Cool off this Summer in 5 of the TOP water holes NZ’s South Island has to offer

November 12, 2016November 21, 2016 / Backpacks Boots & Wanderlust / 2 Comments

Jumping into icey cold water on a blistering hot sunny day is one of the simple joys in life. But combine this with stunning alpine scenery and pristine fresh water, and you’ve got yourself a swimming experience that you’ll never forget! So with summer fast approaching and temperatures beginning to rise, we’ve put together a list (in no particular order) of our favourite spots to cool off while backpacking New Zealands South Island.

1. Blue Pools (Haast)

There’s few places in the world that look truly inviting even on a rainy day- but Blue Pools is defiantly one of them! Just a short walk from State Highway 6 roadside, are a series of pristine pools carved out by millions of years of erosion. Acting almost like a basin, these pools catch azure blue glacial fed waters which are so clear that you’d swear there must be a giant sized Brita filter in there somewhere. Absolute Perfection.

2. Glendhu Bay (Wanaka)

Don’t fancy hiking for hours just to take a dip? Then check out Glendhu Bay. This picturesque bay is accessible straight from the roadside meaning you can park up, set up the deck chairs, get ou the barby and cool yourself off in Lake Wanaka’s crystal clear waters between baking yourself in the Summer sun. This water will chill you to the bones, so have your towel basking in the sun ready to warm you right up again. Happy Days!

No car? No worries! A walking/ cycling trail skirts the lake’s edge and starts at Roys Bay in the centre of Wanaka. This well paved, fairly undulating track allows you to take in iconic scenery, including the infamous “Wanaka Tree”. At Waterfall creek, continue along the track until you reach Glendhu Bay, enjoying secluded pebbled beaches and the majestic beauty of Mt Aspiring along the way.

3. Moke Lake (Queenstown)

Just 12kms outside of Queenstown, along an unsealed road lies the little hidden gem that is Moke Lake. This simple but beautiful DOC campsite is the perfect spot for a days picnic and a dip into refreshing waters. If you’re the camping type, this site will suit you perfectly. Pitch your tent on the waters edge, marvel at a starry night sky free from light pollution, and enjoy a morning bath that’s sure to wake you up and get you ready for an action-filled day in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital. During summer months, this campsite will set you back just $13 per person per night, and is only accessible by 4 wheel drive during winter/ spring months.

4. Innanomate pools, Gertrude Valley (Fiordland)

What better way to end one of New Zealand’s best day walks than by immersing yourself in one of the innanomate pools flowing down from Black Lake high above the Gertrude Valler floor. Even when shrouded in low lying cloud, the dramatic atmosphere created by the U shaped soaring granite walls and vast valley flats will leave you itching to jump in! Just remember you still have a long walk out from Gertrude Saddle and these waters are as cold as ice- so be prepared with a trek towel and warm dry clothes!! No one wants to ruin their jollys with a case of hypothermia!

5. Lake Marian (Fiordland)

Lake Marian is an alpine lake that sits in a hanging valley, surrounded by snow capped mountains and is fed by glacial waters. Doesn’t sound like it could get much better does it? Well it can. You see, what makes this place even more spectacular is that it seems to be off the radar of most tourists and backpackers making their pilgrimage to Milford Sound… meaning that you pretty much have the whole place to yourself! Even the sandflies don’t seem to have heard much about this place! Definitely the perfect spot for a bit of skinny dipping me thinks 😉

10 signs you’ve made the leap from Novice Backpacker to practically a local in Asia

June 4, 2015June 5, 2015 / Backpacks Boots & Wanderlust / 1 Comment

Arriving into Asia from a shiny, organised Western country which is paranoid about the spreading of disease can cause a bit of a culture shock for the average backpacker. The stenches of raw sewerage; the habitual spitting of phlegm; the fly-ridden “butcher” stalls laid out across the dirt streets. It can almost be too much to bare. But despite the initial feelings of skin crawling disgust, it can be surprising how quickly we become desensitized to our new surroundings. Here are ten tell-tale signs you will notice on your leap from novice backpacker to practically a local in Asia.

1. Given the choice between a drop toilet and the western-style equivalent, it’s a deep squat every time! You’ve gotten over the nose burning, eye watering smells that accompany that shallow hole in the floor maskerading as a W/C, and the fact that your more than likely going to be stairing at a bucket of someone else’s shitty tissues while you do your business. Instead you find comfort in the fact that you know what your getting. There’s no nasty’s hiding under a toilet seat and no dirty toilet water waiting to squirt out at you from an oddly plumbed ‘wanabe’ western device. It’s simple and effective! In fact you’re thinking “maybe I should get one of these installed when I eventually go home… if I ever go home?”

2. Curry for breakfast no longer seems like a crime. There’s no more raised eyebrows or nudges to friends as you pass by locals using their hand to shovel what should be a Saturday night takeaway into their mouths at 6 o’clock in the morning. Instead you’re now one of the first in the local Warung to be tucking into that mornings spicy delights and you cant get enough of it!!

When you walk into this bathroom and say “ahh this is so nice” without a hint of sarcasm… you know you’ve stayed in some rough ass places!!

3. Cold showers, stained bed sheets, dirty cutlery and electricity for only 6 out of the 24 hours in a day are now expected as standard. You’ve stopped asking for things to be fixed or changed and realised there’s no need to be such a princess about it. You braved it and lived to tell the tale.

4. You’ve stopped walking past those grubby looking local haunts and into the aesthetically pleasing western style bars that remind you of home. You’ve even stopped religiously dousing your hands in anti-bac before every feed. You’ve accepted the fact that your 700 times more likely to get the shits over here no matter where you eat, so you might as well pay a fraction of the price for that lovely little extra.

5. Gone are the days of eating with knives and forks. Instead you are happy to ‘do as the locals do’ and tuck straight into your Dal Bhat or Tahli with your right hand. Your fingers drip with a concoction of lentil soup, potato curry and rice and it no longer feels like a novelty. Your back to basics and it’s like you never eaten any other way.

6. Materialistic items and vanity seem ever less important. Straighteners and hairdryers lie untouched at the bottom of your backpack. In fact you’re not even sure when it was that you last saw your reflection in a mirror. Your hairs unkempt, your feet are always dirty and you barely ever wash your clothes, but you couldn’t care less. You’re just comfortable being you.

Navigating through onlookers after a bus had plummeted over a cliff edge, Nepal

7. You no longer sit toes curled and knuckles white as your bemo driver weaves in and out of oncoming traffic, around blind cliff-edge corners on the wrong side of the road. Instead, you sit back and enjoy the views, safe in the knowledge that if the overcrowded, seatbelt-less tin can you are riding does crash or plummet down a hill side, you’ve not got a chance in hell, but at least you’ve had a good time.

8. You finally understand why people visiting England from Aisa get such a bad reputation for their crazy road crossing tactics! Pavements rarely exist but where they do, you quickly learn you’re much less likely going to injure yourself walking alongside the unruly traffic than you are constantly dodging the holes, boulders and wires which bed the pavement floors. You also quickly learn that the only way to cross that road in front of you is to take a deep breath and step out into the stream of oncoming verhicles and hope for the very best.

9. You no longer reach for your camera at the sight of a chewing cow sprawled on a dusty track surrounded by honking mopeds and tuktuks in the middle of a city. Its just your average Holy Cow in a street. No biggie.

10. You have finally learnt to sleep through the deafening sound of 1000 cockerels, 4am prayer calls and the chorus of howls from the entity of the worlds stray dogs… all of which seem to take place every morning, in sync, right outside your bedroom door

Rome: A city frozen in time

April 2, 2015July 15, 2015 / Backpacks Boots & Wanderlust / 3 Comments

Italy’s capital, Rome, is a place where modern city life has blended effortlessly with ancient ruins to create an infusion rich in culture and atmosphere. It is a city where even the most devout atheists and unenthused historians would find it difficult not to be captivated by the historical legacies, artistic grandeur and human genius that Rome showcases around almost every corner.

Home to structural splendours such as the Colosseum, St. Peters Basilica, Trevi Fountain, The Roman Forum and the Panthéon, to name just a few, Rome is a traveller’s reverie.

But a trip to Rome is as much about indulging in fine wine, food and coffee on sunlit piazzas, as it is about immersing yourself in its remarkable past. After all, ‘When in Rome’…. It would be rude not to.

So how do you cram over two millennia of history, art and culture into just a 3 day city break? Well, luckily Rome offers a lot on a small scale, making exploration both easy and affordable; but with so much to see and do, it helps to go prepared with an itinerary to get the most out of your journey to the eternal city.So here’s a few ideas to get you on your way…

Day One: There’s no better way to start a trip than with a showstopper, so todays all about the Roman Ruins. Now were not usually over keen on tourist hotspots, but standing within the arched walls of the grand Colosseum, the noise of excitable school groups and the constant flashing of cameras was quickly phased out, leaving just you. You, and the uproar of 80,000 barbarians, cheering and chanting, blood thirsty for the next pauper to be ripped limb from limb on centre stage. The practice of gladiator combats and killing for entertainment may be long gone in Rome, but the atmosphere generated by this impressive building, and the tales within, is still very much alive.

After circling the arena and taking in the ever changing perspectives that each level offers, take the short walk across to The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are equally as fascinating in their own rights. Together the three sites make for a fantastic day in Rome.

Spend the remainder of your day, moseying around the streets of Rome and climb Parco Gianicolense for sunset, before heading to Travestere, a district famous for its cheap, authentic food. If you’re a Pizza lover check out ‘Carlo Menta’ for excellent slices at dirt cheap prices.

Day Two: Start today with a visit to Trevi Fountain and the Panthéon before taking a stroll above the river banks of the Tiber to Vatican City. If your feeling fit and have a head for heights (and small spaces), it’s well worth paying the €5 fee to scale the 551 steps to the top of St. Peters Dome.

Winding your way up the ever slanting and narrowing wooden staircase, you’ll pass through beautiful mosaic artworks and marvel at the scale and magnificence of the basilica before emerging outside for a 360 bird’s eye view of this beautiful city. Take the time to spot some of the great sights in the distance, as well as the gated, pristine Vatican City which lies below. As you leave these spectacular views behind and begin to descend yet another spiral staircase, why not stop In the Nun-run Holy shop to send a postcard from the smallest state in the world.

The final corridors and stairwells of the dome lead you down into St. Peters Basilica itself, an artistic masterpiece which will leave you astonished.

Take a long walk or catch the metro to spend the last hour of daylight at Pincio Hill (above Piazza del Popolo) watching the sunset over the city and St. Peters Basilica before making your way south through the park to emerge at the Spanish steps. Spend a while soaking up the atmosphere here before disappearing into the lights of the city in search of culinary delights.

Day Three: After 2 long days of sightseeing your feet will be screaming out for a much needed rest today, and what better way to relax than cycling through lush green countryside and crumbling ruins on one of the Romans greatest engineering feats! The ancient Appian Way, or Appia Antica as its known locally, lies just outside the city walls and tracks over 350 miles from Rome to Brindisi in the heel of Italy. It’s well preserved giant cobbles offers travellers the opportunity to escape the crowds of the city and really get a sense of stepping back in time to an era untouched by modernity. But beware if you stick to the road- you’re in for a bumpy ride!! For those who prefer to admire this piece of history from a more comfortable position, you can take advantage of dirt tracks which have been carved out for your convenience. riding appian way

Before peddling your way back in time, why not stop to explore a darker side to Rome and head deep underground into the network of caves, tunnels and tombs of the Christian Catacombs. Note- If you’re not keen on confined spaces, the dark or the dead, a tour around this place probably isn’t for you!

After you surface from below and have lost a couple of hours cruising on your bike, enjoy a late lunch in the garden oasis of the Appia Antica Caffe, before making your way back along the cobbles to catch the bus where todays adventure began at St. Sebastian Catacombs.

The logistics (Day 3): Take the metro to stop CIRCO MASSIOMO (near to the Colosseum). Cost approx. €1.50 each way from Termini. Walk outside the station to the bus stop on your left and take Bus 118 to Stop St. Sebastian. After visiting the Catacombs, take a pleasant 10/15 minute stroll along the cobbles to the Appia Antica Caffe where you can hire bikes for a good price. We paid € 9 each for 3 hours of rental. Bike hire is calculated per hour of rental and payment is made when you return you bikes to the café. One form of ID for one person in your group must be left with the café for the duration of your ride (http://www.appiaanticacaffe.it/new/index.php/en/bike-rental).

Take advantage of: Discounts: Under 25s can claim discount when purchasing the ticket which gets you into the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palestine Hill. ID must be shown proving age.

Watch out for: Pickpockets. Like most tourist hotspots around the world, Rome has many pickpockets operating within the Metro system and on the streets, particularly around the major sights. Be vigilant with your belongings and don’t be distracted by decoys such as that cute puppy “all on its own”.

Remember to:

Check the opening days/ times of the attractions you are visiting (many shut on alternate days) and arrive early to avoid long queues.
Purchase bus tickets from Tobacco shops before boarding a bus and be sure to buy return tickets if you’re heading out to Appia Antica!!
Always carry a bottle of water with you. The Mediterranean heat and lots of walking can be a killer!

Our Hostel Pick: Freedom Traveller – A cheap and cheerful hostel well situated in the centre of Rome, close to Termini Station. If its luxury you’re after then this place isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a friendly, sociable atmosphere close to all the Must-See’s then this hostel will be perfect for any budget-conscious traveller! Take advantage of the free nibbles and wine in the evening, and continental breakfast in the morning!

Our month to travel: March/ April. The weather was cool enough to comfortably enjoy roaming the streets and seeing the sights for hours on end; but warm enough to warrant a refreshing pit stop at one of Rome’s many Gelaterias. The evening is generally a lot cooler at this time of year so be sure to pack a warm jacket. Note– Rome and particularly the Vatican City will become a major Tourist destination around the Easter period with millions flocking from around the world in hopes of watching the Easter Services. Avoid this holiday period if crowds aren’t for you.

England: Seeing a country through new eyes

March 31, 2015July 15, 2015 / Backpacks Boots & Wanderlust / 4 Comments

England is a country steeped in culture and history which has scenery to rival some of the most beautiful spots on this planet. But as a young 20 something eager to escape this place I knew as home, I would often find myself sat in the coffee shops of Liverpool watching groups of wide eyed tourists shuffling one by one out of big red buses (maps and cameras in hand), and I couldn’t help but wonder…. Why? Why would all of these people consciously choose to travel thousands of miles across the world to come here? Out of all the destinations…all of the amazing things to see…why England!?

But the truth is, all of those tourists knew something I didn’t. I’d become blinded by ignorance and intolerance of my own country and had never stopped for a second to consider what lay waiting for me to discover right outside my own front door.

It wasn’t until sometime after I returned home from our first big Backpacking adventure, that I began to see England for all it really is and all it has to offer. Determined not to become entrapped by the constraints and routine of life back home, we were forced for the first time to make the most of what we had around us and it was truly beautiful.

In just a 10 minute cycle we could be sat on the promenade of Crosby beach watching the sun set over the statues of Anthony Gormley ‘Another Place’. To say it was as atmospheric as watching the sun disappear into the horizon over the red sand of Uluru would be a lie, but it still offered the opportunity to ‘lose yourself’ for a while in that moment.

In just a 2 hour train ride we could be amongst the hustle, bustle and grandeur of London Town for a long weekend packed full of delicious tastes; incredible architecture; amazing night life; and more culture than you could ever hope to find.

In just a 2 and a half hour car journey we could be breathlessly bagging peaks, kayaking on pristine waters, standing beneath tumbling waterfalls or steaming down muddy mountain bike trails, in what has become our favourite adventure playground- The picturesque Lake District.

In just a six hour car journey we could be ripping it up on the surf in Newquay, walking along sections of the beautiful South West Costal Path or aimlessly wondering around cobbled Cornish alleyways, admiring the weathered houses, their exteriors curiously decorated with sea shells.

And for those occasions when we had a little more time on our hands, there was plenty to challenge both the mind and body. The C2C cycle; National 3 Peaks Challenge; Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge; and the Cumbrian Way are just some of the longer distance physical adventures that travellers can embark on, which offer stunning scenery and a real sense of accomplishment at the end of it.

But there’s more to England than what you can see and do. England offers a feeling quite like nowhere else I’ve been. It’s in the cream teas; the fish and chips; the politeness of its people; the humour of the north; the charm of its villages; the crackling fires of its cosy country pubs; and the proudness of its castles. It’s that warm feeling I get, that I can’t quite find the words to describe, but it’s quintessentially English.

So what have I learnt from my new found England? I’ve learnt that travel isn’t just about heading overseas. It’s about taking the time to explore and appreciate what we have right in front of us. As Marcel Proust eloquently puts it: ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.’

For me, the beauty of England lies in its small stature. A country perfectly sized to travel around quickly and easily which offers something for everyone. A place that even the most well-travelled would struggle not to be impressed by. A place where the notorious wet and windy weather shouldn’t dampen your day or put you off visiting…. After all, as a wise person once said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothing”.

Backpacks, Boots & Wanderlust

gapyear

Cool off this Summer in 5 of the TOP water holes NZ’s South Island has to offer

10 signs you’ve made the leap from Novice Backpacker to practically a local in Asia

Rome: A city frozen in time

England: Seeing a country through new eyes