Off We Go Travel Expert Sara Leonard Discusses New Zealand's- South Island

Sara Leonard of Off We Go Travel in Redondo Beach, California has toured the world extensively. LA Hip Chic will be featuring her once a week with in depth interviews of her many experiences at home and abroad.

Here you will learn about all the best places to visit in the world, where to stay, and what to do when you get there. Among other things Sara is a scuba diver with over 500 dives under her weight belt. She's very adventurous and loves to stay at 5 star hotels.

New Zealand- South Island

LA Hip Chic : What did you like best about touring New Zealand's South Island?

Off We Go Travel: The diversity in the landscape and the plethora of activities this small island has to offer. Traveling by car is the best and easiest way to explore this beautiful place.

LA Hip Chic: What Hotel(s) did you stay at? Were the accommodations what you expected? How would you rate them with one to five stars?

Off We Go Travel: The accommodations were excellent as well as their location to the main activities and attractions areas.Christchurch: Copthorne Hotel - 4 star; Punakaiki - Punakaiki Resort - 4 star; Queenstown- Crown Plaza - 4.5 stars.

LA Hip Chic: What one place would you recommend a new visitor to New Zealand?
Off We Go Travel: If you are visiting the North Island; Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the wine country are a must.
If you are visiting the South Island - Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and the Milford Sound. Queenstown is an international four -season resort town. This town offers pure escapism; where the limits stop and people take over. Adventurers, golfers, hikers, film-makers, leisure lovers, fishing anglers, skiers, artists, wine enthusiasts....are all drawn to, and fall in love with, this quaint town and the intense alpine energy. I certainly did!

LA Hip Chic: What was the most adventurous thing that happened during your stay?
Off We Go Travel: I would say, the most adventurous thing was heli-hiking. After an exciting scenic flight, you land high up on a glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available. Here you will see the most spectacular ice formations as you make your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice.

LA Hip Chic: Would you go back there again? Would you stay longer next time?Off We Go Travel: Absolutely! I would recommend taking 2-3 weeks to explore this wonderland at leisure and to be able to appreciate the natural beauty and enjoy the activities.

Sara's Summary

New Zealand is the youngest country on earth. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both the Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and treasures dating back almost a thousand years are a contrast to the many beautiful colonial buildings.

A walk around a New Zealand city shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country they have become. New Zealand has a population of only 4 million people and is one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventures. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year round destination.

For more info contact: Off We Go Travel 706 N. Guadalupe Ave # 4 Redondo Beach, California 90277 (310) 372-8130