Dunedin airfares, New Zealand (DUD)
Dunedin airfares, New Zealand (DUD)
Of course, this was a long time ago and you could say that times had changed and this unique place isn’t up for today’s standards. You’d be wrong. In a recent survey, held by a specialized company, it was voted the number one travel destination in 2008. This way, after being popular among the locals, became very popular among foreign tourists too.
It is located in South Island, the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand. Being larger by area but smaller as population, South Island has large areas of forests and amazing national parks. Milford Sound is only one of these. It is true that it is the best known, but while in New Zealand, you can’t skip a trip to Hanmer Springs or Dunedin.
If you are visiting Milford Sounds, you have to consider some waterproof clothing, because an average of 182 days a year there is perceptible rainfall. This makes it the wettest place in the whole country and one of the top places in the world. By its own, this gives a rare feeling to this place, but the fact that temporary waterfalls are created in hours is truly unique. While the larger ones are up to one kilometer in length, smaller ones are much shorter and are generally drifted away by the wind.
The fact that the sound is at a long journey from the Milford Sound Visitors’ Center, the nearest population center, only works to the benefit of this beautiful spot. The difficulties and the unkind weather don’t discourage tourists. Annually over half a million tourists come to visit this incredible landmark.
The best way to enjoy the sound is to take a boat tour. If this two-hour journey wasn’t enough for you, there is also the possibility to go on an overnight cruise. For those who want to put some effort in the journey, canoe renting is also available. If you are afraid of water, hiking should be the best choice.
This fjord isn’t beautiful just above the water level. An underwater observatory also operates here. Because of stained water surface, you can find here black coral, which usually only lives in much deeper waters.
If you already have visited the Milford Sound, you should consider staying a little more in this beautiful country. Even without traveling to the main island you can simply spend another week exploring the natural attractions this area offers.
It really doesn’t matter in which season you visit New Zealand in Dunedin you can always find feasts to ease your hunger for social events. The Southern Festival of Speed starts the festival year in January. In the next eleven months, twenty other events are held here, including a Summer Festival, an International Film Festival and even a Chocolate Festival.
Dunedin is not the only city in the South Island where annual festivals are held. For example, Nelson is also popular among both locals and tourists because of its musical events. The only downside about the musical event is that it is biennial. There is no reason of disappointment even, because the Jazz Festival is an annual musical festival, not like the previously mentioned Nelson School of Music Winter Music Festival. Another film festival is also held here: the Suter International Film Festival. At this summer event the interested can watch twenty art films. Local Founders Park is the home of Taste Nelson Festival, which is a gastronomy festival.
If in summer kayaking and canoeing are the major sports practiced, when snowfalls occur several ski resorts are operating to please the needs of skiers. Three major areas are in the island with over two dozen ski resorts and areas.
If the weather is mild enough the extended network of hiking trails offer the possibility to several days long walks. Specially arranged spaces let you raise your tent on safe places. If your need for adrenalin is bigger, you should visit a diving spot, where guided diving is possible.
Even if you don’t visit all of New Zealand, you will surely spend a great time while on the South Island. From the phenomenal attractions the nature offers, that you couldn’t find anywhere else in the world, to the numerous sporting chances. The annually held festivals and beautiful cities just add to the unique feeling that overwhelms once you step on this magic land.
