Louisa Theimann
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Mount John Summit Circuit
This DOC walk took about 45 minutes to the top of the summit, where an observatory and cute cafe was waiting for us.
The walk itself was steep in some parts, but anyway suitable for families and seniors. It was very windy at the top and we had a beautiful view over Lake Tekapo.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Wainui Falls Track
A very good and easy walk to the Wainui Falls.
This waterfall is large and impressive, you can even sit in the pools in front of this waterfall. It took us about 1 hour return for this walk. You walk along a river and over bridges and have many good photo opportunities. There is a parking space and a toilet at the beginning of the walk. It is very well signposted!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Grove Scenic Reserve
Old limestone formations that are millions of years old.
A DOC walk leads about 30 minutes through these rocks and ends in a viewpoint where you can see the whole of Takaka. It is a really nice walk, especially for good weather and suitable for families as well, because it is not difficult.
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South Island ▷ Stewart Island ▷ Halfmoon Bay ▷
Rakiura Track
We did the Rakiura Track in three days, stayed on the Northern Arm Campsite and in the Port Williams Hut.
The track was amazing. We enjoyed the primary forest the little rivers and the unique birdlife during the way. We even heard a Kiwi at night! Highly recommended, just a few more signs for the orientation would be good!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Riwaka Resurgence Track
A 20 minute return walk leads to the Riwaka River and the spring of this river It is a holy place for the Maori and when you are there, you will feel a special atmosphere around this place.
We respected the spring and did not swim there, but you can swim in the crystal pools down the river. The water is so blue, it is still cold but when you are there at noontime, the sun shines directly into the water. It is a magical place and I definitely recommend it.!
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Cinema Paradiso
A family owned little cinema, where they show the latest movies.
The showrooms have very comfortable seats, couches and also cars where you can sit in. They do a break in every movie then you can order coffee, fresh baked goods, homemade ice cream. The staff are very friendly and I really enjoyed our evening there.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Queenstown Fear Factory
I expected something very different and was very terrified and shocked at the end.
We had to walk through completely dark rooms and were scared by live actors who touched us and tried to catch us, they did a great job though...... but I would never do something like this again! It was horrible!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Canaan Downs Campsite
From the Canaan Downs Camping Ground, you walk about half an hour to a viewpoint and is one of the best walks I have done in New Zealand so far!!
It leads through native and untouched forest. Sometimes you have to climb around rocks and branches but it is fun and not that hard. At the end you are on top of a hill and can climb until the rim of a platform where you see the spectacular Abel Tasman. I felt on top of the world, it was amazing!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Rawhiti Cave route
The caves are unique to New Zealand, they are very old and open, so that the stalactites can grow towards the sun.
The view is absolutely breathtaking, you feel so small when you stand under all these stones and rocks. Just the way up to these caves, it is very hard and steep most of the time. I needed a few breaks during the walk and it took me about 45 minutes to get there. Anyway, you get a fantastic experience!