The Top Activities To Enjoy On Great Barrier Island

paulread — Tue, 8 Dec 2015 21:17:00 GMT

Great Barrier Island is the fourth largest of New Zealand’s islands, and is located a short boat journey from the northern city of Auckland, with only a small population actually living on the island. The island was originally used to mine copper, silver and gold, as well as the extensive logging of the kauri trees that grew on the island, although today the small economy is largely made up of agriculture and tourism. Today the interior of the island is largely preserved as a nature reserve, and many of the visitors come to enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife that can be found on the island.

Climb Mount Hobson

The highest point on Great Barrier Island is this mountain which rises to over six hundred meters above sea level at the heart of the island. There are several trails that allow visitors the opportunity to climb to the peak, and because of the rare plant and animal species such as the Black Petrel that breed around the peak of Mount Hobson, many of the trails traverse some areas by boardwalk to help protect these breeding grounds. The shortest route to the peak is through the stunning Windy Canyon, with high forested cliffs rising above both sides of the path, and the two hour walk to Mount Hobson’s peak is rewarded by spectacular panoramic views around the island, and it is also possible to see nearby islands too.

Visit The Glenfern Sanctuary

One of the main reasons that Great Barrier Island is such an important natural site in New Zealand is that it has been kept free of the pest animals such as possums and brown rats, which has allowed the native animals to thrive where they have been reduced in many other parts of the country. The Glenfern Sanctuary is made up of over two hundred and fifty hectares that is protected by an animal proof fence that allows the natural species to thrive. Among the rare species that are protected from predators within the sanctuary include the Brown Teal, the Black Petrel and also the Chevron Skink.

Enjoy The Kaitoke Hot Springs

The Kaitoke Hot Springs are among the most popular places on Great Barrier Island to visit, and can be accessed on foot by a well maintained path from the trail head at Whangaparapara Road. The walk down to the pools is easy through pleasantly forested surroundings, before reaching the series of sulfurous pools that draws so many people to this part of the island. These pools can range in terms of the temperature of the water, and it is always best to dip a toe in before taking the plunge into the island. As with all of New Zealand’s hot springs it is important not to drink any of the water or to dip your head under the water.

Scuba Diving Around The Coast Of The Island

Scuba Diving is another of the most popular activities to enjoy around the coast of the island, and is one of the best places in New Zealand to enjoy the underwater wildlife. The dive sites in the area are suitable for novices as well as for experts, and because it is quite a large island it is possible to explore a variety of different sites. Some of the shallower diving sites have impressive rock and coral formations that attract colorful smaller fish and marine life, while there are also some large drop offs worth diving where it is possible to see some of the sea’s larger predators at fairly close quarters.

As well as diving around the coast of the Great Barrier Island, the diving trips in this area will also often visit the nearby sites at Goat Island and Little Barrier Island. http://www.forthetraveller.com/

The Top Places To Stay In Dunedin

paulread — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 19:05:00 GMT

Located at the south east corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is often considered to be one of the main cities of the country, and is located in a very attractive part of the nation. Historically the economy of the city was dependent on the port and exporting the huge amounts of gold that was mined in the nearby area, but today the city is best known for the University of Otago, which is the largest contributor to the economy and means the city has a young and vibrant atmosphere.

Roslyn Apartments

The Roslyn Apartments are located around three minutes by car away from the heart of Dunedin, and have a good range of accommodation available that offer a few more home comforts than the average hotel. The location is one of the best on the Otago Peninsula, and offers superb views back over the bay which can be enjoyed in the majority of rooms in the hotel. While the location makes it perfect for those who are looking to explore the city during the day, the kitchens are fully equipped and the rooms have large televisions that means spending the evening in the apartments is very comfortable too.

Bluestone On George

Bluestone On George is one of the nicest small hotels that can be found in the city, and is situated a short walk away from the University campus, and is at the heart of the vibrant city center. The package in the hotel is very stylish, from the warm lights above the entrance to the hotel through to the welcoming and comfortable guest lounge in the hotel. Even the most basic studio apartments within the hotel have a comfortable level of accommodation, and has a small kitchen as well as city views from the balcony windows, and a comfortable bed that makes it perfect for enjoying a good night’s sleep after a long day exploring the area.

Hotel St Clair

Another of the popular areas of the city is the seafront, and especially if you are visiting during the summer when there is a reasonable chance of having a sunny day, the Hotel St Clair has a beautiful location on the seafront. The hotel itself is designed to make the most of the stunning views over the ocean with a large glass front, and the rooms and suites with these views are certainly the most desirable. Inside the rooms are luxurious with huge beds and a wonderful bathroom with deep sunk baths and shower cubicles, while it is also possible to enjoy the swimming pool and the excellent restaurant located within the hotel.

The Brothers Boutique Hotel

As the name suggests, this hotel offers contemporary and comfortable accommodation with a small hotel twist which helps to make it one of the nicest places to stay in Dunedin. The rooms with views back over the city and the bay are particularly nice, and the warm welcome provided by the staff is a nice touch, with a welcome drink available for guests in the early evening. Every room comes with a nice en suite bathroom, while the Chapel Room offers a different hotel experience, and for visitors coming to Dunedin on business it is conveniently located for the city center. http://www.traveltoodle.com/

Hogwartz Backpackers

While many backpackers hostels in New Zealand can be a little bit faceless, this charming hostel is located in a historic building dating from the nineteenth century that has been sympathetically restored and converted to an interesting hostel. As the name suggests, there are several hints at the Harry Potter tradition that has been adopted for the hostel, while it also offers a wide variety of different rooms from single rooms to the cheaper dormitories with up to six beds. The hostel is right at the city center, and is conveniently located for all of the sights in Dunedin.