It’s already Wednesday, and by tomorrow evening I’ll be on a plane bound for Los Angeles. After hanging out in Venice Beach with some friends for a day, I’ll be reunited at last with an Air New Zealand plane on Friday evening, bound for Wellington.
It just hit me today that this is really happening. I’ve been dreaming of returning to New Zealand for more than 2 years, and now I’m less than 2 days away from heading there, thanks to my awesome Blog4NZ prize package.
My upcoming trip to New Zealand has all but snuck up on me. Very uncharacteristically, I don’t even have everything planned yet. My last 5 or so days are completely up in the air — right down to where I’ll be sleeping at night.
Usually, I would be stressed about this. But, I’m so excited to get back to NZ, that I don’t even care.
To help get you as pumped as I am for my two-week South Island adventure (and to give you a preview of some of the things you may soon be reading about here on A Dangerous Business), here are some of the highlights of my plan so far. Many of the things I have planned have been on my “next time” to-do list for years, so I’ll be very excited to finally cross them off:
Wellington
I lived in Wellington for nearly 5 months back in 2008, and absolutely fell in love with the city the first time I visited it briefly in 2005. I’m excited to return, both to see how it’s changed, and to visit some of my favorite spots again. I also hope to be a total tourist for at least one afternoon, taking photos of all the things I used to see every day when I was living there. For some reason, when you feel like a place is “home,” you don’t tend to take as many pictures of it…
Christchurch
I know that visiting this earthquake-damaged city will be tough. But I want to do it anyway. I know I won’t be able to get close to the severely damaged (and therefore dangerous) parts of the city, but I do at least hope to document some of the stories of the people who lived through the disaster and who have chosen to stay. And you can bet I’ll be sporting a Christchurch t-shirt proudly.
Akaroa
I’ve heard such rave reviews of the little French town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula outside of Christchurch that I knew I couldn’t possibly go to the South Island without finally visiting it. Not only am I looking forward to exploring the town for a day, but I’m also planning to redeem my voucher with Black Cat Cruises for a dolphin-watching/swimming tour with the rare Hector’s dolphins that call the waters around the peninsula home. I’m pretty sure my voucher is for 2, so if anyone will be in Christchurch on May 10 or 11 who would like to swim with some dolphins, let me know!
TranzAlpine train to Greymouth
Rated as one of the world’s greatest scenic rail journeys, I’ve had friends who have taken this train ride from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to the small town of Greymouth. They’ve all loved it. Plus, I’ve always wanted to take a proper train journey. The fact that this one will be through some snow-covered mountains in New Zealand is just an added bonus!
Franz Josef Glacier trekking
Many people who visit New Zealand list glacier trekking as one of the country’s must-do activities. New Zealand has two famous glaciers along its rugged West Coast that reach down from temperate rain forests up in the mountains. I’ve booked a guided half-day trek on the Franz Josef Glacier, and can’t wait to get up-close-and-personal with some of that blue ice.
Queenstown
No trip to New Zealand would be complete without spending some time in Queenstown, the country’s “adventure capital.” At this point, it looks like I’ll probably be rounding out my time in NZ in Queenstown, and there are a ton of activities to choose from to fill my time! Along with meeting up with some fellow travel bloggers, I also hope to do some jetboating, perhaps some bungy jumping, and maybe even a 4WD tour . If I have time, I’d also like to make it out to the nearby, charming town of Arrowtown.
Doubtful Sound
From Queenstown, I’m also planning to take a full-day tour to Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. While Milford Sound is definitely the most famous fjord in New Zealand, many say that Doubtful Sound is actually more scenic — and much less touristed. I’m excited to visit so that I can compare the two and form my own opinion about which is “best.”
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There likely will be plenty more adventures on top of these, so stay tuned over the next few weeks to explore New Zealand with me!
Have you done any of the activities I have planned? Do you have any other suggestions for me? Let me know!
Have a blast! Look forward to following your travels, especially through Christchurch, a place close to my heart. It’s so tragic what happened. Spend time in the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park and Sumner Beach if can. Also visit Fergburger when in Queenstown. Cheers!
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Thanks, Aaron! I’ve been to NZ twice before (even lived there for a few months), but I’ve never spent more than half a day in Christchurch itself. I hope to give it the attention it deserves this time around. Thanks for the suggestions!
And not to fear – I’m already salivating over the thought of eating some Fergburger. Haha.
Hope our Kapiti Coast came up with a day’s activities for you Amanda. What an opportunity for you and for tourism promotion!
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I did actually receive a message from Chris Barber of naturecoast.co.nz inviting me to the Kapiti Coast. However I’ve sent him two e-mails in response and haven’t heard anything back. So, unfortunately, it’s not factored into my plans right now.
It looks quite similar to my 2 weeks road trip through NZ! You’ll LOVE the glacier hiking, I’m sure – it was my favorite activity!
Enjoy your time down there – I’m looking forward to your posts and pictures.
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I’m pretty excited about the glacier hiking. Definitely a unique activity!
Thanks for reading, Katherina!
I’ve done the Black Cat cruise in Akaroa (loved it, of course!) and the Tranzalpine, though in the summer and it was FANTASTIC! Hopefully it won’t be too cold to stand in the open air car! I spent most of the trip there. And glacier hiking! Have you not done that before?! I did Fox and loved it, though I am sure Franz is just as good:-).
If CHC is still closed up, another recc for Sumner too! Loved that little town, totally reminded me of SoCal beach towns:-).
Have a great time!
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Even if it is too cold, I’ll still probably be out in the open-air car on the TranzAlpine, as long as it’s not raining! I’m so excited to chug through those mountain passes.
And nope, I’ve never done glacier hiking before! This will be a first, and I can’t wait. Also a first for swimming with dolphins! Hopefully I’ll be able to squeeze in a few other firsts, too. After all, who knows when I’ll be in NZ next??
I wouldn’t say Doubtful Sound is more scenic then Milford. It is just different and I like both without any preference. Have a good trip!
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Thanks, Vi! I’m sure Doubtful Sound will be great, though it might be hard to top my Milford experience, which was made on a gloriously sunny October day. It will be nice to say I’ve seen both, though, I think.
The trip to Doubtful Sound itself is very interesting.
Visit Fiordland Cinema (http://www.fiordlandcinema.co.nz/aw/aw.htm) if you are staying in Te Anau before or after this tour.
Amanda, I’m so excited for you and am looking forward to reading about your kiwi adventures! I’ve done all of the above except Doubtful Sound and the Tranzalpine, so it’ll be great to get your insight into these. When you’re in Akaroa, make sure you eat some blue cod fush & chups
And definitely go to Arrowtown – the autumn festival will be over by then but perhaps the trees still carry their colourful leaves. It’s such a beautiful place!
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Mmm, fush and chips. I’ll be eating them a lot, I’m sure!
I visited Arrowtown during both my previous NZ trips, so I figure I can’t leave it out this time, right? I’m hoping some of that brilliant autumn color will still be there, too. I can only imagine how pretty the town looks this time of year!
Amanda, I will be in Christchurch for the next few weeks. I’d love to give you the tour of Christchurch. Let me know if I can entertain you! Safe travels.
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John, I would love that! You may certainly entertain me.
I’ll shoot you an e-mail.
I agree with your choice on Doubtful over Milford. I definitely preferred Doubtful over the two spots. Looks like a great trip. I am very jealous!
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We’ll have to see which Sound I end up liking better!
And don’t be jealous, Mr. I-Just-Had-a-Private-Guided-Tour-Around-the-Middle-East! I’m jealous of THAT!
I do hope you’ll follow along though!
Reading this made us both more excited! Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier is one thing we’re really looking forward to do! Sadly, we won’t be able to hang out in Welly anymore. But hey, there’s always a next time! Good luck and have a safe trip!
Pia & Kris recently posted..Counting Down The Days – New Zealand 2011
I’m excited for you, too! Even though our paths won’t be crossing in Welly any longer, I still hope you guys have a fantastic trip! Then again, what am I saying? You’ll be in NZ! Of COURSE you’ll have a fantastic trip!
I’m a Christchurch local, and I’ve been disappointed how many visitors have been staying away from the city and bypassing what is still see-able and do-able. Some recommendations:
- Visit some of the suburban pubs and bars. They’re humming now with the Central City restaurants and bars out of action. A good place to meet some locals and hear their stories.
- Walk the outside perimeter of the “Red Zone” in the Central City. (http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/ will have current maps of the cordon). Only when you see the damage in reality can you truly appreciate what it’s been like here.
- Botanic gardens – especially in Autumn.
- Punting on the Avon is open – mostly through the Botanic Gardens part of the loop.
- Riccarton House and Bush is open and lovely at this time of the year
- The Antarctic Centre
- Wigram Airforce Museum
This is just off the top of my head. There are plenty of other attractions (mostly on the Western half of the city) that are not only open but desperate for the business.
Feel free to twitter me (@adulcia) if you want to catch up while you’re here! (sorry we can’t offer a spare room, our house is full).
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Thanks so much for all the suggestions, Adulcia! And don’t worry about not being able to offer a spare room – I’ve got that covered in Christchurch!
It’s sad to hear that people are bypassing the city. I realize a pretty good chunk of it is still cordoned off, but that’s no reason to skip the rest of it! I’ll do my best to see as much as possible, and to write about the things that ARE open.
You’re going to see so much that I didn’t get to see a few years ago, looking forward to your posts as I’m sure I’ll be back.
Ayngelina recently posted..Where have all the hippies gone
So much that I didn’t get to see a few years ago, either! But, then again, there’s just so much to see and do in NZ. I don’t think I’ll ever run out of things I’d like to do there.
Sounds like a great trip! I have never been so it all sounds great. Just read a post about the glacier walk and have to admit it sounds intriguing! Enjoy. . . looking forward to reading all about your adventure.
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Montmartre a retreat in Paris
Thanks, Debbie! Maybe after this trip I’ll have you convinced to book a ticket to NZ yourself!
Looking forward to your reviews and such. I’m sure it will have some influence on our planning for NZ at Christmas. Bring it on. Enjoy your trip, Amanda.
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Thanks, Andy! I’m hoping to gather a lot of really good content over the next 2 weeks! If you have questions about anything specific, let me know!