The essense of backpacking

“Now, this is an interesting website New Zealand Backpacking

Backpacking, what is it really?
Backpacking is the name given to a certain type of traveller, you no longer need a backpack, to be a backpacker. The term generally refers to a style of travel that a person undertakes. It refers to, as an individual or group, someone who wants an extended vacation that allows them to experience the feeling of being a traveller, not a tourist.

This is not to say you can not backpack for short periods, but Backpackers are typically looking largely for the elements of freedom and independence in their travel. They generally seek to travel longer, not extravagently, hence the desire to travel simple. There is also a willingness to be spontaneous and flexible. Backpackers enjoy meeting other people and the interaction with locals, or other travellers is typically a high priority. There is usually a feeling of confidence in physical ability, this however is by no means a precondition, for being a backpacker is more of a mindset.

Why go backpacking?

When people backpack there is generally two key dynamics at work. First, is a personal focus of the traveller. This can be manifest outwardly and be expressive and outgoing with a sense of enthusiasm and energy or, inwardly being contemplative or relaxing. The second dynamic is social context in which a backpacker prefers to travel. A need to be independent or, affiliate. Whilst backpacking New Zealand one will see a degree of each of these needs satisfied, one will usually dominate.

Energise Yourself

When it comes to conquering fear by pushing the limits, New Zealand has it all. You will leave seeing yourself in a new way, feel more alive after the rush of a bungy jump, or Tandem skydive. "New Zealand - World Capital of Adrenalin Sports". The basic New Zealander's attitude to life in general, combined with the resource of immediate outdoor access and couple that with unique insurance laws and you can see the formula that have allowed these sports to flourish. Physical interaction with the environment can take on many forms; bungy jumping, diving the Poor Knights, or Rainbow Warrior, climbing or trekking through our many and varied National Parks, over glaciers, white-water rafting, sledging or kayaking waterfalls and rapids, 4-wheel drive or jetboating just describes a few local variations!

Come prepared

There are far more activities than you'd anticipate and New Zealander's are passionate about you trying one, or more of them. There is not a more character-building experience than jumping off a perfectly good bridge or, out of a perfectly good plane. The rush of adrenalin pushes the endorphin's that much better. You'll be high as a kite immediately after and want to do it again straight away ... then get a little buzz every time you watch your video or, retell your experience.

Socialise

One of the principle benefits you will get from backpacking is meeting new people and making new friends. Whether it's a big group of people travelling together in a backpackers bus, or pub-partying as they go, or smaller intimate groups kicking back and sitting round a fire in a National Park, the sharing and sense of togetherness is a major take-out from the backpacker experience. You will often team up with people as you go, those going in the same direction with the same, or similar interest. It can sometimes save your money as well, by sharing costs. Often these people you meet travelling become friends for life. Research shows that 85% of all Backpackers will engage in a romantic encounter of some sort. If you are suffering from a drought, romantically, then come to New Zealand and try backpacking; 85% of backpackers can't be wrong! The other cool thing with backpacking is meeting and interacting with those people who own, or work in them. This is just one of many avenues you get the chance to meet real New Zealand people.

Relax

"I just ride my bike and lose myself in the beauty ... forget everything outside of that day."

New Zealand is chocka full of experiences, or places to just chill out, reflect, and restore. The beautiful natural environment is easily accessible everywhere, even in the large cities. Basically once you leave any urban area you are surrounded by nature at its finest. Even in the busier summer season you can find a beach to yourself, or a piece of forest that you can call all your own. Activities that facilitate the reflective and relaxing feelings include cycling through the country, bushwalking or sea kayaking through the Bay of Islands, or Abel Tasman National Park, to name but a few. These feelings embody an introspective and calm experience coupled by the surrounding beautiful, natural environment. The experience is best typified by quotes from backpackers themselves ...

"We just went all silent, lost in our own thoughts for hours in our kayaks ... thought about life and everything."

Learning

Learning is also a big part of backpacking. You really get the chance to learn about the culture, to really understand other people's way of life. Experiences such as undertaking a working holiday, or stay on a marae (Maori Village,) will allow you to learn about the "real" country. It's not just what the average tourist sees, its meeting New Zealanders. Staying at a backpackers allows you to meet the locals who are part of the staff. Unlike other countries, most backpacker hostels are owned and run by New Zealanders. This is great for finding out what we New Zealanders are really like. We like it as well, because we learn from you, the traveller as well. You will quickly find out why we have the reputation of being the friendliest down-to-earth people on the planet.”

“Very cool stuff I wish I could go there!

8)”

“That is cool. Thanks for posting that, simer.”

“Thats daft! The writer must have "been in his cups." Just by reading that drivel, I can smell the cheap gin.”

“I mean, what does this mean???

"Unlike other countries, most backpacker hostels are owned and run by New Zealanders.”

“...and this " We like it as well, because we learn from you, the traveller as well."”

“Limpy, but did you see the pics under the multimedia gallery?

Maybe I just particulary enjoyed it because I really want to go there.”

“I was questioning this phrase: "Backpacking is the name given to a certain type of traveller, you no longer need a backpack, to be a backpacker."

and the context of a few others, that really didn't make sense in my mind... but i did enjoy the pictures, and would really enjoy going there”

“another one...
"The other cool thing with backpacking is meeting and interacting with those people who own, or work in them.

???
WTF

LOL”

“Yes, that is a bit odd.”

“Geez,

" The basic New Zealander's attitude to life in general, combined with the resource of immediate outdoor access..."

Wow, they must have the outdoors right outside their doors! Who would have thunk?”

“I read about 4 paragraphs then stopped. He said absolutely nothing with all those words.”

“lol, my original post was critical of the writing, but it is an interesting site to, beyond the ah... whatever u call it, lol”

“Simer, I don't see you being critical in your initial post. I can discern nothing you wrote other than "Now this is an interesting website" and the title "The essense of backpacking."
Whatchu talking about, Willis?”

“lol, i originally posted because i thought the text was amusing, that's why i pasted it here - i wasn't exactly critical in my words, but it is to be assumed that my overall opinion of the text is critical, got that, lol”

“Got it!”