New Zealand Archives - Page 4 of 6 -

August 24, 2019

Unwinding in Twizel at the High Country Cabin

You had me at high country cabin. I'm not sure if it's because I'm Canadian, from the country or spent a lot of my childhood on the lake but the thought of cozying up in a cabin just spells bliss to me! You too? I would say North America does the wood cabin thing very well. I'll neer forget my stay at Falcon Trails Resort. Many are actually situated by a lake where you have a separate house for your boat and you can drive it right onto the water. Something I haven't seen here in New Zealand. Not yet anyways. Many people have what they call a bach inste[...]

May 11, 2019

All you need to know hiking Mt Somers in Mid Canterbury

If you've been to the Mid Canterbury region, no doubt you would have set your eyes on the tall and looming Mt Somers. It's a volcanic mountain leaving remnants of red rock and boasts stunning 360-degree views from the summit. There is good variety in the track and is a great challenge for any tramper. Mt Somers was created in 1987 by the Mt Somers walkways society. An organization that works with DOC to keep the tracks and huts maintained. There are many routes you can take around the mountain that can ultimately get you to the summit. The first time I w[...]

April 28, 2019

8 Easy Walks in Mid Canterbury, New Zealand

After moving to Methven, I made it my mission to find some easy walks in Mid Canterbury. No doubt the area is full of awesome day hikes but sometimes it's nice to take an easier walk and get the amazing views without the huge effort. This blog post includes a variety of easy walks in Mid Canterbury. Some though the bush, others to stunning alpine lakes. These walks have little elevation, range in distance and some are slightly more challenging than others. The beauty of them though is that you can go as far as you can and if you need, you can always turn b[...]

April 28, 2019

8 day hikes in Mid- Canterbury, New Zealand

Have you been hiking in Mid-Canterbury yet? I feel like it's a bit of an underrated area but there are so many tracks in this area and particularly awesome day hikes. Much of the hiking in Mid Canterbury is off the beaten track so to speak and parts like in the Ashburton lakes area feels like a whole new world. The region technically includes everything between the Rangitata and Rakaia River (the Ashburton district) but I've included Lake Coleridge considering it's so close. It also has my favourite hike in Canterbury so how could I not. This certainly is[...]

March 27, 2019

5 must dos in Hokitika, New Zealand

I decided to head over to Hokitika on the west coast one weekend. The original plan was to go explore the glaciers but with a slip in the road, I couldn't make it down so I decided to spend more time seeing what Hoki had to offer. When people say Hokitika is 'a cool little town' they are not lying! It really is! I found the town incredibly relaxing and just easy going. There were a lot of other travelers around but it didn't really feel busy. I felt like I could comfortably wander around by myself. There is so much history in Hokitika.[...]

March 26, 2019

Country charm in Hokitika- Staying at Woodland Glen Lodge

If there is one place you should stay in Hokitika by far it should be Woodland Glen Lodge. I drove out to Hokitika for the weekend so I could explore the area a little more and to be honest one of the highlights was actually where I was staying! Nestled just out of town is Woodland Glen Lodge. A peaceful, homey and serene bed and breakfast. With views of the Southern Alps and countryside, I don't know if it's possible to stay and not relax. Laurie and Janette Anderson are the owners of this cozy B&B. They've put a lot of work and love into the lodge ma[...]

February 10, 2019

New Zealand lavender farm- NZ Alpine Lavender

If driving alongside Lake Pukaki heading to Mt Cook isn't enough, on the side of the road only about 20 minutes down is the beautiful NZ Alpine Lavender farm. It is the largest organic lavender farm not only in New Zealand but in all of the Southern Hemisphere! The farm, in my opinion, couldn't be in a more amazing spot. Sitting underneath the Ben Ohau range, the stunning Lake Pukaki on one side, mountains surrounded the rest covered with a glow of tussocks and snow-capped peaks. The area is ever changing with its adverse weather and diverse landscape. Ad[...]

February 5, 2019

Hiking the Ben Lomond track in Queenstown

Oh Queenstown. You fun loving, adventure bearing, bunging jumping, jet boating adrenaline town you... I didn't really go there to do any of those things. Except for the fun and adventure part. Heading to Queenstown just after New Years isn't really the ideal thing for me, busy streets, crowds of people, lines.. you get it, but heading there for a hike up the famous Ben Lomond track... yep that's more than ideal! If you are in Queenstown visiting, I do suggest you should check out all those things. Plan you trip with the Ulitmate Guide to Queenstown! So ya,[...]

January 14, 2019

Cruising Lake Wakatipu with Southern Discoveries

If was one of those beautiful blue days in Queenstown. A few clouds in the sky, sun shining brightly. The streets were filled with people doing just what we were, taking in the sights and sounds of Queenstown. It was just after New Years so it was the normal kind of busy for that time of year and although Chris and I aren’t exactly city people we were happy to explore a new place. We wandered around for a few hours checking out the different shops before we made our way to the wharf to check in with Southern Discoveries for our Lake Wakatipu cruis[...]

January 4, 2019

Hiking Mt Barossa- Canterbury region

The Hakatere Conservation Park has no shortage of hiking whatsoever. The first time I hiked up Mt Barossa, it was just coming to the end of wintertime here in New Zealand. I was with my mother in law and her friend and we all wanted to give it a go for the first time. I first agreed because I kept hearing it was relatively easy, which it's not quite, so not sure where that came from. I also heard the views were fantastic at the top. Which they are, as long as you're up there on a clear day! The easiest starting point is from the Ashburton Gorge Road in[...]