nztravelguide's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member nztravelguide on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/nztravelguide en-us Copyright ©2012 TravelPod.com Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:31:06 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com An introduction to the South Island - Part One — South Island, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1204699680/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1204699680/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1204699680/tpod.html Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:31:06 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
South Island, New Zealand

South Island Odyssey -   I have created below a complete "itinerary" for traveling the South Island as I know it. My wife and I (and our two cats, Chocolate and Sylvester) have traveled New Zealand 24/7-365 days a year now going on for five years in our 7 metre Hino converted bus/office gathering information for the travel magazine I write for and now for this website.............. I have over 10,000 photos some that I will place in upcoming additional info blogs as we go along. Below I have outlined the use of our holiday parks but in the future I will provide other information on B&B's, hotels/motels for those traveling by car. Be aware all the holiday parks are great value to everyone as they all have self-contained cabins and motel units and the ones I point out we have been to them to make sure their standards are of the highest..............best traveling value for money in the country.  Will also provide all the information required to know about the various activities, roads and everything required to "know" traveling New Zealand prior to coming here from the time you step off the plane until you leave................good cafes, wine experiences anything one may wish to enjoy..................... But to start lets take a trip around the South Island first.......................from entry via ferry from Wellington to departure at the Christchurch airport.       Wellington Ferry to Picton Boarding the ferry is very simple and straight forward. They are very professional so just go with the flow. Lots of comfortable seating. Crossing over on the ferry takes about 3 1/2 hours. Good idea to take a book along to read and perhaps a pillow to rest with. There is a movie onboard.  About a third of the trip is getting out the Wellington Harbour, another third crossing Cook Strait where if the weather is bad you will notice it. If you have a tendency for sea sickness good idea to get some pills for the trip. Since you have time if the weather is really horrible wait for a better crossing time. The reason I like Bluebridge is the fact they will let you cancel and re-book with no penalty for one thing. (www.bluebridge.co.nz ). The last third of the trip will be within the Marlborough Sounds one of the most beautiful places on earth. The ferry enters at the heads into Tory Channel and cruises into the Queen Charlotte Sound all the way to the small town of Picton. Hopefully you will have a pleasant crossing so you can enjoy the beauty of the trip. I will assume you leave the holiday park by 10am and head for Wellington using the boarding time of 1:00pm. This will provide you with ample time to get to the terminal and check in plus if you are at the Bluebridge terminal you are right down town in Wellington. You have time to take a walk along the waterfront all the way to the museum of Te Papa if you like and return or just walk over two blocks to the centre of town to look around.   After reaching and leaving the ferry at Picton go to the first roundabout and turn left. If it is late afternoon (4:30pm) I suggest you can go have a look downtown in this very small place, perhaps have a cuppa at LeCafe on the waterfront. If you feel like freedom camping on the waterfront on the backside by the "coathanger" bridge is a parking lot where you are welcome to park 24hours for $2.00. This is where we always stay when here. Right close in town also is the Picton Top Ten (www.pictontop10.co.nz ) and the Picton Motor Camp(www.pictoncampervanpark.co.nz ). Good place to stop is the Irish Pub. As you will notice there are a lot of Sounds related activities you can get involved in here so maybe you might want to stay another day? After all its leap year so you get an extra day! I have allowed the other day. Also you may wish to drive the 1/2 hour to the Marlborough Wine Country. If you do go to Blenheim and after getting into town on the left is the Information Centre on the left (plenty of room to park) where you can pick up a wine tour map. Go back to Rapaura Road turn left and enjoy. Return to Picton for the night.   Marlborough Sounds to Nelson Now we leave the Picton area and take the scenic drive through the Marlborough Sounds. Go back to the roundabout by the Bluebridge terminal but this time go straight through and over the hill overlooking the harbour. Good spot to get a photograph. From here the Queen Charlotte Drive twists and winds along through the Sounds until you move inland just above Linkwater. There is a great look out at Collins Point you can actually drive up to. Continue along the road now until it drops down to connect with route 6 at Havelock the mussel capital of New Zealand. A drive down through the marina lets you find the Slip Inn cafe. back onto route 6 and about 15 kms along is a place you have to stop and see. After Canvastown you come to Pelorus Bridge. Just before there on the right is the Totara Flats picnic area you can pull into. It is one of the most picturesque spots to stop. Also you an stop at Pelorous Bridge and walk over to the river to have a look under the one-way bridge. After th bridge the first dirt road on the right leads to the waterfalls. You can park just across the road from there or go on past and walk back. Don't try to drive down the dirt road. After Pelorous Bridge you pass through Rai Valley and up and through the mountains of the Mt. Richmond Forest on your way to the Nelson region. From Picton to Nelson will be about a 2 1/2 hour drive but with all the stops quite a bit more. Don't hurry....enjoy. Tonight you can stay at the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park (www.tahunabeach.co.nz ). There is a fabulous beach cafe close by. On the way to the park after driving through Nelson on the right at the roundabout off route 6 is the World of Wearable Art & Cars museum worth a stop.(www.wowcars.co.nz ).   Nelson to Golden Bay from Nelson we are heading to a place most tourists don't go to, (except trampers) and even less Kiwis, the Golden Bay region. One of our most loved spots. We spend Christmas period in this area for instance. From Nelson we leave route 6 turning northwest on route 60. It is 33kms to Motueka. On the way you might want to take a short detour to the harbour at Mapua for a look around at the galleries and cafes. Motueka is a good place to stock up and they even have a dump station in the New World parking lot at the back. After Motueka and Riwaka take the circle route to Kaiteriteri and Marahau on the edge of the Able Tasman National Park. If you have any desire to so sea kayaking this is where it is king. Now back to Route 60 and over the marble mountain. make sure your water is topped up. This is a real mountain.Stop at the lookout before plunging down the other side into Golden Bay. From the base of the mountain to the town of Takaka is 22kms. A fabulous little town that is the main centre of Golden Bay. I suggest you stay the night at the Pohara Beach Top Ten (www.holidayparks.co.nz/pohara ) right on Golden Bay with its beautiful beach out of Takaka a few kms. Spend at least two days here so you can visit the area and what it has to offer such as the Pupu Springs, Collingwood, Port Puponga and perhaps a ride out the Farewell Spit. If you like to explore you will enjoy going from Seaford south to the Paturau River. I think you can go further but we never have. You can stay the night out there if you wish by the beach.   Golden Bay to Nelson Lakes - So after several days in Golden Bay lets move on back out and head south. Over the mountain and to Motueka where we will go south on the Motueka Valley Highway meeting up with Route 6 at Kohatu but continuing south on the Motueka Valley Road (it goes along a small distance with rout 6) to Golden Downs continuing south on the Kerr Hill Road all the way to Route 63 and then St Anaud on Lake Rotoiti. (http://www.starnaud.co.nz/ ). and stay at the DOC camp on the lake. (no facilities). I have stopped with this as a blog but now put everything on the Travelpod New Zealand forum...............stop by there and check it out.  
]]> Duntroon - Home to Shark-toothed Dolphin — Duntroon, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185422160/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185422160/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185422160/tpod.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:28:50 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Duntroon, New Zealand

"What is that?" I asked. "Would you believe it is a shark-toothed dolphin?" he answered. We were in the middle of South Island farmland 400 metres above sea level miles from the ocean. Millions of years ago the cataclysmic geological past of New Zealand provided us with some of the most unique and fantastic natural wonders on earth. The sea deposited layers of marine sand and mud seventy million years ago in what is now the Waitaki Valley region when it was under hundreds of metres of water. As time evolved volcanoes created deposits and then eroded. Limestone formed in the shallow seas of 25 million years ago. Fish, penguins, dolphins and whales, that were the local inhabitants, died and their remains came to rest in the sand and mud. The most exciting geological wonders on earth have been uncovered in the Waitaki Valley north of Oamaru. A very dedicated group of local residents in partnership with the University of Otago have created a Fossil Trail that everyone can follow and actually experience all in close walking distance from your vehicle. The world-renowned discoveries by the Department of Geology are on display at the Vanished World display in Duntroon. Through the efforts of dedicated and hard working local volunteers the opportunity to get an up close and personal look is available. Many of the people involved own the farms where the fossils have been unearthed and can give you a very personal story about the activities in the area. All of them are extremely well versed in all phases of the fossils and the time line involved. So let's begin our adventure through time. First I suggest you go to the Vanished World building in Duntroon to see the displays have a talk to the people in charge and then take the trail as provided. It is a self-guided drive but the major sites have on-site signposts with information relative to where you are and what you can see. Thereis a map provided at Vanished World but it does not provide good instructions or directions on the roads to take so I will lay it all out now in order to make it easier for you to find the best way to experience everything. First if you are coming south on route 83 after touring the Mckenzie Country eighteen kilometres south of Kurow you will come to Duntroon. If you are driving south on Route One there are two turn-offs. Thirty-eight kilometres south of Timaru past the town of Makikihi turn west on route 82 to take a back country tour so as to have the opportunityto visit Waimate the Wallaby and Strawberry Capital. Great place to stay there or even just to visit to see the wallabies at the Kelcys Bush Farmyard Holiday Park (www.kiwicamps.com). The road continues south to the Waitaki River then turns north to cross the river at Kurow. Great spot to freedom camp on the south side of the river by the way. Then turn east until you reach the town of Duntroon. Another way to get there is to either continue on Route One from the north and turn west on route 83 at Pukeuri or from the south on Route One take the same turn-off nine kilometres north of Oamaru. After your visit to the Vanished World display the trip through the area begins first with a visit four kilometres north of Duntroon on Route 83 to limestone cliffs where early Maori cave drawings were discovered and are still evident on the cliff walls. At the north end of Duntroon turn on to Earthquakes Road, located behind the Oamaru stone church, where the journey through time begins. The road is sealed at the beginning but soon becomes gravel. The roads are well maintained throughout the twists and turns of the entire backcountry region and are easy driving. From here on the entire area is a fascinating world of strange geological formations. It is three kilometres to the first information sign and parking spot for the Earthquakes area so named because it was once thought the large house size boulders must have been dislodged by earthquakes but in reality were split away when the land that actually slumped thousands of years ago. Fossils are quite visible in the limestone where rare whalebones are signs it was once an ancient sea. Continue along Earthquakes Road, cross the bridge (six kilometres); turn left on to the tar-sealed Livingston-Duntroon Road then turn right to the next and most fascinating area in the entire journey - Elephant Rocks. A stroll is a must through these giant limestone rocks sculpted by eons of erosion where this valley full of remarkable visuals cannot be experienced anywhere else in this abundance. It is a kilometre along the road from Elephant Rocks to the sign posted Anatini area. Within a short walk you will find baleen whale fossils exposed that were originally buried at the bottom of the sea in waters 100 metres deep somewhere around 25 million years ago. A recent event of note was this is the valley where filming of the great battle scene in the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia" took place. Three kilometres along you will be driving along the Awamoko Stream that has formed the "Valley of the Whales". The limestone along this stretch contains many shells plus the remnants of dolphins and rare whales. At the next road junction (2 kms) a turn to the right will head you toward Dansey's Pass Road. On this route you will discover three varieties of rock formations. First, on Pryde's Gully Road, you encounter the remains of an old quarry of "Waitaki Stone" different than the well-known "Oamaru Stone". Forty million years ago molten basalt thrust into the mud of the seafloor and today forms the spectacular columns on Dip Hill Road. At this point in your trip it is a good time to continue on to the Dansey's Pass Holiday Park one of the most tranquil and beautiful settings in all of New Zealand. The owner, Neil Thorpe, can regale you for hours, in his Scottish brogue, about the geology of the area. A real experience is to walk along the Maerewhenua River on the edge of the camp and see first hand the quartz rich Otago schist outcroppings in the riverbed formed over 150 million years ago. Many a gold miner in the early days found it was indeed gold bearing schist. No doubt the lucky can still find gold not to mention perhaps a trout or two that calls the large river pool home. Now lets back track to where we turned off on to Dansey's Pass Road and head toward Ngapara a town that once was a thriving community. An old mill of local limestone dominates as you pass through. Six hundred meters to the southeast coal and quartz gravels formed about 55 millions years ago are visible. Sixteen kilometres you will come to the small town of Enfield and enter the Waiareka Valley as you come to Weston the home of Oamaru stone. Turn right then jog left and you are on the road to Oamaru. While in Oamaru be sure to take the time to see one of the most spectacular wildlife events to be experienced. After a day in the fossil fields head out to the Blue Penguin colony where just after dark you will enjoy the return of the blue penguin adults from a day's fishing. How's this for a lifestyle? They leave before daylight and swim 25 kilometers out to sea where they may dive over 1000 times to a depth of 100 metres to feed. These 30cm little birds then swim back to land, climb a steep bank, and scurry to their demanding chicks for the nightly food feast. A not to be missed occasion. While at the Blue Penguin Colony take a cliff side trek along Graves Track, a short distance, where what is known as pillow lava occurs. It is the result of masses of molten lava ************ the sea bottom. You probably will get to see Boris the resident fur seal while there. After Oamaru turn left on the edge of town and drive along the coast road taking a left through Kakanui about ten minutes away. This side road leads to a beach and an area where 34 million years ago dark crystal laden mineral breccia erupted from deep in the earth. Makes a very interesting shoreline that is easily investigated. Thus we have taken the opportunity to visit an area few ever see with the exception of international geologists who arrive regularly to pick away at new discoveries. It is almost an unexplored world by the normal traveler. If you enjoy the thought of seeing life preserved in limestone, as it was 25 million years ago, plus driving through dramatic countryside off the beaten track try this one. It is an easy drive and one with a lot of special reasons to experience. Just imagine............a shark-toothed dolphin in the world of Narnia. Duntroon Vanished World Information: Summer hours - Open 7 days 10 am -4pm (October - April inclusive). Winter - 11am -3pm, weekends. State Highway 83 Duntroon P O Box 8 Waitaki Valley Phone: (03) 431 2024 Fax: (03) 431 2064 Email: info@vanishedworld.co.nzwebsite: www.vanishedworld.co.nz
]]> Mackenzie Country — Tekapo, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185326700/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185326700/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185326700/tpod.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:10:29 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Tekapo, New Zealand

Where I stayed
Huxley Lodge
(Lake Tekapo hotels)


The Mackenzie Country   The overwhelming beauty of the Mackenzie Country is spectacular. Stark and barren the brown rolling hills with their undulating creases and folds change in shadowy designs as the land goes on and on before you disappearing into the high misty mountain peaks in the far distance. Climbing into the region from the east on Route Eight out of Timaru or passing through the picturesque town of Geraldine via Route 79 offers the traveler opportunities to discover several very interesting places along the way. Driving via Geraldine a stop at the Berry Complex is a must for a coffee at the EasyWay Café and also some of Barker's "just-too-good" Wild Berry jams.   The winding road that climbs through verdant green valleys toward the high country doesn't hint at what to expect the first time you travel this way. One place of discovery is at the turn off to the Farm Barn Café, Mt. Michael, on the right just before Fairlie.  Follow the dirt road for a few kilometres and you will find before you Opuha Lake. It's not even on some of our maps. We have stayed the night there on several occasions. Just past the Farm Barn on Route 79 there is a pull off where you can see the change from green rolling fields and valleys filled with sheep and deer to the mountains of the high country. Route 8 from the south via Timaru takes you through the small town of Pleasant Point. One of our favourite places to spend the night is not too far out of town. Take Halstead Road to the right out of Pleasant Point to where it crosses the Opihi River. On the right is a small parking area called Hanging Rock. Real good chance to catch a trout on this river plus at twilight the small New Zealand brown bat that makes its home here can be observed. Another hidden treat you pass along the way is the small boutique Opihi Winery and Restaurant. Both of these routes meld together in the town of Fairlie. The Old Library Café is worth a stop just at the east edge of Fairlie as you enter town. From Fairlie it is 43 kilometers to the heart of the high country and your first sighting of the milky blue glacial lakes. You will pass through the two small communities of Kimbell and Burke's Pass worthy of a stop to visit their galleries. From Burke's Pass you pass between the Two Thumb and Rollesby mountain ranges. If you are lucky enough to be in the high country during spring the roads are lined and the ground is covered with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours thanks to the mountain lupin. Almost impossible not to stop for a closer look. It is one of our most enjoyable routes of our South Island travels. Caught up in the colour and the intense scenery you will come around a bend and all of a sudden before you is the vast expanse of smoky blue glacial waters named Lake Tekapo.  At the head of the Tekapo River Valley it is the beginning of the Tekapo Canal system that cuts across to Lake Pukaki and becomes the Pukaki Canal and the Ohau Canal that links up to Lake Ruataniwha and Lake Ohah further west along this route.  The scene from Lake Tekapo, the country's highest lake at 710m, is one of the most stunning in the world. Lake Tekapo in the foreground and the Mount Cook National Park with Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and neighboring mountain ranges of the southern Alps dominating the entire scenery before you. Awe-inspiring are the words created just for these startling locations. The best place to stay is at the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park right on the lake in the middle of all of it. A great base to use. Check out their website at www.ronlaughlin.net/tekapo.html . Popular visitor attractions on the lake are the stone Church of the Good Shepherd and right beside it is the bronze statue of a sheepdog dedicated to New Zealand's hard working sheep dogs. The lakes and canals provide excellent fishing in the region and a real bonus with two salmon farms. The High Country Salmon Farm is 3km south of Twizal on SH8 and Mount Cook Salmon is on the Tekapo canal. Guided tours are available plus fresh or smoked Chinook salmon are for sale. These are great places to try your luck at catching a salmon yourself in the canal by the farms. The drive along the Tekapo Canal is a must when cruising through the area. A special treat, found in only a few special places on earth due to air clarity, is the tour at the Mount Johnson observatory on the southwest corner of Lake Tekapo on Godley Peaks Road. Visitors are welcome to drive to the top of Mount John where the views are beyond comprehension, $20 for a day tour and $48 for a night star gazing tour at the observatory. Another exciting 2-hour trip available is a visit to the Pelennor Battlefield from the movie Lord of the Rings. Price is $65, information at the Twizal Information Centre. The 55 km drive in the high country on Route # 80 along Lake Punakaki takes you to the Hermitage and the closest you can get by vehicle to Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain at 3754 metres. If you want to get up front and personal with the Tasman Glacier the Glacier Explorers of Mt Cook provide a ½ hour walk to the terminal lake of the Glacier and then take you by boat to the very ice face of the Tasman Glacier. Summer only at $105 per adult, children 4-14 is $50 under 4 is free. For those of you who enjoy walks Mount Cook provides anything from a 10 minute to an hour return along with those of you with more experience and energy a chance to go heavy duty tramping or world-class mountain climbing. Agood place to park your campervan in the region is the Huxley Lodge at $6 per night located up the Hopkins Valley at the head of Lake Ohau about a 40-minute drive. Another large park is the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park off SH8 south of Twizal. You will find over fifty acres of beautiful high country and a well appointed camp for the traveler to stay. Omarama,a small crossroads community, the glider capital of the world, has an unusual  find. The Totara Flats Gallery provides a free display of many of the costumes and props from the Xena TVshow.  Outside of town on SH#1 also to be seen is the Clay Cliffs and further past them is a wonderful isolated DOC camp high in the hills to stay the night. Thisis fantastic trout fishing country with the Ahururi River being named one of the top ten in the world. The circle drive to the high country begins or ends back on Route #One north of Oamaru by taking Route #83 from Omarama or you may be on Route #8 out of the Cromwell region. One of the truly great drives in the South Island is through the Lindis Pass between Cromwell and Omarama where you will be stunned by the stark beauty of the red tussock covered hills of the region that is a nature lover's dreamscape. One of the truly fabulous trips of New Zealand to experience is the Mackenzie Country with its golden brown hills; turquoise blue glacial lakes, waving tussock grass and a rainbow coloured lupin world. You will discover kilometers of easy driving roads where traffic is quietly scarce and the sky seems to be always a clear blue during the idyllic summer days. A not to be missed route when visiting the South Island the Mackenzie Country will be one of the highlights of your visit.        
]]> Timaru south of Christchurch on Route One — Timaru, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185324120/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185324120/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185324120/tpod.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:29:50 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Timaru, New Zealand

(Timaru hotels)


Timaru - From Winchester after turning right after leaving Geraldine on the left is a polo grounds where one may hit the right day to have a watch. In Temuku 7km down the road a person might just want to stop at the small shop on the left for a fresh fruit sundae. A New World Market is just ahead if you need supplies. Outside of Temuku on the Opihi River is a good place to park. As you travel around New Zealand most big rivers all have a place to pull over and stop beside. Kiwis are great outdoors people and get out there when ever they can. Most rivers have that access for them. Though you will notice, due to the lack of population, it is never crowded. A very important part of Kiwi life is rugby (more a religion),racing and beer. There seems to be a race track at most places and here at the home of one of the most well known racing horses of all times. Phar Lap, is no exception in Timaru. For the golfers there also is no lack of golf clubs in the country. There were plans to point them out as one went along but there is so many they would be mentioned them every turn it seems. One will see the signs. Now about Timaru. A friendly place to stop. Turn left to Caroline Bay at Te Weka Street and have a walk around. One of the nicest places on the island created for the people of Timaru and visitors. There is a place to park overnight just for camper vans. Turn left to the Port at Sefton Street. One will see the parking area for vans and buses. A person can also go to the main Marina just past this turnoff to buy fresh fish. Good town to get supplies and any work required. Continue on into town to City Centre on Sophia Street. One can park if you go down Strathallan Street to where the train/bus station is in metered parking. A few blocks away on Elizabeth Street by the church is the Red Rocket cafe for good food and coffee. The place recommended to stay while in this area is the Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park. Check out their website at: www.ronlaughlin.net/timarutop10.html.
]]> south from Christchurch to Geraldine — Geraldine, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323760/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323760/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323760/tpod.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:20:58 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Geraldine, New Zealand

Rakaia/Rangitata Region/Asburton - Cruising on south an hour's drive from Christchurch is the Ashburton District. You have two highway choices staying on Route One or the scenic inland Route 72. Lake Hood is but five minutes from Ashburton where the annual Aquafest is held each February. Wheels Week every May is a celebration to the heritage attractions in the area such as the Vintage Car Museum Aviation Museum and the Historical Village. Rakaia is known for its world class salmon fishing on the Rakaia River. From November to March people from all over enjoy positive results. If you are there in February maybe you can join in the annual Rakaia Fishing Competition. From The Rakaia River it is 28 kms to Ashburton. A very large Alpaca Farm is just on the right after the Rakaia River. Alpaca farming has become quite prevalent in New Zealand as you will note along many of the routes you are on. Haven't checked but this farm seems to be the largest. Speaking of farming by now the traveler must have taken notice of the amount of sheep in the fields. New Zealand has 40 million ewes and an annual lamb count of 123%. That's a lot of sheep. Ashburton celebrates a fine wine and food festival called the Wooly Munchie in January in celebration of one of New Zealand's finest productions. In the Ashburton area the place recommended to stay is the Coronation Holiday Park, 780 East Street, Ashburton. 87 kilometres south of Christchurch. Check out their website at www.ronlaughlin/coronation.html. The best place to stop in Ashburton for coffee and a meal is the 'Lunch' cafe off the main street at 160 Burnett Street. Will match any cafe in any city for its ambience, staff, fine food and coffee. (Ask Jessica about the lemon meringue pie). We must give Lunch one of the top ratings in the South Island overall. The town also has a beautiful Domain on the road to Timaru where one can stop for a break in the peaceful setting. Fifteen kms south of Ashburton is theturn off to one of the favourite towns in the South Island - Geraldine. Geraldine - Cross the Rangitata River and turn right on Route 79 to get to the town of Geraldine. Not too far after the turnoff on the right is the Tin Shed dealing in New Zealand wool products. For an adventure one might want to go to Peel Forest just beyond where the "Lord of the Rings" Middle Earth was filmed.(four wheel drives available out of Geraldine). The river also has a worldwide reputation for salmon fishing. Geraldine itself can boast many artists, craftsmen and wonderful shops. Be sure to visit one of New Zealand's top artists, Peter Jean Caley. The Maori paintings on display are museum class recently having showed in Dubai and in the USA. In fact in 2006 the $6 million exhibit, now on display in Geraldine, was touring the USA for six months. A small shopping centre, Berry Barn Complex, of artists is at the south end of town just before you get to the Holiday Park right in town. This community is a wonderful place to hang out for the day. Make sure to have a meal or a coffee or both at the EasyWay cafe. One of the top eateries in the South Island. Usually have music on Friday nights. Leaving Geraldine west on Route 79 it is now time to explore one of the most dramatic areas of scenery, that will take the breath away, the Mackenzie Country. Depending on the time of day stop by the Farm Barn along the way for a bite to eat. The road you turn into to get to the Farm Barn goes on to a wonderful small lake created by the dammed up Opuha River not even on maps. Lots of space and frequented by the locals. It is about a two-hour drive to Lake Tekapo from here. If you choose to continue south instead of the Mackenzie Country from Geraldine take the road south to Winchester on Route One instead of Route 79 and continue on. It is 7ms to Temuku and 36kms to Timaru. to the Mackenzie Country (Fairlie) - Leaving Geraldine west on Route 79 it is now time to explore one of the most dramatic areas of scenery, that will take your breath away, the Mackenzie Country. Depending on the time of day we enjoy stopping by the Farm Barn along the way for a bite to eat. The road to turn into to get to the Farm Barn goes on to a wonderful small lake created by the dammed up Opuha River not even on maps. Lots of space and frequented by the locals. It is about a two-hour drive to Lake Tekapo from here. The best spot to use as your base in the Mackenzie Country is right on Lake Tekapo at the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park. A fantastic natural setting. Check out their website at: www.ronlaughlin.net/tekapo.html. The drive to Mckenzie Country on Route 79 takes you through the community of Fairlie. The Old Library Cafe provides top quality food and coffee. They have done an excellent job in the decor and the service is friendly and inviting. If you choose to continue south to US#One instead from Geraldine take the road south to Winchester instead of Route 79 and continue from there. It is 7ms to Temuku and 36kms to Timaru.
]]> Akaroa — Akaroa, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323220/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323220/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185323220/tpod.html Mon, 30 Jul 2007 01:50:22 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Akaroa, New Zealand

Akaroa - a Little Bit of France in NZ From Christchurch take Route 75 (easy to find and negotiate from the city) to the Banks Peninsula and the town of Akaroa, New Zealand's only French settlement, settled in 1840. it is a small quaint French influenced village 85 km (1 1/2 hour drive) southeast of Christchurch. The drive is spectacular. Lake Ellesmere is on the right seemingly covered with hundreds of waterfowl and probably the largest concentration of Black Swan anywhere. Good picnic spot to stop and get close. The traveler might want to stop at the Little River Cafe about half way along the way or stop in Barry's Bay for their excellent cheese. From Cooptown just past Little River you will find the little hills have turned to big hills (to a flatlander they may be mountains) and a continual climb. The next seven kilometres will be winding and heading toward the top. Stopping at the crest there is the Hilltop pub and a pullover with plenty of area. Then what goes up must come down so the next 7 kms is just that. One will see a lot of side roads to the various bays most of which are not recommended for buses and camper vans. Several camping grounds along the route. Slow down or even stop to have a look at the historic Hotel Pecheurs in Duvauchelle ten kilometers out from Akaroa. When the traveler gets to Akaroa the two hour Akaroa Historic Walk will give one a real feel for the place. Plenty of good cafes and shops in the downtown area. Definitely have a look at the artistic jade work of Graeme Wylie at Naturally Jade. Akaroa has become the place where they do paua (abalone) farming and commercially create a beautiful blue pearl. Look at what Graeme does with the pearl and jade as a combo. The visitor the opportunity to see the rare Hector's dolphin on a boat trip out of Akaroa. Camping grounds locally and one can park for the day at Dalys Wharf on the right as one enters the main section of town. After Akaroa head south and remember to allow time for the return trip to Christchurch and/or the drive south. Take the Taitapu/Lincoln Road to Route One other than having to go back through the city. The flat straight road goes through one of New Zealand's top University locations - Lincoln University. Just 15 kilometres through Springston and the road reaches Route One. Turn south. Just before reaching Route One on the left is the turn off to Giessen Winery one of New Zealand's finest. It is 56 kms now to Ashburton on a major flat and straight highway. Mountains dominate the skyline to the West and the surrounding area is almost entirely farm land. The very, very wide glacial fed Raikai River is coming up. Of interest to fishermen it is supposed to be full of salmon at the right times of year.
]]> Christchurch — Christchurch, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322740/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322740/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322740/tpod.html Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:43:17 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch New Zealand's oldest and second largest city has a lot to offer the visitor. Accommodation at all levels, a casino to try the luck, the finest in cafes, restaurants, and plenty of retail therapy. Walk along the Avon River or perhaps a boat ride. Take the tram to orient onesself to the city and what it has to offer. It is the place to find top quality ballooning, a vertical thrill ride called Slingshot at 15 The New Brighton Mall or maybe for those less interested in adrenaline rushes the Christchurch museums are spectacular. Make sure to visit the Arts Centre of Christchurch for sure and the Botanic Gardens. Maybe a Canterbury Brewery Museum Tour. Booking essential. Located at 36 St Asaph Street. Email Victoria Carling at: victoria.carling@lion-nathan.co.nz. Christchurch is the staging area for the Antarctic. One can experience the area by visiting one of the premier New Zealand attractions the International Antarctic Centre located by the Airport. The number one Antarctic attraction in the world. Only a few minutes from the Christchurch airport. Lots and lots to do if cruising a city is the visitors thing. There are over 748 parks in the Garden City. One can park a camper van downtown at the city car park on Tuam Street for the day. From there the rest is all walking distance. If hot or spicy condiments are your thing the best shop in the South Island is a block away as you go into town on Manchester Street, AJI Spice Shop. Check it out! Grab a ride on the Tramway for an inner city tour. From here the visitor can determine where all the places are one wishes to visit. In reality the inner city is small and easy to negotiate. Start off in Cathedral Square in the heart of it all. Over 50 stalls to visit in the Square along with the Cathedral. The Canterbury Museum covering New Zealand history is a great visit. The Arts Centre has over 40 studios, galleries and workshops plus in the summer months there are over 80 stalls over the weekend. The new $47.5 million Christchurch Art Gallery is a real showcase not to miss. A few restaurants that stand out are the Dux de Lux on Hereford & Montreal. They have an on site brewery producing seven multi-award beers in addition to top quality seafood and vegetarian cuisine. The Coyote at 126 Oxford Terrace dishes out top Kiwi cuisine with a Sante Fe twist. Winnie Bagos has the vote for the best gourmet pizza. Out of town a bit is the Willow Bank at 60 Hussey Road where one can enjoy an evening buffet featuring a traditional Maori hangi. If one is traveling around the Christchurch suburbs it is recommended a trip out Route 74 (off Route One east) toFerrymead and on to Sumner as a very interesting area. A large body of water, the estuary of the Avon River, lies north of the road. Have a stop to say hi to Brian at the EastCoast Wine Bar/Café tucked in along the estuary. Supreme coffee served. Also a sailboard school is a part of the same complex. Either join in or watch their progress over a cuppa. For the traveler we recommend the best place in the area to stay overnight is the North South Holiday Park, 530 Sawyers Arms Road at the circle of Route Only minutes from the airport. Top facility that makes it easy to stay in the area and get everywhere easily. They provide lots of different accommodation for all travelers. After leaving the Christchurch area the next travel is to the east to Banks Penisula and the town of Akaroa.
]]> Kaikoura to Christchuch — Christchurch, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322380/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322380/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185322380/tpod.html Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:39:57 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Christchurch, New Zealand

Kaikoura to Christchurch Leaving Kaikoura south on Route One after having stopped at the Kaikoura Winery on the hill the traveler will certainly enjoy the next few kilometres as one skirts the sea on a curving route carved from the hills along the steep sides. A glance over the edge will reveal a jumble of rock strewn along the ocean and several volcanic sand beaches. A lot of local divers stop in this area to swim out to hunt for the local lobster with high success rates. One of the most scenic ocean drives on the east Coast reminiscent of the drive along the upper West Coast south of Westport. It is a spectacular drive with quite a few places to pull over and take photos or stop for a break. At the Kowhai River both sides there are good parking areas an especially large one on the south side with another one not too far along also on the ocean side. Take extreme care not to leave any trash. Kaikoura is working hard to be the top clean green image and it behooves us all to be there in that respect. That is important everywhere really. In New Zealand a traveler can still pull off the road hundreds of places to stay the night but we are rapidly losing this privilege due to thoughtless visitors staying overnight in vehicles without any facilities (such as vans) and leaving their wastes behind. Not happy about finding toilet paper in the bush. We used to be able to drink straight from the streams and now it is impossible. If you rent a vehicle that is not self-contained stay in the parks where there are facilities. Don't **** in the woods or the streams or anywhere outside! A few kilometres south of Kaikoura is a small airport with flights for whale watching and also a Holiday Park next door.. Another great place to freedom park is on the left before the Kahutara River. Also about 12 kilometres along there are several fabulous coastal camping sites. Go along to check in at Goose Bay just down the road a few kilometres on the right. After this coastal area the road turns inland away from the ocean and into the hills at Oaro.(six kilometres from Goose Bay) and up the twisting, turning hills. A few kilometres the chance to take a 4 wheel adventure at Glenstrae Farm if so inclined. Soon a sign announcing arrival into the Hurinui District and some real sharp downhill curves to contend with. There are plenty of passing lanes available though so be courteous and get the cars and trucks off your back bumper. It's good for everyone. There are picnic spots and rest area at the bottom of the first hill. Fifteen kilometres from the initial climb from the ocean is the turnoff to Conway Flat and worth the five kilometre drive down the road to the ocean. A person won't believe the trees. It is a great spot off the beaten path. Also right on the left after crossing the bridge is a gravel drive that cuts back under the bridge and provides a real nice parking spot. We have noticed the train coming through at night though. By now the road has reached the valley floor and most of the hills have been conquered this direction for awhile. It must be cold in this location in the winter with names such as Siberia Stream and Chilly Stream marking the local creeks. The road now enters North Canterbury at this point and it really starts to flatten out. The long flat roads give a break from the hill crunching just completed. The Leader Road turns west here towards Hanmer Springs and the Lewis Pass to the West Coast. This is the road recommended to Hanmer. It casually winds through the countryside without a great deal of effort and is more like following a farmer's paddock lane. It is a good road with hardly any traffic and a shorter route to Hanmer than the one north of here most people take. Right past Leader Road is the town of Parnassus where travelers are offered a free cup of coffee before continuing along Route One south. The next place one can stop is at the Waiau River where a parking area has been created on the south side of the river. On the north on the right is a old historic bridge where also they have provided a good parking spot. From January to March the salmon run this river and interrupt the local brown trout. On south the next place of interest is the small town of Cheviot. Try to make the run through here so one can take the road to the left to Gore Bay a surfers hangout and a great place to camp next to the ocean with toilet and shower and electric available cheap. It is about 8kms to the spot. From here on south the road passes through large expanses of manicured farms bursting with sheep and cattle and the few deer farms. All of a sudden you enter Waipara Valley and the home of many of New Zealand's top wineries and well worth a stop at a couple to sample the award winning wines. The next stop is in the town of Amberley and the Nor'wester Café an absolutely fabulous food and coffee cafe. For a place to stay overnight take the road left to Amberley Beach where they have made available a very large area for campers to stay overnight providing toilets and limited electricity. Just for self-contained vehicles only. Our next stop going south is Pukeko Junction a few kilometres south of Amberley. In the complex is one of the best wine shops and galleries in the country. If one wants to buy some of the local Waipara wines this is where the visitor can find most of them in one spot. Kevin, the owner, is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in selecting the right wines for your taste. From here on Route One is to the city of Christchurch and out to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula once a French settlement and now demonstrating the historical influence in the names and buildings. It is definitely worth the drive to see and experience. Both Christchurch and Akaroa are covered independently beyond this.
]]> An Interview with the Mayor of Kaikoura — Kaikoura, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321960/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321960/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321960/tpod.html Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:34:51 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Kaikoura, New Zealand

Freedom Camping Kaikoura - Mayor Heays As a person travels with a camper van throughout New Zealand one of the major concerns is: Are they welcome to freedom camp in the region they find themselves in? Visiting Kaikoura we went out of our way to obtain an appointment to interview Mayor Kevin Heays in order to judge what the attitude is toward freedom loving vagabonds on wheels in this area. Without any drama we were ushered into the Mayor's office to be greeted with a hearty hand shake and a genuine natural smile. A very relaxed individual demonstrating the ability to keep on top of situations that may crop up in the area with ease and conviction and understanding. One could easily see meeting at the pub after working hours and sharing quality time together. Kevin has been in Kaikoura for over 23 years as a teacher, council member, pub owner and now Mayor. (Kevin's personal website is at www.kevinheays.co.nz) So without a moment's hesitation the question I went for the jugular. "So Kevin is the Mayor and the Council camper van friendly? Are we gypsies of the road welcome in Kaikoura? " was asked. Without a moment's hesitation Kevin answered in the affirmative. "Not only is Kaikoura pleased to have camping visitors here but the town has gone out of the way to make people welcome. There has just been months of aggressive discussion on what can be done to provide what is required when visiting the region relative to freedom camping," Kevin responded. Kevin went on to explain as follows: Needless to say because of the impact of over one million tourists visiting Kaikoura each year they have had problems. Kevin was quick to add problems are not created by the self-contained units. It is the visitors in vehicles with no facilities and in conversation with other councils the problem is identical. Camping is not allowed if the vehicle is not self-contained. They have many fine Holiday Parks to go to in Kaikoura. So, for the first time anywhere in the country the Kaikoura Council, working together with DoC, Transit and the local Iwi, all who have local land being used by the traveling tourist, have hammered out a policy agreeable to everyone involved. This is the first one in New Zealand that is an enforceable law and is looked at as a possible standard. Only time will tell but this first summer has indicated it is working. You can access the Kaikoura Council website for more information: (www.kaikoura.govt.nz). Kaikoura has also increased the number of toilets in the area to take the pressure off of places most frequented by freedom camping. What they are saying is to those of you with self-contained units you are free to park overnight almost anywhere they have adequate parking except directly in town or near commercial holiday parks. Show them respect and they will reciprocate. Kaikoura has created a very large Park area with toilets at South Beach where they have had as many as thirty camper vans (with prior permission) overnight as a group. The area is locked every night. The Trotter's Club at South Beach also has made an agreement with the NZMCA and have set aside an area for club members only to utilise. Besides the community and Council working toward a more positive relationship with visiting camper vanners they are head and shoulders above most communities in the world in their approach to the environment. Kaikoura is quite unique in its forward thinking programs in relationship to the problems faced in our environmental impact. Kaikoura is the first local authority in the world to achieve Green Globe certification, an international tourism standard created in 1992 by the United Nations Earth Summit. (website- www.greenglobe.org) The Kaikoura region also has a zero waste community policy. It behooves all out here in vans and buses to be a part of Kaikoura's advanced thinking and positive responses and carry that thought and action as we travel New Zealand. The traveler must set their own zero problem policy in order to protect the right to enjoy a natural New Zealand. By the way if one gets a chance to meet Mayor Kevin Speays be sure to say hello. Kevin's one of the good guys!
]]> Kaikoura Secrets — Kaikoura, New Zealand http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321600/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321600/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nztravelguide/nz_travel_guide/1185321600/tpod.html Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:23:33 +0000 So you want to travel New Zealand? Come along with me on my adventures on the road throughout this fabulous scenic wonderland. Stop by the New Zealand forum here for up-to-date information..........
Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura - A Local Tells Their Secrets How many times has a traveler visited an area and really taken the opportunity to gab with one of the locals for an insight as to what the place is all about? One may be extremely lucky to be directed to Maurice Manawatu who owns and runs the Maori Tours with wife Heather. Maurice has roots in the area back to great-great-great grandfather. Maurice is a very personable person and after a few minutes one just sits and listen to the tales. One has a feeling of being with someone who truly enjoys sharing time with people. "So, Maurice," asked after sitting spell-bound for quite a length of time, "How about sharing some of the secrets of Kaikoura?" With a wide grin and a sparkle in the eyes Maurice responded laughing, "Mean where can a person get a feed of paua and crayfish in knee deep water? Can't do that or would get run out of town." "How about a story or two about a past resident or a special place the locals know about that isn't common knowledge." Here is what was told and will pass it on so the traveler will have something special to think about when visiting Kaikoura: The story of Barney's Rock - It seems a fellow by the name of Barney Riley opened a whaling station back in the 1800's. Now Barney, it seems, enjoyed a drink or two or three and the missus wasn't easy to live with when Barney had one too many so Barney would get in the row boat and head out to a certain rock where Barney would curl up for the night and sleep returning the next morning to work. Must have been some numbing booze. Locals still think of Barney when they see the rock. The Ole' Swimmin" Hole - North of Kaikoura off St Hgwy 1, after turning away from the coast for a few kilometres, is a place known as Stagin's Spay where the river widens into a very large swimming hole only the locals frequent. If one get in good with a Kaikoura local they might be given an invite to enjoy this hidden swimmin' hole. Ohau Point Waterfall - North of town is a signposted ten minute walk to a tremendous waterfall. What is not known is, in season, mama seals take their pups there. Can one imagine seeing a pool full of seal pups under a waterfall? July, August best. The Hutton Shearwater - There are only two nesting colonies of this bird in the world high on isolated mountain slopes west of Kaikoura. Locals have begun a program to establish a new colony at the tip of the Kaikoura Peninsula so they may be fully protected. Maurice's website: www.maoritours.co.nz
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