Ride the New Zealand Wave
While the weather has turned frigid here in Canada and parts of the USA, it is perfect surfing weather in New Zealand. Ever had the urge to learn how to surf? Try a surfing school! New Zealand is seen as one of the world’s most rewarding surfing spots with quality waves, plenty of choice and relatively few surfers. For those looking for an adventure, the best surf spots can be found off the beaten track.
New Zealand’s best known surf spot is Raglan, situated on the west coast of the North Island. Only a two hour drive South from Auckland, Raglan has surf schools that can tailor a package to include transport, surfing lessons, accommodation and food. See Raglan Surfing School: http://www.raglansurfingschool.co.nz/
In the far North of the North Island sits Ahipara, a small unspoilt coastal town with great surf and a rich Maori history. Ahipara is located at the base of 90-mile beach on the West Coast. Travellers must time their journey with the tides in order to avoid losing their car to the sea. Great surf and excellent fishing can be found right along this stretch of beach, as well as sand boarding down the 100ft high sand dunes. See Ahipara Surf School: http://www.ahiparasurfschool.com/index_e.html
The Great NZ Hike
Admirers of the great New Zealand adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary won’t need to scale Everest or trek to the South Pole to follow in his footsteps. They’ll be able to “do the Hillary” within easy reach of Auckland. A new four-day walking trail through the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland, called the Hillary Trail, will open early next year and covers some of the west coast of New Zealand’s most dramatic bush and coastal terrain.
The area has been explored by five generations of the Hillary family and the region’s mayor says he and Sir Edmund had been discussing the idea for 20 years.
Sir Edmund died in January 2008 at the age of 88.
For more information, please visit: http://www.newzealand.com/travel
November 25, 2009
Posted in: New Zealand