Gap Year Travels

This page is dedicated to the other spots in New Zealand that we loved, those which are not always on the bus tours. The spots which you might miss out on if you're not prepared. They are all great places in their own right and you should try to get to as many as you can to fully experience New Zealand. So here they are:

For more info go to: www.glaciercountry.co.nz

The West coast of the South Island has a lot to offer, however the highlight by far has to be a glacier hike. Full and half day options are available to take you on a guided tour up a moving glacier, walk down cravace and experience an amazing day trip that you will remember forever.

The two main options are the Fox glacier and Franz Josef, both offering incredible, once in a lifetime climbs, to help you decide which one to take on or to give you a taste of both, check out www.glaciercountry.co.nz

We put the hike of a glacier as an absolute must do to those of you travelling NZ. We really suggest you do a full day hike, you'll get to see waterfalls and rainforests while standing on a glacier in your shorts. Simply amazing.

If you’re planning on hiking Franz Josef then the company we recommend is the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, they offer excellent excursions and are the most experienced guys in the business. Find out more information or book a trip at: www.franzjosefglacier.com 

If you're keen on The Fox Glacier hike with everything from a half day hike or an overnight heli tour, There’s only one company you should consider, Fox Glacier Guiding, with something for everyone whatever level of fitness, top of the range equipment and your experiencedfriendly guides will talk you through this truly amazing experience. Click on the banner for more info and booking information

Hamner Springs is a perfect stop over after a hard day of hiking. Well set out park that offers a variety of geo thermal pools, steam room and sauna which will relax and sooth you. In a beautiful setting as you settle in a hot pool, overlooking the snow peaked mountains. There are a variety of slides for kids of all ages, a kid’s fun pool and for the keen swimmer there are also swimming lanes.

After an action packed day of hiking and other activities, Ivory Towers is a perfect retreat. A Comfy hostel with chalet style rooms each with own kitchenette and en-suite. To relax hop in the spa and sauna, or get comfy in the newly refurbished cinema room. Admire the beautiful gardens and enjoy the awesome décor throughout the hostel.

For more info go to: www.dunedinnz.com

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city. It is a university town and is well known for being a great night out. It boasts beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture and is home to some amazing wildlife and penguin colonies. It's definately worth taking a trip to Dunedin to experience the laid back nature of the city and have a night out in some of the many bars on offer.

If you're going to spend a day there we recommend visiting the Cadbury's Factory and the Speights Brewery
for a day seeing and tasting chocolate and beer. Other things to do include Larnach Castle and Otago Museum.

For more info go to: www.catlins.org.nz

The Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Taking the drive along the South coast you will pass through rural scenery and past forests, rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls. The natural beauty and wildlife in this area is amazing. You will experience magnificent coastal cliffs and headlands, long sweeping beaches, coves and sandy bays, the Catlins is a fascinating, rugged place off the beaten track.

For more info go to: www.fiordland.org.nz

Sitting on Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, the town of Te Anau has a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore and the Murchison mountains.

Te Anau is known as the 'gateway to the fiords'. Being the closest town to Milford Sound, with a scenic 2½ hour drive, it's a great place
to spend a night before your trip. It's the start of the Milford Track and is a great place for a cruise on the Lake. If you're planning to walk
the track in the off season, you should contact Cruise Te Anau who also offer tours year round.

A great night can be spent at Steamers Beach backpackers who are part of the lakeview holiday park group. You'll get a clean and friendly stay with a great kitchen, Sky TV and Internet facilities.

For more info go to: www.invercargill.org.nz

Situated on the Beautiful Southern Scenic Route, Invercargill is another spot which tends to get overlooked by a lot of tourists to NZ. With some awsome parks, nature reserves shopping, cafe's restaurants and bars, this is a great place to stay for a night while touring the South. It's a laid back city with really friendly locals, well worth a visit and a great spot to spend a day exploring.

For more info go to:www.hamiltoninfo.co.nz

Hamilton is New Zealands fastest growing inland city and is situated on the Waikoto River. It is another great spot for a good night out with plenty of great bars. It is the home of the V8 Supercars streetrace and World Rally Championships . Hamilton offers Art galleries and good shopping and from here you have easy reach to a great surfing spot in Raglan which is definately worth a visit, you can also take a trip the amazing Waitomo Caves to see some glow worms