new zealand

“need books on backpacking new zealand”

“Try googling backpacking in New Zealand and see what you get. Note that they call cheap hostles "Backpackers" over there. And they talk funnier than you would think.”

“I need 2 tickets to New Zealand.”

“Outside the USA backpacking is Trekking, search trekking new Z.”

“In New Zealand hiking/backpacking is called Tramping, do your search for Tramping Clubs in NZ.

or I may be able to answer some of your questions - try manuka with a google search, it is native to NZ, and the first google hit indicates I am a honey :-))”

“My parents & Sister are going there in Mid-May.
Has anyone on TT gone to NZ before? They are mostly doing regular Tourist-y types of things (vs. backpacking), but if there's any "must sees", please let me know and I will pass the info on to them!

If you have some non-strenuous day hikes (my dad's 70) you might be able to recommend, I'd love to hear about them as well.
last edited: 3/21/06 11:27:42 AM”

“Pinkbubelz, I grew up in NZ, last trip was 2002 in NZ Winter.
What places (cities) are on their itinerary ?

Auckland is probably where they enter the country "the city of sails" The botanical gardens in the Domain (a big central park) are worth visiting and walking around. There are great views across Waitemata Harbore to Rangitoto Island (a volcano just off the coast) from the park.

Rotorua, boiling mud pools and Maori culture is where all the tourist go. I do not know of what walks are in that area.

If the tour goes to Tauranga they can walk up Mt Maunganui a small volcano with great views. Also within a few mile but will need local knowledge to find there are a couple of Kauri trees in the area. Google to find out more about these huge trees. My father still hikes to those trees occasionally and he is in his 80's (but pretty fit)

South Island sign up for a guided Glacier walk but not the all day one.

What is available is pretty much advertized where the tours take people, and most of it is split between beautiful views or extreme sports. Do they fish ? humungous trout.”