New Zealand | The Traveler

A Travel Series by Diane Covington

Follow along with Diane as she explores the northern end of the south island of New Zealand for adventures along the back roads…

Part 2: Golden Bay

I’m visiting a friend who lives in Golden Bay, known for its beautiful and remote beaches. It’s at the north end of the south island and there’s only one two-lane road in and out, so the quiet is palpable. The ocean sparkles on one side of the road and the sheep and cows graze on the other. The skies at night are amazing—you’re gazing up at the Milky Way and a different sky from the northern hemisphere.

The back roads are perfect for biking, fairly flat and not too many cars. For Americans, we just have to remember to drive on the left!
Here are some must see stops in this area:

Farewell Spit Bird Sanctuary

Farewell Spit nature reserve, a bird sanctuary particularly important for migratory shorebirds and including over 90 species of birds, juts out into the ocean at the northern most tip of the south island of New Zealand. The 35km long peninsula looks like a fish hook as it curves around. Public access is restricted so you have to go on an organized tour to see it.
We took a long and relaxing bike ride along Golden Bay. Feeling the fresh salt air on my face and the freedom of pedaling along on a bicycle, followed by a jump in the cool ocean waves were great tonics for jet lag!

Wharariki Beach

It’s a hike (20-30 minutes) from the parking lot, but well worth it. Very dramatic landscape, views, sand dunes, caves and ocean. The day we went it was very windy, so go when it is calm if you can. It would be a great spot to spend the day with a picnic and for sure, bring your camera.

We’re off the Nelson Lakes National Park next so stay tuned!

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Diane Covington 2010

A Travel Series by Diane Covington

Follow along with Diane as she explores the northern end of the south island of New Zealand for adventures along the back roads…

Part 1 – From jet lag to stunt pilot:
First day in New Zealand and I become a stunt pilot—even with jet lag! Read on and catch the two videos for more fun. Photos too. Enjoy!

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a stunt pilot, soaring high among the clouds and doing rolls and loops, this is your chance!

Want to be a stunt pilot—at least for a day? Well now you can. New Zealand is living up to its reputation of the “land of wild and crazy adventures” and this one leaves bunjee jumping in the dust, literally.

In the little town of Motueka , at the north end of New Zealand’s south island, near Nelson and Golden Bay, there’s a small grassy airstrip where a very brave pilot lets you pay him to take you up in his open air bi-plane, and not only fly it, but do turns, rolls and loops.

You’re soaring through the air, snoopy style, goggles, hair flying, looking down on the green hills and valleys of New Zealand, the ocean sparkling below, farms with sheep and cows grazing. In the distance, there’s Farewell Spit, the narrow peninsula that extends out like a fish hook at the top of the island, then the curving shore and white sands of Golden Bay and the wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park.

You take the plane up to 7,000 feet, feeling the air temperature cool as you climb higher and the wind rushes by. The pilot, Vince, sitting right behind you, gives you instructions—‘nose up, nose down, now move the stick to the left, that’s good…’
When it’s time to roll, he says simply ‘hard left, hard left, hard left’ and over you roll!

It was terrifyingly wonderful and that was with jet-lag—I’d just gotten off the plane from California a few hours before. Don’t miss this chance to be a stunt pilot. Vince is an amazing coach and you can do it!

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Diane Convington 2010

Archive for New Zealand

Backroads of New Zealand – Part Two: Golden Bay

Backroads of New Zealand: Part One – Stunt Pilot