When Bear Grylls took on New Zealand, he had just one word to describe it; EPIC. Oh, and it would be. Do you know of any country that offers the best of everything? No? New Zealand DOES!
Glaciers; check!
Beaches; check!
Mountains; check!
Farmlands; check!
Waterfalls; check!
Buzzing cities; check!
I am a sucker for nature, for seclusion and for discoveries. Sometimes the odd adventures too. And what better way to find all that, other than a trip to New Zealand.
It was almost 3 decades ago, when Gouri & I went on our honeymoon. To New Zealand. In an age where digital cameras were not a thing, connectivity was a distant dream and nature was as raw as it could possibly be. So we got to Hong Kong, and booked our bus tour to the Land of Hobbits. Much to our surprise, we were the only young buffs on this trip, accompanied by travelers not less than 55 in age. Bear in mind, this was a honeymoon, so we were 25 and 20 – oh, what memories. North and South Island were on the cards – planning was bleak, because connections were yet to be made. But it was a trip we cherish till date, because of how it unfolded. Late arrivals to the morning start and conversations with people more than double (almost triple) our age, and a start to a journey for a lifetime!
So you best believe, if I am to revisit a land on a long-haul journey, it would be this. To be able to see a country that we visited when technology was only a concept and nature was at its true best. A nation sprawling with the largest collection of natural wonders and luxury lodges. Sublime mountains, a jagged coastline, the best of food and some of the warmest and happiest folk you will find. A dramatism floats between both islands that have vastly different landscapes. Scantilly inhabited but full of natural life, the South island is your pick for majestic lakes, alpine ranges to stun you, glaciers to track and the Remarkables (no, literally. The mountain range has some of the best air adventures you can find).
North Island, on the other hand, is more about glow worm caves, Hobbiton, geysers and pristine beaches. Take your pick, but I’d say visit both. Sometimes, New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it must be done right. My top picks would stand at beginning from the North and finding your way into the South:
- Laze around the waters of the Bay of Islands!
- Volcanoes, Glow Worms and Hobbiton from Rotorua & Lake Taupo!
- Wine is never less, so Hawke’s Bay is where you want to be!
- Wellington is your pick for some fun street exploration!
- Kaikoura, is your one stop shop for whale watching & catamaran sailing
- Franz Josef is your land for glaciers, geysers and jungles!
- Queenstown for some actual fun – adventure sports, the best burgers & the gateway to Milford Sound!
- A stop at Lake Pukaki is necessary for the best stargazing experiences!
- And if you really have it in you, don’t miss Dunedin (psssst! The land of Southern Lights!)
- And finally, on my bucket-list is, and should be on yours too, the Purepods!
Imagine this: glass cabin, undisclosed location, not a person in sight, complete seclusion, one with nature, but yet full of LUXURY. Yes!
Sprawling over 5 locations in North and South Island, in the choicest of locations are Purepods, New Zealand’s best kept secret. The walls, floor and ceilings are all made of glass. The true glass house, if you actually go to compare. Sleep under the stars, wake up to warmth shining on you, and take in nature as best as you can in these tranquil cabins. Your choices stand at:
- Pohue Purepod – close to Christchurch just near Port Levy Bay!
- Kahutara Purepod – a short distance from Kaikoura & perfect for your overnight stay post whale-watching!
- Manakau Purepod – done whale watching and looking for a unique stay? This one has views of the Seaward Mountains!
- Greystone Purepod – If wine is your thing, this is just above a sprawling vineyard, an hour from Christchurch!
- Little River Purepod – the perfect choice for a perfect view from the Banks Peninsula!
Obviously, with nature surrounding you and the urge for a tranquil experience, there are some things to be prepared for. So I’d make sure to carry my meals for the stay. If seclusion is what you are aiming for, be prepared for not a restaurant in sight!
I cannot wait to get on the flight for this one, because just like Bilbo Baggins said, I will leave mumbai with the same words “I AM GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!”
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 47, November ’20
