{"id":1578,"date":"2022-10-28T12:28:19","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T02:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.wordpress.com\/?page_id=1578"},"modified":"2023-11-17T10:46:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T00:46:20","slug":"where-is-the-best-skiing-down-under","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/where-is-the-best-skiing-down-under\/","title":{"rendered":"Where is the best skiing “DownUnder”?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is it the unique Snowgum covered rolling Alps of Australia or around the eye watering lakes and raw peaks of the Southern Alps in New Zealand?
Oh, and there are two major resorts on the volatile volcano Mt.Ruapehu, in the middle of the North Island of kiwi land?
Starting Gypsy travels from The Whitsundays in the slime green \u2018hoon-mobile\u2019 is always Fast n\u2019 Fun and Uber Annie certainly put the hammer down getting me to the station.
Excess baggage (3 bags) = the torturous train trip before the Plane, (that got cancelled) then re-booked, but gave me more play time in Sydney!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Uber Annie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Sydney Boat Show, Moulin Rouge, supper at La Guillotine, and shopping for Cat Tracks and a mini Ski Boot dryer at Paul Reader and INSki exhausted my day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eventually crashing in the \u2018Hip\u2019 Capsule Hotel in central Haymarket, ensuring a traffic-easy exit for the 6 hour drive south to glamorous THREDBO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Darling Harbour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Enjoy the show!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After collecting chains in Jyndabyne (obligatory for all vehicles accessing the Kosciuszko National Park) we arrived in the \u2018twee\u2019 Thredbo Central Village, and timely for my ski boot adjustment (ankle blowout) at \u201cGravity\u201d Sports with guru Tom McKendry. It worked, thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thredbo Trails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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snowgum protected slopes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our (pinch me) expensive accommodation was up in the gods on Banjo Drive, in Lantern Apartments which enjoy a stunning balcony vista over the compact village and Thredbo\u2019s ski trails. Add friendly bus drivers, a regular 5 minute commute down to the Valley Terminals three lifts and it’s \u201cget ya skis on mate\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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fun around the gums.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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clear trail maps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My ski buddy Darryl is a good skier, fit n\u2019 healthy and always keen to push the envelope.
So it was game on\u2026under cool denim skies, crispy dry pow, and a good winter covering for our six day \u201cski hard and fast\u201d blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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above the treeline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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skiing through the glades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Kosciuszko Chairlift leads to perfect warm up slopes in The Basin, then the options go up to the highest lift point in Australia (ring the bell!) or across on the Village Trail to the Crackenback glades and Snowgums Chairlift protected slopes.
Or ride the higher Sponars and Antons T Bars for more open and steeper drops in the Central Spur area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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coffee at Black Sallees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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big balls jumps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the Snowgums Chairlift (tucked in the gums) is the busy Black Sallees Restaurant and coffee n\u2019 cake stop. The gregarious staff are always fun, and their signature Hot Chocolate \u2018warm me up\u2019 with cookies is famously decadent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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finding Black Sallees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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coffee at Frostbite Deck.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thredbo is a complete International Resort and has a dedicated race arena under the pivotal Snowgums Chair. This services their busy ski and board programs and offers excellent \u2018fall line\u2019 skiing to the public after the sticks are pulled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merritts cosy Gondola also leaves from the orderly Valley Terminal and has a Mid Station. Exit for progressing learners down to Friday Flats. Finishing at Merritts Mountain House Restaurant and the bottom of the Cruiser Chair\u2019s swoopy and fun intermediate slopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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toppa Merritts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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fun in the sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s lots of good \u2018snowgum protected\u2019 terrain off the Crusier and Gunbarrel chairlifts.
Through the Glades, down Pegasus, Dream Run, or The Schuss, and the thigh aching High Noon offer endless steep lines (and bumps) before ending up in popular Friday Flat Beginners Area. Then it\u2019s \u201cGiddy Up\u201d and do it again\u2026nonstop!
From the top of Gunbarrel, you can access the popular FROSTBITE Kiosk-Deck with a warming open log fire. Its\u2019 the Locals hangout and offers excellent creamy coffees with locally baked cakes, yummy Aussie Sourdough Toasted Sandwiches (try the popular veggo and fetta combo) and real smoochy Hot Chocolates with a kick.
It’s enthusiastically run by Deb and her cheery entourage and the perfect Apre \u201cCin Cin\u201d stop, anytime. Remembering there is only one way down, ski, ride or\u2026slide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Frostbite kiosk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Aussie gumtree trails.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eventually the spring-ish weather (in mid winter?) broke and we were done. 6 days of memorable and varied skiing, endless social options, good company, and conducive chatter everywhere bonding my thoughts.
Thredbo is \u201cUp There\u201d with the best International Resorts. Yes, it\u2019s \u2018Swiss Expensive\u2019 but they do deliver in a palatable and unique Aussi Style and offer value for ya $$$s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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sparkly Thredbo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air New Zealand\u2019s direct flight from Sydney to Queenstown was a no-brainer, as the the supervisor checked my \u2018Kiwi\u2019s only\u2019 Post Covid Arrival Documents, allocated me a front seat and squeezed my large ski bag through the scrum to the Over-Size counter.
A tasty lunch n\u2019 larger, then amazing views of the Southern Alps before touch down and a friendly reception with Biosecurity (with two D.I.Y. Covid test kits) completed my welcome home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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D.I.Y. twice!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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stop…for the view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Driving to Wanaka over the Crown Range and past the iconic Cardrona Hotel takes a good hour, before STOP.-ing at the magical lake front view.
Wanaka town is a compact and walkable shopping centre, butting up to the lakefront drive and fortunately nestled below the creeping kiwi styled \u2018nouveau\u2019 suburbia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the view from Altitude cafe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Pizza Topping!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Treble Cone is the Locals \u2018preferred\u2019 ski resort, a 20 minute drive around the lake and then a good 15 up a widened goat track to limited car parks (use 4x4s or chains).
There are NO busses or shuttles from the paddock parking (hitching works) or from Wanaka Town centre? Hardly sustainable, but we can dream of a phantom Cable Car option, and no muddy car parks.

Surprisingly there are only 2 chairlifts and a short poma at T.C. However, add the consistently steep pitches, groomed race smooth pistes, natural half pipes, gullies, chutes and easy access to regular fresh tracks, or the tricky Off Piste in Motatapu Basin\u2026to enjoy the best skiing and riding in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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fresh POW on the cone,<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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endless beauty over Wanaka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On day one my host and aspiring level 9 protegee Chris, introduced me to the Seniors \u2018hard core\u2019 group, who dominate the front car park, order the first delicious coffees and then commandeer the 8.30 chairs on the Home Basin Express for a spirited warm up ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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riding Saddle Basin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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early first tracks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This included many of the International Rookies Academy groups (with a sprinkle of locals) huddling around their trainers, before blitzing the steep groomed slopes for the first tracks.
When the higher Saddle Basin Quad opens (and Ski-patrol Safe), this ritual continues\u2026but only a good wax and a lot of Beef for the traverse will get you on the first chair and into the untracked Basin steeps. Or take the Summit hike and plunge \u2018which way\u2019 your choice, in the pow?
Eventually, the lift line gets a bit Ho Hum and its coffee time, or a brunchy pizza in a deck chair at \u201cAltitude Cafe\u201d\u2026 with a view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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your pizza is ready.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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main street in Saddle Basin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Treble Cone Base Restaurant and out door patio are wonderfully kiwi\u2026old school. Friendly and chaotic, busy but not pushy and the staff is always energetic and helpful. And this \u2018social\u2019 Deck is a great spot to score and test the latest performance skis from knowledgeable distributors and Wanaka\u2019s best retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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hiking for the POW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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pie day on the patio.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Skiing in New Zealand does have a few negatives. The inconsistent maritime weather patterns (now erratic due to Climate Change) combined with NO Trees on any slopes is my bug. A lifelong tussle wrestling with poor light and zip visibility helps, but bad weather, foggy mist, flat light, yardy da da\u2026sucks, enough said.
T.C. skiers can suffer in bad weather with poor light, as the safety reference points, poles and trail flags can be difficult to see. Always carry a low light lens!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Base building at T.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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NO trees on Home Basin!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This season Saddle Back Basin also had an unstable base due to the fluctuating
temperatures and early season rains. Making its usual high-quality snow more avalanche prone and the tempting Off piste slopes unpalatable or closed.
With accurate early morning weather predictions this Senior\u2019s cartel knows the score and if Treble Cone is scratchy or \u2018on hold\u2019 they detour down to its sibling Cardrona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the track back to Wanaka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Wanaka lakefront.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s is an easy 30 minutes drive south of Wanaka, then a 17 k. grind up to the resort base, hardly sustainable but their Grand Future Plans have already started?
Including a new commercial Base Village in the Crown Pass above the iconic Cardrona Pub and a whopping BIG Gondola to make the resort vehicle free.
And that makes a lot of sense to me. Bravo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the iconic pub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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the love tunnel at Cardy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cardy (youth slang) is the Freestyle Capital of New Zealand. It has a good aspect -location about halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka and the new Willows Basin proves they can expand their inbound free skiing and adventure terrain + ?
It\u2019s busy, with a Gigantic terrain park, endless Features, an International Super Pipe and Race training beside the BIG Air jumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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smokefree?…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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the captain’s ski rack.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is easier parking below the hectic Base Area and on busy days these spots provide quicker early access to many good slopes from the lower Little Meg station.
However, the Base Area is the heart of Cardrona, with plenty of options off the Chondola or the Whitestar Express chair. And the Captain’s Express slopes all lead back to the bulging Captain\u2019s cafe and its raucous (happy) food service.
Get there early for lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Aching to be a real Tourist and not use a vehicle, I missed the early bus from Wanaka to Cardrona! Then Chris graciously drove me to the bottom car park to catch the Free Bus up the messy road to the ticket office. No Hassles and No Parking!
Coffee n\u2019 cake in the civilised \u201cLounge\u201d retreat was great and then I skied non stop to earn an early pizza lunch on the Captains deck.
From the top of the Captain’s quad it’s easy to traverse across to Skyline Ridge and drop into the new Willows Bowl. It\u2019s mostly un-groomed, and the off-camber bumps to the chair were tricky as. All good fun and eventually I was done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Getting home was easy\u2026the free bus down to the Hitch-Hikers designated sign, a few minutes wait, then a ride back to the Pod Palace in Wanaka with a chatty local\u2026
Cardrona has great riding and skiing for everyone and plenty of challenging terrain. Find the Secret Bowl or the Raspberry-Tulips faces? The main base is chaotically quite fun with a real family vibe and as the speedy groomed slopes often converge, pay attention to them above!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


After three weeks in Wanaka, it was time to move on. The temps were rising and the snow on the lower slopes of T.C. had become slick n\u2019 fast with pushed sugar bumps or chicken neck crunchy off-piste? And they closed the Saddle Back chair due to avalanche issues and the ongoing murky weather and snotty snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Without wheels, staying in Wanaka\u2019s Town Centre is \u2018the only place to be\u2019.
There are tasty restaurants, cafes, bars, and stars; including Scroggin eatery, Tarras Country Cafe (check out their carrot cake), Pembroke Patisserie, Beer n\u2019 Burgers at Red Star, Cinema Pardiso, Cork for vino, The Fig on the water front and our group’s regular Thursday nights at Base Camp, with Pizza n\u2019 Pinot by the Fire.
For take-aways, hit the busy Food Truck Village early evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ski boot maestro at Wanaka. Jason Woolf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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the truck village.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And many thanks to Jason Woolf at SOLE-Lab for my ski boot punch. \u201cCin Cin Mate\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pete picked me up in the dark at Pod Palace, AK. Wanaka Bothy and after first coffee in the already busy Cardrona Base Cafeteria we dropped into the Short Black face \u2018eyes wide open\u2019 and skied hard n\u2019 fast on perfectly groomed slopes under the Whitestar Express chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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POD Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cardy is busy on the weekends.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eventually finishing our endless carving short turn challenge on the Little Meg quad and in the softening off-piste bumps.
Done, we loaded the lux-ute and Pete became the perfect kiwi tour guide. Stopping to wet our whistle in the iconic Cardrona Hotel (they have rooms too) before meandering down the steep pass via historic Arrowtown to Q.T. (that’s Queenstown to visitors).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chris and Pete. Thanks guys!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bye Bye Wanaka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Queenstown really is a Jewel. Coronet Peak is only a 20 minute spin from the interesting lake wharf and the poseurs choking the glam down-town centre.
Being dropped and collected at the Base Foyer steps is definitely the GO, but if rising early to secure a designated all-day park, grab a rotating shuttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C.Peak is a little bit low (topping out at only 1615m) but the terrain is interesting with plenty of rhythmic swoops and natural features of the Greengates Express and under the fast Coronet 6 pack. All wrapped up in world class snow making and grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Testing at First Tracks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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off the top to Greengates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the summit, there are challenging drops and Back Bowls to the Rocky Gully
T Bar and the busy FIS. Race Arena. Heidi\u2019s Hut anchors this area with classic euro pizzas (woodfired) and delicious mulled wine. It\u2019s a quaint warming hut for racers, and popular with thirsty locals as an Apre Bar with the OMG. lake views\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rocky Gully T Bar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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back countyr or piste?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


My gang says the best approach is; \u201cwith a day pass buy a First Tracks (8 till 9am) ticket, then ski till around brunch time and finish your day at the Bespoke Kitchen downtown\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heads Up\u2026travelling lite? Brown’s Ski Shop on Shotover street has earned its
reputation with 40+ years service. Premium rentals, Specialist ski boot fitting, and Expert edge-base-wax repairs. They are the professionals and get the job done fast. Many thanks Rowan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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bring your flag and have fun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


Q.T. is much more than just skiing. It’s a \u201cFull On\u201d destination One Stop, with endless activities\u2026at a $$. To embrace all the regional beauty a vehicle is de rigueur and a parking space is obligatory if staying in the centre.

HYDRO attack took my fancy. Perfect for a speed freak\u2026check it out Online.
Or visit our mates at The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp for amazing 4×4 tours and custom Heli Lifts to Adventure and Wilderness Camps from their unique Lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The waterfront Hostel Absoloot has outstanding accommodation for solo travellers in the heart of Q.T. and Suzie\u2019s Mosaics in Hobart Street is unique and very stylish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Late August is also the colourful Winter Pride Festival in Queenstown. So grab your rainbow flag and enjoy all the Snow, Apres, and Pride Parties in Q.T. \u2018Boogie in the Bumps\u2019 at Treble Cone and party-on at the \u2018Mountain du Jour\u2019 day at Cardy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My last two weeks were tagged for our annual spring fling on Mt. Ruapehu, with ski-in-out lodging at Whakapapa and relaxed club accommodation in Ohakune.
Early September these two North Island resorts did not have any lift-accessed snow\u2026NONE. I jumped ship, paid the extra booty and went home to the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So where is \u201cThe best skiing Down Under\u201d?

THREDBO is the most complete resort.
The best consistent steeps are at TREBLE CONE.
CARDRONA has the most varied slopes and snow Features.
Best FUN in the Sun and Apre everything is CORONET PEAK.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Murray Sandman.
Gypsy Ski Travels.




<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is it the unique Snowgum covered rolling Alps of Australia or around the eye watering lakes and raw peaks of the Southern Alps in New Zealand?Oh, and there are two major resorts on the volatile volcano Mt.Ruapehu, in the middle of the North Island of kiwi land?Starting Gypsy travels from The Whitsundays in the slime […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1578","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1578"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3674,"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1578\/revisions\/3674"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gypsyskitravels.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}