Polynesia comprises over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean and New Zealand and Hawaii lies at the eastern and western end of the triangle. The two places are connected by their Polynesian culture although both have now large population of Caucasians. New Zealand's North Island contains a number of active and potentially active volcanoes, just like Hawaii. The difference between them is New Zealand can boast of geysers while Hawaii don't have any. New Zealand is a country by itself while Hawaii is a state of the United States of America.
If you are from New Zealand or have visited New Zealand before, it should be interesting to visit Hawaii as well to observe the similarities and differences. If you own properties suitable to serve as vacation rentals, you can list them for free at Relocation Rentals for free. Currently, I see only Hawaiian vacation rentals listed there. I think they should include New Zealand vacation rentals as well. I just commented to make that suggestion and wonder if we would see New Zealand vacation rentals being listed on that site in the future.
Anyway, Hawaii is a paradise to visit. Oahu, the third largest island of Hawaii and the most populous, with approximately 75% of the resident population of the Hawaii, is also home to Honolulu, the capital of the State of Hawaii. Oahu's most popular beach is Waikiki Beach.
Hawaii has 8 major islands, all with their different attractions, and at Hawaii Vacation Rentals, you can find links to vacation rentals on Maui, Big Island Vacation Rentals as well as to specific places like Waikiki, Kihei, Wailea, Kanaapali, etc.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
New Zealand, Australia and others
Online Hotel Search and Booking is a website that lists hotels of countries all over the world, but unfortunately, New Zealand has not been added to their list yet. However, New Zealand and Australia is close to each other and I believe it is not uncommon to hold dual citizenship of both countries. Plus while you will need a passport, I think New Zealand citizen do not need a visa to visit Australia. And if you are a visitor to New Zealand, since you have come so far, you might just as well visit another country. Australia is not that far away plus you have a much bigger area to chose to visit than New Zealand. For accommodations in Australia, look at Australia Hotels and Other Lodging. You will see a loooong list of hotels there, plus there is a map of Australia with a few names of Australian cities which is clickable.
However, if you are travelling as a family with small children, you may want to look for family-friendly hotels. Australian states and cities are included in the list of places for family-friendly hotels, but unfortunately, at the time of publishing of this post, search for family-friendly hotels in various places in Australia produced this message: "Error !! There is a problem with your request. There are no Family Friendly Hotels registered with us at this time in City." However, since they are listed, I am sure they are working hard to find family-friendly hotels to list in those cities. But there should be plenty in cities in the United States of America, which New Zealanders would feel comfortable visiting as they are also an English speaking country with similar culture.
New Zealanders are environmentally conscious, and may want to seek eco green lodging, but unfortunately, I don't see either New Zealand or Australia listed. But there is a promising message there: "More coming soon".
Or perhaps you are a yoga enthusiast. At yoga retreats, I found Australia Yoga Retreats which listed one Australian yoga retreat at Byron Bay, New South Wales. This showed that they are actually working hard to get more listing and have found some success.
However, if you are travelling as a family with small children, you may want to look for family-friendly hotels. Australian states and cities are included in the list of places for family-friendly hotels, but unfortunately, at the time of publishing of this post, search for family-friendly hotels in various places in Australia produced this message: "Error !! There is a problem with your request. There are no Family Friendly Hotels registered with us at this time in City." However, since they are listed, I am sure they are working hard to find family-friendly hotels to list in those cities. But there should be plenty in cities in the United States of America, which New Zealanders would feel comfortable visiting as they are also an English speaking country with similar culture.
New Zealanders are environmentally conscious, and may want to seek eco green lodging, but unfortunately, I don't see either New Zealand or Australia listed. But there is a promising message there: "More coming soon".
Or perhaps you are a yoga enthusiast. At yoga retreats, I found Australia Yoga Retreats which listed one Australian yoga retreat at Byron Bay, New South Wales. This showed that they are actually working hard to get more listing and have found some success.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Vacation rentals for New Zealand and the rest of the world
If you are seeking accommodation for your holidays in New Zealand, try New Zealand Vacation Rentals. There I can see 2 categories - North Island and South Island. However, this site is only one small section of vacation rentals where you can seek holiday accommodations in any part of the world.
New Zealand is part of Polynesia, consisting of many islands spread over a huge triangle in the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand is unique in that it has a temperate maritime climate compared with the rest of Polynesia which mainly have a tropical climate. Hawaii shares in the Polynesian roots with New Zealand, but differs in that it has a warm tropical climate and probably more conducive to tourism. If Polynesian culture is what you seek to experience, but you prefer a warmer climate, you should opt for Hawaii and for holiday accommodation, that can be arranged easily by Hawaii vacation rentals. Hawaii consists of hundreds of islands and atolls, but there are only eight main populated island, and one of them is Maui. This is the second largest of the island, the largest of which is Hawaii Big Island.
Maui is a pleasant island and in fact its population is reported to be growing because those who have visited the island before found it so conducive for living that they decided to settle down there. Wailea on Maui is a high class area with many luxurious hotels and resorts plus exclusive golf and tennis clubs and is a magnet for celebrities. I heard Wailea is a favourite destination of Paris Hilton, but she is not alone. There are lots more other celebrities who frequent Wailea. It seems Wailea is a great place for celebrities watching. Wailea is expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives on Maui, like the nearby and more affordable Kihei or Makena, where your pocket is spared, but you still get to enjoy all that the beautiful Maui have to offer.
You can check all this out at Maui vacation rentals.
New Zealand is part of Polynesia, consisting of many islands spread over a huge triangle in the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand is unique in that it has a temperate maritime climate compared with the rest of Polynesia which mainly have a tropical climate. Hawaii shares in the Polynesian roots with New Zealand, but differs in that it has a warm tropical climate and probably more conducive to tourism. If Polynesian culture is what you seek to experience, but you prefer a warmer climate, you should opt for Hawaii and for holiday accommodation, that can be arranged easily by Hawaii vacation rentals. Hawaii consists of hundreds of islands and atolls, but there are only eight main populated island, and one of them is Maui. This is the second largest of the island, the largest of which is Hawaii Big Island.
Maui is a pleasant island and in fact its population is reported to be growing because those who have visited the island before found it so conducive for living that they decided to settle down there. Wailea on Maui is a high class area with many luxurious hotels and resorts plus exclusive golf and tennis clubs and is a magnet for celebrities. I heard Wailea is a favourite destination of Paris Hilton, but she is not alone. There are lots more other celebrities who frequent Wailea. It seems Wailea is a great place for celebrities watching. Wailea is expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives on Maui, like the nearby and more affordable Kihei or Makena, where your pocket is spared, but you still get to enjoy all that the beautiful Maui have to offer.
You can check all this out at Maui vacation rentals.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Renting A Motor Home To Travel New Zealand
Renting A Motor Home To Travel New Zealand
By: Mike OBrien
Whether you crave a holiday full of outdoor adventure or a relaxing vacation sampling gourmet cuisine and award winning wines, New Zealand has something for everyone. And, there is no better way to explore this highly diverse country than to rent a New Zealand motor home. With many tourist destinations within a few hours of each other and a well-maintained network of roads and highways, renting a motor home or camper van in New Zealand provides travelers the freedom and flexibility to experience all of the sites and attractions while enjoying all of the comforts of a home on wheels.
With many companies specialising in renting motor homes in New Zealand, it's helpful to compare prices and availability on the internet. Rates tend to be higher during the summer months of December through February, and the best deals are to be had from May through September. Reputable rental companies will offer comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, and 24-hour customer service. Other features that are also frequently offered when renting a camper van in New Zealand include itinerary planning, kitchen utensils, linens, unlimited mileage, ferry booking assistance, airport pickup, and luggage storage.
Camp ground facilities throughout New Zealand are generally very well maintained and in convenient, and often times, scenic locations. Along with BBQs, kitchen facilities, restrooms and showers, most campgrounds have laundry rooms and playgrounds. It's always a good idea to reserve space at a campground prior to arrival, especially during the peak season of summer. Although most New Zealand motor homes and camper vans have a shower and toilet on board, it is illegal to discharge this waste into anything other than an approved dump station. Keep New Zealand clean and green. Should you dump the waste elsewhere it will end up in out pristine waterways. The main pick up and drop off cities for a New Zealand motor home or a New Zealand camper van are Auckland and Christchurch, although some companies have an office in Wellington, Picton or Queenstown. One way hires have a minimum hire period. It is also legal to park motor homes in New Zealand on national park land as long as there is not a "Parking Prohibited" sign posted.
Most first time visitors of New Zealand visit both the North and South islands to experience the vastly different landscapes. Camper vans and motor homes can be conveniently driven onto the Interislander ferry for the three hour journey between the islands. Most rental companies will gladly book reservations for the ferry and provide you with all of the information that you will need prior to setting sail.
When touring the stunning beauty of the South Island, it's especially important to be aware of the weather. Snow frequently falls in the winter months, and chains are required on some roads. The speed limit on New Zealand open roads is 100 km or about 62 miles per hour. To have a safe motoring holiday, it's essential to stay within the speed limit and to obey all of the traffic signs. Many of the roads, while well paved and signed, are somewhat narrow and often slick from rain or ice. Photo radar is used throughout the country to enforce the speed limits, and there are strict laws forbidding drinking and driving.
New Zealand is an amazing country with plenty to offer every traveler, and motor homes and camper vans allow the convenience, comfort, and flexibility to make the most of your holiday. Without wasting time checking into hotels or unpacking and packing up cars and suitcases, you can spend your time enjoying the sites and relaxing in your home on wheels. Happy Motoring!
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Author Bio
Mike O'Brien offers advice and information about new zealand car rental This is a quality web site with a choice of New Zealand car rental, motor home hire and general New Zealand information at your fingertips!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Saturday, July 14, 2007
New Zealand's South Island
New Zealand's South Island
by: Ramnish Gupta
Natural, untouched beauty! That's what New Zealand's South Island is all about. The South Island is home to the Southern Alps and some great skiing and snow boarding opportunities.
Christchurch is the busiest city in the South Island and also offers an international airport, with flights connecting directly to a lot of overseas destinations. The Sumner Beach, Gondola, Avon river and Cashmere hills are the main attractions in Chistchurch. The city centre is always busy with trams running frequently making it a great place to hang out!
Dunedin with it's Cadbury's factory and Queenstown with it's adventure attractions are the other two cities that can't be missed in the South Island. Queenstown also has bungee jumping opportunities, jet boats and ski dive opportunities. Milford sound tours also leave from Queenstown, and are highly recommended. Stewart island can also be visited by ferries leaving Invercargill.
Most cities in the South Island are well connected by Trans Rail and that's perhaps the most convenient way to travel. Alternately, rental cars can also be booked and a drive along the West Coast is highly recommended. Getting to the South Island from the North Island is possible by either catching the Interislander ferry from Wellington or a Sounds Air flight from Wellington airport. Domestic flights run by Air New Zealand and other airlines also connect most other cities in the South Island to Wellington.
About The Author
Ramnish Gupta is based in New Zealand and has a keen interest in travel and photography. His website New Zealand Photography has travel information and photographs from all over New Zealand.
ram@newzealandphotography.co.nz
by: Ramnish Gupta
Natural, untouched beauty! That's what New Zealand's South Island is all about. The South Island is home to the Southern Alps and some great skiing and snow boarding opportunities.
Christchurch is the busiest city in the South Island and also offers an international airport, with flights connecting directly to a lot of overseas destinations. The Sumner Beach, Gondola, Avon river and Cashmere hills are the main attractions in Chistchurch. The city centre is always busy with trams running frequently making it a great place to hang out!
Dunedin with it's Cadbury's factory and Queenstown with it's adventure attractions are the other two cities that can't be missed in the South Island. Queenstown also has bungee jumping opportunities, jet boats and ski dive opportunities. Milford sound tours also leave from Queenstown, and are highly recommended. Stewart island can also be visited by ferries leaving Invercargill.
Most cities in the South Island are well connected by Trans Rail and that's perhaps the most convenient way to travel. Alternately, rental cars can also be booked and a drive along the West Coast is highly recommended. Getting to the South Island from the North Island is possible by either catching the Interislander ferry from Wellington or a Sounds Air flight from Wellington airport. Domestic flights run by Air New Zealand and other airlines also connect most other cities in the South Island to Wellington.
About The Author
Ramnish Gupta is based in New Zealand and has a keen interest in travel and photography. His website New Zealand Photography has travel information and photographs from all over New Zealand.
ram@newzealandphotography.co.nz
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Tourists Guide To Auckland New Zealand
A Tourists Guide To Auckland New Zealand
by: Thomas Smith
Have you ever traveled to New Zealand? If not, you are in for a treat! Auckland, New Zealand is a beautiful place to visit and a city that is large, exciting and a truly fun place to be.
Auckland, New Zealand is surrounded by the sea and lovely green forests. As you fly into Auckland you will be amazed at how fresh and green everything looks. You may notice many hills that are covered with grass that looks freshly shorn. These are the volcanic hills that are kept in shape by the sheep in the area.
You may be surprised at the city of Auckland because it has over 1 million inhabitants and has been developing in size and in sophistication over the last several years. You will find that many of the shops are now open 7 days a week and the bars and nightclubs remain open into the late hours of the night.
The cultural blend of the people in Auckland is fascinating. There is a wonderful mix of Polynesians, Asians, and Europeans. You will also find an interesting blend of activities in the city. You will see cyclists, runners and lots of people participating in water activities. There are at least 70,000 powerboats and sailing crafts in the greater Auckland area. Plan to visit one or two of the 102 beaches that are within an hour of the city.
One of the greatest assets of Auckland is the Waitemata Harbour. This name means, sea of sparkling waters and the name fits this lovely harbor. In 2000 the city held its defense of the Americas Cup and the regatta helped a major redevelopment of the area begin. Viaduct is the name of the area now and some of the citys most popular cafes, restaurants and bars are located here.
When you buy an Explorer Bus Pass you can see the city in an inexpensive and convenient way. There are stops at nine of the major attractions in the city and you can hop on or off at any of these stops.
Ready for the wilds of Auckland? Visit Mt. Eden, sip wine at a winery and then journey on to Muriwai Beach. You can spend half a day taking a tour or you also have the choice of two day-long jaunts. There are even tours that are designed for those who want a comprehensive wine-tasting experience.
The Auckland Museum is certainly worth a visit and dont leave the area without a trip to see Parnell Village. This is a place where you can shop to your hearts content at the upscale boutiques and shops. There are Victorian villas in the area, also. You will want to head up to the top of the Sky Tower for the superb view and the National Maritime Museum is lots of fun, too.
Different and fascinating? Visit Auckland!!
You have the author's permission to publish this article in your ezine or on your website as long as you do not modify it. You must retain the resource box with live link back to the Search New Zealand Hotels website.
About The Author
Thomas Smith
You can find city central hotel Auckland by going to the Search New Zealand Hotels website Find the Best Deals on Auckland Hotels. Our website also showcases Auckland vacation packages, car rentals, flights to Auckland and last minute deals.
by: Thomas Smith
Have you ever traveled to New Zealand? If not, you are in for a treat! Auckland, New Zealand is a beautiful place to visit and a city that is large, exciting and a truly fun place to be.
Auckland, New Zealand is surrounded by the sea and lovely green forests. As you fly into Auckland you will be amazed at how fresh and green everything looks. You may notice many hills that are covered with grass that looks freshly shorn. These are the volcanic hills that are kept in shape by the sheep in the area.
You may be surprised at the city of Auckland because it has over 1 million inhabitants and has been developing in size and in sophistication over the last several years. You will find that many of the shops are now open 7 days a week and the bars and nightclubs remain open into the late hours of the night.
The cultural blend of the people in Auckland is fascinating. There is a wonderful mix of Polynesians, Asians, and Europeans. You will also find an interesting blend of activities in the city. You will see cyclists, runners and lots of people participating in water activities. There are at least 70,000 powerboats and sailing crafts in the greater Auckland area. Plan to visit one or two of the 102 beaches that are within an hour of the city.
One of the greatest assets of Auckland is the Waitemata Harbour. This name means, sea of sparkling waters and the name fits this lovely harbor. In 2000 the city held its defense of the Americas Cup and the regatta helped a major redevelopment of the area begin. Viaduct is the name of the area now and some of the citys most popular cafes, restaurants and bars are located here.
When you buy an Explorer Bus Pass you can see the city in an inexpensive and convenient way. There are stops at nine of the major attractions in the city and you can hop on or off at any of these stops.
Ready for the wilds of Auckland? Visit Mt. Eden, sip wine at a winery and then journey on to Muriwai Beach. You can spend half a day taking a tour or you also have the choice of two day-long jaunts. There are even tours that are designed for those who want a comprehensive wine-tasting experience.
The Auckland Museum is certainly worth a visit and dont leave the area without a trip to see Parnell Village. This is a place where you can shop to your hearts content at the upscale boutiques and shops. There are Victorian villas in the area, also. You will want to head up to the top of the Sky Tower for the superb view and the National Maritime Museum is lots of fun, too.
Different and fascinating? Visit Auckland!!
You have the author's permission to publish this article in your ezine or on your website as long as you do not modify it. You must retain the resource box with live link back to the Search New Zealand Hotels website.
About The Author
Thomas Smith
You can find city central hotel Auckland by going to the Search New Zealand Hotels website Find the Best Deals on Auckland Hotels. Our website also showcases Auckland vacation packages, car rentals, flights to Auckland and last minute deals.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Lord of the Rings: Finding Middle Earth in New Zealand
The Lord of the Rings: Finding Middle Earth in New Zealand
by: Rene Smith
The Lord of the Rings story has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. New Zealand has been lucky enough to be involved in this global phenomena thanks to Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes and spectacular scenery of New Zealand were the best place to film the movies, allowing New Zealanders to showcase their country and create a growing Lord of the Rings tourism industry.
The Lord of the Rings back-story
When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the original Lord of the Rings novels between 1937 and 1949, he would have had no idea of the huge impact they would have on future generations throughout the world. The stories have had a massive influence on pop culture and you come across many Lord of the Rings references in songs, movies and other literature.
Tolkien had earlier written a book called The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings novels followed as sequels and continued the epic fantasy theme and have since been reprinted into over 30 languages, making it one of the most popular franchises of the 20th century.
The Lord of the Rings story is based around human like creatures such as Elves, Hobbits, Wizards, Dwarves, Orcs and Men. They live in a sprawling world named Middle Earth, home to mysterious beings, magical rings, the devious Gollum, huge battles, the dark realm of Mordor and much, much more.
Part of the success of the Lord of the Rings can be put down to its complexity and Tolkien’s endless work in developing a credible and highly detailed back-story. This back-story is brilliantly revealed as the story progresses, filling in important details and creating a living and breathing world with a rich history in the minds of readers.
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movie trilogy
After several acclaimed but moderately successful feature films, New Zealand's Peter Jackson diverted his attention to a new project, one that would consume many years of his life and eventually turn him into a star and one of Hollywood's most sought after directors.
Jackson always had a desire to make an updated film of the Lord of the Rings and often wondered why it hadn't been done earlier. After years of negotiating and revised scripts, Jackson and New Line Cinemas finally agreed to film and release the Lord of the Rings is a trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of The King. Filmed entirely in New Zealand, the films proved to be financial gold mine for both parties with the combined profits of the movies, video games and related merchandise easily heading in to the billions of dollars.
The movies were released to much critical acclaim and while some purists felt that Jackson deviated too far from the book, most agreed that it was both faithful to the book and a spectacular motion picture. The three movies combined for 17 Academy Awards with The Return of the King being the most successful, earning 11 of these, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson.
The movies created a huge windfall for New Zealand in terms of publicity, tourism, the movie making industry and the creation of Weta Workshops as a leading special effects design studio. Wellington was even chosen as the destination for the premiere of the final chapter of the trilogy, The Return of the King.
Finding Middle Earth in New Zealand
With the Lord of the Rings thrusting New Zealand's spectacular scenery in to the limelight, it was inevitable that a demand to see it up close and personal would be created. Labelling itself as "Middle Earth", New Zealand's tourism industry gained a much-appreciated boost thanks to thousands of travellers taking part in tours and scenic trips. Immersing themselves in various film locations, ardent Lord of the Rings fans and casual travellers alike could enjoy the wide open spaces of New Zealand knowing that these were where the movies plot twists, dramatic scenes and great battles took place.
Filming took place throughout the country, with areas surrounding Wellington, the lower North Island and Christchurch receiving the most attention. The Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and Mt Potts high country station serve as particularly beautiful and inspiring areas to see various Lord of the Rings film locations such as Edoras, Helms Deep and the Misty Mountains. All are accessible with tour groups and you'll have the opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests along the way.
J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings story has affected the lives of millions of individuals around the world and none more so than here in New Zealand. His epic tale of courage and honour has not only inspired readers but also helped Peter Jackson create his own masterpiece, opening up a whole new generation to Tolkien's wonderful story. New Zealand's film industry has been taken to a new level with the burgeoning local industry talent allowing other blockbuster films such as the Chronicles of Narnia and King Kong to also be filmed in the country. The benefits spread further into tourism and related areas with many overseas visitors coming to experience New Zealand's special link with the Lord of the Rings.
About The Author
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Visit Christ Church Holidays for information on Lord of the Rings tours, travel articles, reviews and helpful tips on planning a vacation to Christchurch, New Zealand.
by: Rene Smith
The Lord of the Rings story has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. New Zealand has been lucky enough to be involved in this global phenomena thanks to Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes and spectacular scenery of New Zealand were the best place to film the movies, allowing New Zealanders to showcase their country and create a growing Lord of the Rings tourism industry.
The Lord of the Rings back-story
When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the original Lord of the Rings novels between 1937 and 1949, he would have had no idea of the huge impact they would have on future generations throughout the world. The stories have had a massive influence on pop culture and you come across many Lord of the Rings references in songs, movies and other literature.
Tolkien had earlier written a book called The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings novels followed as sequels and continued the epic fantasy theme and have since been reprinted into over 30 languages, making it one of the most popular franchises of the 20th century.
The Lord of the Rings story is based around human like creatures such as Elves, Hobbits, Wizards, Dwarves, Orcs and Men. They live in a sprawling world named Middle Earth, home to mysterious beings, magical rings, the devious Gollum, huge battles, the dark realm of Mordor and much, much more.
Part of the success of the Lord of the Rings can be put down to its complexity and Tolkien’s endless work in developing a credible and highly detailed back-story. This back-story is brilliantly revealed as the story progresses, filling in important details and creating a living and breathing world with a rich history in the minds of readers.
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movie trilogy
After several acclaimed but moderately successful feature films, New Zealand's Peter Jackson diverted his attention to a new project, one that would consume many years of his life and eventually turn him into a star and one of Hollywood's most sought after directors.
Jackson always had a desire to make an updated film of the Lord of the Rings and often wondered why it hadn't been done earlier. After years of negotiating and revised scripts, Jackson and New Line Cinemas finally agreed to film and release the Lord of the Rings is a trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of The King. Filmed entirely in New Zealand, the films proved to be financial gold mine for both parties with the combined profits of the movies, video games and related merchandise easily heading in to the billions of dollars.
The movies were released to much critical acclaim and while some purists felt that Jackson deviated too far from the book, most agreed that it was both faithful to the book and a spectacular motion picture. The three movies combined for 17 Academy Awards with The Return of the King being the most successful, earning 11 of these, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson.
The movies created a huge windfall for New Zealand in terms of publicity, tourism, the movie making industry and the creation of Weta Workshops as a leading special effects design studio. Wellington was even chosen as the destination for the premiere of the final chapter of the trilogy, The Return of the King.
Finding Middle Earth in New Zealand
With the Lord of the Rings thrusting New Zealand's spectacular scenery in to the limelight, it was inevitable that a demand to see it up close and personal would be created. Labelling itself as "Middle Earth", New Zealand's tourism industry gained a much-appreciated boost thanks to thousands of travellers taking part in tours and scenic trips. Immersing themselves in various film locations, ardent Lord of the Rings fans and casual travellers alike could enjoy the wide open spaces of New Zealand knowing that these were where the movies plot twists, dramatic scenes and great battles took place.
Filming took place throughout the country, with areas surrounding Wellington, the lower North Island and Christchurch receiving the most attention. The Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and Mt Potts high country station serve as particularly beautiful and inspiring areas to see various Lord of the Rings film locations such as Edoras, Helms Deep and the Misty Mountains. All are accessible with tour groups and you'll have the opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests along the way.
J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings story has affected the lives of millions of individuals around the world and none more so than here in New Zealand. His epic tale of courage and honour has not only inspired readers but also helped Peter Jackson create his own masterpiece, opening up a whole new generation to Tolkien's wonderful story. New Zealand's film industry has been taken to a new level with the burgeoning local industry talent allowing other blockbuster films such as the Chronicles of Narnia and King Kong to also be filmed in the country. The benefits spread further into tourism and related areas with many overseas visitors coming to experience New Zealand's special link with the Lord of the Rings.
About The Author
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Visit Christ Church Holidays for information on Lord of the Rings tours, travel articles, reviews and helpful tips on planning a vacation to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Thrills And Spills Of White Water Rafting in Christchurch, New Zealand
The Thrills And Spills Of White Water Rafting in Christchurch, New Zealand
by: Rene Smith
About 2 hours drive from Christchurch you will find the Rangitata River. It’s located near Geraldine, a beautiful area of the South Island with some stunning landscapes and natural features on view. The river is also perfectly suited for white water rafting with a number of exhilarating rapids to go with the flat sections that are great for practising your skills or getting a well-earned breather.
Most operators that take rafting trips on the Rangitata River take you to and from Christchurch in a shuttle. Like most white water rafting trips, it can be intense at times and without needing to be a professional athlete, it helps if you are reasonably fit. The more you put in, the more you will get out of this experience, so if flying down gushing rapids is your kind of thing, then you’re going to have a great time.
The day starts off with a shuttle picking you up from Christchurch early in the morning. From here it’s a simple but pleasant drive through the countryside on your way to the Rangitata River. Once reaching the river, you drive further up it to a lodge where you will start your day of activities.
The first thing that needs organising is your equipment. This consists of things like a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket etc. They may not be the most comfortable or fashionable but the water can be cold so you’ll definitely appreciate it. After being kitted out, you’ll be split into groups that will make up those on your raft. It’s great if you’ve got a bunch of friends to go with but if not, you’ll probably meet some new ones by the end of the day anyway.
Driving further up the river you’ll arrive at the point where you’ll be starting your journey. It’s here that you’ll get your first taste of rafting. Each raft has one instructor who sits at the back of the raft, helps you avoid rocks, cracks jokes, ensures safety and in general makes sure you have a great time. Your instructor will brief you all on the basics, which include things like paddling, lunging to one side and pulling people back into the raft if they fall out (which can and probably will happen). You get plenty of chance to practise all these things as you gently make your way down a long calm patch of the river.
After everyone in your raft is confident with the skills, it’s time to hit your first rapids! This is definitely the most exciting part and what makes people come back for more. It’s a real adrenaline rush as your raft is thrown through the rapids, you can feel the power of the water as you bump up and down and side to side with each dip and change of direction. The instructors do a great job of keeping you on the right path although you’ll have to help them out when they need it, some rapid paddling is required to get through some of the tough spots.
As you head further down the river, you’ll get to enjoy a lot more exciting rapids that really get the heart going. Sometimes they can be so intense that people fall out or rafts flip over, this isn’t uncommon and the instructors will alert you if you need to pick up someone that went overboard. The risk factor is all part of the excitement but at no stage does it fell dangerous. The strength (or grading) of the river changes throughout the year but will always give you some very challenging sections of white water.
The main part of the trip lasts for a couple of hours before the river flattens out and you get the chance to have a bit of fun with the other rafts, i.e. splashing them with your oars or throwing their instructor in the water. You may also get the chance to jump off some very high rocks or float down sections of the river out of the raft (this is when you’ll be glad you’re in a wetsuit).
After loading the rafts onto the trailers, you’ll head back up to the lodge for a well-earned barbeque. By this stage you should be exhausted, just managing to stay in the raft all day can be hard work! After some laughs and a few final words it’s time to head home. You get the opportunity to buy photos taken of your rafts, which is a nice touch, albeit a slightly expensive one.
Going down the rapids is a truly awesome experience and one that you’ll be raving to your friends about for weeks. White water rafting comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Christchurch and looking for something exciting to try.
About The Author
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Visit Christchurch Holidays for his other articles, reviews and all the information you'll ever need to know on Christchurch, New Zealand.
by: Rene Smith
About 2 hours drive from Christchurch you will find the Rangitata River. It’s located near Geraldine, a beautiful area of the South Island with some stunning landscapes and natural features on view. The river is also perfectly suited for white water rafting with a number of exhilarating rapids to go with the flat sections that are great for practising your skills or getting a well-earned breather.
Most operators that take rafting trips on the Rangitata River take you to and from Christchurch in a shuttle. Like most white water rafting trips, it can be intense at times and without needing to be a professional athlete, it helps if you are reasonably fit. The more you put in, the more you will get out of this experience, so if flying down gushing rapids is your kind of thing, then you’re going to have a great time.
The day starts off with a shuttle picking you up from Christchurch early in the morning. From here it’s a simple but pleasant drive through the countryside on your way to the Rangitata River. Once reaching the river, you drive further up it to a lodge where you will start your day of activities.
The first thing that needs organising is your equipment. This consists of things like a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket etc. They may not be the most comfortable or fashionable but the water can be cold so you’ll definitely appreciate it. After being kitted out, you’ll be split into groups that will make up those on your raft. It’s great if you’ve got a bunch of friends to go with but if not, you’ll probably meet some new ones by the end of the day anyway.
Driving further up the river you’ll arrive at the point where you’ll be starting your journey. It’s here that you’ll get your first taste of rafting. Each raft has one instructor who sits at the back of the raft, helps you avoid rocks, cracks jokes, ensures safety and in general makes sure you have a great time. Your instructor will brief you all on the basics, which include things like paddling, lunging to one side and pulling people back into the raft if they fall out (which can and probably will happen). You get plenty of chance to practise all these things as you gently make your way down a long calm patch of the river.
After everyone in your raft is confident with the skills, it’s time to hit your first rapids! This is definitely the most exciting part and what makes people come back for more. It’s a real adrenaline rush as your raft is thrown through the rapids, you can feel the power of the water as you bump up and down and side to side with each dip and change of direction. The instructors do a great job of keeping you on the right path although you’ll have to help them out when they need it, some rapid paddling is required to get through some of the tough spots.
As you head further down the river, you’ll get to enjoy a lot more exciting rapids that really get the heart going. Sometimes they can be so intense that people fall out or rafts flip over, this isn’t uncommon and the instructors will alert you if you need to pick up someone that went overboard. The risk factor is all part of the excitement but at no stage does it fell dangerous. The strength (or grading) of the river changes throughout the year but will always give you some very challenging sections of white water.
The main part of the trip lasts for a couple of hours before the river flattens out and you get the chance to have a bit of fun with the other rafts, i.e. splashing them with your oars or throwing their instructor in the water. You may also get the chance to jump off some very high rocks or float down sections of the river out of the raft (this is when you’ll be glad you’re in a wetsuit).
After loading the rafts onto the trailers, you’ll head back up to the lodge for a well-earned barbeque. By this stage you should be exhausted, just managing to stay in the raft all day can be hard work! After some laughs and a few final words it’s time to head home. You get the opportunity to buy photos taken of your rafts, which is a nice touch, albeit a slightly expensive one.
Going down the rapids is a truly awesome experience and one that you’ll be raving to your friends about for weeks. White water rafting comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Christchurch and looking for something exciting to try.
About The Author
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Visit Christchurch Holidays for his other articles, reviews and all the information you'll ever need to know on Christchurch, New Zealand.
Friday, June 15, 2007
New Zealand's North Island
New Zealand's North Island
by: Ramnish Gupta
From Cape Reinga in the north right through to Wellington in the south, New Zealand's North Island offers some unique opportunities to tourist and locals alike.
Auckland city is the busiest New Zealand city and arguably the commercial capital of New Zealand. Being one of the most populated cities, Auckland offers some of the best shopping opportunities in New Zealand.
Wellington is the capital city and has a population of around 400,00. The main attraction in Wellington would have to be Te Papa, which is a museum located in the city. While at Te Papa, make time for a stroll around Queen's wharf or a cruise in the Wellesley or catch a play at Circa theatre. The Interislander ferry can also be caught from Wellington to travel across the Cook strait to Picton in the South Island.
Other attractions in the North Island include the Maori village in Rotorua, ski fields in the central North Island, stunning beaches in the Coromandel and Hawke's Bay, Huka falls near Taupo and Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont), which was the location for the filming of the Tom Cruise flick "The Last Samurai". Lord of the Rings tours are also available and extremely popular with Tolkien fans!
About The Author
Ramnish Gupta is based in New Zealand and has a keen interest in travel and photography. How website New Zealand Photography has travel information and photographs from all over New Zealand.
ram@newzealandphotography.co.nz
by: Ramnish Gupta
From Cape Reinga in the north right through to Wellington in the south, New Zealand's North Island offers some unique opportunities to tourist and locals alike.
Auckland city is the busiest New Zealand city and arguably the commercial capital of New Zealand. Being one of the most populated cities, Auckland offers some of the best shopping opportunities in New Zealand.
Wellington is the capital city and has a population of around 400,00. The main attraction in Wellington would have to be Te Papa, which is a museum located in the city. While at Te Papa, make time for a stroll around Queen's wharf or a cruise in the Wellesley or catch a play at Circa theatre. The Interislander ferry can also be caught from Wellington to travel across the Cook strait to Picton in the South Island.
Other attractions in the North Island include the Maori village in Rotorua, ski fields in the central North Island, stunning beaches in the Coromandel and Hawke's Bay, Huka falls near Taupo and Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont), which was the location for the filming of the Tom Cruise flick "The Last Samurai". Lord of the Rings tours are also available and extremely popular with Tolkien fans!
About The Author
Ramnish Gupta is based in New Zealand and has a keen interest in travel and photography. How website New Zealand Photography has travel information and photographs from all over New Zealand.
ram@newzealandphotography.co.nz
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
by: Adrien White
Given the exposure it has received in movies, New Zealand is becoming a very popular tourist destination. Exploring it by motorhome is a great option if you visit.
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
One of the biggest regrets many travelers have is that they rush, rush, rush to see and do everything when they go traveling. Given the fact you are taking a break from work, you would probably be far better off taking it slow and relaxing. In short, we are talking about quality of travel time over quantity of things seen during a trip. If you are considering a trip to New Zealand, there is a perfect way to put this advice into practice.
New Zealand is an insanely beautiful country. If you are not sure what it looks like, rent one of the Lord of the Rings movies. They were shot in New Zealand all at once and you can even visit some of the sets. Along with this beauty comes a rather relaxed attitude exuded by some of the friendliest people around. If you rush around to see everything possible in a few weeks or a month, you are doing it all wrong. A much better choice is to go with the flow and tour the country in a rented motorhome.
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand is extremely simple as it is a very popular option with many visitors. The country has excellent roads and plenty of places to just stop and relax. You can cruise along at your own pace and stop when the scenery inspires you.
To rent a motorhome, you are going to need to be at least 25 years old. Rental prices range depending on the type of vehicle you need and the time. Minimum prices run from forty to fifty dollars a day, which isn’t bad when you consider you will not need a hotel room and can pack your own food. There are also a minimum number of days you have to commit to with six being the standard. This can triple during high tourist seasons, which are around New Years. As to a driver’s license, your regular license will suffice.
New Zealand is a country best experienced at a casual pace. Renting a motorhome is the best way to do this and discover little areas that most rushing tourists will miss.
About The Author
Adrien White is with RV Rentals for you - information on RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.
by: Adrien White
Given the exposure it has received in movies, New Zealand is becoming a very popular tourist destination. Exploring it by motorhome is a great option if you visit.
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
One of the biggest regrets many travelers have is that they rush, rush, rush to see and do everything when they go traveling. Given the fact you are taking a break from work, you would probably be far better off taking it slow and relaxing. In short, we are talking about quality of travel time over quantity of things seen during a trip. If you are considering a trip to New Zealand, there is a perfect way to put this advice into practice.
New Zealand is an insanely beautiful country. If you are not sure what it looks like, rent one of the Lord of the Rings movies. They were shot in New Zealand all at once and you can even visit some of the sets. Along with this beauty comes a rather relaxed attitude exuded by some of the friendliest people around. If you rush around to see everything possible in a few weeks or a month, you are doing it all wrong. A much better choice is to go with the flow and tour the country in a rented motorhome.
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand is extremely simple as it is a very popular option with many visitors. The country has excellent roads and plenty of places to just stop and relax. You can cruise along at your own pace and stop when the scenery inspires you.
To rent a motorhome, you are going to need to be at least 25 years old. Rental prices range depending on the type of vehicle you need and the time. Minimum prices run from forty to fifty dollars a day, which isn’t bad when you consider you will not need a hotel room and can pack your own food. There are also a minimum number of days you have to commit to with six being the standard. This can triple during high tourist seasons, which are around New Years. As to a driver’s license, your regular license will suffice.
New Zealand is a country best experienced at a casual pace. Renting a motorhome is the best way to do this and discover little areas that most rushing tourists will miss.
About The Author
Adrien White is with RV Rentals for you - information on RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Unusual Birds and Mammals
Unusual Birds and Mammals
by: Emma Snow
We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? There are so many lesser known animals on this planet that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
Our next animal is a cute little miniature "bear" called the kinkajou. These are a unique animal in that they are the only mammals that help to pollinate plants. They have very long tongues that they use to lick the nectar inside flowers. While they are licking, they get pollen on their fur and noses and this gets transplanted to other flowers as they feed. They are sometimes called honey bears because they love honey so much, but they are different from regular bears in that they are very small, most times not weighing more than 8 pounds. They are fun loving animals that even make good pets. They feed on fruit, honey and eggs in the wild and their closest cousin is the panda bear of Asia.
Another unusual mammal is a tapir. It looks like half anteater, half pig, yet they are not related to either. They descend from primitive horses and rhinos. They come in various color patterns depending on the region they are from. All baby tapirs, however, are born with a pattern of dots and stripes which make them look like a watermelon with legs. As they age, these markings fade away to be replaced with their adult color patterns. They feed on fruit, berries and leaves, and can live to be 30 years old.
Our last animal is a Marsupial Mouse. While this may seem like just any other mouse, there are some very distinct characteristics about the marsupial mouse that make it stand out. Being a marsupial, its young are "hatched" from inside their mothers and then they crawl through her fir up to their mother's underside where they attach and feed until they are fully developed. When they come out of their mother, they are so underdeveloped that in order to survive, they have to breathe through their skin. They are the only mammal found that can do this. As their lungs continue to develop, they gradually start to take over the breathing process until eventually, when fully developed, their skin no longer plays a role in breathing. They are carnivorous by nature, eating insects, small birds, reptiles and small mammals.
The last unusual bird is the worlds smallest, weighing in at only 1.8 grams, which is less than a US penny. The bee hummingbird's nest is only 3 cm wide. Its tiny wings beat 80 times per second. Using all this energy requires them to eat half their body weight in food each day as well as drink eight times their body weight in water. That's like a 150 pound adult human drinking 144 gallons of water each day. They are found only in Cuba and the Isle of Pines.
About The Author
Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals WildLife Animals and Riding Stable Riding Stable.
by: Emma Snow
We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? There are so many lesser known animals on this planet that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
Mammals
Capybara are first on our list of unusual mammals. They are the world’s largest rodent, averaging 100 pounds. They are called rodents because they have sharp front teeth that never stop growing. They are semi-aquatic, spending a lot of time in the water. They live in grasslands and forests alongside water in Central and South America. They are most active during the early morning and late evening and rest during the heat of the day.Our next animal is a cute little miniature "bear" called the kinkajou. These are a unique animal in that they are the only mammals that help to pollinate plants. They have very long tongues that they use to lick the nectar inside flowers. While they are licking, they get pollen on their fur and noses and this gets transplanted to other flowers as they feed. They are sometimes called honey bears because they love honey so much, but they are different from regular bears in that they are very small, most times not weighing more than 8 pounds. They are fun loving animals that even make good pets. They feed on fruit, honey and eggs in the wild and their closest cousin is the panda bear of Asia.
Another unusual mammal is a tapir. It looks like half anteater, half pig, yet they are not related to either. They descend from primitive horses and rhinos. They come in various color patterns depending on the region they are from. All baby tapirs, however, are born with a pattern of dots and stripes which make them look like a watermelon with legs. As they age, these markings fade away to be replaced with their adult color patterns. They feed on fruit, berries and leaves, and can live to be 30 years old.
Our last animal is a Marsupial Mouse. While this may seem like just any other mouse, there are some very distinct characteristics about the marsupial mouse that make it stand out. Being a marsupial, its young are "hatched" from inside their mothers and then they crawl through her fir up to their mother's underside where they attach and feed until they are fully developed. When they come out of their mother, they are so underdeveloped that in order to survive, they have to breathe through their skin. They are the only mammal found that can do this. As their lungs continue to develop, they gradually start to take over the breathing process until eventually, when fully developed, their skin no longer plays a role in breathing. They are carnivorous by nature, eating insects, small birds, reptiles and small mammals.
Birds
Of the various birds in the world, the kiwi bird is one of the most unique. It is similar to the chicken in that it can't fly. Their "wings" are only two inches long and for all practical purposes are useless. They are the sole survivor of an ancient order of birds including the now extinct moas. They are semi-nocturnal animals, so catching a glimpse of them in the wild rarely happens. They can only be found in New Zealand and its surrounding islands. The reason they have survived the ages in New Zealand comes from the fact that there are no snakes or large mammals native to New Zealand. A bird the size of a kiwi, without the capability to fly would be an especially attractive target to snakes. Also...the island has no bears, bobcats, tigers, etc., with also makes it easier for the kiwi to survive. With the coming of humans to the island, especially the colonization by England, house pets such as cats and dogs have become the main predators of the decreasing kiwi population. Some of the biggest birds in the world are condors. They can have wingspans up to 11 feet; they use their large wingspan to "float" on air thermals for miles without having to move their wings, which conserves their energy as they look for food. They are in the vulture family, feeding on the remains of animals and thus they play a very significant role in the animal kingdom. They have highly evolved immune systems to ward off infection from the various bacteria left on the animal carcasses they feed on. They are very clean birds, spending much of their time cleaning their feathers and heads after eating to further keep them safe from disease and bacteria. Their heads are featherless allowing them to stay clean during eating.The last unusual bird is the worlds smallest, weighing in at only 1.8 grams, which is less than a US penny. The bee hummingbird's nest is only 3 cm wide. Its tiny wings beat 80 times per second. Using all this energy requires them to eat half their body weight in food each day as well as drink eight times their body weight in water. That's like a 150 pound adult human drinking 144 gallons of water each day. They are found only in Cuba and the Isle of Pines.
About The Author
Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals WildLife Animals and Riding Stable Riding Stable.
Monday, March 5, 2007
In Search of Hobbits: A Small Adventure
In Search of Hobbits: A Small Adventure
by: Annette Gisby
We couldn't very well visit New Zealand without seeing some of the Lord of the Rings locations and our first stop was the small town of Matamata on the North Island, which became famous as Hobbiton was filmed around there.
All either of us knew was that it was filmed somewhere on a sheep farm near there, but that was about it. My husband John was driving and I was navigating with a map we'd just bought a few days before in Auckland. The map had Lord of the Rings locations marked on it, but places still seemed to take a little bit of finding.
"What does the map say?" asked John.
"It just says 'Matamata' for 'Hobbiton'," I replied, which wasn't much help to us as we both knew that the film location was not in the town but somewhere outside of it. We decided to go into Matamata and see if they had a tourist information centre who would know where the location was.
As we drove into town, there was an information centre sign three hundred metres ahead. Three hundred metres ahead of us was a car park and a small building that looked as if it was in the process of being built or being demolished. There was no information sign anywhere and we wondered if we'd taken a wrong turn somewhere.
We parked the car and decided to have a look around the town, which took about ten minutes. Coming back to the car from a slightly different direction, we finally came across the information centre, which was at the other side of the dilapidated building we saw. And in big golden letters plastered across the window was 'Hobbiton Tours'.
At last! You could only go on a guided tour as the land was privately owned, we just made it in time for the second to last tour of the day. There were about 15-20 people in our tour, although the bus could probably seat about forty.
It was about a twenty minute drive outside of Matamata to get to the Alexander sheep farm, where the movie was filmed. Of course, most of it has returned to its natural state of rolling hills and lots of sheep, but there are a few Hobbit holes left, including Bag End, Frodo and Bilbo's house in the Shire.
The day we went, it drizzled constantly, but it didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit, everyone was smiling and excited that they actually got to see the Shire. John and I decided that yes, we could quite happily live there. There was just something so peaceful about the area, you could see why they decided to film the Shire there.
Our guide Theresa pointed out the various places where some of the structures had been which were no longer there. There weren't meant to be any structures left at all, but before all of them could be taken down, there was a very bad rainstorm and it was deemed to dangerous to remove the rest, so there are about eighteen Hobbit holes left altogether.
You really do feel that you are walking through the village of Hobbiton, not a film set, despite the Hobbit holes just having a wooden facade now, not gardens and brightly painted doors like in the films. It's just the sense of the place. I
Once we arrived at the steps to Bag End the guide mentioned that she had a tour once where a girl kissed the top step because Elijah Wood had once stood on there!
"I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "There've been a lot of sheep walking around here since then!"
Despite her warning, there were a few people who seemed to be considering it!
Of course as you may know, Hobbits are very shy of the Big Folk, so don't expect to see any on your trip, but if you look closely and are very quiet, you might just get lucky.
For more information, you can visit the Hobbiton Tours website: Hobbiton Tours
About The Author
Annette Gisby is the author of the novels "Drowning Rapunzel" and "Silent Screams" as well as the short story collection "Shadows of the Rose." She enjoys travelling and seeing new places, despite getting travel sick and hopes to visit New Zealand again in the future.
For more information on Annette and her books please visit her website at Annette Gisby
Article may be reprinted with bio information still attached.
by: Annette Gisby
We couldn't very well visit New Zealand without seeing some of the Lord of the Rings locations and our first stop was the small town of Matamata on the North Island, which became famous as Hobbiton was filmed around there.
All either of us knew was that it was filmed somewhere on a sheep farm near there, but that was about it. My husband John was driving and I was navigating with a map we'd just bought a few days before in Auckland. The map had Lord of the Rings locations marked on it, but places still seemed to take a little bit of finding.
"What does the map say?" asked John.
"It just says 'Matamata' for 'Hobbiton'," I replied, which wasn't much help to us as we both knew that the film location was not in the town but somewhere outside of it. We decided to go into Matamata and see if they had a tourist information centre who would know where the location was.
As we drove into town, there was an information centre sign three hundred metres ahead. Three hundred metres ahead of us was a car park and a small building that looked as if it was in the process of being built or being demolished. There was no information sign anywhere and we wondered if we'd taken a wrong turn somewhere.
We parked the car and decided to have a look around the town, which took about ten minutes. Coming back to the car from a slightly different direction, we finally came across the information centre, which was at the other side of the dilapidated building we saw. And in big golden letters plastered across the window was 'Hobbiton Tours'.
At last! You could only go on a guided tour as the land was privately owned, we just made it in time for the second to last tour of the day. There were about 15-20 people in our tour, although the bus could probably seat about forty.
It was about a twenty minute drive outside of Matamata to get to the Alexander sheep farm, where the movie was filmed. Of course, most of it has returned to its natural state of rolling hills and lots of sheep, but there are a few Hobbit holes left, including Bag End, Frodo and Bilbo's house in the Shire.
The day we went, it drizzled constantly, but it didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit, everyone was smiling and excited that they actually got to see the Shire. John and I decided that yes, we could quite happily live there. There was just something so peaceful about the area, you could see why they decided to film the Shire there.
Our guide Theresa pointed out the various places where some of the structures had been which were no longer there. There weren't meant to be any structures left at all, but before all of them could be taken down, there was a very bad rainstorm and it was deemed to dangerous to remove the rest, so there are about eighteen Hobbit holes left altogether.
You really do feel that you are walking through the village of Hobbiton, not a film set, despite the Hobbit holes just having a wooden facade now, not gardens and brightly painted doors like in the films. It's just the sense of the place. I
Once we arrived at the steps to Bag End the guide mentioned that she had a tour once where a girl kissed the top step because Elijah Wood had once stood on there!
"I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "There've been a lot of sheep walking around here since then!"
Despite her warning, there were a few people who seemed to be considering it!
Of course as you may know, Hobbits are very shy of the Big Folk, so don't expect to see any on your trip, but if you look closely and are very quiet, you might just get lucky.
For more information, you can visit the Hobbiton Tours website: Hobbiton Tours
About The Author
Annette Gisby is the author of the novels "Drowning Rapunzel" and "Silent Screams" as well as the short story collection "Shadows of the Rose." She enjoys travelling and seeing new places, despite getting travel sick and hopes to visit New Zealand again in the future.
For more information on Annette and her books please visit her website at Annette Gisby
Article may be reprinted with bio information still attached.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
by: Adrien White
Given the exposure it has received in movies, New Zealand is becoming a very popular tourist destination. Exploring it by motorhome is a great option if you visit.
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
One of the biggest regrets many travelers have is that they rush, rush, rush to see and do everything when they go traveling. Given the fact you are taking a break from work, you would probably be far better off taking it slow and relaxing. In short, we are talking about quality of travel time over quantity of things seen during a trip. If you are considering a trip to New Zealand, there is a perfect way to put this advice into practice.
New Zealand is an insanely beautiful country. If you are not sure what it looks like, rent one of the Lord of the Rings movies. They were shot in New Zealand all at once and you can even visit some of the sets. Along with this beauty comes a rather relaxed attitude exuded by some of the friendliest people around. If you rush around to see everything possible in a few weeks or a month, you are doing it all wrong. A much better choice is to go with the flow and tour the country in a rented motorhome.
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand is extremely simple as it is a very popular option with many visitors. The country has excellent roads and plenty of places to just stop and relax. You can cruise along at your own pace and stop when the scenery inspires you.
To rent a motorhome, you are going to need to be at least 25 years old. Rental prices range depending on the type of vehicle you need and the time. Minimum prices run from forty to fifty dollars a day, which isn’t bad when you consider you will not need a hotel room and can pack your own food. There are also a minimum number of days you have to commit to with six being the standard. This can triple during high tourist seasons, which are around New Years. As to a driver’s license, your regular license will suffice.
New Zealand is a country best experienced at a casual pace. Renting a motorhome is the best way to do this and discover little areas that most rushing tourists will miss.
About The Author
Adrien White is with RV Rentals for you - information on RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.
by: Adrien White
Given the exposure it has received in movies, New Zealand is becoming a very popular tourist destination. Exploring it by motorhome is a great option if you visit.
Exploring New Zealand by Motorhome
One of the biggest regrets many travelers have is that they rush, rush, rush to see and do everything when they go traveling. Given the fact you are taking a break from work, you would probably be far better off taking it slow and relaxing. In short, we are talking about quality of travel time over quantity of things seen during a trip. If you are considering a trip to New Zealand, there is a perfect way to put this advice into practice.
New Zealand is an insanely beautiful country. If you are not sure what it looks like, rent one of the Lord of the Rings movies. They were shot in New Zealand all at once and you can even visit some of the sets. Along with this beauty comes a rather relaxed attitude exuded by some of the friendliest people around. If you rush around to see everything possible in a few weeks or a month, you are doing it all wrong. A much better choice is to go with the flow and tour the country in a rented motorhome.
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand is extremely simple as it is a very popular option with many visitors. The country has excellent roads and plenty of places to just stop and relax. You can cruise along at your own pace and stop when the scenery inspires you.
To rent a motorhome, you are going to need to be at least 25 years old. Rental prices range depending on the type of vehicle you need and the time. Minimum prices run from forty to fifty dollars a day, which isn’t bad when you consider you will not need a hotel room and can pack your own food. There are also a minimum number of days you have to commit to with six being the standard. This can triple during high tourist seasons, which are around New Years. As to a driver’s license, your regular license will suffice.
New Zealand is a country best experienced at a casual pace. Renting a motorhome is the best way to do this and discover little areas that most rushing tourists will miss.
About The Author
Adrien White is with RV Rentals for you - information on RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.
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