Backpacking New Zealand
New Zealand, like it's westerly neighbour Australia, is a great destination for the first time backpacker.
Backpacker Hostels can be found in most places, from the buzzing cities of Auckland or Wellington, to the alpine regions of the South Island. Most hostels will offer travel services or, if not, good friendly advice.
New Zealand itself is a country of spectacular and contrasting scenery. From the mountains and glaciers of the Southern Alps to the geothermal activity of Mount Ruapehu and it's surrounds on the North Island, the dramatic and varied scenery of New Zealand guarantees amazement.
For the thrill seekers out there, adrenaline filled activities abound in New Zealand. Skiing, white water rafting, bungee jumping and skydiving are all popular.
Hikers are well catered for, with miles of tracks and walking trails just waiting to be explored. Many guide books are available dedicated to ‘Tramping’ (as Kiwi's call it) offering advice and recommendations on where your legs can take you.
New Zealand Top Sights
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
This spectacular National Park is home to Mount Cook, the highest peak amongst hundreds that make up the Southern Alps.
- Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
New Zealand's two glaciers are two of the most accessible glaciers for the average backpacker. Take a guided hiking tour on the glacier, a scenic helicopter ride, or combine both experiences with a "heli-hike".
- Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is a great place to skydive, the spectacular lake makes it a popular and therefore affordable place for backpackers wanting to take the plunge. Lake Taupo is also a great base from which to visit Tongariro World Heritage National Park, home to 3 volcanos and perhaps the most spectacular and unique one day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing.
- Rotorua
Rotorua is a unique geothermal wonderland. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs are dotted around the area, steam drifts from cracks in the ground in parks and pathways. Rotorua is also the heart of New Zealand's Maori culture, with the opportunity to visit Maori villages and sample the traditional Maori Hangi meal.
- Fjordland
New Zealand's largest National Park boasts breathtaking views, spectacular scenery, world renowned walking tracks and the home of Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
Getting Around
NZ's long distance coach operators are Intercity and Newmans, which cover most major routes on both islands.
There are also 3 long distance rail routes in New Zealand, linking Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Greymouth.
Flexible passes are available that allow you to journey on the Intercity and Newmans network on both islands, with some passes also allowing travel on the rail routes too.
To get between the North and South islands, there are frequent sailings from Picton to Wellington on the Interislander service. The 3 hour journey takes in some great scenery on the 92KM crossing.