 |
Sandflies suck bad
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
I visited NZ last Januari. Visit the Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, see wild penguins at Nugget Point and take a ride on the TranzAlpine Express. Be sure to buy insect repellent for the sandflies, it itches!
Anyway, have fun!
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Milford Sound
The Glaciers
Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Kaikoura Whale-watching
For more ideas, have a look at:
www.flickr.com/groups/101mustdosforkiwis/
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
|
P.S. I found the sandflies to be a problem only in Milford Sound. Other were not so lucky. If they are around they will drive you mad.
I used a sunscreen put out by the Cancer Society which is also an insect repellent, and worked well for me in both capacities. It comes in a green tube like toothpaste comes in. I can't remember more than that, sorry.
I see you have been to NZ before, so I don't have to remind you of the absolute necessity of using sunscreen at all times.
Originally posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
jshook edited this topic 6 months ago.
|
 |
The Abel Tasman Nat. Park has some great walks, some include a 'water taxi' trip. Another option would be a glacier walk, for example at Franz Jozef...Id highly recommend it. Other must see locations are the Milford Sound, Mount Cook area, Nelson Lakes and Kaikoura (wales, swimming with dolphins) to name a few... Christchurch is a nice city to visit, as is Queenstown. Ive heard good things about Dunedin as well, but havent visited it myself...
I was at the South Island in June/July and havent seen a single sandfly, but well...that was winter...
Originally posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
MindsEye_PJ edited this topic 6 months ago.
|
|
Another sandfly tip: Keep moving. They don't bother you nearly so much when you are in motion.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
a 2-3 day kayak along the Abel Tasman is pretty sweet. Be sure to camp at bark bay so you can catch scallops and mussels for dinner/lunch and breakfast. Also the marine reserve is pretty epic to paddle around in.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Stewart Island - undeveloped (almost), friendly, uncrowded, authentic, kiwi (birds) and wekas wandering on the beach at night, lots of bush walks and good fishing. :-)
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
A five day four night hike of the Milford Track is very special just considering doing it myself in March or April this year.Hiking in April can be very sunny during the days.
The November trip weather you write of about ,not so sure of ,officially its spring but ....? Sandflies like the sap of the Beech trees in the South Island their second choice is human blood! From memory worse at 2-3hrs before dusk?
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
|
The good thing about Abel Tasman is that you can use the water taxis to go just about anywhere so you can get where you want to be quickly. I walked (almost) the length of the Coastal Track over five days, and it was indeed spectacular.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
abel tasman is absolutely stunning, i made a special arrangement to go up all the way to mutton cove, then they would take my luggage to the next huts so i could run easily along the coast to bark bay for 2 days, 3rd day kayak trip... pick-up service highly recommended!
depending where u`re from franz josef glacier can be quite impressive :)
also try to spend some days at the wild west coast - surreal...
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
The glaciers are a great spot, a fave tag for the Germans eh.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Must-see in the South Island? All of it ;-)
Sort of depends what you're into, but I guess most people come to NZ for the scenery.
November is quite a good time of the year to come as it should still be quite green and snow on the mountains. However, weather can be very unpredictable in New Zealand, so make sure you bring clothes for 4 seasons.
I live in Arrowtown (near Queenstown). Nov 2007 was the driest on record and one of the hottest as well. Nov 2006 was very cold and we had big dump of snow on the mountains towards the end of November.
The other time of year to consider is April. The weather is generally fairly stable and there's the beautiful autumn colours.
Here's a couple of Autumn shots taken near where I live:
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
sandflies are attracted to darker colours! just to add another tip!!
i really enjoyed nelson, some nice little local breweries and a nice atmosphere, also the otago peninsular was beautiful.
Of course theres the usual ones stated above milford sound, franz joseph etc
Lake tekapo was another of my fave places, absolutely stunning!!
I went last february, and it was stunning weather, nice and hot - shorts and flip flops most days, if thats what you like?
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
My answers to 1 and 4:
4. I get eaten by mossies at home but I didn't think that the famous sandfly was a big problem at all.
1. Potential alternative suggestions from the masses:
Stay on the Otago Peninsula for a couple of days (BBH place, McFarmers, is on a hillside overlooking the central part of the harbour and was our favourite location). Get out to the Albatross place at the end of the peninsula and you can see the penguins at dusk.
Consider planning you trip to go through Tekapo (as gingerbongo says above). You can do an 'air safari' up to Mount Cook for some awesome views of the mountains and the glaciers - pricey but worth it.
Try a kayaking day in Abel Tasman national park. Motueka is a good base - lots of options from any backpacker place. Have your own kayak though to avoid potential arguments!!
Go sailing around Marlborough Sounds. We did this from Picton and also hired a little powerboat for $50 and hooned around for an hour.
More water action... from Queenstown, head up to Glenorchy for a Dart River jet boat trip.
Mainstream musts are Christchurch (ballooning) and Queenstown (activity central, plus Arrowtown is nice to visit).
If, like us, it is likely to be a one-off experience then don't be scared to spend some money as you'll regret it if you don't. Oh, and make sure you drive yourselves around so you have your own timetable.
Good luck!
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Mount Tasman/Lake Pukaki; Early morning.
The light is quite stunning.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
The Abel Tasmen
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Oamaru is an interesting little town on the way to Dunedin if you are coming from Christchurch...
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
|
I agree about Oamaru. The old "white stone" historical district is worth a stroll through if you are interested in architecture. And it's on the way going north or south along the coast.
Posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
|
For Abel Tasman, I would recommend a drive or water taxi to Totoranui, at the northern end of the park. It will be less crowded, and from here you can hike either north (Anapai Bay) or south (Goat Bay.) There is a DOC information centre here which closes at 3:00 PM, I believe, and a well-equipped camping ground.
Anapai bay is reached via a track through forest and should take about thirty minutes at the most. It features unusual rock formations at either end of a beautiful golden sand beach. (If making this walk, note carefully where the track comes out on the beach--there will be a large orange disc at the spot. Without this landmark it can be hard to find the track again to return to Totoranui and points south.)
Goat Bay to the south is a very pleasant beach backed by thick forest. It is part of the main Coastal Track and so you may see people walking along the beach heading for points further south or north.
Alternatively, you could take a water taxi to Totoranui, walk south (one of the nicest parts of the track) and get picked up at Awaroa Bay. Warning: Awaroa Bay is passable only for two hours or so at low tide. It is the only spot on the coastal track that doesn't have a high tide alternate route. You must arrange to cross the Bay at low tide or you will be cut off from the DOC hut or water taxi pick-up at Awaroa. Check tide tables carefully, and allow plenty of time to reach the Bay if planning to cross it.
The road in to Totoranui may be a bit dodgy/twisty--I came by water taxi. If you can get a water taxi to Totoranui in the morning and one out in the evening, this would be a pleasant day trip, or if camping you could stay longer. Check on campsite availability ahead of time as well as water taxi schedules. Motueka is the place to do your planning, although I believe arrangements can be made in Nelson at the tourist information office as well.
Another possibility is a day at Bark Bay. Water taxi in and out. A very scenic area where you can follow the coastal track north or south, or just laze about in the sun. Bring a picnic lunch and if the weather is fine, this would be a perfect day.
Whatever you decide to do, Abel Tasman NP is not to be missed. Even a day in the park will be rewarding. Make your plans for transportation (and check the tides if you need to) and plan on one of your nicest days in the South Island.
This map:
www.abeltasmanmarahaucamp.co.nz/maplarge.html
will give you a good idea of where things are in the park, the location of water taxi pick-up points and so on.
Anapai Bay:
Goat Bay:
Awaroa Bay at low tide:
Bark Bay:
Originally posted 6 months ago.
(
permalink
)
jshook edited this topic 6 months ago.
|
 |
Thanks, all! What a bunch of great suggestions. Can't wait for November!
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
here are a few links to walks around the Christchurch area.
www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks/Recreation/walkways_parks.asp
Akaroa is beautiful and The Little River Rail Trail is a nice hike if you dont mind hordes of sand flies.
www.bankspeninsula.info/
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
When in Queenstown, take a drive out (15 mins or so) to Arrowtown and take a stroll down the main street. Lots of little galleries, a lovely bakery, and just a beautiful quiet little spot to spend a few hours walking and enjoying the peace. :-)
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Sandflies love me! I find I don't notice the bites till about 24 hrs after they happen, then it doesn't just itch - it hurts too. I've found Off! to be the best repellant, it's readily available. A product like Soov along with anti-histamine helps if you do get bit, or better still a natural product called Barrier Gold, made from kanuka oil on Gt Barrier Island.
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
you have to spend the night in Punankaiki. so so so beautiful. Check my flickr sight for photos.
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Don't forget the Interislander ferry across the Cook Straight. A 'Must See' for anyone visiting NZ.
The journey into / out of Picton is superb, you can see it all while travelling, and without the discomfort and limited views through tiny, smeary windows of a plane.
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
|
Sandflies.
Yes they are a pain. By the time you feel them they have already landed on your flesh and started chewing away. The west coast ones have a reputation as being the worst. They don't limit themselves to the beaches either.
Although they are around all day, some say they are worst early and late in the day. This is a pity as this is a great time to be out with a camera - the quality of light in NZ is a photographer's dream.
A friend of mine swears by these little flowers / buds.
They are pretty common (they are all over our meadow). They have little purple flowers when in bloom and are about 1cm long. Apparently you rub them on your legs to keep the sandflies away.
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
As they say in NZ, It's all good bro'!
If you go whale watching in Kaikoura, book ahead or use the helitour next to the whaleboat terminal it's more expensive but you get a great view and you're in a helicopter, cool.
Live in a camper, be adventurous, don't rush, don't wear shoes and enjoy it all!
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
And if in a camper, use the proper facilities to purge ones vehicle of the 'icky' contents.
Campers are getting in the press and on the airwaves for all the wrong reasons.
Posted 5 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
hi i would have to say ,you will have to come down to the catlins it is nice for taken photos here in southland.paul
Posted 3 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
inland highway...ch-ch, geraldine, fairlie, tekapo...if you got the time visit mt john observatory...its free and spectacular views...good coffee as well, mt cook then on to twizel and south to wanaka....
Posted 2 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
I have to add the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin to your list! Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, Kaikoura, & Abel Tasman are all great, but I've traveled all over the South Island & feel that the Otago Peninsula is an over-looked gem. Keep it in mind!
Posted 2 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
Pupu Hydro Walkway in Takaka.
Incredible walk following an old mining sluice-way that was appropriated to run a small-scale hydroelectric plant.
At times you are walking on a approximately 1-foot wide board-walk that is attached to the sluice, which itself is "glued" to the almost-vertical side of the valley.
Definitely the coolest location I know of in the upper-south island.
Also Punakaiki and the rest of Paparoa National Park is an incredible place - and is a definite must-see, despite the touristy-feel that the blow holes have.
Posted 2 months ago.
(
permalink
)
|
 |
fox glacier and mt cook (sealy tarns hike). Incredible views from the top of the sealy tarns hike! Enjoy!
Posted 4 weeks ago.
(
permalink
)
|
Would you like to comment?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).
|
New Zealand ~ Aotearoa /
Discuss
Feed – Subscribe to New Zealand ~ Aotearoa discussion threads
Flickr Blog |
About Flickr |
Terms of Use |
Your Privacy |
Copyright/IP Policy | Report Abuse
|
Deutsch
|
English
|
Español
|
Français
|
|
Italiano
|
Português
Copyright © 2008 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Save to Delicious