New Zealand 2007-2008

So, ein kurzer Rückblick auf Orte und Unterkunft meines dritten Neuseelandtrips, I’ve switched from Hitler ratings to the more politically correct BBH ratings:

1. Auckland: a good place to start a trip. Nette Hafenstadt, jede Menge Inseln in unmittelbarer Nähe, gute Infrastruktur, gutes Essen.
• Hostel: Verandahs. 55%, no towels. Stay away from this one.
2. Hokianga (Omapere): beautiful, picturesque harbour, lovely coast, close to the Kauri forest.
• Hostel: Globetrekkers Lodge. 55%, no towels. Would have been much nicer if those Dutch idiots had not been there. But it is still the owner’s/manager’s responsibility to keep kitchen/fridges clean and guests from misbehaving too much, sorry.
3. Raglan: nice beach, nice coast, nice harbour. Definitely worth a visit, especially when you’re into surfing.
• Hostel: Raglan Backpackers and Waterfront Lodge. 85%, towels for hire. Nice place, and – surprisingly – nice people, no surf nazis.
4. Tongariro National Park: Must-visit. Absolutely spectacular (on a fine day), good sport (on a rainy day).
• Hostel: Discovery Lodge. 65%, towels. Nevermind the old mattress, the room full of fly spray and without windows: they still run the earliest bus to the Tongariro Crossing, so there is no alternative. You might want to spend a couple of dollars more an book a chalet instead of backpackers cabins. Very nice people, very knowledgeable concerning the mountains.
5. Paekakariki, Kapiti Coast: A beautiful spot. Prefer this (or Plimmerton Beach/Moana Lodge) to staying in downtown Wellington! it’s just 30 minutes from Wellington, with regular train service running (every 30 minutes) to/from the city. You get godd quality accommodation plus beach on the Kapiti Coast instead of overpriced city places. Check out Kapiti Island as well if you want to see some really rare and beautiful birds (permission must be obtained from DOC Wellington well in advance).
• Hostel: Paekakariki Backpackers. 93%, towels. Excellent place, very nice people, very friendly welcome, good kitchen, nice room, good location.
6. Picton: A good base for excursions into Marlborough or Queen Charlotte Sound.
• Hostel: Tombstone Backpackers. 110%, towels. One of the best hostels I’ve ever been to. Period. Very nice and helpful people, high quality, spacious kitchen, high quality rooms/facilities.
7. Queen Charlotte Sound (must-visit)
• Hostel: Endeavour Resort. 90%, towels. They have a small shop, the room was fine, nice people, very nice spot. No restaurant though, but Furneaux Lodge is just 10-15 minutes walk.
• Hostel: Punga Cove Resort. 96%, towels. Excellent value for money. Good room, very good facilities, excellent restaurant.
• Hostel: Lochmara Lodge. 94%, towels. Very nice location, good room and facilities, restaurant is ok as well.
8. Christchurch: a very English city. I don’t like CHC that much, a bit too ordinary. I’d rather stay on the Banks Peninsula.
• Hostel: Foley Towers. 65%, no towels. It hurts me a bit to rate this only at 65%. Nice staff, very helpful. Room was ok, too. But they didn’t manage to keep the kitchen clean – which is of course ultimately the guests fault, but they’re in charge and should have acted sooner. Probably a bit too laid-back.

My top five spots in New Zealand:

1. Coromandel Peninsula
2. Kapiti Coast, incl. Wellington
3. Queen Charlotte Sound
4. Bay of Islands
5. The Catlins

My top five accommodations in New Zealand:

• Whitianga: On The Beach Backpackers
• Picton: Tombstone Backpackers
• Plimmerton Beach: Moana Lodge
• Invercargill: Southern Comfort
• Coromandel Town: The Lion’s Den