Bird Watching in New Zealand
Submitted by holidayLOVER on July 18th, 2008
New Zealand was a land of birds before humans arrived on our shores between 800 and 1200 AD. The only mammals found in New Zealand prior to the arrival of Maori were two species of native bats and those that could swim here, for example seals and sea lions. Due to the lack of predators and the relative isolation of the birds in New Zealand, many endemic birds are quite unique. The lack of predators has led to some evolving into flightless birds, such as the kakapo and the national symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi. This array of bird life has made New Zealand become a very popular holiday for bird watchers and birders a like. Indeed many of our native birds are incredibly rare, so twitchers (those who like to observe as many rare birds as possible, often documenting their sightings with photos) are naturally drawn to this land.
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Marlborough Sounds Seafood Bonanza
Submitted by Charlie on February 10th, 2008
The best way to explore somewhere new is with a local who knows the area, all the best spots that you won't find in a guidebook or on a map. For our Marlborough Sounds expedition, we were lucky enough to be shown around by resident 'Soundies' Rick and Mac.
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Ponsonby – Caffeinated Cultural Capital
Submitted by Krister on March 27th, 2007
Soy latte, skinny flat white, double macchiato or just a full FAT white with extra shot to get your day rolling, Ponsonby has more cafes than you can shake a teaspoon at. Just shy of the central city, Ponsonby just happens. A well known funky area packed with cafes, funky boutiques, recording studios, galleries and great restaurants. Ponsonby is where its at …Daaaarling!!
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Rafting in Roto-Vegas
Submitted by Krister on June 25th, 2007
Rotorua, locally referred to as Roto-vegas, is a geothermic wonderland of tourist features, activities and striking scenery. The drive into Rotorua is filled with New Zealand native greenery and a spectacular lake view as you drop into Rotorua. Due to its geothermal properties, Rotorua can have a strong smell of sulphury egginess and once the “poo, was that you?” jokes are over; it’s time to decide how you will spend your stay in Rotorua. You are definitely not starved of choice for activities, in fact standing in front of the multi coloured towering activities pamphlet stand, can be somewhat bewildering.
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Ski and Snowboard in New Zealand
Submitted by holidayLOVER on May 6th, 2007
New Zealand is a southern winter paradise for ski and snowboard lovers. From the North Island resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, to Cardrona and Coronet Peak near Queenstown, NZ is home to numerous ski fields on both of the main islands that form Aotearoa. Below is a list of the major ski fields (and some of the minor) from North to South.
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Stewart Island
Submitted by chasann on November 30th, 2007
After years of wanting to go to Stewart Island, I finally made it and wasn't disappointed. Sure, it is like stepping back in time but that ain't such a bad thing is it?
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Tekapo
Submitted by Krister on February 9th, 2007
Almost smack bang in the middle of the south Island you will find Lake Tekapo. A very small town laying along side of the stunning Lake Tekapo. The water is the most amazing turquoise blue giving the scenic shots of the Mackenzie Country a vibrant and almost electric look. This is apparently caused by the source of the lake being glacial and as such has a large mineral content, which in a not very scientific definition somehow makes the water an unreal blue colour.
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Whangamata - Coastal Coolness
Submitted by Krister on February 7th, 2007
Whangamata located in the greener than green Coromandel Peninsula, provides a great way to recharge your batteries on New Zealand’s east coast. A small town of close to 3500 residents explodes to somewhere between 40 and 60,000 during the summer holiday months. Although the growth in Whangamata has boomed in the last 20 years it hasn’t lost its cool kiwi style beachyness.
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What to Do & Where to Eat in Wellington
Submitted by holidayLOVER on July 23rd, 2008
I get to visit Wellington more than several times year, so I thought I would put together my own guide on "what to do" and "where to eat". I'm not a local, in fact I live in Nelson, so this is a really about what I have discovered to be good and some things that are mind-blowingly great.
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