"The Kiwi Experience: New Zealand" New Zealand by richiecdisc

New Zealand Travel Guide: 14,445 reviews and 36,444 photos

New Zealand will always hold a special place in my heart. I may have done my first hike in Ontario but it was New Zealand where I did my first one in the mountains, a hike that would hook me for life on the outdoors. It was the second stop on an eleven month around the world trip so we were still pretty fresh and eager to try everything, and New Zealand had plenty to offer. The thing you notice right away aside from the incredible and varied scenery is the outgoing, try anything attitudes of the Kiwi’s. They are a friendly lot and you will find yourself doing things you wouldn’t imagine at home. And just not worrying about it as you might either. Of course, the beauty will astound you too. A lush green countryside with rolling hills blend effortlessly into jagged peaks and the bluest of glaciers, and abruptly end at pristine white sand beaches and turquoise seas that intrude as fjords intro the coastline. That’s a mouthful, and so is New Zealand. Take a bite.

Last visit to New Zealand: Nov 1992
Intro Written Sep 11, 2002
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Reviews (50)

You absolutely must go to... - New Zealand

You absolutely must go to... Things to Do (37)

You absolutely must go to Franz Joseph. Great hiking opportunities and a guided glacier hike await you. more travel advice

While in Nelson, do at least a... - New Zealand

While in Nelson, do at least a... Things to Do (37)

While in Nelson, do at least a portion of the Abel Taman trek. Amazing coastal scenery abounds as you walk through lush... more travel advice

While in Mt. Cook, do some... - New Zealand

While in Mt. Cook, do some... Things to Do (37)

While in Mt. Cook, do some hiking in the Hooker Valley and maybe up to Kea point and the Mueller Hut. Some of the most... more travel advice

Visit Mt. Cook. Things to Do (37)

This majestic peak is New Zealand's biggest at 12, 316 feet. more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Loaded Hog.
Hotels (1)
Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook.
Restaurants (2)
See All McNeils's.
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Another troublesome though...

Comments (185)

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kiwi May 2, 2009 at 3:36 AM

OH yes, Southern Hemisphere for sure. Are you trying to tell me the North can claim the Pacific too hahhahaha.
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betako3 Apr 5, 2008 at 12:35 PM

This is NZ in a nutshell, a perfect introduction for people who haven't been to that paradise yet :)
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Bwana_Brown May 16, 2007 at 3:29 AM

What an awesome experience you had exploring New Zealand the way you did! The glacier hike, jet-boat ride, white water rafting, pubs & breweries - wow! Nice pic of the Kauri Pine too - we saw a couple of huge ones outside Cairns many years ago!
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Katmosphere Jan 15, 2006 at 11:38 AM

.....sigh.....another place I'm dying to see.
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aussiejen Aug 12, 2005 at 4:24 AM

I'm getting homesick looking at your NZ pages. Great photos!
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luckyzen Jul 24, 2005 at 5:48 AM

Always nice to have a great hotel tip, richie. Thank you for your comment on my website selection on my homepage. Don,t forget to take little breaks during your busy period!
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Tourtech Jun 22, 2005 at 9:11 AM

We love NZ, got engaged at the botanical gardens in Wellington. Mac's is the beer or choice, can pour them down in style. Did some serious white water rafting outside Rotorua as well as mountain lugeing. Safe travels from Canada!
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Chatte40 Jun 20, 2005 at 12:54 PM

What pictures of New Zealand!!! Breathtaking beautiful, one of the countries I have to see. Greetings from Finland!
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tpangelinan Apr 24, 2005 at 11:42 AM

Great NZ pages! This is on my top 5 wish list of places to travel. BTW, Best Wishes!
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aeroarce Apr 16, 2005 at 3:36 AM

Good work on New Zealand. hope to go back soon!!