Category: Oceania
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New Zealand South Island road trip: the perfect two-week itinerary
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New Zealand’s South Island is one of my all-round favourite places. It’s absolutely crammed with a huge variety of landscapes, all spectacular, from glittering lakes to snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches to vivid green rainforests. And this two-week South Island road trip covers as much of that as it’s possible…
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Dolphin-watching in Kaikōura: a bucket list experience
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If you’re thinking of going to Kaikōura, I’m guessing that you have dolphins in mind. Each morning, a 400-strong pod of dolphins visits Kaikōura’s shores to the delight of boatloads of spectators. I can categorically say that a dolphin-watching tour was one of the best things I did in New…
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Five ways to experience Abel Tasman National Park
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Abel Tasman is a more off-the-beaten-track area of New Zealand, right up on the north coast of the South Island. But I think it’s worth the detour to see its sea in every shade of green and blue, its hidden golden beaches and its clear night sky glittering with stars.…
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Hiking New Zealand’s Alex Knob Track: everything you need to know
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The Alex Knob Track is a mid-length out-and-back hike up to a stunning vista of New Zealand’s Franz Josef Glacier and the mountains and forests beyond it, all the way out to the coast. It’s a hard hike but it’s totally worth it. Here’s everything you need to know before…
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Walk around Lake Matheson: what to expect and must-see views
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A walk around Lake Matheson is a must-do if you’re staying on New Zealand’s west coast. On a still day, this tranquil lake perfectly reflects Mount Cook in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Here’s what to expect on a walk around Lake Matheson, with tips on where to get that perfect…
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Fox Glacier South Side Walkway, New Zealand: quick guide
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The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway exemplifies what I love about hiking in New Zealand: you can get fantastic views without having to do a super-hard hike. This hike takes you along an accessible path through woodland up to an incredible view of Fox Glacier. Read on for all the…
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Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown: what to expect
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Milford Sound is a staple on any New Zealand itinerary. Visitors most often travel to this majestic spot on a day tour from Queenstown, which is what I did. In this article, I’ll walk you through what to expect on a Milford Sound day tour, then go through some practical…
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Hiking New Zealand’s Hooker Valley Track: what to know before you go
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The Hooker Valley Track is a mid-length out-and-back walking trail in New Zealand’s beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s obvious why it’s known as one of New Zealand’s iconic hikes. You hike through stunning mountain scenery, over suspension bridges across a fast-flowing glacial river, right up to Hooker Lake. If…
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Hiking the Lake Tekapo Peninsula Walkway: quick guide
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New Zealand’s hiking scene is rare in that it has lots of relatively easy hikes which give you incredible views. There’s no need to hike all the way up a mountain, or for several days, to get to those scenes which take your breath away. The Lake Tekapo Peninsula Walkway…
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Hiking Mount John Walkway at Lake Tekapo: quick guide
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Mount John Walkway was one of my favourite hikes in New Zealand. Most of it is alongside the beautiful Lake Tekapo, which was my favourite place on the South Island. I can hardly think of a better way to spend half a day than a pleasant walk overlooking this gem!…