Destinations | Backpackingmatt.com

backpackingmatt March 25, 2011

5 Wineries Not to Be Missed While Traveling in New Zealand

A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without taking in one of the many fantastic wineries scattered throughout the North & South Islands. This fantastic guest post nails out 5 must-see wineries for your trip to Aotearoa.

Recently New Zealand was shaken by the Canterbury earthquake but fear not, this Land of the Long White Cloud has not been stirred (apart from our world-class lees- stirred wines of course). Outside of Christchurch, New Zealand is very much open for business and is begging to be explored.

This compact island nation certainly fulfills the desire for a diverse, interesting and ultimately beautiful wine destination. New Zealand has seven recognized wine destinations. Not sure where to start? Check out these:

5 Wineries Not to Be Missed While Traveling in New Zealand.

1) Cable Bay, Waiheke Island

A stunning winery and restaurant set on Waiheke Island in the Greater Auckland region. Reflecting the novel way of getting to this sub-tropical island paradise (that is, whether by the 40 minute ferry journey through the Auckland Harbour, or the 8 minute chopper ride), you will find this sub-regional wine-growing area is alive with enthusiasm for wine, food and laid-back culture.

There is a wonderful microclimate, a salty ocean taste in the air, friendly people, and of course fantastic wine.

The climate is so different to the mainland, and the Island is synonymous with a good day out. Cable Bay is one of the first stops on the Waiheke Island wine stop route, and well worth coinciding with lunch. With an emphasis on seafood, Cable Bay does go the extra mile with the lunch time crowd.

Often featuring a variety of sculptural artists on the brilliant winery lawn, there is a stimulating combination of culture, cuisine, scenery and wine.

2) Elephant Hill, Hawkes Bay

With a hardly indigenous bronze elephant perched atop a mound of earth at the very coastal Te Awanga in Hawkes Bay, you have to begin wondering about the origins of this emerging, successful winery. German couple Reydan and Roger Weiss visited New Zealand in 2001 and simply fell in love with the Hawkes Bay area. Soon after they built the innovative, awe inspiring winery and restaurant in this special coastal milieu.

The award-winning wines produced by the Elephant Hill winemaking team, led by Steve Skinner is a great reason to take the trip out to this coastal sub-region of Hawkes Bay. Dining here is no bland experience either – beautifully executed cuisine with a dreamy ocean backdrop ensures indisputable inspiration.

Try the Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah, or the Viognier.

3) Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay

Based in the famous Gimblett Gravels, and home to the amiable John Hancock, Trinity Hill winery is somewhat of an icon in Hawkes Bay. The cellar door has a rustic feel to it, with a fascinating glimpse into the barrel hall through glass. The cellar door personnel are always friendly and knowledgeable, and you will frequently find John himself behind the counter or hosting guests in the cellar’s leather armchairs.

What’s most exciting is the opportunity to try some of Trinity Hill’s best wines, and if you’re lucky, purchase some stellar vintages.

Stand outs are Trinity Hills’ Tempranillo, a Spanish variety that exudes raspberry, plum and spice characters, and bearing a good tannin structure it tango’s with liquorice on the finish.

Trinity Hill’s flagship wine is the Homage Syrah – this is something special. You’re bound to find some magic here.

4) Bannockburn, Central Otago

Bannockburn New Zealand (Creative Commons)

This is not a single winery as such, rather a entire sub- region of Central Otago wine-growing country, and it is well worth a visit to delight in the wines, people and wineries scattered throughout this scenic area nuzzling the banks and hills above the Kawarau River.

To the west is nestled Central Otago’s famous Felton Road, along which numerous wineries are based, including the eponymous Felton Road winery. Renown for their high-end Pinot Noir, a stopover during their afternoon opening hours is recommended for an opportunity to taste some of Central Otago’s finest. If you’re lucky you may find some older vintages to lust upon, particularly Felton Road’s Riesling.

Across the road you will find two gorgeous women replete with good humour, compassion and charm. They are Dennie Downie and Jane Gill, and they are the proprietors behind the award-winning label, Desert Heart.

With stylish woolshed accommodation situated in amongst their vineyards, it’s a romantic spot for a getaway.

5) Rippon, Wanaka, Central Otago

Home to one of New Zealand’s favourite open-air concert extravaganzas it’s not hard to see why Rippon, just 15 minutes out of Wanaka, is a media darling.

Arguably one of the most picturesque vineyard settings in the world, Rippon winery and vineyard is owned by Lois Mills, son Nick and his wife Jo Mills. Producing some fantastic Pinot Noir as you would expect in Central Otago, Rippon also does well in the Riesling variety, delivers a crowd-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and an interesting Osteiner, one of the only producers of this hybrid variety in the country.

Have you been to any New Zealand wineries? Leave your favorites in the comments section below.

About the Author: Lady Parker Wine Reviews brings you the best of New Zealand’s wine industry – the personalities, stories, and descriptions of the wonderful, unique qualities that lie in every bottle through entertaining and informative media. Vitally important to my mission is my philosophy of only reviewing wines that I would personally recommend, so you can rest assured that every wine reviewed has a mark of quality endorsement, and frequently they are standouts.

Firmly knowing that wine is my passion, I left my career as a barrister and solicitor to pursue the innovative vocation of wine writing and education. Growing up in the wine-growing regions of both Gisborne, and Central Otago, and from a family of wine, there’s no doubt it is an innate love! Currently I am embarking upon achieving my Master of Wine. Overall I aim to enlighten, inform and share with the wine-loving community the world over all the wonders and mysteries of wine.

backpackingmatt March 6, 2011

New Zealand: Open for Business – 5 Reasons You Should Still Visit the Most Beautiful Country in the World

New Zealand, Travel Advice 33 Replies

At 12:51 PM on February 22nd, the earth roared and the entire South Island of New Zealand rumbled.

I was sitting at my desk in Queenstown – some 500 kms away from the Garden City of Christchurch – and as I looked out on our balcony overlooking The Remarkabes, I saw my mountain bike shake back and forth and the floor beneath my feet rolled as if I was riding the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.

The 6.3 earthquake that struck a mere 5 kms beneath the surface was felt as far away as Wellington on the North Island.

The effects of the quake will be felt in Christchurch for years to come – there was massive loss of life, property, and heritage in the South Island’s largest town.

The Garden City will never be the same again and the events of February 22nd will go down in the history books as one of New Zealand’s saddest days.

Through all of this, it’s crucial to realize that New Zealand is still very much open for business.

The economy has surely taken a huge blow, yet New Zealand will continue to prosper and continued high tourism numbers will be key to a successful recovery.

Here are: 5 Reasons Why You Should Still Visit the Most Beautiful Country in the World

1) The Damage is Extremely Centralized

The images that have been broadcasted by the mainstream media throughout New Zealand and the world show a Christchurch that has been devastated. Without a doubt, this is true – estimates are as high as $15 Billion to rebuild the city.

While the City Centre will sadly never look the same and the Eastern suburbs are severely damaged, much of Christchurch remains essentially unaffected. I was driving into the city a week after the quake and it was very much normal days until just blocks before the City Centre.

The damaged area of New Zealand is equivalent in size the area of Lower Manhattan.

The Garden City probably won’t be open to the general tourist for some time, but it’s crucial to realize the small area affected when considering the rest of New Zealand that is begging to be explored.

2) The Christchurch Airport is Open and Fully Operational

One of the most popular New Zealand itineraries begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. For those that are just traveling the South Island, about 90% arrive and depart from Christchurch.

Clearly, the Garden City is a crucial entry and exit point for the traveler to New Zealand.

While you probably won’t spend much time in the city itself, it’s worth noting that the Christchurch airport is fully operational and getting in and out of the South Island is just as easy as it ever has been.

3) Canterbury Needs You

New Zealand needs you almost as much as Canterbury needs you. You shouldn’t wipe New Zealand from your travel plans and you most certainly should spend time in the stunning Canterbury Region.

Canterbury offers everything from glacial lakes, to seaside villages like Akaroa, to natural thermal pools and hot springs in Hanmer Springs.

The cultured can sip world-class wine, the adrenaline junkies can bungy jump in Hanmer Springs or experience epic mountain biking on the St James Cycle Trail, and trampers can take in the alpine glacial lakes at the base of Aoraki Mt Cook.

Don’t skip Canterbury. Why? The businesses here need you and you’ll miss out on some truly unique New Zealand experiences.

4) Experience the Genuine, Open, and Laid Back Kiwi Spirit

The Remarkables - Queenstown — The Remarkables – Queenstown

Nowhere else in the world does the laid back, no worries outlook on life permeate all aspects of society like it does in New Zealand. It’s an addictive aspect of this country and New Zealanders themselves are reason enough you should still visit Aotearoa.

Canterburians had spent the past six months rebuilding their city after the September 4th earthquake that badly damaged Christchurch.

The February 22nd quake has essentially made all that work for naught, yet again volunteers from throughout New Zealand have flooded the city ready to help. Money, food, and other support has come to Christchurch from all over New Zealand – from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Kiwis are as welcoming as they are relaxed.

You should travel to New Zealand to experience this ‘no worries’ culture, while at the same time doing your part to ensure the whole of New Zealand recovers from the devastating quake.

5) New Zealand is a Microcosm of the World

New Zealand is quite simply one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world (Not convinced? Check out 20 of New Zealand’s Most Best Views).

In an area the size of the state of Colorado, you have snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, tropical islands, dense rain forests, white-sand beaches and intensely green countryside.

You should still travel to New Zealand as there is so much to be seen outside of Christchurch. A typical trip to New Zealand would typically entail two or three days in the Garden City, so don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime simply because one city is out of commission.

What’s your take? Have you traveled New Zealand? Leave your best experiences from Aotearoa in the comments section below.

backpackingmatt February 13, 2011

Pizza in Naples: The Heavyweight Round

Destinations, Europe, Travel Advice 19 Replies

This is a guest post by Sarah Gonski – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

Pizza is to Naples what the cheese steak is to Philadelphia:

Homegrown and perfect; the pride and joy of the culinary scene.

When I was on a short backpacking jaunt through Italy a few weeks ago, I arrived in Naples with one goal in mind: eat pizza.

Scratch that, I had two goals in mind, and the second was: don’t get killed by the Mafia, knocked over by screaming Vespas or get my wallet stolen before I finish eating said pizza.

That might be more than two goals, but forgive me, I wasn’t a math major. The first goal was easy to achieve. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, the others were tougher.

Before I arrived in Naples, I’d done my homework: the most-mentioned pizza joint in the city is the famed L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been a family business for 141 years now and counting. A longtime local favorite, recently it’s gotten a lot of attention from the international crowd as the site of Elizabeth Gilbert’s (and Julia Robert’s) famed pizza-gasm in Eat, Pray, Love.

The contender for second place is L’Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria di Matteo, otherwise known as Di Matteo, just a ten-minute walk through the crowded Naples historic district. In business since 1936, it’s hardly a newbie on the scene, and has some dedicated fans of its own.

The mission was clear — consume Da Michele’s pizza. Consume Di Matteo’s pizza. Compare. Contrast. Repeat as necessary.

We went to Pizzeria da Michele on a cold windy night, and spent about 30 minutes waiting in the line that was forming outside. Nearly everyone in the line was Italian – the first good sign.

Da Michele Pizza - Naples, Italy — Da Michele Pizza – Naples, Italy

If the locals are lining up in a town where you can buy pizza about every ten yards, then this was the place I wanted to be.

The place is fairly small, and no frills. The seating is family-style, so there are no private tables, which somehow feels right in extroverted Italy. The menus are single-page printouts hung in 8×10 frames on the walls next to each table. It’s clean and simple because there are only two offerings: Pizza Margherita (sauce, mozzarella and basil) or Pizza Marinara (no cheese).

It was perfect. The crust was chewy on the outside, rolled thin in the middle to let the sauce take center stage. The sauce was delicate and seasoned with a light touch, much thinner and lighter in color than pizza sauces usually are, and it tasted like fresh tomatoes. The cheese was slightly smoky and perfectly melted.

The whole effect was divine.

Hard to top, but we tried anyway. The next stop was Di Matteo for lunch the next day. Again there was a line outside, with only Italian being spoken – good news.

Di Matteo Pizza - Naples — Di Matteo Pizza – Naples

The interior is small, but has an upstairs that the waiters send food to using an old-fashioned pulley system, which undeniably adds both charm and excitement (What if the rope breaks? Can I buy the pizza that falls off at a discount?).

The pizza came in good time, and boy was it good. The crust was thinner and slightly crispier than Da Michele’s, the sauce more robust, with a more intense flavor. The cheese was slightly firmer than the gooey Da Michele version, and the pizza had slightly less of the smoky flavor from the brick ovens.

The case to be made for each:

Da Michele: I like the whole limited-menu thing. It takes cojones to know that your food item is so good that no one needs to even think about ordering something else. The pizza was outrageously delicious. Waiting in line isn’t ideal though, and it seemed that there was always a line.

Di Matteo: More menu options, including a deep fried pizza that’s totally worth the heart attack. They also have private tables, so you don’t have to sit with strangers, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your tastes.

The verdict: I am a Da Michele girl. The best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my life, hands down. It was so good I went back the next day for more.

The second verdict: You can’t go wrong at Di Matteo’s, either.

About the Author: Sarah Gonski writes at Love & Paella about falling in love with the world in general and the south of Spain in particular. She enjoys 80s music, her beloved camera La Rebel, and conjugating Spanish verbs with The Mister. Her cherry chapstick has accompanied her to 24 countries and counting (don’t worry, it wasn’t the same tube).

backpackingmatt January 31, 2011

7 of Australia’s Most Spectacular Views

Australia, Travel Photos 33 Replies

Tweleve Apostles - Australia Travel Photos

This is a guest post by Ryan Martin – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

Imagine road tripping with your best friends along the world-famous Eastern Coast of Australia. You have the open road, fresh Aussie mountain air, and endless deserted white sand beaches Throw a surfboard on the rack and I don’t think you’ll ever leave.

I ultimately left Australia; yet is sure wasn’t easy.

For a couple months in 2010, I traveled the entire eastern coast of Australia with two of my English mates. Throughout this trip, I came across some unbelievable vistas. Sit back and enjoy:

7 of the Most Spectacular Views in Australia

1) Twelve Apostles

To get to the 12 Apostles, you’ll need to take the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s equivalent to Highway 101 in America. The views along the drive are gorgeous, but nothing compares to the Twelve Apostles.

The huge rocks that jut out of the ocean seem almost unnatural. And as you walk along the cliff edge, look down to see the backs of birds gliding in the wind. It’s a true natural gem. If you surf, bring a board to catch some waves along the drive.

2) Sydney

Sydney Opera House - Australia Travel Photos — Sydney Opera House

While most people have seen a photo of the Sydney Opera House, it still doesn’t prepare you for seeing it with your own eyes. The Opera House is one the most idyllic monuments in Australia, so it’s a must for anyone backpacking in Australia.

If you wanna catch a show, great. Just be prepared to put a second mortgage on your home to do so.

3) Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Australia Travel Photos — Blue Mountains

Unanimously voted as a World Heritage site, the Blue Mountains are a great place to camp, watch the sunset, or just take in some amazing views.

The series of cliffs and gorges are blanketed in Eucalyptus. These Eucalyptus give off gases that quite literally give a blue hue to the horizon.

4) Byron Bay

Byron Bay - Australia Travel Photos — Byron Bay

Byron Bay is an absolute backpacker’s haven.

Party at Cheeky Monkey, lounge on the beach, shop, or surf in the waves. Byron Bay has got it all. Just be prepared to get sucked in. I’m one of many who lost a few days of my life to Byron Bay.

5) Indian Head, Fraser Island

Fraser Island - Australia Travel Photos — Fraser Island

Unfortunately, they don’t let you bomb around the world’s largest sand island in your own rented 4×4 anymore. Instead, you have to be escorted by a guide in a caravan. Luckily for me, I was in one of the last groups able to explore the island on our own.

On the far end of the island is Indian Head, where you can look down and see the shadows of sharks swimming below. In the evenings, sunset over the horizon is nothing short of spectacular as you camp next to wondering dingos.

6) Whitsunday Islands

Whitsunday Islands - Australia Travel Photos — Whitsunday Islands – Australia Travel Photos

The Whitsundays are home to the world’s whitest and finest sand. In fact, it’s the sand that made the lens for the Hubble Telescope. The contrast between the azure waters and ghost white sand is mesmerizing.

The sand is so fine, you can even use it to clean your teeth. Just be sure not to swallow.

7) Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef - Australia Travel Photos — Great Barrier Reef

I’ve never seen water so blue as that in the Northeast of Australia. It sometimes hard to distinguish the blue of the water to the blue of the sky. As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef does not disappoint.

Some of these views are compounded in beauty when you throw in a gorgeous pink and orange sunset; others are just plain amazing in their own right.

Don’t take my word for it. Get on a plane and check them out yourself.

I promise you won’t regret it.

About the Author: Ryan has been backpacking around the world since 2005 and has recently launched FollowMeEverywhere.com to combine his love of travel with work. If you like his stuff, feel free to subscribe, and if you know anyone looking for a travel writer, travel photographer, or travel guide, let him know. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanMartin07

backpackingmatt January 23, 2011

Gran Canaria 360º: Driving Europe’s Miniature Continent

Europe, Travel Photos 8 Replies

This is a guest post by Cat Gaa – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

I did a mental check of the last-minute details for the last-minute Spanish wedding: hotel room reserved, dress dry cleaned, flights booked. Everything was taken care of until my boyfriend quipped: “No, no, no. The gua-gua won’t do. Not on this continent.”

We found ourselves in the airport of Las Palmas on the mini-continent, capital of the Canary Islands, at the rental car desks. The place was a jumble of English, Spanish and canario, a dialect halfway in between Argentinian and Castillian. He switched to English.

“I forgot to make a reservation. And this island is too beautiful not to see it all.”

Kike hasn’t made a car reservation. When I suggested the gua-gua, the Canarian term for tourist bus, he insisted it was no way to see a landscape and climate so varied that it had garnered the name of a miniature continent.

He turned to the attendant. “Find us a car.”

For once, his stubbornness didn’t bother me – we saw every corner of the continent in three days – something that might have not been possible without his insistence that we have one.

Thanks to its near-perfect circle shape, Gran Canaria is easy to drive. A drive down the highway connecting Las Palmas to Maspalomas will average one hour, and the central mountains are accessible by smaller roads.

Through the drives, a jaw-dropping array of landscapes, flora and tradition abounds.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Arucas

Save the beach and its principal festivals, Carnaval in February and San Juan in June, Las Palmas is little more than home to nearly half of the island’s population, making it dirty and pricey. A 37 kilometer’s drive from the island’s only airport, find yourself in the plantation town of Arucas, known for its banana production and rum, as well as century-old stone cathedral.

The island touts its banana canaria, the banana’s smaller and sweeter cousin native to the island. Old plantations dot the hilly countryside, and the beloved honey rum, Arehucas, is distilled in the nearby factory.

From Las Palmas Airport, catch the GC-1 highway heading towards the capital and veer off at GC-3 towards Arucas.

Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves

Famous for its rocky beaches and natural landmarks, the municipality of Agaete is located in the eastern part of the island and prides itself on the variety of landscapes within the region. The most attractive are perhaps the stony beaches of the Port of Las Nieves, where rustic seafood and quaint blue and white homes seem to transport you to the Greek Isles.

Fred Olsen runs cruises from this port to the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in this small bay once stood el Dedo de Dios. Translated as God’s finger, this ancient stone formation resembling and appendage stood at this spot for centuries before being toppled by Tropical Storm Delta. Fish soup, caldo de pescado, is present on every menu in this port village.

To get a view of the windy coastline, leave Arucas by taking the GC-20 highway north. The motorway will turn into GC-2 at Hoya Alta. Follow it west, passing Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria with its beautiful church and queso de flor cheese. Agaete lies on the same highway, 26 kilometers from Arucas.

Tejede and Roque Nublo

Varied Vegetation of the Central Island Zone

Roque Nublo, the towering monolith in the geographic center of the island, stands as the continent’s greatest climate controller and one of the main climate zones on the island. While the north tends to be rainier and cooler than the south, the rock is believed by islanders to split the clouds in two, thus deterring them to other islands.

Regardless, the sparse mountain vegetation and dramatic cliffs are great for hiking and, on a clear day, one can see the southern coast slope into the sea and across to the largest island of the Canaries: Tenerife, with its commanding volcano, Mount Teide.

Heading inland from Agaete, it’s best to backtrack to Arucas on the GC-2 and take the GC- 43 towards Teror. The roads here get steep and winding (I even got sick), so be sure to hydrate well. Following signs to Tejada, you’ll catch both the GC-21 and GC-15. If you’re more adventurous, the bumpy GC-220 will get you there in an hour.

Puerto de Mogán

Known as the Venice of Canarias, Mogán makes everything look good. From Telde, catch the GC-605, passing the town of Mogán and its incredibly steep ravines to the coastal village.

Canals criss-cross the small port known for its fishing heritage and its food doesn’t disappoint. From fresh seafood a la plancha to traditional papas arrugá (baked jacket potatoes) and mojo picón (Spain’s closest thing to salsa), everything seemed more beautiful that afternoon. From breathtaking sunsets to pristine beaches, Puerto de Mogán merits at least a half-day.

To get to Mogán and its port from Tejeda, hop on the GC-605, which becomes GC-200 at Mogán (47 km).

Maspalomas

Maspalomas has the best climate in the entire archipelago, averaging 25ºC year-round, making it the mecca of tourism on the island. From gay bars to sand bars, it echoes Málaga in its well- kept beaches and all-inclusive hotels. In fact, the main beach is called Playa de los Ingleses, paying homage to the cold-blooded northern Europeans who chose the island as their winter vacation spot.

The biggest attraction is the 17km stretch of coastline, which create a dune of some 400 hectares and provides refuge to thousands of migratory birds, as well as attractive water sports and world-class golf courses.

From Mogán, you can catch the GC-1 highway for a quick way (30 km) to the resort town of Maspalomas, or take the scenic route GC-500, which runs along the coast. If taking the coastal road, be sure to stop by Playa Amadores, a breathtaking cove with a white-sand beach imported from the Carribean. From Maspalomas, the airport is barely a half hour’s drive.

For those who can’t go by car, there’s always the gua-gua. Waah, waah.

About the Author: Cat left Chicago’s skyscrapers for the empty blue sky and olive groves of Andalucia after graduating from the University of Iowa. A fan of cheap beer and olives, she’s thinking of staying in southern Spain long-term. Follow Cat’s journey on her blog, Sunshine and Siestas.

Instant Search

Category Archives:Destinations