Matai Falls: The Catlins
Most visitors to the Catlins explore the rugged coastline with its rocky outcrops, caves, lighthouses and wild critters. On our second day in this forgotten corner of New Zealand, Geoff and I decided to turn away from salty flavoured activities and head inland to hunt for waterfalls. Technically, there are over 70 waterfalls along the Catlins coast and we decided to visit the big three: Purakaunui Falls, Matai Falls and McLean Falls.
AOK Social Riders at Taiaroa Head
Queenstown and Central Otago tend to steal the limelight when it comes to mountain biking in the South Island. Yet, over the last five years, there has been a quiet revolution in Dunedin. A new track network has stretched out across the city landscape and there are now rides for all abilities, from tough nut dirt jumpers to weekend cruisers.
Castle Dent - Outram Rodeo
Eight seconds is a long time. The bronc bucks, hooves of the ground and the cowboy holds on tight. When the rider ploughs into the dirt the pick-up riders move in quickly and it is all over.
Sitting with friends on the embankment at Outram, I realise that this city girl is hooked on rodeo. Just mentioning the word ‘rodeo’ sparks emotionally charged conversation. Some see it as a throwback to an Americanised Wild West; animal activists believe it is cruel and enthusiasts say it is a physically demanding sport for skilled riders.
Sarah Bond - Mt Luxmore
The Kepler Track is a true circuit and the start is within walking distance from Te Anau township. Most people take three or four days to do walk the track and make the most of Gucci facilities at Luxmore Hut, Iris Burn and Moturau hut.
I wondered if there was some irony in the name as Johannes Kepler, a 17th Century German astronomer discovered that planets travel in an elliptical orbit. Turns out, it was James McKerrow - an early surveyor, who named the Kepler range in 1862, long before the track was built.
Toyota Vitz
After exhaustive online research, Rental Cars New Zealand won the prize for cheapest car hire –Auckland Airport. I’ve always found hiring a rental car a tricky proposition and when you have a family wedding to go to you need to get a car that goes. However, I’d rather spend my money on holiday experiences and a higher standard of accommodation than a vehicle. All I want is a car that is safe and can get me where I need to go, without the hidden costs.
Lake Alexandrina & Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is the largest of the three lakes in McKenzie Basin. It’s BIG blue sky country, where rolling plains of tussock smudge into the eastern horizon, and towards the West the Southern Alps bisect the landscape.
Geoff and I got to hide away for the weekend at a fishing crib on the edge of Lake Alexandrina, about 15 minutes drive from Tekapo town centre. We set ourselves a challenge to explore the area and find the best view.
Waka at Waitangi
I revisited the Treaty of Waitangi grounds with some trepidation as I was left feeling underwhelmed after my visit in 2002. This visit was infinitely better. I discovered that everyone with a New Zealand drivers licence can explore the grounds for free. The $18 guided tour around the Treaty grounds with Dennise Robinson was my favourite Bay of Islands tour.
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