World-beating travel at home
The Himalayas has always been at the top of my bucket list. How could it not? The world’s highest mountain range – with Mt Everest the jewel in the crown – is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
And the scale of it all is hard to get your head around. Everest is the height of almost 27 Auckland Sky Towers on top of each other. Imagine seeing that on the waterfront.
In 2016, I finally turned my dream into a reality, landing in Kathmandu. I had imagined myself frolicking in the mountains, with Julie Andrews belting out her best rendition of The Hills Are Alive.
Well, it turns out the hills are alive. A little too alive. I couldn’t believe how packed some of the mountain trails were.
These weren’t wilderness walks; they were state highways of humans. Tour groups, donkeys, queues of people. It wasn’t anything like I imagined.
So, we redrew our plan quickly. I wanted to get away from the masses, so instead decided on a new trek in a little-known area of Nepal that had just opened.
Few people knew about it, to the point it wasn’t even officially named at the time. The next 10 days were spectacular and unforgettable in the best and worst ways.
I will never forget waking up above the clouds and looking at a stunning mountainscape come alive with the first glow of the sun.
But I will also never forget my ice bucket shower because the place didn’t have hot water. Or the gastro bug I got from some dodgy food. A remote part of the Himalayas is the last place you want to be if you have a dodgy tummy.
Do I regret it? Of course not, it is one of my all-time favourite travel memories. But, seven years later, deep in Fiordland National Park, I had a realisation. You don’t need to go overseas for a world-class experience – they are right in our backyard.
I have recently done the Hollyford Wilderness Experience, which is a luxury hike that includes lodges, jet boat trips, a helicopter ride and three-course meals.
By the time I add up my flights to Nepal, it is much cheaper doing this than heading to the Himalayas.
And as I explain on pages 38-39, I think this trip is worth every cent. I would go as far as saying that it is one of the world’s best hidden gems.