Anybody been backpacking in New Zealand? >:)

[Vashti]

Hello, Hello!

This may seem like a strange question, but I can think of no better forum than HAZ to ask! Being that a majority of our backpacking experience has been in AZ, UT, and CA, I thought to ask what others that hike in the same general vincinity thought of New Zealand, if indeed anyone has been there?

The hope is to take three weeks in Feb 2004 and backpack the following trails: Milford Track, Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track. If anyone has been to New Zealand and has an opinion from an Arizona Backpacker point of view, I would be happy to hear it!

Thanks!!!!

[chihiggs]

Vashti--

My brother comes back from Antarctica by the end of March. Before going, he spent time hiking in New Zealand. I'll show him your post and have him follow-up at that point if you haven't already found what you are looking for.... Have you tried lonelyplanet.com? They have a section there called "branches" that will have a New Zealand specific crowd. Granted it's geared towards backpacking as a form of cheap travel; most of the people traveling that way tend to play in the places they visit and this type of info will be readily shared.

[annette]

This may seem like a strange question, but I can think of no better forum than HAZ to ask! Being that a majority of our backpacking experience has been in AZ, UT, and CA, I thought to ask what others that hike in the same general vincinity thought of New Zealand, if indeed anyone has been there?

Maybe you could "PM" George -- he's from there!!! :A2:

[arizonaheat]

http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/

This thread may help you out. New Zealand is a much better choice than Australia in my opinion.

I talked to a friend yesterday who just returned form a month backpack in Costa Rica. I think that will be my next adventure. Been on my list a long time and I will soon be free to do as I please
Of course then there is Thailand and ..........

Have a blast when u go!!!!!!!!