Travel to New Zealand – Episode 104

Craig (mars-hill)

Hey Chris,

Thanks so much for having us on your show. We really enjoyed it!

A quick bit of errata, though: Linda said there were many maori attractions around Rangitoto, but she meant Rotorua. I also forgot to mention we’ve put together some advice for independent travel in New Zealand.

Cheers! Craig

Wes

I want to point out that I was very disappointed with the Rotorua area, and specifically the geothermal area.

Yosemite >>> Rotorua

If you have EVER been to Yosemite, don’t waste your time.

As for anything on the South Island, I recommend it. I wish I had spent all 13 days there (instead of 9 of 13).

Suggestions:
Waitmo black water rafting – as mentioned (but it is really cold)
Abel Tasman sea kayaking – (overnighting on a houseboat with a 5-mile coastal hike out)
Milford Sound overnight cruise – (when the place is empty, peaceful and unbelievable)
Mt Cook Nat’l Park – (nice and short day hikes in some dramatic alpine scenery at the foot of this ominous mountain)
Queenstown – loved the jetboating on the Dart River (not the greatest of values, but memorable and unique nonetheless.