The length of flight was certainly worth making the trip to New Zealand. I thought beautiful places like this don't exist, or at least only in the movies like Lord of the Rings. To complete a hike that finishes on top of a mountain with a panoramic view of the country was worth the eight hours of climbing. Novices should know that there are several hikes that vary in difficulty but all of them worthwhile. I also took a leisurely hike that passed through streams where I took extended breaks to go fishing. I can't exactly say I'm an avid cyclist, but a 30 mile ride down a hill in the country side is great! There are campsites, lodges and hotels to stay at , I spent a couple of wonderful nights in all of them.
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