So, February’s issue of Outside Magazine features an awesome article on New Zealand that is totally unfair because now I can not stop thinking about going. Of course New Zealand isn’t new to Outside or to anyone that is in to being outdoors. In fact, it should already be close to the top of any adventurer’s travel list. But this article just hit you with everything all at once.
Of the two main islands-the North and the South Island-I think that the North Island would be where I would start. According to the article, you can go yacht racing, trout fishing, mountain biking, visit volcanoes, dip in the hot springs, see crater lakes, and do some under-the-radar surfing. Two of New Zealand’s major cities—Auckland and Wellington—are also on the North Island along with most of the native Maori culture. Not to mention that there are beaches and stunning scenery everywhere you look. Work up a thirst in all of your adventures? You can go wine-tasting. Really, what can’t you do in New Zealand?! For the more daring, you can even go bungee jumping. As you may recall from my other post, bungee jumping is probably not for me.
Plus, the part of the article that really hooked me and keeps playing in my mind is the idea of touring around New Zealand in an RV – brilliant! And with the right travel companions, completely awesome!!! Obviously, you would need to be renting one and this company offers varying sizes. I truly don’t know if I can think of anything more fun that driving around in one of these things with some friends, great music coming through the stereo, some tasty snacks, maybe some Snapple, stopping off wherever we want (New Zealand does not require you to camp at a campsite) and doing tons of cool shit along the way. Feel like kayaking today? Sure. Little hiking adventure? Why not? Lounge on the beach – yes please!
If that doesn’t excite you, then I don’t think I want to know you. However, I’ll give you another angle – maybe you are enticed by the fact that this place is so amazing that it served as the location for the fantasy world of Lord of the Rings.
Basically, a trip to New Zealand would just be fantastic. Make sure you allow yourself at least 2 weeks and bring along people that can appreciate it and have fun with you! Until I can afford this sum of everything awesome trip, I’m just gonna keep dreaming about. For now, off to the bar for $1 PBRs! It’s close to embarking on a road trip in New Zealand….right?
Wandering Mind and Body 