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Touring NZ’s finest filming locations

Known for its untamed nature and marvellous landscapes, New Zealand has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for film-making. The scenery is just perfect for a movie, which is why many blockbusters have started their journey right here, in the heart of Aotearoa. Listed below are some of the most popular movies filmed in our stunning country, that you can go visit among one of our free rental car or campervan!

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

No other place in the world could portrait Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth as did New Zealand. The entire trilogy was shot solely here, as it had everything the movie director needed to create this breathtaking blockbuster. It all began in the dairy farming landscape around the Waikato town of Matamata, which has now been transformed into a peaceful and adorable touristic destination known as the Shire, or Hobbiton. Once the necessary movie shooting was performed at this location, the place remained pretty much untouched and is today visited by people and fans from all over the world.

Wellington and the South Island were used to portray the gardens of Isengard, Anduin River, Rivendell and Osgiliath Wood. Grassy area surrounded by naked forest served its purpose, and we saw many epic fights in this scenery, including the one where Boromir died and the two Hobbits were captured. Some other known locations are the Southern Lakes, Fiordland and Mackenzie country.

The Hobbit Trilogy

Following the LOTR trilogy, kiwi director Peter Jackson continued his ascension by filming the prequels known as the Hobbit trilogy. Once again, all three movies were filmed solely within New Zealand. This time, the filming locations started from Hobbiton and were followed by Mangaotaki Rocks and Piopio, where Bilbo Bagins acquired the Sting and defeated the ogres.

The Hidden Bay and the entrance to the Lonely Mountain were filmed in Turoa, Mt Ruapehu, as well as the Tongariro Crossing. Twizel’s alpine charm was captured in both Hobbit and LOTR, and we saw the warg chase scenes and Aragorn falling into the river canyon. Some other memorable destinations were Nelson, Wanaka and Queenstown, as well as the Pelorus River which the dwarves used to travel down inside barrels.

The Last Samurai

The first challenge which the movie crew had was to discover a place which will resemble Japanese culture and attributes. They found exactly that in Uruti Valley, which was modeled to mimic Japanese rural life back in the 1860s. No one watching the movie realized that it was not actually mount Fujiyama where the movie was filmed. Pukekura Park and its natural bliss were used to portrait the Imperial army gardens and the area around the Palace.

Lake Mangamahoe was the place where the horse battles took place. The crater below Mount Taranaki has many plains surrounded by high trees, where the movie producer Edward Zwick placed the ending battle, which took the lives of all remaining samurai, except for the one of our protagonist, Tom Cruise. Other places worth mentioning are Port Taranaki, which was transformed into Japanese fishing village, and the Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu, which are inhabited by eight different Maori tribes.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Yet another trilogy was completely filmed on the plains and landscapes of New Zealand, the chronicles of Narnia, directed by another kiwi director, Andrew Adamson. The filming started at the Coromandel Peninsula, just east of Auckland, with the kids taking their first steps back into Narnia. The Ruins of Cair Paravel were filmed on the eastern shore of the Peninsula, at Cathedral Cove. Woodhill Forest, located north-west from Auckland, was transformed into the dark camp of the White Witch of Narnia. This forest is known for its many mountain bike trails and usually you can find a few daring adventurers passing by.

In the walking distance from Woodhill Forest you can see Muriwai Beach, known for its black sand and gannet colony and widely popular among surfers. The Great Battle took place in the Flock Hill, located on the Southern part of the South Island. Elephant Rocks that sprout from the rocky hills were used as Aslan’s Camp. This entire area was under the sea millions of years ago, which is why the area is rich in fossils and limestone outcrops. Waitaki Valley is an excellent place to start your exploration journey, and if you are looking to see the heart of New Zealand’s forming history, this is the place to go.

There are many other movies filmed in New Zealand, such as Avatar, King Kong, The World’s fastest Indian and 30 Days of Night. The whole country is spectacular, and it holds some of the nature’s greatest treasures, untamed greenery and dreamy landscapes. When I heard from a friend that I could rent a free car, I almost momentarily decided to set on a moviegoer road trip!

Article by Lillian Connors, Photos sourced ‘labeled for reuse’.

Get Ready for the Whale Watching Season Down Under

As the largest sea creatures, whales awake people’s curiosity wherever they show up. If the area in which they can be observed is also a tourist destination, whale-spotting becomes an important attraction, and Australia is among the top destinations where people can witness the migrations of these stunning mammals, usually from May to October, due to colder conditions off the Australian south coast in that period. Here are the best spots, along with a few extra tips, to help you have the ultimate whale watching experience Down Under.

From Perth to Broome

Although Western Australia is less popular than its fellow states in the east and the southeast, you can still find some extraordinary spots along its coast. The best area to observe whales in this part of Australia is definitely Exmouth Gulf in the north of Western Australia, as well as different spots along Ningaloo Coast and Kimberley Coast.

If you want to see humpback whales in dozens of herds, you should visit Exmouth Gulf between August and October. As the deep ocean area here gets pretty close to the coast, whales can be observed from a reasonable distance, and if you are lucky to go for a whale tour during the high season, whales might come close to your boat and pose for some amazing selfies, too.

Albany is also worth recommending, in the far south of Western Australia. The highest probability is that you will see good old humpbacks there in the period between June and November, as they like the shelter provided by the local bays. As for the area surrounding Cape Leveque, the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula, the best time for whale watching is in August and September.

East Coast whale strip

When the near-Antarctic waters become too cold, whales start moving northwards along the Australian East Coast. The end goal of their migrations along this route is the Great Barrier Reef. Here they stay throughout their mating season.

The most crowded area whale-wise in the east is the Gold Coast, especially the region between the Whitsunday Islands and Eden (home of the Killer Whale Museum). Tourists who want to observe the incredible migrations of these sea giants should also know that they can do it twice; the first time when they are moving northwards and the second time when they are moving back to the south, at the end of the season.

The thing with whales is that they are not too eager to move unless they do not have to. Therefore, you have to ‘chase’ them to take a closer look. You will probably manage to get the most of your whale trip if you visit Point Danger, North Stradbroke Island or Byron Bay as your destination for this whale-watching quest.

Expert tips

When it comes to whale-watching trips, people should set their priorities before they opt for one of the numerous options. If you only want to be able to see the migrating whales from a safe distance, going on a comfortable yacht excursion should be enough for your taste. Such offers can be found along both coasts.

However, daredevils will not be satisfied with such average tourist offers. So, if you would like to get closer to the whales to get the big picture (literally), finding a less crowded excursion on a smaller boat would be a more reasonable. Also, those who want to get a better insight in whales’ behavior and habits can use a time lapse Brinno camera and make some outstandingly realistic photo stories.

Watching whales off the coast of Australia can be compared to observing condors in the Andes or elephants in Kenya. It is one of those unique miracles that this planet can offer. So, if you are a nature lover, you should definitely rent a free transfer car and check out Down Under between May and October to feast your eyes on the emperors of the mammal world. d.

US Green Travel: Hot Spots

As the environment is becoming more vindictive than ever before, the main task of each and every one of us is to do their best and try to sooth nature by opting for green travel destinations. The USA offers hundreds of households, parks and other facilities that identify themselves as eco-friendly destinations. The main features of this type of tourism are low carbon footprint, minimal energy consumption and accommodation facilities that are in accordance with eco-friendly regulations.

Bay Area

One of the hippest cities in the States, San Francisco also represents a truly ecological place that provides numerous green facilities and activities. First of all, you only need to use a free car to get to Frisco, but once you are there, you should consider other means of transport. Since this city has beautiful vintage trams, you can get anywhere you want using them, and you’ll have a better chance to look around the city, too.

You can rent a bike and go round the entire San Francisco Bay area and you can plan your cycling route here. When it comes to accommodation, opt one of the LEED-approved places, such as the Orchard Garden Hotel, in the city center.

Yosemite

When you are already in California, it would be a shame to miss the natural beauties of the Yosemite National Park. Since it is visited by about 4 million tourists every year, it is craving for new eco-friendly regulations. In accordance with such desires, the park authorities have decided to reduce the traffic-induced damage to environment. Because of that, now you can move around the park with super-efficient hybrid buses.

Of course, the major part of your stay here should be spent on hiking, camping, fishing, horse riding and other exciting Yosemite activities. As for the green accommodation, the Ahwahnee Resort Hotel will suit all the needs that an eco-aware tourist might have.

Alaska

It is hard to imagine a better place for a relaxing, eco-friendly vacation than Alaska. If there is a heaven on Earth, it is placed in this US state. Among many other destinations that give their visitors a chance to spend some time living in accord with nature, Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge definitely stands out as a rustic yet modern place to stay. It consists of handmade wood cabins that can only be approached by water taxis.

Visitors who come here can eat vegetables grown in the organic garden, and from this spot you can take long hiking quests and witness some breath-taking views of the Alaskan landscape. Since you are going to spend time in the genuine wilderness, bringing one of those increasingly popular pacsafe bags with you might be a good idea.

New England

As one of the most picturesque parts of the US, New England also displays well-developed ecological features. If you want to see this part of the States at its best, visit New England in fall and enjoy some truly stunning scenery.

When it comes to green regulations, Massachusetts leads the way in this part of the country. Once you arrive there, you should definitely stay at the Berkshire East resort. Aside from offering amusing activities during all seasons, such as skiing and snowboarding in winter and zip line tours in summer, the entire resort gets electricity from solar panels and wind turbines.

Florida Keys

To round off this American green tour with a destination in the south, it is logical to mention Florida and its Keys. It is not only the Beach Boys that once found their calm and peace in this area, but also a large number of tourists that visit this area annually. Here you will not only witness green coves and woods, as well as green facilities, but the sea is also emerald green in this region.

The most reasonable option for green travelers when visiting Florida is Key West, as a pedestrian-friendly town that also encourages cycling, too. Moreover, tourists can also use other eco-friendly transportation services, such as shuttle buses, electric cars and ferries. And if you want to experience something unique, go and visit the Dry Tortugas National Park (regular tours are organized from Key West).

Wherever you go in America, there are some green locations that can accommodate you in accordance with high ecological standards. If you decide to become a green tourist, you will contribute to the preservation of the environment while experiencing nature as it once was.

Article by Lillian Connors, photos creative commons.

Wollongong for the Absolute Beginners

New South Wales imposes itself as one of the most beautiful areas in the Southern Hemisphere. While this Australian state is well-known for Sydney and its famous sights, it can offer much more attractions to curious tourists. One of the most interesting destinations in NSW is definitely the town of Wollongong. Situated about 50 miles south of Sydney, this place is a real heaven on the Australian East Coast.

Coastal walks with scenic sights

Almost a part of the Sydney metropolitan area, Royal National Park is a great place to visit when you are driving from Sydney to Wollongong. Allegedly the oldest national park in the world, this place contains an incredible string of breath-taking beaches, amazing white cliffs, incredible walking paths and scenic views of the ocean.

A visit to Royal National Park should be pre-planned, so that you manage to book all the tickets and the guided tours you would like to take.

Jamberoo

The largest of its kind in New South Wales, Jamberoo Action Park is a perfect destination for a pleasant family trip. Visitors can go on more than a dozen of spectacular, adrenaline-pumping rides, or show their skills at a landscape golf course.

The high season here is from February to April and during some public holidays, so it would be smart to buy tickets online if you decide to visit it during this period.

Symbio

No matter if you are an urban guy living in Sydney or a tourist traveling around Australia, Symbio Wildlife Park will sweep you off your feet. Here you can have a close encounter with some authentic animals, such as red pandas and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, as well as Sumatran tigers.

In addition to this, the park offers different interactive learning experiences and even serves as a party venue, and you should not miss it when coming to Wollongong.

Car trip that soothes the soul

When you hit the Grand Pacific Drive, you will see why this part of Australia is so famous for its natural beauties. If you are coming from Sydney, first you will spot the amazing scenes of Royal National Park on your left. You will be driving through lush rainforests and picturesque villages before you see the spectacular construction of Sea Cliff Bridge.

Also, when getting back from Wollongong to Sydney, it would be wise to visit one of the local bottle shops to grab some specials from this region as a souvenir. Besides, if someone can drive you back to Sydney, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of this area while having a drink.

Craft beer treat

Also, you can try local beers if you spend the night in Wollongong and then drive back to Sydney. So, if you are not driving anywhere on the day of your visit and want to taste a quality craft beer, go and visit the Illawarra Brewery on the Wollongong beach. When paired with a clear view of the ocean and the fresh ocean breeze, Illawarra craft brews will show you Wollongong the way the local people see it.

Gourmet Heaven

As one of Australia’s most culturally diverse places, with over eighty different ethnic groups calling it home, Wollongong wows the palates of dinners as its highly esteemed food culture keeps on evolving, spoiling locals and visitors alike. People who take their food seriously will definitely satisfy their hunger in one of these eating establishments.

When you see Wollongong and its surroundings, you will realize that the traditional attractions tourists are usually offered Down Under have serious rivals in other parts of Australia. Only the drive from Sydney to Wollongong and farther, along the Grand Pacific Drive is spectacular enough, let alone all the other places along the way. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Sydney, rent a free car and come to Wollongong for a couple of days. Explore its brews, beaches and wildlife and enrich your Australian experience.

New Zealand Road Trip for Wine Aficionados

Wine itineraries published in the Northern Hemisphere usually present wine regions from the Mediterranean countries as the most exciting destinations for wine aficionados. True, France, Italy and Spain unquestionably have their charm, but what about New Zealand?? We reckon Aotearoa is one the best destinations in the world for wine lovers, with boutique vineyard experiences that are unmatched elsewhere. Grab a free rental car and go on an unforgettable wine road trip across New Zealand. Here are a couple of our favourite spots.

Otago

When starting your wine tour of New Zealand in the South, you can start in Christchurch or Queenstown and grab a free rental campervan. Before indulging in the wines of the world-famous Otago region, you should see some interesting attractions along the way, such as divine Lake Tekapo.

There are three incredible wineries worth a visit close to Queenstown. You could go round Chard Farm Winery and Mt Difficulty Winery in the same day. Our favourite view ever is from Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka. Otago is a region with a long winemaking tradition. Thanks to its specific, cooler climate, this region offers the best aromatic wines and pinot noirs.

Marlborough

Situated in the northern part of the South Island, Marlborough is we think the second most interesting wine region of the south. It will take you about eight hours to get from Queenstown to Blenheim, the heart of wine industry in Marlborough.

When it comes to wines in these regions, you should try sauvignon blanc or pinot at Cloudy Bay Winery. Also, go to Johanneshof Cellars, because this underground winery will enchant you with its incredible architecture, as well as their Gewürztraminer wine.

Martinborough

Martinborough is often overlooked, but it’s surprisingly close to Wellington, just over an hour’s drive. It is situated in the South Wairarapa district. The life in this region is based on two industries: wine production and agriculture. If you can schedule your NZ wine trip for November, you will witness one of the funkiest little wine festivals in the world – the Toast Martinborough Festival. It will give you an opportunity to taste all the major wines of this region in one place.

However, if you come here at any other time of the year, you have to try the pinot noir and chardonnay made in accordance with the tradition of Martinborough Vineyard. On the other hand, those who want a taste of Europe in the middle of New Zealand have to visit Schubert Wines Winery.

Hawke’s Bay

Once in Napier, You must go to Mission Estate Winery, which is one of the world famous wine-producing places in New Zealand. They have been producing wine for more than 150 years. It’s on the outskirts of Napier, so it will not be hard to find it.

We also recommend that you visit Clearview Estate Winery, situated on the ocean shore, about 20 km south of Napier. Taste their rich chardonnays and red wines, as well as some splendid meals they serve in their Red Shed Restaurant.

No matter where you go, visiting wineries in New Zealand is a truly a delightful experience; with a free rental car or campervan, you’ll have more money to spend at the vineyards!

Text Lillian Connors and Pascal Languillon
Photos Pascal Languillon and FlickR creative commons

Australian Road Trip Adventures: East or West?

Australia has vast empty spaces, beautiful landscapes and modern highways which represent a genuine treat to every road adventurer. There’s so much to discover, so where to start? In this article we tell you what you can expect if you make a trip along the West or East Coast.

The West Quest

Since most tourist itineraries dedicate more time and space to the East Coast, we are going to start on the other side of Australia. Although not as star-studded as the eastern part when it comes to famous sights, the West Coast is famous for its beautiful landscapes, vineyards with gentles slopes and incredible coral areas.

From Perth to Exmouth

The first of two trips along the West Coast we are going to present here starts in Perth. The final goal of this trip is Exmouth. The distance between these two towns is about 2,200 miles. It will take you about 10 days to get from Perth to Exmouth. Since you will be driving along the Indian Ocean, you can stop at many places to enjoy some breath-taking views of the ocean. The strip from Perth to Exmouth is also called the Australia’s Coral Coast and it is lined with wonderful beaches, rich with atolls and azure sea.

You should also visit Coral Bay, a village which is the best starting point to get to Ningaloo Reef. If you come to this attraction in the period between March and late June, you might get a chance to see whale sharks and even swim with those unique animals.

On the other hand, travellers who are not keen on sea adventures should pay a visit to the Kalbarri National Park. Here you can make a two-day stop and go trekking through this wild park. When you finally get to Exmouth, you can get back to Perth or maybe fly to the East Coast.

From Perth to the South

The other exciting road trip along the West Coast that we recommend is the route from Perth to Albany. This trip is perfect for wine lovers and surfers. As you leave Perth, the first attraction to visit is Bunbury. This vivid town with a large port offers a great number of beautiful restaurants with fresh seafood. Here you can see some wild dolphins, as well. Now that you have had some shrimps or calamari, you will be ready for some surfing when you get to Margaret River. This is probably the finest region in Australia for surfing enthusiasts. With about 90 miles of coastline, it gives enough options to every type of surfers.

After an exciting day on the waves, it is time for a wine night. The Margaret River Region is so famous for its wine that even the Guardian has made a special wine guide about this area. Of course, tasting wines demands a night stay in this region. Once you reach Albany, you can go back to Perth along the Albany Highway in less than four hours or choose to fly to another part of Australia.

Feast in the East

Although the Australian East Coast has more famous sights, it is less exciting in terms of road trips. Nevertheless, every road adventurer should try the route from Sydney to Brisbane.

From Sydney to Brisbane

The distance between Sydney and Brisbane is about 700 miles. The road that takes you there is the Pacific Highway, which should take about 10 hours’ drive. However, there will be some off-highway turns, so the whole trip could last longer. The first such turn should be made near Newcastle, where you should leave the highway and turn to the Hunter Valley. Since you will be leaving the main route for a couple of times, it would be wise to get a reliable GPS navigation. Since this is arguably the most attractive wine region in Australia, you should book a hotel room in advance and spend a couple of days tasting wines and enjoying the region.

Before you get back to the highway and continue your trip to Brisbane, make a stop in Newcastle. This is one of the most attractive artistic and cultural hubs of Australia. Brimming with modern boutiques, art galleries and artistic vibrations, Newcastle is a sort of Australian San Francisco and it is worth a visit.

As you keep heading northward, you could make a break in dreamy Port Stephens, where you can watch a dolphin and whale ocean show. As you keep getting closer to your goal, pay attention to Byron Bay, one of the most idyllic places in Australia, with its golden beaches and some great surf breaks. When you finally reach Brisbane, have a look around the town, visit these attractions and visit the divine Gold Coast on your way back to Sydney.

Australia is ready to offer you some great roads and places to visit for your road trip. Pack your things, buckle up and have a fantastic road trip Down Under.

AUTHOR: Lillian Connors is an avid traveler, often just letting her insatiable wanderlust take her to the places she never thought she visit. As a seasoned blogger within this niche, she regularly shares her insights with those infested with a travel bug. This aside, she enjoys losing herself in a good book and knocking back a couple of pints of quality pale ale.