Top 5 Hikes of New Zealand

Stewart Island hike

The best experiences of New Zealand are not found in a museum, restaurant, or anywhere near a city.  New Zealand is best seen and experienced outdoors.  The best way to get out and see the beauty of New Zealand is by hiking (or "tramping" as Kiwi's call it) the countryside.  I have hiked trails across both the North and South Island, in both the summer and winter.  Here are five hikes that every visitor to New Zealand should experience. 

5. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is located off of the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island.  Stewart Island is rugged, isolated, beautiful----and missed by most tourists to New Zealand.  You will feel like you are at the end of the world on Stewart Island (which is sort of true!).  Hiking tracks on the island range from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks.  If you are really lucky, you might even spot an elusive Kiwi bird on Stewart Island.  

4. Franz Joseph Glacier

The Franz Joseph Glacier is not a typical choice for a list of top hikes.  Unlike every other trail on this list, hiking Franz Joseph requires paying for a guide and special equipment.  However, hiking the glacier is a unique experience that should not be missed.  On Franz Joseph Glacier, one will experience a world of ice caves, glacial pools, and ice falls...all in a slow motion flight down the mountain.  

3. Milford Track

Milford Sound Waterfall

Most people (myself included) experience the Milford Sound the easy way; through a boat cruise.  The best way to see the beauty of the Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park is by hiking the the Milford Track.  The trail is 53.5 km long and winds through mountains, rainforests, and along fiords.  The track may only be walked in one direction, and during peek season only 40 people per day are allowed to start on the trail.  If you plan to hike the Milford Track, be sure to plan ahead and make reservations through the Department of Conservation.  

2. Queen Charlotte Track

Queen Charlotte Track bridge

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71 km walking and bike trail that hugs the shore of the Marlborough Sound on the northern portion of the South Island.  The trail is open to hikers and bikers of all ages abilities.  Unlike most hikes in New Zealand, there are few steep hills or treacherous terrain to tackle.  You will, however, encounter breathtaking views of forests, rivers, coves, inlets, and beaches.  One can choose to travel the entire 71 km trail over several days or travel only a portion of the trail and take a water taxi back to the trail head.  

1. Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is considered by many to be the best one-day hike in the world.  It is a one day hike through the mountains, lakes, and volcanoes of the central portion North Island.  Fans of the Lord of the Rings films will recognize several locations on the hike that are featured prominently in the film.  Weather and volcano eruptions can and will close the trail at any time of the year.  Rough weather closed the Tongariro Crossing for over a week both times I visited, preventing me from being able to take the hike.  Not being able to hike the Tongariro Crossing remains the single biggest travel regret of my life!  

My Seven Links

Thank you to Debbie at European Travelista for nominating me to take part in My Seven Links, an endeavor to unite bloggers and highlight some great, but possibly forgotten, blog posts.  

Like European Travelista, Sensible Travel Advice has only been up and running for six months.  It's been great to write about my favorite travel destinations around the world and those just around the corner. My seven links...

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Most Beautiful -- New Zealand's Milford Sound
There is a reason that Peter Jackson chose  to shoot the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy in New Zealand.  The entire nation is majestic and beautiful beyond belief.  The Milford Sound is one many posts about New Zealand I considered for the "most beautiful" post. 

Labadee, Haiti

Most Popular-- Labadee Haiti 
This past winter I went on a cruise of the Western Caribbean.  Though cruising isn't my typical style of travel, it was great to be pampered for a week.  My post on the on Labadee Haiti has become Sensible Travel Advice's most read article--mainly because there is not much information on the web about this popular port-of-call.   

Most Controversial -- Battle Royal: Mall of America
There isn't anything controversial about the Mall of America.  However, it was controversial for to decide whether or not to write about the Mall of America (MOA) at all.  Being a native Minnesotan, it is tough for me to accept that the MOA is the state's most popular tourist attraction, especially considering all there is to see in Minnesota.  In the end, I wrote the post from the standpoint of a person who does not like visiting the monstrosity that is the nation's largest mall! 

Most Helpful -- LGA to Manhattan by Bus 
This was not a flashy or exciting post, but a outlines a great way to save money if you are traveling to New York City.  If you fly into LaGuardia and are staying in Manhattan, taking the bus will save you at least $20. Taking the bus is safe and easy! Too many people are scared to take advantage of public transportation when traveling, and instead end up spending too much money on cab fares.

Most Surprising Success -- Best Coffee Shop in NYC

My wife and I discovered Bisc.Co.Latte by accident on one of our trips to New York City.  We were looking for refuge from a cold and rainy day and happened upon this lovely cafe.  It had everything we were looking for that afternoon; great biscotti, an inviting environment, and hot coffee.  I wrote the post on a whim, and have been surprised how many other people are searching for good coffee shops in New York City. 

Didn't Get the Attention it Deserved -- Grampians National Park 
With mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, and an overall rugged appeal, Grampians National Park is a hidden gem of Australia that is too often missed.  Judging by the hits this post received, I don't think my blog has helped advertise the Grampians to the rest of the world!

Teaching in North Carolina

I am most proud of My Life as a Traveling Teacher
This post links to an interview I did with the website Teaching Travel.  I am proud to be a public school teacher that has taught and and worked in exotic locations.  I am also proud to use travel as a teaching tool in my everyday classroom in Minnesota.

 My nominations for Seven Links

• Fellow MN travel blogger, The Travel Gal 
• Eric D. Ronning A do-it-yourself expert in common annoyances.
• Teaching Travel A site devoted to world-traveling teachers like myself.

Top 5 Sites Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park, located in Victoria, is one of Australia's most rugged parks.  The 168,000 hectare park is well-known for it's beauty, wildlife, and aboriginal history.  Like much of western Australia, wildfires and flooding are constantly change the face of the park, meaning the park could look drastically different each time you visit!  If you are lucky enough to visit Grampians National Park, add these spots to the top our you list of places to visit.

Wallaby in Grampians National Park

5. Wallaby Spotting

I was amazed by how many wallabies freely roam in and around Grampians National Park.  The wallaby, which seem to prefer the rugged forest terrain of Grampians, is slightly smaller than a kangaroo.   While native Australians are not impressed by the site of a wallaby, I couldn't get stop taking pictures of these animals!


4. Reed's Lookout 
Reeds Lookout offers views over  Lake Wartook, Victoria Valley, and the Mt Difficult Range.  The lookout is only a short from a car park. 

Boroka Lookout, Grampians National Park

3. Boroka Lookout

The Boroka Lookout provides visitors with one of the most spectacular vantage points in all of Victoria.   From the lookout, you can see Wonderland, Halls Gap, and the Mount Williams Ranges.  Better yet, the lookout is only a short walk from a car park, making it easily accessible. 

2. Ngamadjidj Rock Art Shelter 
The Ngmadjidj Rock Shelter is an important rock art site in Aboriginal History.  The site was originally a Aboriginal camping place.  You can view Aboriginal rock art depicting the dancing spirit.   Ngamadjidj Rock Art Shelter is located only a short distance from a car park.   

1. MacKenzie Falls

MacKenzie Falls, Grampians National Park

MacKenzie Falls in the most popular site for most visitors to Grampians National Park.  What makes MacKenzie Falls so special is that it flows year-round, even during droughts.  It is best viewed from June to October or after a heavy rainfall.  Unfortunately, MacKenzie falls can currently only be accessed from the top, as heavy flooding in January 2011 wiped out the trail to the base of the falls.  Check here for updates on trail conditions. 

 For more information about Grampians National Park, visit their website here. 

Top 5 Movies for Travel

Movies are a great window into places and cultures that would otherwise be impossible for the average person to see.  Often, these same films inspire people (including myself) to travel to the locations featured in films.  It would be impossible to list all of the films that inspire travel.  Instead, I narrowed my list to five movies by setting a couple of rules; 1. I must have personally traveled to the location of the film.  2. The movie must be good!  The movies I chose are great at giving you a slice of life somewhere else in the world without ever having to leave your couch.  But be careful, you might book an unplanned vacation if you watch any one of these films!

5. 50 First Dates, Hawaii

50 First Dates is a comedy set in Hawaii that tracks the odd romance between  a marine veterinarian and woman with short-term memory loss.  Much of 50 First Dates was filmed in and around Kaneohe, Hawaii, which just happens to be where I worked my first summer out of college.  50 First Dates captures both the natural beauty of Hawaii and the humor of the people that live on the islands.  Travel Tip: If you go to Hawaii, check out the authentic Hawaiian food of real-life Hukilau Cafe (which doesn't look anything like the film version)!  

4. The Hangover, Las Vegas

Not only is The Hangover one of the best comedies of the past decade, it is also my favorite movie set in Las Vegas.  The plot of the film follows three friends, nicknamed the "wolf pack," as they explore Las Vegas trying to comprehend what happened on one crazy night of a bachelor party.  The Hangover inspires the kind of behavior that given Las Vegas the nickname of "Sin City."  The Hangover is a must-see film if you are planning a getaway to Las Vegas where you want what happens there to stay there!   
 
3. Under the Tuscan Sun, Italy

Have you ever wanted to pull up your roots and start over in a completely new place?  To cope with a bitter divorce, a middle-aged author (played by Diane Lane) buys a dilapidated estate in Tuscany Italy.  By rebuilding the house, Lane's character is also able to rebuild her life.  Though Diane Lane is the headline actress, the real star of the film is the Tuscan countryside.  Watching Under the Tuscan Sun inspired my second trip to Italy.  Taking a hint from the film, I focused on enjoying the culture of Italy rather than running from site to site, making the whole experience much more enjoyable.

2. When Harry Met Sally, New York City

There is no better place in the world to film a romantic comedy than New York City.  Simply put, When Harry Met Sally is the best romantic comedy filmed in the Big Apple.  The film follows two friends, played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, as they struggle through relationships before finding each other.  When Harry Met Sally showcases New York City in every season, with scenes filmed in Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Washington Square Park.  Meg Ryan's famous "faking it" scene was filmed at Katz Deli. My wife and I make it a point to watch When Harry Met Sally before each trip to get into a "New York state of mind."

1. Whale Rider, New Zealand

The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy are too often mentioned as the only movies to be filmed in New Zealand.  The truth is that New Zealand's dramatic scenery has made it a popular set location for major studio films.  The Last Samurai, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Bridge to Terabithia are just a few of the more recent movies filmed in New Zealand. One film stands above the rest in capturing the "real" New Zealand; Whale Rider.  Whale Rider is able to accurately capture the culture and scenery of rural Maori life on New Zealand better than any other film.  In 2003, I taught in a small Maori school on the Bay of Plenty, and watching Whale Rider brings back the sounds, smells, and sights of my time there.  If you can't afford a plane ticket to New Zealand, watch Whale Rider to get a small piece of the Pacific paradise. 

Top 5 New Zealand Adventure Activities

I traveled to New Zealand a cautious individual to take in the majestic scenery of the country, but left a thrill-seeker looking for new ways to feed my new-found craving for adrenaline.  I believe the extreme landscapes of the rugged country have led New Zealand to become the world's top adventure activity destination.  Below are my five favorite adventure activities that I have completed so far; please comment and let me know what I have missed!

Franz Josef Glacier H

5. Hike the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
The Franz Joseph and Flox Glaciers are the West Coast of New Zealand's top tourist destinations, for good reason.  The 12km rivers of ice are unpredictable and constantly moving, creating landscapes that look like they belong on icy planet billions of miles from earth.  There are options to see the glacier for just about every level of adventure and cost, including hikes, helicopter tours, and ice climbing!  Touring the glaciers will let you see immensity and power of glaciers that can't be conveyed by pictures of video alone.  If you are really looking for an adventure, ask your tour guide to let you take a "polar plunge" in one of the many glacial pools!  


4. Rock n Ropes in Lake Taupo

Ropes Course New Zealand

Rock'n Ropes is a ropes course with challenges up to 13 meters in the air.  Rock'n Ropes is located five minutes north of Lake Taupo.  The course has a rickety bridge, high wires, a trapeze, and many other challenges.  I was surprised by how simple tasks (like walking) became extremely difficult once I was 13 meters in the air.  For me, the highlight of the course was a giant swing that made my stomach drop more than any roller coaster or amusement park ride.  Completing the course gave me the courage to some of the other NZ adventure activities, like bungee jumping and sky diving!  

3. Spelunking the Waitomo Caves
Located on the North Island an hour from Hamilton, the Waitomo Caves are believed to be over two million years old.  They are home to "glow worms" that line the cave and do just what their name suggests.  I explored the Waitomo Caves with Waitomo Adventures. because they offer the most hands-on, strenuous, and exciting tour.  On the tour, I abseiled (rapelled) into the caves, climbed rock cliffs, crawled through cave tunnels, battled underground waterfalls, and got up close and personal with those famous glow worms.  This adventure is not for those uncomfortable in cramped spaces, scared of the dark, or afraid to get wet (you even wear a wet suit)!  By the end of the tour, I was exhausted, but thrilled that I had seen New Zealand's mystifying underworld. 

2. Skydive Taupo

Skydive over Lake Taupo

It seems like New Zealand has more skydiving locations than any other nation.  You can skydive over Abel Tasman, Lake Taupo, Queenstown, Auckland, Wanaka...the list could go on.  I chose to sky dive over Lake Taupo because it was cheaper than most other locations, but you really can't go wrong with all of the options available in New Zealand.  If you do go, I would suggest paying a little extra to have the entire experience video taped so that your friends and family can relive the adventure with you!

1. Bungee Jump in Queenstown 

Kawarau Bridge Bungee

Queenstown is the adventure and thrill capital of New Zealand.  So much so, that AJ Hackett Bungy has built three separate locations around Queenstown where you can put your life into the hands of an elastic band.  I bungee jumped "The Ledge" locate. d on the mountain above Queenstown.  "The Ledge" is cool because the bungee cord is attached to your waist instead of your feet, allowing for a running start.  "The Nevis," a bungee jump located on a cable car stretched between two cliffs outside of Queenstown, is the highest bungee in New Zealand at a whopping 134 meters!

Top 5 Albums for Travel

Music has inspired me to travel, and travel has inspired me to play music.  An iPod or CD player and guitar have been my companions for my globetrotting adventures.  I am a bit of an old-timer in that I still refuse to buy "singles" online, instead I purchase and listen to albums from beginning to end. Often before each trip, I become completely absorbed with one album that becomes my "soundtrack" for the trip. 

  
5. Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run
The breakthrough album for Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run is about a young man who is coming into his own and trying to make a name for himself.  Much of the album was inspired by pressure that Springsteen felt to finally "hit it big" in the music business.  Tracks such as "Thunder Road" and "Born to Run" make me quit my job and hit the road! To quote "Thunder Road," "These two lanes will take us anywhere, we got one last chance to make it real."



4. Cake, Fashion Nugget
The ultimate album for road trip music.  This fun album showcases the unique style of Cake; spoken-word verses, catchy choruses, and trumpet solos.  It seems that many of these songs were written for car travel, such as "The Distance," "Race Car Ya-Yas," and "Stickshifts and Safetybelts,"  Fashion Nugget will have you singing all the way to your next destination!

3. Paul Simon, Graceland
Much of Graceland was recorded in South Africa with local musicians, mixing African beats and harmonies with Paul Simon's American folk sound.  At the time, South Africa was still under the rule of apartheid.  I think the best tracks (such as "Homeless") include backing vocals by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, an internationally acclaimed group in their own right. Graceland will give you a small piece of Africa to inspire your travels, whether it be in Africa or beyond. 

2. Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks
Blood on the Tracks is a very dark album written by Bob Dylan as his first marriage fell apart.  Many critics also consider it to be his masterpiece.  What does it have to do with travel?  The opening track, "Tangled Up in Blue," follows the cross-country life of a man that can't escape his past.  "If You See Her, Say Hello," tracks the journey of singer's lost love.  The album is a soundtrack for those who travel to "find themselves" or escape a life gone bad.      

1. Bob Marley and the Wailers, Legend 
A collection of the best songs by Bob Marley and Wailers, Legend is reggae at it's best. Listening to Bob Marley brings me back to my travels to Hawaii and the Caribbean, where his songs continue to be a mainstay on the radio.  Warning: listening to Legend could result in booking an unplanned island paradise vacation.  


Also considered: U2 Joshua Tree, Neil Young Harvest, Sheryl Crow Tuesday Music Club, Wings, Band on the Run.

New Zealand's Five Forgotten Best

Church of the Good Shepard, Lake Tekapo church

You can't go wrong when choosing an itinerary for New Zealand.  Popular tours and guidebooks do a great job of highlighting some of New Zealand's best sites; the Milford Sound, Wine Country, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua's thermal pools...the list could go on and on.  However, some of the best places to visit in New Zealeand are a little off of the beaten path.  All are places you should visit in New Zealand.  If you are lucky enough to spend an extended amount of time in the country, or you are visiting for a second (or third or fourth) time, consider visiting these "forgotten" wonders of New Zealand.    

Stewart Island

1. Stewart Island- Arguably the best place to hike in New Zealand (there are many "great walks" throughout the country), Stewart Island's location has kept many from visiting the island.  Located off of the South Island's southern tip, Steward Island is home to a population of less than 500 permanent residents.  It is precisely this isolation that has made Stewart Island such a great place to see the wilderness of New Zealand  If you want to experience New Zealand's most pristine and virtually untouched country, plan to visit and hike Stewart Island.

Caught on a Moeraki Boulder

2. Moeraki Boulders- Located on the South Island's East Coast near the village of Moeraki are a series of unusual boulders. The boulders, which are nearly perfect spheres in shape, are scattered throughout Koekohe Beach.  Some of the boulders are almost 6 feet in diameter and were created by simple wave erosion.  The boulder's are not reason alone to book a trip to New Zealand.  However, their location near Highway 1 make them an easy stop and great photo opportunity.  Be careful if you try to stand atop the boulders--if you time the waves incorrectly, you may end up losing your shoes to the ocean like I did!

White Island, New Zealand

3. White Island -New Zealand's only volcanic island, Steward Island is located on the Bay of Plenty near Whakatane.  Though you will have to endure an hour and half boat ride over rocky seas to get to White Island, you will get to walk the island and get see the volcano and it's effects on White Island up close.  The still-active volcano has created a landscape that looks like war-zone on another planet.  Touring White Island is also a more personalized way to see New Zealand's geothermic activity compared to tours in Rotorua. 

South Island West Coast

4. The Rustic West Coast-  Popular South Island itineraries often visit Christchurch, Queenstown, and the Milford Sound for those looking for a quick overview of New Zealand.  Unfortunately, these routes overlook the rustic and sparsely populated western coast that shouldn't be missed by anyone visiting the South Island.  A driving route from Westport to Queenstown gives one the opportunity to see the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, the pancake rocks, Hokitika (which is the best place to buy New Zealand jade), a rugged and stunning coastal road, and countless of other hidden "gems." 

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5. Lake Tekapo- Lake Tekapo, with it's clear waters framed by the snow-covered Southern Alps, is New Zealand at it's best; laid back with breathtaking beauty.  The lake, which is located near the center of the South Island, is a great place to relax and take in New Zealand's dramatic scenery.  One of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks, the Church of the Good Shepard, is also on the shores of Lake Tekapo (see photo at top). If you are looking for more adventure, consider a bike or horse tour of the area, a scenic flight around Mt. Cook, or a visit to the Mt. John Observatory on a clear night. 

Top 5 New York City Attractions to Avoid

New York City is a must-see destination for tourists from around the world. I visit the city nearly every fall and have yet to scratch the surface of all the city has to offer. The itineraries of my first visits were based upon the recommendations of well-known travel guides and websites. Sometimes these guides were right on.  However, some sites in New York City that should only be seen if you have extra time. Others should be avoided at all costs! I'm not saying that all of the places listed below are terrible (though some are). I've placed them on the list because they are inconvenient, don't live up the hype, are too expensive, or are painfully boring!

Museum of Natural History Dinosaur

1. Museum of Natural History- Billed as one of New York City's top museums, it doesn't live up to the hype. Even though the Night at the Museum movies have created plenty of buzz for this longstanding attraction, the place is boring. There were a few exhibits I liked, such as the dinosaur fossils and the redwood tree cutout, but it takes forever to travel between the good exhibits because the museum is so large.  Most of the exhibits are cheesy displays that reminded me of an elementary project fair. It appeared to me that many of the museum's exhibit's have not been updated since the museum's founding in 1869. At $16 ($32 if you want to see special exhibits, IMAX films, or planetarium shows), the museum is simply not worth the time or money.

2. TKTS Ticket Booth- For those of you hoping to see a Broadway show while in New York City, the TKTS Ticket Booth is not the way to go. Located in Times Square, the booth offers deep discounts on Broadway shows. But to get those tickets, you will need to stand in line for hours with no guarantee that the tickets won't be sold out by the time you get to the front of the line. If you are lucky enough get tickets for a premium show, they will most likely be in the nosebleed section. After waiting in line for two hours, I was able to score tickets to Phantom of the Opera at nearly half off. When we arrived at the show, we found that our seats were in the last row of the theater!  The next time we bucked up and bought tickets ahead of time. Yes, we paid more, but the seats were excellent, making the whole experience more enjoyable.

Magnolia Bakery

3. Magnolia Bakery- The bakery made famous by Sex in the City is crowded, crazy, and just not that good! Rather than spending your time fighting tourists for an overly sweet cupcake, instead spend you money at any neighborhood bakery. You'll have time (and space) to sit down, relax, and enjoy your desert without getting shoved out the door.

4. Sylvia's- Sylvia's was the biggest let-down on my last visit to New York City. Having seen Sylvia's on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food, I figured it was a certain grand slam. Buried deep in Harlem, the best part of my visit to Sylvia's was that I walked 20 minutes through Harlem to get there.  Like many tourist traps eateries in New York City, Sylvia's is crowded, loud, and you must wait in line to be seated. In the end, it's soul food does not live up to the billing! Rather than eating world class soul food promised by Adam of Man vs. Food, you are simply offered bland greasy southern food. Not terrible, just not worth all the hoopla. Next time I visit Harlem, I'm going to try one of the smaller, lesser known soul food establishments.

Battery Park 9/11 Memorial

5. Ground Zero- I understand that placing ground zero on a list of places to avoid could be taboo, but hear me out. If you want to visit ground zero because of the terrible event that took place there on 9/11 and pay your respects to the fallen, I completely understand and encourage such a visit. On the other hand, if you are looking to view the rubble or a tangible memorial, this is not the place. There is simply nothing there, except for a half-started construction site whose future is in litigation. Currently, there is a walkway over part of the site and plenty of street vendors selling cheap souvenirs. I would instead suggest checking out the small memorial to the twin towers that is in Battery Park (see photo at right).