Home exchange locations
Jul 1st, 2011, 07:23 PM
#1
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Home exchange locations
Next winter from the end of December till into the first week in April 2012.
We will be exchanging homes with 10 New Zealanders.
My question deals with the length of stay in these particular regions
And if there is enough to see for 1 week or 2
I can either fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch or visa versa.
1. Christchurch (we can only stay 1 week here)
2. Dunedin
3. Alexandria
4. Nelson (we can only stay 1 week here)
5. Wellington (we can only stay 1 week here)
6. Palmerston North
7. Kuratau
8. Tauranga
9. Hamilton
10. Tikipunga
We will be exchanging homes with 10 New Zealanders.
My question deals with the length of stay in these particular regions
And if there is enough to see for 1 week or 2
I can either fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch or visa versa.
1. Christchurch (we can only stay 1 week here)
2. Dunedin
3. Alexandria
4. Nelson (we can only stay 1 week here)
5. Wellington (we can only stay 1 week here)
6. Palmerston North
7. Kuratau
8. Tauranga
9. Hamilton
10. Tikipunga
Jul 1st, 2011, 08:00 PM
#2
I'm jealous.
I personally would find it hard to fill a week or two IN Alexandra, but there's plenty to see in the vicinity. Queenstown is less than 90 minutes away, Glenorchy is a further 40 minutes, Wanaka is about 1:15, and you're only 25 minutes away from some fantastic wineries in Cromwell and Bannockburn. Lake Dunstan and Lake Hawea are also in the area and there are excellent walking tracks just about everywhere. I think it would make a decent base for exploring the region if you're not opposed to some driving.
I doubt you'll having trouble filling your time in around Christchurch either. Waipara is 40 minutes north (wineries and a couple of tracks), Akarora and Rakaia Gorge are easy day trips from Christchurch. Kaikoura is a longer drive, something like 2.5 hours, but if you wanted to take a whale watching tour, you could spend a night there easily enough. Arthur's Pass isn't too far from Christchurch either - lots of nice walks up there.
Same with Dunedin...plenty to do in the vicinity to keep one busy. You might enjoy the Southern Scenic Route too, maybe head down towards the Catlins and spend a night somewhere before heading back to Dunedin.
Same for Nelson...plenty to do in the vicinity...Abel Tasman, Ruby Bay, Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. Further afield is Takaka and Collingwood - a bit far for a day trip, but easily done with an overnight.
I personally would find it hard to fill a week or two IN Alexandra, but there's plenty to see in the vicinity. Queenstown is less than 90 minutes away, Glenorchy is a further 40 minutes, Wanaka is about 1:15, and you're only 25 minutes away from some fantastic wineries in Cromwell and Bannockburn. Lake Dunstan and Lake Hawea are also in the area and there are excellent walking tracks just about everywhere. I think it would make a decent base for exploring the region if you're not opposed to some driving.
I doubt you'll having trouble filling your time in around Christchurch either. Waipara is 40 minutes north (wineries and a couple of tracks), Akarora and Rakaia Gorge are easy day trips from Christchurch. Kaikoura is a longer drive, something like 2.5 hours, but if you wanted to take a whale watching tour, you could spend a night there easily enough. Arthur's Pass isn't too far from Christchurch either - lots of nice walks up there.
Same with Dunedin...plenty to do in the vicinity to keep one busy. You might enjoy the Southern Scenic Route too, maybe head down towards the Catlins and spend a night somewhere before heading back to Dunedin.
Same for Nelson...plenty to do in the vicinity...Abel Tasman, Ruby Bay, Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. Further afield is Takaka and Collingwood - a bit far for a day trip, but easily done with an overnight.
Jul 1st, 2011, 08:33 PM
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Thanks for your reply Melnq8,
I forgot to mention that we are also exchanging cars
with the exception of the 1 week stays as they are
hospitality stays. Am somewhat concerned about
the Christchurch stay being the earthquake and all.
The stay is 25 km south.
The difficulty is knowing just how long to visit each
exchange. I would have preferred Queenstown to
Alexandra but with home exchanges you do not
have that flexibility. But we love to drive around so
I think we will be able to see a lot in that area. The
Alexandria exchange is a vacation home on the Clutha
river. They are alpaca farmers in Invercargill and have invited
us for a night there if we want to do the Scenic Southern Route.
Norsky
I forgot to mention that we are also exchanging cars
with the exception of the 1 week stays as they are
hospitality stays. Am somewhat concerned about
the Christchurch stay being the earthquake and all.
The stay is 25 km south.
The difficulty is knowing just how long to visit each
exchange. I would have preferred Queenstown to
Alexandra but with home exchanges you do not
have that flexibility. But we love to drive around so
I think we will be able to see a lot in that area. The
Alexandria exchange is a vacation home on the Clutha
river. They are alpaca farmers in Invercargill and have invited
us for a night there if we want to do the Scenic Southern Route.
Norsky
Jul 1st, 2011, 10:03 PM
#4
Sounds like a nice trip Norksy.
We passed through Christchurch twice on our trip last month, skirting the city center both times. I'd think you'd be fine 25 km south of Christchurch, what town/suburb is the home in?
We passed through Christchurch twice on our trip last month, skirting the city center both times. I'd think you'd be fine 25 km south of Christchurch, what town/suburb is the home in?
Jul 2nd, 2011, 04:04 PM
#6
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Here are some tips for your Dunedin visit:
Dunedin is a university town, so there is a lot going on and it has many attractions. Because it is on the coast, it is also scenic, with splendid beaches to the north and south.
The area around it is great; you will enjoy being there. If you enjoy hiking, there are so many trails, paths, and beaches to walk on. As Dunedin is the wildlife capital of NZ, you will often encounter wildlife, especially at the beaches, where you might see seals, sea lions, penguins, and, of course, birds.
My favorite tourist attraction is Penguin Place. This is on the Otago Peninsula, which is east of Dunedin city (the Otago Peninsula is part of greater Dunedin). Penguin Place is about a 35 to 40 minute drive from downtown Dunedin. This is a privately owned and operated working farm, where you can observe the rare and endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin up close from a network of camouflaged trenches. While you can find Yellow-Eyed Penguins at a few local beaches, this is the best place to see them. You are less likely to disturb the penguins here. Penguin Place also has a small "hospital" where they rehabilitate injured and weakened penguins. When I was last there, the "hospital" was not only treating Yellow-Eyed Penguins, but also Fjordland Crested Penguins, and a Snares Crested Penguin.
http://www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/pengu...peninsula.html
http://www.penguinplace.co.nz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otago_Peninsula
Near Penguin Place, also at the end of the Otago Peninsula (at Tairoa Head), is the Royal Albatross Colony. This is also a rare species, whose population is considered vulnerable. This is also a good place for spotting rare Stewart Island Shags and other more common shag species. The tour of historic Fort Tairoa is interesting, as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Royal_Albatross
http://www.albatross.org.nz/index.html
You can sign up for a tour that will take you to both of the above attractions at the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre about a block from the Octagon in the city center:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/isite
A tour will probably be cheaper than driving yourself and paying for admission at the door. Some of the tours include a harbor cruise and/or a scenic drive over the heights of the Otago Peninsula.
On the other, north, side of the Otago Harbor you can find the quaint small town of Port Chalmers (a container and cruise ship port with a few nice shops, restaurants and cafes). Drive beyond Port Chalmers to the spit and you will reach Aramoana and the Mole, which is another good place for viewing wildlife and for walking along the beach:
http://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-a...ana-beach.aspx
Also on the north side of Otago Harbor, you can find Orokunui Ecosanctuary. On a nice day, this is a great spot for spending a few hours, walking on its trails, looking at the native plants and birds. Or have a cup of tea in the cafe of the cafe of their gorgeous "green" building. The views are wonderful.
http://www.orokonui.org.nz/
Dunedin's Botanic Garden is such a pleasant place, where you can stroll for hours. On a nice day, bring along a good book and find a bench where you can spend a few hours reading. The hills of the Botanic Garden offers splendid views of the city and the garden also has an excellent aviary.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/articl...tanic-gardens/
http://www.atoz-nz.com/gardens.asp
The Otago Museum is well worth visiting; the displays are interesting and the building is attractive, comfortable, and houses a cafe. It opens onto a huge grassy lawn with benches shaded by trees and is just steps from the University of Otago. The last time I was in Dunedin, I attended an interesting lecture at the Museum about the return of Southern Right Whales to the South Island (the University of Otago's Marine Sciences Program is highly regarded and is involved in research; you can actually visit the program's aquarium on the Otago Peninsula). The excellent University Book Shop is right across from the museum. If you like books, you could spend hours here.
http://www.otagomuseum.govt.nz/
http://www.marine.ac.nz/
http://www.unibooks.co.nz/
The Octagon is the center of Dunedin's commercial district and it houses shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, where you can find another nice cafe, and, often, some interesting exhibitions. There is another movie theater about a block away that shows foreign films, art films and documentaries.
A lot of tourists enjoy visiting Larnach Castle (but I have not been there):
http://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/index.pasp
Because you will be there for a while, you will want to check out the Saturday morning Farmer's Market at the Dunedin Railway Station, which features locally grown and made food, such as organically grown vegetables, cured venison, fish, baked goods, honey and more. This is the happening place on Saturday morning.
http://www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz/
The Dunedin Railway Station is the most beautiful of Dunedin's many beautiful heritage buildings. The Taieri Gorge Railway departs from here:
http://www.taieri.co.nz/about.htm
Other good places to shop for groceries are the supermarkets. The New World Market at Centre City, which is downtown, has lots of gourmet items and a great wine selection. Prices are generally cheaper, though, at the supermarket Countdown, which is just a few blocks away. Pak'n'Save is another large discount supermarket a short distance from the city center. Because Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city with people from all corners of the globe, you can also find specialty Asian grocery stores, as well as rmany ethnic restaurants.
You might want to take a tour of the Speight's Brewery and/or eat at its restaurant (though I think the food is a little pricey for what it is). The beer and wine selections are excellent and the restaurant itself is attractive: cavernous, dark, lively. Locals go to Speight's to fill up giant jugs of water for free or for a small donation (there is a spigot near the entrance to the building that delivers water from a spring deep below the brewery).
http://www.speights.co.nz/Home.aspx
You can also tour the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, which is near the Railway Station. I've never taken this tour (I don't eat chocolate), but it looks like fun.
http://www.cadburyworld.co.nz/
In summer, which is when you will be there, the St. Clair pool opens. It is an outdoor pool that overlooks lovely St. Clair Beach. There are a few restaurants and cafes across from the beach. Lots of surfers in the water. Dunedin surfers will tell you they have the best breaks on the South Island (though I have no personal experience with this). A thick wetsuit is required, as the water is surely COLD. Another popular indoor pool close to the city center is the Moana Pool, which also has a gym.
Another popular beach to visit and where you are like to encounter wildlife is Sandfly Bay. Unlike St. Clair Beach, which is a city beach, Sandfly Bay is accessed by way of a trail that cuts through sheep grazing pastures and sand dunes. It requires a bit of a hike.
http://tramper.co.nz/?1410
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandfly_Bay
About 75 north of Dunedin is the city of Oamaru, which has a beautifully preserved historic center and houses the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. The penguins start coming in as the sun goes down, though during the day you might be able to see some chicks in the nursery (the 'Blue Wing'). Their nest boxes are behind glass and the lighting is dim, but the chicks are adorable; though be forewarned: the fishy smell is strong. There are additional nest boxes outside the "Blue Wing."
http://www.penguins.co.nz/
http://www.visitoamaru.co.nz/visit/30-must-dos.aspx
It only takes about 90 minutes to get from Dunedin to Oamaru if you drive straight through, but you probably wouldn't want to do this. I suggest stops at Blueskin Bay estuary, where you might spot Royal Spoonbills and Black Swans, and at Moeraki Beach, where you can admire the famous Moeraki Boulders.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/info/Moeraki-Boulders.htm
There is also a popular restaurant in Moeraki town, called Fleur's Place:
http://www.fleursplace.com/
Dunedin is a university town, so there is a lot going on and it has many attractions. Because it is on the coast, it is also scenic, with splendid beaches to the north and south.
The area around it is great; you will enjoy being there. If you enjoy hiking, there are so many trails, paths, and beaches to walk on. As Dunedin is the wildlife capital of NZ, you will often encounter wildlife, especially at the beaches, where you might see seals, sea lions, penguins, and, of course, birds.
My favorite tourist attraction is Penguin Place. This is on the Otago Peninsula, which is east of Dunedin city (the Otago Peninsula is part of greater Dunedin). Penguin Place is about a 35 to 40 minute drive from downtown Dunedin. This is a privately owned and operated working farm, where you can observe the rare and endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin up close from a network of camouflaged trenches. While you can find Yellow-Eyed Penguins at a few local beaches, this is the best place to see them. You are less likely to disturb the penguins here. Penguin Place also has a small "hospital" where they rehabilitate injured and weakened penguins. When I was last there, the "hospital" was not only treating Yellow-Eyed Penguins, but also Fjordland Crested Penguins, and a Snares Crested Penguin.
http://www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/pengu...peninsula.html
http://www.penguinplace.co.nz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otago_Peninsula
Near Penguin Place, also at the end of the Otago Peninsula (at Tairoa Head), is the Royal Albatross Colony. This is also a rare species, whose population is considered vulnerable. This is also a good place for spotting rare Stewart Island Shags and other more common shag species. The tour of historic Fort Tairoa is interesting, as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Royal_Albatross
http://www.albatross.org.nz/index.html
You can sign up for a tour that will take you to both of the above attractions at the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre about a block from the Octagon in the city center:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/isite
A tour will probably be cheaper than driving yourself and paying for admission at the door. Some of the tours include a harbor cruise and/or a scenic drive over the heights of the Otago Peninsula.
On the other, north, side of the Otago Harbor you can find the quaint small town of Port Chalmers (a container and cruise ship port with a few nice shops, restaurants and cafes). Drive beyond Port Chalmers to the spit and you will reach Aramoana and the Mole, which is another good place for viewing wildlife and for walking along the beach:
http://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-a...ana-beach.aspx
Also on the north side of Otago Harbor, you can find Orokunui Ecosanctuary. On a nice day, this is a great spot for spending a few hours, walking on its trails, looking at the native plants and birds. Or have a cup of tea in the cafe of the cafe of their gorgeous "green" building. The views are wonderful.
http://www.orokonui.org.nz/
Dunedin's Botanic Garden is such a pleasant place, where you can stroll for hours. On a nice day, bring along a good book and find a bench where you can spend a few hours reading. The hills of the Botanic Garden offers splendid views of the city and the garden also has an excellent aviary.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/articl...tanic-gardens/
http://www.atoz-nz.com/gardens.asp
The Otago Museum is well worth visiting; the displays are interesting and the building is attractive, comfortable, and houses a cafe. It opens onto a huge grassy lawn with benches shaded by trees and is just steps from the University of Otago. The last time I was in Dunedin, I attended an interesting lecture at the Museum about the return of Southern Right Whales to the South Island (the University of Otago's Marine Sciences Program is highly regarded and is involved in research; you can actually visit the program's aquarium on the Otago Peninsula). The excellent University Book Shop is right across from the museum. If you like books, you could spend hours here.
http://www.otagomuseum.govt.nz/
http://www.marine.ac.nz/
http://www.unibooks.co.nz/
The Octagon is the center of Dunedin's commercial district and it houses shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, where you can find another nice cafe, and, often, some interesting exhibitions. There is another movie theater about a block away that shows foreign films, art films and documentaries.
A lot of tourists enjoy visiting Larnach Castle (but I have not been there):
http://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/index.pasp
Because you will be there for a while, you will want to check out the Saturday morning Farmer's Market at the Dunedin Railway Station, which features locally grown and made food, such as organically grown vegetables, cured venison, fish, baked goods, honey and more. This is the happening place on Saturday morning.
http://www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz/
The Dunedin Railway Station is the most beautiful of Dunedin's many beautiful heritage buildings. The Taieri Gorge Railway departs from here:
http://www.taieri.co.nz/about.htm
Other good places to shop for groceries are the supermarkets. The New World Market at Centre City, which is downtown, has lots of gourmet items and a great wine selection. Prices are generally cheaper, though, at the supermarket Countdown, which is just a few blocks away. Pak'n'Save is another large discount supermarket a short distance from the city center. Because Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city with people from all corners of the globe, you can also find specialty Asian grocery stores, as well as rmany ethnic restaurants.
You might want to take a tour of the Speight's Brewery and/or eat at its restaurant (though I think the food is a little pricey for what it is). The beer and wine selections are excellent and the restaurant itself is attractive: cavernous, dark, lively. Locals go to Speight's to fill up giant jugs of water for free or for a small donation (there is a spigot near the entrance to the building that delivers water from a spring deep below the brewery).
http://www.speights.co.nz/Home.aspx
You can also tour the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, which is near the Railway Station. I've never taken this tour (I don't eat chocolate), but it looks like fun.
http://www.cadburyworld.co.nz/
In summer, which is when you will be there, the St. Clair pool opens. It is an outdoor pool that overlooks lovely St. Clair Beach. There are a few restaurants and cafes across from the beach. Lots of surfers in the water. Dunedin surfers will tell you they have the best breaks on the South Island (though I have no personal experience with this). A thick wetsuit is required, as the water is surely COLD. Another popular indoor pool close to the city center is the Moana Pool, which also has a gym.
Another popular beach to visit and where you are like to encounter wildlife is Sandfly Bay. Unlike St. Clair Beach, which is a city beach, Sandfly Bay is accessed by way of a trail that cuts through sheep grazing pastures and sand dunes. It requires a bit of a hike.
http://tramper.co.nz/?1410
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandfly_Bay
About 75 north of Dunedin is the city of Oamaru, which has a beautifully preserved historic center and houses the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. The penguins start coming in as the sun goes down, though during the day you might be able to see some chicks in the nursery (the 'Blue Wing'). Their nest boxes are behind glass and the lighting is dim, but the chicks are adorable; though be forewarned: the fishy smell is strong. There are additional nest boxes outside the "Blue Wing."
http://www.penguins.co.nz/
http://www.visitoamaru.co.nz/visit/30-must-dos.aspx
It only takes about 90 minutes to get from Dunedin to Oamaru if you drive straight through, but you probably wouldn't want to do this. I suggest stops at Blueskin Bay estuary, where you might spot Royal Spoonbills and Black Swans, and at Moeraki Beach, where you can admire the famous Moeraki Boulders.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/info/Moeraki-Boulders.htm
There is also a popular restaurant in Moeraki town, called Fleur's Place:
http://www.fleursplace.com/
Jul 2nd, 2011, 05:28 PM
#7
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I can endorse Penguin Place, The Albatross Colony, The Cadbury tour (it is fun - I was waiting for the Oompa Loompas to come out!), Port Chalmers, the Botanic Gardens, Otago Museum - need two days to take it all in!, Dunedin Railway Station, The Taieri rail trip, and Oamaru, Moeraki and Fleur's Place. Had a wonderful soup and home-made bread for lunch there. I did not like Larnach Castle - had an unpleasant atmosphere for me. However, Olveston House we found incredibly interesting.
http://www.olveston.co.nz/home
Don't miss Hawke's Bay out, if you can fit it in. There is a lot to do and see there. Perhaps take a couple of nights out of Palmerston North for that.
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
While in Kuratau try to visit Orakei Korako, an interesting thermal area tucked away between Taupo and Rotorua, although quite well signposted.
Hope you have a great trip to NZ.
http://www.olveston.co.nz/home
Don't miss Hawke's Bay out, if you can fit it in. There is a lot to do and see there. Perhaps take a couple of nights out of Palmerston North for that.
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
While in Kuratau try to visit Orakei Korako, an interesting thermal area tucked away between Taupo and Rotorua, although quite well signposted.
Hope you have a great trip to NZ.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 11:32 PM
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