Mt Cook is by far one of the most impressive highlights of the South Island and New Zealand in general. A prominent peak with its jagged edges, angry looking glaciers and height, it towers above the nearby mountains. The beauty of this area is that you can experience to a small extent, what the Himalayas look like from only an elevation of about 500 meters. On clear days the panoramic vistas are absolutely stunning. Note that Mt. Cook is … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Milford Sound
Milford Sound on a clear day is among the most beautiful scenery in all of New Zealand. Unfortunately clear days are really hit and miss as Milford averages over 6 meters of rain a year. Woo! One year they had like 10 meters of rain. On a clear day, this along with Mt. Cook will be one of primary natural highlights of any trip to New Zealand. However, on a rainy foggy day, the entire mood of the region changes and often visibility is severally … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Glaciers
Franz Josef and Fox are the two primary glaciers located on the west coast of the South Island. Visitors who arrive on a rainy day won't really begin to see the beauty and extent of their coverage - both are among the fastest moving glaciers in the world and their footprint is constantly changing from year to year. Glaciers in Argentina and other parts of southern South America are similar to those in New Zealand in that these are the only places … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Queenstown
Queenstown is the hub of outdoor activities on the South Island - IE the outdoor capital of New Zealand, especially in the summertime. The activities are seemingly endless! These include bungee jumping (A.J. Hackett founded the world's first commercial bungy jumping company in New Zealand) paragliding, hang gliding, zip lining, helicopter tours and jet boating. This area of New Zealand has been compared to the resort area of Lake Tahoe in … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Arrowtown
Arrowtown is an old gold mining town rich in history, located near a small creek (Arrow River) which was known as the richest yet smallest gold bearing river for its size anywhere in the world. One can still pan for gold at this creek for free, but don't expect to get rich from doing so. Forgot your pan? The visitor center rents gold pans. Contemporary Arrowtown is a collection of extremely nice upscale tourist shops and galleries. The town … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Pukekura
Pukekura is the smallest town on the entire west coast of New Zealand's South Island - permanent population, drum roll... two! For about 30 years this was the home of the famous and historic Puke Pub (which allowed deer to wander in and out) and the Wild Game Restaurant across the street which serves a variety of Road Kill Grills, including possum, and their famous possum pie. NOTE: Unfortunately the owners, Pete & Justine have since closed … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Other Info
This page contains general information about traveling and sightseeing in New Zealand. These items below are based upon several activities the author experienced while traveling on the South Island. Tracks - all hiking trails in New Zealand are called tracks, and people who hike these are called Tramps; the "sport" of hiking the "Tracks" is called "Tramping". In other countries this same outdoor activity would be described as simply … [Read more...]
Back from New Zealand/Australia
I had an epic trip for the better part of December and January. Still trying to recover from some jet lag. In between trips now, so with this break look for new photographs and articles about each country I visited coming soon. Visit the New Zealand Article here http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/newzealand/index.htm South Island Lake, New Zealand … [Read more...]
Puzzling World, Wanaka New Zealand – April 2005
Puzzling World Wanaka New Zealand - This is one of the most puzzling places in the world! Puzzles to satisfy all ages, not just the youngsters. You are greeted by a tower that tilts much more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Indoors they have the Hologram hall, following faces in which whenever you move hundreds of faces move their eyes to look at you, the distortion room, and the tilted house where you see water flow "uphill". The maze … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – More Info
Interested in cycling New Zealand? Lonely Planet has written an excellent resource for those considering biking around New Zealand's country side, it is called: Cycling New Zealand, written by Ian Duckworth. We spotted this lichen growing on the rocky shoreline at Milford Sound. After a week of rain, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in Milford and were greeted by clear blue skies and warm sunshine. New Zealand is an outdoor … [Read more...]