Recent Posts- Tramping: Tramping Safely - May 11th, 2008
One of the common "mistakes" many trampers do is that they don't leave entries in ALL the huts they pass on their route. It means that even if you don't stay in the hut overnight, you still should leave entry saying that you have been there. This way if something happens to you and you need rescue, searchers will get to you much more quickly and easily. It is also would be a good idea, especially if you tramp on your own, to carry a personal locator beacon. And, of course, always check the latest weather forecast and track conditions at the nearest DOC office before going.
I got the urge to write this post while I was reading the news about an Auckland man who got trapped in floodwat... - New Zealand Places: Fiordland Marine Reserves - May 10th, 2008
The uniqueness of underwater environment in Fiordland comes from the combination of steep mountains, heavy rainfall and surrounding rain-forest. Rain washes through the leafs covering the forest soil and pours into the fiords, coloring the surface waters with a dark tea color. This colored fresh water floats on top of the sea water (which is heavier) and creates a layer about three meters deep across much of the fiords.
The environmental conditions caused by this layer restrict most of the marine life to the top forty meters, and create a special environment where species like red and black corals and sea pens can live at much shallower depths than normal. Close to the fiord entrances, fr... - General: Te Araroa - The Long Pathway - May 9th, 2008
Almost anyone who is interested in hiking in general and in tramping in New Zealand in particular, knows that there are many great walking tracks there. They range from easy twenty minute walks to long and demanding multi-day hikes in absolute wilderness. But what much less people know is that there is a trust exist with a very important purpose - to design and build trail which will continuously follow the whole length of New Zealand. Please meet Te Araroa trust. Some of the acheivements of Te Araroa trust are building a 22km trail between Waitangi and Kerikeri, 18km route from Meremere to Rangiriri along the Waikato River, 8 km track across Mt Tamahunga, and much more. In fact they work on... - Photo of the Week: Gibbons Track - Waitakere Ranges, North Island - May 8th, 2008
The Waitakere Ranges are a chain of hills located about 25 km (15.5 miles) west of Auckland. The maximum elevation within the range is 474 meters (1555 feet). There are many kilometers of walking tracks there, and when you get to the ocean shore, you meet the famous black sand. Waitakere Ranges are uncrowded and are a good place for trampers who seek solitude, even though they are pretty close to Auckland.
- New Zealand Fauna: Kapiti Island New Zealand - May 4th, 2008
Kapiti Island lies about 5km off the west coast of the southern North Island. It is 10km long and about 2km wide, covering and area of 1965 hectares. It's highest point Tuteremoana is 521 meters (1709 feet) above sea level. Kapiti is one of New Zealand's nature reserves - it is large island sanctuary for birds. At Kapiti Island human interference is kept to minimum possible and big efforts are made to minimize the adverse effects of any introduced plants or animals on the island.
Kapiti Island provides opportunity for people to observe very rare birds, while some of the species are totally absent from the mainland. Up to 50 people per day may visit Kapiti Island Nature Reserve at Rangatir... - Experiences: Hot Water Beach - April 30th, 2008
Hot water beach in New Zealand is located on the North Island in the Coromandel region. There are two hot springs located right on the beach underneath the sand. During the low tide many people come to this beach and dig themselves a natural spa in the sand which is filled immediately with hot water from the springs. This is such fun! It is also a social experience as you meet many people there. You can also rent a little shovel in the nearby store to aid you with the digging. But one movie worth a thousand words. Here is what I have found on you tube:
- Activities: Terms and Conditions - April 30th, 2008
In this post I would like to talk about terms and conditions that activity operators in New Zealand are often make you sign or agree to by paying and participating in activity. Activities I am talking about include bungee jumping, helicopter flights, glacier hiking, rafting, jet boating and similar. I would like to present here a word-by-word copied "terms & conditions of use" from one of the most known activity operators in New Zealand:
Terms & Conditions of use
A. We appreciate your custom and aim to provide an enjoyable and quality service.
B. We advise that all activities do carry a degree of risk and that by participating in the activity provided by the Operator you ar...
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