Comments on: World Traveler Series : New Zealand

By: Rudy Niswander

Rudy Niswander — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:30:13 +0000

Great article, I am a huge fan of your website, keep up the good work, and I will be a regular for a very long time.

By: Eunice

Eunice — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:06:12 +0000

Kia ora!!
very nice to see people posting and appreciating NZ… i so love this country! I actually consider this as my second home.. my family and i lived there for almost 2 years,,, and i really really want to go back to NZ… Unfortunately we haven’t been to south island… but we toured around the North especially in taupo, rotorua and auckland… very nice place indeed!

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:05:35 +0000

Paihia is a 4 hr drive from Auckland and is worth to see. very scenic here with vast green pastures, take the Johnson tunnel. Paihia is in the Bay of islands and it is a fishing paradise for saltwater fisherman.
Marlin is the main target sportfish here as well as tuna, kingfish, hapuka and snapper. The Waitangi grounds is a must see. This was the place were the treaty was signed between the Maori people and the British. From Paihia , you can take the tour bus to Cape Reinga, NZ northermost point- also the sacred place for the Maori people. Nearby is 90 mile beach and the Te Paki Stream and Giant sand dunes where you can do some fun sandboarding. You will also go to the Kauri factory where they showcase their best wood and furniture products. Then, in Mangonui to savor the best tasting fish and chips as well as the Bluff/ Pacific oysters.

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:52:43 +0000

Auckland one of the main city in North island of New Zealand a must see. Since it is the city of sails, try sailing here. Visit and go up the Skytower in downtown Auckland so you can have a 360 degree view of the city and if you like adrenaline adventure , try the skyjump base jumping in the Skytower itself. We stayed in Crown Plaza , nice place and i do recommend this to anybody. The hotel is attached to the mall, in the basement they have a selection of oriental foods. When you go out the hotel, lots of oriental foods everywhere.nice food tripping here. try their shave snow ice- cool stuff. Don’t forget to visit the Auckland museum and One Tree Hill.

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:56:29 +0000

Rotorua in the North island of New Zealand is a must see. it is the heart of Maori culture. Witness their cultural presentation at night and have a taste of their hangi dinner. In the morning, tour the Agrodome
to witness sheep shearing and see the different kinds of breed of sheep. Their farm tour was great, we were able to see a Kiwi farm, olive farm, had the chance to feed their animals like llamas, alpacas aside from the plenty sheep they had. We also witness how the sheep dog works in action to guide the sheep in their
stables. The Agrodome has also adrenaline activities that both kids and adults will like. My son enjoyed the Zorbing downhill and the Shweeb in Action. The Rainbow Park springs was also best, here you can drink water from a spring, fed the different species of Trout , see the Kauri Trees and the best highlight of the trip here is to witness NZ national bird- the flightless Kiwi. The Wai o Tapu Geothermal experience was also best, we liked the Champagne pool and so the Lady Knox Geyser that erupts every 10:15 am and of course not to miss the boiling muds pools. Rotorua has fine dining too. They had the best Steak and Lamb
courses on the menu. Mac’s steakhouse was the best.

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:38:16 +0000

Don’t forget to visit and make a stop in Twizel area, the Mackenzie Basin area has one of the beautiful spots in the south island of New Zealand. Lake Pukaki
and the famous turqouise waters of Lake Tekapo is a must see. between these two lakes , there is a salmon farm where the fishes lived in the glacier waters fed by the southern alps. you can sample the best quality sashimi here. you can feed the salmon and even catch your own salmon for a sashimi plate. lots of japanese and tourist alike comes to this place.

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:26:11 +0000

If you visit New Zealand and like seafood Kaikoura is the best place to be. Here, you can sample NZ lobster
the Crayfish. You can also have a taste of the Paua shellfish. Kaikoura is a coastal town and you could see dolphins, albatross birds, and the best of all whale watching in the wild. if you like fishing , this is the place to catch blue cods, hapuka(grouper).

By: alden

alden — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:20:24 +0000

The best way to tour New Zealand is Spring (Sept-Oct)
and late Fall (May 22 – June 10) to early winter. Spring has less tourist and accomodation is cheaper. It is the season when most of the baby lambs are born.
We went to New Zealand last May 22-June 10, it was perfect because we were able to see the blending of two season. the colorful leaves and the early snow that capped the southern mountains. It was picturesque
specially near Queenstown aiport where the breathtaking Remarkables mountain can be found. Summer (December- February)in New Zealand is very hot and there’s a lot of tourist and New Zealanders on vacation, so prices of airfare and accomodation are bit higher than the two seasons i mentioned earlier.

By: alden

alden — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:57:33 +0000

things to do in and nearby Queenstown- south island of New Zealand, do the Kawarau or Shotover jetboating if you like an adrenaline rush. visit Deer Mountain or the Skyline Gondola to get a panoramic view of the mountain background.visit nearby towns like Arrowtown famous for gold panning in the 1800,’s, Cromwell to sample the best fruits, Gibbston Valley to sample the best cheese or wine tasting. Wanaka to see Puzzling World and get a taste of the best fish and chips here.
lots of beautiful nearby lakes : Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka , Lake Hayes.
and further, take the whole day bus tour from Queenstown to experience the Milford Sound Cruise. very scenic all the way.

By: alden

alden — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:46:41 +0000

if ever you visit Queenstown- south island of New Zealand and like fishing. go flyfishing for trout and salmon in Glenorchy , a 45 minute drive from Queenstown, the scenery is so breathtaking over there
the pristine Routeburn stream and head of Lake Wakatipu and Dart river is a must see. some scene of the Lord of the Rings, Narnia 2 and Wolverine were shot on these locations. if you want a guide go to Queenstown wharf and look for Louis or Craig- they are the best flyfishing guide i ever have. take a buddy with you or join with somebody to flyfish to get a cheaper price.