While there are plenty of outdoor activities in and around Wanaka, if you feel like something completely unique, you should head over to Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World. Specialising in ‘puzzling eccentricity’, this museum is a head spin! From the moment you arrive in the car park, you’re greeted by lopsided buildings and monkey puzzle … [Read more...]
Which is Scarier – a Skydive or Bungee Jump?
When I decided I was going to take on my biggest fears in New Zealand, my two biggest concerns were bungee jumps and skydives. PROS AND CONS The thought of doing a skydive is scary because it’s such a great height to fall from. You’re freefalling for about one minute, which in everyday life might not seem like a long time, but when you’re … [Read more...]
A Scenic Flight Over Franz Josef Glacier
After my fantastic experience of hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, I'd had a taste of taking to the skies in my first ever helicopter ride and I really wanted to see more of the surrounding landscape. As part of the hike, you get to experience a 5-minute ride to and from the base of the glacier, but it's fairly short lived. The great thing about Fox … [Read more...]
Franz Josef Glacier Hike and Helicopter Ride
The Franz Josef Glacier hike is one of New Zealand's most unique experiences and, for me, provided a second chance. It was only eight months earlier that I'd been in Argentina visiting another glacier - Perito Moreno. Despite rave reviews from everyone I met who'd been hiking on it, I decided not to splash the cash and, instead, to observe the … [Read more...]
A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail
One of the toughest decisions most people face when they're planning a trip down the South Island of New Zealand is which coast line to follow. Arguably, the highlight of the west coast is the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, while on the east coast it's possible to swim with dolphins and whale watch in Kaikora or to stop by in Mt Cook village for … [Read more...]
Two Years After the Christchurch Earthquake
When I visited Christchurch, it had been over two years since the 2011 earthquake that destroyed large areas of the city and killed 185 people. Yet, when I stood in the central streets, it felt like the Christchurch earthquake might have happened yesterday. - - - - AFTERMATH OF THE CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE Everywhere … [Read more...]
Visiting the Seal Pup Nursery in Ohau
Sometimes travel plans don't work out. Sometimes that sucks. This is the story of how a failed attempt to fulfil a lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins led to an even more unique and moving wildlife encounter - an afternoon at a seal pup nursery in the woods. THE DOLPHIN DREAM I've travelled far and wide hoping to have the chance to swim … [Read more...]
Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest, and yet it receives the most visitors. When you rock up in the region, it's easy to see why. SCENERY AND WEATHER The views throughout Abel Tasman are absolutely gorgeous. The stretch of coastline on the north of the South Island has rolling hills and desolate beaches for miles on end. … [Read more...]
Learn to Fly a Stunt Plane in Abel Tasman
Note to reader: Don't miss the video at the end of this post. It documents the most ridiculous, fear-inducing and totally insane thing I've ever done! My trip to New Zealand was all about conquering my fears. As anyone who's ever had the misfortune of sitting next to me on a commercial jet will testify, my biggest fear is heights. I do not deal … [Read more...]
Flying High at Happy Valley Adventures
Nelson is located in the north of New Zealand's South Island. It's a stunning area that boasts some of the country's best weather, as well as its smallest yet most visited national park, Abel Tasman. There's plenty to see and do in the Nelson region, including kayaking, tramping, skydiving and, if you're feeling a little crazy, piloting your own … [Read more...]
