Best way to see New Zealand

Travel in New Zealand can be a unique adventure for many travelers not accustomed to wide open spaces and seemingly endless grand open landscapes.

Overland travel, either by train, bus or renting a car, is by far the preferred way to see New Zealand among travellers. These forms of transportation take much longer than flying, but they allow the traveler to experience the majestic mountains, great plains and the natural beauty first-hand. Ferry services are available to transport you between NZ’s North Island and South Island.

Unfortunately, New Zealand’s options in bus and the train category are limited. In addition the speed and convenience of these conveyances do not begin to compare with the modern public transportation systems in places like Europe. However, they will get you from here to there.

Since most of the large commercial carriers don’t go to every destination popular among backpackers, a number of alternative backpacker style transportation companies exist. These backpacker tours will transport you to the national parks and overland to the more unique destinations.

Every once in a while some intrepid traveler asks about hitchhiking. The overwhelming popular opinion is that it’s not advised. If you’re backpacking a far better way to arrange for rides is through hostel or university bulletin boards.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is frequently an expensive proposition for the kind of long term travelling most backpackers engage in. In addition, rental companies in many countries like New Zealand charge more for young travelers.

In order to defer the high cost of renting a car, try finding other travelers in the hostel that want to share the cost of an excursion. It’s sometimes possible to arrange a group yourself by posting a note on one or more hostel bulletin boards. Once the rental is being shared between 3-4 people the cost becomes much more bearable.

Rates of New Zealand car rentals vary widely from company to company, and seemingly by the phase of the moon. Therefore, our best advice to the backpacker seeking the lowest price, is get out the telephone directory and call every company.

When you inquire, ask for the cheapest car available. It sometimes helps if you say the word “cheapest” with a certain amount of friendly grit in your voice. Otherwise, the car rental agent may not hear it. At this point, the agent will likely ask you a few questions like your age, number of drivers, where you will be picking up the car, where you will drop it off, when you want the car, how long do you want it, where you plan to take it, etc.

After answering all these questions they will quote you a price. But wait, the game is not over yet. Now it’s your turn to ask the questions. Ask if this price includes all costs to you. Specifically ask about insurance costs, taxes, mileage limitations (called mileage caps), and fueling charges. Try to give the agent as many details as possible as to what you are looking for. Then try to find out what the overall price will be for your situation. Also be sure to mention if you have any hostel, student or youth identity card.

Occasionally we hear of backpackers that have arranged a very good rate on a longer term rentals (4-8 weeks) through their travel agent at home. You may want to check this out to see if your travel agent knows of any good deals.

If you do rent a car, do all hostellers and young travelers a favor by driving safely. Perhaps, if we start showing the rental companies a lower incidence of accidents; rates and availability of cars to young travelers will improve.

Picton Accommodation and Attractions

This relaxing port town is just a ferry ride away from Wellington on North Island. Along the waterfront, visitors will find a new museum and the restored ship Edwin Fox. Cruises on the sound are also available; they stop at some of the many little lodges hidden away on the small islands in the sound (the quality of these lodges varies considerably, so inquire locally for recommendations). A great deal of fun can be had at the small bay near Picton, watching regattas of boats, some sailboats, some powerboats, some being rowed.

Picton accommodation includes a range of Apartments, Bed and Breakfasts, Backpackers, Holiday Houses, Homestays, Lodges, and Motels.

Rent a vehicle or take a minibus tour to see the wine country to the south near Blenheim. You can see whale migrations along the coast throughout the year. The best place for viewing the sperm whales and orcas is off the Kaikoura Peninsula (82 mi/132 km south of Blenheim). There are also boat tours from Kaikoura which will take you in for a closer look.

Russell Bay of Islands Accommodation and Attractions

This town in the Bay of Islands area was once known as “the hell hole of the southwest Pacific” because of the pirates who prowled the area. Today, the looting and plundering have been replaced by game fishing (some of the world’s largest marlins have been pulled out of the bay).

Russell accommodation includes a range of Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Parks, Lodges, and Motels.

The Strand, Russell’s main street, runs north-south along the bay. In the middle of the Strand is a pier, with a Tourist Information Office and fishing tours. After stopping by for information, go south along the Strand to see the Captain Cook Museum and the Pompallier House (one of the oldest houses in New Zealand). East of the museum is Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand still pockmarked with bullet holes from the Pakeha-Maori wars of the 1830s). North of town is Flagstaff Hill, which affords a nice view. It’s also notable for having been the cause of battles. Maori chiefs chopped down the flagpole (along with its British flag) on the hill four times, upsetting the settlers. The current, fifth pole has stood since 1840. A 15-minute walk east of town brings you across the peninsula to beautiful Long Beach on Waitata Bay (the north end has a nudist beach).

Bay of Islands

The site of New Zealand’s first European settlement, the Bay of Islands consists of 144 scattered islands. This region merits a four-day visit, spending less time here wouldn’t be doing the place justice. You will be sure to like the area’s fabulous beaches, sport fishing, scuba diving and kauri trees (they’re enormous, often growing to 120 ft/36 m). The village of Waitangi (not to be confused with the town on the Chatham Islands) has a carved Maori meeting lodge, a shipwreck museum, the world’s largest war canoe (made from the trunks of two kauri trees) and Treaty House, where the British and Maoris signed a peace treaty in 1840, creating the modern state of New Zealand.

The nearby town of Paihia has first-rate beaches and great opportunities for sea kayaking. Several villages in the vicinity can be explored. Russell and Kerikeri are two of the nicest. From Russell you can take a good tour of the northern countryside (lots of citrus and subtropical fruits). Paihia accommodation includes a range of comfortable Backpackers, Apartments, Hotels, Motels, and Bed and Breakfasts.

The island cruises are highly recommended. Take a cruise on the famous ‘Cream Trip’, which used to pick up dairy products from the island (hence the name) but now is mostly for sightseeing and mail delivery. It takes a full day but is well worth it. At the very least, take a half-day cruise, which should visit fishing grounds and the lighthouse and pass by unique rock formations.

If your schedule permits, take a day tour to Cape Reinga (the northernmost tip of North Island, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea merge). The route passes Mangonui (a picturesque fishing village) and Taipa (where, according to legend, the Polynesians first discovered New Zealand). Buses leave from Kaitaia for ‘90-mile Beach’, a vast beach preserve, smaller than its name indicates, but still impressive (private cars are not allowed). Equally impressive are the sights along the walking trail through the Te Paki Reserve. The Bay of Islands is located 195 km north of Auckland.

Fishing Lake Rotorua

Rotorua in central North Island New Zealand, is a fishermen’s paradise consisting of 11 main lakes and numerous other rivers and springs which are perfect for trout fishing. The lakes are an integral part of the Rotorua district. Even the township is built on the shores of the largest lake - Lake Rotorua. All the lakes and rivers are easily accessible by car and it’s only about a 30 minute drive from the city.

Fishing in Lake Rotorua is suitable for both beginner and experienced anglers. Many get out there to enjoy the myriad of fishing opportunities available. If you want to be completely immersed in the trout fishing experience, stay at one of Rotorua’s exclusive lakeside lodges or resorts, with the focus very much being a fishing holiday.

Professional fishing guides live in and around Lake Rotorua and are dedicated to providing an unforgettable fishing experience by personally tailoring each adventure to suit the needs of the angler. The guides will let you know about all the best fishing spots and will provide all of the gear. They may even offer the guarantee that you will not leave the lake empty handed, as Lake Rotorua would have to be one of the easiest places in New Zealand to catch a fish.

Fishing Lake Taupo

In a country renowned for its trout fishing, the Lake Taupo region is the best of the best, and that’s saying something. This is trout heaven. At last count, around a million trout live here.

Wild trout are trout that breed naturally. Unlike most trout fisheries around the world, no artificial stocking takes place in the Lake Taupo district. The fish here don’t hatch in sheltered nursery tanks. They hatch far upstream in deep cold pools above thundering rapids. Only the strongest survive, and strong they are.

Anglers flock from around the world to fish for “rainbows” and “browns” - so big, the locals reckon when you catch one the lake level drops. A slight exaggeration maybe but most average between 2 and 3 kg and the current record is a little over 8kg (nearly 18 pounds)

Lake Taupo itself is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Millions of trout live in the lake, gorging themselves on so many fresh water crayfish (koura) their flesh turns pink like a salmon.

Lake Taupo has many rivers and streams flowing into it but the grand daddy of them all is the Tongariro at the southern end. Tongariro River trout are legendary for their condition and size. The township of Turangi on its banks modestly bills itself as “the trout fishing capital of the world” - understandable when you consider an estimated 750,000 trout swim past the town every winter to spawn.

On the Tongariro you can fly fish famous pools with such grand names as the Breakaway, Admirals, Major Jones or The Duchess (named after the Queen Mum who fished here back in the 1930s).

Other famous trout filled rivers flowing into the lake include the Waikato, Waitahanui, Tauranga Taupo and Hinemaiaia.

If your pockets are a little deeper you could also take a helicopter into one of the many back county streams and fish a stretch of crystal clear water that quite possibly has never been fished before.

But one of the beauties of Lake Taupo fishing is that you don’t need to be an expert. An almost guaranteed way for anyone to catch a trout is to hire a local guide. They know the many lakes, rivers and streams like the back of their hands and many actually guarantee you will catch a trout.

Keep in mind that you need a special licence to fish the Lake Taupo district.

Fishing in New Zealand

Where to fish

Excellent freshwater fishing is available throughout New Zealand. Three of New Zealand’s best known fishing regions include Lake Taupo, Lake Rotorua and the Southland. To help you get the most from your visit, each of these regions has an information centre which promotes fishing and offers a range of visitor services.

In the North Island you would be hard pushed to beat the Central North Island, Taupo in particular but also Rotorua. Personally I would go straight to Turangi and fish the Tongariro with Size 8 rod and heavily weighted nymphs for migrating rainbows from Lake Taupo. Numerous other rivers and lakes are also in the immediate vicinity. Also, keep in mind that the Tongariro trout average around 4-6 lb (20-26 inches) and thus will be more like fishing for North American steelhead.

The South Island is more of a problem in that although the scenery and fishing can be better than the north, you will have to travel further and local knowledge is paramount. My best suggestion for plenty of variety would be Nelson and the Nelson Lakes, Buller river system. Most of the Southern lakes are great, but don’t go past the Waitaki River in North Otago. Under the Avimore dam, there are some reed beds which produced some of the most pleasant evenings fly fishing I’ve had in years. The Waitaki is best fished in the clear side streams away from the main river. A good spot being 1-2 km downstream from the junction of the Hakataramea river on the north side. For staggering scenery and fine trout fishing check out the North Mavora lakes, or if you enjoy arid country, consider Lake Benmore.

Fishing Licences

Don’t forget to get a fishing license, and take note of what region it covers and the restrictions on lures etc. Fishing licences are available from fishing guides, lodges, visitor centres and charter boat operators. The cost is about NZ$18 per day but it depends on the time of the year. Keep in mind a different fishing licence is required to fish Lake Taupo.

Boat Fishing

Lake fishing from charter boats either trolling or fly fishing is available around the North Island lakes of Rotorua and Taupo, and the Nelson and Southern Lakes regions of the South Island.

Some areas are able to be fished year round and provide excellent sport. Boats range from 14ft runabouts to 52 ft launches catering for larger groups, incentive parties and those wishing to overnight onboard. Charter boat skippers supply all fishing gear and offer expert advice and knowledge on the area.

Guides

New Zealand is a wild trout fishery and the emphasis is very much on quality rather than quantity. We certainly have got the trophy fish - but big fish are generally smart fish. To make your visit a successful one, we strongly recommend making use of a professional guide.

Experienced guides know the moods of local rivers and the weather, often have access arrangements and will provide transport, and they can help you adjust your technique to the different conditions.

Because our resource is a precious one, professional guiding is normally on a catch and release basis.

Accommodation

A key feature of fishing in New Zealand is the warm hospitality encountered by the visiting angler. Specialist fishing lodges, often located in pristine wilderness settings, have won worldwide renown. Fresh local produce and New Zealand wines are a highlight of a New Zealand lodge experience.

Also available is a range of accommodation options from 3-4 star hotels, self-contained motel units, and bed and breakfast accommodation - all catering to the visiting angler.

Save Money Making Calls To New Zealand When You Travel

Here’s something that may be handy for travellers with a digital mobile phone. If you do business in New Zealand or planning a trip to New Zealand and will make a lot of local phone calls, save money when you are away from your home or office by using your prepaid international New Zealand phone card to make all your calls to New Zealand.

There are SIM cards available by some companies on short term rental. This allows you to use your digital mobile phone. You will be allocated a NZ mobile number and best of all there are no roaming charges, no international charges and, and no contract.

Usage costs depend on which phone company you choose. This is an example of call rates from the vendor Phone Hire New Zealand.

Outgoing call charges:

$0.49 a minute to the home network and any land line in New Zealand.
$1.39 to the other mobile network.
$0.49 to Australia, UK, Canada, Ireland & USA.
$1.39 to other countries.
$0.20 National text (SMS).
$0.30 international text.

Incoming call charges:

Free unlimited incoming calls from anywhere in the world.

If you know that you will be travelling to places in New Zealand which has coverage by one company and not the other, ask for a phone serviced by that company. For phone coverage maps use the following links: Vodafone coverage, Telecom coverage.

Exploring South Island, New Zealand

South Island, New Zealand is considered by most travellers to be the more scenic of the two islands. There are so many things to do and see in the southern part of NZ.

If you’re a wine-buff you will head for the north-western end of the South Island and the vineyards of Marlborough, the wine region that produces ‘Cloudy Bay’. This sensational Sauvignon Blanc is rated by many international experts as the finest white produced in the Southern Hemisphere, and perhaps the best of its kind anywhere.

But, of course, you don’t visit the South Island just for the wine. No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting Christchurch and the nearby tourist haven of Queenstown. You can drive down the east coast to Christchurch, or fly down directly from Wellington.

Most people fall in love with Christchurch at first sight. By far the most English of all New Zealand towns - right down to the Town Crier - Christchurch is also home to the country’s most avid gardeners. Picture-postcard gardens are the norm, and if those who are familiar with Australia see a similarity between Christchurch and Adelaide, this is no coincidence. Colonel Light, son of the famous administrator of Penang, was involved in the planning of both towns when he was working for the Administration of both cities at different times.

A relaxed, laid-back lifestyle is par for the course in Christchurch. A large central park through which the River Avon lazily meanders, splendid churches, old hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, art galleries, and peaceful walking areas, combine to create a home for 300,000 contented Christchurch inhabitants.

For a journey back in time, visit Lyttleton via a strategically-placed mountain tunnel. When sailing ships made the regular run from England to Lyttleton during the Gold Rush days, many sailors were so enthralled with Lyttleton that they decided to settle there. Turn-of-the-century wooden houses line the hillside, bearing a great resemblance to their counterparts in San Francisco. They were built by ships carpenters who were excellent craftsmen but of limited architectural imagination. These small, beautifully-maintained wooden houses have a charm of their own, looking exactly as they did when they were first built.

The short flight from Christchurch to Queenstown takes you into yet another world. Queenstown is one of the most picturesque, colourful and exciting tourist destinations. This small town is set on a magnificent lake with the nearby snow-capped ‘Remarkables’ as a mountain backdrop. For an overvall view take the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak that towers 450 metres above Queenstown.

Experience a trip on the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully-restored steamer that cruises Lake Wakatipu, brave the Shotover River by jetboat or raft, bushwalk and climb along the Lomond Crescent Track, visit sheep stations, deer farms and the Kiwi and Bird Life Park (the other sure-fire alternative to Auckland Zoo for Kiwi viewing). The nearby Motor Museum is one of New Zealand’s best.

There’s a Sound and Light Museum that gives you a ‘feel’ of what life was like for early settlers, but if you have the time, take a day-trip to nearby Arrowtown. Its main street portrays life as it was during the Gold Rush days. The trip will probably include a visit to the ski slopes of Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s premier ski resort and Kawarau Bridge. Here, those tired of life or short on brains jump off at the end of a rubber rope in a New Zealand-invented lunacy known worldwide as ‘Bungy Jumping’.

After Queenstown there are still a few ‘must do’s’ in the South Island. The first is to fly to Mount Cook, the spectacular mountain that gives you access to New Zealand’s sensational Tasman Glacier. This is one of the world’s few glaciers on which one can actually land in a light aircraft, and ski planes do so regularly, flying up the breathtakingly-beautiful glacial valleys in the process.

Mount Cook offers comfortable accommodation from which to explore and perhaps, if the weather is right, hike, this spectacular region. Whether you sightsee on foot or by aircraft, it’s an experience you will never forget.

Last but not least, don’t forget Milford Sound. With topography and scenery to equal the best of the Norwegian Fjiords, Milford Sound, with Mitre Peak looming in the distance, is nothing short of sensational. Almost-vertical, often tree-studded cliffs frame magnificent high-rise waterfalls, while at water level contented-looking seals sun themselves on rocks after feasting on the Sound’s plentiful fish. No wonder the seals all look as if they’re smiling!

Here, too, is the beginning of one of the greatest bushwalking experiences - the Milford Track. To describe this fully would take another article, but suffice to say that during the season, bushwalking enthusiasts from the world over arrive here each day, for ‘The Track’ is on the mandatory list for anyone taking this activity seriously.

So those are some of the highlights for the first time visitor travelling to South Island, but there’s much more to do and see in New Zealand. It would be worthwhile also reading the article Exploring North Island New Zealand. Like most visitors if you can’t stay for a month or two, the above guide is a pretty good start. Chances are, however, that your first visit to the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ won’t be your last.