Question:

Winter Backpacking in New Zealand?

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My bf and I are doing a bit of world exploration this summer (June-Aug/Sept) and NZ is one of our longest stops.

We both love camping, biking, hiking, live music (esp. local or folk) and cultural events/sights.

With our interests in mind, is there a specific region that would be able to give us the best NZ experience in 2 weeks? A few days of online research has shown me that travel from north to south island is pretty difficult/expensive, even on train and bus. If we stick with one area, we'd also love to rent out bikes. How feasible are good day trips on bikes?

Keep in mind that we're from Seattle, so rain, coffee,

mountains, volcanoes, moderate cold and ferries don't phase us.

And just to make it more interesting, our goal budget is pretty much $0. Other than splurging for a bungee jump (Just one of those things I must do), we're trying to use only camping, mountain huts and couchsurfing to survive. Any cheap/good food tips?

(PS: Are the Waitomo Caves overrated?)

Thank you!

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  1. I can't answer all your questions .. but I can give you some tips....

    Take a look at Natural High - http://www.naturalhigh.co.nz - a great place to hire bikes from (among heaps of other adventure stuff)  FYI they have depots in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown and Dunedin, and others on request, - they also do one way hires.

    There are two main festivals in winter around the time you are there. -  Queenstown is the most popular http://www.winterfestival.co.nz  "The Southern Hemisphere's ultimate winter party! Ten days and nights of non-stop events on the slopes and in town, ranging from the wild and wacky to the glamorous and cultural. "  The IN place to be.

    .... and Christchurch Arts Festival http://www.cabaretfestival.co.nz

    Top of the South Island - Nelson, onto Abel Tasman National Park - a great place for hiking, also Golden Bay, Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy Track is the most popular and plenty of huts to crash out in. http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/trackan...

    On the Takaka hill (on the way to Golden bay) there is some caves and 'Howards Hole'  The biggest (natural) hole in the southern hemisphere - and yes if you are experienced, climb down it, just make sure you have enough rope – some tourists had to get rescued last week !

    For caving adventure see http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/summary...

    More info http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand...  - http://www.abeltasmaninformation.co.nz

    Travel is expensive in NZ - they have no real competition - although take a look at http://www.grabaseat.co.nz - they have daily specials and if lucky you can grab a bargain if you are on the site at the right time.  Fares can be from $1 - $49  -Bookmark that site now!

    Have a great trip

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