Posts Tagged ‘mountains’

Global Travel: Top Five New Zealand Beauty Spots

Monday, March 7th, 2011

New Zealand is a fabulous country and one of the world’s top global travel destinations attracting many holiday makers and backpackers each year. Many visitors seek the natural beautiful areas that New Zealand is famous for. Here are five New Zealand Beauty spots you shouldn’t miss:

1. Rotorua – Rotorua is a stunning location found in the heart of the North Island, 230 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Auckland. Rotorua is a great tourist attraction for two reasons; the first is for the city’s geothermal activity and the other is because it offers a chance to experience Maori culture. Here you will see steam rising from the ground which is an impressive sight. There are lots of geysers on view, most famously the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa.

2. The Bay of Plenty – The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region (located on the Northern Island) continues to soar as more people discover the region’s irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences. The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here-sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.

3. Milford Sound – The famous fjord located on New Zealand’s South Island is a spectacular sight. Here you will find waterfalls cascading from sheer rock faces rising 1,200 metres or more from the sea, lush rain forests clinging precariously to the cliffs, and the seals, penguins and dolphins that frequent the waters. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand however the rain creates gorgeous treats for visitors with dozens of temporary waterfalls created both at Milford Sound and along the Milford Road.

4. Punakaiki – Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist goal at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides. An unusual and mysterious sight it’s also an unmissable stop on the country’s tourist trail.

5. Mount Cook – Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain standing at 3,754 metres. The more adventurous can climb the mountain or go on a guided trek which would take you very near the mountain. Another option is to witness the incredible Tasman Glacier on the east side and the Hooker Glacier to the west.

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes fun stuff such as quirky hotels Amsterdam

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Enjoy Have Fun Skiing And Snowboarding In Big Bear Lake California, USA

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

What do you think of when you think about Southern California? I bet the word sunny comes to mind. How about the word sand or flip flop? Certainly those are images that come up as well. But, would you think of snow and winter sports? Not many people would. However, there is plenty of it in the second largest state. Northeast of San Bernardino, there is a place called Big bear Lake. And, there is plenty of skiing and snowboarding in Big Bear Lake California.

It is a picturesque mountainous region that rests nearly 7000 feet above the seal level. To its north is highway 38. To the south is highway 18. In between is seven miles of lake that travels along 22 miles of shoreline. There are four amazing snowy peaks. Can you imagine a more lovely place to vacation, especially if you are the type of person who loves winter sports?

There are slopes available for all levels of skier from beginner to Olympian. With 75 trails, 20 lifts and 1700 vertical feet, you will find plenty of room for many visitors year round. And, even if there are big crowds, the speedy chains of the lifts will get you where you need to be in no time at all.

The skiing and snowboarding is top notch with well-groomed runs as well as powder runs. But, there are plenty of other things to do besides skiing and snowboarding. Other winter sports include skating and sledding or taking long walks through the wilderness. Strap on a pare of snowshoes and a sign up for a guided tour of the scenery.

When you are done skiing or whatever you are doing in the snow, you can visit one of the many other attractions available. At your disposal are many fun things for adults and children. There is a zoo called Moon Ridge Zoo. But, unlike many zoos this is actually an animal rescue and hospital. If a wild animal is injured, it is brought here for treatment and recovery. If the animal cannot return to the wild, it lives out its days in the zoo. Everyone will love visiting this place.

You may be the best skier in the world, but at some point you too will wear down and need to rest. At Big Bear Lake, you can go indoors to many places and sit by the fire in cozy furniture and create a new set of memories. There is not much better feeling than coming in from the cold to a warm fireplace, a big chair and some hot apple cider. But, don’t think even that is all there is to do in this place.

Some resorts offer babysitting and child care. In many cases, these services can be utilized on and off the slops, allowing for skiing and snowboarding without worrying if the kids are being properly cared for.

After a day on the slopes, and before snuggling into a warm bed, gourmet dining is also available. Then, finish off the night with professional theater productions. When this winter vacation is done, all your vacation conversations will be about skiing and snowboarding in Big Bear Lake California.

The San Bernardino Mountains, Northeast of San Bernardino is a place made by Mother Nature for snowy holidays, getaways and eating fantastic food at Big Bear Lake Restaurants. We have got the ultimate info on the tastiest restaurant menu

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Breckenridge Tops the Best

Monday, January 11th, 2010

I stand by my belief that anyone looking to find the best dining, golfing and a lot of recreational experiences in Summit County will find them in Breckenridge. The claim is without any prejudice, as it is supported by facts, like the choice of the residents of Summit Country, expressed through a survey conducted by Summit Daily News. Breckenridge ranked on top in the following categories:

Truly the Best Ski Mountain: And to make the visit to Breckenridge eventful, make sure you take the time to visit the slopes. And Breckenridge Ski Resort is the locals favorite suggestion for skiing destination. Why Breck? you may ask.

To start with, in Breckenridge Ski Resort there is appropriate terrain for all skiers, from the greenhorn to the experts who want to put to the test their hard-earned skills. Offering the best attributes of a ski resort, like a choice of the gentle or difficult runs, being thrilled by the amazing vista at 12,998 ft, the new highest chairlift in North America, the title is definitely well deserved.

With the award, the locals as well as the visitors are having a good time being recognized as the Best Ski Mountain. They welcome visitors to join the celebration at their favorite bars or cafes.

Best Place for People Watching: When on the mountains of Summit County do not fail to visit Breckenridges Main Street, chosen as the finest place to relax or enjoy in the county. No matter if you go there to buy food for breakfast or you are enjoying a few drinks before calling it a day, take note of the interesting view aside from the mountains.

Great Hiking Trail: Summit County is known not just for its best ski mountain but for other recreational activities as well, like hiking along the Mohawk trail. The trail is seven miles long and along the way, you will also see the Continental Falls, the remains of a ruined mine for some evidence of the countys history, Mohawk Lake and the breath taking panorama of Breckenridge.

Best Park: The residents of Summit County put Breckenridges Carter Park on top of their list not only because its their favorite dog park but for other reasons too. Along High Street, Breckenridge Park is the place should you plan to enjoy your meal in the open air then to exercise, to play soccer, volleyball or just sprint a bit.

Top Rated Golf Course: The municipal, 27-hole Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus in Breckenridge is Summit Countys best for various reasons. Located at 9,234 feet from sea level, it offers the uncommon experience of high-altitude golfing while enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains. You need not depend on the locals judgment that Breckenridge Golf Course could be your greatest challenge yet considering that the Colorado Golfer magazine named it the Toughest Mountain Course.

You should realize that this is just a partial list of the bests that Breckenridge offers its visitors. When you plan to visit Summit County, contact one of the best in offering the ideal accommodations for you – Breckenridge vacation rentals. You cannot go wrong when you go with the best.

But, this list is not yet complete. When in Breckenridge, you will surely discover more to add to this list.

[youtube:Ygt7d3x6bV8;[link: Breckenridge] for the Party Animal;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygt7d3×6bV8&feature=related]

Monique Mertandes is a long-time resident of Breckenridge Colorado and is a constant source of information on the ski resort. She gives helpful suggestions for planning a ski vacation, such as how to find the best Breckenridge condos.

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The Tourist Spots Of New Zealand

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Existing in the shadows of Australia, is a land that is known as New Zealand. Providing and experience that is like no other, one may never find anything like it anywhere else in the world. The cultural influences found in New Zealand are like nothing you could ever imagine and will keep the mind in constant amazement.

New Zealand is thought to be the home of mother nature and with its endless choice of activities all contained within a natural environment even dating back to a time before our own, you will begin to understand why it is known to be the closest thing to natural beauty on the face of the planet.

New Zealand is divided into two halves, which are known as the North and South islands. Depending on what time of year one may chose to visit the New Zealand, the activities and topography will change considerably. The south island is most famous for its unique relics thought to be from the last ice age. Just below the islands tallest peak in the southern Alps, Mount Cook, one will find the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers.

The Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers are known to run right through the rainforest of Southern New Zealand, ranging very close to its sea levels. Winter is defiantly the time to travel to the Alps for a once in a lifetime skiing experience that one shall surely not forget any time soon.

The climate of the North Island is known to be very warm during the summer period. One of the tourist sites would be considered to be Serene Lake Taupo, which fills the caldera of one of the known largest super volcanoes. The North Island is also known for its extreme sports, as New Zealand is home for the bungee jump experience, what more can one expect. The West Coast s known mostly for its cave rafting experience, built to get the heart rate pumping.

So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for an experience that you will not soon forget the New Zealand is defiantly the place for you. Travel at any season, and enjoy all that this beautiful land has to offer, you can be sure that one visit will simply not be enough.

For the more chilled and laid back of holiday goers/ travellers, you can simply tour the youthful exciting and wildly cultured cities of New Zealand. Not to mention The Ninety Mile beach, which name really does speak for itself. With the lovely and natural climate of New Zealand, what ever you decide to do, surely will not be of any

If you want to find a top holiday and a good taxi airport transfer, then visit useful resources to help you find more information on bookings and transport, whether it be reliable airports or an airport transfer service.

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