The Dusky Track is labeled one of New Zealand’s most strenuous hikes. It is a 3-8 night tramp through the heart of Fjordland National Park. This post is a logistics guide, and you can read more about my slog along the Dusky Track here. Trailhead Logistics The Dusky Track can be walked in either direction. Most people walk it from …
Monthly Archives: May 2019
Where to buy stamps in New Zealand is something that I found myself wondering soon after I moved to New Zealand. I realized that I did not know where to buy postage stamps. New Zealand Post issues New Zealand postage stamps and you can buy them at a variety of locations. PostShops PostShops are New Zealand Post’s retail outlets. There …
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the most popular hikes on the north island. Since it is a one-way hike, it does involve some logistics. There are about ten shuttle companies that offer a variety of Tongariro Crossing shuttle routes. Our Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide goes over the hike and make sure that you avoid crows on your crossing. Shuttle …
New Zealand trail etiquette is pretty much the same as other countries, but it does have a few unique trail etiquette rules. On popular hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you will find that many hikers are not aware of trail etiquette. 1. Stay to the left Act like you are driving a car when you are hiking, and the …
When you move in New Zealand, you need to set up utilities at your new residence. Most rental properties require tenants to set up their utilities. Our utility guide will go over what utilities you need to set up. Many companies provide various utilities including internet, electric, gas, and phone service. Many companies offer a discount if you signup for …
New Zealand has a wide range of internet connection types and internet service providers. The average internet connection speed in New Zealand is over 80 mbps, and New Zealand ranks as the country with the 23rd fastest average internet speed. The Southern Cross Cable provides New Zealand with most of its internet service. It connects New Zealand to Australia from …
Should I tip? That is a frequent question of people that arrive in New Zealand. Tipping in New Zealand is generally not expected, but if it does occur it is a bonus. Salaries in New Zealand are not based on tips like in some other countries. Most of the tipping in New Zealand occurs in the tourism sector. Restaurant Tipping …
New Zealand has a fantastic hut system with other 950 huts. Most of the huts in the system are available on a first come, first serve basis. The ten Great Walks all require advanced bookings during the Great Walk season 1 October through 30 April. Six of the Great Walks require advanced bookings year round, but the Milford Track, Routeburn …
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the best day hikes on the north island of New Zealand. It is also one of the most crowded hikes in all of New Zealand. There are other hikes in the area that have far fewer crowds. They are good hikes, but honestly, they do not compare to the crossing. The DoC has an …
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the most crowded hikes in New Zealand. There are strategies that you can use to avoid the crowds on the Tongariro Crossing. General Strategies Pick Your Day Most tourists have a 1-2 day window that they can do the crossing. This means that the day proceeding or following a bad weather day it is …