Travel in New Zealand

Bhupender Gupta tracks New Zealand from the northern to the southern islands by road and concludes : New Zealand is a marvelous country that speaks of its grandeur through its surreal landscapes, enchanting lakes, picturesque mountains, pristine forests and most importantly, happy people. An amazing journey in New Zealand from Rotoura to Wellington to Picton

After saying Sayonara to the amazing Sulphur city of Rotorua, in the next 6 hours as you drive towards Wellington, you traverse through varied contrasting yet captivating landscapes. These include the man made Kaingaroa forest, the stunning shores of the mighty Taupo lake and the lonely Desert road where three imposing peaks, Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe and Tongariro proudly flaunt their incredible manifestation.

Wellington

Wellington, the coolest little Capital of the World, is situated at the near south end of the North Island. This Capital City of New Zealandis nestled between harbor and hills. The city’s Urban and Cosmopolitan characteristic is unmistakable.

For night Owls and for those whose adrenaline flow ratchets up after sunset, Cuba Street is the place where one should position his/her self. With ‘N’ no of alluring pubs, stylish cocktail bars and enticing night clubs, this is a place for late evening indulgence.

Other cousins of Cuba Street are Tory Street, Courtenay Palace or even the serene, romantic Water front. Don’t miss the beautiful beehive, I mean the Parliament Building which is supposedly the place for legislation and center of Political Activity in NZ.

If you are inquisitive or crave to know of New Zealand’s art, culture &  history, try spending time in any of the impressive Galleries & Museums around. Wellington, some believe, is the Cultural Capital of the earth’s Southern Hemisphere.

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum

‘Te Papa Tongarewa’, among the most famous Museums in Wellington, epitomizes this belief. ‘Te Papa Tongarewa’, spread over 3600 Sq Meter is divided in to five floors. Each floor signifies different aspects of Country’s culture and heritage.

You have a choice to hire a Guide to take you around this Museum. Incidentally, NZ is prone to earthquakes but you need not worry when you are here. 150 Shock absorbers below this incredible building ostensibly ensure that you don’t shake even when the earth shakes. (Ticket : Adult $15  – Child $5).

A drive into the city suburbs and along the shores engenders a rare sense of amusing trepidation as you watch beautifully designed houses precariously perched one over the other on the hill slopes.

Fear that grips one’s mind is – what if there was ever a land slide. The sight is striking nevertheless. On the flip side, one can imagine the fascinating sea view available from each of these houses.

The failure of the GPS proved serendipitous. It has inadvertently lead the car atop one of the suburb hills infested with crammed bungalows parked besides narrow lanes. The view of the City from this height is breathtaking. The waves of large sea below seemed as if to be in ceaseless pursuit to touch the feet of this beautiful city, again, again and again.

The following day, for moving to the southern island of New Zealand, you need to cross one of the most scenic (approx. 92 Kms/58 Miles) water body called ‘Cook Strait’.

Interislander

Purchase a ticket for NZ$ 75 and check-in into this huge Interislander ferry for a captivating three hour cruising from Wllington to Pitcon. The Interislander, equipped with premier lounges cafes and bars, viewing decks, entertainment programs for kids, has a carrying capacity of over thousand passengers along with hundreds of cars.

On board the cruise, as this majesty moves, you instantly get riveted to the stunning scenery outside. Dilemma entails, as to from which angle and how many pictures to take.

Picton

Just then an unwelcoming announcement rings into your ears – “Picton has arrived”. Without realizing, three hours have passed. You then smile to yourself, pick up your bags and leave.

Picton Port is situated on the northern side of the southern island. It is from here that you pick up your car and steer towards the next destination – The heritage city – ‘Christchurch’.