Editor’s Note:
Reporter Stephen Signor traveled to Australia and New Zealand last year. His
adventures could inspire you to get out there to see the world.
It
was around this time just a year ago that I embarked on a mission to lessen the
contents of my bucket list. My endeavor would last five months, encompass 31
cities, 40 hostel stays, the exploration of 10 islands and hiking within countless
national parks. One of those National Parks was Michaelmas Cay. As one of only
two cays of the Great Barrier Reef this natural habitat and sanctuary, the most
important in the Southern Hemisphere, is home to over 23 species of seabirds
and when the time is right, green sea turtles.
Composed
of vegetation and sand, the beach also offered the opportunity to take in the
turquoise, warm waters of the Coral Sea. Snorkeling or diving offered spectacular
views of the outer reef, to which I took advantage of; truly mesmerizing.
The
return trip to the mainland provided an added bonus, at least for me. The
untimely loss of power aboard the touring catamaran would lead to heading back,
at least temporarily, under sail power. Without being able to cut through the
increasing height of the seas, the deck of the boat was constantly under attack.
While others sought the cover inside the spacious cabin, I remained clinging to
the bow of the craft, getting completely drenched with every crashing wave. Combined
with the sun, and the captain’s thumbs up approval of my enduring the onslaught,
it was a welcomed, unexpected thrill! 
With
the Barrier Reef behind me I looked forward to my next adventure, Tasmania. Chosen
because of my passion for hiking, this too would not disappoint. As one of
Australia’s most famous hiking trails, The Overland Track is situated in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Although
listed as an 8-day hike it would only take me 6. It wasn’t from being rushed
for time. It was the rush I felt from the experience that compelled me to
continue along duckboard laden and natural paths until the sun set.
Each
day offered something new visually and physically. In a single hike, I
experienced trekking through forests, across meadows and into mountain passes. Because
of this, the weather changed on a moment’s notice. One minute I was wearing a
jacket, the next it was rain gear or no shirt at all. Of course along the way I
encountered indigenous wildlife on several occasions, from wombats grazing at arm’s
length when I began the trail, to black snakes that at one point blocked my
passage, to a pair of shy platypuses in an inlet of Lake St. Claire, my finish
line.
Back
on the mainland, the journey would take me up the east coast. Each city offered
an array of local activities and tourist attractions. The most unique sight however
was neither. In Cairns (cans) the trees of its streets are filled with grey
headed flying foxes, thousands of them. Locals were used to them hanging around
but I found it quite a spectacle to watch them take off at dusk and return at
dawn. This was not on my list, but fascinating to experience.
Then
there was Ayers Rock or what is referred to as Uluru by locals and Aboriginals.
It is truly an amazing sight. Its presence is almost mythical as it rises 1,142
feet out of the lowlands in the southern part of the Northern Territory.
Located 208 miles from the nearest city of Alice Springs, this island mountain
offered an up close and personal encounter. Close observation revealed natural
depressions and those created from erosion. Varying in size, some were large
enough to walk into, revealing ancient drawings. At night this attraction was
just as spectacular. With the sunset disappearing behind me this vantage point
offered the spectacle of Uluru as it changed several shades of red eventually
fading into brown.
The
time I would have to reflect on this experience was spent camping not far away in
another remote area of the outback for the next few nights with a tour group.
It was here I would relax in my sleeping bag under a blanket of constellations’
I have never seen. One in particular was the Southern Cross, only visible in
the Southern Hemisphere. In the distance the cry of dingoes were barely heard
over the crackling fire that offered warmth and a sense of security. It is with
these visions sleep would eventually find its way into my altered state of mind.
I
saw and experience so much more in the three months I spent in Australia.
Visiting its museums I gained a greater knowledge of its people, especially the
plight of the Aborigines’. But it was time to take my adventure to the next
level. My preordained plans had included the north and south islands of New
Zealand.
Touching
down in Christchurch on the north island was surreal, a different kind of
experience. It was more of a lesson in humanity and the confirmation that life
goes on. On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 earthquake leveled most of the city. While
visiting, remnants of the disaster still existed. The city continues to undergo
a complete rebuilding as if starting from scratch. Businesses in the hard hit
areas were conducting services and peddling their wares out of converted
shipping containers. 
To
the south my stay in Whanganui provided access to Tongariro National Park, a
World Heritage Site because it hosts Maori tribal sites and three active
volcanoes. But it was the Alpine Crossing within the park and its iconic
Emerald Lakes that drew me here. A 7-hour hike, it is widely regarded as one of
the best day-hikes in New Zealand. Although
treacherous and physically demanding at times, the effort paid huge dividends.
Eating lunch from my backpack atop of Mangatepopo Saddle between Mount
Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro was rewarding by panoramic views, an active
crater and old lava flows.
Next
up was the south island. It was a 2-hour passage from Wellington to Picton
through Cook Strait which connects the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Listed as one of the most beautiful ferry
rides in the world, it was obvious why. Sheer cliffs, rolling hills and
secluded bays lined both shorelines. Passing through Queen Charlotte Sound’s
scenery was also breath taking,
From
Picton my travels took me to yet another hike, The Ben Lomond in Queenstown.
This mountain reaches an altitude of 5,735 feet above sea level and offered
spectacular views. It’s an 8-hour hike round trip but once I reached the summit
the 360 degree view of lakes and ranges of the Southern Alps in the distance was
mind boggling. Another great lunch location!
Last,
but certainly not least, was Franz Josef Glacier on the south island’s west coast.
While I did not step foot on this temperate glacier, I was afforded close and
spectacular views from Alex Knob. At 4,275 feet via an 8-hour day hike,
the winding path up offered different vantage points that highlighted this
remarkable creation of nature.
Two
months of taking in New Zealand’s iconic scenery finally came to an end. While I
may be back physically, in my mind I never left.
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