January Jaunts

Happy New Year!

Now that Christmas is but a thing of the past (at least for another 12, 11... 10 months), New Year's resolutions have been made (and already broken) and the first serious snowfall of the season has descended onto UK soil, I find my mind wandering to far off lands, where the sun does shine and adventure beckons.

As we sit at home cosily tucked up against the long, cold winter nights, on the other side of the world, summer is blazing into full glory, with events and festivals galore filling the calendar. (These events include New Zealand's premier tennis tournament, the Auckland Heineken Open marking the beginning of my beloved tennis season). Given all this activity and sunshine, it's little wonder that January is such a popular time for UK visitors to New Zealand. Though popular doesn't have to mean busy.

This is after all, New Zealand we're talking about and 'peak season' and 'crowds' are a relative term. Naturally January is a busy time for some of the major tourist areas in the country, especially as this is summer holiday time for the locals too. So then, if you plan to escape winter with a jaunt down under, why not try 'off the beaten track'?

From a personal perspective I can observe that North Island's East Cape is amazing in January. Picturesque bays, sandy beaches textured by driftwood, Maori Marae's and glorious sunsrises. Best of all, as you travel out and about each day you'll find you have the place virtually to yourself.  Heading westward, you'd not be mistaken for believing the 'Forgotten World Highway' to qualify as a lesser explored region. This touring route, which runs from Stratford in Taranaki to Tongariro National Park is a historic hidden gem past rolling hills, dramatic gorges, dense forests to the stunning alpine vista of central North Island. Finally, journey south, far south, to the untouched beauty of the Catlins Coast. Here the scenery takes on a dramatic edge and nature is all around.

If this makes you want to jump on a plane as much as it does me, pick up the phone and give our team a call and we'll see what we can do!

Comments

[Ted]

Hi Pam,
I have been enthused about New Zealand for years. When I was collage age I went NZ for an extended Holiday, I worked and lived in several cities. Some of my favorite palces were Napier in Hawks Bay, the fruit capital of NZ also a great place to meat the fishing boats to buy fresh fish. I also like Hamilton and the surounding area very much.
I spent 3 months in Dunedin on the South Island it is a beautiful city with a strong Europian back ground.
I am planning to return to NZ November of 08 to look for Winter retreat. Six months in the states and six months in New Zealnd. I'll most likely pick Bay of Islands as I think it's the the most beautiful area. I have seen the whole of the North Island but very little of the South Island.

Ta Ta,
Ted

[Maud]

hello !
your blog is really cool, a lot of goods advices and informations.
I'm french, and, I arrive in NZ on february till april to explore the two islands.
I'm looking to your three pictures above and I was wondering where is located the bridge that goes on the ocean ?
my best regards
Maud