Glacier Country

Glacier Country in the South Island of New Zealand is a place of breath-taking beauty where you can witness nature at its most awe-inspiring. A must visit destination for any backpackers itinerary. There are two glaciers to choose from - Fox or Franz Josef. In actual fact you have to drive past Fox to get to Franz Josef so you get to see both. The key decision is which to climb!

So what to see?

Depending upon your budget here are some Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and NZ dollars whilst you're there:

Money to burn?

A Glacier hike - A must in my book! There are loads of tour companies on the main high streets offering a multitude of walks according to fitness and experience. Alternatively alot of the hostels also allow you to book at their receptions often at slightly cheaper prices. Would recommend choosing a hike that involves a certain amount of ice-walking. There's nothing like strapping on the crampons to make you feel like an artic explorer and get the adrenalin flowing...

Helicopter flights - If you have that little bit more money burning through your pocket then taking a flight over either glacier is an amazing experience which allows you to appreciate the incredible size of them. If you visit outside peak season try bartering the price down with tour companies who are all often competing for your money. This can make this luxury option more affordable to the majority of backpackers.

On a shoestring budget?

Walks - There are free public walks which take you up to the start of the glacier ice for those with no money to do a guided hike.

Meal deals/Free drinks - Glacier Country is on the South Island backpacker trail so there are loads of bars and restaurants all competing for your NZ dollars with price sensitive deals. A couple of half price pitchers of beer after a days climbing/walking quench the thirst very nicely!

Aboriginal culture

When travelling around Australia many do not think about it as a particularly cultural destination. However hidden between the amazing beaches and stunning landscapes there remains the artifacts of earlier Aboriginal life and their culture. Many visitors choose not to visit and embrace this side of Australia which is a real shame.

For those of you who wish to soak up this side of Australian culture there are a number of key destinations to visit:

The Northern Territory - Home to the most famous of Australia's landmarks Uluru. The traditional owners of the Rock are the Anangu who believe as descendants of this ceremonial area that they are responsible for its protection. If you visit make sure you check out a performance of their traditional dance. The majority of the land in the Outback is Aboriginal owned which has allowed them to preserve their ancient culture more so than elsewhere in Australia. In fact the Aborigines have resided here for between 20,000 and 50,000 years and to this day one third of the states population are Aborigines. The N.T. is also home to Kakadu National Park, Australia's largest park covering over 4.3 million acres with the impressive Jim Jim falls at its heart. The Park is home to many superbly preserved Aboriginal rock art including the stunning paintings of Namaragan (or the Lightning Man) on Nourlangie and the depictions of local wildlife at Ubirr Rock.

Melville and Bathhurst Islands - Australia's second largest island after Tasmania, the island located about 50 miles off the north Darwin coast, is inhabited by Tiwi Aborigines. With no contact with the mainland for centuries a very different Aboriginal culture has developed. That the culture has survived to this day is due in part to the fact that the island is still owned by the Tiwi. Worth a day trip to visit the art centres and burial sites with their painted wood burial poles.

Queensland - Laura - A typical Outback town it is off the beat and track but home to some great Aboriginal art sites including the 'giant horse gallery'. Quinkans, large stick like figures designed to represent spirits can also be found here.

Sydney - If you can't make it to the N.T. then there are some equally spectacular rock engravings of more than 4,000 figures in the Hawkesbury area of Sydney. One whale engraving is more than 20 metres long!

Auckland

The capital city of New Zealand and by far its largest in geographic size and population Auckland is a superb place to kick off your trip.

So what to see?

Depending upon your budget here are some Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and NZ dollars whilst you're there:

Money to burn?

Auckland Sky Tower - Free to enter you have to pay NZ$28 to get to the very top. Worth the money though. At 328 metres it is the tallest tower in the Southern hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction. Just make sure you choose a clear day! If you are feeling brave you can even Sky Jump off the top of it...

Ever fancied walking up the Auckland Harbour Bridge? Well you can although not advisable for any of you who suffer from vertigo!

The Viaduct harbour - Just a short walk from the city centre it is a cool place full of trendy bars and restaurants to venture to in the evening for a few drinks and some good food, although a bit pricey.

On a shoestring budget?

Waiheke Island - Just a short inexpensive ferry ride away it offers the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Remember to pack your trunks as there are plenty of swim spots to choose from - although the water temperature often makes it only appealing for the hardy amongst you!

Asian Food Court - On Queen Street there is a great selection of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Indian and Malaysian food all at reasonable prices.

Auckland Botanic Gardens - Good place to go and chill out for an afternoon stroll around the gardens. Free to enter.

The Great Australian BBQ - Fact or Myth?

Surely a myth as all cultures have grilled meat since the beginning of time.

However the Aussies have embraced this form of cooking more than any other nation. You can see why their outdoor no frills culture and reliable climate lends itself to the BBQ.

The traditional Aussie BBQ tends to exist in 3 formats:

1. Inviting your mates around to your back yard

2. The Communal BBQ - Throughout Australia there are ready made areas in public spaces offering fantastic BBQ facilities.

3. Sporting events - Elaborate makeshift BBQ's out of the backs of cars. The Melbourne Cup is a classic such event.

The other main reason why the BBQ is so popular is due to the huge amount of cattle Australia rears year round providing the population with an endless supply of cheap meat. In fact Australia's meat consumption per head is only second to the US!!

10 Reasons why Australia is a great backpacking destination

After briefly losing its crown as the most popular backpacker destination to the US, Australia is once again back on top.

So what makes it such a popular destination?

Based on our own experience of travelling around this great country Lazyshark have compiled our top 10 reasons to visit.

1. Easy to get around - Although a vast country the Greyhound easily connects you from one destination to another. Alternatively it is not too pricey to buy a car, drive round part of the country yourself and then sell it on to the next backpacker at your final stop. We did this on one of our previous visits when travelling from Sydney to Cairns. Another alternative is to hire a car.

2. English language - Makes life so much easier...need I say any more!

3. Lots of work freely available - From fruit picking to bar work there is plenty of choice to help you top up your wallet when funds are running low...

4. Backpacker trail - Is well trodden

5. Welcoming people - The Aussies love to banter, especially with the Poms, over a few beers!

6. Budget accomodation options - Plenty of hostels, B&B's and motels to choose from. From private rooms with your own bathroom to shared dorms there is something on offer to suit all budgets.

7. Cost of living - You can usually get alot for your aussie dollars

8. Warm climate - Nothing better than to travel with the sun on your back. Saves having to pack rain gear aswell!

9. Socialising - A multitude of other travellers to meet. Often the stories you remember and tell to your friends and family when you return back home involve the great, fun and downright weird people whose paths you cross.

10. Events calendar - Music, Festivals, Film, Culture, Sport - you name it - it all happens in Australia.