New Zealand Backpacking

These are photos from some of the most amazing places I've been to in New Zealand! Lake Pukaki Mount Cook Ahuriri River Milford Sound Hokitika Gorge Crater Lake, Tongariro Alpine Crossing Lake Tekapo Queenstown Roy's Peak, Wanaka Please feel free to leave questions in the comments below, I'd be happy to answer them!

Toronto is a big city with many things to do. However, if you're a low budget backpacker like me or would just like to stick to the nature side of things, this guide is for you. 1. Take the ferry to Toronto Island I recommend spending a few hours here. You can take the ferry located a the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal for less than $9 round trip. Once you get to the island, you'll have an amazing view of the Toronto skyline. There are many other things to do, such as an amusement park, children's park, beaches, boat rentals, and bike rentals. There are also plenty of places to eat at, so don't worry about getting hungry. Toronto Skyline from Toronto Island 2. Walk along lakefront The lakefront of Toronto is an easy walk with lots to see. The Harbourfront Centre holds events often so be sure to check if anything fun is happening during your visit. Harbour Square Park is another great place along the lakefront to relax at. Here you can find a very random, but huge 5

The Grotto Things I Wish I Knew Before Going: There are so many amazing things to do on Bruce's Penninsula. I could spend a week here and not get bored. If I could go back, I would camp in Bruce Peninsula National park instead of a nearby private campground. Be aware of parking that needs to be reserved at Bruce's Peninsula which will be explained later. Time:  3 Days Cost: ~$30   for parking/admission fees ~$40 for Flowerpot Island Boat Things to Do: 1.) Big Tub Harbour Shipwreck Located right off of the Tobermory visitor center is Big Tub Harbour Shipwreck. There are many other shipwrecks in this area can be accessed through cruises or viewed from the harbor. Options are available for diving and snorkeling as well! 2.) The Grotto The Grotto is truly one of the most fun places I have been in my life. The water is cold initially (yes, even in the summer) but you get used to it quickly. There are a bunch of "cliffs" to jump off of from various heights b

1. Port Hills These are those "mountains" you see in the distance when you are anywhere in Christchurch. However, once you get there, you realize they are just hills. Take the gondola or better yet, hike up to the top. It is about a 30min hike and is fairly steep but not too bad compared to the rest of New Zealand's hikes. Once you're at the top, you'll receive a stunning view of all of Christchurch and of Lyttleton Harbour on the other side. There is also a gift shop and a really good restaurant at the top. PS - Sometimes the road at the top is open and you can drive up. 2. Lyttleton Harbour View of Lyttleton Harbour from Port Hills Just a short bus ride away is Lyttleton Harbour. If you're there on a Saturday, you can enjoy their popular farmer's market on London Street from 10am to 1pm. For dinner, consider eating at Fisherman's Wharf, a popular seafood spot right on the harbor. Just a warning, it might be a bit pricey for your average bac

Time: 7-8 hours Cost: ~$30 per person for the shuttle or just drop your party off and only send one person on the shuttle to save money Skill: You don't need to be particularly skilled in any way just be able to walk the whole day and go up and down a steep elevation. What to Bring:  The peak elevation of this hike is very windy and cold even in the middle of summer so pack some warm clothes -Multiple bottles of water -Snack and possibly lunch -Some toilet paper (the portapotties along the way don't always have it) -Hat -Light jacket -Hiking boots The Hike: Please note this is a one-way hike, not a loop. You will need to start at a certain end of the trail so you don't make the mistake we made. You will need to park your car at the end of the trail then take a shuttle to the beginning. The majority of shuttles only run in the morning not in the evening so there will be no one to pick you up if you start at the wrong end. The Mangatepopo road is the end whe

View of Tew's Falls  Time: 1-1.5 hours Cost: $10/Vehicle + $5/person (attendant on duty)           $15 total (no attendant on duty) How to Get There:  If it is a weekday , park in Webster's Trail Parking off of Harvest Road in Hamilton, ON. If it is a weekend , you will need to park at Christie Lake Conservation area and take a shuttle to the park. This only applies from April 19th to October 27th. Otherwise, treat every day as a weekday. *Do not try to park along the road, you will get a $60 ticket* The Hike: This is a very simplistic loop trail. Within the first 5 minutes of walking, you can find Tew's Falls on your right side. The rest of the hike leads to a beautiful overlook and loops back around. We went in the middle of August and there was virtually no one there. If you would like to see Webster's Falls, take the trail in the parking lot that goes to the right. It's just a trail with no signage and will lead to Webster's Falls. You can