There’s so much to see and do in this country, I couldn’t possibly list it all here. Here are some of my highlights to visit if you’re on a 2–4 week holiday. I suggest renting a car or van to get around as you have the freedom to stop at the many lovely spots along the way to bigger highlights. The seasons will affect the type of holiday you have here so be sure to consider whether you’re looking for warm and mild temperatures or snow adventures!
North Island
The Bay of Islands is a subtropical wonderland of beautiful beaches and islands worth spending a few days on if you’re here to relax. I see New Zealand as more of an active adventure holiday spot though and all that stuff is to be found further south.
The Coromandel has some beautiful beaches with excellent walks and the hot water beach is very interesting here- you can make your own jacuzzi bath by digging into the sand on the hot water beach!
Rotorua is home to many geothermal parks where you can witness some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Bubbling sulfur cauldrons and mysterious mud that cracks through the surface of the earth. It’s also the perfect place for visiting thermal baths.
Lake Taupo is a great adventure sports hub that is cheaper than its South Island counterpart Queenstown. It’s also a very beautiful lake and the best base for exploring the mountain ranges for amazing trekking like the Tongariro Crossing.
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are a real sight to behold, a huge network of caves where it’s possible to witness the glowing worms above your head.
If you’re into Lord
of the Rings then you can visit Hobbiton!
The South Island
Kaikoura is a beautiful coastal town on a peninsula and it’s the best place to see whales which I highly recommend that you do. It was my highlight of NZ.
Marlborough is an
excellent wine region in the north where you can do many tastings and also see
the beautiful Marlborough sounds if you head to Picton. The drive
up here from Kaikoura is beautiful and offers the chance to see sea lion
colonies.
The Fiordland National Park is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world, similar to Marlborough but bigger and more majestic. Head to Doubtful Sound for a calmer and quieter experience, or Milford Sound which is more frequented by tourists. They are both in the south and make sure you have good weather before spending money on a tour here. Apologies I couldn’t find any blue sky photos for these places, you have to be really lucky to get those!
Doubtful Sound
Milford Sound
Abel Tasman is excellent
for trekking and lovely walks in lush green forests and secluded beaches.
The west coast of the south island is known for its gorgeous landscape including the Pancake Rocks and many wild beaches. Driving here through the middle of the island will take you through Arthur’s Pass or Lewis Pass which are both stunning and deserve to be taken slowly to soak up the views.
Many people
visit Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier on
their NZ trip but I personally wouldn’t bother. I went 5 years ago and hiked on
it which was amazing, and then went back this January and you wouldn’t believe
how much it has receded. It’s not worth the time, but they won’t tell you that
as they still have to make money from this attraction. If you’re interested in
glaciers you must go to Patagonia, but don’t waste your time on this trip,
there’s so much more to see here.
Lake Wanaka and Queenstown are beautiful calm lakeside resorts with plenty of activities to do. Wanaka is quieter and the drive here from the west coast is insanely beautiful. Queenstown is more of a party town, but that’s in NZ standards so it’s still pretty chilled. There’s plenty of fun to be had late at night at the bars in town though. And giant food as well at Ferg Burger and Fat Badger’s Pizza. Work it all off by doing a skydive 😉
This tiny island country, just a few hours from Australia, is truly a paradise. It’s no wonder that the Lord of the Rings films were shot here, the land where Mother Nature has outdone herself. Sprawling valleys, rolling hills, hues of green as far as the eye can see, and the vast expanse of the ocean enveloping them all. Read ahead to find out why you should visit New Zealand soon…
People
New Zealanders, or
Kiwis as they are affectionately termed, are a melting pot of Maori, Asian,
European and Pacific Island cultures. Pioneers in many ways, having had to
develop the island from scratch, this trait has been passed on through
generations. Did you know that frozen meat, bungee jumping and the electronic
petrol pump are all Kiwi inventions? These resourceful folks also have a strong
sense of community. ‘Kia ora’ which means hello, is a common greeting you’ll
hear but loosely translated, you are wishing the essence of life upon another.
Now isn’t that rather lovely?
Truly a spectacle of nature, there’s a bit of everything in New Zealand. Explore the rugged, volcanic mountains in North Island to the grandeur of the Southern Alps emerging from the South Islands, and the vast Canterbury Plains in the middle. You’ll also find geothermal areas with tranquil hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A plethora of beaches for your holiday pleasures, jump between the dark sands of the northern beaches and the wilder shores of South Island. New Zealand doesn’t disappoint in the winter-front, with stunning glaciers over the Alps, the most famous being the humongous Tasman glacier! Do check out the fjords, formed thanks to sunken mountains, where there are steep lush hills and deep blue bays.
Cuisine
Image courtesy- Naotakem Moules Mariniere with New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
Many a tale has been
spun about the steadfast Kiwi favourites: fish, chips and barbecues. But the
New Zealand gastronomy experience goes beyond that, and how! Be prepared for a
smorgasbord of seafood dishes made from mussels, crayfish, oysters and of
course, the catch of the day! Allow your tastebuds to savour the award-winning
Kiwi cheeses and their famous lamb, complemented with a refreshing glass of
wine. Wherever you choose to eat, you are sure to have a splendid meal coupled
with the laidback Kiwi atmosphere, the perfect holiday dineout experience!
Wildlife
New Zealand ruru or owl (commonly called morepork) taken on the Heaphy Track, New Zealand, between Saxon and James Macky huts. By Mosborne01 – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8838120
Thanks to the
bountiful spread of nature, New Zealand has an equally tremendous range of
wildlife! Did you know that most of New Zealand’s native birds are flightless?
It’s not just the kiwi, but the kakapo parrot, takahe and the now extinct, moa!
You may also spot keas, wekas, tui and the morepork owl, so named for its
distinct calling sound. In the oceans, you’ll find whales, dolphins, seals,
penguins and several pacific fish. The world’s rarest dolphin, the tiny
Hector’s dolphin is found only in the New Zealand waters!
Do allow us at Pickyourtrail to design your magnificent New Zealand vacation! Pack your bags and get ready to visit the Shire in real life, swim with the dolphins and melt your blues away!
Seychelles is an amazing holiday destination. If you had to describe a perfect tropical island—turquoise sea, golden beaches, and coconut trees—you could be describing any one of the 115 islands in this scattered nation.
Because there are so many islands, you might think visiting Seychelles would be difficult. However, Seychelles International Airport is located on the largest island of Mahé, and the 2 next largest islands of Praslin and Silhouette are only 27 miles and 12 miles away respectively.
Many of the main attractions and national parks can be found on these 3 islands. The Seychelles government is dedicated to preserving the environment, and this is reflected in its efforts to protect the flora and fauna.
There are many attractions in Seychelles, but I’ve narrowed this down to the top 7 must-see landmarks.
#1. Mission Lodge
Like many places in Africa, the history of Seychelles often highlights the struggles of its people against oppression and slavery. While not an impressive monument, the Mission Lodge is an unforgettable reminder that not so long-ago slavery was a reality for many people.
The lodge
was originally built in the 19th-century by a missionary society to
educate the first slaves freed in the Seychelles. The ruins of that building
are situated on the side of Mont Fleuri on Mahé Island and
provide stunning views over the mountains and sea.
Mission Lodge building is a testament to both the negative and positive effects of Western imperialism on the citizens of this small island nation.
#2. State House
The State House, in the capital city of Victoria on Mahé Island, is the most famous building in Seychelles. The current building was built in 1910 and is a typical white-washed, colonial structure with an impressive colonial veranda and balcony.
https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey
Within the grounds is the tomb of Governor Jean Baptiste Quéau de Quincy, the last French governor who surrendered the island to the British in 1794. Today this grand building is the Seat of the President of Seychelles.
Historically,
the State House is the focal point of power in the islands. It passed from the
French to the British and is now used by the sovereign nation’s elected
government as a symbol of their authority.
#3. The Old Courthouse & Supreme Court
When the
British arrived in 1794, they brought their own notions of law and justice. The
Old Courthouse is a tangible reminder of the imposition of European morality
and rules on an African island nation.
Signs of British colonialism are found in the lines of the Old Courthouse (1890) in central Victoria, Seychelles. David Stanley
You can
find the Old Courthouse in the center of Victoria, close to the Natural History
Museum and opposite the UK High Commission. Although it shares the colonnaded
verandah and balcony basic plan of the State House, otherwise it’s a fantastic
example of Creole architecture.
If you
continue along Francis Rachel Street, you can see more typical colonial
buildings that make this the historical center of Victoria.
#4. The Clock Tower (Lorloz)
Erected in 1903, this ornate tower in the centre of the busy intersection of Independence Avenue and Francis Rachel Street in Victoria is the most photographed landmark in Seychelles. It looks like a miniature version of the tower in London called “Big Ben”, leading to the affectionate nickname of “Little Ben”.
The Clock Tower marks the center of Victoria. It is a replica of the clock found on Vauxhall Bridge Road in London, and another reminder of the Seychelles Islands’ colonial past.
#5. Bicentennial Monument (To Zozo)
Also, on
Independence Avenue is the Bicentennial Monument. In many ways, this monument
is a break from the past. The first 4 landmarks in my list were historical
structures built by the British colonists. This is an ultra-modern, monumental
sculpture erected by the independent government in 1978, only 2 years after
gaining independence.
But,
essentially, this monument is a reminder of the past. It commemorates the
bicentenary of the founding of Victoria by Charles Routier de Romainville in
1778. It was designed by an Italian resident of the islands, Lorenzo Appiani.
The 3 birds (To Zozo) of the sculpture symbolize the merging of African, European, and Indian heritage in the culture and population of the islands. It also recognizes that, until recently, birds were the only inhabitants of the islands, and still are for many of the smaller islands amongst the 115.
#6. Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
I already
mentioned that one of the main influences on the Seychelles’ culture and
population is India. Given their location in the Indian Ocean between India and
Africa, the reason for this should be clear. Also, the Seychelles government
has grown closer to India since independence and even shares a joint military
facility with India on Assumption Island.
Arul Mihu
Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is a highly visible sign of the significant Indian
influence on the local culture today. It is a beautiful Hindu temple built in
1992 and dedicated to the Hindu god of safety and prosperity, Lord Vinayagar.
This
amazing structure stands in the center of Victoria against a backdrop of lush
tropical greenery. I think it’s the most photogenic building on the islands.
#7. The Dauban Mausoleum
I don’t want to leave you with the impression the only worthwhile landmarks are on Mahé Island. Actually, the Dauban Mausoleum is undoubtedly the most impressive single structure in the whole of Seychelles, and it’s on Silhouette Island.
For a hundred years, Silhouette Island was owned by the Dauban family, who originated from France. Much like the great industrial barons of American history, they owned vast amounts of property and built stately homes. In fact, they were once called “the Rothschilds of the Indian Ocean”.
The Dauban Mausoleum was designed to resemble Eglise de la Madeleine in Paris. With its ornate portico, 6 monumental columns, and classical Greek architecture, it will leave you breathless. Surrounded by coconut trees and a lush jungle, it looks rather out of place.
The nearby
Dauban
Plantation House is now a museum and is also
well worth a visit.
7 Adventure Tips for Visiting Seychelles Islands
Seychelles is a great holiday destination. I want you to enjoy your visit, so here are 7 tips to help you plan your journey.
#1. Take action to prevent crime
The
Seychelles are peaceful islands with a low crime rate. However, people are
people everywhere, so crime happens. Take a few routine precautions for
self-protection. Don’t walk along isolated beaches or swim alone. Don’t leave bags unattended, and only fill them with
what you need for that trip. And always lock your hotel room door, even if
you’re in the room.
#2. Avoid unauthorized foreign currency dealers
Individuals
may approach you in public places and offer to exchange your dollars for
Seychellois rupees. The rupees they offer may be counterfeit. Politely refuse
and move on.
#3. Dress appropriately on beaches
Regardless
of your preconceived ideas of tranquil tropical islands, nudism is not allowed
on any beach in the Seychelles. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on some, but
not all, beaches.
#4. Talk to your hotel reception before going to the beach
Seaweed plagues the beaches of Mahé and Praslin and that makes it unpleasant if not impossible to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. However, such plagues only usually affect one side of the island depending upon the tides and currents. Many hotels provide a free shuttle bus to the best beach for bathing on that day.
#5. Don’t collect seashells!
This might sound like a strange request. Collecting seashells is one of the most popular beach pastimes for kids. However, as part of the drive to preserve the unique environment of the Seychelles, visitors are asked to not feed the tortoises or birds, not to pick any flowers or plants, and not to collect the seashells. However, you can purchase such things from a licensed retailer that follows the government’s green policies for obtaining such items.
#6. The Seychelles are not just for adults
Many people have gained the impression that Seychelles is an adult-only destination. This is far from the truth. Many resorts and bigger hotels run children’s playgroups and nurseries so that parents can relax while their kids play with their new friends.
#7. Pamper yourself
If you’re
staying in a small hotel or guesthouse, you probably won’t have access to spa
facilities. Be aware that the larger hotels and resorts on the islands are more
than happy to provide their spa services to walk-in day guests.
Visa Entry Requirements
You don’t need to apply for a visa before traveling to the Seychelles, but there are entry requirements. To enter Seychelles, you need 5 things: a passport, onward travel ticket, sufficient funds, confirmed accommodation, and a visitor’s permit.
Passport
Your
passport must be valid beyond the length of your stay in the country.
Onward travel ticket
You must possess a return or onward travel ticket to prove you intend to leave the country at the end of your proposed visit.
Sufficient funds
You must be able to prove to the immigration officer you have sufficient money available to fund your visit to the islands. The required amount is a minimum of $150 per day for your proposed length of stay.
Confirmed accommodation
You must
show proof you have booked a hotel room or guest house on the island.
Visitor’s Permit
If you have fulfilled the above 4 requirements, the immigration officer will provide you with a visitor’s permit with a set leaving date. If you overstay your visit or commit a crime on the island, you will become a prohibited immigrant and be deported from the island.
Also, be aware that you are not allowed to bring the following items into Seychelles without a permit: alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, radio equipment, and fruits or vegetables.
Dubai is known for its grandeur. Right from its classic structures and avant-garde architectural marvels to its awe-inspiring events, nothing in Dubai is done on a small scale. One such highlight that the city offers every year is the Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF. The festival runs for almost a month (from December-January) and is one of the best times to visit the city. Along with the numerous shopping opportunities, you can also attend music concerts, live performances, and many such interesting events during DSF.
History of Dubai Shopping Festival
The first Dubai Shopping Festival was held in 1996. With the intention of promoting tourism in Dubai, the festival was started by the Ruler of Dubai and the Vice President of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It earned massive recognition in its debut version itself, as over 1.6 million people attended this festival. From then on, the DSF has grown bigger and better with so many new attractions, events, and activities every year. While the entire city participates in this shopping festival, Global Village is considered to be the center of the whole event. Global Village was started in 1997 (the second year of the festival) on the banks of Dubai Creek, where people were able to visit pavilions of different countries and enjoy their cultural activities, food, handicrafts, souvenirs, etc. The Dubai Shopping Festival has come a long way and is one of the much-awaited events in Dubai. With this note, let us get to know more about the top things to do in Dubai during DSF.
Best Things to Do in Dubai during DSF
Shopping
Shopping is undoubtedly the best thing to do in Dubai during the shopping festival. The main reason that DSF attracts so many people from around the world is that you get to enjoy some amazing deals and discounts on all sorts of products. Be it clothes, accessories, jewelry, electronics, or home décor, everything comes with a huge discount, sometimes around 75%. The deals and the shopping festival are not limited to a particular spot or mall. In fact, almost all the malls and stores in the city offer great deals during this time of the year. If you are in Dubai during the beginning of the shopping festival, you may also be able to enjoy the 12-hour sale on the first day, where malls and stores offer 90% off on selected items.
Here are some of the best places to shop from during the DSF:
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Outlet Mall
The Dubai Mall
Boxpark
Global Village
Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai Festival City
Ibn Battuta Mall
Witness the Fireworks
Fireworks at Global Village
Dubai does not do anything half-heartedly, and the fireworks display during DSF is proof enough of the same. Apart from the grand fireworks on the opening (somewhere during the last week of December) and closing of the DSF (late January or early February), you would be able to see some fabulous fireworks every weekend. A few of the best places to catch remarkable fireworks are Global Village, JBR Beach, and Dubai Creek. The fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah on New Year’s Eve are also something you should not miss.
Attend Live Concerts and Performances
The DSF is not just all about shopping but a grand carnival of all things good in life. During the festival, Dubai hosts several music concerts and live performances by world-renowned artists. These programs are held in several areas of the city throughout the month. You would also be able to witness street performances, juggler acts, and other such interesting events during the shopping festival. As every year sees performances by different venues, you should check the official DSF website to know the exact details. You’ll find special shows, events, and activities for children as well.
Market OTB
If you are bored of shopping at the malls of Dubai, Market Out-of-the-Box or Market OTB is something you would enjoy wholeheartedly. Held at the Burj Park in Downtown Dubai, Market OTB has been a constant at the DSF in the last few years. This unusual market showcases the talent of both local and international brands and artists. You can buy everything from unique and bespoke clothes to accessories and at the same time enjoy artwork, music and dance shows, stage performances, pop-up cinema, etc. Another of its highlights is food trucks offering a variety of delicious food.
Timings: 4 PM to 11 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 10 AM
to 12 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Participate in Raffle Draws
While the DSF is a place to spend your money, you can also get some money back if you are lucky. Participate in the numerous Raffle deals and win anywhere from around AED 150,000 to AED 500,000 during the shopping festival. There is also the Nissan Raffle draw where you get the chance to win some luxurious Nissan cars. To participate in these Raffle draws, all you have to do is to buy a ticket worth AED 200 from places like the Dubai Gold Souk, Metro Stations, Global Village, ENOC/EPPCO outlets, etc. Sometimes, you may also be able to win a raffle ticket when you shop at some of the selected stores.
Check out the DSF Carnival
Another weekend attraction at the DSF is the colorful carnival that happens at Al Seef Street. Every year, the carnival adapts the theme of the shopping festival. You get to see here numerous performers from different nationalities, unicyclists, musicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobats, marching bands, and clowns showing off their talent and skills. The carnival is lively, loud, and extremely fun.
Best Things to Do in Dubai Apart from Shopping
When you are not shopping and enjoying the numerous attractions of the DSF, you can be a regular tourist and visit the famous Dubai landmarks. We bring to you a few of the best things to do in Dubai.
Visit Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower at a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), stands in Dubai on March 5, 2012. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Tags: SOCIETY CITYSPACE) – RTR2YV3I
Get
to the observation deck on the tallest building on earth, the Burj Khalifa, to
see a panoramic view of the city. Be it the 124th floor or the 148th
floor, the view from the top is incredible.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 11 PM
How to Reach: Get down at the Dubai Mall Metro Station and
walk to the mall. The entrance to Burj Khalifa is on the ground floor of the
mall.
Go on a Desert Safari
Enjoy an evening in the middle of the desert with some adventurous activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sand boarding. You would also get to enjoy live dance performances and a delicious BBQ dinner.
Timings: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
How to Reach: The desert safari tours also include
transportation to and from your hotel or residence.
Wander around the Dubai Aquarium
Right inside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is home to an amazing number of marine animals. The aquarium also offers some unique experiences and tours including glass-bottom boat tours, shark diving, cage diving, scuba diving, etc.
Timings: 10 AM to 12 AM
How to Reach: Dubai Aquarium is located within Dubai Mall.
Stroll along Garden Glow
Be fascinated with the unique figurines and sculptures lit by 10 million energy-saving bulbs at Garden Glow. The Ice Park and Dinosaur Park are the main attractions here.
Timings: 4 PM to 12 AM (closed during summer months)
How to Reach: It would be best to take a cab to Garden Glow.
The nearest metro station is Al Jafiliya Metro Station.
Have Fun at Ski Dubai
Try
your hand at skiing at the largest indoor ski park in the world, Ski Dubai.
Located in the Mall of Emirates, Ski Dubai also has a Snow Park where you can
indulge in snow rides and activities.
Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10
AM to 12 AM (Thursday and Friday)
How to Reach: Get down at the Mall of the Emirates metro
station and walk to the mall through the walkway connecting the station to the
mall.
Enjoy a Relaxed Dhow Cruise Dinner
Head
over to Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina for a relaxing dinner on the luxurious dhow
cruise. Along with a scrumptious buffet dinner, you also get to enjoy the views
and a great Tanoura dance performance.
Timings: 8 PM to 10 PM (approximately)
How to Reach: The travel company usually arranges
transportation to and from the dhow cruise for the guests.
Spend a Day at Aquaventure
Located on Palm Jumeirah, the Aquaventure Water Park is a part of Hotel Atlantis. It is one of the largest water parks in the UAE and has rides and slides that would satisfy both thrill seekers and kids. The water park also has an aquarium as well as a beach.
Timings: 10 AM to sunset
How to Reach: Take a monorail or a cab to Palm Jumeirah from
the Mall of the Emirates metro station.
Check out the Dubai Museum
History
lovers would get to spend an interesting hour knowing about the past of Dubai
at the Dubai Museum. Located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum has an
interesting set of exhibits about the Emiratis and their lifestyle during the
yesteryears.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Saturday to Thursday) and
2:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Friday)
How to Reach: You can take a metro to Burjuman Metro Station
and walk to the museum, which is 1.5 km away. You can also take a cab from the
station to the museum.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab
Visit the only seven-star in the world, the Burj Al Arab, to devour their famous afternoon tea. While the view from the Sky View Bar is great, the menu consisting of varieties of tea and coffee, scones, cakes, and pastries is even better.
Timings: 3 PM (window seating) and 3:15 PM
(non-window seating)
How to Reach: Get down at the Mall of the Emirates metro station and take a cab to the Burj Al Arab.
Have a Thrilling Day at IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world and has zones, rides, and attractions based on the themes of Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network.
Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM (Sunday to Wednesday) and
11 AM to 10 PM (Thursday and Friday)
How to Reach: You can get to the Mall of the Emirates metro station and take a cab to the indoor theme park. It would take 30 minutes to reach the park from the metro station.
Tips for Travellers
Before you plan your DSF holiday, do not forget to get your Dubai visa. It takes 2-3 days to get your Dubai e-visa.
Download the DSF app which would give you information about the deals, discounts, offers, activities, and performances happening around the city.
Start your shopping early in the morning to avoid crowds. Also, attend the DSF during the early days as stocks and sizes are likely to diminish by the end of the festival.
To avoid waiting in lines outside trail rooms, wear layers of clothes so that you can try out different outfits without visiting the trail room.
Always explore a bit before making a purchase, especially when it comes to electronic gadgets and furniture. Different stores offer different deals and discounts, and by exploring you can pick the best.
Research well and make a list of what you want to buy for a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience.
Conclusion
Dubai Shopping Festival is the best time to visit Dubai as so much happens in and around the city during this time of the year. It is one of the most exciting festivals; one that you should attend at least once in your lifetime.
