If you’re looking for great lookouts, amazing beaches and a relaxing weekend, Port Stephens is the answer. Below are our recommendations on what to do if you’re planning a weekend getaway.
Port Stephens long weekend itinerary
Friday: Arrive Friday evening and check in to your hotel
Saturday: Take a drive to Seal Rocks, Blueys Beach & Forster
Sunday: Explore Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Tomaree Head
Seal Rocks
About 1.5 hours north of Nelson Bay you will find Seal Rocks. I know, it sounds like such a long drive, but trust me – it’s worth it!!
This place was absolutely stunning! Just put Seal Rocks into google maps, otherwise, you can search for North Coast Holiday Parks Seal Rocks as the beach is opposite the park!
There is a rocky mountain just out which you can go explore on or jump off the rocks into the ocean. It is a great spot to spend a few hours catching some rays.
Blueys Beach
Another 20 minutes north of Seal Rocks you will find Blueys Beach. It is a massive stretch of beach, plenty of space to relax, play some beach cricket or have a swim.
Forster
Forster is a gorgeous coastal town. There isn’t a whole lot happening here, but if you are there when there are markets, it is worth a quick stop in!
Soldiers Point
If you want to see some Pelicans, this is the spot! There are heaps of fisherman here and the pelicans hang around to get the scraps.
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is where you will find the marina. Plenty of boats, an information centre if you’re looking for things to do!
Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay is really quite beautiful. There is quite a lot of beach and cafés if you decide to grab a bite to eat.
Tomaree Head
This is an absolute must see and do in Port Stephens. The views are breathtaking.
The walk has a few stairs to get up, but not super difficult. There are spots you can stop along the way to catch your breath if you need to!
You overlook Shoal Bay and Zenith Beach and there are plenty of spots to stop along the way for some photos.
Barry Park Walk
This is a gorgeous walk! You can do part of it or the whole thing, depending on how much time you have.
Salamander Bay
We stayed at Salamander Bay and spent a bit of time exploring. There really isn’t a lot here to see, but if you’re out this way you may as well!
Where to stay
We stayed at the Ibis Styles Salamander Shores. The hotel itself was fine but had a sort of model feel to it and was a bit dated. However, the bed was comfortable which was the main thing. We booked here simply because we are Platinum Accor members.
Where to eat
We actually ate at the Ibis Styles restaurant both nights. Honestly, the food was fantastic! It was quite a pubby atmosphere but the food was good value. However, breakfast wasn’t amazing so I’d recommend eating out somewhere!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
Here are a few more snaps from our weekend in Port Stephens.
“The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” – Anna Quindlen
Surrounded by the Alps and Jura Mountains with incredible views of the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, you will find Geneva on the southern tip of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).
We had the pleasure of stopping into this Swiss beauty on our way to Val Thorens, France for some of the best skiing Europe has to offer.
Geneva two day itinerary
Day 1: Geneva Old Town
Day 2: Day trip to Annecy, France
Day 1: Geneva Old Town
We spent a day enjoying Geneva’s Old Town before our ski trip. As most Old Towns in Europe, there is a lot of history and charm that comes with it.
The Floral Clock (Horloge Fleurie)
More than 6000 flowers and plants, which change depending on the season, you will no doubt be impressed! But why the floral clock? I’m sure you’re probably all aware that Switzerland is famous for their watches and this is a symbol of that and was created back in 1955.
You can find the Floral Clock on the edge of the English Garden (Jardin Anglais).
The beauty of the clock is that it actually keeps the correct time. A fun fact about the clock is that the second hand is a whopping 2.5m long which makes it the largest in the world!
The Fountain (Le Jet d’Eau)
It is kind of hard to miss when you’re walking near the Floral Clock and along Lake Geneva! Le Jet d’Eau, translated to ‘The Fountain’ is the large fountain located in the middle of the lake and is Geneva’s most famous landmarks! It was even used on the official logo for Geneva’s hosting of the 2008 UEFA Championships.
It also happens to be one of the largest fountains in the world and sprays the water into the air at around 200km/hr – you better hope the wind doesn’t pick up or you may get a little wet!
St Peter’s Cathedral (St. Pierre Cathedral)
Who doesn’t love a panoramic view over the city? St Peter’s Cathedral is where to get that experience in Geneva. But, you do need to be prepared to walk up the 157 stairs!
It is also known in French as the St. Pierre Cathedral and is located in the old town. Construction commenced on the current building in 1160, however, there is evidence to prove that the site was occupied in the 4th Century.
Day 2: Day trip to Annecy, France
Annecy, France
If you have a hire car, we recommend visiting Annecy, France for the day. We absolutely loved this quaint town and was a worthwhile day trip. To read more about Annecy, click here.
Click here to read tips and information on driving in Europe.
When to visit Geneva
We stopped over on our way to our ski trip so it was the end of December and cold. We actually woke up on our first morning to around 10cm of snow! If, however, you are after long days with plenty of sunshine, you should visit between June and August.
Language spoken in Geneva
As I’m sure you’re aware, Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Romansh, Italian. Geneva is close to the French border so the most common language spoken is French. In saying that, pretty much everyone speaks fluent English.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
Hotel: Crown Towers Perth
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Room: Deluxe Villa
Perfect for: Couples, Executives
Category: 6 Star, Exclusive Luxury
From the moment you drive into the entrance of this exquisite hotel, you know you’re in for a treat.
Below is our full review of our stay at Crown Towers Perth.
Our welcome experience at Crown Towers Perth…
We walked up to the concierge desk and were directed to the Crystal Club for our express check-in. The staff at the Crystal Club were welcoming, friendly and gave us a tour of the Crystal Club and what is included as part of that package. Keep reading below for more information on the lounge!
The Room…
Our room was a Deluxe Villa and from the moment you walk into your villa, it feels like a home, this is not simply a hotel room.
As you enter, you have a dining room area followed by a lounge room.
This, of course, would not be complete without a Whiskey bar, mini bar, coffee machine.
All of this is overlooking the beautiful skyline of Perth.
The bedroom has an extremely comfortable King bed, chaise lounge, study desk (with an Apple MacBook) and the same magical view, what more could you want?
As you walk past the wardrobes towards the ensuite, you will notice plenty of cupboard space, a dressing table with hairdryer and a GHD hair straightener.
The moment you walk into the ensuite, you will be mesmerised by the sheer size of the bathroom. Dual vanities, plenty of mirrors, large bathtub and a TV.
A separate shower complete with a built-in seat for those who want to sit under the rain shower for a little longer.
The room had plenty of other perks which are absolutely worth mentioning… the sheers and drapes are both automatic.
If you’re in bed and realised you left the lights on or the drapes open – just turn over to your Samsung tablet on the side table and at the press of a button you can control all of these as well.
The Butler…
Our room came with a Butler service. We had only been in our room for 2 minutes when the doorbell rang. It was Ian, our Butler.
Ian introduced himself and asked if we had any requests. For those who are unsure what a Butler can do for you, it can be just about anything:
- unpacking your luggage into the wardrobe
- running a bubble bath at any time
- pouring your bottle of champagne
- arranging for your towels by the pool
- dinner reservations, even at the busiest of busy hot spots
- coffee to enjoy shortly after your wake-up
- and so much more
Imagine this… You’ve spent an entire day out exploring, say for example Rottnest Island. You’re on the ferry on the way back to Fremantle and driving back to the hotel. You’re exhausted and all you want to do is get into a nice warm bath to relax and soak your muscles after riding a bicycle all day. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the bath ready for you when you get back to your room and not having to wait for it to fill up? Yep… that is one of the perks of having your own Butler.
Crystal Club…
With our room came Crystal Club access. It is worth noting upfront that you can actually pay for access if it is not included in your package. So, if you feel like enhancing your Crown Towers experience, then for $90 per person, you can experience all that the Crystal Club has to offer.
Located on the 15th floor, the Crystal Club is where you can check in / check out and avoid the queue in the foyer. It is a one-stop shop concierge service. The welcome lounge is inviting, bright and spacious with incredible views over Perth city.
The Crystal club provides guests with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapes. You can choose to have this inside or outside on the covered patio overlooking the incredible sunset.
Breakfast is available daily and you can order off the A La Carte menu. Monday to Friday it is available between 6.30am – 11am and on weekends from 7am until midday.
After you check in, why not enjoy complimentary afternoon tea between 2pm – 4pm. There is a nice selection of afternoon tea that would suit everyone.
Once you’re settled and had a chance to enjoy the grounds, definitely head up to the Club for evening drinks, canapes and an amazing sunset over the Perth skyline. These are daily from 5.30pm – 7pm and include a variety of hot and cold canapes as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
To be honest, if you didn’t have dinner plans you won’t need it as there is plenty to keep you going here!
Health and Fitness…
For those who like to stay active on holidays, there is a fully equipped gym which includes some cardio machines and weights. It is by far the most impressive hotel gym I’ve come across. It is just massive.
Hotel Grounds
The pool area is massive! There are multiple pools, lifeguards and bars/restaurants around. You could very easily spend a day (or two or three) relaxing by the pool. I know we wished we had extra time to enjoy the resort!
Also attached to the precinct is the Casino. If you feel like a quick bet then take a wander over to try your luck! We managed to pick up a quick $100 which paid for a few drinks!
Good to know…
The Deluxe Villa includes complimentary valet parking – this is service that we found extremely useful. When you phone to get assistance with your luggage upon check out, give your parking ticket to that person and they will arrange for your bags to put into the boot for you. Makes things so simple!
Checking out…
Checking out couldn’t be easier at the Crystal Club. It was efficient and we had no issues at all.
Above and beyond…
A massive shout out to Ian, our Butler. He was helpful and provided us with a heap of information and made our stay really enjoyable.
The not so good…
This heading is pointless from our opinion. The hotel, hotel grounds and staff were on point. Everyone was friendly, professional and helpful.
The verdict…
A massive thumbs up from our point of view. Whether you’re a professional on a business trip, fellow travellers who are looking for a touch of luxury or locals who are looking for a staycation – Crown Towers has it all.
More to see in Western Australia?
If you’re looking for tips of what to see and do in Perth, Rottnest Island and Margaret River, click here!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
New Zealand, you already know how beautiful the country is, but you probably don’t know how best to see these gorgeous spots!
Wild Kiwi have put together a 7 day southern voyager tour that captures some of those big-ticket spots that everyone is desperate to get to!
7 day Itinerary for the southern voyager
Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown & Milford Sound
Day 5: Queenstown
Day 6: Mount Cook
Day 7: Mount Cook to Christchurch
About Wild Kiwi
If you’re aged between 18 – 35, Wild Kiwi is a small group tour with like-minded people. So it doesn’t matter if you’re travelling alone or with a group of people, Wild Kiwi is a great way to make new friends, or add to your group of friends whilst enjoying a holiday you won’t forget. We certainly picked up a few new friends from our trip!
Our highlights
There are just so many. Every turn we took, every spot we stopped at or corner we peeked around, it was all beautiful. The highlights for us were:
- The Blue Pools (adventurous jumping off the bridge into icy water) on our drive between Franz Josef and Queenstown
- Quad Biking in Queenstown (ridiculously fun)
- Milford Sound as well as the helicopter flight with a snow landing in Mount Cook (absolutely stunning scenery)
Now that I write it all down… there was a highlight on every day with the exception of Franz Josef, probably because we were stuck in heavy rain with no glacier hike in sight. Had we had better weather, I’m confident this would have made the list as well!
Now for our detailed itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
We met Mark, our guide at 9.30am. He gave us an introduction and explained the itinerary. We stopped in at the supermarket to pick up some snacks for the long drive ahead to Frans Josef.
The day 1 itinerary, photos and a short video can be found here. Quick snapshot below:
We covered quite the distance on day 1, definitely glad we were on a tour rather than driving ourselves!
Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier
Day 2 of our tour was at Franz Josef Glacier. This was an exciting day on the tour for us as we booked in for the Heli Hike optional activity. I would love to tell you how incredible it was, but due to the heavy rain and wind, it was cancelled!!! *Insert really really sad face here*
But, we had an awesome day, despite the weather. Click here to see how we filled a rainy day in Franz Josef.
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
One of my favourite days. One of the highlights mentioned above was our stop at the Blue Pools – see the below short video of some of us jumping into the freezing water from one of the bridges!
To find out more about where we stopped, including seeing “That Wanaka Tree” (if you don’t know it, google it!) click here.
Again, we covered quite the distance. Hint, get a tour 😉
Day 4: Queenstown & Milford Sound
Everyone has heard of Milford Sound. And if you haven’t, google it. It is absolutely stunning and we spent the day cruising up Milford Sound enjoying what nature had to offer.
It is a 5-hour drive from Queenstown and before you say that it’s too far away and the drive is too long… the drive itself is one of the most beautiful you will get in NZ and absolutely worth the 6 am departure!!!
Click here to read about our Milford Sound day trip.
Day 5: Queenstown
We woke up early for breakfast before heading off on our half day Quad Biking tour. For us, it was a must do when in Queenstown as we missed out the first time we visited. Click here to read about Quad biking and what tour we would recommend.
Our quad bike guide Mark (yep, another Mark) suggested we head to Atlas Beer Cafe. For just under $20 you can get a rump steak, chips and salad – and have a view over Lake Wakatipu!
In the afternoon, we decided to head up to the Skyline Gondola & Luge. It was an absolute hoot! I’d totally recommend the luge… click here to read more and to see our short video.
Dinner was at The London courtesy of Wild Kiwi. Pizza and chips – what’s not to like?
Day 6: Mount Cook
After a relaxing morning, we departed Queenstown for Mount Cook. It wasn’t a massive drive with only a couple of stops along the way. If you’re looking for some tips on what to do in Mount Cook, click here to find out more.
Day 7: Mount Cook to Christchurch (via Lake Tekapo)
It was a very sad day for us to wake up to the last day of our tour. But, Mark worked his magic and got us some sunshine and a helicopter ride with a snow landing! Thanks, Mark!
We took off at 9 am and landed on snow that was just under knee depth – it was definitely worth it. The views were amazing and it was just an overall great experience, did I mentioned that you this is a helicopter, landing on snow?
Click here to read all about it and to watch a short video on what to expect from the experience.
Next stop was at Lake Tekapo to see the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. It is probably the most photographed church in New Zealand and after seeing it for myself, I can see why. There were even a couple getting some wedding photos taken while we were there.
Lunch was at the Four Square (supermarket). They have a good range of fresh sandwiches and also some hot dishes as well, definitely a step up from most of the supermarkets. There are some tables and chairs outside where you can sit and enjoy the view of the lake.
After leaving Lake Tekapo, our next stop was at Geraldine for a toilet stop, don’t worry, I know I’ve only mentioned this one toilet stop, but there are many along the way and then if you really do need to go, just let your guide know and I’m sure he’ll allow it.
After the toilet stop, we then continued driving through Rakaia before reaching Christchurch.
The drive from Lake Tekapo was yet again, just beautiful.
What to see in Christchurch
If you have some additional time in Christchurch and wondering what to see, click here to see our suggestions.
Where to stay in Christchurch
If you are staying before and after the tour you will need to arrange your own accommodation. We can recommend these places:
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square: We spent two nights after the tour in Christchurch city centre. We stayed at the Novotel as it was conveniently located. Click here to read our full review of the hotel.
Jucy Snooze Christchurch: We stayed here the night before the tour as we arrived after midnight and had an early start. Wild Kiwi also happened to use this as a base so we met Mark out front, dropped our bags in the van and then continued on to the real pickup location.
The positives to Jucy Snooze is that they are a great common area and large kitchen if that’s what you’re looking for. The pods are a unique design in that you get your privacy etc. However, being at the airport, you have people coming and going all hours of the night and morning so the quality of sleep was pretty bad. BUT in saying that, it was only one night and let’s be honest… when you’re paying $35 for a night, you can’t really complain, can you?
Wild Kiwi Van & Accommodation information
No doubt you’re considering either hopping on a tour or hiring your own transport to get around the South Island. Honestly, I’m pretty happy with the fact that we went on a tour relaxed, had some naps, and safely got from point a to point b without any drama.
The fan itself is luxurious and fitted out with everything you need; comfortable, and I mean, comfortable, leather reclining seats, USB charging points, massive windows to lap up all that scenery and most important… unlimited WIFI!!!
Wild Kiwi describe the van as a social entertainment unit on wheels – and they aren’t wrong!
Accommodation is shared, either located in hostels or cabins. Our group had a couple of rooms at each location with four people per room sleeping in bunk beds. Most of you who know us know that we don’t normally book shared accommodation, in fact, this was a first for us. How did we go with the sharing part? Well, we surprised ourselves!
The rooms were tidy, water pressure was good and no sign of running out of hot water so that was a bonus. I can’t say there is a great deal of space for everyone’s bags, so depending on the length of trip, pack light and save some space! There’s no guarantee you’ll stay in the same spots, but the accommodation we enjoyed the most was Absoloot Backpackers in Queenstown. Location was perfect, you couldn’t be more central, the bottom bunks happened to be double beds and the communal kitchen had a great view!
Hint: suggest rotating top/bottom bunk with your roommates between locations, make friends, and pick a top bunk early on to snatch the double bottom bunk here!
We also stayed at the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef. The grounds are really lovely and the bar and restaurant had a great atmosphere. The only letdown was that the All Blacks beat the Wallabies that night so you’ll have to put up with the local Wild Kiwi’s while they celebrate.
The last night was at Mount Cook Lodge. Probably our least favourite accommodation in terms of comfort (also a note to pay $2 to hire a towel). But the views from the restaurant are lovely and the location ideal!
Optional activities
There are so many optional activities you can add on to your holiday depending on how adventurous you might be!
Click here for the full list, the below are likely to be quite popular:
- Bungy jumping
- Canyoning
- Glacier Heli-Hike
- Jet Boating
For more information on the optional tours we chose, see below for our day to day activities.
Why choose Wild Kiwi
It’s fun. It is nice to travel with friends or people who are wanting to see and do similar things. You can not only share the experience with them but make memories forever.
Value for money. When you think about it, it includes your transport, breakfast and all accommodation. They even paid for dinner one night in Queenstown! When you work it out to cost per night, it’s pretty damn good!!
What’s included
You get quite a bit of stuff included in the price:
- Transport in the ‘social entertainment unit on wheels’ including your driver and guide (who happens to be the same person!)
- All accommodation which includes 2 nights in Franz Joseph, 3 nights in Queenstown, and 1 night in Mount Cook
- Breakfast daily (and our tour had one dinner in Queenstown)
- Transport to Milford Sound
What’s not included
Travel insurance is not included but in my opinion an absolute must when you’re travelling. Click here to read more, get a quote and book.
Food: Breakfast is available every day in the communal kitchens of your accommodation, but you will need to buy your own lunch and dinner. There are a few supermarket stops where you can stock up on snacks or grab a sandwich if you prefer.
Drinks: You will also need to purchase your own drinks, but with the number of spots, there are plenty of options to grab what you need along the way.
What to pack for your Wild Kiwi Tour
New Zealand has weather that changes at a drop of a hat! It might be springtime, but it can get freezing cold so you need to be prepared.
Click here for our packing guide for your Wild Kiwi tour.
Not everyone will follow the list, but I would definitely recommend an eye mask and ear plugs – you never know if you’ll be sharing a room with, chances are you’ll have at least one snorer or someone who needs to get up in the middle of the night, turning on the lights and flushing that toilet 😉
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Room: Executive Room
Perfect for: Couples, Executives
Category: 4 Star
Located in the city centre of Christchurch, you will find the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. Centrally located to everything you need in Christchurch, even boasting views over the Southern Alps, what more could you want?
Below is our full review of our stay at the hotel.
Our welcome experience at the Novotel Christchurch…
Because we are loyalty members of Accor, we were able to bypass the queue and head straight to the front with the priority check in! The staff were helpful, gave us all of the relevant information and were also able to help us book an additional room for a friend travelling with us.
The Room…
The executive room was spacious and well appointed. With a King bed, lounge and study desk, there is plenty of space to spread out with your luggage or simply to relax.
Having looked out the window before exploring the city, the view from above really did show the devastation caused by the Earthquake. More than 7 years later, empty lots where buildings once stood, cranes throughout the skyline and an impressive, yet surreal view of the damage does to the Cathedral.
If you feel the need to relax after a long day exploring the city, I would definitely recommend grabbing some of the shower gel and having a bath. In addition to the usual amenities, you also have a couple of combs and dental sets just in case you forgot to pack your own (or feel the need to open a brand new one just because you can!).
Meals…
We had breakfast each morning at the Square Restaurant. The buffet breakfast was fresh and there was plenty to choose from.
Eggs made to order, a juicer and freshly baked goods! Honestly, this was a pretty good way to start the day!
Looking for somewhere to unwind? You’re in luck, Square Bar offers a good range of drinks and if you’re looking to eat in, the menu at Square Restaurant is worth checking out. We enjoyed our Welcome drinks at the bar before heading out to dinner and the service and atmosphere were good.
Health and Fitness…
For those who like to stay active on holidays, there is a modern and fully equipped gym. Nothing worse than getting to a hotel with dated machinery so this was excellent.
Good to know…
There is free street parking, or if you prefer, secure parking that you can arrange with the hotel for an additional cost.
There is also a souvenir shop attached to the hotel so you can pick up any last minute gifts before you check out.
Checking out…
Quick and easy with Accor properties, we’ve never had a problem here. You can either use the express checkout or speak with reception. We always check out with reception who were also more than happy to arrange a taxi to the airport.
Above and beyond…
The staff who greeted us at reception were extremely friendly and assisted us with additional bookings on the spot.
The not so good…
Nothing to report here – all in all, it was a great stay!
The verdict…
If you’re looking for a lovely hotel in a very central part of Christchurch, then you should definitely consider this hotel. It is in the centre of everything you may want to see in the city which makes it easy to duck back to grab a jacket or drop a jacket back if you needed to!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
It was our second last day on our Wild Kiwi Southern Voyager tour and we departed Queenstown for Mount Cook.
Getting to Mount Cook from Queenstown
Lindis Pass
We drove through the picturesque Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago.
Omarama
We then stopped in at Omarama for lunch. There are a few options to grab a bite to eat, all of which were pretty good! It was a pretty cute little town.
What to do in Mount Cook
Mount Cook Information Centre
Our accommodation next to the Mount Cook Information Centre, so whilst it was convenient for us, I would definitely recommend a quick stop to look at the displays, memorial books as well as an interactive map of the region which will really put it into perspective.
Tasman Glacier View Walk
Rainy day or not, it was time for another walk! The Tasman Glacier was around 15-20 minutes up some stairs (depending on how many photos you take) straight past the Blue Lakes and the views are definitely worth it.
The Blue Lakes can be seen around halfway up. Somewhat deceiving as the Blue Lakes are actually green ponds- luckily the tourism board must have realised this is confusing so an explanatory sign was placed at the lookout:
In the mid-1800s when the Blue Lakes were named, they were fed by turquoise glacial melt water filtering through the moraine. The icy blue water was a popular swimming spot in summer and skating rink in winter. Today, the Tasman Glacier has shrunk in length and height, and water no longer flows from the glacier into the Blue Lakes. The warmer rainwater that now feeds the lake supports green algae, making the Blue Lakes green.
When you reach the Tasman Glacier View, you have a ‘wow’ moment. When we visited the lake was this gorgeous icy blue colour with massive chunks of ice scattered throughout. I can only imagine what the colours would be like with sunshine.
Doing what I do, I decided to head down straight down the rocky hill to reach the lake. Honestly, it looks close but it really isn’t. Would I do it again? Probably.
Check out this short video which includes me heading down the rocky front towards the lake.
Next on the list was a nice warm shower, a few drinks at the bar and Monopoly Deal (like monopoly but a card game – check it out, it’s pretty good!).
Mount Cook Helicopter Scenic Flight with Snow Landing
The next morning we woke up to blue skies with a light breeze, absolutely perfect for a scenic Helicopter flight with snow landing! We’ve been in many helicopters but the snow landing was a first and I have to say, pretty epic.
Read more about this experience here.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. Our South Island tour with Wild Kiwi kicked off from Christchurch and also finished up there giving us a couple of days to explore the city.
This post will provide you with a list of things to see and do in Christchurch.
A bit of history on Christchurch
If you didn’t know much about Christchurch before 2010, that all changed when it became world news after the city suffered from a series of earthquakes between September 2010 and early 2012. The worst earthquake hit on 22 February 2011 killing 185 people and destroying hundreds of buildings beyond repair.
Christchurch now
Walking around the streets of Christchurch, you really feel for the city and the people. More than six years later, the city is still filled with temporary fencing, temporary carparks (where buildings once stood) and graffiti. To be fair, there has been a lot of rebuilds completed, including the mall and the big accounting firms with their logos on display.
What to see and do in Christchurch
Christchurch Gondola
This seems to be the place for the locals. There are many scenic walks and of course the Gondola to get to the top, where you’ll enjoy the scenic views towards Christchurch. It isn’t like the Gondola in Queenstown where you can walk from the city centre and head straight up. You need to either drive, take a bus or get on the shuttle bus ($10 return) from outside the Botanic Gardens.
You then buy your tickets at the base of the Gondola, we decided on a combo which included the city tram (and let’s be honest, the city tram is a must!).
At the top of, you will find a large souvenir shop, a terrace that wraps around the building and most importantly, views towards Christchurch and beyond.
If you’re feeling peckish, there is a cafe with plenty of seating.
Then, of course, there is the Time Tunnel. Not something I would recommend, but it’s there so if you have time to kill then you may as well hop on and go for a bit of an odd journey. The poor girl in the videos must honestly look back at it and regret filming those scenes.
What you do need to do, is skip the Gondola ride back down and take the scenic route, along The Bridle Path. You’ll find many locals (and their dogs) doing a bit of exercise and I would be surprised if you didn’t see a sheep along the path.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are quite beautiful. It is the biggest green space in Christchurch and brings in over 1 million visitors each year. It’s not hard to see why.
The River Avon flows through the gardens where you can try your luck at punting! If punting isn’t for you, don’t’ worry, there are many pathways where you can safely stroll around to take in the beautiful blooms.
Earthquake Memorial – 185 Empty White Chairs
Representing the 185 people who lost their lives on 22 February 2011 during the Earthquake. This memorial is very touching and really hits you hard. The chairs range from baby capsules, wheelchairs and your everyday chair.
Devastating.
Where is the memorial located? You will find the 185 Empty White Chairs on the Corner of Cashel and Madras Street, Christchurch.
Re:START / Container Mall
Re:START, now called Container Mall acted as a temporary shopping mall after the devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake. This earthquake destroyed most of the buildings in the City Mall. Re:START remains open to the public and locals and tourists enjoy the area and space. At the time of writing this post, the main shopping mall has reopened, however, the Container Mall still remains with a number of stores still working out of the shipping containers.
Cardboard Cathedral
Cardboard Cathedral was opened 2 years after the earthquake hit Christchurch. This cathedral is only temporary and is a memorial of the city’s most prized landmarks.
The cathedral is supposed to now be one of the safest, earthquake-proof buildings in Christchurch. It was built from 98 equally sized cardboard tubes and 8 steel shipping containers.
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is also known as the heart of Christchurch. However, when you look around, you see rubble and construction. As at September 2017, the cathedral remains in desperate need of repair and hasn’t been touched since the earthquake. We were told that the cathedral has now been given finance and approval to re-build, but this will likely take around 7 – 10 years to complete.
Quake City
I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Quake City… the name sounds poorly thought out given the situation. However, after visiting the museum, I realised it is much more than an ‘attraction’, it is absolutely worth visiting to appreciate the history of earthquakes in Christchurch and the effect it has had on the city.
You’ll see mementoes, artefacts and have the opportunity to watch video footage from when the quake first struck, listening to the stories told by the survivors.
What I found really interesting is that the cathedral clocks stopped at the time the earthquake hit, quite the reminder.
Tourist Tram
The tram is a great way to see the city!
It is a 50 minute round journey and you can hop on and off as much as you like with trams every 15 – 20 minutes. It provided us with a quick feel for the city and gave us plenty of ideas for where we wanted to go for a bite to eat and where we wanted to explore a bit more.
New Regent Street
What a beautiful street!! It really takes you back to the 1930’s. You will find the tram does run down this street and it also happens to be Christchurch’s major tourist attraction! It is easily the most beautiful street in Christchurch, which isn’t too difficult with all the temporary fencing, but to put it into perspective, I have also been told this is the most beautiful street in New Zealand! You be the judge.
New Regent Street is a pedestrian mall in Christchurch. Built as a private development in the early 1930s with 40 shops in Spanish Mission architectural style, it is one of the city’s major tourist attractions
Where to eat in Christchurch
Fiddlesticks
Fiddlesticks has a great atmosphere. I couldn’t fault my dish and Jenna said it would have to be one of the best steak’s she has eaten, ever. And for those who know Jenna, knows she has eaten at a lot of steak restaurants so this is a pretty big call!
C1 Espresso
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a twist, C1 Espresso will be just that. If you order the sliders, they will be delivered to your table in pneumatic tubes. It is quite interesting and very well set up.
We did go for dinner and it was pretty quiet, I would suggest visiting C1 around lunchtime instead to have a bit of an atmosphere (while seeing your food delivered via the pneumatic tubes).
Casa Publica
Great lunch spot, check this place out. Casa Publica can be found on New Regent Street, so you can enjoy some people watching while having a meal and a few drinks. Most importantly, you can enjoy desert just a few meters down the road (check out our next tip!).
Rollickin Gelato
After your lunch at Casa Publica, head across the street to Rollickin Gelato. You know it’s good when there is such a big lineup!! It was good, and the line moves pretty quickly so don’t let that impact your decision. Check it out!
Where to stay in Christchurch
We stayed at the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. It is in the perfect location for exploring the city. Click here to read our full review.
What else to do on the South Island of NZ?
If you’re travelling around the South Island, keep an eye on our New Zealand page for our detailed posts around the island.
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“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
As part of our Wild Kiwi Southern Island Voyager tour, we were on a mission to get on a chopper and see some snow, which is when we found a Mount Cook helicopter for a snow landing!
To tell you the truth, our first choice was absolute a Glacier Heli Hike in Franz Josef, but unfortunately, we had terrible weather and this wasn’t possible. If this happens to you, Mount Cook is definitely a good alternative!
We were booked on the first flight for the day, and boy were we lucky! We had perfect weather, blue skies, light wind and plenty of snow on top of the peaks.
Mount Cook Helicopter with Snow Landing
If you’re going to see Mount Cook, what better way to do so than in a helicopter. There is a range of tours available with The Helicopter Line, but we chose the 40-minute snow landing option. It isn’t the cheapest activity they offer, at a price of $450 NZD per person (as at September 2017) but that seems to be the going rate for these sorts of activities anywhere. Head over to The Helicopter Line website for information and current pricing.
The views getting to our snow landing were spectacular!
The beauty of this experience is that you fly through the rugged face of the Tasman Glacier which is pretty impressive. The views appear to be never-ending as you stare out of your window at Mount Cook and the upper Tasman Glacier.
Did you know that the Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand?
Our pilot came in over the landing spot, did a quick loop before coming back to make our snow landing. We’ve been in many helicopters before, but there’s definitely something spectacular about a snow landing!
We jumped out of the helicopter and stepped onto the snow… knee deep in spots!
But, unfortunately there were other tourists waiting for their turn on the helicopter so it was time to head back. During the flight, our pilot pointed out an overnight cabin for hikers. It appeared to be in the middle of absolutely nowhere on the mountain!
I am not sure I could ever convince Jenna to do that hike, but if anyone is keen to join me- let me know! We then continued back via the Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin. It really doesn’t matter which way you look, the views are stunning from above.
Want more info on NZ?
If you’re travelling throughout NZ, click here to view all of our NZ posts.
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“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Did you know that Milford Sound is the WETTEST spot in New Zealand and actually also happens to be one of the wettest in the world? So why would you want to visit? This post will give you plenty of reasons why you should make a special trip to visit, despite the weather!
Where is Milford Sound
Located on New Zealand’s south island, you will find Milford Sound in the southwest of the island.
Getting to Milford Sound
As part of our Wild Kiwi tour, we chose to do a day trip from Queenstown. It is around a 5-hour drive but don’t let that deter you! The drive to Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful ones you will do on the south island.
Our driving itinerary to and from Milford Sound was beautiful and consisted of a couple of stops. Shortly into our drive, we had to make an emergency stop on the side of the road. It was an absolute emergency… how could you not stop and take a snap of this!
Back on the road and after 1.5 hours of driving, we stopped at Mossburn Cafe and Diner for a coffee break and then again at Knobs Flat for a quick toilet stop. There was a cool layer of fog around during our drive, it made for a pretty outlook!
We also stopped off at this gorgeous lookout off Te Anau Highway. The views were beautiful!
It was then straight on to Milford Sound so we didn’t miss our 11 am departure for our cruise.
Keep reading further below for details on the cruise.
After our cruise, we started our journey back to Queenstown. We had to wait 5 minutes at the tunnel before being able to proceed on our journey so I decided to grab some photos and found some local NZ Kea which is the world’s only alpine parrot! They are cute… and I’m not a bird person. They are also not shy, coming up to people, we have also been told they are super sneaky as well by moving witches hats for workers and other bits and pieces!
We stopped in at Te Anau, then continued along and stopping for photos of mountains, mountains and more mountains.
This is one of the most photographed spots in NZ. I can see why – it’s so pretty!
Another really cool stop along the way is The Chasm (pronounced Casam). It’s only a 20-minute circuit but the waterways and walk is really pretty!
You can’t really get enough, can you? We stopped for another quick toilet break and another stop at yet another gorgeous lake!
Most of you would be familiar with Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Well, the lake is actually really really big… 80km long in fact! So we stopped at this gorgeous spot to get a different view of the lake before getting back into Queenstown for dinner at World Bar with our tour group.
A bit about Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord (yes, the kiwi’s spell it fiord and not fjord!) and is the only fiord in New Zealand that is accessible by road. It runs 15km inland from the Tasman Sea and it’s surrounded by sheer rock faces… in fact, they can rise up to 1.2km high on either side.
It is home to many waterfalls, fur seals colonies, penguins and even dolphins. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see waterfalls (remember, this is the wettest place!) but we were also lucky enough to see some adorable fur seals!
Milford Sound is home to two permanent waterfalls and if you’re on a boat tour, you’ll get the opportunity to get up close and personal. The waterfalls have been named Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, but more about these below.
Weather at Milford Sound
As I mentioned earlier, Milford Sound is the wettest place in NZ and also the world. It is quite insane and I didn’t quite realise this until we were on our boat cruise and one of the staff told us. On average, it rains around 200 days per year and the annual rainfall is around 7000mm. On any given day, rainfall can reach 250mm!!
But, don’t let the weather stop you from visiting. Our Wild Kiwi guide and everyone else who has visited in the rain says it is just as beautiful. You may not get blue skies or ‘pretty’ photos BUT you will be able to see thousands of additional waterfalls that are formed from the rainfall. The waterfalls coupled with the ink-dark waters make it incredible spectacular, rain or shine!
Milford Sound Waterfalls
Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls are the two permanent waterfalls in Milford Sound and both absolutely beautiful. One, however, is far more impressive than the other. That is, of course, Stirling Falls. Make sure you get up the front of your boat and have your rain jacket on and be prepared to get wet! Your boat will cruise slowly right up to the waterfall and the force of the water is magnificent.
The wind was so strong it felt like a cyclone. It was a highlight of the cruise for us!
Check out this short video which includes us heading under Stirling Falls.
The cruise
We did a 2-hour lunch cruise and cost around $80 NZD per person. The boat was pretty busy but we found it alright getting a good spot to enjoy the views. Our ticket included a buffet lunch and reserved tables so we didn’t have to worry about finding a spot to sit down! The food was alright, nothing to write home about, but I’m not sure you can expect much more – it is a massive tourist attraction after all!
Other things to do at Milford Sound
Depending on your timeline, you may have time to stop in at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. Kayaking is also available! However, we didn’t take part in these as we were heading back to Queenstown.
Things to do in New Zealand
If you’re spending some time throughout New Zealand, click here to look at all of our NZ posts. If you’re looking at a tour around the South Island and you’re between 18 – 35 then we would absolutely recommend Wild Kiwi Tours. A full detailed post is coming soon so watch this space!
Photos of Milford Sound
Here are a few more photos of our Milford Sound day trip.
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“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
Probably one of my favourite days on our 7 day Southern Voyager tour with Wild Kiwi – the Journey from Franz Josef to Queenstown is stunning!
The drive started at 7 am start and one of the bigger driving days, but luckily the changing landscape and places to stop at lakes, a beach and plenty of waterfalls, it certainly didn’t feel like a big drive.
Here is a map of the drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown, including our stops.
And a highlights video from the day!
Lake Matheson
Our first stop was Lake Matheson. It is a 4.4km circuit walk and although it was an overcast day, the reflections in the lake were absolutely perfect!!! What a great way to start the day.
Lake Matheson is surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman.
The start of the walk is over the Clearwater River suspension bridge before continuing along the track through the native forest.
You are able to enjoy the snow-capped Mount Cook and capture the perfect photograph of the reflections in the dark water.
The walk is a 1.5-hour circuit. If you’re looking at heading to the pontoon, expect around a 30 – 40-minute walk.
Ship Creek
Our next leg stretch was at a beach! Our first and only beach stop for the trip and it was so lovely seeing the ocean. It was pretty windy, but with the right clothing, it wasn’t an issue (it’s very important you have the right jacket!). Click here for our NZ printable packing list.
Thunder Creek Falls
If you like waterfalls, you will love Thunder Creek Falls! The waterfall is located in Mt Aspiring National Park, located along the Haast Highway. It is an extremely popular waterfall for visitors in NZ and I can totally see why. The walk from the carpark is only around 10 minutes which makes it super easy to get to.
Fantail Falls
This 23m waterfall is located just down the road from Thunder Creek Falls. Again, only a short walk from the carpark, it makes for a quick pitstop. It was very beautiful and absolutely worth the photo stop!
The Blue Pools
Then, for one our highlights from the entire trip… the Blue Pools! Pack your swimmers for this one if you’re game! Fancy jumping off an 8m bridge into some pretty cold, gorgeous blue water?
Well, our guide, Mark, showed us how it was done and then Emily and I jumped in as well! It was such a fun experience. Never had we thought that it would be possible for the outside temps of 10 degrees would feel warm after being in the water!!!
Check out our short video of the jumps!
Makarora
We then stopped for lunch in Makarora. Don’t get excited about this lunch stop (really, don’t) but it is a convenient stop along the way! Expect some pies, sandwiches and that sort of thing.
Lake Hawea Lookout
Back on the road to our next stop which was Lake Hawea lookout. Seriously, can this country get any more beautiful?? This lookout gives you 180-degree views across Lake Hawea with views over the Barrier, Young and Grandview Ranges.
Wanaka & That Wanaka Tree
Then, a highlight for Jenna – WANAKA!!! you guessed it… she finally got to see #thatwanakatree. And, if you don’t know what I’m talking about – google it!
There is a bit of time here in Wanaka to take a look around or grab a snack. I would highly recommend the bakery, especially if you love a good cream and jam doughnut!
Walking around the town is quite relaxing, there are a few things to see and do – it’s a good time filler!
Cardrona (Bradrona)
We then continued to Queenstown with our next stop down the road to Bradrona … not Cardrona but Bradrona! In support of breast cancer of course… I had to do the Bra Crawl 🙂
Queenstown
The final part of the journey was through the Crown Ranges. The drive itself is just picturesque and just breathtaking.
We arrived at our accommodation in Queenstown and then headed out for dinner.
Where to eat in Queenstown
Dinner at Flame – simply because as soon as we stepped out of our accommodation, we could smell the grill cooking… delicious! To read more about where to eat in Queenstown, click here.
And, if you’re in Queenstown, you definitely must stop in at The Remarkables Sweet Shop and get yourself some fudge samples!
Want more info on NZ?
If you’re travelling throughout NZ, click here to view all of our NZ posts.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
