Archives for May, 2008
Posted under North Island |
Few visitors to North Island, New Zealand come away without stars in their eyes. This is a land of incredible scenic beauty, a marvellous diversity of things to see and do, and the people are always friendly. This country’s three-million-plus citizens must be some of the friendliest, most naturally-hospitable people on earth.
Auckland, the first stop for today’s international visitors, is a beautiful harbourside city of one million people. On sunny weekends the harbour is dotted with myriads of colourful sails and it is no coincidence that New Zealanders are some of the world’s best sailors. It is as natural for young people here to learn to sail as it is to drive.
Positioned on a narrow isthmus, the city has the shallow sandy waters of Manukau Harbour on one side and the deep Waitemata Harbour (’Sea of Sparkling Water’) on the other. Extinct volcanoes, some once used as Maori fortifications, dot Auckland. Most, like One Tree Hill, have been made into public parks and gardens.
Buildings in Auckland are a mix of old and new, with modern structures alongside turn-of-the-century colonial architecture. When you are tired of strolling the streets, looking at buildings like the 1868 Supreme Court, the Renaissance-style Customs House and the Auckland City Art Gallery, head for the Auckland War Memorial Museum, with its enormous collection of Maori artifacts, including a 25 metre long war canoe.
Don’t miss seeing the suburb of Parnell. Turn-of-the-century shops here have been tastefully restored or replicated and now house elegant restaurants and boutiques offering a range of made-in-New-Zealand handicrafts, woollens and souvenirs. You’ll also want to visit the Zoological Gardens to see the flightless Kiwi bird that is New Zealand’s national symbol. Almost extinct at one stage, numbers are now increasing, but the visitors’ only sure way to see a Kiwi is right here.
A great day-trip from Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula, where one can still see some giant Kauri trees that escaped the zealous axes of early woodcutters. Sadly, you will also notice a large number of other native tree skeletons, killed by having all their foliage stripped and eaten by possums. These were introduced from Australia for their fur, and now that fur coats are no longer popular, have run rampant and are now a noxious pest in New Zealand.
Don’t miss Rotorua, the North Island’s most popular destination. You are likely to smell it long before you get there. Many New Zealanders call it ‘Sulphur City’, and for good reason. The bubbling sulphuric mud and hot springs take quite a toll of your sense of smell, but it’s worth it! In fact, water from the sulphur springs has therapeutic properties for alleviating arthritis, circulatory problems and other ailments.
Most people come to Rotorua for the sightseeing. Here one can visit Ohinemuti Maori Village, rub noses (the customary Maori greeting) with the villagers, and watch Maori women dance the graceful Poi dance. Meanwhile the men, some with traditionally tattooed faces, perform the fierce Haka war dance, stamping feet and poking out their tongues in frightening fashion.
Brave the particularly-sulphurous smell of the naturally-heated ponds and lakes of Whakarewarewa (Whaka for short). If your nostrils can stand that one, you’re immune to all the others! Watch geysers suddenly erupt into life at the Pohutu, spraying hot water onto any careless tourists straying within range.
At the Rainbow Springs trout farm these magnificent fish can be observed in the crystal-clear spring water. You can even watch them underwater via a strategically-placed glass wall. Trout here grow to unbelievably large sizes, perhaps because visitors can enthusiastically feed them by hand.
You won’t run out of things to see or do. The Agrodome at Ngongotaha holds regular sheep shearing demonstrations leaving visitors enthralled and sheep looking semi-naked. New Zealand’s sheep population far outnumbers its people and are the centre of all kinds of New Zealand jokes. But sheep are not to be taken lightly. Wool, along with mutton and lamb, is a very major New Zealand export and keeps the country’s economy going.
Continuing south from Rotorua one comes to Lake Taupo with some of the best watersports, trout fishing, and great scenery.
A little further south still is the Tongariro National Park with Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. In winter this is the North Island’s premier snowfield and skiing area. Yet Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe both still have some volcanic activity, and you will frequently see the summits giving off steam or smoke. If golf or hunting are more to your liking, you won’t be disappointed either. The area offers some of New Zealand’s best golf, and if you want to go hunting, this can usually be arranged through the hotel or lodge at which you are staying.
South again, and you reach Wellington at the bottom of the North Island. With a population of 350,000, this is New Zealand’s administrative capital, and is known to locals as ‘Windy Wellington’ . And for good reason! The city is in a natural wind tunnel and it is a rare day that Wellington experiences less than a stiff breeze. On really blowy days one literally has to lean into the wind to make any headway.
One of Wellington’s major characteristics is the number of beautifully maintained wooden buildings from the turn-of-the-century, giving the city a charming olde-worlde atmosphere. Before leaving Wellington, visit the biggest of these - the old Government Buildings. Constructed in 1867, this 4-storey giant is the second largest wooden building in the world (the largest being the TodjaJi Temple in Nara, Japan). Then look at the Beehive Building which is the current Parliament House and is interesting for its architecture and, occasionally, even for its politicians.
One other ‘must do’ in Wellington. Go to the cable car terminal on Lampton Quay. But don’t be tempted by the many shops here till after you come back from the cable car ride. This takes you for a ten minute climb in a pre-war cog-wheel tramway, up to the hilltop Botanic Gardens. The panorama of Wellington spread out below is well worth the trip.
When to go:
New Zealand’s weather is relatively mild the whole year round, but the best times to go are from September (Spring) through Xmas (Summer) to around May (Fall). Remember that in the Southern Hemisphere seasons exactly opposite to those of North America, Europe and most of Asia).
Recommended Airline:
If you have never travelled on Air New Zealand before, you’re in for a treat. It’s an outstanding airline with modern Boeings, memorable in-flight service, excellent cuisine and a little touch of New Zealand friendliness that will delight you. And Air New Zealand offices can give you helpful, friendly advice wherever you travel in that country. They also offer frequent connecting services to Australia and/or Bali.
Posted under Tips & Advice |
Many from overseas are choosing to migrate to New Zeland to really experience what this scenic country has to offer. If you are seriously considering the move, then renting a house for the short or long term becomes a consideration. The best way to look for rental property is to look at it yourself.
How?
- Newspaper classifieds - In Auckland, the NZ Herald has advertisements for houses/flats to let. This is available everyday (except Sunday). and you will find more on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
- Real Estate agents - Yes they do handle rental property as well. They advertise in the Herald. You will know who they are as all adverts are tagged with MREINZ at the end. They do not usually handle cheap units unless this is a special client of theirs.
- Rental agents - These people collect a fee from you in exchange for a list of properties available for rent. There are a few of them in Auckland.
If you want to rent a house or apartment in New Zealand, make sure you get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. Copies of standard agreements are available from Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Housing.
FYI, basic conditions are:
- No more than 2 weeks rent to be paid in advance
- increases in rent require 60 days notice
- rent receipts must be given, except when paid by automatic bank transfer, not negotiable cheque, or an exclusive rent account.
Bond can be consist of up to, but no more than 4 weeks rent. Bond money MUST be deposited with the Bond processing unit of Tenancy Services within 15 working days. It’s not compulsory for landlords to require a bond.
Landlords must:
- Keep the premises in reasonable condition.
- Allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the premises.
- Comply with all building, health and safety stds, as they apply to the premises. Pay rates, insurance and land tax.
Tenants must:
- Pay the rent.
- Keep the premises clean, tidy, etc, and notify the Landlord of repairs needed.
- Pay electricity, gas, telephone and excess water bills.
- Not damage or permit damage to premises.
- Give notice to leave. (note: this doesn’t apply to fixed term tenancies)
The landlord must give 90 days notice unless:
- the premises are to be sold with vacant possesion
- the premises are to be occupied by the landlord, or a member of the ll’s family.
- If as provided in the agreement, the premises are required by an employee of the landlord.
In these cases, only 42 days notice need be given.
The tenant must give 21 days notice.
All notices to leave are to be in writing.
The landlord can apply to the tenancy tribunal for termination of tenancy if:
- the rent is more than 21 days in arrears.
- there has been damage or threats of damage to the premises
- there has been an assault, or threat of assault on the landlord, etc
Disputes can be dealt with by a Tenancy Tribunal mediator. (Landlords hate the Tenancy Act and hate dealing with the Tribunal)
Posted under South Island |
Canterbury Museum, located in Christchurch it’s one of New Zealand’s finest heritage institutions. Half a million people a year - school children, local residents, and international tourists - visit the displays, see the exhibitions, and study the collections.
The Museum was founded in 1870, and the buildings themselves are now regarded as being of outstanding historic and architectural significance. More than 2 million priceless items of New Zealand’s cultural and natural heritage are presented and preserved for the people of today and the generations yet to come. The Museum collections cover a wide range of topics :
- Canterbury’s first people
- The Moa hunter Maori
- Later Maori descendants
- The European settlers
- Cultural backgrounds and economic developments
- Family and local history
- Arts of Asia
- The discovery and exploration of Antarctica
- New Zealand birds
- Mammals, insects, rocks, minerals, and fossils
- and much, much more!
Canterbury Museum opened its doors to the public in October 1870, in a building financed by the Provincial Government and public subscription.
Now, over 120 years later, the original building has been supplemented by five major additions. The principal collections, of national and international importance, cover the human history and natural sciences of the greater Canterbury area, as well as New Zealand, the Antarctic and Subantarctic regions. The Museum also holds valuable material relating to Africa, America, Europe and the ancient world and has outstanding collections of Chinese and Japanese decorative arts.
Location and Hours:
The Museum is located on Rolleston Ave, adjacent to both the Arts Centre and the Botanic Gardens. It is open daily, except for Christmas Day, from 9 am to 5 pm (extended hours during daylight saving).
Admission to the Museum is free, except for special exhibitions, as listed.
The Museum’s address is:
Canterbury Museum
Rolleston Ave
Christchurch
New Zealand
Telephone and fax : (03) 366 8379
Exhibition Galleries
The Museum has a number of special exhibition galleries which house permanent collections and temporary exhibits.
- Iwi Tawhito-Whenua Hou/Ancient People-New Land (Gallery of Moas and Moa Hunters)
- Nga Taonga Tukuiho O Nga Tupuna/Treasures Handed Down To Us By the Ancestors (Gallery of Maori Culture - opening late 1995)
- Hall of Canterbury History 1840s to 1860s - temporary exhibits
- Edgar Stead Hall of New Zealand Birds
- Hall of Antarctic Discovery
- Gallery of Asian Arts
- Hall of Geology and Natural Sciences
- Mountfort Gallery of Applied Arts and Costumes (opening April 1996)
Other services :
- Library and Archives: open to researchers Monday to Friday, 1.00-4.30pm.
- Pictorial Archives: open to researchers Monday to Friday, 1.00-4.30pm; photographic copying service available.
- Gift shop and coffee shop.
Posted under Tips & Advice |
Just about every town or suburb in New Zealand with a population of at least a few hundred people has cheap motel accommodation which you could stay at. The quality of the New Zealand motels are generally very good, but if you’re roughing it and have a smaller budget, staying at a New Zealand Backpacker accommodation would be a better option.
Travellers should note that a motel in New Zealand almost always means that you get a separate bedroom, a kitchen equipped with fridge, oven, pots, pans, dishes etc. and a living/dining room. If you want to stay in good, relatively inexpensive accommodation ($60-120/night for two people generally), I think these are your best bet. The only thing that can beat them for price are backpacker’s hostels which can be a lot of fun - in nice surroundings - and are often only $18/night/person for a twin or double room, $12-15/night/person to stay in a bunkroom. These hostels have cooking facilities and are often really comfortable common rooms, with TV/video, open fire, etc.
Motels are good value for money but for those people who don’t want to pay those sort of prices it’s really worthwhile staying at the “tourist flats” or cabins they have at camping grounds. If you take your own sleeping bag and towel then everything else you might need (pots, cutlery, dishes) are supplied in a tourist flat. For cabins - there are varying prices. If you have your own cooking & eating utensils then you can always cook in the communal kitchen (this is the major difference between camping in NZ and camping in Canada, UK or USA). Of course the same goes for tenting, but it can be a bit cold in winter for a tent. A tent site for 2 people & a car is usually about NZ$15, a cabin would be $25-$35, and a nice self contained tourist flat with private bathroom, TV, fridge, stove, etc, probably $40-$50.
Posted under South Island |
The Christchurch Gondola is the city’s number one tourist attraction attracting thousands of travellers to this destination every year. It’s located on the crater rim of an extinct volcano and is only about a 15 minute drive from Christchurch CBD, offering a 360 degree panorama view making it one of the most dramatic attractions in the world.
Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views over the Canterbury Plains to Mt. Hutt and beyond to the spectacular Southern Alps. The view north takes in the full sweep of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the distant Kaikoura Peninsula. To the east and south, the picturesque scenery of Lyttelton Harbour and bays unfold across to Lake Ellesmere.
The 945 metre gondola ride carries passengers in the comfort of a four person cabin to the summit of the Port Hills some 500 metres above sea level. Unique views of Christchurch, the Garden City unravel as you climb gently to the summit complex.
Montebellos Restaurant, situated at the top is open daily for lunch and dinner, and offers impressive menus featuring superb dishes from Canterbury and the South Island specialising in seafood.
The Gondola complex also features a walkthrough audio-visual “Time-Tunnel” depicting the history and geography of the region.
Location
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote, Tel: +64 3 384-0700, Fax: +64 3 384-0703
Getting there
Free Shuttle bus from Visitor Centre, or catch the Explorer Bus or No 28 Lyttelton bus.
Posted under South Island |
Today almost 27,000 people live in the city situated on the rolling hills that overlooks Caroline Bay, a popular holiday destination especially for the annual Christmas and New Year Carnival. Holidaymakers stroll along the Caroline Bay beach overlooked by Timaru.
Development of this artificial harbour began in 1877, and today the port is the main port for South Canterbury, servicing the frequent international fishing fleets as well as providing a gateway for exports and imports.
Getting here?
By Rail - Timaru is on the main train line that runs between Christchurch and Dunedin. Head off to Back on the Tracks for more information.
By Air - Fly in by the short-hop daily flights from Christchurch and Dunedin.
By Road - You could always hire a rental car in Christchurch and take a little more time to stop along the way as you travel through South Canterbury
Don’t forget to check in with the local Timaru Information Centre.
Accommodation
Timaru accommodation includes a range of comfortable motels.
Things to do in and around Timaru
Richard Pearse Airport
Timaru’s airport at Levels is named after farmer Richard Pearse of Waitohi, New Zealand first official aviator who became airborne in March 1903. Flights from Wellington and Christchurch arrive and depart on a daily basis.
Phar Lap Raceway
Timaru racecourse at Washdyke just north of the city is named after New Zealand’s best known galloper. A total of 13 race meetings are held annually at the course. A statue of the famous Phar Lap stands in the paddock where he was born at Seadown.
Windsurfing
Try windsurfing on Caroline Bay. Suits: Slalom/wavesailing/longboarding. Beginners/Advanced.
Other attractions
You can also visit Caroline Bay over the Summer Holidays in December/January. Holiday makers flock to the annual Christmas/New Year Carnival. Concerts in the Soundshell, fairground rides, games and competitions contribute to the summer carnival atmosphere. The large recreational area, formed as a result of harbour development, is well utilised with children’s playgrounds and sports fields used all year.
Posted under South Island |
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is New Zealand’s premier wildlife park, showing one of the most complete selections of native and introduced wildlife in their natural environment, as well as a wonderful exotic display.
Experience New Zealand’s largest and most unique Kiwi viewing area.
The park places an emphasis on spacious surroundings and animal contact. Combine the Willowbank Wildlife Experience with a great lunch for a special day out.
Night time in Willowbank
New Zealand’s most unique wildlife viewing concept - Wildlife by Night, shows kiwis and New Zealands other nocturnal animals and birds in their natural environment for the first time. Guided tours for this wonderful night time experience are available at Willowbank - don’t forget you can also dine at the Colonial Restaurant located at Willowbank.
Combine buffet dinner with a guided walk through the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. After dinner, the tour guide show the guests through the New Zealand experience which features the Kiwi, Weka, Kea and other native birds. There are seven Kiwis at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve that are shown in a open natural viewing area. The Kiwis on show range from the age of 6 months to nine years of age.
Posted under South Island |
Lake Tekapo is on State Highway 8 and is a destination many traveller’s stop off at on their journey from Christchurch to Queenstown.
The village (home to the stunning turquoise-blue lake) comprises of about 350 locals, and provides an ideal place for either an overnight stop, or better still, spend a week relaxing here. There’s no need to rush at all there is so much to do!
Getting here?
Hire a rental car in Christchurch and head south via Geraldine and Fairlie.
Accommodation
Lake Tekapo accommodation includes comfortable Bed and Breakfasts, Backpackers, and numerous Hotels and Motels.
Things to do in and around Lake Tekapo
There is plenty of activities to do in and around Lake Tekapo Village.
In summer, it’s a popular spot for travellers to waterski, sail and, if they’re really adventurous, swim in the lake. In winter, Lake Tekapo attracts many skiers which attack the slopes of the Ohau and Mt Dobson snow fields. Other skiing choices near Lake Tekapo also include Fox Peak (80 minutes drive from Lake Tekapo), and Tasman Glacier (60 minute drive).
Other activities include:
Bird watching - observe the Black Stilt and Crested Grebe in their natural habitats at Lake Alexdrina. Contact the Department of Conservation in Twizel.
Play golf at Balmoral Gold Course, New Zealand’s highest 9 hole course.
Great fishing - Trout fishing at one of the high country lakes - Lakes Tekapo, Alexandrina, McGregor as well as the hydro canals.
Hiking/Walking - there are a number of short walkways near the village, or the Mackenzie High Country Walk and Ball Pass with Alpine Recreation.
Air Safaris also offer spectacular flightseeing at its best - glaciers, the razorback Southern Alps, and Mt. Cook - all from the comfort of your window seat.
Posted under Tips & Advice |
Water adventure activities are a popular attraction for both independent travellers and locals in New Zealand. Water sports such as kayaking and rafting are a lot fun, however it’s important that you’re equipped with general river safety information to prevent any serious injury.
General river safety
The following hazards apply to all river sports and can ultimately lead to hypothermia or drowning. Reading about these hazards is easy. Recognising and dealing with them safely requires skills that take time and experience to develop. Beginners should join a club and/or go paddling with experienced people.
Whirlpools
A whirlpool has a downwards-moving vortex (spiral) of water in its centre. If you can’t swim out of it then the theory is to follow the water down into the vortex, possibly by diving, to be spat out downstream a few seconds later.
Rocks
If you capsize in a rapid there is a good chance that you’ll hit rocks while speeding along underwater. To avoid serious head injury, a helmet should always be worn. Being pinned against or wrapped around a rock (or log) by the current is a paddler’s worst nightmare. Lean downstream, grab the rock and get out of your kayak immediately. This is a very serious situation - yell out to the others in your group straight away.
Trees and Log Jams
Because of their frequently changing position in the river and ease with which they can trap you, trees and log jams are an insidious danger. Trees that drag their branches in the river can easily be spotted, and should be avoided like the plague. Logs carried down and jammed across the river by floods are less obvious and therefore more dangerous hazards. At worst they form a submerged mesh that lets water pass through but sieves out paddlers.
Stoppers
Stoppers are large waves, formed at the bottom of a drop, that break back on themselves. As the name suggests they can stop you from moving down river. Approach them at full speed and you should break through. If not, then paddle sideways to the edge of the stopper or, as a last resort, dive deep. The water under a stopper will carry you downstream.
Approaching Rapids
Never paddle down a rapid blind. If you can’t see all of a rapid before entering it, then get out of the river and scout it out thoroughly. This will give you the best chance of avoiding the hazards mentioned above. If you have any doubts about the safety of the rapid you should portage it.
General safety equipment
Wetsuit and helmets
We recommend wearing a wetsuit for all river sports: they keep you warm, buoyant and provide cushioning when bumping into rocks. Cheap ones can be bought secondhand. The armless and hoodless variety provide more flexibility for kayaking. A helmet should always be worn in case you hit your head on an underwater obstacle after capsizing.
Life jackets and bouyancy vests
Apart from keeping you floating the right way up, a well fitting life jacket is comfortable and provides some protection against bashing into rocks if you are swept down a rapid. You should attach a whistle to your life jacket.
Throwline
A 20 metre length of rope is often essential for hauling people out of eddies, stoppers and whirlpools. Polyproylene rope is best as it floats. Ready made throwlines can be bought from some specialist outdoor shops.
Posted under South Island |
Hanmer Springs is a stunning alpine village featuring a unique style of its own. It’s just a 90 minute scenic drive north of Christchurch.
The picturesque semi alpine village is surrounded by 17,000 ha of indigenous and exotic forests and makes it ideal for walks and wheelchair walks.
Getting there from Christchurch?
Got your own wheels? No? Rent a vehicle, and allow a little extra time to stop along the way.
Accommodation
Hanmer Springs accommodation includes comfortable bed and breakfasts, homestays, hotels and motels.
Things to do in and around Hanmer Springs
Unique to the South island, Hanmer Springs Alpine Thermal Village area lies at the base of the pristine Amuri Mountain range.
Stop at the Waimakariri River for a jetboat trip - turn off northern motorway to the right directly after the Waimakariri River Bridge, only 15 minutes from the city. Bookings are essential.
Continue north onto Kaiapoi and sail down the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers to the edge of the South Pacific Ocean onboard the MV Tuhoe, a fully restored historic ship. Bookings are essential, sailings on timetabled days or by charter.
Possible stops also at Amberley Cider Garden, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs vineyards as you continue north. Leave the Canterbury Plains behind and travel through Weka Pass from Waipara. For rail enthusiasts a visit to the Weka Pass Railway in Waipara is a must.
Arriving at Waikari, stop at the top of the hill opposite the Star & Garter Hotel and spend 1 1/2 hours viewing local Maori cave drawings, 45 minutes walk each way.
Another 12 kms towards Hanmer Springs lies the Historic Hurunui Hotel - worth a quick look. Travel across the Amuri Plains, an area that has recently developed with the arrival of agricultural irrigation.
At the main turn off to Hanmer Springs lies Thrillseekers Canyon where bungy jumping, jet boating and rafting are the main attractions with great cafe facilities and views for spectators. Bookings are not generally essential.
Once into the Hanmer Springs village a dip in the thermal pools is a must. The relaxing atmosphere in this recently redeveloped complex is charming amongst a landscape of rocks, trees and mountains.
Experience one of the many, many walkways in local exotic forestry or climb Conical Hill for a great view of Hanmer plains (half hour each way). Explore the historic Molesworth High Country Station on a four wheel drive safari.
If you are a golfer don’t forget to enjoy Hanmer Springs excellent 18 hole course. Call into the local Visitor information office for further activities which include horse trekking, mountain biking, fishing in the Waiau and Clarence Rivers or hunting for deer, chamois and wild pig in the nearby ranges.