Melody journeyed from cultural centre Rotorua, to expansive Canterbury, through picturesque Aoraki Mt Cook and Wanaka to legendary Queenstown.
Melody first experienced New Zealand when she and her team partner, Sharon Wong, joined the Amazing Race Asia Season One. Although the duo didn’t win, New Zealand won Melody’s heart and she promised to return.
"The sheer beauty of its natural landscape appeals to those who enjoy a lifestyle of adventure and fun. I think one of the best ways to experience New Zealand is by driving around. Driving is easy and the landscapes are breathtaking," says Melody.
| The Pohutu Geyser erupts in a display of the Earth's awesome power. |
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Rotorua in the North Island was the first destination, where cultural experiences went beyond the well-known hangi and performance. Melody indulged in a Hell’s Gate Maori massage and at Te Puia, a place dedicated to the growth of Maori arts and crafts, she tried her hand at tipare (weaving).
Not only was she welcomed into the community at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village but also to the farm stay at Springwaters Lodge. Owners of the lodge, Steve and Katherine, made Melody and the film crew so welcome and well fed they didn’t want to leave.
A short flight later and they were in the South Island city of Christchurch, New Zealand’s most English-styled city. It was more than the architecture Melody had come to look for though. Orana Wildlife Park offered the chance to get up close and personal with animals, and Punting on the Avon was a more relaxed way to view the city from the river.
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| Standing on the spot of Edoras home of the Rohan |
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The TranzAlpine and High Country Explorer was a definite highlight for Melody and the crew. Listed as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine snaked its way into Canterbury’s high country where the Explorer met them before continuing on by 4WD buggy through Lord of the Rings film locations. The ride back to the city was by jet boat.
Melody found New Zealand was definitely best experienced while driving her own vehicle. "You can drive at your own pace, stop for picture taking, enjoy a picnic and do pit stops at places you wish to explore."
The drive over the Canterbury plains and high country took them to the Southern Alps. After stopping off at Aoraki Mt Cook Village for a night, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, she carried onto Lake Wanaka. Here Melody got back in touch with her inner child at Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World before taking to the sky in a 1930s tiger moth for an aerial view of the landscape and heading onto Queenstown.
| Self drive to Glenorchy with views of the mountains and Queenstown |
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Known as the home of adrenalin sports, Queenstown is not short on luxury experiences, boutique shops and fine dining. Delicious eateries such as Patagonia Chocolates and The Remarkables Sweetshop are heaven for the sweet-lover while over 20 award-winning wineries make this part of New Zealand renowned for its pinot noir.
Before heading home, Melody and the crew took the scenic 45-minute drive to the hamlet of Glenorchy. With only two cafes, two shops and 250 residents, the village of Glenorchy is a pleasant slow down to the vibrant rush of Queenstown. Arrowtown, in the opposite direction is another one-street village not to be missed with boutique shops, excellent restaurants and a picturesque main street.
Let Melody’s travels inspire you by watching "New Zealand On Wheels" on Singapore TV Channel 5 every Thursday starting 14 February at 9.00pm.
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Find out more info on New Zealand On Wheels
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Photo credit: Ben Crawford
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