Cameron Tarbotton
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
DOC Paparoa National Park
4.0/5
Standard i-Site fare.
Did not see too much information but felt they were angling for commercial experiences. A little annoying!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
5.0/5
WOW! This was incredible.
My first caving experience and it was a cracker. Did this first by myself then had to take my partner. It is safe as long as you take a torch and warm clothing on your upper body. Get ready to feel like Gollum!!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
3.5/5
Nice wooded campground next to a small stream.
Easy access. Not so much space for a van but would be great with a tent.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
3.0/5
Interesting rock formations, a little too developed for my tastes.
Hard to enjoy with the crowds.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Arthur's Pass ▷
Arthur's Pass National Park
4.5/5
Seemed like a good information source if you are doing a multi-day tramp.
I did not have time this trip but the staff were open for a chat.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Lucky Rentals
4.5/5
This is definitely a budget operation but it is good value.
Had to wait 2 hours for the van to be ready but they were accommodating. Let me use a spare car while I waited (to food shop). Hope the return does not have dramas! Also great to have a white vehicle so you do not stand out.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Douglas Walk
4.0/5
This is an easy one hour walk return to the base of the glacier.
Beautiful valley but the view of the glacier is somewhat limited due to recent receding (800m since 2009 I think!).
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Red Zone Tour Christchurch
5.0/5
This was a guided tour of Christchurch outlining the earthquake disaster (2011) impacts, response and recovery.
Did this as a part of a university course. Well worth it. Only way to appreciate how bad the event was. Shocking.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Arthur's Pass ▷
Castle Hill
3.5/5
Nice meandering unamrked tracks after the graded easy access track to the base of the rock.
Worth an explore around and behind. The best view is from the carpark (if you can stand the crowds).