#Meetings in Hanmer Springs

[wellnesschrist]

Finding Your Oasis The Best Christchurch Wellness Centres

 In today's fast-paced world, wellness centres have become sanctuaries for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic health. Christchurch, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is home to several exceptional wellness centres. This blog will guide you through some of the best Christchurch wellness centres, offering a range of services from spa treatments to holistic healing.

The Rise of Wellness Centres

Wellness centres have surged in popularity as people increasingly prioritize self-care and holistic health. These centres offer a variety of services, including massages, facials, yoga, meditation, and alternative therapies. In Christchurch, wellness centres blend the serene natural beauty of the region with top-notch wellness services, creating perfect retreats for both locals and visitors.

Top Christchurch Wellness Centres

1. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Hanmer Springs is a renowned destination for relaxation and wellness. Located a short drive from Christchurch, this wellness centre offers a range of thermal pools, spa treatments, and wellness packages. The natural thermal waters are rich in minerals, providing therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. Whether you’re looking for a soothing soak or a revitalizing massage, Hanmer Springs has it all.

2. Champs-Elysées Day Spa

Situated in the heart of Christchurch, Champs-Elysées Day Spa offers an exquisite escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This luxury spa provides a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and beauty services. The tranquil ambiance and professional staff ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Champs-Elysées is the perfect place to pamper yourself and unwind.

3. Health & Wellbeing Christchurch

For those seeking a holistic approach to wellness, Health & Wellbeing Christchurch is an excellent choice. This centre offers a variety of services, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and fitness classes. The team of experienced practitioners focuses on enhancing overall health and well-being through personalized care. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or looking to improve your lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing Christchurch provides comprehensive support.

4. Stillpoint Osteopathy & Massage

Stillpoint Osteopathy & Massage is a haven for those in need of pain relief and relaxation. Specializing in osteopathic treatments and therapeutic massages, this wellness centre helps clients achieve optimal health and well-being. The skilled therapists tailor treatments to individual needs, ensuring effective and lasting results. Stillpoint is ideal for anyone seeking to alleviate physical discomfort and improve overall wellness.

Benefits of Visiting a Wellness Centre

Visiting a wellness centre offers numerous benefits beyond mere relaxation. Regular treatments can improve physical health, reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and boost overall well-being. Wellness centres provide a peaceful environment where individuals can disconnect from daily stressors and focus on self-care. The professional staff ensures that each visit is tailored to meet specific health and wellness goals.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wellness Centre

Selecting the right wellness centre is crucial to ensuring a positive experience. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

Research: Look for reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of services.

Services: Ensure the centre offers the specific treatments or therapies you’re interested in.

Credentials: Check the qualifications and experience of the staff.

Ambiance: Visit the centre to see if the environment is clean, welcoming, and conducive to relaxation.

Packages: Inquire about wellness packages or membership options for better value.

Conclusion

Christchurch is home to some of the finest wellness centres, each offering unique services to cater to diverse health and wellness needs. Whether you're looking for a luxurious spa experience or holistic health treatments, these wellness centres provide the perfect escape. Prioritizing your well-being is essential, and visiting a wellness centre in Christchurch is a great way to rejuvenate your body and mind. So, take the first step towards better health and discover the oasis of relaxation waiting for you in Christchurch.

By exploring the best Christchurch wellness centres, you can find the perfect place to unwind, rejuvenate, and achieve holistic health. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, and these wellness centres offer the ideal environment to nurture your well-being.

[jeanhm]

Hanmer Springs

Lovely few days at Hanmer Springs including a forest walk with a multitude of Bellbirds around us and a dip into the thermal pools for me along with UK friends Adam and Jo who were there at the same time, which was a lovely meet up.

On our second day we made the trip early morning to Kaikoura for a whale and dolphin watching trip and we weren't disappointed. Floki the sperm whale, who is well known in the area appeared for us and did the wonderful float then dive routine (I do wonder if he is the same whale I saw 12 years ago here?) and then we came across a pod of about 1560 dusky dolphins all keen to demonstrate their acrobatic abilities. There were so many it was hard to know which ones to watch as there were aerial acrobatics everywhere. It was a wonderful day topped off by a fab meal in town - I had battered shark which was very tasty and then a bunch of fur seals sitting on the beach on our way back.

[travelersadventure]

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[hanmerspringsretreat-blog]

Hotels in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs Retreat provide Hotels in Hanmer Springs. A BBQ area where guests can relax, cook their own meal and enjoy the views from a sheltered outdoor dining area. They also make hotels more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience.

[mariacalirfs-blog]

Exploring the South Island

Currently writing from Queenstown on the South Island. If you’re a bit unfamiliar with NZ geography, the country is (mainly) made up of two large islands, the North and the South. They’ve got slightly different cultures and environments, and I’m excited to see what’s going on down here in the south. It’s a bit chillier, and more rain for sure, but some very beautiful mountains and lakes. 

I left Danielle and Eliza in Wellington while they headed South to do a hike on their own (the Routeburn trek, which me and the fam did in 2013 when we came!). I had one more night in Welly, then took the ferry across the Cook Strait to arrive in Picton on the south island. The ferry ride is around 4 hours, and it was a perfect day for it. Blue water as far as you can see, some lovely sunshine and a cool breeze, and no choppy waves to make me sick. 

I’ve spent the last week or so meandering my way down to Queenstown to meet back up with D & E, and it’s been quite a journey! On the first part of my drive, I came across a rocky area next to the highway (which is right on the coast) absolutely covered with sea lions, including a bunch of little ones! Adorable and an awesome side of the road discovery. About an hour later, I decided to eat my lunch on the beach in this little town called Kaikoura. As I sat there, I got a text from my old college roommate. She is in NZ as well, and though we hadn’t seen each other in a few years (she moved to Alaska after sophomore year), we knew we’d be in NZ at the same time, and I plan to visit her in a few weeks. However, we did not plan to meet in this random town on the northern part of the South Island, but had both happened to stop for lunch at this one part of a very large beach. She’s heading north, I’m heading south, but fate pushed us together at this random spot! It was so fun to see her, so unexpected, and we enjoyed an hour or so before heading our separate ways. Gotta love a huge coincidence. 

I spent an incredibly windy night in a poorly staked tent in Hanmer Springs, and so quickly headed down to Christchurch the next day for a more comfortable, indoor sleeping situation to avoid the coming heavy rain and more wind. Christchurch was hit with a huge earthquake in 2011, and is still in the process of rebuilding. It’s a fairly small, quiet city (or at least was while I was there), but has some cool reworkings of urban spaces post-earthquake. When we were here in 2013 they had a shipping container mall, but more permanent locations have been built since and the mall closed down. They also decided to restore the central cathedral, a beautiful building, but which will remain at risk during future earthquakes. 

After leaving Christchurch, I spent two nights in Lake Tekapo. It is an incredibly blue, glacial lake, and was such a peaceful spot to exist in. Tekapo is in a part of NZ called the Mackenzie region, which is a protected dark sky reserve. There are limits to the amount of artificial light that can be produced, which leads to incredible night skies. My first night was cloudy, which is why I stayed the extra day in Tekapo, and it was fully worth it. My second night was full of an immense, star filled sky, and the band of the milky way passing through the center. It was a very special night laying out under the stars, and I kept the rainfly off my tent so that even when I was sleeping it was right under the beautiful night sky. Moments like these are ones that I’m keeping close to my heart during this trip. Nature is darn incredible.

I also did some hiking around Tekapo, which got me beautiful views of lakes and mountains. During one hike, I accidentally veered off into horse territory, and had to hop a barbed wire fence to get back to the human path and off the private property--sorry horse farmers! Laughed at myself the rest of the way down :) I also hiked around the bottom of Mt Cook glacier, a NZ icon. The trail was packed but it was a really fantastic day to check out the glaciers.

I’ve now met back up with D & E in the much busier, more touristy Queenstown. It’s still a beautiful spot, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, but a big change from my very quiet nights traveling solo. I think I really need both though, and was fully enoying the live music last night (first a bagpipe performance by the lakefront, then some local singers in a pub) and the range of food options available in the city. Here for a few days, then playing it by ear for the next little while! Hope no one is freezing too badly back home!

Sea lions near Kaikoura!

Hello Maryam!!! Old Roomate

Views looking over Hanmer Springs. Quite nice when wind isn’t keeping you up all night!

Tekapo monument to sheepdogs, the region is big area for sheep farming

The last of the lupines on the edge of Lake Tekapo

Sunset in Tekapo (and obligatory selfie to show I’m here too!)

I love this lake so much!

Monument to those who have died while climbing in the glaciers of Mt Cook and surrounding area. Humbling reminder to proceed with caution, that nature is a powerful force. 

Clouds making it look like a glacial eruption!

[aspenlodgemotelnz]

At Aspen Lodge Motel ,you'll partake within the high setting whereas staying close to all of the sporting Motels With Access Units Hanmer Springs on the proposal at Hanmer Springs.

[petervansiclen]

Song 2: Broken Pig

Year in New Zealand: 12 Months 12 Songs is an audio journal of an album, that is being written song by song, month by month. Each month a new track is posted at https://petervansiclen.bandcamp.com

This is the second in a series of posts breaking down the story of each song

HANMER TIME!

It’s dark. We’ve just listened to 2 hours of the Frozen soundtrack and the girls are finally asleep in the backseat. The gravel crunches under the tires of our Honda Fit as we roll up to the vacation house. The lights are on and inside I can hear the dulcet tones of a xylophone playing. We each pick up a sleeping child and bring them into our home for the weekend. Cory and Michaela greet us, and their 2-year-old son Hamish drops the mallets and runs over to meet our girls. Groggily they take in our surroundings, including the marimba-like African instrument at the center of the living room. Hamish runs back over to demonstrate. He isn’t as sleepy as our kids, since he’s coming from his home in Australia, and hasn’t adjusted to the time difference yet. Before we even have a chance to get Annie and Cora tucked away in bed Hamish is quick to show us the Broken Pig. Yes, this vacation house comes complete with a Broken Pig! In this modern and lovingly cared for home, right next to the wood stove, is an abstract sculpture of a pig. The stone pig’s back has a concave section, which is currently occupied by kindling. Hamish runs over, lifts one finger, and proclaims “Broken Pig! Oh no! Broken Pig!”

We spend the weekend in Hanmer’s famous hot springs “relaxing” with two toddlers and an infant. We hike past giant sculptures of rock-climbing possums and floating heads.

The kids take turns playing the marimba, and I am happy to get my hands on a real guitar and djembe. I begin recording samples of Hamish on the marimba and the various instruments, anticipating that they could be used in what will become a very silly song.

Over the course of the next week our guests get the full Darfield experience, complete with swim lessons at the Selwyn Aquatic Center and the Very Scary Moa Ride at the the top of the Christchurch Gondola.  Cory and I find time to relive our college a cappella days by sneaking off to the garage while everyone is asleep. We set up a mobile recording studio on the dashboard of the car. In the sound booth that is the Honda Fit, we belt out lyrics about deer farms and chocolate fish. We even include our hidden talents of beatboxing and tuvan throat singing.

After Cory leaves I sift through the sounds I recorded and incorporate samples of Annie talking and Hamish on the Marimba. Annie helps me write the lyrics for my verse, and I make sure to include important words like “princess,” “purple,” “mermaid,” and “lunchbox.” Annie is very proud of her contributions, and she asks to hear “Broken Pig” in the car. Again. And again. And again.

I talk with Cory about the final mix, and about including a bridge about the joys of nocturnal parenting. He informs me that Hamish also has been asking to hear “Broken Pig” on repeat. If nothing else, we have a hit with the 2 and 3 year old crowd…

https://petervansiclen.bandcamp.com/track/broken-pig

Original article with more pictures can be found in the “Year in New Zealand” blog: https://yearinnewzealand.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/song-2-broken-pig/

[wileymoors-blog]

Motorhomes in Christchurch

If you stay here overnight, you will face severe penalties. In order for you to be able to camp wild in New Zealand, your camper must also be "Self Contained" certified. Campers receive this award only if they meet the following requirements. You can stay in one place for 3 days without leaving garbage or sewage (black and gray).

If you do not have the badge, you will face severe penalties. To choose your New Zealand camper you need to know how many cheap campervan hire NZ people will be traveling. This is a key criterion when choosing a camper in New Zealand. Because not everywhere, e.g. These vehicles are characterized by their compact size and maneuverability. Thanks to the double bed and hotplate, there is no need for convenience. Christchurch Cathedral and parts of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. To date, these have not been built or renovated - you can still see them. All in all, the city exudes an almost macabre charm, which you can hardly escape. We have had the best experience with premium insurance coverage ourselves and also advise you to add roll-over protection in New Zealand. This is the protection in the event of damage to prevent the camper from tipping over, which would result in total damage. We traveled with camper through New Zealand for some time with our husband and children and got to know the country and its people a little better. I can only recommend the camper trip through New Zealand and give you many tips for planning your trip to New Zealand.

Especially in the campervan.

As an eventful tour for vacationers who want to rent their camper in New Zealand and explore the South Island individually, the romantic fjord Milford Sound offers a great start at.

Here you can visit wildlife parks and reserves, gardens, museums and even a casino.

You can find everything in one place that gives you the choice of vehicle relieved.

One of those places that appear to exist only for the purpose of perfect picture on a postcard.

For more information, see my article on the renting a camper in New Zealand.

In New Zealand it is sometimes really stormy and I find it comforting to have this protection. Easily as soon as you have the idea to rent a camper in New Zealand.

Visitors rave about the towering mountains, the arable land, enchanting fjords and beautiful beaches, which are also ideal for surfing. But this nation in the South Pacific offers more than just a spectacular backdrop. The roads and infrastructure are very well maintained, the residents are friendly and the country has a fascinating flora and fauna. If you want to stay with your camper in Christchurch, you should pay attention to the necessary permission. The best parking spaces here are the numerous campsites and camper parks in the area in and around Christchurch, which offer a stay for several nights.

How many people travel by campervan through New Zealand?

Our direct and convenient price comparison helps you to find the right motorhome in Christchurch quickly and safely - at an affordable price. There are currently no New Zealand competitions, but check out our social media pages to stay up to date. A 'dairy' is a corner shop with basic groceries, ice cream, newspapers and the like. In small towns, the local 'Dairys' have as much information as visitor centers. Christchurch is located approximately in the middle of the east coast on the South Island, which makes the place an ideal base for a holiday in a motorhome. Motorhome Republic supports travelers in choosing the right model from 34 vehicle fleets with all types of vehicles, from cheap campervans to luxury motorhomes. You can just drive to nearby areas like the Banks Peninsula or Hanmer Springs for a few days or take a 2, 3 or 4 week trip and visit all areas down to the south to Bluff or up to the north to Nelson, and of course everything in between. Explore New Zealand's breathtaking natural landscape at your own pace and in complete freedom. The lakeside towns, Rotorua and Taupo, are easy to reach with a day trip and are centers for recreation in nature and offer a lot of fun for holidaymakers with mobile homes. The Bay of Hawke's Bay and the beautiful wine growing areas it contains, as well as the Central Volcanic Plateau located in Tongariro National Park, are not far away. With its three gigantic and wonderful peaks, it is a great place for a visit in summer and in winter, because you can hike there equally well, but you can also do winter sports. In the cold months, however, we recommend heated motorhomes! Lord of the Rings - lovers will also recognize Mount Ngauruhoe, which is better known as Mount Doom.

[one-piece-of-advice]

Wohnmobil Neuseeland Christchurch (4)

Campervan (CV) parking spaces, as are common in North America and Australia, are real rarities here. We left at least three cities again - without even getting out once - because there were only short parking bays and a crowded parking lot. Here we had no way to stop with our motorhome. In addition to the green hills, there are also forested hills. Steep, narrow serpentine roads wind over many mountain slopes.

In New Zealand all landlords offer a free transfer from the airport and sometimes from the city hotel to the rental station. Leave Auckland on State Highway 1. First, head to the Coromandel Peninsula, with pristine beaches and lush forests - one of the most popular vacation spots in New Zealand. The two top attractions are Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa. In the evening, enjoy fresh fish and seafood at the quaint beach town of Whitianga. Accordingly, there are also most of the providers and vehicles that can be rented cheaper there than other cities in New Zealand. We do not recommend renting campers in cities like Queenstown, Picton or Dunedin, as they are relatively more expensive there. If you are planning to take a one way trip between Christchurch and Auckland, then you should keep in mind that it is cheaper to rent the car in Christchurch because most tourists fly to Auckland to start the road trip from there. Accordingly, there are more campers in Christchurch that are not needed. Electricity in the camper is a big topic, to which we have dedicated an extra article here. In private campsites there are usually power connections cheap campervan hire NZ and the camper charges itself again and again while driving. There the cigarette lighter can be used as a supplier of electricity.

We also have any rubbish bins that we found along the way for smaller ones! Lots of garbage used.

You can also buy your vehicle ticket (for the ferry) from us when you book your camper.

So that you know what costs for renting a camper in New Zealand come to you, I give you a rough overview here.

In our New Zealand camper price comparison you can find this information under the additional information.

The sockets in the camper only work if you are connected to the power.

Because then you can rent the camper, for example, on the North Island and again on the South Island Make.

What Campervan Can You Expect?

The Hitop or Voyager campervans are simple and practical campervans. Just a moment, we are looking for the best offers for your perfect vacation. The takeover of the rent motorhome (in the south outside of Las Vegas) is usually short and sweet, without any problems. yes, New Zealand not only has beautiful sides, but the beautiful sides far outweigh them. Campers receive this award only if they meet the following requirements. You can stay in one place for 3 days without leaving garbage or sewage (black and gray). In short, campers must have a chemical toilet and a waste water tank on board. The easiest way to get there is to have a look over the vans. A car tax must be paid in New Zealand. Payment is made at the post office. They belong to the ATL group. You want to travel flexibly with a campervan in New Zealand, take a rest on the way and prepare your own food on site. From Christchurch to the Southern Alps, the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura to the most beautiful glaciers and the Doubtful and Milford Sound. The 230 wineries of Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Marlborough wine regions are connected via this travel route, Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds are absolute highlights. We also highly recommend an inland trip to Hanmer Springs, less than two hours from Christchurch

[mybillboredpnx]

Yours Truly, took a little time off from vacation, to meet with fellow News Correspondents from New Zealand, Channel 1, here in Hanmer Springs, NZ. Gave the cameraman seen here, a bit of PNX swag, and received advice regarding the best record shops in Christchurch. Cheers Mates! https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt26aAzAHGb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bbvwwruekyx2

[licencedtoretire]

From Hanmer Springs the road starts to lead inland towards the Lewis Pass following the Waiau River along a mostly flat if potholed piece of road. As you can see from the above photo the scenery is very pretty with lots of things to take your eye from the road if you aren’t concentrating especially with the snow on the hills from earlier in the week.

One thing that did surprise us was the number of trucks thundering past us in the other direction with the road to Kaikoura now open we would have thought that they would have been using the coastal road.

Sarah and I both burst out laughing when we waved to a “Wings” camper heading the other way when the lady in the other van held up a large plastic yellow hand and waved it very enthusiastically. It’s great to see people passionate about being members.

You wouldn’t read about it (well actually you are here) but I said to Sarah we will stop at the next rest area so that I could take a panadol for my sore knee and as we pulled in we saw Geoff and Renee who we have now met 4 times on the road since they camped next to us in Marfells Beach. Such a lovely couple who we feel pleased to have had the chance to get to know. That’s one of the great things about the NZMCA is the chance to meet and get to know other members.

The rest area was right next to a local fishing spot. I wish I could have taken a photo that would show how clear the water was, just like glass. We didn’t see any fish in the river but it was obvious that many people had fished this spot given the well worn pathway from the rest area.

Not long after we left the rest area we came across this old bridge and found just enough space to get the motorhome off the road. Although I must admit that we climbed over a locked gate to get to it we decided not to cross the gate at the bridge although it looked like some great photo opportunities gone begging.

From there we started to climb up into the Lewis Pass and with it the white stuff started to appear on the sides of the road. In a couple of areas the grit that they put on the road was really slippery causing the van to have a little slide and my heart to jump! I am glad that the snow fell a few days previously as I don’t think a 9 metre front wheel drive motorhome would be the vehicle of choice in the snow.

Stopping at the top of the pass it was a chance to experience the white stuff with a lot of it still on the ground we even had a semi snowball fight.

We decided that we would stay at the DOC camp Springs Junction – Marble Hill (#6546) which is set back from the road with a large number of spaces to park either out in the open or sheltered by the trees.

The camp is also the site of the “Concrete Wall” built right across the Alpine Fault after the 1964 earthquake. The idea being that they would be able to measure the earth movements by how much each section of the wall moved. But since it was built it hasn’t moved at all and thankfully it also didn’t move on the two nights we spent parked 15 metres from the fault.

Once we had taken stock of the camp ground and convinced ourselves that there would be no earthquake it was time to set off for an explore. At the far end of the camp is a parking area where you can leave your vehicle if you wish to do the walk to Lake Daniels  it’s also the starting point of the track were you can either complete the walk to the DOC hut 2 hours up the track or just walk a few minutes up the track to view the “Sluice Box”an area where the river runs through a very narrow marble rock gorge.

Day one we chose the short walk to the sluice box which is just a 5 minute stroll along a decent track so we walked a bit further enjoying the bush walk but as is was now late afternoon we decided that we would return to the Motorhome and then walk to the hut the following day.

The camps are really starting to become emptier with the onset of the colder weather and that night we were joined by one caravan and a couple of tents so a very peaceful night especially as we where far enough back from the road that no traffic noise disturbed us.

The following morning it was up bright and early with the sun shining to do the walk to the hut. I should point out that a major decision in us deciding to do the walk was, having purchased the book 365 short walks of New Zealand, with the book stating 3 hours return this is despite the sign at the start of the walk that states 2 hours each way. For some reason we decided that the book was probably correct. Wrong!

About half an hour into the walk we came across a couple of hunters walking back out of the bush, they had walked in very early that morning to try hunting deer but had been frightened away by hearing another shooter firing in the area and decided that they didn’t want to be mistaken for game so they would hunt elsewhere.

The good news is that, as I stated earlier the path is well formed with boardwalks in place when you have to cross over any really wet spots so it was an easy enough walk that sort of follows the river. It’s funny how when you are walking in the bush that you think you have walked further than you have this was the case for me when we came across Troll Bridge after an hour of walking to discover we had walked less than half way.

From Troll bridge the path follows along the side of a ridge crossing multiple streams providing quite a pleasant aspect to the walk. The track was quite empty on the way to the hut with us only meeting one other tramper who was walking back to the carpark after overnighting in the hut he told us he was the only one there that night.

As the track is easy walking it’s easy to spot things that you might otherwise miss if you where watching your feet all the time. But you could not miss this notice about Illegal Mining for gold nailed to a tree right in the middle of the path. There where also a lot of rat/stoat traps along the way with this box holding a freshly caught example.

Finally after just over a couple of hours walking we reached the lake and the hut. It was a welcome sight knowing that we had made it! Now the chance to have a sit down relax those tired legs to prepare for the return journey. The hut is named the Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut after 3 trampers were killed in a landslide in the 1970’s that wiped out the old hut that was situated on the other side of the lake in those days.

It’s the first time that either of us have been at a DOC hut although we have been to many of their camps. The hut was clean tidy with toilets appearing to be well maintained. Even having basic cooking utensils available. As an added bonus the pot belly was still going with the embers from the night before making the place warm and toasty.

The water in the lake is crystal clear and although we didn’t see any fish swimming under the jetty but later in the day we passed another tramper heading up there with fishing rods stuck out of his pack so must be fish there.

After 20 minutes rest we started the trip back almost immediately coming across another couple of trampers heading for the hut overall we passed around 30 people heading towards the hut on the way back. Not all were going to stay at the hut but at least 20 had full backpacks and indicated they were heading there. The hut sleeps 24 but I doubt it would be very private but maybe thats the idea. Get to know all the other people as you bunk down next to them.

Getting back to the Motorhome the step counter in my phone had a new record of 29000 steps with my feet feeling everyone of them as we sat down to have lunch and a cup of tea after a very good mornings walk.

The camp is as well maintained as the hut with clean and tidy toilets as well as water as long as you boil it. It was also good to see the DOC ranger arriving in the evening to check out the camp and the parking area making sure all was safe and sound. As well as ensuring campers had paid I guess.

From here we move on to Reefton. The subject of the next blog

              The Lewis Pass From Hanmer Springs the road starts to lead inland towards the Lewis Pass following the Waiau River along a mostly flat if potholed piece of road.

[travelersadventure]

Elevate Your Business: Hanmer Springs Retreat's Premier Conference Facilities

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[hanmerspringsretreat-blog]

Meetings in Hanmer Springs

Are you finding for Meetings in Hanmer Springs? Hanmerspringsretreat offers both high quality conference facilities and on-site accommodation for your event, meeting or conference. And they also recommend a wide selection of fun and reasonable hotel special deals and packages.

[wayneooverton]

8 reasons to visit the South Island in winter

Erica is an American mountain muse living an unconventional life in New Zealand. Part time barista, full-time type II fun seeker. Follow her tales from the trails here and here. 

Every year I get a handful of messages from people mapping out their New Zealand winter itinerary and each person always asks the same question. Is it worth going to the South Island in the winter?

Listen, I get it. You see New Zealand on a map and you see how far south the South Island is and you can’t help but imagine spending your entire holiday trudging through an icy winter tundra. But here’s the thing: New Zealand is a pretty small country and the North Island is not that incredibly far or different from the South Island. In fact, with the North Island humidity, frizzy haired people like myself will argue that the South Island is actually preferable all year round. Plus, there are significantly less people around in winter. You have the place to yourself.

10 Reasons Why New Zealand in Winter Rocks

As an ardent lover of seasons, I’ll argue that ALL South Island seasons are magnificent and deserving of your precious holiday time but it’s time for winter to have its moment. It’s time we give this magical season all the attention and glory it deserves.

Here are my top 8 reasons to visiting the South Island in the winter.

1. No Sandflies

Ok, that’s not entirely true.

Perhaps limited sandflies would be more accurate. If you have been to New Zealand before, I’m going to give you minute to ponder over that thought. Think of the most beautiful places you saw in New Zealand and how quickly you came to despise them because of the nasty little flies who carry the bite of a horse. Imagine enjoying the bliss and serenity of Milford Sound or the West Coast while not having to worry about these demonic flesh eating monsters who literally use saw-like barbs to tear open human flesh.

If you have never been to New Zealand before, you’ll have to trust me that this alone is reason enough to book a trip for the winter.

Māori legend has it that sandflies were creating to discourage visitors for lingering too long in the most beautiful parts of the country. If that’s not the most Kiwi legend I don’t know what is.

Oh, you’re enjoying something beautiful? Move along please and definitely don’t talk about it too much.

These little pests are mostly blind so they disappear at night and are attracted to warmth. As much as I despise these little jerks, I have to tip my hat to one of mother nature’s most impressive ladyboss species. The females sandflies are the only ones who bite and they’ll travel great distances for a tasty blood meal because drinking blood is vital to their ability to lay eggs. Lady sandflies getting shit done.

How’s that for girl power?

2. Explore the South Island’s hot pools

Summer is for escaping the brutal New Zealand sun by jumping in glacier lakes and refreshing rivers. The last thing anyone wants to do on a 30-degree day is soak in a hot pool.

Winter, however, is the perfect time to explore and discover the plethora of the South Island’s hot pools. Sure, they are not as plentiful as the North Island but the South Island can definitely hold its own.

For the keen outdoor lovers, head to the Welcome Flats Hut on the Copland Track on the West Coast. This 20 km walk is long but gentle with minimal elevation change. At the end of your hike, you’ll be rewarded with a modern hut to rest your head for the night and your choice of three natural hot pools. I have done this hike in the summer and the winter and winter is the definite winner. Not only will you have more space to stretch out in the hot pools but the warm water will actually feel good and HELLO no sandflies.

Win win win.

For those looking for some hot springs without the work, enjoy the luxury hot springs in Lake Tekapo or Hanmer Springs. No matter your location, you’ll be within close proximity to a good soak with epic views.

3. Discover New Zealand’s cafe scene

New Zealand is a country that takes its coffee consumption very seriously. It’s not uncommon to find a world class espresso machine in a petrol station, neighborhood gym or local bike shop. You can get a decent coffee almost anywhere in New Zealand but where this country really shines is its dedicated cafe culture. Unlike in the USA where cafes have become every freelancer’s home-away-from-home-office, New Zealand cafes pride themselves on being the epicenter of social catch ups. In fact, don’t be surprised if many New Zealand cafes don’t have offer wifi. Many discourage laptop squatters and prefer to keep their tables open for customers who are there to get the full cafe experience.

Kiwis have been taking notes from the Brits when it comes to their morning and afternoon tea. Every day between 10 and 10:30, the cafes begin to buzz with working professionals and tradies alike taking a break from their day to meet up with friends or grab a quick bite to eat. In the afternoon, they take another break for cake and tea.

If you find yourself looking for something to do on a rainy winter day, order yourself a flat white and post up in a cafe for a bit while you watch the local community thrive around you.

4. Explore small town quirks

In the summer, nobody really wants to spend the day inside but winter is the perfect chance to explore the weird little nooks and crannies that make each South Island town so unique.

Interesting road trip pit stops are plentiful in the South Island. Maybe check out the Totara Estate, a historic 1800’s South Island farm credited for being the birthplace of New Zealand’s billion dollar frozen meat industry. Or perhaps you’ll pop into Adventure Books in Oamaru where you could easily spend a few hours of sifting through collection worthy adventure literature books. Treat yourself to a movie at Cinema Paradiso in Wanaka where traditional cinema charts have been swapped out for upcycled cozy couches. During intermission, indulge in their famous freshly baked cookies or glass of a local pinot noir. It’s like watching a movie in the comfort of your own living room with 50 strangers.

The South Island is filled with these hidden treasures that are often overlooked in the summer when tourists are busy filling their holiday itineraries with sunny activities. Visit the South Island in the winter and you’ll discover secret spots not everybody takes the time to see.

5. Shred the pow

I’ve been dancing around this one for long enough but it just seems so obvious. Clearly one of the biggest draws to the South Island in the winter is the access to world class alpine terrain. In Wanaka alone, you’ll be a stone throw away from a handful of top-notch ski fields.

Where else in the world are you going to get views like the ones offered at the top of Treble Cone? Fresh white powder overlooking sunny Lake Wanaka? Yes please! Treble Cone is perfect for groups with varied abilities. For beginners, their bunny slope for learners is free! For those looking to make fresh tracks on backcountry terrain, their backcountry lift pass is only $40/day and gives you access to some of the best (and quietest) views in the area.

Are large ski resorts not for you? Explore the quirky “club ski fields” where you’ll find uncrowded slopes and *interesting* lift configurations. Or for those who prefer to do their own thing in peace and quiet, rent some gear in town and head out for some snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

At the very least, buy yourself a sled from The Warehouse and shred the pow like 7 year old on a snow day. Whatever your cup of tea, get out there and enjoy the uniquely surreal snowy landscapes.

6. You can still do (mostly) everything outdoors!

Ok so maybe skiing and snowboarding is really just not your thing. I get it. It can suck sometimes.

Good news is, while everyone is having a ball up the mountain, you can still get your fix in town because the climate is actually incredibly mild. Yes, it’s a little chilly sometimes but the temperatures hardly drop below freezing in the winter and there’s never snow on the ground.

Here’s a list of all the things you could theoretically do in the winter: take a walk, ride a bike, play frisbee golf, do an ollie at the skate park, put a cute dog on the end of your SUP board and paddle out to Ruby Island in Wanaka, window shop, enjoy a beer in the sun, climb up a waterfall on the Via Ferrata in Wanaka, send a route at one of the local outdoor climbing hubs, skydive pretty much everywhere, walk in a field of lavender, pet a sheep, drink a glass of wine in the sun, ride a horse hike up a mountain, take a ski-plane onto New Zealand’s longest glacier and go snowshoeing. Really, you can do it all.

The point is unless it’s pouring down torrential rain, the winters are actually pretty pleasant. You can still enjoy all the things you would in the summer, just with an extra few layers on. Trust me, just because it’s in the mountains, it’s not that cold. Embrace the kiwi spirit, put on some wooly layers, harden the fuck up a bit, and don’t let a little cold air stop you!

7. Enjoy the rugby season

If you’re like me, you like to be fully immersed in the culture you’re visiting, even if that means screaming and shouting at real life giants playing a game you don’t understand on TV.

Rugby is king in New Zealand. Even the non-fans still have a good grasp of what the game is actually about and how each team is doing throughout the season.

Good rugby is a huge source of national pride for Kiwis. When I first moved to New Zealand in 2015, I woke up at 3 am one day to watch the New Zealand All Blacks battle South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. I was told that if I missed it, I might not get another opportunity to see them again in all of their glory. That turned out to be wrong because they made it to the finals (and later won the world cup) the next day.

Needless to say, Kiwis love their rugby and if you want to understand this cultural obsession, visit New Zealand in the winter so you can wake up at 4 am to go to a classic bar to watch these incredible athletes mow each other down.

8. Experience all of the winter festivals

The South Island is home to some seriously cool winter festivals. Let’s start with Matariki, the Māori New Year. You’ll find celebrations in pretty much every town across the country, each with their own Hakas, Hangis, and fireworks.

Queenstown hosts Winter Festival, a 10-day long event marking the start of winter complete with all the coziness associated with a winter Christmas market without the stress of having to Christmas shop. Street markets, dog derby, live music, comedy shows and of course more fireworks. The most compelling event, however, is the dog barking competition where dogs are commanded to bark on cue. If the dog doesn’t bark, the owner gets on all fours and barks on the dog’s behalf.

If dog barking competitions are wacky enough for you, check out Omaru’s annual Steampunk Festival held every year on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Omaru is New Zealand’s Steampunk capital and this festival is the self-proclaimed premier and longest running Steampunk event of the Southern Hemisphere.

Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more mellow like the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival held in Wanaka and Queenstown. This epic week long festival offers workshops and courses as well as world premiere showings of mountain films. This year, the film festival had an entire segment dedicated to up and coming NZ directors ranging from a 10-year-old Lake Hawea crusher to professional mountaineers. If you love mountain culture, you’ll love this film fest. Liz has also been a speaker here for the past few years.

New Zealand’s South Island in winter is pretty awesome. Have you been? Do you travel in winter? Share!

The post 8 reasons to visit the South Island in winter appeared first on Young Adventuress.

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Day 21 Camping in Dog Parks-Zero day in Hanmer Springs and hitch to Darfield

January 30th, 2017 What goes on!? The amount of rain we've had in the last few weeks has been ridiculous! It's almost as much as we had the first few weeks on the North Island. The kiwis keep saying this isn't normal for summertime, but I'm starting to feel a bit skeptical ;)! In order to make certain the next section was doable, we inquired at the education center about the weather. Sadly, the man in charge was pretty clueless- seeming not too sure about anything really. So, we unexpectedly hitched the 55kms to Hamner Springs to check out what was really going on with the forecast, and the conditions for the Boyle Village to Arthur's Pass section. We had heard through the grapevine that the next track was in bad shape due to slips in the trail and over-flooding, but we wanted to hear from a reliable source. Miraculously enough, the four of us got a ride with a chill Maori guy, who delivers newspapers nearly everyday from Christchurch all the way to Nelson. What a unique job! It was a bit dodgey just sitting in the back of the large white rapey looking van without seats or seat belts, packing us in like sardines, and then him offering us candy- oh, the irony! But, a ride is a ride when it comes down to it! Once we got to Hamner Springs, we immediately sought out our staple meat pies and coffee. As per suggestion from a friendly police officer, we headed towards the one and only bakery in town. My large flat white was heavenly and the mince and cheese pie extra dericioussss! #piesondeck. After our scrumptious meal, we spent the morning drying out our wet belongings and charging our electronics at the library. Dyl had also called up the DOC center in Arthur's Pass, and they said the next section had been damaged as a result of recent storms, and wouldn't advise entering that section of the trail. This unfortunate news left us feeling frustrated and powerless. As a team, we contemplated our options. On the one hand, we wanted to stay safe, enjoy hiking and not force ourselves to tramp along a poor conditioned track, and/or wait out the bad weather in town (which we already experienced in Nelson). And on the other hand, we didn't want to skip a five day section, and/or leave Hamish hanging in the dust, who had already headed to the trail head. We also debated going into the section, and if the track was too unbearable, backtracking out. However, no one likes turning back once you've already gone forward. After much deliberation, hours in fact, we decided to skip the section and hitch to Arthur's Pass to start the next part of the trail. Although we were pretty bummed about missing a whole section, including the infamous Harpers pass, we've had plenty of experience with the uncontrollable weather, and didn't wanna put ourselves in a dangerous situation. Just as importantly on our minds though was Hamish. Last we spoke to him we agreed to meet at the first hut, and we felt guilty ditching him and worried about his safety. It was difficult to deviate from the plan/trail, but we tried staying optimistic, and figured Hamish was independent enough to handle himself. Before leaving Hamner Springs though, our mission was to get ahold of the cheapest, greasiest cheeseburgers and fries, from the most Asian takeaway place we could find. And then, ravenously consume all of it! Our incentive being that we'd be back in the woods for awhile, and away from "real" food. Once our tummies were full beyond belief, only then, was it time to start our next adventure. Rowan and I paired up to create the ultimate hitching team. Our first ride was from a nurse who specialized in treating young babies. It was interesting hearing about her job and the at home work she offers. Twas also quite comical that there were pictures of babies on the outside of his car, and dirty nomadic looking Rowan and I just hanging in the backseat. Haha. You never know who's gonna pick you up! Our second ride was from a generous middle aged kiwi man who worked in irrigation. He was a bit quirky but shared some good local knowledge with us, and went out of his way to drive us towards Christchurch. The third ride was from a young kiwi girl, about our age, with bright green hair, who worked for Wicked Campers. She was testing out the alignment and steering on the van that she picked us up in. As she was driving reckless all over the road, it was nerve racking and we feared for our lives a bit, but at least we made it about 10kms further to our destination! Lastly, after not getting a ride for awhile, an Aussie "bloake" came to our rescue. He brought us 20kms or so to Darfield, which was where Dyl and Luzie were. At this point it was about 8pm, and we were still an hour plus away from Arthur's Pass. So, we made the smart decision to call it quits, and had a legendary night in the Darfield dog park. Lolz. I think it's safe to say we looked like homeless lunatics, but we did our thang anyway- cooking a yummy dinner at the main picnic table, and sketchily freedom camping right in the middle of the park. Dyl and I admitted to teaching Luzie and Rowan the DB ways of life. Good times y'all!

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