Survivors of Norway massacre return to Utoya island
Over 750 people – survivors and their families – made the painful journey back to Utoya for the first time since the atrocity, when right wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 69 young activists at a political summer camp.
But despite the horrors of that day, many of the survivors said that it was cathartic to be back on the island. "It was incredibly painful to be there, but it was good to be back," said Eskild Pedersen, 27, the leader of Norway's Workers' Youth League. "Not all the survivors wanted to come back, and there are some who will never come back. We grieve in different ways, and we respect that. "I think about it every day, and I cry sometimes. But to me it felt right to go back," he told Aftenposten newspaper.
Per Anders Langerod, 26, the former deputy leader of Oslo Labour Youth, agreed. "It's much better to be back than I had imagined," he said. "I have so many images running through my head from that day, so in a way it was nice to get other impressions."
Mr Langerod was inside the main house on the island when Breivik began shooting. He crept down to the lake shore, and hid on a rocky ledge before slipping into the chilly waters to conceal himself. On Saturday he returned to that rocky ledge, and also saw the spot from where Breivik stood shooting. "It was especially important for me to see the spot where my friends died," Mr Langerod said. "Here we lit candles and laid flowers.
"Of course there was grief. We comforted each other. For some it is terrible to get back on the island, with all the memories. But there is also a cheerful mood in that we came back and saw that it was not dangerous anymore."
With the group gathered in front of the main house, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg delivered a rousing speech, promising that he would stay on the island for next year's summer camp. The applause was so loud that it could be heard from the farm on the other side of Tyrifjord lake. "Obviously it's very hard for people to return, but it's also an important part of the grieving process – to process all the impressions you remember, and to sit back and take stock," said Martin Henriksen, a former youth leader, who had been at another camp and was heading back to Utoya when the shooting began.
"I was on the other side of the strait, paralysed by shock and concern over those who were on the island," he recalled. "After the shooting there was a double reaction – relief over meeting people there, and then sorrow over those who never came back. "Returning is different for each person, and we all had different expectations about what the experience would be.
"But I think it's an important part of coming to terms with what happened. Although it is heavy, people say that it is good to have been there."Norway will on Sunday hold a national day of remembrance with a concert by the country's top performers, which will be attended by the royal family, heads of government of other Nordic countries as well as survivors and their families.
Saturday's emotional visit followed a trip on Friday for the families of those who died on the island. Per Brekke, logistics chief of the operation, said planning the visits had been a big challenge. Police had sealed off the island since the massacre, mapping out Breivik's murderous path and then cleaning up what had become a grim crime scene. The Norwegian government also marshalled a large team of psychiatrists, helpers and volunteers to guide the survivors and their families as they returned to the site. Police on the scene wore a different uniform to the fake one that Breivik donned in order to lull his victims into a false sense of security. Adrian Pracon, 21, came face-to-face with the killer several times, and at one point lay still on the ground, pretending to be already dead.
"I was shaking terribly, I was also breathing very fast but it all stopped at that moment because the body understands that it must be still," he said. "Suddenly I could hear him place his boots right in front of my face. I could feel the warmth of the gun barrel he was pointing at me. I thought: 'Now it is over. Now he's got me'." The killer aimed at Mr Pracon's head and fired a shot, but somehow missed and the bullet entered the left shoulder.
Mr Pracon added, who spent a week in hospital, added of yesterday's trip: "We sang 'we are all members of AUF (the Workers' Youth League)'. People were crying and hugging each other. It was beautiful.
"I feel an unbreakable bond towards my friends. We have been through hell together. We have pushed ourselves to survive." He said he planned to return for next year's summer camp, and that people were already talking about preparations for it. "After all this pain and misery, it was also good to see joy. Now I have a hope for the future. It will get better."
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But despite the horrors of that day, many of the survivors said that it was cathartic to be back on the island. "It was incredibly painful to be there, but it was good to be back," said Eskild Pedersen, 27, the leader of Norway's Workers' Youth League. "Not all the survivors wanted to come back, and there are some who will never come back. We grieve in different ways, and we respect that. "I think about it every day, and I cry sometimes. But to me it felt right to go back," he told Aftenposten newspaper.
Per Anders Langerod, 26, the former deputy leader of Oslo Labour Youth, agreed. "It's much better to be back than I had imagined," he said. "I have so many images running through my head from that day, so in a way it was nice to get other impressions."
Mr Langerod was inside the main house on the island when Breivik began shooting. He crept down to the lake shore, and hid on a rocky ledge before slipping into the chilly waters to conceal himself. On Saturday he returned to that rocky ledge, and also saw the spot from where Breivik stood shooting. "It was especially important for me to see the spot where my friends died," Mr Langerod said. "Here we lit candles and laid flowers.
"Of course there was grief. We comforted each other. For some it is terrible to get back on the island, with all the memories. But there is also a cheerful mood in that we came back and saw that it was not dangerous anymore."
With the group gathered in front of the main house, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg delivered a rousing speech, promising that he would stay on the island for next year's summer camp. The applause was so loud that it could be heard from the farm on the other side of Tyrifjord lake. "Obviously it's very hard for people to return, but it's also an important part of the grieving process – to process all the impressions you remember, and to sit back and take stock," said Martin Henriksen, a former youth leader, who had been at another camp and was heading back to Utoya when the shooting began.
"I was on the other side of the strait, paralysed by shock and concern over those who were on the island," he recalled. "After the shooting there was a double reaction – relief over meeting people there, and then sorrow over those who never came back. "Returning is different for each person, and we all had different expectations about what the experience would be.
"But I think it's an important part of coming to terms with what happened. Although it is heavy, people say that it is good to have been there."Norway will on Sunday hold a national day of remembrance with a concert by the country's top performers, which will be attended by the royal family, heads of government of other Nordic countries as well as survivors and their families.
Saturday's emotional visit followed a trip on Friday for the families of those who died on the island. Per Brekke, logistics chief of the operation, said planning the visits had been a big challenge. Police had sealed off the island since the massacre, mapping out Breivik's murderous path and then cleaning up what had become a grim crime scene. The Norwegian government also marshalled a large team of psychiatrists, helpers and volunteers to guide the survivors and their families as they returned to the site. Police on the scene wore a different uniform to the fake one that Breivik donned in order to lull his victims into a false sense of security. Adrian Pracon, 21, came face-to-face with the killer several times, and at one point lay still on the ground, pretending to be already dead.
"I was shaking terribly, I was also breathing very fast but it all stopped at that moment because the body understands that it must be still," he said. "Suddenly I could hear him place his boots right in front of my face. I could feel the warmth of the gun barrel he was pointing at me. I thought: 'Now it is over. Now he's got me'." The killer aimed at Mr Pracon's head and fired a shot, but somehow missed and the bullet entered the left shoulder.
Mr Pracon added, who spent a week in hospital, added of yesterday's trip: "We sang 'we are all members of AUF (the Workers' Youth League)'. People were crying and hugging each other. It was beautiful.
"I feel an unbreakable bond towards my friends. We have been through hell together. We have pushed ourselves to survive." He said he planned to return for next year's summer camp, and that people were already talking about preparations for it. "After all this pain and misery, it was also good to see joy. Now I have a hope for the future. It will get better."
Island detention centre operator blasted by union
THE private company that runs the Christmas Island detention centre should be stripped of its contract, and control of the network returned to the Commonwealth, says the union representing the centre's workers.
The head of the Christmas Island union, Kaye Bernard, warned privatisation of the detention centres - which have been stricken by riots, overcrowding and suicide attempts this year - had failed and ''compromised'' employee safety.
She has accused SERCO, the British company reaping millions of dollars from its five-year contract with the federal government to run the detention centres, of misleading a parliamentary inquiry on the extent of the training it provides to workers.
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She said the company, which does not provide access to its records to Immigration Department staff within the centres, is guilty of significant under-reporting. Politicians, including opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, will travel to Christmas Island tomorrow for inquiry hearings. In her submission to the inquiry, Ms Bernard has called for an independent audit of the SERCO contract by the Commonwealth Auditor-General, and for SERCO logs to be tabled.
''Given the extent of breaches of the contract that has compromised the safety of workers, we have little or no confidence in SERCO continuing in the contract. We are asking for the public service to do away with privatisation. Clearly, privatisation has not worked,'' she said. The Christmas Island union represents the army of private guards, administration staff, drivers, cleaners and other workers who keep the massive North West Point and Phosphate Hill detention centres in operation.
The CPSU, which represents the public servants working for the Department of Immigration, supported the call for detention centres to come back under government control. In its own submission to the inquiry, the CPSU has detailed complaints that SERCO guards are not adequately trained, are giving incorrect information to asylum seekers, do not keep sufficient records, are overworked, and that workplaces are unsafe.
''SERCO should employ and roster sufficient guards,'' the CPSU said. Immigration staff reported becoming angry, and being embarrassed, over SERCO behaviour towards asylum seekers. There are 75 Immigration Department staff on Christmas Island, and 338 working in detention centres across the network. SERCO has refused to disclose its staffing levels.
Nine in 10 departmental staff at detention centres reported being stressed. One said: ''Christmas Island - I've seen things go wrong badly and the staff just don't know what to do.''
The public service union has called for all staff to be equipped with duress alarms, and has complained officers were having to conduct interviews with detainees in stairwells and kitchens at some centres because there were no offices. Offices and even lunch rooms had been reclaimed as accommodation as the centres became crowded with too many asylum seekers.
SERCO sent a legal team to Christmas Island last week to prepare its records in advance of the inquiry. In its submission, SERCO says it is performing its role in ''extremely difficult'' conditions due to the increased number of asylum seekers last year, and overcrowding. There are 4427 boat arrivals in detention on the mainland, and 811 on Christmas Island.
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The head of the Christmas Island union, Kaye Bernard, warned privatisation of the detention centres - which have been stricken by riots, overcrowding and suicide attempts this year - had failed and ''compromised'' employee safety.
She has accused SERCO, the British company reaping millions of dollars from its five-year contract with the federal government to run the detention centres, of misleading a parliamentary inquiry on the extent of the training it provides to workers.
Advertisement: Story continues below
She said the company, which does not provide access to its records to Immigration Department staff within the centres, is guilty of significant under-reporting. Politicians, including opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, will travel to Christmas Island tomorrow for inquiry hearings. In her submission to the inquiry, Ms Bernard has called for an independent audit of the SERCO contract by the Commonwealth Auditor-General, and for SERCO logs to be tabled.
''Given the extent of breaches of the contract that has compromised the safety of workers, we have little or no confidence in SERCO continuing in the contract. We are asking for the public service to do away with privatisation. Clearly, privatisation has not worked,'' she said. The Christmas Island union represents the army of private guards, administration staff, drivers, cleaners and other workers who keep the massive North West Point and Phosphate Hill detention centres in operation.
The CPSU, which represents the public servants working for the Department of Immigration, supported the call for detention centres to come back under government control. In its own submission to the inquiry, the CPSU has detailed complaints that SERCO guards are not adequately trained, are giving incorrect information to asylum seekers, do not keep sufficient records, are overworked, and that workplaces are unsafe.
''SERCO should employ and roster sufficient guards,'' the CPSU said. Immigration staff reported becoming angry, and being embarrassed, over SERCO behaviour towards asylum seekers. There are 75 Immigration Department staff on Christmas Island, and 338 working in detention centres across the network. SERCO has refused to disclose its staffing levels.
Nine in 10 departmental staff at detention centres reported being stressed. One said: ''Christmas Island - I've seen things go wrong badly and the staff just don't know what to do.''
The public service union has called for all staff to be equipped with duress alarms, and has complained officers were having to conduct interviews with detainees in stairwells and kitchens at some centres because there were no offices. Offices and even lunch rooms had been reclaimed as accommodation as the centres became crowded with too many asylum seekers.
SERCO sent a legal team to Christmas Island last week to prepare its records in advance of the inquiry. In its submission, SERCO says it is performing its role in ''extremely difficult'' conditions due to the increased number of asylum seekers last year, and overcrowding. There are 4427 boat arrivals in detention on the mainland, and 811 on Christmas Island.
Staten Island Yankees take aim at NY-Penn title
It seems every time the Staten Island Yankees win the McNamara Division of the New York-Penn League, the Brooklyn Cyclones are waiting for them in the playoffs — and vice versa.
The local rivals were feeling each other out Saturday night at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in a meaningless contest — an 11-4 Brooklyn victory, for the record — and will essentially scrimmage again Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn as they finish off the regular-season schedule.
Then, come Tuesday, it’s for all the marbles. The Yankees will have the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by virtue of the league’s best record, and that means the semifinal opener will be at MCU Park Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The second game will be in St. George Wednesday. Game 3, if necessary, would be Thursday at the RCBB. The teams face each other 14 times during the regular season — Brooklyn leads the season series 8-5 heading into today’s finale — and Yankee manager Tom Slater knows that the team that executes will claim the three-game series.
“There will be no surprises in this series,” Slater explained. “The Cyclones are a class team and I have all the respect in the world for Rich (Donnelly, the Brooklyn manager). All the games between the teams this year have been good ones and I don’t see anything changing in the playoff games.”
Slater has already set his pitching for the series, going with Bryan Mitchell in Tuesday’s opener. The right-hander got off to a slow start this season but came on strong in the second half. Matt Tracy will start game No. 2. The southpaw was another late bloomer and averaged just over a strikeout per inning.
Game 3 will go to William Oliver, a right-hander who led the Yanks in innings pitched, strikeouts, and was tied for wins with five.
“Our bullpen has been solid from opening day, but the starters progressed nicely throughout the year,” Slater explained. “Plus, the more experience they got, the more confidence they gained. I have faith in all three of them.
“Another plus is having Nick (McCoy) behind the plate. He has a terrific relationship with the pitching staff and he knows each guy’s strengths.”
The Yankee lineup has been solid all season with a nice mixture of power and speed, and Slater does not expect to do much tinkering with a successful formula.
“This group has worked hard all year and they deserve to be in this position,” the manager added. “It’s simply a terrific collection of young men, and I can say that without a baseball, glove or bat even being involved.”
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The local rivals were feeling each other out Saturday night at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in a meaningless contest — an 11-4 Brooklyn victory, for the record — and will essentially scrimmage again Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn as they finish off the regular-season schedule.
Then, come Tuesday, it’s for all the marbles. The Yankees will have the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by virtue of the league’s best record, and that means the semifinal opener will be at MCU Park Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The second game will be in St. George Wednesday. Game 3, if necessary, would be Thursday at the RCBB. The teams face each other 14 times during the regular season — Brooklyn leads the season series 8-5 heading into today’s finale — and Yankee manager Tom Slater knows that the team that executes will claim the three-game series.
“There will be no surprises in this series,” Slater explained. “The Cyclones are a class team and I have all the respect in the world for Rich (Donnelly, the Brooklyn manager). All the games between the teams this year have been good ones and I don’t see anything changing in the playoff games.”
Slater has already set his pitching for the series, going with Bryan Mitchell in Tuesday’s opener. The right-hander got off to a slow start this season but came on strong in the second half. Matt Tracy will start game No. 2. The southpaw was another late bloomer and averaged just over a strikeout per inning.
Game 3 will go to William Oliver, a right-hander who led the Yanks in innings pitched, strikeouts, and was tied for wins with five.
“Our bullpen has been solid from opening day, but the starters progressed nicely throughout the year,” Slater explained. “Plus, the more experience they got, the more confidence they gained. I have faith in all three of them.
“Another plus is having Nick (McCoy) behind the plate. He has a terrific relationship with the pitching staff and he knows each guy’s strengths.”
The Yankee lineup has been solid all season with a nice mixture of power and speed, and Slater does not expect to do much tinkering with a successful formula.
“This group has worked hard all year and they deserve to be in this position,” the manager added. “It’s simply a terrific collection of young men, and I can say that without a baseball, glove or bat even being involved.”
New Zealand: A Thrill-Seeker's Dream
A country of dramatically diverse environments, New Zealand offers an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
New Zealand's remarkably varied landscape includes beaches, mountains, fjords, glaciers and rain forests, making it one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The small country consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, each boasting a surprising variety of natural wonders as well as urban centers.
If you are planning on visiting New Zealand, be prepared to be mobile in order to experience all the country has to offer. Although the entire size of the island nation is roughly the same as Colorado, there are countless different environments and geographically distinct regions. The best way to truly see the country is to make sure you plan and come ready to explore.
That being said, there are also plenty of options for a more relaxing and peaceful vacation, but after the 12-24 hour plane ride it takes to get there, you should have had plenty of time to rest up. Much of the country lies close to the coastline, making for an overall temperate climate. However, some areas can experience four seasons in one day, as the climate can shift dramatically due to sharp regional contrasts.
New Zealand was one of the last major land masses on Earth to be populated by humans and is the second-closest land mass to Antarctica, behind Chile. The Polynesian Maori arrived on the islands around 800 A.D. and it wasn't until 1840 that they entered into a compact with Britain; they surrendered sovereignty but maintained territorial rights to the land.
The South Island
Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island and is New Zealand's second-largest city. Often referred to as the "Garden City," Christchurch has an impressive park system and features neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the English settlers who founded the city. Here visitors have easy access to sunny beaches and snowy mountaintops within a short drive from the metropolitan center.
Travel south along the eastern coast of the South Island to the small town of Akaroa on Bank's Peninsula. The route offers some breathtaking views of the mountainous countryside. Once there you can relax in the quaint former French settlement and soak up some of the local culture or take a boating tour of the harbor to see the rare Hector's dolphins, seals and other marine life that thrive in the turquoise waters of the flooded volcano crater.
Experience History
Continuing farther down the coast of the South Island through the Southern Alps you will reach the hilly city of Dunedin, New Zealand's largest city in terms of area. During the journey, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast to marvel at the Moeraki Boulders, huge almost perfectly spherical rocks that date back 60 million years.
The city of Dunedin is a cultural and environmental hot spot with a rich history. The city boasts a well-preserved historic district with Scottish roots, a vibrant art scene and a thriving university life.
For those interested in ecotourism, The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, just outside Dunedin, is an attraction for those looking to learn more about southern New Zealand's remarkably diverse marine life. The Royal Albatross Centre, about an hour outside the city, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, offers a rare chance to see one of the world's largest birds (with a wingspan of up to 11 feet) on the only mainland colony on the planet. Also just outside Dunedin is the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve where visitors can see the rarest penguins on the planet up close and in their native habitat.
Once you reach the bottom tip of the South Island, be sure to stop at Porpoise Bay along the Catlins coast and explore the abundance of rare wildlife and a Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The Catlins coast landscape is sparsely populated and is dominated by lush forests and rocky coastal bays. Another must see site is the Cathedral Caves, located a short walk through a flourishing forest in the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. The coastal caverns can only be seen during low tide and connect under the cliffs, reaching heights of 100 feet.
Fiordland: Dramatic Natural Beauty
As you continue to wrap around the southern tip of the South Island and enter into New Zealand's Fiordland, stop in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Known as the "gateway to the fiords," Te Anau has plenty to explore. Take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to visit the otherworldly glowworm caves. Those looking to stretch their legs a bit can check out the Kepler Track, across the shores of Lake Te Anau. The 100-mile trail can be broken up into more manageable portions and traverses a beautiful route from sandy beaches to lush forest to barren mountain tops, offering breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.
Milford Sound along the west coast of the South Island is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Journey a few hours northwest of Te Anau through the steep, lush terrain of the Fiordland. Milford Sound was carved by ancient glaciers and is surrounded by towering cliffs that feature countless waterfalls. There are also several options for hiking on the series of trails that surround the sound and offer stunning views.
A Thrill-Seeker's Dream
Making your way back north up the western side of the South Island, make sure to visit the city of Queenstown. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown is a thrill seeker's dream. It's chock full of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, ranging from high speed jet boating, canyon swinging to a variety of alpine activities such as skiing. It also is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. Skydiving is a major attraction because jumpers can go as high as 15,000 feet, getting a breathtaking view of the county's landscape from above. Queenstown has a lively feel and features a condensed city center with restaurants, bars and many tourist-oriented shops. There are also several hiking options in and around Queenstown, including the mountain ranges that served as the dramatic backdrop for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Take A Stroll Or A Sip, Relax
Traveling farther north, stop off for a day in the serene lakeside town of Wanaka. Here you can explore the town's picturesque parks that line the shore, offering views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stop at the Rippon Vineyard and Winery and sample some wine while you enjoy the view. New Zealand is known for sauvignon blanc, which grows well in the temperate maritime climate. There are a plethora of wineries throughout the country, thanks to the ideal conditions created by coastal regions bordered by mountain ranges.
Where Glaciers Meet The Forest
Continuing up along the west coast of the South Island through the Haast Pass you will reach the Franz Josef Glacier. This portion of the island is perpetually rainy and often cloudy, but offers stunning landscapes and some of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world. Take a guided hike up the Franz Josef Glacier and experience the rare formation up close as the glacier meets temperate forest.
Heading farther north toward the tip of the South Island, visitors can stop by the famous Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki, a series of visually astonishing limestone formations that have been eroded to create unique rock patterns that jet out from the coastline.
As you make your way farther north, be sure to make time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, just over an hour north from the city of Nelson. Here, visitors can take a guided kayak tour in the Tasman Sea and take in the clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. Explore the many lagoons and coastal caves and be sure to stop and relax on one of the many deserted island beaches.
The North Island
From here, travel east to the town of Picton and catch the interisland ferry for a three-hour ride across the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington on the North Island. Once in Wellington, head up to the Mount Victoria lookout to get you bearings and take in the panoramic view of the city center and harbor. While in Wellington, check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, the country's free national museum, where you can get an overview on Maori history and the diverse natural environment. Wellington is also known for fine dining and nightlife, most of which can be explored on foot.
From Wellington, venture up toward the center of the North Island to the Tongariro National Park. The small town of Turangi is an ideal base for day trips into the park, where visitors can hike around New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, experience world famous trout fishing on the Tongariro River and take in the sights of Mount Tongariro and other volcanoes within the park.
Continue around to the top of Lake Taupo and visit the surreal Craters of the Moon Scenic Reserve. This geothermal phenomenon is caused by magma heating up pools of water deep beneath the ground, causing steam to rise up eerily from the large craters and surrounding ground. Also, explore the nearby geothermal pool sites, which contain geysers, waterfalls, sulfur caves and a series of pools that vary widely in color because of the heated elements in the water.
From here continue north to the Bay of Plenty, one of the sunniest regions in the world. This area is a popular vacation destination for locals and features access to countless water activities and some of the country's most pristine beaches. The region's major city is Tauranga and visitors here will find a bounty of fresh seafood and local fruit such as the kiwi.
Discover Maori History, Unwind
Travel just under an hour inland and stop off in the town of Rotorua, a place deeply rooted in Maori culture. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Polynesian Spas. Here, thermal pools range in temperature from 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and contain minerals that are believed to have a variety of healing properties. Relax in the alkaline pools, surrounded by native flora, while you enjoy the view of Lake Rotorua.
From Rotorua, trek northwest to the city of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails," because it is said to have more boats per capita than anywhere in the world. Auckland is a progressive, multicultural city with a bustling nightlife and a diverse population. While the sprawling, modern city has plenty of metropolitan delights, its natural beauty is never far away as it sits nestled between the Waitemata and Manuka harbors and atop a series of dormant volcanoes, surrounded by lush forest. Explore all the cultural and recreational activities the city has to offer or escape from it all and jet away to a remote island getaway in the nearby Hauraki Gulf.
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New Zealand's remarkably varied landscape includes beaches, mountains, fjords, glaciers and rain forests, making it one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The small country consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, each boasting a surprising variety of natural wonders as well as urban centers.
If you are planning on visiting New Zealand, be prepared to be mobile in order to experience all the country has to offer. Although the entire size of the island nation is roughly the same as Colorado, there are countless different environments and geographically distinct regions. The best way to truly see the country is to make sure you plan and come ready to explore.
That being said, there are also plenty of options for a more relaxing and peaceful vacation, but after the 12-24 hour plane ride it takes to get there, you should have had plenty of time to rest up. Much of the country lies close to the coastline, making for an overall temperate climate. However, some areas can experience four seasons in one day, as the climate can shift dramatically due to sharp regional contrasts.
New Zealand was one of the last major land masses on Earth to be populated by humans and is the second-closest land mass to Antarctica, behind Chile. The Polynesian Maori arrived on the islands around 800 A.D. and it wasn't until 1840 that they entered into a compact with Britain; they surrendered sovereignty but maintained territorial rights to the land.
The South Island
Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island and is New Zealand's second-largest city. Often referred to as the "Garden City," Christchurch has an impressive park system and features neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the English settlers who founded the city. Here visitors have easy access to sunny beaches and snowy mountaintops within a short drive from the metropolitan center.
Travel south along the eastern coast of the South Island to the small town of Akaroa on Bank's Peninsula. The route offers some breathtaking views of the mountainous countryside. Once there you can relax in the quaint former French settlement and soak up some of the local culture or take a boating tour of the harbor to see the rare Hector's dolphins, seals and other marine life that thrive in the turquoise waters of the flooded volcano crater.
Experience History
Continuing farther down the coast of the South Island through the Southern Alps you will reach the hilly city of Dunedin, New Zealand's largest city in terms of area. During the journey, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast to marvel at the Moeraki Boulders, huge almost perfectly spherical rocks that date back 60 million years.
The city of Dunedin is a cultural and environmental hot spot with a rich history. The city boasts a well-preserved historic district with Scottish roots, a vibrant art scene and a thriving university life.
For those interested in ecotourism, The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, just outside Dunedin, is an attraction for those looking to learn more about southern New Zealand's remarkably diverse marine life. The Royal Albatross Centre, about an hour outside the city, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, offers a rare chance to see one of the world's largest birds (with a wingspan of up to 11 feet) on the only mainland colony on the planet. Also just outside Dunedin is the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve where visitors can see the rarest penguins on the planet up close and in their native habitat.
Once you reach the bottom tip of the South Island, be sure to stop at Porpoise Bay along the Catlins coast and explore the abundance of rare wildlife and a Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The Catlins coast landscape is sparsely populated and is dominated by lush forests and rocky coastal bays. Another must see site is the Cathedral Caves, located a short walk through a flourishing forest in the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. The coastal caverns can only be seen during low tide and connect under the cliffs, reaching heights of 100 feet.
Fiordland: Dramatic Natural Beauty
As you continue to wrap around the southern tip of the South Island and enter into New Zealand's Fiordland, stop in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Known as the "gateway to the fiords," Te Anau has plenty to explore. Take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to visit the otherworldly glowworm caves. Those looking to stretch their legs a bit can check out the Kepler Track, across the shores of Lake Te Anau. The 100-mile trail can be broken up into more manageable portions and traverses a beautiful route from sandy beaches to lush forest to barren mountain tops, offering breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.
Milford Sound along the west coast of the South Island is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Journey a few hours northwest of Te Anau through the steep, lush terrain of the Fiordland. Milford Sound was carved by ancient glaciers and is surrounded by towering cliffs that feature countless waterfalls. There are also several options for hiking on the series of trails that surround the sound and offer stunning views.
A Thrill-Seeker's Dream
Making your way back north up the western side of the South Island, make sure to visit the city of Queenstown. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown is a thrill seeker's dream. It's chock full of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, ranging from high speed jet boating, canyon swinging to a variety of alpine activities such as skiing. It also is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. Skydiving is a major attraction because jumpers can go as high as 15,000 feet, getting a breathtaking view of the county's landscape from above. Queenstown has a lively feel and features a condensed city center with restaurants, bars and many tourist-oriented shops. There are also several hiking options in and around Queenstown, including the mountain ranges that served as the dramatic backdrop for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Take A Stroll Or A Sip, Relax
Traveling farther north, stop off for a day in the serene lakeside town of Wanaka. Here you can explore the town's picturesque parks that line the shore, offering views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stop at the Rippon Vineyard and Winery and sample some wine while you enjoy the view. New Zealand is known for sauvignon blanc, which grows well in the temperate maritime climate. There are a plethora of wineries throughout the country, thanks to the ideal conditions created by coastal regions bordered by mountain ranges.
Where Glaciers Meet The Forest
Continuing up along the west coast of the South Island through the Haast Pass you will reach the Franz Josef Glacier. This portion of the island is perpetually rainy and often cloudy, but offers stunning landscapes and some of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world. Take a guided hike up the Franz Josef Glacier and experience the rare formation up close as the glacier meets temperate forest.
Heading farther north toward the tip of the South Island, visitors can stop by the famous Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki, a series of visually astonishing limestone formations that have been eroded to create unique rock patterns that jet out from the coastline.
As you make your way farther north, be sure to make time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, just over an hour north from the city of Nelson. Here, visitors can take a guided kayak tour in the Tasman Sea and take in the clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. Explore the many lagoons and coastal caves and be sure to stop and relax on one of the many deserted island beaches.
The North Island
From here, travel east to the town of Picton and catch the interisland ferry for a three-hour ride across the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington on the North Island. Once in Wellington, head up to the Mount Victoria lookout to get you bearings and take in the panoramic view of the city center and harbor. While in Wellington, check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, the country's free national museum, where you can get an overview on Maori history and the diverse natural environment. Wellington is also known for fine dining and nightlife, most of which can be explored on foot.
From Wellington, venture up toward the center of the North Island to the Tongariro National Park. The small town of Turangi is an ideal base for day trips into the park, where visitors can hike around New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, experience world famous trout fishing on the Tongariro River and take in the sights of Mount Tongariro and other volcanoes within the park.
Continue around to the top of Lake Taupo and visit the surreal Craters of the Moon Scenic Reserve. This geothermal phenomenon is caused by magma heating up pools of water deep beneath the ground, causing steam to rise up eerily from the large craters and surrounding ground. Also, explore the nearby geothermal pool sites, which contain geysers, waterfalls, sulfur caves and a series of pools that vary widely in color because of the heated elements in the water.
From here continue north to the Bay of Plenty, one of the sunniest regions in the world. This area is a popular vacation destination for locals and features access to countless water activities and some of the country's most pristine beaches. The region's major city is Tauranga and visitors here will find a bounty of fresh seafood and local fruit such as the kiwi.
Discover Maori History, Unwind
Travel just under an hour inland and stop off in the town of Rotorua, a place deeply rooted in Maori culture. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Polynesian Spas. Here, thermal pools range in temperature from 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and contain minerals that are believed to have a variety of healing properties. Relax in the alkaline pools, surrounded by native flora, while you enjoy the view of Lake Rotorua.
From Rotorua, trek northwest to the city of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails," because it is said to have more boats per capita than anywhere in the world. Auckland is a progressive, multicultural city with a bustling nightlife and a diverse population. While the sprawling, modern city has plenty of metropolitan delights, its natural beauty is never far away as it sits nestled between the Waitemata and Manuka harbors and atop a series of dormant volcanoes, surrounded by lush forest. Explore all the cultural and recreational activities the city has to offer or escape from it all and jet away to a remote island getaway in the nearby Hauraki Gulf.
Rogue floating island towed back to shore
A rogue floating island that broke free of it's moorings a few weeks ago was pulled back to shore on Monday. We visited Prairie Lake near Cameron to watch the progress.
The tow job was being done by S & R Towing and started about 6:00 Monday morning but by noon crews had hit a snag with the cable, and the job stretched until late evening.
The floating 2.3 acre bog-like island has been a real headache for people living along Prairie Lake for decades. “Been here on the lake for 30 some years, and the island used to sit down there near the mouth, effected us for about 18 years,” Roger Kruse tells us.
In 2000 the island was moored along a Prairie Lake boat landing, secured by cables attached to trees on land; but a few weeks ago those broke free, sending the island about a quarter mile down the river.
“Our game plan today was we got 1500 feet of cable, which is enough to run three lines across it and then we have three hi beams, and we're gonna try and pull it over closer to Veterans Park and secure it there permanently, again,” Kruse explains.
But before crews got to the heavy work Monday, volunteers helped clear the island of all its trees, which in the past acted as a sail putting stress on the cables. But clearing trees wasn't exactly easy work, that island is like a bog and if you're not careful you can fall through.
“It is dangerous out there, without a doubt. When you're working you're doing two things at once and there's weak spots out there, I was very careful and while I was cutting I was wearing waterproof hunting boots and I went in up to my ankle,” Town of Stanley supervisor John Nielsen says.
Both men say the island is a liability, and hope these moorings being attached Monday, work for good.
Nielsen tells us the estimated cost for this island tow job is about $6500, and that's being split between the Town of Stanley and the Town of Prairie Lake; though neither town wants to take full ownership of the island because of all the risks it poses.
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The tow job was being done by S & R Towing and started about 6:00 Monday morning but by noon crews had hit a snag with the cable, and the job stretched until late evening.
The floating 2.3 acre bog-like island has been a real headache for people living along Prairie Lake for decades. “Been here on the lake for 30 some years, and the island used to sit down there near the mouth, effected us for about 18 years,” Roger Kruse tells us.
In 2000 the island was moored along a Prairie Lake boat landing, secured by cables attached to trees on land; but a few weeks ago those broke free, sending the island about a quarter mile down the river.
“Our game plan today was we got 1500 feet of cable, which is enough to run three lines across it and then we have three hi beams, and we're gonna try and pull it over closer to Veterans Park and secure it there permanently, again,” Kruse explains.
But before crews got to the heavy work Monday, volunteers helped clear the island of all its trees, which in the past acted as a sail putting stress on the cables. But clearing trees wasn't exactly easy work, that island is like a bog and if you're not careful you can fall through.
“It is dangerous out there, without a doubt. When you're working you're doing two things at once and there's weak spots out there, I was very careful and while I was cutting I was wearing waterproof hunting boots and I went in up to my ankle,” Town of Stanley supervisor John Nielsen says.
Both men say the island is a liability, and hope these moorings being attached Monday, work for good.
Nielsen tells us the estimated cost for this island tow job is about $6500, and that's being split between the Town of Stanley and the Town of Prairie Lake; though neither town wants to take full ownership of the island because of all the risks it poses.
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