New Zealand surpassed my expectations, and while at times tiring and fast-paced, I would not trade my experiences for the world!
Highlights –
- canyoning outside Auckland
- haka dance in Maketu
- volcanic mud bathing in Rotorua
- Tongariro Crossing
- trivia night in Wellington
- bone carving in Barrytown
- heli-hiking Franz Joseph glacier
- cinema at Lake Wanaka
- Christmas Eve dinner in Queenstown
- jetboating
- canyong swing
- New Years Eve celebration in Christchurch
Discoveries –
- self-catering is easy and can save me at least $10 per day in food costs
- if the tap water is safe to drink, refill plastic bottles (do not keep buying water). bonus – you can downgrade to smaller bottles of water which means less to carry around.
- the toilets have 2 buttons so you can choose between a light and heavy flush (yes, I had to ask someone why there were 2 buttons)
# of Nights Couchsurfing –
- Zero (the holidays and tight bus schedule made it difficult)
Eating –
- Mix of restaurants, cafes, and self-catering (everything from rack of lamb to instant noodles)
Average Daily Budget –
- $115 (more than double the plan)
Let me know if there's another subject or topic you'd like me to cover in my “final thoughts” for each country I visit.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Dave
Tuesday 6th of July 2010
If you check out my New Zealand posts from December 2007, you can see a lot of what I saw of the North Island. Specifically, I liked Wellington a lot, and the 1-day hike of the Tongariro Crossing. I also went on a 5- hour canyoning trip out of Auckland which was a lot of fun.
Otherwise, for me, the South Island was more exciting (with the glaciers, mountain views, and activities of Queenstown).
kelley
Tuesday 6th of July 2010
oh! will be there in sept. probably 12-19.
kelley
Tuesday 6th of July 2010
I'm flying into Auckland and will be in NZ for a week. Want to backpack around (and end back in Auckland) but have no idea where to start. Have a suggested itinerary?
Kango Suz
Sunday 13th of January 2008
I want two-button flush! I want two-button flush! * falls on floor of the Starbucks and does a little-kid style tantrum*
When I used to write for aboutmyplanet.com I found out about it, and I wanted it then but thought it was something that only uber-hipies knew how to get. Now that I hear all of NZ and Australia have it, I'm upset and feeling very short-flushed. Do you think you could fit a toilet in your backpack to bring home to me?
(Btw, crambox is correct, you've become a very talented blogger, definitely my most looked-forward to blog read)
Kango Suz
Sunday 13th of January 2008
I want two-button flush! I want two-button flush! * falls on floor of the Starbucks and does a little-kid style tantrum*
When I used to write for aboutmyplanet.com I found out about it, and I wanted it then but thought it was something that only uber-hipies knew how to get. Now that I hear all of NZ and Australia have it, I'm upset and feeling very short-flushed. Do you think you could fit a toilet in your backpack to bring home to me?
(Btw, crambox is correct, you've become a very talented blogger, definitely my most looked-forward to blog read)