This #traveltuesday on Insanity 103.2FM in 'Around the World in 80 Shows,' the spotlight was on the wonderful country of New Zealand.
Where to go:
New Zealand is probably one of the most naturally visually stunning places in the world and the Kiwis know how to show it off. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in this part of the world, visiting both the North and South Islands are a must. The North Island features beaches at the Bay of Islands and smelly mud baths in Rotorua while the South Island has skiing in Queenstown and some of the most stunning landscapes at Mount Cook and Wanaka. If you can, head to the most southern point of New Zealand, a place called Dunedin, in the Winter it is as cold as the arctic - it is the closest you can get to the Arctic without actually going there.
In the summer weather in New Zealand is warmer than the UK but in the winter it is colder, however, the weather is very similar to what we experience. Don't forget when you decide to travel that the seasons, as everything else in New Zealand, is back to front. So winter time runs from June-September and summer is over Christmas. Although there is always plenty to do in New Zealand whatever time of year you go.
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| Whales of Kaikoura |
Easiest way to get there:
- Obviously flying is the only way to New Zealand, and because it is at least a 24-hour flight away, it is going to be pricey. Depending on what time of year you go flights can be anywhere from £900 upwards. As it is such a long way you will have to do at least one stopover, either via Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong or LA which is why I would recommend making it part of another trip. I flew with Qantas which meant I also had to change in Sydney but it was much cheaper, other airlines that fly are Singapore Air, New Zealand Air, British Airways and Cathay Pacific
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| Yes, this is actually my photo |
- Auckland: City of Sail - hit up the shops and go up the sky tower and see the lights of the city
- Bay of Islands: head to the beaches of Pauanui in the warm sunshine and collect Pauna shells
- Rotorua: Find the mud baths and geysers
- Wellington: Dance the night away in the clubs of Wellington before getting the ferry over to the South Island from Picton
- Christchurch: observe the devastation left by the 2011 earthquake and pay your respects by shopping in the shipping crate shopping centre and put some money back into the Garden City to help it get back on its feet
- Kaikoura: visit the coast and take the chance to go whale watching, a once in a lifetime experience
- Queenstown: an amazing party town and high point for skiing in the winter, head up the cable car to catch a glimpse at the top of the city, don't forget to try a Fergburger, infamous in New Zealand for being the best burger.
- Wanaka: another great ski town, and while you are here be sure to head to Cinema Paradiso, an amazingly cute find of a cinema that is composed of many sofas and armchairs showing the latest films with homemade cookies served in the interval and pre-order your dinner for a lush lasagne
- Mount Cook: take in some amazing sights and go hiking if weather permits.
- Abel Tasman: National Park that looks like somewhere out of a picture book. Hike through the park or have fun on the water
- Franz Josef: explore the ice glacier while you still can!
- Hobbiton: well, duh!
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| Where could this be? |
Where to Stay:
- Depending on where you are going in New Zealand, but there is a chain of hostels in New Zealand called Nomads or Base which I would highly recommend, both are approx. £12-£13 per night for a bed in a dorm room and WIFI
- To see the Islands I would advise hopping on a Stray Bus or Kiwi Experience Bus, both of these companies run a service by which you purchase a specific journey pass with different stops at which you can hop on and hop off. Accommodation is not included but you can book hostels with the driver each night you want to stay.
Have a good week my loves!
Lots of Love, Kate xxx