and a gourmet picnic lunch and transfers ($98pp, $85pp for groups of 6 - 10, 10% discount for families). All Terrain Cycles can also provide transfers to/from any destination along the rail trail.

Further north, Rutherglen’s Victoria Hotel caters for cycling groups with their unique accommodation package created especially for women and another for men. By popular demand, The Vic has introduced "Big Reds, Big Rides" for the boys, a two-night package including cycle maps, an exclusive premium tasting of red wines at Cofield Wines and lunch at Pickled Sisters café, local craft beer tasting and pool competition, extravagant steak dinner, and more ($295pp). For the ladies, “Belles, Bikes and Bubbles” is a two-night package including cycle maps, a flight of three sparkling wines at Cofield Wines and lunch at Pickled Sisters Café, a relaxation massage, sunset bubbles on the balcony, two-course bistro dinner and more ($295pp).

Take a hike buddy

The Milford Track is often described as the finest walk in the world as it  traverses the Fiordland National Park, and the Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks stretch across Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. But now you can tackle it in a bit more style.

New Zealand’s premier guided walking company has kicked off its 2012-2013 season this week with walkers on The Routeburn Track multi-day guided walk now able to choose to stay in brand new ensuite rooms.

Queenstown-based Ultimate Hikes operates fully- catered guided walks on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks.

All the walks expose walkers to some of the most magnificent scenery in which they can walk at their own pace in their own time, safe in the knowledge that an experienced and informative guide is at hand should they need some assistance or a question answered.

Milford Track walkers will set off from Thursday November 1 while the Routeburn guided walks start from Friday November 2. The Classic walk -- encompassing both tracks -- also starts on November 1, and the first Grand Traverse heads out on November 5.

Ultimate Hikes General Manager Noel Saxon said the new rooms on the Routeburn looked “fantastic” and had been very popular with pre-bookings.

“The rooms blend in with the existing structures, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer the same level of service to our guests on the Routeburn Track and the Routeburn leg of the Grand Traverse as we have been doing for a number of years on the Milford Track.

“The lodges are very comfortable and hospitable and located in idyllic, awe-inspiring surroundings,” said Mr Saxon.

“We welcome all our walkers with refreshments on arrival at the lodges after a day of walking.  They can then have a hot shower, relax and enjoy a three-course meal and, of course, at the end of the day a very comfortable bed is waiting whether they are in private rooms or multi- share.”

Mr Saxon said there was still space available on all the tracks for this season but suggested people book as soon as they could if they wanted a particular departure date, to avoid missing out on what past guests had described as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’.

He said he, his management team, and the 110 seasonal staff who contributed to ensuring every walker had a fantastic experience were excited to have the season underway after months of preparation.

“We offer a range of multiday and single day walks and take pride in making the pristine environment and magnificent landscapes accessible for people of all ages and varying fitness levels.”

The Ultimate Hikes season runs until late April 2013.  Each walk includes the safety and support of expert guides, transport to and from Queenstown, accommodation, all meals and snacks on track, backpacks and rain jackets.

Bookings for the 2012/13 walking season can be made online at www.ultimatehikes.co.nz or through the reservations centre – 03 4501940, info@ultimatehikes.co.nz.

Face your fears!

Black Odyssey, a world first in technical caving adventures, launches on December 1 with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, part of Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl) at New Zealand's famous Waitomo Caves.

For the first time ever, adrenaline junkies and those looking for an extreme challenge can push themselves to new heights with this dry caving experience. Different technical caving techniques are used to complete this underground journey that will test your limits.

The Black Odyssey is a four hour adventure led by expert guides from The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company who have over 25 years of caving experience, taking travellers through some of the most hidden parts of the extraordinary Ruakuri Cave.

Travellers will get to face their fears with extreme traversing and mind-blowing heights as they edge across bridges elevated above roaring streams, spider-walk through ancient rift passages and challenge themselves with technical high rope work, abseiling and flying foxes.

Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) CEO, Grant Webster, says Black Odyssey is a welcome addition to the established portfolio of tours offered by The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company.

“Waitomo has long been a must-visit destination for both national and international travellers thanks to the quality of activities on offer like our world renowned The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co and Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours.

“We are confident the Black Odyssey will appeal to both local and international travellers and I look forward to seeing visitors enjoying this fantastic new extreme caving adventure.” says Grant Webster.

The Black Odyssey will be competitively priced at $175 per person, with tours running twice daily at 9am and 2pm.

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company also offers the original in black water rafting, the Black Labyrinth and the big caving adventure Black Abyss, complete with abseils, flying fox and tubing.

Google Street View Great Barrier Reef?

Street View for Google Maps revolutionised the way that we find our way but now they have taken it to another level entirely with Underwater views.

This means that for the first time ever, anyone with an internet connection will be able to take a virtual dive on selected sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Underwater Earth project uses data and imagery from the ground-breaking Catlin Seaview Survey project – a series of expeditions aiming to explore and survey the health of coral reefs worldwide.

Based at the underwater research station on Heron Island, the team has surveyed and captured the underwater environments of Heron and Lady Elliot Island and are currently anchored on the northern reefs of the Coral Sea.

Armed with cutting-edge cameras and underwater robots controlled by specially designed Samsung Galaxy tablets, the team are able to capture up to 50,000 panoramic underwater images and stitch them together into a navigable “reef view” panorama.

As well as enabling the casual punter to go for a virtual dive and learn more about the marine environment, the expedition will also make a significant contribution to our knowledge of the world’s oceans through a publicly available Global Reef Record database.

This database will enable scientists worldwide to monitor the health of coral reef systems worldwide and their response to climate change.

The project’s chief scientist, Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg from the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute calls the project a “game-changing scientific tool that scientists around the world will have at their fingertips”.

“They will be able to monitor change in the marine environment now and in the future,” he said.

“Marine scientists researching any aspect of the reef will be able to study these environments from any of the surveys we conduct.”

The first Catlin Seaview expedition launched on September 16 this year with 20 separate reefs on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea scheduled for surveying before the team moves on to overseas locations in 2013.

The project is funded by international insurance company Catlin and University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute.

To take an underwater tour, go to:

 

Rough Times Ahead!

If you are into white water rafting, there's only one place to be next year...

White water rafters from around the world are looking forward to the IRF World Championships in Rotorua and Kawerau, in the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island from November 13 to 24, 2013.

And in a short time, some of them will get a preview of the conditions, the courses and the rivers the world championships will be raced on next year.

A Pre-Worlds event will be run from Friday October 19 to Sunday 21.

On Friday October 19 the Sprint and Head to Head race will be on the Kaituna on Friday.

On Saturday, the Slalom will be raced in Kawerau on the Tarawera.

The finale will be the Down River race on the Rangitaiki, on Sunday.

(PROGRAMME)

Up for grabs will be selection for the New Zealand team for 2013 and the Australian National title.

“We are coming over to win that Aussie title and make sure we are at the world champs, next year,” says Kris Kingston, from Team Cairns in Australia. “We are really hungry – three of us competed in Bosnia in 2009 and would love to compete at another worlds, especially one on our doorstep.”

It is also a chance to assess where they stand against other top international teams.

“Team Japan are coming to the pre-worlds and they’ll be a benchmark for where we need to be in 2013,” adds Kingston.

It’s a homecoming for him. He’s originally from Tauranga and grew up rafting on the rivers of the region.

"I have a bit of experience with rivers in the North Island, but it’s a while ago," says Kingston. "For the rest of the team, it’s all new, so they are really excited."

Takuya Ikeda from Team Japan is keen to experience the world championships rivers - and also a slice of Kiwi lifestyle.

“It’s always a pleasure to get close to New Zealand nature," says Ikeda. "And to meet the locals and experience the culture."

Ikeda has rafted in New Zealand before.

"I was a river guide in Queenstown twelve years go and I am really glad to be returning to New Zealand."

For Michal Rasek, from the Czech Republic, the chance to race on the same rivers as next year was too good to miss.

“We love competing against strong teams like Japan and the local teams on their own territory,” says Rasek. “We know New Zealand is a beautiful country with fantastic rivers so we are looking forward to the trip, having fun and catching up with friends in the other teams.”

For Raewyn Larcombe, of the New Zealand Rivers Association, having teams from around the world here is a dream come true.

“Our crews are very competitive and successful and racing against the world’s best on our own great rivers is a real opportunity for not just gold medals, but also to build the sport in New Zealand,” she says. “We are seeing exciting growth at the youth level and throwing them in the deep end at the worlds will only help their development.”

It is also an exciting time for New Zealand paddlers, like Paul Roozendaal.

He’s competed at World Championships in crews that won bronze medals in 2003 and 2010 and who were just seconds out of the medals in Costa Rica in 2011.

“Getting the exposure on home ground will definitely help introduce the sport to New Zealand,” says Roozendaal. “With up to 60 different countries coming here to paddle our awesome rivers at the World Championships next year, it will also boost our tourism and rafting industry.”

Roozendaal feels international rafters will enjoy the experience.

“Our rivers are so clean with some flat sections and exciting rapids and all close to Rotorua,” he enthuses. “And it’s not just the water they’ll like, but the ferns and all the native bush that surrounds the rivers - and of course there are no spiders or snakes,” adds Roozendaal with a laugh.

“I’m really looking forward to having all the friends I have made in the sport in my home town.”

 

 

 

 

Travelling Solo

“Never miss an opportunity to make memories” – a piece of advice given to me by a friend a few years ago. This single sentence opened up my life. After completing a 2 year contract in IndiaI decided to spend a few months travelling before heading home to New Zealand.

Travelling solo is not my preferred modus operandi. I’m a sociable introvert, who prefers the company of good friends to intrepid adventures, although if I can combine the two I’m delighted. Randomly browsing through a Lonely Planet guide while waiting for a friend, I was suddenly gripped by a desire to extend a two month trip to Europe visiting friends to a four month journey exploringTurkeyandEastern Europe.

My trip could not have got off to a better start. A lovely Italian man invited me to go to a Turkish bath house then treated me out to dinner at a seaside restaurant. The next morning we breakfasted at theIstanbul’s Egyptian Spice market then sat inSultanahmet Squareenjoying a Turkish coffee. A hasty farewell when my Italian friend realised he was about to miss his flight left me smiling – the delight and the ease of both hellos and farewells, the anticipation of two months full of chance encounters. I felt open to a world of possibilities.

A few hours later I was sitting by the sea feeling vulnerable and hurt having been duped by an elderly Turkish man who had offered to show me around. Despite earlier protestations that he would never expect money and he was merely visitingIstanbulfor a few days himself, he later demanded a large sum and became unpleasantly aggressive. It feels foolish now, and I’m shocked at my own naivety, but the touts inIstanbulare pros and I was easy game. Retrospectively, both the Italian traveler and the Turkish con artist provided a valuable initiation into the delicate balance that is travelling as a solo female – saying yes to possibilities while keeping yourself safe along the way. After my rollercoaster start I set off fromIstanbulon an incredible 2 month journey rich in great experiences, delightful people, fabulous food and fascinating lessons in life and local history.

Travelling on your own, particularly when you’re not a 20-something party animal does have its challenges, but I’d recommend it in an instant. For those thinking of giving it a go, here’s a few tips to consider:

1. Cultivate traveller’s intuition –learn how to listen to your instincts. This isn’t just about heeding warning signs when a situation seems to be turning negative, although that’s certainly part of it. There’s a hugely positive side to intuition –hearing about a place that captivates your imagination, listening to whims and possibilities.  If you have a hankering to get somewhere or see something, follow it through. Walking the Lycian trail inTurkeyand visiting the Marmarus region ofRomaniaboth sounded like challenging places to negotiate on my own. They became the highlights of my trip.

2. Develop strategies to manage the down days. ‘Blah days’ are inevitable when you’re backpacking, whether it’s a dose of travelers fatigue or simply an overdose of rowdy British Eurail travelers at the hostel. Whenever I hit a low I took a ‘day off’ and found my way to a lovely café, a book store and a music store, deliberately avoiding anything touristy. These days became days I relished.

3. Plan an adventure and invite someone along. I feel grateful towards the many people who invited me to join them on their day trips or to dinners at quaint restaurants. Play your own part by picking up a stray at the hostel and asking them to join you on an adventure for a day.

4. Learn the art of being a nobody. This can take some time! At the start of my travels I felt some trepidation – who am I without my friends, my job, my extended network? Am I even interesting to talk to? The great things is, the main thing travelers are interested in talking about is (no surprises here) travelling. Conversations tend to be about where, when and now. It’s easy to be a listener and you’ll soon build up a store of your own stories. When someone got too pretentious I enjoyed dropping into the conversation that I’d spent the past two years inIndia(Indiaequals big points in travel circles apparently). Generally I loved hearing about the different places people get to and the different ways they got there. There are some incredible travelers out there!

5. Throw away preconceptions about age. If you’re in your thirties, you need to accept that most of the people you will be hanging out with will be less than 27. This was occasionally frustrating, but only rarely. In the end you are as young as you feel and I love being thirty-something.  Don’t underestimate how engaging and refreshing it can be to talk with an enthusiastic 18 year old. Special mention must, however, go to Murray, an octogenarian West Aucklander travelling throughCappadocia, who was one of the loveliest conversationalists I met along the way.

6. Do some research. I know the old Lonely Planet guide is not the be all and end all of travel guides, and I like to leave plenty if room for ‘hapenstance’, but gosh those maps and accommodation guides can come in handy! Try arriving inTransylvaniain a thunderstorm at midnight without a map to get you to your hostel (and in my case, thankfully, a small group of travelers heading in the same direction). I like to slice my Lonely Planet up so that I can carry a few pages around with me. The ‘dangers and annoyances’ sections are worth perusing and reading about places to visit can be tantalizing. There are also excellent online travel forums where you can get ideas and advice.

7. Think about having an ‘I want out’ option. It is possible that you won’t enjoy yourself as much as you’d hoped. After two months on the trail my funds were getting low and I was becoming blasé about seeing new places. It was lovely to hop on a train toViennaand spend a few days with a close friend. Don’t become a travelling martyr! It’s your trip and you can end it when you want.

Now that I’m back inNew ZealandI have banned myself for looking too closely at travel books for a year. I’ll need a bit more money in the bank before I can head off again, although I’m keen to give couch surfing a go. In the meantime, I have a lovely store of memories to draw upon and the knowledge than an adventure is sometimes only a ‘yes’ away.

 

 

 

Look Up!

 The clear, unpolluted skies of Queenstown will provide the perfect setting for Skyline Queenstown’s new stargazing experience.

Thanks to Skyline’s magnificent location and Queenstown’s long winter nights, guests on the company’s new Skyline Star Gazing tour will be able to get closer to another world than ever before.

“The view from Skyline is out of this world and this is an opportunity to explore the night sky from a rare and unique position,” said Skyline General Manager Lyndon Thomas.

Perched high above Queenstown, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, keen stargazers at Skyline will have the opportunity to access a ‘hidden world’ not seen by the naked eye, and impossible to see in many other locations around the world.

Skyline Star Gazing will take visitors to a specially-constructed area high above the main complex, where there is no trespassing light, allowing for an unbelievably clear view of the night sky.

Top-of-the line telescopes will give stargazers the chance to view an amazing array of stunning sights, from the iconic Southern Cross, to nebula, planets, the Milky Way and other galaxies.

The star gazing tours will be headed up by experienced astronomer and Skyline Star Gazing Co-Ordinator Matt Hall, who said winter was an exciting time of year to be exploring the night sky.

“The centre of our galaxy sits right above us in the winter months,” he said. “There’s simply so much on show for us and we’re able to actually look into the past, something which blows most peoples’ minds!”

Mr Hall has joined Skyline Star Gazing from the Mt John Observatory at Lake Tekapo and brings with him over four years’ experience as an astronomy guide.

“This is a really exciting tour, tailored to suit the needs of each individual group, from first-time star gazers to the more experienced,” he said.

The clear views will be provided by two portable high-powered Celestron telescopes brought in specially from the US, which can automatically track points of interest giving everyone time to see the sights.

Guests on the outdoors tour will have no trouble keeping warm, with high-quality Canada goose down jackets provided.

Skyline General Manager Lyndon Thomas said mankind had always been fascinated with the stars.

“With most not easily viewable from major cities or requiring a journey to an out-of-the way observatory, Skyline Star Gazing should have universal appeal,” he said.

“Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world with an excellent selection of restaurant and bars, but there aren’t too many tailored options when it comes to enjoying our natural surroundings at night."

“Nightlife in Queenstown may be found in the skies above us, not just in bars and restaurants.”

Skyline Star Gazing joins the range of diverse experiences on offer at Skyline Queenstown that already includes mountain biking, Skyline Luge, Skyline restaurant and Kiwi Haka.

Skyline Star Gazing will run from 23rd August to mid-November on from Wednesday to Sunday nights and will take approximately 75 min (not including gondola). Tour times will operate from 6.30pm to 7.45pm and 8pm until 9.15pm.  A third tour from 9.30pm to 10.45pm will run if the second is full (some tour times may vary depending on light).

KJET ramping up for a wet reception

Queenstown’s newly re-branded Jet boat company is set to show off its ”thrilling” new look as warmer weather heralds the start of the busy season.

Kawarau Jet -- now re-branded to KJet -- is gearing up for what is always the busiest time of year for the company as warm, long days make for perfect Jet boating conditions.

“The beautiful long summer days in Queenstown enable us to operate for longer hours, with trips running from 8am to 8pm,” said KJet Sales and Marketing Manager Melinee Kong.

Established in 1960 and still locally owned and operated, KJet’s new look is set to make its mark on visitors to Queenstown looking for the ultimate Jet boating experience.

“We have a whole new look and style that reflects the thrills on offer on the trip,” said Ms Kong.  “We’ve re-vamped our logo, imagery, website and brochures, as well as the branding on boats and vehicles.

“We’ve got a newly-expanded frontline team settled in for the season, who you’ll find in the centre of Queenstown on our new-look Queenstown Main Pier.  We’ve been busy!”

Ms Kong said it was always an exciting time leading in to the start of summer and everyone was ready for what they hoped to be a bumper season.

“We offer thrills, adrenalin, 360-degree spins and sheer rock faces.  As if that wasn’t enough, we’re the only Jet boat company in Queenstown offering an hour-long trip covering 43km through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau and Shotover rivers.

One thing that hasn’t changed for the company is its team of Jet boat drivers.

“We’re lucky that our Jet boat drivers have all been with us for many years, which means there’s a great amount of experience amongst them and they’re all raring to go for the busy season,” said Ms Kong.

“We’re renowned for being a personal experience and the fact we take the time to stop, get closer to nature, talk about some of the history of the rivers and the area, means our guests always feel they’ve been looked after.  So of course, the personality and experience of the drivers is fundamental to that.”

The culmination of all of the hard work to re-brand from Kawarau Jet to KJet will be celebrated with an official launch event later in November.  But for now, the company is looking forward to longer days and offering those renowned Jet boating spins and thrills.

Queenstown bar does it's bit for world peace

The spectacular Remarkables mountain range viewed from the deck of renowned Queenstown bar The Boiler Room, provided the perfect backdrop to a music video recording which will go global.

Five Queenstown bands gathered on The Boiler Room deck earlier this week to record Kiwi music footage that will form part of a global concert to celebrate UN World Peace Day.

Filmed and recorded by ‘Busted Queenstown’, the four hours of footage has now been sent to London for editing down to a 45-minute set that will be used as New Zealand’s offering for the Jammin4Harmony global concert.

Jammin4Harmony brings together cultures and music from around the world through online exposure and co-ordinates global concerts for peace.

Twenty-nine countries will be taking part and the music collection will be streamed live around the world tomorrow (September 21) to celebrate UN World Peace Day.

The Boiler Room Operations Manager Jason Whalley said he and his team were “hugely privileged” to be part of such a poignant event.

“The concert is to celebrate peace and harmony all over the world and what better way to do it than with live music.

“Local Queenstown girl Gemma Carroll from Calico Duo has been the driving force behind this, so when she approached us we were very proud to provide them with a venue that ‘screams’ New Zealand.

“Nothing says New Zealand more than the view of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-covered Remarkables – it worked brilliantly and the performances were outstanding.”

Located at the Steamer Wharf overlooking Queenstown Bay, The Boiler Room frequently hosts local bands and strongly believes in the importance of supporting local artists.

The bands that took part in the Jammin4Harmony recording were Gemma Carroll and John Healy of Calico Music Duo, Nick Farrer, Tahne Brown, brothers Dave and Antony Waldock of A n D along with local legend Charlie Gibson.

Mr Whalley said Queenstown had an amazing amount of local and up-and-coming talent.

“We have amazing artists right on our doorstep here in Queenstown and it’s fantastic to think that talent will be displayed all around the world – and from our deck!”

Travel with a purpose

An unforgettable Himalayan trekking adventure came with an added extra of benefitting the local people and environment of Nepal.

When I found myself in the enviable position of having a few weeks spare to go globetrotting, I made a conscious decision to fulfil a long time dream of trekking through the Himalayas.  However, as I explored the options available – from self guided treks to small group travel - I stumbled upon an opportunity previously unknown to me.  Community Project Travel.

Community Project Travel seeks to actively benefit the local peoples we interact with while travelling, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the region we’re visiting.  If you’re after a rich, interactive, ‘hands-on’ travel experience – community project travel is the ticket.

I’d always dreamed of travelling overseas and lending a hand in some form or another.  However, my idealistic teenage fancies of pursuing a career in aid work had faded and I’d ended up in the much less altruistic occupation of a freelance TV producer and writer.  Understandably I was apprehensive about what someone like me really had to offer the developing world in terms of skilful application.  But adventure travel company World Expeditions assured me I’d be put to good use regardless of how well (or not) I could swing a hammer.

With seven to eight departures to different countries and causes a year, World Expeditions’ Community Project Travel itineraries vary in both length and physical exertion.  Their itineraries include departures to Nepalese monasteries, Tanzanian schools, Australian marine turtle protection programmes and Peruvian footbridge projects amongst others.

The focus is on projects in communities that have little to no access to aid or funding.  So travellers lend a hand with the knowledge that without their efforts no other option for development is available to the community they have helped.  I signed up for a community project in northern Nepal that would buy and transport building materials and then make repairs to the dilapidated state of Saramthali school.  Isolated at a high altitude, the school had no other hope of receiving either materials or labour for repairs and maintenance.  Children were unable to attend in the depth of winter due to the leaking roofs, open windows and general disrepair of the school buildings.

My adventure began in Kathmandu, the remarkable and chaotic Nepalese capital.  Here in a comfortable hotel I met the rest of my trekking companions, a group of around twelve from NZ, Australia and the USA of various ages.  We had lots in common around what we wanted to see and do and threw ourselves with a vengeance into all that Kathmandu had to offer.

After a couple of nights on the town and a day seeing the sights of Kathmandu we left the throng of the capital behind and set off by bus through the Langtang mountains towards northern Nepal’s Ganesh Himal region.

Away from commercial trekking routes we trekked along the ridgelines of the Ganesh Himal for five nights and six days – walking through lush rhododendrum forests and soaking up extraordinary views of snow capped Himalayan peaks as far away as Tibet.  Not once did we pass any other trekking group or foreigner.  The only traffic along the way consisted of local farmers shifting their livestock to different pastures.  Often we’d stop to chat to the locals, with our sherpas and guides interpreting for us.  One 11 year old boy we met was in awe of us – not because we were from the other side of the world – but because we’d arrived from Kathmandu.  It turns out he’d never been.  In fact, he’d never seen a car or a bus before – only planes overhead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking for around 6 hours a day carrying only a daypack, we stopped regularly for hot tea and some incredible picnic lunches each day before arriving in camp with our tents up, ready and waiting for us. Evenings were spent getting to know the sherpas, guides and others in the group over long dinners consisting of three or more courses.  World Expeditions is renowned for its gourmet catering, but the meals throughout the trek surpassed even my wildest expectations with a huge variety of delicious dishes appearing each night.

One of the highlights of the trek for me was a sunset game of cricket with our sherpas.  My lack of bowling talent had miraculously improved with altitude and the feeling of sharing a game of cricket on top of the world with snow covered mountains above, below and beyond was simply indescribable.

Day seven brought us to the village of Chilaune where we were met with an emotional welcome from the children of Saramthali School.  Leading us along a narrow mountain trail, the excitement continued to build and build as the local kids latched onto each of us, jumping and smiling as they led us towards a group of dilapidated buildings in the distance that they called their school.  As we got closer, more and more children, teachers, parents and villagers began to appear – lining the trail with flower necklaces and pots of red dust from which the traditional bindi was applied to our foreheads.  By the time we’d reached our destination we were covered in red dust from hundreds (no exaggeration) of stabbing thumbs bestowing the good luck symbol between our eyes.  With tens of handmade rhododendrum leis stacked around my neck I felt incredibly privileged to be able to experience and receive such a genuine and warm welcome from these people.

We were then treated to a traditional concert with ancient Nepalese instruments, dancing and singing, before being taken on a tour of the school.  Rotting shutters and floorboards, rusting roofs and a lack of blackboards were immediately obvious.  However the edge of the playground revealed a much more serious and urgent need – the retaining wall holding the ridge upon which the school was precariously balanced was crumbling away beneath the children’s feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So began our five days of work.  Back breaking, hot, dusty and dirty – I can honestly say I’ve rarely worked as hard or had as much fun.  Lugging hundreds of 40-60kg rocks with the help of a gaggle of incredibly strong barefoot Nepalese women we managed to achieve something resembling a solid retaining wall.  Alternate days were spent inside the school, restoring window shutters and painting blackboards on to the walls.  The feeling of satisfaction at the end of each day was indescribable – I’ve never been so appreciative of a cup of tea or the opportunity after 3 days to wash my (dust encrusted) hair.

Before we knew it, it was time to leave.  Sad goodbyes to the children (we all had our favourites) and the teachers brought some in the group to tears, while others promised to return or write.  Two days of downward trekking brought us back to the road where our bus would transport us back to Kathmandu.

Our final nights in the capital provided a very different experience from those on our arrival.  We now had first-hand insight into the Nepali people and their culture – what makes them tick, how they work, play, communicate and gossip.  Eating, shopping, drinking and sightseeing, we saw Kathmandu in a new light – able to understand and appreciate the chaos for what it was.

When the time came to leave, I packed my bags with a sense of fulfilment not often experienced at the end of a holiday.  I vowed not to forget the smiling faces, the rhododendrum forests in full bloom, the mountain-top cricket or the taste of Nepalese rock dust.  And as it turns out, I haven’t.

Michelle Gimblett

Goodbye Snow, Hello Rubber and Dirt!

Skyline Queenstown will re-open its gondola doors to take mountain biking enthusiasts up to the world-class Queenstown Bike Park when it re-opens on September 29.

After returning from a research trip to Whistler Mountain Bike Park, brimming with tips and ideas, Skyline Mountain Biking Co-Ordinator Brad Rowe is looking forward to the season ahead.

“Whistler has been doing it for 12 years and even though Skyline is new to this, operationally we’re on the right track,” said Mr Rowe.

Located high above Queenstown, the Bike Park offers awesome downhill mountain biking for riders all of all levels, from beginners to intermediates and advanced. The bike park offers the only gondola-accessed downhill mountain biking in the Southern Hemisphere and features over 30 kilometres of purpose-built tracks catering for all levels of riders from families to pro-riders.

Following a hugely successful first full season last year, enabling more than 10,000 riders to access Queenstown Bike Park, the Skyline team is looking forward to an even better season this year.

Thanks to the hard work of Nathan Greenwood of Phat Lines for Queenstown Bike Park, 13 trails will be groomed to perfection and ready for opening day.

“We’re into it, the trails are looking awesome, never better. As hard as it is, to give them the best chance of setting up, I would ask riders to stay off the trails until the season begins,” said Mr Greenwood.

Skyline expects bike enthusiast numbers to continue to grow, and has appointed Assistant General Manager Wayne Rose to manage Skyline Mountain Biking operations.

“Since access to these trails first opened we’ve seen the continued growth of mountain biking as a sport, creating a significant economic benefit for many businesses throughout the region,” he said.

“That benefit reaches out to accommodation providers, restaurants, bars and bike rental operations.

“Skyline Queenstown has adapted its operations to cater for the addition of the mountain biking community and is striving to continuously improve the service provided.

“This season we’re even creating a ‘Bikers Lunch Box’ containing the necessary supplements to keep them riding hard.

“The trails in the park are a labour of love for the local community with crucial financial support from QLDC, Vertigo Bikes, Outside Sports, H&J’s Outdoor World, Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and Skyline for the coming season.

“Skyline Queenstown will more than match the collective contribution of the bike shops and club, to ensure there is funding available to maintain trails to a world class standard.”

While many trails are suitable for relatively novice or intermediate riders, Queenstown Bike Park has also proved a ‘mecca’ for international pros.  World Cup racer Markus Pekkoll of Austria and renowned biking siblings the Athertons were among the many mountain bike stars who visited Queenstown Bike Park last season.

Last season the tracks were the training ground for Hawke’s Bay pro rider Brook Macdonald who later went on to win the final round of the UCI World Cup Downhill Series held in France in July.

Gondola access to Queenstown Mountain Bike Park is available from September 29th 2012 to April 29th 2013.  Tickets can be purchased from www.skyline.co.nz, onsite or by phoning 03 441 0101.

Passes available include half day, full day, three-day, half season and full season passes, with pricing for adults and children (14 and under).

Check out www.skyline.co.nz for further information on mountain biking and a full range of other activities and products available at Skyline Queenstown.

 

The Kingston Flyer Gets Some Marco Pierre White Magic

An experienced chef with a passion for local produce is the perfect person to guide the new look café at Kingston’s iconic train station.

Nestled on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, Kingston is home to the beloved Kingston Flyer steam train. It’s where The Flyer Café’s new chef Andy Lisseman is set to delight diners and train riders alike this summer season. Originally from the UK, Andy’s experience includes a stint at the prestigious Le Pont De La Tour restaurant in London under Chef Tim Powell, a protégé of global culinary superstar Marco Pierre White. Since moving to New Zealand, Andy has made a name for himself at some of Queenstown’s finest establishments, most recently at the highly-regarded Jack’s Point Clubhouse.  Andy brought his passion for local produce to the establishment and while he says he loved his time at Jack’s Point he “couldn’t resist” the opportunity to work alongside the historic Kingston Flyer.  Andy has an affinity with the train as he and his wife are Kingston residents of six years and will soon welcome their first child.

“Living here in Kingston, the train is part of daily life and I’ve always had such a soft spot for it,” says Andy.  “When the train was shut down by previous owners a few years back and I saw it abandoned and run-down, I found it really sad.

“One of my main objectives in this new role will be to showcase the café as a destination experience.   Just like you would travel to a vineyard restaurant, a visit to the Flyer Café for good quality food alongside one of New Zealand most iconic steam trains is going to be a superb day out.”

Andy can’t wait to impress diners with his home-made delights and locally-sourced produce.  The new look menu will feature home-made artisan breads, chutneys and preserves, and an emphasis on local produce.

“Diners can expect to see a breakfast offering with our range of home-made condiments, or a light lunch consisting of freshly made sandwiches on home-made bread, or a seasonal salad of the day from locally grown produce.   One of our stand-out dishes will be the Central Otago Tasting Platter featuring locally sourced products such as olives and olive oils.

“The tasting platter was something we developed for the ‘First Class Carriage’ experience on the train.  You can choose to travel in the gorgeous first class birdcage compartment with bubbles and a tasting platter.  I thought it looked so amazing we had to offer it on the menu at the café as well.

“I’ve always been really impressed by the quality of local produce in this area, and I’m really looking forward to weaving it throughout the menu.  I think it’s some of the best in the world.”

Andy is also expecting his terrines to become a drawcard for visitors to the café.  Terrine-making is another passion for the experienced chef, enabling him to incorporate products such as duck, pork and pistachio.

“Most importantly we’ll be offering excellent wine matches with our food, because we’re lucky that Kingston Flyer’s new owner David Bryce is a wine man.  His background is in vineyards and he still holds a fantastic passion for wine, so he’s sourced some impressive ‘Kingston Flyer’ wines to complement the new menu.  I think diners will be really impressed by the wines we’re serving.”

Andy has been working hard to prepare The Flyer Café for opening day and has assembled and trained his front of house team.  He’s now in the process of finalising his kitchen brigade who will complement his depth of experience.

“The café’s had a good spruce-up with a lot of work on the space over winter and it’s got a great feel to it, definitely somewhere to come and enjoy a meal.

“We can’t wait to open the doors.  We’re catering for a private charter this Saturday for around 80 people which will be a great way to kick things off, then the café will open its doors from next Monday (September 24th),” he said.

The Kingston Flyer steam train officially opens for the season on Saturday 29th September with a gala opening day event.

The season opening will kick off with a ‘Gala Opening Day’ on Saturday September 29, a fun-filled day which will include a car boot market day from 10am to 3.30pm, free music, and discounted opening day fares at $30 for an adult and $15 per child.  Vintage cars and machinery are invited to be on display in Kingston.  The Saturday timetable will see the train operate at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, while on Sunday it will revert to the regular season long timetable and run at 10am and 1.30pm only.

For more information and to reserve tickets for the 2012/13 season go to www.kingstonflyer.co.nz

Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge Chamois Bar & Grill Achieves New Heights

The kitchen team at the Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge Chamois Bar & Grill in Aoraki Mt Cook is enjoying the dizzy heights of culinary success after making the finals of a prestigious ‘wild food’ competition.

It’s been a ‘wild time’ for chefs at Aoraki Mt Cook, who have recently scooped a number of accolades at regional and national culinary fare competitions before making the final of the legendary Monteith’s Beer & Wild Food Challenge.

Chef Kane Bambery’s ‘What a Pig’ dish was picked from more than 132 contenders throughout New Zealand to make the finals of the 15th annual Monteith’s event.

His dish was a mouth-watering combination of braised and slow-roasted pork ribs and pork cheeks, served with crumbed white pudding, Maori potato, watercress, vegetables and apple puree, matched perfectly with a Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider.

He will now go to Auckland to compete in a live cook-off against some of the country’s most respected chefs and award-winning restaurants on September 24, where a $15,000 cash prize for the overall National Champion will be decided by head judge Kerry Tyack and two guest judges.

The Monteith’s Beer & Wild Food Challenge sees chefs from backpackers to fine dining establishments create New Zealand-inspired wild food dishes matched perfectly to Monteith’s beer or cider.

“It’s been over seven intense weeks of wild food cooking for Kane and the team, so to see them rewarded with a spot in the finals is a fantastic achievement,” said General Manager Nigel Harper.

“This amazing wild food dish is still on the menu at the Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge Chamois Bar & Grill."

The Hermitage Hotel’s kitchen team recently took home a bounty of awards at the Southern Light Salon Culinaire regional competition held in Invercargill. Their success meant they qualified to go on to compete in the National Culinary Show in Auckland last month.

The team shone again in Auckland, where Head Chef Ken O’Connell and Kane Bambery won the New Zealand Regional Team Challenge against teams from around the country in a three-hour competition, producing a three-course meal consisting of 18 plates.

The kitchen team also took out wins in a number of categories, finishing up in total with three title wins, six silvers, four bronze medals and one merit.

“We’ve always had a strong culture of encouraging our chefs to enter competitions,” said Mr Harper.  “We see the effect it has on their confidence, their abilities and their discipline.  It gives young chefs an incredible amount of pride in their work.”

Visitors to Aoraki Mt Cook can sample a wild food experience at the Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge Chamois Bar & Grill, or experience the culinary delights of the award-winning kitchen team at The Hermitage Hotel’s Panorama Room.

Has Everest Become a Circus?

Internationally renowned mountaineer Barry Blanchard thinks most people tackling the highest mountain on earth don't have enough experience.

Commenting on the recent Mt Everest debacle that saw hoards of inexperienced climbers queuing for the summit of Mt Everest, a number of whom perished on the descent, he said there is a massive void between the average Everest climber of today, and a world class alpinist.

“There is a disconnect between who the general public identifies as a great mountaineer, i.e. anyone who has summited Mt Everest, “ he said, “ and who the  knowledgeable mountain climbing community identifies as a great mountaineer.”

Blanchard, who arrives in New Zealand on September 23rd for a six-stop speaking tour, is undoubtedly the finest alpinist to visit New Zealand in many years, said General Manager of the New Zealand Alpine Club, San Newton.

“Barry’s reputation as a world class climber of the most extreme routes spans 30 years,” Newton said. “We rarely see an alpinist of his calibre in New Zealand.”

Blanchard commented on the much publicised death of Canadian celebrity and novice climber Shriya Shah-Klorfine, who perished on her Everest attempt in May.

“It was like the news was reporting on a woman who, on an impulse, while attending her grade fiver's track and field day, decided to tie in for the three legged race,” he said. “The average Everest client is on an expensive adventure vacation and should be better prepared because at the end of the day mountain climbing is a dangerous and all too lethal pursuit.”

Many Everest climbers will want to experience more 8000m peaks after summiting Everest, he said.

“I think these accomplishments need to be kept in perspective relative to what the very best mountaineers in the world are achieving. Everest may have  become the Coliseum (circus) of our times, but alpinism is actually at an exciting period giving that consummate technical skills and physical training are pushing the evolution of the pursuit.”

“What people need to realise globally is that the finest mountaineering is not taking place on Mt Everest.”

Blanchard will be speaking in Auckland (Sept 24), Wellington (Sept 25), Nelson (Sept 26), Christchurch (Sept 27), Dunedin (Sept 28) and Wanaka (Sept 29).

Details on ticket sales and venue can be found here

Madagasgar - like no other place else on earth

Madagascar might be most famous of late for the animated film franchise but there's a whole lot more than of reason to visit the place than hilarous and slightly camp Lemurs.

There are actually a lot of other reasons to travel to the fourth largest island in the world. This could include your desire to experience the place with the highest biodiversity on the planet. Or maybe you want to see the ‘aye aye’ which is an endangered species of lemur – and one very strange looking animal. So bizarre, in fact, that the BBC’s Mark Carwardine describes them as, “the kind of weird and wonderful animal that a humorous science fiction writer might dream up on a really good day.”

The name ‘lemur’ comes from the lemures which are ghosts of Roman mythology and aptly named due to their nocturnal habits, reflective eyes and the eerie wails and ghostly sounds they make. Over 100 different species of lemurs are found on Madagascar.

And while 75% of Madagascar’s species including lemurs, tenrecs and chameleons are endemic to this island it is not only the amazing and unqiue animals that attract the tourists; it is the unique limestone formations, rainforests that are only assessable by boat and the Baobabs, the trees whose trunk is used to store water and also called the monkey bread tree that today can be seen on several tours from World Expeditions. The separation of Madagascar from Africa nearly 90 million years ago has allowed the distinctive flora and fauna to flourish.

It is not only the tourists of today that were attracted to the intrigue and location that Madagascar offers. It was also the pirates who ruled the eastern coast in the late 1600’s.  They used the island as their base to attack ships laden with treasure and goods enroute to Europe from India.  France invaded in the 1800’s and it was not until 1960, after several uprisings that independence was gained.

Easy to reach places are not the norm here since cyclones and lack of infrastructure have either damaged or destroyed roads around the Eastern coastline. The best way to explore this area is on a small group tour or via flat bottomed boats, by zebu (a type of camel) cart or by very long treks.

One such journey can include Andringitra National Park with its unique rugged granite peaks and gneiss formations. Its diverse eco-systems range from low altitude rainforests to high mountain prairies with the greatest variety of lemurs in the Country.

The World Heritage site of Tsingy of Bernaraha is the largest reserve in Madagascar and home to the fascinating limestone plateau. Parc de Nationale de Ranomafana is known for its hot springs and abundant lemur population in this rainforest. And a spectacular and remote area that is only assessable by boat is on the Manombolo River with towering cliffs and craggy caves that line its shores.

And, when you get tired of searching for finger nail sized chameleons or nocturnal fosia head straight to the sparkling clear turquoise waters on one of the out islands of Nosy Be, Nosy Mangabe or Ile Sainte Marie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people of these islands and in fact from Madagascar itself are some of the most hospitable and happy people you will find anywhere.  They are descendents of seafarers from the Indian Ocean and are proudly distinct from the peoples of continental Africa. Unfailingly polite, they will walk you to your destination rather than giving directions.

Marty, the zebra in the animated film ‘Madagascar’ has a memorable line that states, “I’m ten years old. My life is half over and I don’t even know if I am black with white stripes or white with black stripes.”  Although there are no zebra that are native to Madagascar, don’t wait ten years to discover what wild and unique animals are endemic to this island nations and enjoy the people and place with aplomb.

Cuba Cuba

Cuba. Land of rum, cigars, salsa, classic cars, the mojito, stunning sunsets and pirate treasure; colonial architecture, politics, music and the history. What’s not to like?

While exploring the historic as well as modern Havana, you will get a sense of history but you will also experience a sense of the place when you hear the sound that makes your toes tap of guitars and drums that play in the distance. While brightly attired dancers sway in time with the music, the many smiling faces of the locals living amidst some crumbling old buildings and cars from the 50’s gives you goose bumps. Add this to the fact that you are on a large Caribbean island just about to sip a mojito, you will think you’re in heaven.

When you immerse yourself in a new place, with a language that may be your second, lots of laughter helps to communicate. Sign language along with a smile and attempt to speak Spanish with a phrase book helps guide you on your way to a blissful holiday.

Cuban culture is influenced by its melting pot of cultures, primarily those ofSpainandAfrica. Although some say that in the 1940’s and 50’s, Cuba was the place for American millionaires and the remnants of their time there are empty mansions and big cars. And, of course, the Russian influence still exists with the current political structure and leftover ideology of Communism.

But it is the music and the way people move that capture your attention and your heart. Cuban music is very rich. The central form of this music is son, which means sound and it is ubiquitous with its Afro-Cuban rhythms. Other musical styles including salsa, rumba, mambo, and the cha-cha-cha all take their cue from son. Traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin: the maracas, güiro, marimba and various wooden drums. Havana is also the heart of the rap scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s. During that time, reggaetón has also grown in popularity.

“All I know is that within an hour of arriving inCuba, and without trying very hard, I was dancing with the locals,” says Vincent Crump in an article for The Sunday Times. Crump continues that “the thing I have learned aboutHavanais that it lives up to its postcard.”

Havanavieja – or old Havanais a kaleidoscope of 400 year old buildings along side cathedrals, bars and bodegas. Stroll along Havana's Malécon during the early evening which is the seaside path that may lead you to the Tropicana or beyond.

Most people say that you do not go toCubafor the food. But after a traditional meal that includes meat, black beans, yellow rice, plantains and fried yuca washed down with a beer, you will be ready for the next dance. Or, for the next mojito. Go to La Bodeguito del Medio, once frequented by Hemingway, Graham Greene and Errol Flynn, plus a daiquiri at La Floridita, another Ernest favourite.

Remembering you are in the middle of theCaribbean, it’s time to get out to the beaches and countryside after a day or two in the city. Visit the Partagas factory to buy your Cohiba cigars, ranked the world's finest. Sail to theislandofCayo Levisawhich is a small coral key off the Gulf of Mexico. Drive past the sugarcane and tobacco fields towards the royal palms and the limestone mountains. Stop at a farmers market for lunch or sit in the shade to watch the locals stroll by.

The magical city of Cienfeugos, which is known as the ‘Pearl of the South’ was founded by pioneers from Louisiana and Bordeaux. The French flair has been stamped on this city with its world renowned performing art centres and spacious urban design.SantiagoandTrinidadare two cities to visit that boast stunning colonial architecture, great entertainment and significant historical sites.

Tourism in Cuba is still in its infancy so be prepared to have an internal flight changed or a phone signal go out. You may get a flat tyre on the uneven roads or have the air conditioning stop from a power outage. This is all part of the adventure and a story to tell amongst good friends. Don’t let this stop you!

 

Following the Larapinta Trail

Escaping to one of the most spectacular Treks in Australia.

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most popular treks, yet for our small group of 8 we all felt that we were truly the only ones trekking the vast Central Australian landscapes.  The 223 kilometre trail has 12 different sections you can experience taking 1-2 days each, which means you can walk along this route and not encounter many other people.

The open expanse of the sky provides a dramatic backdrop to the variety of colours, terrain, flora and fauna.  We search for spiny lizards, echidnas and black footed rock wallabies amongst the bird life of owls and birds of prey.

“What I expected is definitely not what I saw or experienced on this 7 day walking and camping adventure,” enthusiastically explains Tali Emdin, GM of World Expeditions in New Zealand. “The colour astounded me as it was a lot greener with red everywhere. And, after a long hot day of walking in the sun, all we wanted to do was jump in a refreshingly cold billabong to wash off the red dust. While cooling down in the water, the guides prepared a tasty and abundant dinner of the Australian version of a hangi – a roast dinner and even a cake for dessert – all cooked in the ground over hot rocks.”

The Larapinta Trail runs along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges and takes its name from the Northern Territory indigenous name for the Finke River, one of the oldest water-ways on earth. Walking the big ridgeline of the West MacDonnell Ranges, we gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the rocky razorback outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land.

“Walking through 800 million year old rocks with fossils that were amongst the first life forms on earth at Bitter Springs sure puts things in perspective. And, then on another day, we walk to Count’s Point where for the first time we see the comet impact crater, Goose Bluff, which will be a feature of the landscape for the next few days,  brings an entirely different sense of reality to our travels.

The walking changes daily from flat to uphill and through gorges. But several things remained the same – great food, amazing guides, spectacular scenery.  These, with the opportunity to sleep under the stars in a swag, is an experience I will recall for the rest of my life and are highlights that will bring me back to do this trek again – as well as recommending this trip to friends and family.

Our two guides, who are local Alice Springs experts and experienced trampers shared their wealth of knowledge and their interpretation of the stories from the traditional land owners. From dreamtime stories to viewing ancient rock wall art and from the tales about Mt Sonder to the massive pack our guide carries all gives us the chance to experience wonder and awe.

This walk is good for couples to reacquaint themselves with what really matters. It cleared my head, blew out the cobwebs and made everyone feel good about being alive. What an amazing experience for anyone, especially for two people to share in an adventure of a lifetime.

Suunto Ambit GPS Watch Goes to the Next Level

While the Suunto Ambit GPS watch might be a little bit serious for most types of backpacking, it could well be a lifesaver if you take your travelling to the extreme and venture off the beaten track.

And with two new updates the Suunto Ambit has gone to another level. The two updates, one available this month and one in November, particularly expand the watch's GPS and navigation functionalities.

While the popular Suunto Ambit already has features necessary for every backcountry skier, hiker, trail runner and mountain climber- a watch that combines a GPS navigation system, altimeter, 3D compass with advanced heart rate monitoring into a robust instrument for mountain and everyday use software updates provide even more features.

The soon to be released version 1.8 update includes on-screen route navigation, online routes to download and location displays.  It also adds GPS time-keeping, chrono, constant backlight and five new languages. With this upgrade, you will be able to download routes online or input your own waypoints from your computer. When you get out hiking, running or biking you can see your route in real time, including starting point, position and the route ahead.

The next launch, planned for November, will offer up new training features such as interval timer and compatibility for both the Suunto Foot POD and ANT+ as well as the ability to download community-created features.

These two upgrades follow July's software 1.5 release which added route creation, navigation based on waypoints, a logbook, Find Back, as well as enhanced Views and GPS software to the Ambit GPS watch.

"The software upgrades on the Suunto Ambit are awesome," says five-time Coast to Coast champion and Suunto NZ ambassador, Richard Ussher. "They've enhanced the usability with some of the new functions. It's super easy to use and you can now access all your information on the watch. It's brilliant."   Existing Suunto Ambit users can simply upgrade their existing software by connecting the watch to their computer, clicking on Moveslink and following the instructions.

 

It’s Turtle Time

There’s more to Bundaberg than rum.

With turtle time fast approaching, Tourism Queensland is encouraging tourists to book ahead to secure a spot for the upcoming season. Tourism Queensland Acting CEO Leanne Coddington said the Mon Repos Conservation Park, located just outside Bundaberg attracted almost 30,000 visitors last season.

“Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on Australia’s east coast, is a fertility hot spot and a conservation success story,” she said.

“The turtle rookery is also one of the largest for loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific, with visitors witnessing hundreds of turtles laying eggs last season.

Loggerhead sea turtles typically lay around 130 eggs per clutch, returning every two weeks to nest and laying up to four clutches per season.

Female turtles opting to nest at Mon Repos between November and January each year have produced predominantly female hatchlings for the last 12 years, a result of the sub-tropical conditions and heat of the sand which determines the sex of the turtle hatchlings. These ancient sea creatures, with their inbuilt GPS, travel tens of thousands of kilometres before returning to the area they were born when they’re ready to nest - a ‘natal homing’ natural phenomenon.

General Manager of Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism, Rick Matkowski, said visitors to Mon Repos could get within inches of the giant females, which could reach a metre in length and weigh up to 100 kilograms.

“Bundaberg’s beaches are awaiting the ladies’ annual arrival and we want Queenslanders and visitors from around the world to share in this must-see experience.”

New Zealand’s Oldest Guiding Firm Goes Wild

It might be New Zealand’s old guiding company but Queenstown-based Guided Walks New Zealand is still moving with the times. Including turning you into the next Bear Grills.

At 145 years old, New Zealand’s oldest guiding company, Queenstown-based Guided Walks New Zealand has picked up a top award in the prestigious New Zealand Travel Industry Awards 2012.

Owners Peter and Karyn Hitchman were on hand in Auckland to pick up the award for ‘Best Tour Operator – domestic’ category.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Guided Nature Walks, and now to be the winners of the Best Tour Operator for New Zealand is very special indeed,” said Mr Hitchman.

“To be recognised by our peers who voted the company into the finals meant so much, so we'd like to thank everyone who has supported us in one way or another, and all the tourism agents and companies that believe in us and voted for us.

Beginning operations on the Routeburn Track in 1868, Guided Nature Walks is synonymous with back country guiding in New Zealand. Since taking the helm of the company, Mr and Mrs Hitchman have also added a range of new offerings, including snowshoeing in 2009 and heli-snowshoeing in 2012. Mr Hitchman, a former UK bodyguard and survival expert is also leading the newest innovation, ‘You vs Wild’, which gives clients a taste of what it's like to survive off the land, with nothing but a knife, a few things they might have on their person, or items discarded by others.

Mr Hitchman said the New Zealand Travel Industry Award benchmarked the company as a leader in the New Zealand guiding industry.

“Our business philosophy is one of focusing on continual business innovation as well as client experience, staff satisfaction, and protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy”