/countries/show/new-zealand/2.rss en-us The fur seal population in New Zealand has increased over the last few decades after being nearly wiped out by pelt and meat hunters in the 1800s. Breeding colonies were placed under the protection of the New Zealand Department of Conservation, with the seal colony at Ohau Point being the most accessible to the public. Fur seals return to Ohau Point Seal Colony to give birth between November and December each year, so the best time to visit Ohau Point Seal Colony is after March when the pups are less dependent on their mothers, and they are also at an amusingly playful stage. From Kaikoura, the Ohau Point Seal Colony is about 30 km north on State Highway 1. Just past Half Moon Bay you’ll spot a signpost indicating the Ohau Point Lookout and Waterfall. Park in the sealed lay-by (pull off) and take the relatively easy walking path to the windswept lookout point. At the bottom of the cliff face there are large grey rocks and boulders being hidden then exposed by the strong Pacific surges. Sometimes strong on-shore winds whip up the waves, and at the lookout, you’ll need to hold on to anything loose to avoid it becoming aerial flotsam and jetsam. Be patient because, for a long while, there will be no movement except the crashing waves on the rocks. But then, just out of reach of the surges, one boulder will seem to shift position, then another, and another until the rocky coastline and parts of the cliff face slowly come alive with the movement of the seal colony. Seals clamber awkwardly up and down the rocks, roaring at each other while others slither into the water where they move effortlessly through the surf. Look out for the pups flopping around in rock pools or seeking shelter amid the warmth and safety of the rocky outcrops. Ohau Point Seal Colony is not a resourced or funded attraction. It is all completely natural. A formed track from the Point wends its way through a coastal forest to the small but beautiful waterfall which tumbles down into a clear, rocky pool at its base. This is a favourite of the younger seals. They drag their way a few hundred metres up a stream full of boulders to get to the pool, where they happily play what looks similar to be a game of tag and run. They dive into the pool and leap about like dolphins while the water churns with their activity. Apparently, the pups often come to the waterfall pool if the seashore is too rough, but sometimes, after heavy rains, they find it difficult to make it upstream to the pool against the heavy flow of water. Visitors have even encountered pups on the walking track to the pool. They are by nature inquisitive, and seem to have no fear of humans. If you’re lucky, they will get close enough to sniff an outstretched hand. The Ohau Point seals have become a popular visitor attraction in their own right in Kaikoura, and that is no mean feat in a town which is known internationally as a premier whale-watching centre. The opportunities to get truly up close and personal to amazing creatures around the world are few and far between. You can see seals all year round for free at Ohau Point in New Zealand, so it’s just a case of choosing whether you want to see them basking in the sun, or battling with the surf. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:17:25 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ohau-point-seal-colony http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ohau-point-seal-colony The International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, New Zealand is a fantastic way to experience the thrills and chills of Antarctic exploration without ever going to the land of snow and ice. As Antarctic holidays for many aren’t exactly practical, the Antarctic Center can act as an excellent substitute. With several opportunities to learn and appreciate the continent’s history and environment, the International Antarctic Center makes for a great stop on any trip to the South Island of New Zealand. Names like Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen, along with so many others, are those explorers who’ve studied Antarctica for both the betterment of science and personal triumph. Life was hard for these men, and survival was questionable, as they spent full winters researching there, sometimes for many years in a row. The International Antarctic Center honors their memory from the Golden Age of Exploration by offering glimpses of what life was like on and around the ice. Various other experiences, as opposed to history lessons of the brave explorers, are also available. One of the most chilling experiences is in a room where the staff whip up mock Antarctic winds, and drop the temperatures to freezing. This simulates what the conditions are like on Antarctic, however briefly, but don’t worry—coats and other gear is available to prepare you for the numbing encounter. Outside the Antarctic Centre, a Hagglund ride is another exciting guest experience on tap, and a staff driver will traverse an obstacle course and recreate driving conditions in polar vehicles. It’s an entertaining ride that’s worth the extra ticket cost; you cut around sharp curves, roll up and down hills, and even bridge a crevasse to make it back to the Center. Perhaps the best experience at The International Antarctic Center has to be the little blue penguins. While they’re not actually found in Antarctica, native only to Australia and New Zealand, the Fairy Penguins have their own exhibit here; rescued from injury and other dangerous situations to live safely and be cared for by trained staff. The birds are definitely an entertaining treat as they waddle around the display. A more complete display, which describes the differences between the various penguin species, is nearby. The International Antarctic Center is also home to research programs for New Zealand, the United States and Italy, with offices, warehousing and training facilities close by. The area can be a flutter of activity as scientists and support staff departs or returns from trips to the ice. For the rest of us who aren’t venturing south for scientific research, and can’t afford such an expensive holiday themselves, the Center makes for an excellent stop to learn about and appreciate what life on Antarctica is really like, and why the environment is so fragile and special. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:33:53 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/antarctic-center http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/antarctic-center The film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings novels, directed by Peter Jackson, brought an ardent rush of tourism into New Zealand. When the first movie in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, was released in movie theatres in 2001, it ignited a general interest in touring film locations. The three movies are filmed entirely in New Zealand, and acted as a silver screen tourism brochure for the country. People began flocking to the various filming locations, spread across the two main islands of the country, in an attempt to further enjoy the Academy Award winning films. One of the more popular of these locations is Mt. Sunday, the film location for the Golden Hall of Edoras. Nestled in the mountains of Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand, Mt. Sunday was given its name by a group of farmers that gathered there every Sunday for worship, feasting and drinking. It's an unassuming hill, about 85 km away from the closest town of Methven, and is surrounded by mountains in the middle of a large plain that is used daily for ranching. It wasn't until an accidental flyover by one of the film’s crew members, that it gained its fame as the capital of the fictional kingdom of Rohan. Located on private land, only specific companies have authority to take Lord of the Rings’ enthusiasts on hiking tours of Mt. Sunday, the very hill that hosted the movie's cast and crew for almost a year. What's not commonly known though, is that other scenes for the Lord of the Rings trilogy were also filmed in the area. With an educated eye for the films, it's easy to spot the filming locations for both of the exterior shots for Helm's Deep, as well as those for the Uruk-hai march through a valley to the fortress. The Mt. Sunday tour is an experience best done with a guide on hand to point out these locations, while standing on the same spot where the film’s heroes planned the early stages of the War of the Ring. A common mistake is to believe that the interior scenes were shot on Mt. Sunday. They weren't. They were done in a soundstage while the exterior shots were all done on location, and with very little computer generation. The movie scenes can also be experienced here in person, and that's what makes this such a special experience. The mountaintop buildings used for the city of Rohan were built on location, taking approximately 11 months to complete, and only dismantled once the filming was compete. A global positioning system was then used to restore the area to exactly how it was previous to production, and this is what fans are able to experience now. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:52:33 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/mt-sunday http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/mt-sunday There is a reason why New Zealand is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The country has invented countless audacious adventure sports and holds the first site of commercial bungee jumping. With all of the high adrenaline activities being pioneered here, it's no surprise that the Kiwis were also the first to climb into giant plastic balls and throw themselves down a hill, an activity known as Zorbing. Zorbing, or sphereing, is essentially a child’s dream (and many an adult’s nightmare). You enter a transparent sphere with a three metre circumference and get launched down a hill, either on a straight or zigzagged path. The sport came about in the 1990s, created by two Kiwis looking for a thrill. It has since grown into an international business, with Zorb locations throughout the world, including Sweden, Thailand, Ireland and the United States. The only Zorb site in New Zealand is in Rotorua, dubbed the country’s “Adventure Hub”. Rotorua is situated in the centre of the North Island, and also goes by another name: “Sulphur City.” You smell the city before you see it; its geothermal activity gives it the characteristic scent that has been compared to rotten eggs. There are numerous sulphur spas and hot springs all around the city, and locals say you get used to the smell; but I guess it takes more than the three days I spent there! The idea of Zorbing yields two main contrasting reactions: A huge grin of excitement, or an expression bewilderment. You either get it or you don’t. Obviously, while the cynics exist by the masses, there are plenty of Zorb-enthusiasts as well, with nearly 600,000 participants since the site opened in 1995—an average of 50,000 Zorbers each year. Appropriately, both Zorb-related records are held by Kiwis. Surprisingly, both were set on the exact same day. One day in November of 2006, history was made at Matapara Farm in Rotorua. Keith Kolver descended downhill at a rate of 52 km/hour, measured by police radar. That same day, Steve Camp fell for 570 meters, breaking the previous record in the UK by 250 meters. Both New Zealanders are now in the Guinness Book of Records. To Zorb or not to Zorb is not the only question. There are actually a number of different choices to make regarding your experience. There is the Zorbit: the basic Zorb ride, dry on the inside of the ball and rolled straight down the grass hill. The Zydro, on the other hand, has water inside the ball, splashing around as you roll down, and you can choose either the straight or the zigzag track. You can go on a Zydro ride solo or with up to two friends, but only the solo riders can follow the zigzag path. Taking the plunge Zorbing in Rotorua will set you back around NZ$50, and the price falls minimally if you go with a friend. On the other hand, a pack of three rides is only NZ$108. It is admittedly expensive for a ride that lasts under ten seconds; but if you can afford it, it truly is a priceless experience—a fleeting feeling of freedom and silliness rolling down a lush green rural hill in the adventure capital of the Adventure Capital! New Zealand zorbing is a uniquely exhilarating experience, and, surprisingly, is on many travellers’ bucket lists. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:22:52 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/zorbing-new-zealand http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/zorbing-new-zealand Whale watching in Kaikoura, New Zealand is truly something special for those fortunate enough to experience it. Kaikoura whale watching is unlike any other whale watching mecca (whether it be Alaska, Baja or Antarctica), and should be celebrated as these huge marine mammals were once hunted near extinction here. Now, instead of hunting the whales, the town thrives on the eco-tourism industry of whale watching. Nestled between a range of the Southern Alps and the vast Pacific Ocean, about 180 km up the road from Christchurch, Kaikoura is now a welcome host to thousands of sperm whales. Cruises, flights and helicopter rides offer amazing Kaikoura whale watching experiences unlike any other, including lots of up-close encounters of these gentle giants, some of which can grow up to 18 metres long and eat up to 8,000 pounds of food a day. Not exactly a practical pet, but the area around Kaikoura can sustain several juvenile sperm whales year-round. Just off the coast of Kaikoura the pacific and continental plates collide instead of subducting, causing massive land upheavals and plunges of over 1000 metres deep closer to shore. It is these deep waters that sustain the sperm whales and in turn the Kaikoura whale watching industry. The vulnerable sperm whale occasionally shares the Kaikoura waters with six other species: the humpback, minke, pygmy sperm, blue, beaked and southern right whales are known to drop in. They are only visitors though, and not regular residents like the juvenile males that are expelled from their sperm whale pod to grow and mate here once they're old enough. Only the females and their calves live and travel together in groups. A Kaikoura whale watching experience, whether by sea or air, is a captivating one as expert guides set a stage in the distance against the mountains, giving you the best photos. It's difficult not to be able to get a good picture, as the sperm whales do their best to cooperate by floating on the surface for about eight minutes at a time, catching their breath so to speak, before diving again, sometimes as deep as three kilometers (9,800 feet). Unlike the humpback whales that breach and submerge right away again (which makes photography tricky), the sperm whales make it an enjoyable experience where you can snap away and still have time to put the camera down and just enjoy nature. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:25:12 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/whale-watching-kaikoura http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/whale-watching-kaikoura New Zealand is a country famous for its beaches, laid-back surf culture, and natural beauty. Often, this can all be found at one place, such is the case with the west coast beaches resting on the Tasman Sea 30 km outside Auckland: the country’s largest city. Whether it is to swim, surf, or simply to take in the majestic view, Piha Beach and its surrounding are some of the most magnificent in the country. Piha Beach has a beautiful black sand beach located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Its proximity to Auckland ensures that Piha Beach is always packed, especially in the summer season, attracting travellers and Aucklanders alike. Aside from the tourists, there is a small surf community in Piha Beach of less than a thousand people. The community is mostly made up of surf gear rental shops and small cafes. Piha Beach is often considered the most popular beach in New Zealand, and is famous for three things: Lion Rock, surfing, and Piha Rescue. On the winding road from Auckland to Piha Beach, you will be greeted by a giant rock resembling a lion’s head with its front paws stretched out over the sea. This rock, appropriately named Lion Rock, is naturally formed from eroded volcanic activity and separates the north beaches from the south beaches at Piha. It has become emblematic of New Zealand’s entire west coast. Lion Rock has become so symbolic that it has been used on both New Zealand’s 50 cent and $1.50 stamp. While it is accurate that you come to Piha Beach to swim, or even just to look, what it is truly famous for is being a surfers' paradise. Piha is often the beach of choice to suit up and hit the waves regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an international competitor. Piha Beach has welcomed the surfing world in various competitions, both national and international, and will be home to the Quicksilver International Surf Association’s World Junior Surfing Championship in January of 2010. However, despite its popularity, Piha Beach can often be extremely volatile with unpredictable rip currents. Lifeguards save several lives each year at this eventful beach, so much so, that a reality TV show—Piha Rescue—has been created to capture these moments on national television. Piha Rescue is the world’s first reality TV show featuring the daily lives of lifeguards. Now in its sixth season, it continues to attract almost as many people as the beach itself. It never fails to be eventful, solely because of the beaches’ unruly conditions. The show has also been aired in other countries under the titles of “Surf Rescue” and “Deadly Surf.” Just 5 km south of Piha Beach is the lesser-known sister-beach: Karekare. The name is Maori (the indigenous language of New Zealand), and means “surf.” This beach is not nearly as famous as Piha yet it shares many of the same traits. For those who enjoy a more private, reclusive beach, Karekare is a perfect alternative. If you are lucky, it can become your own private stretch of iron-black sand for miles upon miles. Its view is just as beautiful, and its waves equally wild, but it lacks the crowds. Small sand dunes form at the entrance to the beach, and caves have formed from erosion of the jagged cliffs lining the beach. The natural beauty of this beach has been well preserved, mostly because it is more difficult to reach than Piha. Both Piha and Karekare are breath-taking beaches, but be careful: the simple pleasures of these beaches may make you never want to leave. Grab a surf board, wetsuit, and enjoy the waves. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:14:34 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/piha-beach http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/piha-beach Sitting in the shadow of a volcano at six in the morning has a waking effect beyond anything a cup of coffee could offer. It creates an escalating sensation of awe that draws a grin onto your face as you ride down the pockmarked gravel road. Everything is heightened by anticipation as the black outline grew larger and more distinct with every second of the approaching daylight. Small indentations seemed to be highlighted more and more, and I couldn't help but be excited—I was about to do one of the most popular treks in New Zealand: The Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Crossing is a 17 km trek offering panoramic views of the countryside with a twist; these views are courtesy of the mythical "Mt. Doom" from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The Tongariro Crossing trails are laid-out through the lowlands; streams trickled below as elevated wooden pathways hover above the water and switchbacks crafted into the hillsides let you observe the scenery without losing your footing. Off in the distance, green farmland sprawls for miles with the occasional snow-capped peaks pointing into the azure skies. One of the many trail options for the Tongariro Crossing is Mt. Ngauruhoe—the depicted volcano in the movie. It is not an easy climb to the top. The moonscape covering the side of the volcano is incredibly loose, almost like an out-of-place sand dune with very few solid places for footing and too many opportunities for accidents. The air is crisp at an altitude of 2,287 metres, and steam vents sporadically located around the crater create small clouds that float around you like marshmallows. As you look past all of this, and take a look in almost any direction, you can’t help but be humbled by the beauty below. The deep-blue lakes and red plateaus of the Tongariro Crossing capture your attention as you stop to catch your breath shrouded in a feeling of amazement. Further along the Tongariro Crossing lie the Emerald Lakes. The three Lakes, made from sulphuric acid, sit in a triangle formation almost directly next to each other at the bottom of a small ravine. The Emerald Lakes immediately catch your eye as you descend from the crater above; never really letting go as you edge closer. The translucent green that glows against the golden ash makes for a great view as you sit over the Emerald Lakes with the valley dropping away to the horizon. The home stretch of the Tongariro Crossing descends from the volcanic landscape through indigenous vegetation, allowing pleasant views of distant volcanoes and a sense of awe for the natural beauty around you. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:51:16 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tongariro-crossing http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tongariro-crossing The best things in life are free, and that is certainly the case for the hidden beauty of Kerosene Creek in New Zealand. A thermal river runs over an old lava flow, and here visitors can relax under warm waterfalls in two naturally-heated pools. The surprising thing is that this natural wonder, though popular with locals, is hardly mentioned in the tourist guidebooks distributed in the region; and scarcely honoured with a few lines in the Lonely Planet. Maybe that's because Kerosene Creek, truly is off the beaten track, requiring a drive down a dirt road to a barely visible wooden marker; and then a short hike through a pine forest. Nevertheless, a hot soak in Kerosene Creek's beautiful and secluded pools on a slightly chilly day, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the ferns and pines, was completely worth it. Only a few other visitors joined us, and all of us were awed by the rare opportunity to bathe in this natural hot spring. Many travellers in New Zealand pass through the thermal area of Rotorua, and spend their time visiting pool after pool of lukewarm thermal water pumped into grimy concrete bathtubs or reheated in private pools. Although there are some nice pools and spas which can be visited at a price, they must wonder where all the natural hot springs are. That is—if they haven't yet discovered the hidden gem of Kerosene Creek. You won't find billboards advertising this little out-of-the-way river; nor is it often mentioned by locals who perhaps want to keep the secret to themselves. Kerosene Creek is not privately owned, and therefore hasn't fell victim to the tourist train. With a rental car, the river is easily accessible and is definitely one of the most memorable experiences you can have in New Zealand. Kerosene Creek is located about 30 km south of the city of Rotorua, and is part of the Rotorua area on New Zealand's North Island. The area is known for its geothermal attractions, which include geysers, hot mud and hot springs (of course). Rotorua is also known as the heartland of the aboriginal Maori who migrated to New Zealand from their Polynesian homelands hundreds of years ago. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the North Island, and hiking, biking, rafting and camping in thermally-heated campgrounds are all available. Whether you enjoy sky-diving, lamb-petting or soaking in a hot tub, Rotorua has something for everyone. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:34:21 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kerosene-creek http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kerosene-creek It's 6pm. Standing on a metal platform with a harness strapped around my waist, my nerves begin to kick in. A high wind catches my breath, as I gaze down onto the twinkling lights of Queenstown far below. Lake Wakatipu stretches out like inky glass edging up to the rocky peaks of the Remarkables Mountains far in the distance. A few minutes ago, I was relishing the idea of bungy jumping as I rode the spiffy gondola up the mountainside to The Ledge. Now, faced with nothing but 400 meters of air between myself and the city lights, I can't help but feel overcome by a mixture of excitement and fear. Making the final adjustment to my gear, the Jump Master pulls the harness tight and looks up with a grin. "You ready?", his soft Kiwi accent providing some comfort as I resist the urge to flee far away. With a demur nod yes, I step backwards to get a running start. Boom boom boom - my feet pound down the plank and then suddenly nothing, everything goes quiet. Free falling farther and farther down, the wind whips against my face and blood pumps with exhilaration. The glittering city lights of Queenstown rush towards me, and with arms outstretched a yell of glee, fear, and excitement escape uncontrollably. When the bungy cord finally catches, it feels strangely soft, not the jarring snap you would expect. Slowly, sailing upwards and back downwards, I am absolutely giddy from the amazing thrill I just experienced. Drifting and swaying in the air, awaiting the crew to help me down, I am totally ready for another jump! Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:54:05 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bungy-jump http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bungy-jump As one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in the world, those who make the long trek into the remoteness of New Zealand’s south island are rewarded with a beautiful treat, Sutherland Falls. Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, call Sutherland Falls Te Tautea, or the White Thread. It is possible to walk directly to the base of Sutherland Falls; here, the sheer force of water is felt as a damp whirl wind, visibility is reduced as the air fills with mist, and the roar of the falls is so loud one might expect an airplane to appear from the falls at any moment. Sutherland Falls has what is called a ‘tiered plunge’ as the water makes three different leaps during its decent. Dropping 580 metres, 1,904 feet, this is the highest waterfall in New Zealand, although the figures have been disputed. The waters come from a rock basin called Lake Quill that directly spill over the near-vertical cliff face. Named after Donald Sutherland, an explorer who found the falls while exploring travel routes between Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu, it is assumed this majestic creation has been pouring down the mountain wall since the last ice age. To visit the falls, one must hike along the Milford Track, one of the impressive walking trails that criss-cross New Zealand’s varied landscape. It is also important to note that this section of the track is one of the most difficult, so visitors should be well equipped with proper footwear, clothing, and gear. To make things even more difficult, only a passing view of Sutherland falls is available from the trail itself. To get a better view or to visit the base of the falls, one must make a 90-minute return excursion from the trail, although the walkways are well signposted (look for the yellow-and-green markers). The detour begins from the Quinton Hut shelter, and many walkers who go to the falls often leave their packs here to travel unencumbered to see the White Thread in person. This is probably one of the few times during a trip to New Zealand when you’ll pray for rain. After a good storm, the falls simply explode from the side of the mountain with a deafening roar and a wild spray that you can see and hear well before arrival at the base. The impression this cascade will make on you can simply not be felt in photo or video. Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:02:21 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sutherland-falls http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sutherland-falls Nestled deep in the lush and alluring Fiordland of New Zealand, lies one of the world's most striking Fiord's, Doubtful Sound. Ten times larger than the more well known Milford Sound, Doubtful is only accessible via sea or a lengthy bus-boat-bus journey. Doubtful Sound was named so by its finder Captain James Cook in 1770, as he thought the inlet was unnavigable. It is now also often referred to as the "Sound of Silence" due to its remoteness and natural sanctity. The rugged and plush tapestry of the surrounding cove are best explored by kayak, allowing you to view first hand the natural treasures that engulf this area. Kayakers have the ability to camp in the untouched Rainforest that surrounds Doubtful Sound and probe the exquisite terrain that hosts flourishing wildlife such as seals, penguins and bottle nose dolphins. There are also a number of waterfalls - especially during or after a large rainstorm - which coat the walls of the cove with a magnificent web of white cascades. With over 200 days of rain a year, the plant life that clings to the rocky cliffs is extremely lush and green. Doubtful Sound has the unusual natural feature of two layers of water, a top layer of freshwater, and an second lower layer of colder seawater. This makes the Sound's waters dark and murky, but on sunny days the mirror reflection of the surrounding slopes is unimaginable. The silence of the glacially carved Sound is without parallel, providing you with the perfect stage for an intimate and rare nature retreat. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:04:00 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/doubtful-sound http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/doubtful-sound