"New Zealand - Destination of Two Islands" New Zealand by SLLiew

New Zealand Travel Guide: 14,440 reviews and 36,340 photos

Climbing Franz Joseph Glacier

"From a distance, the glacier looked small.

I must have looked like an ant with six left legs trying to crawl up a giant slippery ice cube.

Was surprised that wearing shorts was recommended as long pants could get wet, soaked and heavy. Good news: the staff are well-trained and take good care of tourist climbers.

Initially, I could not decide whether to dangerously chisel my way up there the glacier wall or take the quick, easy, expensive helicopter ride. Finally, the poor weather cancelling the helicopter flight decided for me.

For someone tropicana who had only skied once in Vermont, once in Lake Tahoe and taken basic ice skating lesson in New Haven, it was a terrifying experience to have to scramble across ladders or jumped over deep crevices. It was a piece of cake for the rest of my group but for me, one of the most memorable near death experiences in NZ."

Two wonderland South Pacific Islands

Maori handicraft

The North and South Islands are distinct. Most Kiwis live in the North Island and I met many whom have not been to the South Island.

NZ is made further famous by Lord of the Rings is a magical kingdom where both English and Maori are the official languages, where cows and sheep outnumber people and where there are so many diverse climatic regions from volcanoes, temperate forests, grassland to glaciers are a few hours apart.

It is a faraway from everywhere else in the world and makes it an unforgettable destination.

More lambs and sheep than people

Whale watching in Kaikoura, dolphin watching in Bay Island and cruising in Milford Sound in perfect weather came in close seconds and are more my cup of tea.

The weather of NZ is so changeable, it is worth planning your trip according to local weather forecast.

This makes a trip to NZ even more unpredictable and adventurous and worthwhile.

Intro Updated Dec 21, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (13)

Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV May 8, 2011 at 10:38 AM

Hi, SL! You have a great story here! Good for you! ><><><><
Reply
- Report abuse
DSwede Nov 27, 2009 at 6:30 PM

Thanks for visiting my newest Laos pages! I enjoyed my trip there! I was supposed to be on holiday right now down in OZ and NZ, but am now on the south coast of USA working...
Reply
- Report abuse
Faiza-Ifrah Nov 24, 2007 at 11:05 AM

gr8 page. i liked the info on maori culture and shopping tips. NZ and australia are my dream destinations. well, malaysia, indonesia and philippines too :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
bijo69 Nov 2, 2007 at 11:05 AM

NZ is a great place, I just like the weather a bit warmer :)
Reply
- Report abuse
SWFC_Fan Oct 22, 2007 at 10:29 AM

Thanks for visiting my Bergamo page, SL...it's a lovely little city! I really want to go back to NZ...if only it wasn't so far away! I'll check out the South Island next time, the glaciers look fantastic!
Reply
- Report abuse
TheWanderingCamel Sep 4, 2007 at 3:05 AM

I grew up calling kiwi fruit "Chinese gooseberries" - some good tips here about this beautiful country. leyle
Reply
- Report abuse
victorwkf Feb 4, 2007 at 7:40 AM

Hi SL, great tips on new zealand which is a very beautiful and friendly country! Btw, im very happy that singapore has just won the ASEAN cup soccer!
Reply
- Report abuse
MikeAtSea Nov 25, 2006 at 1:52 AM

Stunning intro of New Zealand - a destination hot on my travel wish list!! Michael
Reply
- Report abuse
MalenaN Nov 17, 2006 at 9:14 PM

Both the North Island and South Island sounds great to visit. It would be difficult to chose.
Reply
- Report abuse
CanterburyCath Oct 14, 2006 at 6:53 PM

Good photos. We haven't had 1 or 2 cent coins for several years - it's new coins only (no more 5 cent coin) from 1 November.