New zeeland travel – 5 must visit places

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Guest post: Jon, at inredningsvis.se

I have the honour today of giving you all a sample of my home country, New Zealand. I’ve been living in Scandinavia for 10 years now and only been back in NZ once since I moved here. It might be time for a trip back soon, as home-sickness is pretty strong right now at the end of Winter. It is of course Summer in New Zealand right now, with temperatures around 25C – 30C. Hope you like the pictures :)

New zeeland travel

1 Abel Tasman on the South Island

To visit Abel Tasman on the South Island is in some ways like visiting Thailand. The stunning coastlines as well as azure water feel like they belong in the tropics, not New Zealand. The walking is gorgeous, with huge ferns, massive, rich trees, and a warm climate. It’s also house to the Abel Tasman Coastal Stroll, a 60-kilometer (37-mile) trek that’s one of the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand.

The park covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), as well as although it’s the country’s tiniest national park, there’s a load to see here. If you want to explore the park beyond its treking tracks, rent out a kayak. That way, you can go to the small coves and beaches that make the area so special. Full-day services begin at around 85 NZD, or you can join a led kayaking excursion starting at 130 NZD.

The park is best as an overnight or multi-day journey as it’s too much from Nelson to really do it justice in a field trip.

2. Glacier Trekking on Fox and Franz Josef

Everybody check outs Franz Josef for one reason: the glaciers. Treking the glaciers below lives up to the hype and is an extraordinary experience. Since the glaciers have declined and are melting swiftly due to climate modification, the glacier caves and also walks have been shut down.

Presently, the only means to hike on the glaciers currently is by means of heli-hike (a half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience). They are pricey (485-499 NZD) yet the helicopter trip, trekking, and also entire experience are worth the cost.

3. Hiking in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Considered the most effective day trek in all of New Zealand, this 19-kilometer (12-mile) trek traverses legendary landscape as it winds through Tongariro National forest, a World Heritage Site (marked for both its all-natural as well as cultural value). Among the Great Walks of New Zealand, the course likewise takes you via where they shot Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. It’s easy partly (the beginning and end) as well as steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Ruin”) so you’ll obtain a great mix of problem degrees.

Nonetheless, even if you aren’t a strong hiker , the Tongariro Crossing is quickly completed in a day (it usually takes in between 6-8 hours).

4. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Considered the best day hike in all of New Zealand, this 12-mile hike traverses epic scenery as it winds its way through Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site (designated for both its natural and cultural significance). One of the great walks in New Zealand, the path also takes you through where they filmed Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and the end) and steep in others (especially the part after “Mount Doom”) so you get a good mix of difficulty levels.

But even if you’re not a strong hiker (and I’m not), the Tongariro Crossing is easy to complete in a day (it usually takes between 6-8 hours).

5. Visit Wellington the actual NZ capital

Everyone talks about Auckland (which, contrary to popular belief, is not the capital), however the actual magic happens in Wellington (which is the funding). The style, fascinating murals, and also diverse vibe provide this city a funky personality. Wellington is a city with personality.

It has a popping night life, tons of art galleries, wonderful food, wonderful cafés, a stunning harbor (that is best seen from Mount Victoria, which forgets the entire city), as well as is conveniently walkable. Make sure to strike a few of the first-rate and acclaimed galleries like the Museum of Wellington and Te Papa, New Zealand’s national gallery.

South Island

 

 

 

 

Which travel destinations would you recommend in your country?

Have a great day!

/Jon