Update, Looking Back, and Living and Working in New Zealand

If you told me in November of 2009 when I moved to New Zealand that I would still be here 18 months later, I’d tell you that you were mad.

It’s certainly not how I envisioned things going; yet, as I’ve learned in the last year - things don’t always go as planned.

A mate who now lives in Spain told me recently that four years ago we graduated from the University of Iowa; it’s shocking when days turn into weeks, which turn into months, which bloody hell – turn into years.

I certainly never would have expected life to take me to small villages in Ireland, one of Europe’s most inspiring cities – Edinburgh, the markets of Turkey, the fjords of Norway, the canals of Venice, or the mountains of New Zealand.

I consider myself beyond lucky when I think of the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the places I’ve seen.

Luck perhaps isn’t the correct word to use. As anyone branching off into the life of long term travel knows, it certainly has its ups and downs. Be that living in hostels, dealing with budget issues, overcoming travel planning woes or the unknowns that come from leading a life of uncertainty, long term travel is by no means easy.

Overcoming these obstacles is part of the journey and ultimately adds to what becomes a life changing experience.

So 18 months later, I’m still in New Zealand. There have been no shortage of obstacles to overcome in Aotearoa, don’t get me wrong – and ironically perhaps, these obstacles have added to my love of NZ. Overcoming the challenges life tosses at you inevitably shape you into the person you ultimately become.

Like many of my previous experiences traveling abroad, I originally arrived in New Zealand on a working holiday. Working holidays are a fantastic way to properly assimilate into the society of a country you’ve traveled to. You can absorb the culture and take it in as if the country were your home. You get to know its people, see it from their eyes as opposed to the eyes of a tourist.

You begin to get the place. Understand what makes it tick.

New Zealand is a country with no shortage of space. It’s a land of sweeping vistas, towering mountains and thick and uninhabited bush. It’s a country with 4 million people, 40 million sheep, and 100,000 square miles of land. New Zealanders love their sport – while there is no question of their love for ‘the rugby,’ they also have a special appreciation for the beautiful country they inhabit and make plenty of efforts to get out and explore it.

Lately, I’ve been right with them.

Whether it’s on a multi-day hike, a cross country mountain bike ride or a trail run in the mountains after work, I’m doing as much as possible to get out and properly experience the stunning scenery I’m so lucky to live near.

As I mentioned in my last update, I’ve returned to New Zealand to run NZbyBike.com. I spend my days promoting mountain biking in New Zealand – it’s an epic place to ride, and inevitably, I’ve fallen in love with the sport myself. It’s a bloody great job, yet it’s by no means easy running a web start-up and has been taking up a significant amount of my time.

I’ve developed even more of an appreciation for bloggers like Steph from 20 Something Travel who balanced full-time work along with developing and running a superb travel blog.

What are your tips for balancing an active life, with a full-time job along with maintaining a travel blog?

Leave your advice in the comments section below and I’ll put together a post featuring some top tips later next month.

In an effort to keep budget travel and backpacking focused posts coming your way more frequently, I’ve taken on a fellow American expat and travel blogger as a contributing writer for Backpackingmatt.com. Expect to see more content from Australia-based Lauren Fritsky of TheLifeThatBroke.com over the coming months with a focus on budget travel and backpacking in Australia.

Thanks for following along – for daily glimpses into my life living in New Zealand, be sure to follow me on Twitter.

Happy Travels,

(Backpacking)Matt
‘Life’s a Journey‘

Please leave your tips for balancing work, travel, and an active life along with running a blog in the comments section below. Alternatively, email them to me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com and I’ll feature the best in a post next month.

Technorati Tags: Long Term Travel, Update, Working Holiday New Zealand

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Planning Your RTW Trip: Tips for Overseas Health Cover

This post is by contributing author Lauren Fritsky of The Life that Broke.

If you’re considering a RTW trip or perhaps a working holiday abroad, you’ll have heaps of things to consider when planning your life changing trip. Flights, visas, trip itineraries and … health insurance. Arguably not the most exciting aspect of planning a trip, yet going prepared could save you literally $1,000s in medical expenses. Lauren provides some fantastic tips to get you started in the post below.

After paying for flights and accommodation, tour bookings and trip essentials, the last thing you want to do is spend money on overseas health insurance. Premiums, co-pays and extras all add up. Plus, you’re fit as a fiddle.

But even fit fiddles can contract malaria or meningitis or get bitten by a poisonous spider. The treatment that could’ve cost $200 with health insurance is now $2,000 without. There goes that extra trip to Bali.

If you’re from a place with reciprocal health care agreements with certain countries, you might not need additional insurance.

Yet if you’re from the States and other areas without this benefit, getting even basic overseas health cover is the smartest — and, in the long-run, the cheapest — thing to do.

Consider these tips for choosing a health insurance plan while traveling or backpacking abroad:

Get Hospital Cover

Often the cheapest health insurance you can get only covers hospital stays. Plans will vary by company, but some cost less than $50 a month. Certain plans have different coverage levels, with the less-expensive ones only permitting treatment at public hospitals, while others give you the option of private hospitals for a few extra dollars.

Read the fine print on whichever plan you choose. Some won’t cover a pre-existing condition, and you may have to wait up to 12 months for certain services related to pregnancy or mental health.

Consider Extras

Extras can involve everything from massage therapy to prescription coverage. Be smart about the type of care you’ll need. If you have vision problems, get an extra that covers seeing an optometrist. If you always have problems with your teeth, get dental. If you don’t, you could spend hundreds or thousands of dollars seeing these specialists.

Check Your Visa Terms

Some visas require health insurance from the moment you step into the country until the moment you leave it. Double-check so you know you’re covered through the correct dates. Also, if you’re trying to switch visas, you’ll often need to have continuous health insurance to get approved for — and keep — your new visa.

Go to the GP First

In countries like Australia, it’s customary to go to your general practitioner for everything from a cold to a skin problem.

Often, these doctors can diagnose and treat your condition themselves, and it’ll be included in your health cover. If they can’t, they’ll refer you to a specialist. If you don’t have coverage for that particular specialist, it can cost hundreds of dollars you can’t claim back. Even if you don’t have coverage, it’s better to try the GP first, as a visit there can cost about $50 compared to $200 at a specialist’s office.

Other Tips

Now that you’ve secured your health cover, here are few other tips for staying well on the road.

Know what’s OTC …

Certain medicines and ointments you’d expect to find in your supermarket pharmacy back home may sit behind the counter at chemists abroad. In addition, chemists often close by 8 p.m., even on the weekends. So if you know you’re getting sick or have something funky happening in some area of your body, plan ahead and get your meds early in the day.

Expect to Get a Cold …

Even in a place with a fairly mild climate, you can get sick from various factors.

If going from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere or vice versa, the backwards seasons can be enough to knock your biological rhythms and immune system out of whack. Plus, a new country means new germs. If you’re a backpacker flying frequently and staying in hostels, you’ll be exposed to even more bacteria.

Look for Free Clinics …

If you get health cover but still have out-of-pocket costs, look for free or low-cost services. Some cities may have free clinics or university health resources available to the public. These can range from free gynelogical options for women to low-cost mental services. Do a little research and ask locals to find this type of option in your area.

Do you have any tips on choosing a health insurance plan while traveling abroad? Add them in the comments section below.

This post was sponsored by HBF. If you’re backpacking in Australia, HBF offers a range of overseas visitors health insurance options that you might find useful.

Technorati Tags: Backpackers Health Insurance, Backpacking, Budget Travel, Health Insurance

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15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand

The Land of the Long White Cloud is a destination well worn onto the backpacker trail. And for all the right reasons. An epic combination of stunning scenery, adventure sports, and friendly locals combine to make one hell of a place to travel to.

Not only is New Zealand beautiful, New Zealand is easy to travel around. In fact, New Zealand is arguably one of the most backpacker or independent budget traveler friendly countries in the world.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot to break into the world of long term travel.

New Zealand is addictive. Trust me. I originally came for a 12 month working holiday, yet 18 months later, I’m still here.

Be it the quality of life, the miles and miles of untouched, remote and spectacular scenery, or the laid-back no-worries outlook on life, something about New Zealand will grab you and not let you leave.

So you’re considering a trip backpacking in New Zealand? Sweet as (as they say). While New Zealand is welcoming and easy to get around, you might have some questions about your trip here.

Consider these,

15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand

1 ) Travel North to South

Almost daily I get emails from backpackers planning their trip to New Zealand. One of the most common questions I get is:

Should I start on the North Island or the South Island?

While the North Island is stunning (be sure to check out the Bay of Islands and definitely don’t miss the chilled out Coromandel Region), the South Island is where it’s at. As it will be the highlight of your trip, it’s the logical place to finish.

The mountains are taller, the drives are more spectacular, the Great Walks are greater, and the beer is better so finish on New Zealand’s South Island.

2 ) Avoid the Chain Hostels

There is no shortage of budget accommodation throughout New Zealand. From hostels, to budget motels to holiday parks with self contained accommodation, you won’t have a problem finding a place to lay your head at night.

As New Zealand is frequented by thousands of young backpackers each year, the big chain hostels are present throughout the North and South Islands. Many of the major backpacking destinations have Nomads or Base Backpacker cattle yards.

While many of these are adequate – and some quite flash (I’m talking about you Nomads Queenstown) – there are heaps of character filled, independently owned hostels that will compliment your trip to this small island nation.

Check out the BBH backpackers (Budget Backpacker Hostels) and get to know their quirky owners, settle down with a glass of New Zealand wine next to their wood burners, or listen to the sea from their gardens.

For $50 you can get a BBH card and save $3/night at hostels throughout New Zealand.

3 ) Arriving to New Zealand

Chances are your flight to New Zealand will arrive in Auckland – this characterless city of the North Island will (unfortunately) be your welcome to Aotearoa.

The Airbus Express will be your best choice for the quick, 45 minute trip to the Auckland CBD. Tickets are only $23 round trip and can be booked online so you’re set to go when you land.

Consider these Auckland budget travel tips for your first couple days in the city – and most importantly, don’t stay too long – there is too much to see outside of NZ’s largest city.

4 ) Consider Buying a Campervan

New Zealand absolutely begs to be explored behind the steering wheel of your very own campervan.

You won’t realize how many of these converted, backpacker-filled vans flock New Zealand’s roads until you’re here yourself. If falling asleep to the sound of the surf and waking to the sunrise sounds appealing to you, then a campervan just might be the right mode of transportation for trip.

Traveling New Zealand by campervan gives you loads of flexibility, allows you to get off the beaten path, and you will ultimately save you heaps on accommodation costs.

Many backpackers in New Zealand buy a van when they arrive and sell it prior to their departure. Surprisingly, buying a campervan in New Zealand is a simple and straightforward process; however, do be aware that a certain amount of risk is involved and not all of the campvervans in New Zealand are good investment.

If you don’t do your research properly, your van could explode just outside of Queenstown after doing a solid 430,000+ kilometers.

5 ) If Not, Hire a Campervan

Assuming you’re not comfortable taking on the risk of buying a campevan, at the very least hire one for the duration of your stay.

Freedom camping is possible in many areas around New Zealand and you can save a significant amount on accommodation when you consider a shared dorm is often $30 per night.

In areas where freedom camping is not allowing, the Department of Conservation runs basic campsites that are as little as $5/night.

6 ) Get a 2Degrees Sim Card

If you’re traveling with an unlocked mobile, you’ll be able to pick up a sim card when you get into New Zealand. While there are a couple different providers to choose from, your best bet is undoubtedly 2Degrees.

They offer cheap, international calls back home to Mom & Dad as well as cheap calls throughout New Zealand – for $19 you can get 30 minutes of talk time, 2000 texts, and for you iPhone users – 50MB of data.

7 ) 3…2…1 Bungy! Do it.

New Zealand is an adrenaline junkies’ paradise. If you can dream it, chances are you can do it in New Zealand.

You can jump off bridges or out of planes. You can roll down hills in giant, water filled balls. You can run off cliffs with parachutes strapped to your back. You can cruise down rivers narrowly missing canyon walls in a jet boat. Or you can go black water rafting deep below the earth’s surface. Really, you can do it all.

Whatever you do, make sure you do a bungy jump

AJ Hackett established the world’s first permanent, commercial bungy jumping operation in Queenstown in 1982. Today, there are three in Queenstown alone for you to choose from (K Bridge, Nevis Highwire Bungy, & The Ledge Bungy).

It’s a terrifying experience – arguably, one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do, yet it’s an absolute rush and a must for your trip to New Zealand.

8 ) Don’t Try to Fit Too Much In

Planning a trip to New Zealand isn’t an easy process. In fact, it’s bloody difficult. Why?

There is such a wide variety of things to do, landscapes to see, and experiences to be had, that you’ll not know how you can fit it all in.

To be honest, you probably can’t. Unless you’re committing two or three months to New Zealand, it’s impossible to see it all in one go. The biggest mistake you can make when coming to New Zealand is attempting to do too much in too little time.

You’ll enjoy your experience backpacking in New Zealand heaps more if you have time to relax and spend a little longer in those untouched little corners of New Zealand you’ll inevitably find.

9 ) Experience a Great Walk

A road trip around New Zealand will reveal a country considerably untouched by the human hand. Sure, tourism is big business in many of New Zealand’s destinations, yet a huge part of the country is as remote and untouched as it is stunning.

Almost 30% of land in New Zealand is publicly owned and much of this has been converted to National Parks.

There are a series of multi-day Great Walks throughout New Zealand and you should experience at least part of one on your trip here. Check out the Routeburn Track near Queenstown, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track near Nelson, or one of the other seven Great Walks.

10 ) Try WWOOFing

If you’ll be staying in New Zealand for more than a couple weeks, you might want to consider WWOOFING (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) for part of your trip.

Wwoofing is a host system where you can exchange a couple hours of work each day on an organic farm in return for free food and accommodation.

It’s a fantastic way to save some money, meet interesting local Kiwis, and get a feel for a different aspect of life in New Zealand. The majority of people swing through New Zealand, see the sites, jump off bridges and miss the small and out of the way places that make New Zealand so unique.

These Wwoofing experiences and tips are a great place to start if you’re considering this for part of your stay.

11 ) Walk on a Glacier

While most of these tips aren’t experience focused, walking on a glacier is one that undoubtedly deserves to make it on the list. New Zealand is filled with wonders, and you’ll find two on the West Coast of the South Island – the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.

These ancient pieces of ice start in the Southern Alps and stretch all the way to coastal, temperate rainforest only miles away from the sea at 300 metres above sea level.

Walking on one is an iconic New Zealand experience and one that you should have while you’re here.

The West Coast itself is a unique and fascinating area of New Zealand, so be sure to spend at least a couple days exploring the rugged coastline from Karamea all the way to Haast.

12 ) Hitchhiking in New Zealand

If you decide to buy a campervan, rent a vehicle, or get around by bus, you’ll be shocked at the number of hitchikers you see in New Zealand. It’s quite common and a very budget-friendly way to see New Zealand.

Clearly, care should be taken – you shouldn’t hitchhike at night and you’re probably better off with a mate (might as well minimize your risk), yet it’s a bloody exciting way to see the country.

New Zealanders are a friendly lot and you’re bound to have some interesting chats once you do get picked up.

If you decided to give it a go (and you should), you’re best off on the outskirts of a town, and make sure there is room for the driver to pull over; if there isn’t, you won’t get picked up – it’s as simple as that. A smile never hurts and a sign saying where you want to go will probably speed up your chances of getting a lift.

13 ) Beware of New Zealand Internet

As any travel blogger, Facebook addict, or general internet using backpacker that has come to New Zealand knows, the state of the internet here is dreadful.

It’s often slow, more often expensive, always charged by data usage (Skyping is difficult), and almost never included with your stay in a hostel.

Slowly, more and more cafes are offering free internet yet without a doubt New Zealand is far behind the rest of the world. Your best bet for finding free WiFi is at the local library with the other backpackers who have figured the system out.

14 ) Go Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in New Zealand is unsurpassed by few places in the world and Kiwis love their bikes about as much as they love “The Rugby.”

Wherever you are, you’re bound to find some single track trails (just ask at the bike shop in town, there is bound to be one), yet Rotorua on the North Island is arguably the mountain biking capital of New Zealand.

Hire a bike and spend the day exploring the miles (and miles) of single track trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest – chances are, you’ll want to go back for day two.

In a country where budget activities are few and far between, mountain biking is a fantastic way to spend a day and see the countryside (plus, you’ll burn off the calories from all those budget-saving meat pies you’ve been eating).

15 ) Get Off the Beaten Path

In a country the size of the state of Colorado, you have less than 4 million people, 40 million sheep and every possible landscape you could imagine.

There is so much to be seen that no guidebook (or blog post) will ever point you in all the right directions. Use this to your advantage, and seek out your own untouched areas of Aotearoa.

A highlight of your trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud should be getting off the beaten path and finding your own special corner of this idyllic part of the world.

So take it slow, make some wrong turns, start conversations with the locals, and get to know New Zealand for what it is – one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Have you been backpacking in New Zealand? Leave your tips in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Budget Travel New Zealand, New Zealand, Travel Tips

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5 Wineries Not to Be Missed While Traveling in New Zealand

A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without taking in one of the many fantastic wineries scattered throughout the North & South Islands. This fantastic guest post nails out 5 must-see wineries for your trip to Aotearoa.

Recently New Zealand was shaken by the Canterbury earthquake but fear not, this Land of the Long White Cloud has not been stirred (apart from our world-class lees- stirred wines of course). Outside of Christchurch, New Zealand is very much open for business and is begging to be explored.

This compact island nation certainly fulfills the desire for a diverse, interesting and ultimately beautiful wine destination. New Zealand has seven recognized wine destinations. Not sure where to start? Check out these:

5 Wineries Not to Be Missed While Traveling in New Zealand.

1) Cable Bay, Waiheke Island

A stunning winery and restaurant set on Waiheke Island in the Greater Auckland region. Reflecting the novel way of getting to this sub-tropical island paradise (that is, whether by the 40 minute ferry journey through the Auckland Harbour, or the 8 minute chopper ride), you will find this sub-regional wine-growing area is alive with enthusiasm for wine, food and laid-back culture.

There is a wonderful microclimate, a salty ocean taste in the air, friendly people, and of course fantastic wine.

The climate is so different to the mainland, and the Island is synonymous with a good day out. Cable Bay is one of the first stops on the Waiheke Island wine stop route, and well worth coinciding with lunch. With an emphasis on seafood, Cable Bay does go the extra mile with the lunch time crowd.

Often featuring a variety of sculptural artists on the brilliant winery lawn, there is a stimulating combination of culture, cuisine, scenery and wine.

2) Elephant Hill, Hawkes Bay

With a hardly indigenous bronze elephant perched atop a mound of earth at the very coastal Te Awanga in Hawkes Bay, you have to begin wondering about the origins of this emerging, successful winery. German couple Reydan and Roger Weiss visited New Zealand in 2001 and simply fell in love with the Hawkes Bay area. Soon after they built the innovative, awe inspiring winery and restaurant in this special coastal milieu.

The award-winning wines produced by the Elephant Hill winemaking team, led by Steve Skinner is a great reason to take the trip out to this coastal sub-region of Hawkes Bay. Dining here is no bland experience either – beautifully executed cuisine with a dreamy ocean backdrop ensures indisputable inspiration.

Try the Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah, or the Viognier.

3) Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay

Based in the famous Gimblett Gravels, and home to the amiable John Hancock, Trinity Hill winery is somewhat of an icon in Hawkes Bay. The cellar door has a rustic feel to it, with a fascinating glimpse into the barrel hall through glass. The cellar door personnel are always friendly and knowledgeable, and you will frequently find John himself behind the counter or hosting guests in the cellar’s leather armchairs.

What’s most exciting is the opportunity to try some of Trinity Hill’s best wines, and if you’re lucky, purchase some stellar vintages.

Stand outs are Trinity Hills’ Tempranillo, a Spanish variety that exudes raspberry, plum and spice characters, and bearing a good tannin structure it tango’s with liquorice on the finish.

Trinity Hill’s flagship wine is the Homage Syrah – this is something special. You’re bound to find some magic here.

4) Bannockburn, Central Otago

This is not a single winery as such, rather a entire sub- region of Central Otago wine-growing country, and it is well worth a visit to delight in the wines, people and wineries scattered throughout this scenic area nuzzling the banks and hills above the Kawarau River.

To the west is nestled Central Otago’s famous Felton Road, along which numerous wineries are based, including the eponymous Felton Road winery. Renown for their high-end Pinot Noir, a stopover during their afternoon opening hours is recommended for an opportunity to taste some of Central Otago’s finest. If you’re lucky you may find some older vintages to lust upon, particularly Felton Road’s Riesling.

Across the road you will find two gorgeous women replete with good humour, compassion and charm. They are Dennie Downie and Jane Gill, and they are the proprietors behind the award-winning label, Desert Heart.

With stylish woolshed accommodation situated in amongst their vineyards, it’s a romantic spot for a getaway.

5) Rippon, Wanaka, Central Otago

Home to one of New Zealand’s favourite open-air concert extravaganzas it’s not hard to see why Rippon, just 15 minutes out of Wanaka, is a media darling.

Arguably one of the most picturesque vineyard settings in the world, Rippon winery and vineyard is owned by Lois Mills, son Nick and his wife Jo Mills. Producing some fantastic Pinot Noir as you would expect in Central Otago, Rippon also does well in the Riesling variety, delivers a crowd-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and an interesting Osteiner, one of the only producers of this hybrid variety in the country.

Have you been to any New Zealand wineries? Leave your favorites in the comments section below.

About the Author: Lady Parker Wine Reviews brings you the best of New Zealand’s wine industry – the personalities, stories, and descriptions of the wonderful, unique qualities that lie in every bottle through entertaining and informative media. Vitally important to my mission is my philosophy of only reviewing wines that I would personally recommend, so you can rest assured that every wine reviewed has a mark of quality endorsement, and frequently they are standouts.

Firmly knowing that wine is my passion, I left my career as a barrister and solicitor to pursue the innovative vocation of wine writing and education. Growing up in the wine-growing regions of both Gisborne, and Central Otago, and from a family of wine, there’s no doubt it is an innate love! Currently I am embarking upon achieving my Master of Wine. Overall I aim to enlighten, inform and share with the wine-loving community the world over all the wonders and mysteries of wine.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking New Zealand, New Zealand Wineries, Wine Regions New Zealand

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New Zealand: Open for Business – 5 Reasons You Should Still Visit the Most Beautiful Country in the World

At 12:51 PM on February 22nd, the earth roared and the entire South Island of New Zealand rumbled.

I was sitting at my desk in Queenstown – some 500 kms away from the Garden City of Christchurch – and as I looked out on our balcony overlooking The Remarkabes, I saw my mountain bike shake back and forth and the floor beneath my feet rolled as if I was riding the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.

The 6.3 earthquake that struck a mere 5 kms beneath the surface was felt as far away as Wellington on the North Island.

The effects of the quake will be felt in Christchurch for years to come – there was massive loss of life, property, and heritage in the South Island’s largest town.

The Garden City will never be the same again and the events of February 22nd will go down in the history books as one of New Zealand’s saddest days.

Through all of this, it’s crucial to realize that New Zealand is still very much open for business.

The economy has surely taken a huge blow, yet New Zealand will continue to prosper and continued high tourism numbers will be key to a successful recovery.

Here are: 5 Reasons Why You Should Still Visit the Most Beautiful Country in the World

1) The Damage is Extremely Centralized

The images that have been broadcasted by the mainstream media throughout New Zealand and the world show a Christchurch that has been devastated. Without a doubt, this is true – estimates are as high as $15 Billion to rebuild the city.

While the City Centre will sadly never look the same and the Eastern suburbs are severely damaged, much of Christchurch remains essentially unaffected. I was driving into the city a week after the quake and it was very much normal days until just blocks before the City Centre.

The damaged area of New Zealand is equivalent in size the area of Lower Manhattan.

The Garden City probably won’t be open to the general tourist for some time, but it’s crucial to realize the small area affected when considering the rest of New Zealand that is begging to be explored.

2) The Christchurch Airport is Open and Fully Operational

One of the most popular New Zealand itineraries begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. For those that are just traveling the South Island, about 90% arrive and depart from Christchurch.

Clearly, the Garden City is a crucial entry and exit point for the traveler to New Zealand.

While you probably won’t spend much time in the city itself, it’s worth noting that the Christchurch airport is fully operational and getting in and out of the South Island is just as easy as it ever has been.

3) Canterbury Needs You

New Zealand needs you almost as much as Canterbury needs you. You shouldn’t wipe New Zealand from your travel plans and you most certainly should spend time in the stunning Canterbury Region.

Canterbury offers everything from glacial lakes, to seaside villages like Akaroa, to natural thermal pools and hot springs in Hanmer Springs.

The cultured can sip world-class wine, the adrenaline junkies can bungy jump in Hanmer Springs or experience epic mountain biking on the St James Cycle Trail, and trampers can take in the alpine glacial lakes at the base of Aoraki Mt Cook.

Don’t skip Canterbury. Why? The businesses here need you and you’ll miss out on some truly unique New Zealand experiences.

4) Experience the Genuine, Open, and Laid Back Kiwi Spirit

Nowhere else in the world does the laid back, no worries outlook on life permeate all aspects of society like it does in New Zealand. It’s an addictive aspect of this country and New Zealanders themselves are reason enough you should still visit Aotearoa.

Canterburians had spent the past six months rebuilding their city after the September 4th earthquake that badly damaged Christchurch.

The February 22nd quake has essentially made all that work for naught, yet again volunteers from throughout New Zealand have flooded the city ready to help. Money, food, and other support has come to Christchurch from all over New Zealand – from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Kiwis are as welcoming as they are relaxed.

You should travel to New Zealand to experience this ‘no worries’ culture, while at the same time doing your part to ensure the whole of New Zealand recovers from the devastating quake.

5) New Zealand is a Microcosm of the World

New Zealand is quite simply one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world (Not convinced? Check out 20 of New Zealand’s Most Best Views).

In an area the size of the state of Colorado, you have snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, tropical islands, dense rain forests, white-sand beaches and intensely green countryside.

You should still travel to New Zealand as there is so much to be seen outside of Christchurch. A typical trip to New Zealand would typically entail two or three days in the Garden City, so don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime simply because one city is out of commission.

What’s your take? Have you traveled New Zealand? Leave your best experiences from Aotearoa in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: New Zealand Earthquake, New Zealand Travel Advice

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7 Reasons Why Your Travel Blog Doesn’t Get as Much Traffic as You Want

If you’re considering a backpacking trip around the world, you should be writing a travel blog. One thing to remember is you won’t be alone. The travel blogosphere is vast and growing daily.

There are heaps of reasons why you – and literally hundreds of other people – write travel blogs.

You meet fantastic people who share your interests, you have a chance to document your travels, and hopefully you will inspire other people to escape their comfort zone and explore the unknown.

If you’re writing a travel blog, chances are you want people to read it. You have something to say, photos to share, and advice to give. What if you’re not getting as much traffic as you’d hope for?

What if no one seems to be reading, retweeting, or commenting on your blog posts?

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing a blog is knowing there are people listening to you. Remember, your blog won’t become successful over night – yet you should undoubtedly be aiming for success.

So, grab a coffee, a beer, or a cup of tea and think about these

7 Reasons Why Your Travel Blog Doesn’t Get as Much Traffic as You Want:

1) You Post Too Often

More and more people are becoming interested in travel blogs. That’s exciting.  Be they cubicle dwelling virtual travelers, career breakers planning a trip, or other travelers on the road, the number of people that follow travel blogs is growing. Rapidly.

So is the number of travelers writing a travel blog. The market is quite simply flooded with blog posts.

If you’re posting four or five times each week, your readers – who are inevitably following other travel blogs – simply won’t be able to keep up with the travel photos, travel advice, or stories you have to share.

2) Your Posts Are Too Long

Writing a travel blog isn’t easy. You’re forced to balance traveling, with planning, with meeting other travelers, along with everything that goes into actually running a travel blog. You have to come up with ideas for posts, format them, answer emails from your followers, and deal with advertisers.

So don’t make it any harder than it has to be.

As your readers are busy, don’t make them read small novels – anything over 1,000 words is too long. Keep your blog posts short and sweet and more people will take the time to read them.

3) Where Are the Photos?

Blog readers are visually influenced. Regardless of what you’re writing about, you should be including photos. Lots of them.

Photos add life to your blog and make your posts easier to read.

Creative Commons offers up heaps of fantastic photos you’re free to use – just be sure to give credit when credit is due.

4) You Only Talk About Yourself

By the very nature of being a traveler, you’re bound to have stories to tell. That’s fantastic – but there is a time and a place. Believe it or not, your travel blog often isn’t the place.

You got really drunk last weekend? Fantastic. You went on a great tour with a funny guide? Sweet as.

Your audience doesn’t need to know, and doesn’t want to know, what you’re doing each day you’re on the road. Keep your posts appealing to a wide range of people and your traffic numbers will inevitably increase.

5) You Don’t Read Other Travel Blogs

The travel blog community is fantastic – it’s filled with open, helpful, and genuine travelers who share your same passions. One of the best ways to gain traffic and traction in the travel blogosphere is by reading, commenting, and promoting other blog posts.

The faces behind the blogs you visit regularly will slowly make their way to your blog – and by leaving compelling comments, you’re bound to pick up traffic from other commenters as well.

6) You Don’t Use Enough Lists

One of the most important things to consider when writing a blog post is the title. This is what determines whether or whether not someone will potentially even click through to read your post.

Your post titles should be both compelling and list focused.

• 7 of Australia’s Most Spectacular Views received 100 retweets in less than a week
• 7 Reasons You Should Experience Backpacking in Thailand has received 75 retweets
  
• 20 of New Zealand’s Best Views has received 108 retweets
• 7 Tips for Successful Long Term Travel has received 121 retweets

Your posts will gain far more traction and traffic if you consider what sells well in the social media community.

7) You Haven’t Waited Long Enough

Your travel blog won’t become successful overnight. It’s as simple as that.

Even if you’re doing everything right – and have been for months – you still may not be getting as much traffic as you want. Keep at it.

While many travel blogs pop up each day, an equal number fizzle out. Stay focused and continue to offer compelling, new, and photo-rich content and the traffic and interaction on your blog will steadily increase.

What’s your take? Leave your feedback or traffic generating tips in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Blog Advice, Travel Blog, Travel Blog Tips

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The New Face of Backpackingmatt.com

2011 is going to be a banner year here at Backpackingmatt.com. As I explained in my January Update, I have a number of exciting initiatives planned in the coming months.

Each of these will ultimately result in a travel blog that is more beneficial to you – the budget conscious traveler or backpacker.

I’ve spent the last fourteen months working off this more-or-less unaltered Thrilling Theme. It’s been fantastic. Cody of Thrilling Heroics developed a user-friendly and slick looking theme – I’ve loved it, yet I’m ready for some changes.

First, you’ll noticed a newly designed header. This design focuses on Backpackingmatt.com’s tagline:

Life’s a Journey

While much of Backpackingmatt.com‘s archives are filled with my experiences and my travel advice, it’s my intention in the coming months to open this website up to your travel experiences and your travel advice.

The result? A travel blog that more effectively lives up to its moto:

Exploring the Unknown and Offering Travel Advice, Inspiration, and Ideas to the Budget Conscious Traveler or Backpacker.

I’m currently talking with a couple writers who are interested in joining Backpackingmatt.com as paid contributors – if you’re interested, please contact me.

Second, you’ll notice on the front page of Backpackingmatt.com I’ve added a featured post slider. I’ve been wanting this for some time – and many thanks (and virtual beer) go out to Chris of TheAussieNomad.com for helping me make this dream a reality.

This allows me to feature posts from my archives that very often get missed by new visitors to Backpackingmatt.com.

Lastly, I’m currently producing Backpackingmatt.com t-shirts that feature part of the new design from my header. I’m excited to wear my brand, and it’s my hopes you will be too.

It’s been almost four years since I fell in love with backpacking and experiencing the unknown and the tagline “Life’s a Journey” rings very true to me. Throughout my journey I’ve met unforgettable people and been exposed to unbelievable scenery.

The journey has taken me to some of the world’s most beautiful places – yet there is still so much to see. If you can relate, you might just want a Life’s a Journey Backpackingmatt.com T-Shirt.

To get things started, I’ll be giving away one t-shirt (with postage paid to anywhere in the world) to a randomly selected commenter on this post.

Simply leave a comment below – your thoughts on the new design, why you’d want a shirt, or perhaps your feelings on living your life as a journey - and I’ll be announcing the winner on the Backpackingmatt.com Facebook Page on Friday, March, 11th at 12:00PM – New Zealand time.

Happy Travels,

(Backpacking)Matt
‘Life’s a Journey

The header was designed by Griffin of TheTravelingDesigner.com – he was fantastic to work with and I’m over the moon with the final product we created together.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, travel, Update

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Pizza in Naples: The Heavyweight Round

This is a guest post by Sarah Gonski – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

Pizza is to Naples what the cheese steak is to Philadelphia:

Homegrown and perfect; the pride and joy of the culinary scene.

When I was on a short backpacking jaunt through Italy a few weeks ago, I arrived in Naples with one goal in mind: eat pizza.

Scratch that, I had two goals in mind, and the second was: don’t get killed by the Mafia, knocked over by screaming Vespas or get my wallet stolen before I finish eating said pizza.

That might be more than two goals, but forgive me, I wasn’t a math major. The first goal was easy to achieve. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, the others were tougher.

Before I arrived in Naples, I’d done my homework: the most-mentioned pizza joint in the city is the famed L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been a family business for 141 years now and counting. A longtime local favorite, recently it’s gotten a lot of attention from the international crowd as the site of Elizabeth Gilbert’s (and Julia Robert’s) famed pizza-gasm in Eat, Pray, Love.

The contender for second place is L’Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria di Matteo, otherwise known as Di Matteo, just a ten-minute walk through the crowded Naples historic district. In business since 1936, it’s hardly a newbie on the scene, and has some dedicated fans of its own.

The mission was clear — consume Da Michele’s pizza. Consume Di Matteo’s pizza. Compare. Contrast. Repeat as necessary.

We went to Pizzeria da Michele on a cold windy night, and spent about 30 minutes waiting in the line that was forming outside. Nearly everyone in the line was Italian – the first good sign.

If the locals are lining up in a town where you can buy pizza about every ten yards, then this was the place I wanted to be.

The place is fairly small, and no frills. The seating is family-style, so there are no private tables, which somehow feels right in extroverted Italy. The menus are single-page printouts hung in 8×10 frames on the walls next to each table. It’s clean and simple because there are only two offerings: Pizza Margherita (sauce, mozzarella and basil) or Pizza Marinara (no cheese).

It was perfect. The crust was chewy on the outside, rolled thin in the middle to let the sauce take center stage. The sauce was delicate and seasoned with a light touch, much thinner and lighter in color than pizza sauces usually are, and it tasted like fresh tomatoes. The cheese was slightly smoky and perfectly melted.

The whole effect was divine.

Hard to top, but we tried anyway. The next stop was Di Matteo for lunch the next day. Again there was a line outside, with only Italian being spoken – good news.

The interior is small, but has an upstairs that the waiters send food to using an old-fashioned pulley system, which undeniably adds both charm and excitement (What if the rope breaks? Can I buy the pizza that falls off at a discount?).

The pizza came in good time, and boy was it good. The crust was thinner and slightly crispier than Da Michele’s, the sauce more robust, with a more intense flavor. The cheese was slightly firmer than the gooey Da Michele version, and the pizza had slightly less of the smoky flavor from the brick ovens.

The case to be made for each:

Da Michele: I like the whole limited-menu thing. It takes cojones to know that your food item is so good that no one needs to even think about ordering something else. The pizza was outrageously delicious. Waiting in line isn’t ideal though, and it seemed that there was always a line.

Di Matteo: More menu options, including a deep fried pizza that’s totally worth the heart attack. They also have private tables, so you don’t have to sit with strangers, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your tastes.

The verdict: I am a Da Michele girl. The best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my life, hands down. It was so good I went back the next day for more.

The second verdict: You can’t go wrong at Di Matteo’s, either.

About the Author: Sarah Gonski writes at Love & Paella about falling in love with the world in general and the south of Spain in particular. She enjoys 80s music, her beloved camera La Rebel, and conjugating Spanish verbs with The Mister. Her cherry chapstick has accompanied her to 24 countries and counting (don’t worry, it wasn’t the same tube).

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Budget Travel Europe, italy, Naples, Pizza

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5 Places to Experience Quad Biking While Backpacking Around the World

One of the most expensive aspects of backpacking comes from the experiences and activities you take in along the way.

Backpacking in New Zealand is an excellent example. A trip here isn’t complete without a bungy jump, a jet-boating tour, a skydive, or one of the many other extreme sports on offer. Each one of these activities can very quickly break your budget.

By researching the activities on offer prior to your round the world trip, you can ensure your budget accounts for the experiences you hope to encounter along the way.

One popular activity for backpackers in many places throughout the world is quad biking – driving a quad bike off-road is an absolute rush and a fantastic way to experience the scenery of the destination you’ve traveled to.

Here are 5 Places to Experience Quad Biking While Backpacking Around the World:

1) South Island – New Zealand

A trip to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island should undoubtedly include a hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. Another option to consider on your backpacking trip is a quad bike tour in the glacial valley.

It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for untouched West Coast bush and also presents some unique views of Big Franz – the fastest moving glacier in the world.

Across Country Quad Bikes offers two hour tours for $160 NZD – the guides do an excellent job of giving history on the West Coast Region and the tour includes heaps of river crossings – be prepared to get wet.

2) Greek Islands

Spend the day riding around the winding, mountainous roads that circle many of Greece’s beautiful islands. It’s an excellent way to get from beach to beach.

As cheap as 30 Euros for an entire day, hiring quad bikes on the Greek Islands is easy and affordable. Be sure you have an International Driver’s License to avoid any complications.

3) Spain

Thoughts of backpacking in Spain bring up images of relaxation, tapas, tinto de verano, sun, and mid-day siestas. One option for a backpacker in the south of Spain is a quad bike tour.

Spend the day exploring the hills and forests around La Manga and get lost in the Spanish countryside. You must be 21 years old to rent a quad bike in Spain, and cheap airfares to Spain are available on regional operators such as Ryan Air.

4) Hamilton Island, Australia

More than just beaches, reefs, and tourists, Hamilton Island off Australia‘s East Coast has some amazing bush land which is perfect for exploring on a quad bike.

Experience the natural beauty and wonder of Hamilton Island’s forests as you navigate the terrain on a guided quad bike tour. The guides offer up local history on Hamilton Island and the surrounding islands and you’re presented numerous opportunties for photos.

Start your trip with cheap flights to Cairns and slowly make your way south to the Whitsundays.

5) Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve in southern Portugal is filled with pristine, untouched beaches, natural cliff faces, rolling hillsides and year-round warmth. Add to this mix very affordable prices in the low season, cheap and fresh seafood, and friendly locals and the Algare becomes an excellent destination for the backpacker or budget traveler.

Quad bike hire is available through local operators of which there are heaps – be sure to call around for the best deal, especially in the high season. You’ll need an International Drivers Liscense.

Quad biking is a unique and exciting way to experience the scenery and landscapes of the destination you’ve traveled to - it’s an absolute rush and very often a budget friendly activity.

Have you experienced quad biking during your travels? Leave your favorite destinations in the comments section below.

This post was sponsored by CheapFlights.com.au.

Technorati Tags: New Zealand, Quad Biking, spain, Travel Advice

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January Update, Links, & The Next Step

As I write this monthly update, I’m on a US Airways flight from DFW – LAX (with a surprising amount of leg room). My 2011 is off to a fantastic start.

Fantastic, yet certainly chaotic. I’ve been balancing trips around the US to visit friends and family, with the day-to-day responsibilities of running a travel blog, along with a seemingly endless battle with an embassy to get a visa.

Though I spent longer in the US than I initially anticipated, it was an excellent refresher and break from living out of a backpack. A break that I feel is essential to successful long term travel. It’s trips home that remind me why I’m living the lifestyle I am.

I know I’m not ready to settle down permanently and will continue to make steps that will ultimately allow me to live a location independent lifestyle filled with travel and experiencing the unknown.

I’ve been humbled over the past weeks with the support I’ve received through comments, retweets, rising traffic numbers, and mentions throughout the travel blog community. It’s a rewarding community to be a part of, and anyone considering a long term backpacking or RTW trip should make sure to get involved.

Here are some mentions Backpackingmatt.com has received in the travel blogosphere over the past couple weeks:

• Matt of NomadicMatt.com listed me as one of his Favorite Travel Blogs from 2010. A great mention from the guy that started it all. Matt recently wrote a book on how you can travel the world for $50 per day – an excellent read, check it out.
• Johnny Vagabond listed Backpackingmatt.com as one of 10 Hot Travel Blogs to Watch in 2011.
• Christine of c’ est Christine recommended my post 10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010 as an inspirational read for those looking to Travel More in 2011. Christine is off to Australia next month – stop by and wish her luck.
• GoMadNomad.com featured a photo I captured in beautiful Raglan, New Zealand, in his Photo of the Week series.
• My recent travel video, Exploring Bali, was featured on the new Travelfish.org Bali Blog.

The Next Step for Backpackingmatt.com …

I have a number of new initiatives in the works for Backpackingmatt.com.

I’ll be releasing these updates periodically over the coming weeks and months, so be sure to watch this space. I’m working on a minor redesign, seeking out a contributing writer, developing a partnering website, as well as adding an exciting new section to Backpackingmatt.com.

Follow me on Twitter, become a Fan on Facebook, and subscribe to my RSS feed to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these updates.

The Next Step for Me …

I’m on this US Airways flight to LAX, as once I arrive I’ll be catching a long-haul flight back to beautiful Aotearoa - New Zealand.

I’ll be returning to Queenstown on the stunning South Island where I’ll be running NZbyBike.com.

NZbyBike is the leading marketing company for cycle tourism in New Zealand – a one-stop shop for anyone considering a cycling holiday. New Zealand is one of the world’s top destinations for mountain biking and through detailed maps, ride notes, and a directory of cycle-friendly operators, NZbyBike.com promotes New Zealand as a bloody great place to cycle.

We’re based in the Queenstown Innovation Centre, and I’m honored to work alongside a brilliant group of guys who are experts in web design and well involved in the New Zealand tourism industry.

I’m looking forward to a 2011 filled with travel – around New Zealand, over to Australia, and hopefully a trip back to Southeast Asia as well. If you’re passing through New Zealand, please feel free to email me for advice and swing through Queenstown to say hello.

Happy Travels,

(Backpacking)Matt
‘Life’s a Journey‘

Do you have exciting travel plans for 2011? Let me know in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: New Zealand, NZbyBike, Travel Links, Update

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