Head down under – Head to New Zealand!

The world we live in is a large and beautiful place. There are approximately 195 countries on earth, all offering different landscapes, cultures and languages. So, have you been exploring yet?  Maybe you’ve only been thinking about traveling, or maybe you’re currently planning your next move. But, if you’re searching for a destination where the landscape is green and the mountains soar as high as your dreams – you’re searching for New Zealand.

New Zealand’s spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. Comparable in size and shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million – making it 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 adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

Start planning now and you could be on your way to New Zealand in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup – the premier international rugby union competition. Canada, Australia, England, South Africa, USA, France, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga are just a few of the competing countries! This is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup.

Choose from many INTERNeX programs such as work and travel, gain work experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, undergo a professional internships or even try out our Farmstay program! INTERNeX has the program for you!

INTERNeX has agents in Canada, England, USA, France, Argentina and more! INTERNeX itself also has offices around the world, including New Zealand! If you’re seeking work or internship opportunities, we can help you! For more information on our programs and services in new zealand, visit www.internexnewzealand.com. To visit our Canadian website, click here.

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200-211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC
V6A 2R5 Canada
Email: info@internexcanada.com
Phone: + 1 604 662 8149
Fax: + 1 604 662 8199

Adventures on Vancouver Island

This past weekend I met up with my friend Teresa for a visit.  She’s been in the area for about a week on vacation, visiting her family in Comox – a nice little town on Vancouver Island. I got up early Saturday morning to catch the 8:30 a.m. ferry, and was super excited to see a friend from home!

When I arrived, Teresa was waiting with her cousin Claire, who is also visiting but lives in Ireland. We said our hello’s and from there we began our day! First, we drove about 40 minutes and stopped at a nice park. Everything was so fresh and so green! There were tall trees everywhere and the sun was shining. What a beautiful day! As we walked along the paths, we came to the largest tree in the park – a giant Douglas-fir. It is over 800 years old, 76 metres tall and nine metres around. It was over 300 years old when Christopher Columbus came to North America in 1492. The Douglas-fir is one of Canada’s oldest living tree species and can live to be over 1,000 years old! Here is a picture of me with the tree, so you can see for yourself how large it is!

We continued out walk through the park, seeing hollow trees, large roots and insects along the way. It was a nice walk. Once we decided to leave, we hopped in the car and were off to the next destination! We made a pit stop at a nice area by the beach, to take a few pictures. The mountains were tall and the water was clear, it was a truly beautiful sight! In the distance, railroad tracks could be seen in the mountains.

After walking around and taking many pictures, Teresa, Claire and I had worked up our appetites! We decided to head to the local shopping mall to get something to eat, and of course, shop. Within a few hours, our bellies were full and we each had a few shopping bags… so we headed to Comox where Teresa’s family lives. Later that evening, we walked to a nice restaurant where we enjoyed a nice dessert with a glass of wine. From our table, the harbour and mountains could be seen – it was the perfect end to the night!

Have you been to the Island yet? There is so much to do there, including surfing in Tofino, visiting one of their many parks, and even kayaking. The island itself is is 460 kilometres (290 miles) in length and 80 kilometres (50 miles) in width at its widest point. It is the largest island on the western side of North America at 32,134 km squared and the world’s 43rd largest island, Canada’s 11th largest island and Canada’s second most populous island.  Major cities on Vancouver Island include Victoria, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay and Campbell Rivier.

I hope you get to visit the Island this summer!

– Laura

What Are You Doing This Long Weekend?

This weekend is supposed to be a nice one! I have a few things on my to-do list that I want to see during the next few days. One of them includes Lynn Canyon Park. The park officially opened to the public in 1912 and has been a popular destination among tourists and local residents ever since. It’s a great location for a  picnic, a leisurely hike, or a refreshing swim in one of the many popular swimming holes!

The Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge is one of Lynn Valley’s best kept secrets. The 50 meter high bridge stretches accross a beautiful canyon boasting raging waters, waterfalls and deep pools below. The bridge is a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike, the best part is that it is free of charge for all to see. Crossing the bridge is always an exciting experience, it bounces up and down and sways from side to side with every step. It is quite narrow and becomes a little nerve racking when there are several others trying to cross at the same time.

Not only is there a suspension bridge, but there are also twin falls.  A short wooden bridge crosses the raging river and there are two breathtaking waterfalls below. This bridge is a lot more comfortable than the Suspension Bridge as it doesn’t shake with every move. As a last stop, you can relax at a swimming hole which is popular among local residents who visit the park on a regular basis and tourists on a short visit. The 30 Foot Pool is a short walk from suspension bridge and doesn’t involve climbing hills or stairs. It is pretty easily accessible.  There is a small beach area near the swimming hole that is covered with small pebbles and good to lie down a towel or a blanket.

Getting There

If you are traveling by bus there are various routes to take depending on your location. From Downtown Vancouver take the sea bus across to the Lonsdale Quay bus loop and take either bus #228, or #229.

Bus #228 will take you to Lynn Valley Center, which is about a 10 minute walk from Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance. Bus #229 will take you directly to Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance.

If you are traveling from East Vancouver, Burnaby, or Metro Town area take any bus to Phibbs Exchange. The most common busses are #130 via Metro Town, #28 via Joyce Station, #210 via Downtown Vancouver.

From Phibbs Exchange take bus #229 which will take you to Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,

Laura