By RAMA GAIND
HOW can one particular travel experience take centre stage when there were so many unforgettable moments in New Zealand? Both north and south islands are immense, lusciously green and feature diverse landscapes.
The changing countryside will amaze: within a day or two’s drive you can see rugged mountains, picturesque fiords, spectacular glaciers, rolling hillsides, vast plains, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau and miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches.
Much of these landscapes are protected by National Parks with thousands of kilometres of walks and trails opening their beauty to the public.
Here is a thumbnail sketch of some of the highlights I just experienced in Christchurch Canterbury and the Banks Peninsula followed by Rotorua and the Hamilton Waikato region.
Garden City of Christchurch
South island’s largest city, Christchurch reveals heritage of early English settlers in the architecture of older buildings. The Garden City pulsates with positive vibes: rebuilding and moving forward from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year.
CEO of Christchurch Canterbury Tourism Tim Hunter is optimistic about the future. An estimated $30 billion is being put into the reconstruction program.
Apart from the Christchurch Cathedral, other prominent places of interest include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and the Botanical Gardens. These gardens are an oasis in the city featuring more than 50 acres of beautiful horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.
You have to see the Botanic Gardens from the Avon River onboard an Edwardian punt followed by unwinding at the Peppers Clearwater Resort. Make your way to Governor’s Bay and discover the magic of SHE Chocolat and tantalise your sweet tooth.
Be dazzled by the beautiful harbours, volcanic hills and passes and hidden bays as you make your way to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Here you get a chance to marvel at the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life. Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and Lake Forsyth (Te Waiwera) is home to over 100 species of local and migratory birds.
Freshen up at the Akaroa Village Inn, then take lessons from Lou and Ant Bentley from the Akaroa Cooking School who have put their heart and soul into this venture.
The Giant’s House is a historic residence with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics that are the brainchild of Josie Martin. Visit the Canterbury Museum and see real fun, cool, design exhibits together with ‘real’ people.
Back in Christchurch stay at the Huntley Lodge that’s set in park-like gardens in a tranquil, secluded environment, offering all the charms of yesteryear, combined with modern luxuries.
Rotorua highlights
Rotorua straddles two tectonic plates and sits on the Pacific Rim of Fire which has resulted in some spectacular geothermal areas and volcanoes, some of which are still active. You can see this geothermal activity close up with spouting geysers, hot water and bubbling mud pools.
An authentic introduction to Maori culture awaits you at the Mitai Maori Village. Then visit Te Puia, New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where the traditional welcome – the Powhiri – is an exciting start to the evening. Be thrilled by the challenge of Maori warriors or the spine-tingling cry of Maori women as they welcome you in their powerful and time-honoured way.
Be in awe as you explore the heart of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with Pohutu geyser illuminated as a natural and spectacular backdrop.
For fine dining, fine wine, good company and fabulous entertainment make a point of visiting the Spanish mission-style Blue Baths, set in the tranquil beauty of Rotorua’s Government Gardens.
Holiday Inn Rotorua is ideal for a convention with great views of the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historic Village.
A guided tour by KiaOra Guided City Walks around Government Gardens proved enlightening. The pace picked up slightly at redwood forest (Whakarewarewa) after participating in a guided mountain bike tour. We also traversed the geothermal park and bathed in the mud pools at WaiOra Hellsgate. Comforting.
Amazing Hamilton Waikato
As you drive to Hamilton on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, be amazed at the world-famous Glowworm and Ruakuri caves, enjoy a lamb burger at HuHu Café and after dinner at the Smith & McKenzie Restaurant, a vibrant New York-style steak house, spend the night at Kingsgate Hotel.
An hour’s drive the next morning gets you to Raglan, a popular destination for artists, surfers and local weekend holidaymakers alike. See the town on a Bike 2 Bay tour, cruise on the ‘Wahinemoe’ partaking of a barbecue lunch, be fascinated by the knowledge that Charlie Young, director of Discover Raglan, has amassed and be stunned by the rugged scenery and Whaingaroa harbour.
Travel to Manu Bay in an electric bus to see the famous surfbreak. This is followed by a 17-kilometre quadbike safari … for the first-time ever. Couldn’t have done it without the confidence boost from Percy Kukutai and Dennis Holland!
After my nerves were calm, the sumptuous dinner at Orca went down well, followed by a good night’s rest at the Raglan Sunset Motel.
Raglan Scenic Tours took us to view Bridal Veil Falls, a spectacular 55-metre cascade near Raglan that’s set in a beautiful native bush reserve.
En route to Rotorua International Airport a lunch stop in quirky Tirau uncovers funky corrugated iron animals and sculptures.
This was an unbelievable, ever-memorable, welcome to New Zealand. Kia Ora!
Rama Gaind was a guest of Tourism New Zealand, Destination Rotorua Marketing and Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
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