TRAVEL SPECIAL ....Travel planner Kiwi adventure

Travel planner Kiwi adventure 

With a lot of group activities on offer, travelling alone in New Zealand can be a great experience. Cricket fans, looking to catch the Indian team in action during next year’s World Cup, should start planning now

    Next year’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand will have many Indians trail their team. With some matches scheduled in New Zealand, you can make your stay around Auckland and Hamilton (the towns hosting Indian team’s matches) a memorable affair. Here’s what all you can do without overspending.
BACKPACKERS HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION
Book your stay in advance and you have an option of staying in a hostel or a dormitory with fellow single travellers from across the globe. The charges are far lower than room rentals at any hotel. Opt for the ones situated in or around the central business districts of major towns like Auckland. Cab fares are steep, so walking to nearby destinations is a better idea.
ON THE EDGE
Explore Auckland in the company of complete strangers, get to know about the city’s past and its evolution into a major commercial hub while walking on a narrow walkway at a height of 192 metres, atop Sky Tower. Since every group has many first timers, sharing your anxieties and overcoming fears together is always a great experience. Walking without holding any handrail and watching breathtaking sights in such company creates memories for life.
JET BOAT
Navigate through Waikato river in a jet boat and experience the thrill and turns in a fast moving vessel. Passing through waterfalls and rapids will give you an adrenaline rush to savour for a long time. Located near Hamilton, a camjet boat ride usually has nine people.
BACKPACKER BUSES
Move from one destination to another enjoying the beautiful sights and make new friends en route. Usually filled with solo travellers, it is a great way to mingle with like-minded people, and at times, formulate a common travel plan.
ZIP THROUGH A VINEYARD
How about zipping through picturesque vineyards of Waiheke Island (a 30-minute ferry ride away from Auckland) while being tied to a harness? This is another adventure group activity that’s a must-try. Tied to a harness you sail over vineyards and finally trek through the forests learning more about wine making and ecology than any tasting session could ever impart.
FOODIE’S PARADISE
It is a land of fresh dairy, seafood and vegetable produce. Most of the cafes will have a veg and non-veg dish of the day. Rather than playing safe, it is best to try out these preparations made with the use of fresh seasonal produce and served with delectable condiments. Fish lovers in particular would love every bite of succulent preparations made out of fresh catch.
HOBBITTON HIGH
You’ve watched The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. At this movie set, you behold where it all happened. The group tour to this 1,250-acre farm will leave you spellbound. A bus will take you to the actual place of action and explain how Middle Earth was created. Learn nuances like how Gandalf appeared taller than the rest of the Hobbits or trek through the passages that the characters used in the movie while sneaking in and out of Hobbit houses. Chuckle, giggle and click pictures with fellow fans. Situated between Auckland and Hamilton, a drive to this location is one of the most picturesque experiences.
TRAVEL TIPS
Most of the shops shut by 5-5.30 pm while cafés shut by 8-9 pm. Make shopping and meal plans accordingly.
Accommodations usually have washing machines. So it is advised to use the services at nominal rates and carry less clothes instead of lugging around excessive baggage.
It can rain almost anytime in New Zealand. Best to always carry a raincoat or an umbrella.
Bachelors would be advised to check out the nightclubs that stay open till late. A great option to spend the late nights.

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