Tag Archive for: Long-haul travel

Lost World, Waitomo Caves

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100m Abseiling into the Lost World Cave, WaitomoThe adventure began with a breathtaking 100-metre abseil down to the entrance of the “Lost World“. This cave is one of the highlights of the Waitomo area, which is known for its spectacular underworld. The path wound between and over rocks, deeper into the gaping maw of the karst cave, which quickly became increasingly narrow and dark. My eyes adjusted to the dim light, and suddenly I saw thousands of “stars” in the sky. Glow-worms, attracting prey with their light from the ceiling, were the reason. Beneath my feet, an underground river rushed, accompanying me on my further journey through the wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites.

Red Crater and Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park

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Red Crater, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

The Red Crater is the highlight of the Tongariro Crossing, the hike through the volcanic massif of Tongariro National Park, which can also be extended into the Northern Circuit. At this point, the paths from Oturere, Ketetahi and Mangatepopo Hut meet. The vibrant green Emerald Lakes contrast with the sulphurous yellow, red, and black ashes of the Tongariro Red Crater, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu volcanoes in the background.

Milford Sound, Fjordland

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Milford Sound, Fjordland New Zealand

Steep granite walls rise high into the sky. The valley walls, left behind by once mighty, grinding glaciers, are now clothed in lush rainforest. This region experiences some of the country’s most adverse weather; it usually pours down, with waterfalls cascading down the bare rocks. As soon as the sun shines, which is a rare occurrence, millions of sandflies hunt for tourists, for whom Milford Sound is still a ‘must-see’ on their journey. For hikers on the Milford Track, this place marks the end of their dreamlike path through the wilderness of Fiordland National Park.

Maori Culture: The Marae Meeting House

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Nga Hau e Wha National Marae Meeting House

The meeting house, here at the Nga Hau e Wha National Marae in Christchurch, is the spiritual centre of the community. Its form and structure represent a living body, with the ridgepole as the spine, the rafters as ribs, the front windows as eyes, etc., as our guide vividly explained to us. All visitors must also observe the rules for entering the house.

Lake Wanaka Esplanade

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Wanaka Esplanade, Lake Wanaka, Southern Alps New Zealand

The town of Wanaka on the lake of the same name, Lake Wanaka, is an inviting little place and the starting point for numerous hiking tours into the Alps, such as Mt Aspiring National Park. The Wanaka Bakpaka, beautifully situated by the lake, was my home for quite a while because there are so many lovely spots to discover.

McKinnon Pass, Milford Track, Fiordland National Park

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McKinnon Pass, Milford Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

A highlight of the trek on the Milford Track is the pass crossing from Clinton Canyon into the Arthur Valley below Mount Balloon. From there, you get impressive views of the glacier-carved U-shaped valleys and the rugged granite peaks here in Fiordland. A short and worthwhile scramble over scree and boulders leads to Mount Hart, provided the weather is stable and good.

Clinton Canyon, Milford Track, Fiordland

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Clinton Canyon, Milford Track, Fiordland New Zealand

When the hiking season on the Milford Track—where access is limited by the Department of Conservation—officially comes to an end in autumn, around May, hikers can freely experience the solitude and fairytale beauty of wild Fiordland. However, caution is advised at this time of year: rapid weather changes with snowfall or heavy rain, which in turn can trigger rockslides or cause streams and rivers to rise and turn into raging torrents, can quickly make the paths impassable.