FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: New Zealand

  • Enjoy Auckland in Winter – Indoor Attractions to Keep You Warm

    The New Zealand city of Auckland embraces the great outdoors. Even with winter winds blowing, you can enjoy island hopping, sailing in the harbor, and exploring volcanic craters.

    But if you'd prefer to shield yourself from the cold, the city has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you warm and entertained. Enjoy all that winter has to offer without the chill at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. This interactive attraction encourages visitors to step inside a Snowcat and walk around a life-sized replica of the Antarctic hut built by British explorer Robert Scott. The highlight for kids is the colony of penguins, who live in freshly created snow. There's also the giant aquarium, with its piranhas, whaler sharks, and sea horses. We know that Sky City serves up great buffet meals at its Observatory restaurant, but you'll find much more in this iconic building than delicious food. In fine weather you can enjoy the full splendor of this looming tower on the Sky Walk. If walking on this narrow ledge 192 meters above the ground isn't exciting enough for you, then consider bungee jumping from it! For a different kind of thrill, step inside and enjoy a flutter at the casino tables or slot machines. [caption id="attachment_3965" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand"][/caption] Museums are always a great option for escaping wintery weather, and Auckland Museum is New Zealand's oldest and the city's largest. Its first floor showcases artifacts of the native Maoris and people of the Pacific. The second level has a natural history theme, with child discovery centers and an interactive volcano exhibition. The final floor tells the stories of New Zealand's war history. It houses an armory of weapons and warplanes from the Boer War to contemporary conflicts. Auckland doesn't slow down once winter hits as so many tourist towns around the world do, but if you need respite from the city's chill there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you amused.

    [Image Source: CharlesLam/Flickr]

  • Whitianga Celebrates Scallops at Annual Food and Wine Festival

    Scallops are a New Zealand delicacy, and nowhere are these delicious mollusks more celebrated than Whitianga.

    The small coastal town on the Coromandel Peninsula hosts a Scallop Festival every August. The winter weather puts a chill in the air, but for five days in late August thousands brave the cold to enjoy the annual seafood and wine festivities. A whopping 35, 000 scallops are gobbled up during the festival. They’re crumbed in macadamia nuts, served on seaweed, smothered in a blend of coconut cream and Midori, wrapped up in bacon, and of course eaten as they come, straight from the shell. If scallops aren't to your tastes, that's no reason to stay away. There are plenty of other local gourmet goodies on offer including seafood chowder, venison burgers, wild pork, and the country's famous sauvignon blancs. Saturday is the liveliest day of the festival, with scallop tasting, seafood auctions, and chef competitions. Live jazz and the hilarious Ode to the Scallop poetry slam contest are also popular.scallops Whitianga is located two hours east of Auckland. This year's event runs from August 25 to 29. Go Kiwi Shuttles runs buses from Auckland, Rotorua, Whangamata, and Tauranga to Whitianga, while 360 Discovery ferries leave Auckland every Friday night for Coromandel Harbour. The Free Scallop bus travels around Whitianga during the festival to take visitors to and from the event. Festival passes cost $50 for adults, $10 for teenagers, and $5 for small children.

    [Image Source: Robin/Flickr]

  • Heli-Rafting Offers Maximum Adrenalin in Queenstown, New Zealand

    When too much action is never enough, make sure you add heli-rafting to your New Zealand extreme sports itinerary.

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    This unique experience, hosted by Queenstown Rafting, combines a high-flying helicopter ride with an adrenalin-packed white-water rafting adventure.

    Queenstown Rafting offers two heli-rafting trips. The first flies across the Wakatipu Basin and Coronet Peak ski fields before reaching the stunning Shotover River. When viewing them from the air, you may be a little nervous about tackling the rapids! They’re actually graded from three to five, so novices may want to steer clear. If you’ve got the stomach for it though, this is the tour to take. The journey through the pitch-black Oxenbridge Tunnel, as well as all those twists and turns, makes for one wild ride.

    Rafting down the Kawarau River, Queenstown
    Rafting down the Kawarau River, Queenstown

    If you’re a first timer consider the tamer trip down the Kawarau River. You might recognize this stretch of water as River Anduin from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. There’s plenty of white water, but also enough time to soak up the scenery. The helicopter trip is just as beautiful with views of the Gibbston Valley wine region and The Remarkables.

    Heli-rafting rides cost NZD$295 per person. This price includes transfers to and from Queenstown, wetsuit and safety equipment hire, and the use of hot showers and a sauna once you’re done. The tour is appropriate for water-confident children aged 13 and weighing at least 40 kilos, although kids between 13 and 17 must ride with a guardian.

    [Image Source: Abir Anwar/Flickr]

  • Stress Free New Zealand Transport on the Explorer Bus

    Navigating an unfamiliar foreign city can be a daunting prospect. The Explorer Bus takes the stress out of getting around the New Zealand city of Auckland and is a great way to see the sights.

    A day pass costs $35 for adults, $15 for children aged between four and 16 years, and $80 for a family of two adults and two kids. You can hop on the bus at one of 14 stops, and then hop off whenever an attraction catches your eye. This service allows you to spend as much time as you like at any location so you never feel like you’re running to a rigid schedule. The Explorer takes in some of Auckland's most famous tourist attractions including the Sky City Tower, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, and the Auckland Museum.[caption id="attachment_4010" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Explorer Bus in Auckland"]The Explorer Bus in Auckland[/caption] The Explorer Bus website has a full timetable to help you easily plan your route. English commentary on board the bus will teach you about the local area and the attractions you’re approaching. The bus leaves every hour between April and October and every 30 minutes in the peak tourist season. Tickets are available from the Explorer Bus website, or on the bus itself.

  • Sky-High Dining in New Zealand at Auckland’s The Observatory

    NOTE 4/23/13-THIS RESTAURANT IS NO LONGER OPERATING, SEE Sky City Restaurants FOR OTHER DINING OPTIONS. If you’re looking for a meal with a view while visiting New Zealand’s popular tourist town Auckland, you’ll find it at The Observatory at Sky City casino.

    The sky-high restaurant serves up a range of dishes in buffet style, including its signature seafood meals, succulent roast meats, and weekly specials.

    With 12 main courses and 14 desserts on offer, there's bound to be several to suit your tastes. Of course, with the restaurants all-you-can-eat set-up you can sample as many as you like, and enjoy as many helpings as your heart desires. The impressive meals are the perfect companion to the incredible views of the city below. If you're planning a special night out, I suggest asking for a table by the window! Make sure you arrive early as your reservation includes free entry to the Sky Tower's observation deck and café and bar. You'll have 45 minutes to soak up the view, perhaps while you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. [caption id="attachment_3965" align="alignright" width="150"]Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand[/caption] The Observatory serves lunch from Fridays to Sundays between 11:30 am and 2 pm. Adults will pay $41.99, while children are charged $3 for every year of their age. The dinner prices are a bit higher and the sessions shorter, although some argue it’s worth these inconveniences to enjoy the twinkling lights of the city at night. The Observatory serves two dinner sittings daily: the first between 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, and the second between 8 pm and 9 pm. Dinner costs $61.99 for adults, while children pay $4 for every year of their age. The Observatory is popular with locals and tourists alike, so reservations are recommended.

    [Image Source: CharlesLam/Flickr]

  • Stay in a New Zealand Shoe at The Boot Bed and Breakfast

    Those Kiwis are a funny lot. Rather than bemoaning the plight of the old woman who lived in a shoe, they clearly thought it was a good idea!

    And so they erected The Boot Bed and Breakfast, one of the quirkiest places to stay in New Zealand. You'll find The Boot Bed and Breakfast in Tasman on New Zealand's South Island. The region is home to the famous Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi National Parks, and it's just a stone's throw from Nelson's celebrated wine districts. That makes The Boot Bed and Breakfast a good base for many Kiwi getaways. There's something strangely romantic about The Boot Bed and Breakfast, which fits its amenities around the curves of its strange shoe shape. I somehow don’t think the old woman in the nursery rhyme had it so good. Downstairs The Boot has a cosy lounge area with a brick fireplace, a bathroom equipped with a shower built for two, and a small kitchen. Scale the spiraling staircase and you'll find the bedroom, with its comfy queen-sized bed. Step outside and you can enjoy the al fresco dining area and the expansive gardens.hotels in new zealand image The Boot’s owners, Judy and Steve Richards, are friendly without being intrusive. They'll happily cook whatever breakfast takes your fancy, although I recommend opting for their free-range eggs or fresh fruit from the on-site orchard. There's no need to give up your sleep in, as your meal can be delivered any time before midday. A stay at The Boot Bed and Breakfast costs NZ$300 a night, although 10% discounts are available when booking two or more consecutive nights. That's a lovely excuse for extending your stay in the Tasman region!

  • Get Inked in New Zealand – Maori Tattoos and Kirituhi

    The ultimate souvenir of any vacation is a tattoo, a permanent reminder of the place you have visited and the things you have seen. Many visitors to New Zealand hope to get inked in the traditional Maori style, but there are a few things to consider before you go under the needle.

    A Maori warrior
    A Maori warrior

    Maori tattoos, or ta moko, are not tattoos as we know them. Instead of puncturing the skin with needles, moko artists carve the skin with chisels, known as uhi. This leaves textured grooves in the skin, rather than the smooth surface of a traditional tattoo.

    Maori tattoos are a key part of the culture of these native people. They show respect for tradition, and a commitment to one’s Maori identity. Men typically wear the tattoos on their thighs, arms, faces, and buttocks, while women are tattooed on their chin and lips. Every tattoo is unique, recounting the story of its wearer, their family, and their place in their tribe.

    Given their cultural significance, many believe that only Maori people should wear ta moko. In fact, many Kiwi tattoo artists refuse to give moko tattoos to those without Maori blood. However, many artists will replicate the style with comparable tattoos known as kirituhi.

    These tattoos do not contain the family genealogy or stories of the moko designs, and so do not offend the Maori people who are protective of their culture. For anyone who likes the style of these eye-catching tattoos, this culturally sensitive compromise will usually suffice. If you are interested in getting a kirituhi tattoo while in New Zealand, visit Uruora Moko Studios in Tolaga Bay, Otautahi Tattoo in Christchurch, and Electric Ink Tattoo in Levin and Paraparaumu.

    [Image Source: Geoftheref/Flickr]

  • Shop Up a Storm at Auckland’s Most Fashionable Stores

    When you think fashion destinations you probably think of Paris, Milan, and New York, right? But those big names are so yesterday.

    If you want to return home with a swag of stuff no one else is wearing, consider a fashionable shopping spree in Auckland, New Zealand. Many Kiwi labels are making a name for themselves on the world stage, including Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, and NomD. All these fashion houses have a handful of stores in Auckland. You'll find many of them in High Street, O'Connell Street, and Vulcan Lane. But you needn't stick to big names, as New Zealand has a host of up-and-coming designers producing exciting apparel. Rather than trawling the stores, consider visiting Miss Crabb who stocks many of these fledgling fashion labels at her New Zealand store. Look out for quirky pieces from Lonely Hearts, Laurie Foon, Stolen Girlfriend’s Club, Hailwood, and Beth Eller. Miss Crabb's store is on Ponsonby Road, which also has a great selection of big name designer shops and smaller boutiques. If you'd prefer to go vintage, or you can't afford brand-new designer threads, it’s worth taking a stroll down St Kevin's Arcade. Fast and Loose has plenty of retro 80s gear, while Vixen No 8 next door always has some fantastic accessories. No matter what your budget, Auckland makes it easy to find an outfit, and the accessories to match, to turn heads back home.

  • Auckland’s Best Backpacker Accommodation for Travelers on a Budget

    New Zealand is a haven for adventurous young tourists who’d prefer to spend their travel budget on the next big thrill than accommodation.

    Thankfully the major metropolitan center of Auckland offers plenty of great value hostels for the visitors who'd prefer to save their pennies. YHA Auckland Hostel was called one of the country’s best by Frommers, and many of the 50, 000 guests who check in each year. There’s a lot to like about this place, from the location (just five minutes’ walk from the city center) to the features. Guests can choose from basic share rooms to private twins, doubles, and ensuites. The lounge area has a pool table and SKY TV, and you can stay in touch with WiFi access. Beds start at NZ$23 and private rooms start at NZD $82. City Garden Lodge is located in Parnell, on the city's fringes. There are private rooms and share accommodation, including the ladies share option for girls who don’t want mixed company. You can walk to local restaurants and retail stores, and the Link bus service is close by if you want to get to the centre of town. Prices range between NZD$28 and NZD$68 a night.newzealand-money-calculator If you'd prefer to get out of the city altogether consider Verandahs Backpackers Lodge in ritzy Ponsonby. This suburb is pretty exclusive, but rooms here cost between NZD$23 and NZD$50 a night. Add an extra $2 onto the bill if you need to hire towels. The family-run business offers an alternative to the rowdy hostels of the city, with dorm rooms and private suites catering for the "peace seeking traveler." The lodge has two separate villas, each with their own lounge area equipped with a book exchange and computers with internet access. Pentlands Backpackers in Mt Eden offers beds at a comparable price. The standard range of accommodation costs travelers between NZD$28 and NZD$58 a night. Pentlands is another family owned business set in a renovated colonial homestead. While the setting has an old world charm, it offers plenty of modern conveniences including internet access, heated rooms, a video and book library, and a comfortable lounge area. It’s located three kilometers from the city, but Mt Eden has a shopping center if you’re in need of a quick retail fix. These backpackers hostels are the district’s most popular, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. Visit AucklandNZ to discover more of the city's affordable accommodation options.

  • Trek Routeburn Track, One of New Zealand’s Great Walks

    Routeburn Track in New Zealand’s South Island is regarded as one of the country’s Nine Great Walks.

    It might not be as imposing as its big brother, the Milford Track, but it's much more achievable for novice adventurers. In fact, Kiwi explorer Sir Edmund Hillary called the path his favorite in the country. It may be smaller than the Milford Track, but it's certainly not tiny. The track extends for 32 kilometers in the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Most hikers complete the course in around three days. There are four Department of Conservation sanctioned huts and two campsites for overnight stays on the Routeburn Track. Camping outside specific designated areas is prohibited. Routeburn Track starts near the beech forests of Te Anau. Despite the natural surrounds, the path is clear and easy to walk. At least, it is at first. Soon the trail decides you've been taking it too easy, and punishes you with a series of hairpin bends. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a scene which could easily have come from the pages of a fairytale. There are rows of identical mountains, each capped with snow, and cascading streams. If you're feeling thirsty don't hesitate to stop and take a sip; the water is clean and icy cold. The final section is again challenging, with a downhill track which winds through more forests. Thankfully it all ends near the Glenorchy Pub. Clearly you'll have earned that pint of ice cold beer. Hikers are free to walk Routeburn Track independently, but if you're not feeling confident you might consider joining a guided tour. Ultimate Hikes runs the only Department of Conservation approved tour concession for overnight guided walks on the track during peak season.