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8 Gems Of New Zealandâs North Island
Apr.4.2021
Being marooned in New Zealand for the past 13 months, Iâve unintentionally become more familiar with the country than many locals. Iâve spent most of my time on the North Island and been blessed to be here at a time when tourism is low. Even Hobbiton had only 40 people when I visited, in contrast to its normal 4,000. Here are a few of my favorite places in New Zealandâs North Island. You may recognize some, but theyâre often overlooked by tourists who have only a week or two to see the entire country.
Brook Sabin
The Southern Scenic Route from Queenstown to Dunedin is one of the most breathtaking road trips on the planet.
Contracting the travel bug while living and working in Canada four years ago, Shoshannah Shand and her best friend decided to travel the world together when they’d saved up enough money. Even before the pandemic confined Kiwis to New Zealand, Shoshannah’s main goal was to travel the length of her homeland, having grown up in a fairly remote part of it – a sheep, beef and mussel farm in the outer Pelorus Sounds.
Shoshannah Shand/Supplied
Shoshannah says little Timmy seems to have caught her travel bug.
Andy Woods
Tourism operators desperate for customers says it makes sense to allow overseas visitors who can support themselves to remain here. Roberts said a further visa extension would be a logical decision, and a plea for that to occur had been made to Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi and Immigration NZ (INZ). “If a visitor wishes to stay, and they can financially support themselves, thereby making an ongoing economic contribution to New Zealand, their visitor visa should be extended for a further six months. “Forcing them to leave, and even deporting them, makes no sense in the current circumstances.” TIA was still awaiting a response from Faafoi and his department, but INZ told
BROOK SABIN
The fast-growing town of Cromwell has mountains, a stunning lake, vineyards, cherry picking and loads of adventure activities. It s just missing the crowds.
Many of New Zealand’s small towns shine brightest when the summer sun does, not least because you can take a dip or eat al fresco without making yourself sick. With some of the best weather of the season still ahead of us, all going well, events calendars are in full-swing, promising entertainment ranging from music, busking and food and wine festivals to a Viking-style soirée. Here is our pick of small towns to try to make it to before the weather turns, and they look – to some eyes at least – kind of dark and depressing. There’s a lot about food and wine, but ‘tis (still) the season after all. That’s what we’re telling ourselves anyway.