Past Roads to Adventure
New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud
The Maoris named it Aotearoa, meaning 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. These days, it's also known as the 'land of adventure sports'. Whichever way you look at New Zealand (even upside down on a New Zealand bungee) you'll be gripped by its natural beauty and zest for life.
Nelson
If you're arriving from the North Island, the Nelson and Marlborough regions will be first places you see. And what a way to start. The coast road from Blenheim to Christchurch, via Kaikoura, is simply stunning. Snow-capped mountains rise from the shore, while out to sea, crags provide the main attraction for the local whales, dolphins, seals, petrels and albatross.
Or if hiking and mountain biking float your boat, head for the Queen Charlotte Track in the valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. Which incidentally, is home to a cracking Sauvignon Blanc - well worth working up a thirst for.
Kaikoura
You'll be hard pushed to find anywhere else in the world where such jaw-dropping mountains sit so close to the sea. And because they do, the area is the perfect habitat for an abundance of marine wildlife. Like them, you'll want to take your time there, taking it all in.
Hanmer Springs
If you've been on the road for a little while, Mother Nature's thermal pools provide the stopover of all stopovers. Or, if you're feeling a little more active, there's always horse-trekking or a spot of jetboating. Yee-hah!
Christchurch
The third biggest city on an island whose population has only just topped 1 million. No wonder then, that Christchurch has an air of calmness about it. And city life doesn't get much more chilled than in the beach suburbs of New Brighton and Sumner.
Now, if you're a film buff (namely, Lord of the Rings) Queenstown is something else. It's where you'll find location after location to follow in the footsteps of Gandalph and Frodo. In fact, every other tour operator has a sign saying 'as seen in Lord of the Rings' or 'venture into Middle Earth with us'.
Oh. And you should check out the penguin colonies at Oamaru.
Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers
Quite simply, a must-see. And so popular, you'll almost certainly have to share the view with a tourist or three. Tell them you won your holiday - and watch their jaws drop even further.
Dunedin
Quirky name, quirky place. You'll find a little bit of everything here. Museums, stately homes, theatres, live music, the country's oldest university - and all the parties that go with it. You could easily spend a few days here (and a few more days recovering).
Milford Sound
A truly mystical place. Picture this: breathtaking sheer cliffs, rising up from silent, tranquil waters - broken momentarily by the rare avalanche of trees from the forest above. It's photographic paradise, so make sure your battery's on full!
But it doesn't stop there. Treat yourself to a cruise to the fjordland and you'll experience the very sounds of Milford Sound. Seals, dolphins and a deluge of cascading waterfalls. It's like nothing else on earth.
Wanaka lakes
Welcome to the spiritual home of adrenaline junkies! You'll find it all here - water sports, bungee, skiing, climbing - and then some! And the nightlife's just as active too. Head down to the lakefront and you'll find a whole host of bustling restaurants and bars that keep going 'til the small hours.
Punakaiki
Fancy a pancake? Of mountainous proportions? We know a nice little stopover between Westport and Greymouth. You'll find Punakaiki sitting quietly in the 38,000-hectare Paparoa National Park. It's the perfect place to stop and gawp in wonder at the Pancake Rocks. You might even want to make a (pancake) day of it!
So remember, every time you fill up between 10th of May and 30th of June 2010 you could win a full-on holiday in New Zealand - only with Roads to Adventure from Texaco.
Canada Route 5
Season: Winter 2009
Winner: Barbara Wightman of Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland.
Before embracing the wilderness,
enjoy a taste of culture.
After landing in Calgary, leave the vast Canadian plains behind you and head towards the imposing Rocky Mountains, which nestle the town of Banff. With world-class art galleries, museums, and an internationally renowned performance art centre, Banff has cultural richness fit for a king. And in the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, a residence fit for royalty too. After soaking up some culture, it's time to enjoy one of Nature's greatest exhibitions. On the road from Banff to Lake Louise through the Bow Valley, you'll be given a sensory overload; stopping at the crystal waters and hot springs of Vermillion Lakes, encountering the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon and the ten mile ridge of Castle Mountain, before arriving in Lake Louise itself.
On reflection, the land with the most
beautiful lakes in the world.
As the Icefields Parkway snakes north-west from Lake Louise it reveals roadside beauties such as Hector, Moraine and Peyto Lakes. Their brilliant blue colouring a result of the mineral suspension in the glacial water which feeds them, from glaciers such as the famous Crowfoot. So named because of its three prongs, one of which subsequently melted, leaving the two 'toes' visible today. In the summer months this is hiking and biking country. In the winter, the domain of skiers, boarders and ice climbers. Drivers meanwhile frequently spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, wolf, or caribou amongst the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Warm Canadian hospitality, the perfect ice breaker.
An overnight stay at the famous Num-Ti-Jah lodge at Bow Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to journey upwards, over the Saskatchewan River crossing into the treeless alpine zone. This zone is home to the vast Columbia icefield. The icefield is the largest reservoir of ice and snow in the Rocky Mountains. At 120 square miles, it straddles the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, feeding three of the continent's major river systems which flow to the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Leave your car behind and take an unforgettable trip in a tracked 'snow coach' up into the heart of the icefield to the Athabasca Glacier and stunning views of Mount Columbia, the highest peak in Alberta. From here the highway crests the Sunwapta Pass crossing into the Jasper National Park.
From Ice fields to waterfalls to hot springs
Leaving the chill of the Columbia icefield, the highway follows the course of the Sunwapta River to the Sunwapta Falls, which channel water from the Athabasca Glacier. The falls are a short hike from the road, and at their most spectacular with the spring meltwater. But remember this is bear and cougar country so keep to the main trails! Further along the highway you'll encounter the Athabasca falls. At the foot of the raging cascade, white-water rafters embark to brave the thundering rapids downstream towards the town of Jasper. Jasper itself marks the end of the Icefields Parkway, but the attractions don't stop here. Within an hours drive of the town you'll find the hot springs of Miette. What better way to relax after a few days on the road?
Perfect Medicine leads to calming Spirit.
South-east of Jasper you can end your trip with a visit to the sublime Medicine and Maligne Lakes. Medicine Lake is a bit of an enigma in that it isn't really a lake at all. In summer months it can disappear entirely. The 'lake' is formed by the backing up of the Maligne River where it disappears underground into a series of subterranean chambers. Much like a bath with taps flowing and plug removed, the lake remains as long as the flow is greater than the ability of the water to escape. Maligne Lake is home to the world famous Spirit Island. Few vistas epitomise the Canadian Rockies as much as this one. Enjoy a cruise around this idyllic setting or try your hand at a spot of trout fishing. Whatever you do, Maligne Lake is a place that epitomises the word serenity.
France Route 4
Season: Autumn 2009
Winner: Mr Andy Cook of Dagenham, Essex
Before conquering The French Alps, tick Switzerland off your list.
After landing in Geneva, take it easy for a day or two, it won't be hard to find ways of relaxing by the serene waters of the Lake Geneva. Marvel at Chateau de Chillon near Montreux, the epitome of the fairytale castle. Or take a tour of the Lavaux vineyards and sample some of the finest wines known to Lausanne. Once you're suitably refreshed, you'll be ready to embark on the 684km route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean sea. A drive that'll take you through 16 of the highest and most stunning mountain passes
in the region.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
(or the very cosy indoors).
Whether you're the out and about type, or the sit back and take it easy type, you'll find what you're looking for on this journey. As you begin your ascent, the picturesque resort of Morzine offers stunning mountain views, lively nightlife and the best in modern ski and summer sports facilities. Further along the road you'll discover the resort of Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. This snow-covered colossus has been the mountaineer's mecca for centuries. But if you don't fancy the climb, you can always cross the entire Mont Blanc massif in a spectacular cable car ride.
Driving on top of the world
Continuing southwards through Albertville (host of 1992 Winter Olympics) and Bourg-Saint-Maurice you will come to the international ski haven of Val d'Isere. Situated amid the rugged beauty of a nature reserve, the way to Val d'Isere hasn't always been so easily travelled. But in 1938,
after 8 years of construction, the road began to lure the great and the good, from across the world. Today the town is renowned as much for its cuisine, clubs and spas, as it is for the white stuff.
Fill your mountain boots
This rich and fertile region of the Rhone-Alpes is famed for its gastronomic delights and fine wines. In many of the smaller restaurants, known as ‘bouchons,' you'll find a variety of delicious sausages and cheeses on the menu - Beaufort, Reblochon and Emmental are all made here.
And what better to accompany some hearty mountain fare, than a glass or two of locally produced Beaujolais, or Côtes du Rhône - rude not to really!
Welcome to Provence
Driving south from Valloire towards La Grave, you'll soon cross the regional border into Provence–Alpes–Côtes D´Azur. With its head in the mountains and its feet in the ocean, this a landscape that has changed the course of modern painting, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Picasso all lived and enjoyed prolific periods here. The Romans, Greeks and Visigoths all fell head over heels for the place, long before Peter Mayle's bestseller, ‘A Year in Provence’ ever hit the bookshelves. Now it's your chance to find out what all the fuss is about.
The winding road of history
The deeper you drive into Provence, the closer you come to history. In towns like Briançon, Gap and Arles in the south, the influence of the Romans is all around you. Each vineyard you pass owes thanks to the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, for bringing their winemaking skills across the Med. And if you take moment to admire the perfectly preserved farmhouses standing in the endless fields of lavender, so typical of the area, you'll find yourself transported back in time a century or three.
So Nice in Nice
With the mountains far behind you, the open road carries you on to the glittering sea. Menton on the Franco Italian border, often described as the pearl of France, is a must see. But while the movie stars flock to Cannes and Monaco, the real jewel in the French Riviera's crown is Nice. Casinos, lavish Hotels, excellent restaurants, opulent designer stores, alongside traditional markets stalls, and of course 7km of pristine beaches that enjoy an exceptionally civilized microclimate. Nice may mark the end of this extraordinary tour, but you'll find La Route des Grandes Alpes lives long in your memory. Just keeping swiping your Star Rewards card at your local service station and this adventure could be just around the corner for you.
Australia Route 3
Season: Summer 2009
Winner: Mr Thomas Newby of Swarthmoor in Cumbria
Discover an amazing city
Your journey starts in Melbourne, and it's worth taking time to explore the city before you leave.
Wander the 'laneways' between the grand Victorian buildings to find hidden cafés, bars and restaurants. Visit the top of the Eureka Tower for a breathtaking view from a dizzying 285 metres. Enjoy an 'Aussie Rules' football game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Take a tram out to St Kilda and enjoy sunset from the pier. Then why not nab a river-side table at one of Southbank's many restaurants for a dramatic view of the night-time skyline?
You'd be sad to leave, if it wasn't for the adventure that
lies ahead.
Drink in the view
Sixty miles south west of Melbourne, the drama begins. The road winds along the stunning coastline between Torquay and Apollo Bay. On one side of the road the rock rises up towards the Otway mountains, while on the other side it drops away to the sea. Glorious views are revealed at every turn, and there are plenty of lookout points to enjoy them from.
Relax somewhere friendly
Whether you're stopping for the night or just a 'flat white' (the great Australian coffee), there's no shortage of places to enjoy the local hospitality. Soak up the surf culture of Torquay (look out for the vintage car rally in December) and Bells Beach. Or relax in the charming holiday towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Explore the rainforest
Past Apollo Bay, you enter the temperate rainforest of Otway National Park. There are plenty of lovely walks you can do among the dense plant life, from the gentle to the strenuous. And there are some fantastic waterfalls to visit too. For something a little different, take a detour inland to the Otway Fly, an amazing walkway high up among
the treetops.
Climb the lighthouse
Don't miss the turning to Cape Otway lighthouse. This dirt track takes you down to this historic lighthouse which has been in continuous operation since 1948. Perched high on the clifftops, you can climb the stairs to the top or just take a tour of the compound. You can even stay a night in one of the old lighthouse keepers' cottages.
Marvel at the rock formations
The highlight of the journey is possibly the amazing rock formations you encounter in Port Campbell National Park. The soft limestone cliffs have been sculpted by waves and weather into spectacular shapes. Admire the arch of London Bridge, the dramatic inlet of Loch Ard Gorge and the tall towers of the Twelve Apostles, which are at their best at sunset.
Head for the hills
After Warrnambool (where whales can sometimes be seen between May and October) and Port Fairy (a pretty crayfishing town) it's finally time to leave the ocean
behind you.
Heading inland - and upwards - you'll reach the Grampian National Park, a distinctive sandstone mountain range. Head for the Wonderland Range for spectacular views from Mackey's Peak. If you're feeling brave, you can even go out onto the narrow ledge known as the Nerve Test. Or for a less stressful experience visit the grand Mackenzie Falls.
Seek out some history
Your journey is over, but before you leave the Grampians, take some time to see the Aboriginal rock art that is preserved here. Aboriginal people have been associated with these mountains for thousands of years, and the art they've created provides a fascinating testament to their history, and a fitting way to end your drive through this amazing part of the world.
South Africa Route 2
Season: Winter 2009
Winner: Mrs S Wakeman of Crewkerne, Somerset
Ease into one of the world’s great road trips
It's possible to drive the Garden Route in under a
week, but it’s far more rewarding to set a relaxed
pace, and take time to properly enjoy the sights
all around you. Why not head for Cape Town
first and spend a night or two before
setting off?
Find your feet, under the table
Cape Town is South Africa’s number one tourist destination, and it’s little wonder. Stunningly located beneath Table Mountain and facing the ocean, the city makes an ideal starting point for your adventure. Relax on one of the city’s beaches, head for the bars, restaurants and shops of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, or take a ferry across to Robben Island. The island, where Nelson Mandela and his comrades were held prisoner during the Apartheid era, is now a World Heritage site and nature conservation area.
George, The Gateway to the Garden Route
From the excitement of Cape Town, it’s around a four hour trip by road to the city of George and the start of the Garden Route. On the way you might want to make a brief detour to Hermanus. The town is a short drive south of Cape Town and is famous for whale watching. The whales can be seen as early as June, during the southern winter and spring, and can be seen from the cliffs near the centre of town. If you want to get even closer, there are several boat tour operators in and around the town.
Lying on a coastal plateau with the Indian Ocean to its south and the Outeniqua Mountains to the north, the bustling city of George marks the beginning of the Garden Route proper. The city is a good place to spend a night before either continuing along the coastal route, or turning inland for a visit to Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves.
Oudtshoorn
Feathered Giants
If you make the short trip north into the plains of the Klein Karoo, the town of Oudtshoorn is well worth a visit. Once the ostrich feather capital of the world, the town is the commercial centre of the region and is still home to many ostrich farms, many of which can be visited, with some even offering the chance to ride one of the giant birds.
Cango Caves
A short distance from Oudtshoorn, you’ll find
the world famous Cango Caves, three systems of
impressive limestone caverns. Cango One is open to
the public. Take a tour and you’ll be able to wonder
at the awesome stalactite and stalagmite formations
that decorate the
vast cavern.
Wilderness
Return to the coast and then pass on from George into the Wilderness National Park.
You can stay in the town of Wilderness itself, which has spectacular views of the Kaaimans River Valley and the Indian Ocean, where you may see several species of whale and dolphin. Boat trips can also be arranged. All kinds of sporting activities are on offer, but a real must is a short hike in the local forests or towards the Outeniqua Mountains. Wilderness is also home to many craftsmen and women and holds a regular market where you can pick up a bargain or two. You might also catch a glimpse of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe – Southern Africa’s last remaining steam railway, as the train crosses the Kaaimans River Bridge on its way to Knysna.
Knysna
Knysna rests on the banks of a huge estuary. The Knysna National Lake area is managed by the South African National Parks Board and is home to an enormous variety of bird and marine life, as well as the celebrated Knysna forest elephant. Golf and fishing are pretty popular pastimes here too.
Tsitsikamma National Park
The last stretch of the Garden Route will take you through the unmissable natural beauty of the Tsitsikamma National Park. There are several short hiking trails in the park including the Suspension Bridge and Lookout Trail, which leads you across a wobbling suspension bridge over the Storms River and through a forest and coastal landscapes that are a haven for hundreds of varieties of birds. From here you can continue on to the Route’s end and the historic city of Port Elizabeth. South Africa’s watersports capital has great beaches, shopping and nightlife and is also a good base for anyone wanting to head north to see the elephants and other big game animals within the Addo Elephant Park.
This is where the Garden Route ends, but if you keep
swiping, your South African adventure could be just
about
to begin.
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