New Zealand - volcanoes, fjords, glaciers and Hobbits!

New Zealand was probably next to Australia, the main reason for my trip around the world, a country that offers in a relatively small area different landscapes.

I will start with the Milford Track, a 4-day hike that is supposted to be among the finest in the world. At the 53.5 km long track you stay in huts, in which you have to bring your own food. Since only 40 people are allowed per day to start the hike, you have to book it about half a year in advance (yes, a trip around the world must be well planned!) Book it with the Department of Conservation .

Then continue past the Franz Josef Glacier, with the TranzAlpine train through Christchurch and on to Kaikoura to hopefully sift there whales and swim with Definen. Then the ride on the ferry to the North Peninsula is announced where the first goal of the Tongariro National Park is where, close to the impressive volcanic landscape of some of the scenes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a brief stop in Taupo with its waterfalls and the seascape, I'll spend the last days in Auckland to meet friends and to recover from the strenuous walks and sniff city air.

So I'll probably spend a 3 weeks with the Kiwis, thanks to the good public bus network and the generally good infrastructure of New Zealand I think is easy to prepare a tripo to this country that has a lot to offer. In the low season I hope it will not be too crowded.

Trip Report - The objectives

I started my month-long tour in New Zealand QueenstownWhere I could enjoy the magnificent views of the lake because of my jet lag is limited.

After that we went to on Te Anau around here the most beautiful walk in the world, the Milford Track followed by a boat trip in the fjords of Milford Sounds prepare.

Next destination was in Dunedin at the Otago Halbinsel to see the penguins before it in a very short stopover Christchurch in the north to Kaikoura went to swim after a magnificent coastal walk with the dolphins.

In the Abel Tasman Nationalpark followed by another unique scenic coastal walk before it Picton at Queen Charlotte Sound walked over to the North Island of New Zealand to Wellington.

The next I mastered the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to see Mt. Doom before I will have a few days relaxing.

On the way to Auckland, where I on the Royals met, I made a detour to Hobbiton, To the film set of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.

Last but not least there were great trips in the surroundings of Auckland, on the Share Island and the Bethells Beach.

Infrastructure and food

New Zealand is for me really easiest country in terms of transportation, food, supermarkets etc. Approx.

Also with regard to shops and supermarkets New Zealand seems to be as tailored for the tourists! Really in every small town there are everything a hiker's heart, to the equipment, the tour will certainly not fail.

Even when food is available in New Zealand for every taste and above all there is everywhere very good coffee! More details and photos can be found in Article Food in New Zealand!

The New Zealanders

The locals in New Zealand are actually trying on such a nice way about the fact that your vacation a memorable and trouble-free experience that I never in the world been anything like this have experienced this!

Really everyone here is friendly and the people stop and ask even one if you need help just when you seek the path. Generally speaking, the New Zealanders have a very easygoing and calm mind in which I have one month to the example someone never cry or argue seen. It shows very strongly that it is a very contented people, everyone here really seems to like his job and no matter what job you have, everyone feels a responsibility for his task.

This is probably also the fact that there is almost no unemployment and employers treat their employees well, very correctly and patiently.

Yes, New Zealand is also in human terms for me Perfect World. Situated far from wars, economic problems and crime, on topics such as environmental protection and social well-being at the top of the list.

New Zealand is thus clearly my absolute favorite country! Impressive and varied landscapes, a good infrastructure and friendly people make this country so unique in the world, just a shame that it is so far away from the rest of the countries, but perhaps is also the reason why New Zealand is so unique!