James writes for Skyscanner.net
Travellers often overlook New Zealand in favour of Australia, which is really just next-door. But New Zealand has plenty to offer travellers: from stunning scenery, to adventure holidays, to a rich and interesting history. If you’re planning flights to New Zealand in 2012, here are our top picks for things to do.
Take on a Bush Tucker Trial at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
An annual festival held on the West Coast of the South Island each year, this celebration of Māori culture allows visitors to sample some gourmet ‘bush tucker’ such as pickled, barbequed, or live huhu grubs and the local delicacy muttonbird. Famously, shots of horse semen are served as an aphrodisiac. Only the most adventurous foodies need apply. The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is certainly unique, and has been listed as one of Frommer’s ‘World’s Unmissable Festivals”
Climb a Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island is definitely a trip of a lifetime. It’s possible to take a helicopter tour to the more remote parts of the glacier, combining a gorgeous flight over the glacier itself with a two hour hike through the peaks, pinnacles, and ice caves of the glacier itself.
Be warned: the sounds of the ice shifting can be quite nerve inducing.
After spending some time in the freezing cold ice caves of the Franz Josef glacier, you’ll be looking for a way to get cosy quickly. Sadly you can’t try on the giant jersey of Geraldine, but just looking at the patchwork, 7’3” tall, testimony to knitwear is enough to make you feel all warm and cosy inside.
Spend Some Time in Prison
Before you get any ideas, we’re not encouraging you to run out and cause some crime. If you want some truly quirky accommodation during your stay in Christchurch, the Jailhouse hostel is an award winning converted former prison. It’s far more comfortable than a rail spell inside, of course, with ‘super comfy beds’.
Be Cultural at the Face Value Art Exhibition
The Face Value art exhibition has been travelling New Zealand since 2009. Through pictures and videos, the artist explores the ‘moko’ facial tattoo favoured by Māoris. The exhibition asks six individuals who have a moko what it means to them, and aims to challenge common misconceptions. The exhibition ends in December 2012, so be sure to visit next year. The next date is to be confirmed, but it is likely to appear in the Tairawhiti Museum in Gisborne at some stage during 2012.
Of course, if you’re going to be in Australia during your gap year, that’s fine too. A jaunt across the water to New Zealand won’t take long, and it will be easy enough to get back with frequent flights to Australia running from the major airports.