Skydive Taupo: The Ultimate High

I once jumped from a 12ft roof and severely injured my nose. I’ve cracked a rib jumping on a trampoline. I’ve even broken my leg falling from 6ft (my height). So when the opportunity to jump out of a plane arose, naturally I approached with extreme caution.

Skydive Taupo was the destination and 15000ft was the height. Slightly higher than my previous attempts, the occasion was somewhat bigger and so it felt only fitting that a limousine should greet us on the morning of the jump. Like nervous teenagers on our way to Prom, we spent the 10 minute journey discussing our hot dates (skydive instructors), dresses (jumpsuits) and first kiss (jump). The fear was clearly building.

On arrival, the drop zone was a flurry of activity; the famous pink plane flying overhead, parachutes gliding through the air, and backpackers squealing about their recent ‘life changing experience’.

After a quick safety briefing, the focus moved to my skydive video. Having opted for the Handycam Package, I was given a choice of music to make me look even “cooler” falling out of a plane. Naturally I chose Lenny Kravitz for take off, Swedish House Mafia for the drop and Moby to bring me back down to Earth.

My instructor Chris geared me up, settled any last nerves and before I knew it, we were climbing to 15000ft above Lake Taupo. Bigger than Singapore, it’s an absolute monster of a lake created by one of Earth’s largest ever volcano eruptions. To the south sits Tongariro National Park, home of Lord of the Rings’ ‘Mt Doom’ (Mt Ngauruhoe) and the world famous Emerald Lakes. On a clear day, you can even expect to see both Mt Taranaki on the West Coast and Napier on the east. However, with my legs dangling over the side of a plane, I personally wasn’t in the mood for sightseeing.

3… 2… 1… JUMP! The next 60 seconds were a blur. I screamed, laughed, cried (blame the wind), there may have even been a bit of hand holding with the instructor. For me, it was one mad minute that epitomises everything I love about travelling; stepping out of my comfort zone, making new memories and having unforgettable experiences.

Moments later, the parachute opened, I breathed a sigh of relief and the views came into focus, an unrivalled 360 degree panoramic of the Great Lake Taupo. Five minutes of tranquil gliding was not long enough, I could have stayed up there all day. Next thing I knew we were back down with a gentle bump.

What were my first words when I landed? “Life changing experience” ...obviously.

P.S. As for your skydive video, expect to look more Johnny English than James Bond.

OMG. How epic does that sound?! If you're feeling brave, check out our Taupo skydive deals here.

Franz Josef Heli-Hike: New Zealand’s #1 Experience?

Coming from the UK, my understanding of the word ‘hike’ is a 30 minute stroll to the nearest pub. Anything longer would be a ‘pub crawl’, so when I arrived at Franz Josef Glacier Guides for the famous Heli Hike, it would be fair to say I felt a little ill prepared.

It’s funny what a new wardrobe can do for ones confidence, and after being handed a fresh mountaineering outfit, I felt like a modern day Edmund Hillary (first person to climb Everest, fyi). Unfortunately, the phrase ‘all the gear but no idea’’ couldn’t have been more fitting.

After a quick safety briefing next to the landing pad, our helicopter approached. If you’ve never been on one before, imagine riding on your drunk friend’s shoulders – wobbly and unnatural, but you have no choice than to trust them. The helicopter however is 1000m higher and the views are significantly better.

The first sight of Franz Josef Glacier from above is truly breathtaking. 12km long, it descends from a height of 2700m in the Southern Alps to less than 300m above sea level, making it the world's steepest and fastest flowing commercially guided glacier (for you fact nerds out there). It’s only when you realise the mosquito sized dot in front of you is in fact another helicopter that your brain is able to appreciate the sheer size of the glacier.

Our guide, Scott, met us on the ice and readied us for action. Crampons on, pole in hand, we began our assent. Slaloming through a maze of ice canyons, corridors and caves, the hike is an experience like no other. Each section of the glacier offers something different, whether it’s blue ice, crevasses or glacial mud, you never know what’s coming next. What did come next certainly wasn’t in the script...

Clouds swiftly rolled in over the mountain, leaving helicopters unable to reach the glacier. A sense of uncertainty filled the air but Scott simply pick-axed a new path for us to enjoy as we awaited our escape. A window of opportunity finally arose and much like Arnold Schwarzenegger, we were told to ‘GET TO DA CHOPPER!’ and flew safely back down to the valley floor.

Six unforgettable hours later, we reached the base, stripped out of our gear and left with one of New Zealand’s all time greatest experiences under our belts.

Wow sounds like an epic trip! If you want to know what else you can do in New Zealand check out or blog on the "8 ultimate adrenaline activities to do in New Zealand". If you'd like to hear more from Jonny Williams' New Zealand travels check out his blog here.

Kaikoura - Where wildlife reigns supreme

It's rare thing for a construction worker to give you a smile, particularly if you're a gangling male like myself. Therefore you can understand my confusion when all 28 of them flashed their pearly whites at me as we weaved our way through the mountains to Kaikoura. Traffic lights, safety cones and excavators line the roads thanks to the devastating 2016 earthquake, so it makes you wonder what on earth these guys have to smile about. And then you arrive...

Image: kaikourarealty.co.nz

Kaikoura, meaning 'to eat Crayfish' in Maori, is also known as 'the Albatross capital of the world' or even Sperm City (in reference to its semi-resident whales). But it doesn't stop at Sperm Whales; expect Humpbacks, Orcas, dolphins, seals and even the mighty Blue Whale if you're lucky.

We started our day with Whale Watch Kaikoura and honestly, these guys are awesome! From bus driver Willy to tour guide Tehlia, they are all passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and at the same time make you feel like you're all friends embarking on an adventure together. Needless to say, we saw Giant Sperm whales (the largest toothed predator on the planet), along with all varieties of wildlife including a fellow tourist projectile vomiting into a paper bag. Perfect timing for lunch.

When I used to think 'world famous foods', it was thoughts of eating sushi in Tokyo, steak in Buenos Aires or macaroons in Paris that crossed my mind. Now however, it's the Seafood BBQ in Kaikoura. Situated on Fyffe Quay, this place offers fresh seafood like no other, with views that most restaurants can only dream of. There's only one thing better than a plate of this, and that's a platter, think scallops, crayfish, whitebait, grilled fish, mussels, salmon and prawns.

Image: tripadvisor (Melanie_Yeoh)

After feeling morbidly obese from lunch, we decided to hang with the other fatties at Point Kean seal colony. Spread out across the rocks, it's these guys that epitomise the laid back attitude that makes Kaikoura so special. Yes the scenery is stunning, as is the wildlife, but it's the people in this small town that make the place like no other.

Image: trustedtraveller.com

New Zealand you are full of surprises! Take a look at what else you can get up to in that beautiful country here.

Is New Zealand expensive for backpackers?

Earlier this year, it cost $7.49 to buy a single avocado in New Zealand. Yes, ONE. That's the equivalent of £4 or €4.50. For the same price you could buy yourself 12 pints of beer in Panama, 24 Kit Kats in India, or even 4kg of Spaghetti in Italy. Personally, the idea of eating and drinking myself into a coma sounds far more appealing than a mouthful of Guacamole, but does this avocado reflect the cost of living in NZ? simply put, No.

The question "how much money will I need?" is a tough one and the cause for many a headache. However after a month of living here, I finally have the answer... "it depends". Location, lifestyle and level of comfort all play a big role on your budget but regardless of how much or little you spend, the experience will be unforgettable.

*Prices below in $ NZ dollars.

Accommodation

Whether you're in Auckland or Queenstown, Christchurch or Wellington, hostels tend to keep prices much the same. Expect to pay roughly $27 per night for a dorm, or $80 for a private. Yes, the dorm sizes may vary between 4 -12 beds, and I can't promise you won't need earplugs, however you might just meet your new favourite travel buddies. Check out Base and Nomads for decent hostel rates.

Looking for long term? Weekly rent prices do vary considerably from place to place, with Christchurch/Wellington sitting between $100-200 whilst Auckland/Queenstown move up to $200-300.

Food

With an endless supply of sushi, whitebait (Īnanga), great brunch spots and the world famous Fergburger in Queenstown, it's easy to literally eat your money away. However it doesn't have to be expensive, especially with fruit & veg markets on your doorstep and more supermarket discount cards than your wallet can cater for. Budget $20 a day - that way you'll have change for brunch at the end of the week!

Top tip: Get a New World Clubcard and use firsttable.co.nz for 50% off the food bill.

Booze

The question on everyone's lips, how much will it cost us to lose our dignity? Well you'll be pleased to know, it's less than Australia. A pint of beer/glass of wine will set you back roughly $9 (£5) in a bar so it's worth sniffing out the local happy hours (Get Happy) for a bargain bevy. Alternatively, seek out one of the many BYO restaurants and sip the night away with liquor store prices. Use 'Get to know your BYO' for a list of the best across NZ.

Activities

In most countries, I'd consider accommodation and food most important but here, I think activities take the top spot. Honestly it's ridiculous; bungee jumping, skydiving, white water rafting, the list goes on. It's easy to see why NZ is consistently named the 'adventure capital of the world', however they come at a price. Ranging from $50 (Milford Sound Scenic Cruise) to $500 (Franz Josef Heli-Hike) expect to spend big if you're an adrenaline junkie!

Top tip: Check out both Treat Me and GrabOne for some serious deals throughout NZ!

Travel

New Zealand has almost as many cars as people, roughly 4 million of the things. Fortunately for us travellers, that means you can pick up a cheap ride for LESS than $1000! That's the same price as 133 avocados. Mind BLOWN. Check out auctions on both Trade Me and Turners and you'll be cruising State Highway 1 in no time. Alternatively, sit back and let Wild Kiwi do the driving!

A few things aside, New Zealand costs as much as any other developed country. However one things for sure - it's certainly better than all the rest!

Why backpackers are missing a trick with Christchurch!

"Just for a few days right?". That was the response I got when telling people I was going to Christchurch. Countless articles talk about the buzz of Auckland or the thrill of Queenstown, but the South Island's largest city always seems to be unfairly forgotten. I'd describe Christchurch like Justin Bieber - you're not supposed to like it, but you secretly love it.

Now sit back and get SkyScanner at the ready...

1. From sea to summit

What can you do in 2 hours? The laundry, have a BBQ, mow the lawn. Exhilarating stuff for some. Here in Christchurch however, you can be riding the waves on Sumner beach at 10am, and skiing down Mt Hutt before lunchtime. There really aren't many places in the world that allow that level of indecisiveness.

The surf spots around Christchurch really do cater for all needs, from beginners at Scarborough to advanced at Taylor's Mistake (not named after a surfing accident you'll be pleased to know). Expect heavies, honkers and any other surfing terminology that sounds cool. Still need convincing? If you're lucky, you can even surf with dolphins.

Fancy shredding some powder after the morning swell? Barely 100km away you'll find Mt Hutt, a ski resort with one of the longest vertical drops of the South Island. Twice voted the best ski field in NZ, this spot makes an ideal place for an afternoon of carving up the snow before signing off the day with a cold one. Alternatively, you could always spend those 2 hours watching Forest Gump. Gnarly.

2. Festivals galore

I love an excuse to eat too much, drink too much or simply be merry. Fortunately for me, Christchurch's festival calendar provides that perfect excuse. The World Buskers Festival, South Island Wine and Food Festival, The Great Kiwi Beer Festival - the list goes on, as does my appetite.

3. Europe in your back garden

Close your eyes and try to imagine a place with Canadian landscapes, European charm, and a volcano the size of Mt Krakatoa. Well let me welcome you to Akaroa.

Formed by two giant volcanic eruptions about eight million years ago, the Banks Peninsula is absurdly beautiful. Take the drive along Summit Road (it follows the edge of one of the original craters) for breathtaking views and picnic spots that make you wish you'd packed breakfast lunch and dinner! You soon descend into the historic town of Akaroa, a quaint harbour lined with French flags, delicatessens and coffee shops.

But it's not all snails and frogs legs, much of the wildlife is best seen on board one of Akaroa's boat tours rather than your plate. A trip with EcoSEAker is an absolute must. Set sail for a chance to see the world's smallest and rarest Dolphin (Hector's Dolphin), White-flippered Penguins, Fur Seals and the occasional whale! Did I mention all of this was just one hour from Christchurch?

4. Wine, Wein, Vino

A wine snob, we all know one (me). They discuss soil types as a method of seduction, or compliment our age like its a fine wine. It's sickening. Fortunately however, the wineries in the Waipara region leave pretentiousness at the door and focus on what's important, the experience. Start with a tasting at Waipara Hills Winery and if you didn't need a platter when you arrived, you will do by the time you are finished!

5. I don't know, yet.

A new shopping mall opened the weekend I arrived. A new jazz bar opened the following week and a new cocktail bar the following one again. That's what makes Christchurch so cool - the unknown. Every day it looks a little different, but every day it improves a little more. If you want to visit somewhere that even the Lonely Planet can't keep up with, you know where to go.