The carts have been adapted to run on rails and are self-driven.
There are sheep, alpacas and wild berries along the way and you can stop at any time during the eight-hour journey. At the end of the 83-kilometre line is the Whangamomona Hotel, which claims to be the most remote country hotel in New Zealand. The Whanganui River is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterways. Rich in history, it was heavily trafficked in pre-European times and offers an off-road glimpse of sites where early Maori settled. Most river travellers paddle their own canoes, but those less fit can now enjoy more languid trip with extra legroom. River dories are wooden boats with an up-swept bow and stern and flat bottom, similar to old Portuguese fishing boats. Trips last from three to five days, starting from Taumarunui, Ohinepani or Whakahoro
and finishing at Pipiriki
The best way to see country slowly, of course, is on Shanks’ Pony,
aka your own two legs. New Zealand is place. There are long walks, short walks, The Great Walks of the South Island are strictly for the fit.
walking person’s happy steep walks and deep walks. legendary. But some are
Hollyford Track, in the heart of the Fiordland National Park, is slightly less strenuous, but just as grand as its more famous sisters Heaphy, Milford and Routeburn. The scenery is native beech forest, full of ferny
undergrowth with streams to ford and birds to spot. And spectacular waterfalls. The hardy carry their own gear and stay at Department of Conservation huts. For those who want the wonder of the walk, local tribe Ngai Tahu run glamping tours, with gorgeous lodges.
with local guide Located in the pectacular Fiordland National Park the es dramatic Hollyford
Trackis one of the greatest
Wai Destination While bush walks are beautiful, so are walks across New with farmland walks that cover tussock, coastal cliffs and sheep and cattle stations. They are great way to explore privately-owned parts of the country, and taste home: lamb on the barbecue and local produce. Tora Coastal Walk in the southern Wairarapa and beaches. Sauntering rather than speeding through New Zealand is balm for the stressed-out soul. You see more and learn
more. So keep calm and smell the roses.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Melbourne daily for connections to New Zealand. sap
View reefs, lagoons sand dunes at Tora Coastal Walk in the southern Wairarapa is an award: winning three-day walk across ridge-tops and beaches.
Fy SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2016
Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2016 Sep-Oct, pages 39-43. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.
