travelBulletin

long white cloudby Jasmine O’Donoghue 

“It’s impossible to take a bad photo in New Zealand,” a friend remarked, after quickly snapping the South Island’s Tasman Glacier. We stood in awe, overlooking the bright turquoise lake which stretched out in front of us, dotted with spectacular jagged icebergs.

The lake was met with chocolate-brown mounds of earth, linking gigantic slopes to the shore. Tufts of shrubs and greenery crept up the slopes to meet the low-lying cloud. Every now and again we would catch a glimpse of brown through the cloud, proving that what we were seeing was only close to a third of the true size. New Zealand is a place where you want to linger. Around every bend on the road (of which there are many), there is something to gawk at, a café to savour or a trail to wander.

Christchurch is a great place to fly in to and start a road trip. Its location provides the option to head up or down the South Island’s scenic east coast or take the inland route to Queenstown.

Five years on from the Christchurch earthquake and the city is still rebuilding, but don’t let that deter you. This funky city is speckled with pop up bars and tasty cafes. In the centre sits the Re:START Container Mall, a colourful temporary shopping destination housing everything from fashion, to food and banks in converted shipping containers. Before you depart, make sure you head up the gondola for sweeping views over the city.

On our way to Queenstown, our group opted to use Lake Tekapo as a handy halfway point for a two-night stop off. Impossible to miss, the sleepy town of less than 400 people gently rises on a hill overlooking the magnificent lake.

Aspiring astronomers, trekkers and anyone who enjoys a good view won’t be disappointed by this stunning little spot. 

Located in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, the town boasts exceptional stargazing. Those seeking an adrenalin rush can take a flight around Mt Cook and Westland National Parks or go snowshoeing in the Southern Alps. Afterwards, soak up the views of the Two Thumb mountain range in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs, nestled on the base of Mount John. Take the time to swing by Mt Cook to take in the highest mountains and the longest glaciers in New Zealand.

The drive through to Queenstown can be completed in around three and a half hours, but it’d recommended you take your time in case you miss out on the number of quaint little towns and wineries along the way.

It’s easy to see why Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations.

It’s an activity mecca. People line the streets with their snow gear in winter and activewear in summer. From skiing, bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating, river rafting, scenic walks and treks, this city – set on the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu – has a lot to offer.

If throwing yourself off ledges isn’t your thing, there are plenty of slower-paced activities on offer. Zip to the top of the gondola for a ride (or three) on the Luge or try your hand at Frisbee golf. It’s impossible to miss the hordes of people loitering outside Fergburger and once you get your hands on one, you’ll understand why. If you haven’t got time to line up for a juicy burger, the Fergbaker next door offers equally as spectacular pies, without the wait. Once your food has settled, relax with a massage at one of the city’s many spas or book in the Onsen Hot Pools, which come complete with a retractable wall and roof.

Milford Sound is an unmissable and breathtaking experience. While some opt to make the trip all the way from Queenstown, it’s much more comfortable to leave Queenstown behind and use Te Anau as a base. Two hours from Queenstown, Te Anau acts as a mirror to the lush hills which form a backdrop for this town. Knock off a river cruise by visiting the glow worms, which are hidden deep inside an underground cave accessible by boat. Inside the caves, the total silence and darkness is only broken up by the serene illumination of these insects.

Start out early from Te Anau and dedicate an entire day to Milford Sound. The road to Milford is absolutely striking but it can be easy to zoom past some of the features, such as the Eglinton Valley, the Mirror Lakes or Lake Gunn. It is narrow and windy and in winter black ice can cause a hazard to inexperienced drivers. Particularly between May and September, it’s worth leaving the car in Te Anau and taking a tour bus. There’s the added bonus of a tour guide, who will schedule in the chance to grab some snaps of the scenic and historical highlights along the way.

Carved by glaciers during the ice ages, Milford Sound is spectacular in any weather and is a local hangout for playful seals, dolphins and penguins. Many cruises will get up close to the cliffs which rise out of the water to magnificent heights, the seals sunning themselves on rocks and cascading waterfalls. Some cruises offer the chance to visit the observatory floating 10m underwater at Harrison Cove, where rare black coral – usually found at depths of more than 500m – can be sighted amongst the sealife.

New Zealand has a strange sense of familiarity. The magnificent scenery, heartstopping adventure, quaint towns and laid back lifestyle is brought home by the friendly locals. To a group of first-time visitors, the country felt like an old friend we had just met.

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