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Wadi Halfa

Wadi Halfa is a town on the shores of Lake Nasser in the north of Sudan. It marks the point of entry into Sudan for those coming in from Egypt. It is surrounded by the dunes of the Nubian Desert, the eastern edge of the Sahara, and has a population of around 15,000.

Understand
Historically, Wadi Halfa was Nubia's most important trading point, being the gateway between Egypt and Sudan. Today the city's buildings are immaculate, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Nubian Desert. It is the stereotypical border town, small and full of paperwork, hassle, and dirt.

The town is actually the new Wadi Halfa; the original Wadi Halfa was submerged when the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser in 1971. Sudan's military dictatorship forcibly removed the approximately 50,000 inhabitants of the area from their lands and relocated to the desert, where many died of malaria and other diseases. A few Wadi Halfans, however, remain along the Nile, the river that built their ancestors' identities as fishermen and river traders, building new settlements several times and finally settling on the current location when the flooding stopped. Seasonal flooding still occurs.

Travelers may wish to visit the ancient archaeological sites of Nubia before they, too, are submerged by a series of dams under construction which threaten Nubia's remaining pyramids, which predate those of Egypt.

By boat
Most people arrive in Wadi Halfa by the weekly ferry from Aswan across Lake Nasser in Egypt. South-bound departures are on Mondays and north-bound on Wedesdays. at the Customs and Immigration terminal 5 km outside city centre. A sand track leads from the terminal to town, and several vehicles wait at the terminal, touting for business. It is also possible to walk or take a bicycle into town.

By train
Timed with the ferry is a supposedly weekly over-night train from Khartoum via Atbara, however note that this train is prone to cancellation, make sure to check beforehand that it is running. Journey time is 48 hours. The very rudimentary is just west of the settlement. The nearest train station having reliable train schedule with the capital is in Atbara, 900 km south of Wadi Halfa.

By bus
The road crossing from Egypt periodically closes, but in all other times there is a bus running from Aswan (12-13 hr), passing Abu Simbel.

From Khartoum there's a fast A/C bus making the journey in 12 hr (10 hr in the best case).

Minibuses reach Dongola in 6 hr, and Karima is 2.5 hr further away.

By car
Also boxes (Toyota Hiluxes) are readily available for rental. If travelling south to Akasha with your own vehicle, note that this is a 145-km stretch (local maps are wrong) and there is only one place with water along the way, just before Akasha.

Get around
Wadi Halfa is a relatively small town and can be easily explored on foot. Another option is to borrow a donkey, which is the transport of choice for many Wadi Halfans.

Buy
The shops and market in Wadi Halfa are substantially better stocked than other small towns to the south, getting most of their goods directly from Egypt. There is an excellent food market just beside the main square that opens early some mornings.

Eat
Almost all the eateries are based around the main square and most offer a choice of "fuul" (beans) with bread or fried Nile perch with bread. Many of the restaurants and shops only open for the two days after the ferry arrives.

Drink
Alcohol is illegal in Sudan. All of the eateries around the main square serve tea, and Wadi Halfans, Egyptian tradesmen and tourists tend to gather there for a few cups to watch the world go by.

Sleep
For most of the year, there are several hotels in Wadi Halfa, although after the rains, many close for repairs. All are similar, offering string beds, bucket showers, mud floors, a courtyard and clean rooms. Many have no signs so ask around.

Stay safe
Sudan is a nation in turmoil. The U.S. State Department has had travel advisories in effect for Sudan for several years and counsels U.S. citizens to remain close to the capital city of Khartoum, to avoid travel at night and to conflict areas, such as Darfur, an area of ongoing conflict.

Still, tourists planning to travel independently and off the beaten track (i.e., not going straight to Khartoum), will require a Permit To Travel in Sudan. Obtaining one from Wadi Halfa's police station will likely take the best part of a day.

Wadi Halfa is likely the safest city you will find in Sudan in terms of safety, violence, disease and crime, but beware of the extreme heat, which can be extremely dangerous and seeing 50°C on the thermometer is a normal thing, where temperatures can go up to 54°C, making one of the hottest cities in the world, avoid travelling to Wadi Halfa at all costs during the Summer or even outside of the 'Winter' and closer periods, and even in those periods, use protective clothing and sunscreen.

Go next

 * Abu Simbel and Aswan (Egypt)
 * Merowe

title: Wadi Halfa


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Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a spectacularly scenic desert valley (wadi in Arabic) in southern Jordan. It is also known as "Valley of the Moon" and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand
This area of Jordan is quite isolated and largely inhospitable to settled life. The only permanent inhabitants are several thousand Bedouin nomads and villagers. There is no real infrastructure, leaving the area quite unspoilt. Apart from the Bedouin goat hair tents, the only structures are a few concrete shops and houses and the fort headquarters of the Desert Patrol Corps.

Wadi Rum is less a sandy desert but more a mountain desert. Very good pictures can also be taken from the area north of the Turkish rail track parallel to the road from the Aqaba highway to Wadi Rum. The best time to visit is Spring or Autumn, to avoid the cold winter nights and hot summer days. Photography is most dramatic in Wadi Rum when it is a little clouded, so you can experience the beautiful game of light and shadow in the desert.

T E Lawrence (of Arabia) spent a significant amount of time here during the course of the British-inspired Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War (1914–1918). Fans of the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia will be familiar with the landscape, which is not so much sand dunes as it is a mass of soaring cliffs and sandstone and granite mountains (jebel in Arabic).

Wadi Rum has also been used for more recent films, such as 2009's Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, where it stood in for part of Egypt. The distinctive reddish-orange sands that lend the area an otherworldly quality has brought the science-fiction films The Last Days on Mars and The Martian here to replicate the Red Planet on Earth, and the producers of the 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune to use as the desert planet Arrakis. The BBC documentary The Face follows two British climbers who pioneered routes in the canyons.

Also see the official site.

Get in
Wadi Rum is a short detour from the Desert Highway between Amman and Aqaba. A side road,, leads 21 km to the entrance where you will find the , a police office and a lot of potential guides offering camel, 4x4 treks and camps. The cost to enter the Wadi Rum Protected Area is 5 JD per person (free with the Jordan Pass).

Most buses that travel the highway between Aqaba and Petra/Amman should be able to drop you at the intersection to Wadi Rum, except the buses from Jett company. Once at the intersection, you can hitch hike (common in this part of Jordan, no problem for women alone) or take another minibus (1-2 JD, they seem to turn up quite regularly) to the Visitor's Centre where you can meet your guide or continue hitchhiking to (another 7 km). This final leg of the trip shouldn't cost more than 1-3 JD per person.

Avoid the scammers in Petra who try to take you for a tour in the desert north to Wadi Rum for 80 JD. Ask specifically which sites they visit and whether it's in the reserve or not (there are no such things as "Rum 1" and "Rum 2"). However, some tourists are lodged outside of Wadi Rum, e.g. Disah, for more luxurious accommodation. Desert tours from camps outside of the reserve will be different from tours provided by companies and camps within Wadi Rum.

From Aqaba
You can get to Wadi Rum by catching any bus or minibus (1-3 JD) from the Aqaba bus station headed to Amman, Ma'an, or Petra and get off at the Wadi Rum turnoff. The turnoff is well-marked on the highway to Amman, about 40 km out of Aqaba. The buses run north every hour from 07:00-15:00, but another company (Afana) operates them until 22:00, perhaps at a slightly higher cost, however.

The Trust buses depart from its own stations, but basically all the other buses (including minibuses) depart from the main Aqaba bus station.

There is usually at least one direct bus from Aqaba to the Wadi Rum Visitor's Centre and the Wadi Rum Village per day. Be careful though if you plan to go to Wadi Rum on a Friday, it is very possible that these buses are not running (you should ideally go to the Bus Station and ask the drivers the day before). These buses: 1) leave 2-3 times per day during the high season (Spring and Autumn). The last regular bus leaves at 13:00 (or possibly 15:00, according to this and this, but don't count on it). 2) leave once per day during the low season (summer and winter). There is a daily minibus from Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba that leaves at 06:30 (or 07:30 as of 2011—there is some disagreement), and this returns to Wadi Rum when it is full or the driver feels like it. The minibus journey should cost around 3 JD per person.

A private taxi from Aqaba will cost you 25-35 JD depending on where you are in the city (though 30 JD is the price almost universally quote to tourists, and you may be hard-pressed to get most of them down even to 25 JD), and will take you to the Visitor's Centre. If you decide to make round trip you can arrange with taxi driver to wait for you at Visitor's Centre for 3-4 hours and take back. It will cost 40 JD. Taxi drivers usually suggest to take you there at 13:00 and take back after sunset. Taxis from the Israeli border cost around 35 JD.

From Petra
There is one bus per day from Wadi Musa (Petra) that leaves at 06:00 and costs 7 JD. The trip generally takes 1.5 hr and tickets should be booked through your hotel at Petra, it will then collect you from your hotel directly in the morning. The bus stops at the Visitor's Centre and Rum Village and returns to Wadi Musa for visitors travelling on to Petra (departure at 08:00 or 09:00).

Taxis from Petra cost 30-35 JD.

A tour including a taxi ride from Petra, 4 hours in Wadi Rum, not including the 5 JD/person entrance fee, and a taxi ride to the Israeli border cost 130 JD.

From Amman
No bus goes directly from Amman, but regular buses head towards Aqaba or Ma'an. Again, you can get off at the Wadi Rum Intersection (see above). Expect to pay not more than 12 JD, usually only 7 JD. Service taxis will also stop here for you and are generally quicker than the buses. This is not a private taxi, so it will pick up other passengers and make detours as the other passengers require. Service taxis should cost 15-25 JD per person.

A relatively easy, but more expensive way is to take the JETT bus from Amman (4 hr, departs hourly, 8.60 JD, Oct 2018) to Aqaba, then a taxi (1 hr, 25-30 JD) to the Visitors' Centre.

4x4
Private vehicles are not prohibited past of the village of Wadi Rum. However, if you want to experience the grandeur that the Wadi has to offer, you will need to hire a guided camel or 4-wheel-drive (4WD) tour. Camels only move at walking pace so if you are on a short visit 4WD will allow a more comprehensive visit. The costs may vary based on the guide, the length of the trip, and your willingness and ability to bargain. You'd get the best price by contacting the local Bedouin directly. Most knowledgeable English speaking local guides are affiliated with family camps and contacting them in advance is advisable, you can research online to find a camp that suits your interests. The usual price is 50-75 JD per jeep for a 3-5 hr tour or 20 JD per camel/hour.

The 4x4 tours are basically driving around and stopping at several sights, taking short hikes, and having tea. Some tours are only going back and forth, taking 3 hr, for which 50 JD is quite expensive. So make sure, when booking your tour, to ensure a 4-5 hr round trip tour and understand which sites are included.

Hiking
The first camps are between 1-2 hr walking distance away from Wadi Rum village. So starting early, you might want to walk and check out 3 or 4 of these camps, and, if the prices do not fit you, walk back to go further to Aqaba or Petra. Walk out on either side of the valley along the wide truck tracks, depending on where you want to go, because the middle part of the valley is quite sandy and hard to walk on. Or book ahead knowing the name and location of your camp, by calling their number or through any of the common hotel websites. If you are good on foot, walking 10 km into Wadi Rum from the village for your tent is not a problem, but make sure to have a good map (not the one from the visitor's centre) and even GPS navigation.

Locals will be willing to share sweet tea with you as you pass their tents but you should prepare adequate water and food for your journey. You can buy basic provisions in Wadi Rum Village where there are several shops.

If it is not too hot or you have enough water, you can also hike around instead of paying the 40-70 JD (per jeep) for a tour. You can even reach Umm Fruth Rock Bridge this way (20-25 km i.e. 5-6 hr round trip). It is likely to be picked up by one of the numerous trucks driving through the valley, saving you some distance.

Scams
A scam in the area is that some taxi drivers in Aqaba or other places claim that they can arrange your tour to Wadi Rum. Actually they bring you to Shakariya village which is only a few kilometres away from Wadi Rum visitor centre. And the Bedouin there can also offer the 4x4 that drive you around the area just north of Wadi Rum Natural Reserve. The taxi driver profits from the ticket fee that they claim to pay to Wadi Rum and price difference between 4x4 in Wadi Rum. The scenery there is also very good, and the area also has something resembling the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" and the rock bridge in Wadi Rum. But this is not Wadi Rum after all. Some tourists are not even aware that they actually have never been to Wadi Rum after the tour.

"Guides" from Petra will try to take you for a tour in the desert north to Wadi Rum for 80 JD. Ask specifically which sites they visit and whether it's in the reserve or not (there are no such things as "Rum 1" and "Rum 2"). You will know you have entered Wadi Rum reserve when you purchase a ticket at Wadi Rum Visitor Centre.

Do
The genuine attraction of Wadi Rum is the desert itself, best seen by 4x4, on camel or foot. Some visitors only spend a few hours in the Wadi, but it's definitely worth staying overnight in Bedouin camps in the desert and taking a guided trip.

The quality 4-wheel-drive tour depends on Bedouin driver who serves as a guide, but often do not have much knowledge and poor English. Therefore, picking up a guide at the gate is a hit and miss affair and many of the best guides rely mainly on advance bookings. Many of the guides have websites, through which you can arrange your tour.

The desert landscapes and sandstone cliffs are themselves as much an attraction as any specific sites and the travelling between locations is often the highlight of the tours.

Hiking is possible, especially in colder low season. Climbing is another popular activity and a number of guides are also trained climbers. Scrambling the ancient Bedouin Routes to the summits is another great option. Not quite climbing, but more rewarding than a simple hike and can often be combined with climbing or abseiling and/or camping on top of a peak.

The Distant Heat Festival is held every summer on the last Thursday of July which features trance and electronic music.

Hot Air Ballooning is also possible for 100-150 JD. Various companies are available, search the Internet or try this one.

Eat & drink

 * At the entrance to the park, a small tent-restaurant serves simple Jordanian fare of bread, yogurt and such. However, there has been one report of food poisoning here.
 * When you arrive at the Village there are a couple of shops where you can buy water and other soft drinks. Note that almost all the fruit juices are actually labelled as "fruit drinks", with sugar as the main ingredient. You might be able to find some pure fruit juice, such as Tropicana, if you look closely.
 * The village has a number of basic cafes that have falafel, coffee and other basics.
 * Many camps will provide traditional Bedouin meals. One speciality is chicken or goat cooked under the desert sand, generically known as "zarb" in the same way as we might say "a roast". This has a barbecue flavour, but is very moist and falls off of the bone: try to be nearby when they unearth it as the smell released is gorgeous!
 * You won't be able to avoid the Bedouin tea, which is almost forcibly served in every tent you will visit. It's hot, very sweet and usually flavoured with mint and/or sage. It's surprisingly refreshing on a hot day and you may develop a slight addiction to it.

Sleep
There are Bedouin camps are throughout Wadi Rum Desert and require 4WD for access. The Wadi Rum Rest House in Wadi Rum Village no longer offers accommodation and you will only find a few home-stays listed if you are looking to sleep overnight in the village.

Camping
Wadi Rum Visitor Centre can provide a map marking official camping areas that available to the public. You are required to leave with all your belongings and any rubbish accumulated during your trip. Note that it will get very cold at night in the desert, even in summer.

Camps
There are several sleeping options, from a more formal camp ground to riding out into the desert with a Bedouin guide and staying in a traditional Bedouin tent. Expect to pay JOD25-60 for accommodation, transportation by 4x4 and food, depending on the type of tour and number of people. Most camps will organise the transport for their guests. Or choose adventure and to stay overnight under the stars or bivouac camping.

Formal camps are the common appearance of accommodation in Wadi Rum. They are all pretty much similar, consisting of about 3-10 tents of 3x3m with beds, one big common area tent, regular toilet and even semi-warm shower, depending on the hours of sunlight. Power is provided most of the time (not just 5 h). These camps include dinner, breakfast and loads of tea. The standard price for them—assuming they already have at least 4 people there—seem to be 25 JD for a single, but if you are good at bargaining (in the middle of nowhere, or beforehand), you will get it down to 20 JD. This doesn't include transport. The price for two people occupying one tent should consequently be between 35-45 JD. Make sure to get the described conditions or research options before arrival, some people ended up in camps with less than that for pretty much the same price.

Apparently, on the usual booking sites such as Booking.com or Google Maps, you can even get a tent from 10 JD—in addition to a proper GPS location. The price however includes only bed and sometimes breakfast, expect to pay another 10 JD for dinner and 10 JD for one way transportation. If you book one of these very cheap options, it is advisable to contact them in advance to confirm. But, of course, this all depend on you negotiation skills.

To find the below listed camps, try a combination of OpenStreetMap, which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use and which has many camp sites listed, or TripAdvisor (includes the name) and Booking.com (allows booking and contact) to locate the camps, in case you want to organise the transport and hike yourself. Or just head to Booking.com or Google Maps, where you will mostly always also have a GPS location, but should be reconfirmed with host.

Some camps are:

Stay safe
Be cautious with anyone who seems interested in romantic entanglements, as incidents of foreign women being charmed by locals and then discovering that the "romance" was merely a cover to obtain sex, money, or other services are not uncommon and increasing. This seems especially true for young foreign travellers.

Go next
Just as for getting in, the route out of Wadi Rum involves joining the Desert Highway that runs between Amman and Aqaba. Petra is two hours north, and Aqaba is half an hour south, and these are the most common destinations to travel on to after leaving Wadi Rum.

There are public minibuses that run every day at least to Petra and Amman, but these are pretty expensive (20 JD to Amman). Minibuses run mostly in the morning, ask at your camp to have a place booked. There are also numerous taxis waiting for tourists at the parking lot in the Wadi Rum village. Hitchhiking is the cheapest and often the fastest option to get somewhere else. A good way to hitchhike is to ask other tourists at your camp or at the parking lot to give you a ride in their rented car—you will probably find someone who is going to Petra or Aqaba.

To Aqaba
There is a daily minibus from Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba, it departs at 06:30, arriving about 07:30. 3 JD (2018).

Taxis from Wadi Rum to Aqaba will cost around 20–35 JD, depending on your negotiation skills.

Taxis from Wadi Rum to the Border Crossing (Israeli border) or Aqaba Airport should be similar priced based on the distance, but taxi drivers will try to charge you more due to the peculiarity of these destinations.

To Petra
There is a daily bus from the Wadi Rum Village to Wadi Musa (Petra) that departs around 08:30, takes around 2 hr, and costs 7.50–10 JD (Oct 2018) per person. Confirm the price with the driver in advance—including luggage which should not cost extra—to avoid any nasty surprises.

Taxis from Wadi Rum to Petra cost 30–40 JD.

To Amman
There is a tourist minibus going from/to Amman everyday for 20 JD as of December 2018. Ask personnel at your accommodation to book you a seat.

Taxis from Wadi Rum to Amman (and Queen Alia Airport) cost around 100–120 JD.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Wadi Rum


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Wadowice

Wadowice is a small town in Małopolskie Province in southern Poland. It's best known as the 1920 birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II. Wadowice and the nearby monastery at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska have become pilgrimage sites, easily reached on a day-trip from Kraków.

Get in
It is easily accessible from Kraków and Katowice by car, bus or train. The is located on walking distance from the most important sights. Regional trains from Kraków's main train station cover the distance in around 1,5 hours. One way tickets cost 12,50 zł.

Eat
Numerous cafes around the market square sell famous papal cake (kremówka).

Go next
Around Wadowice there are more attractions and places worth seeing such as:
 * Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
 * Bielsko-Biała
 * Lanckorona

title: Wadowice


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Wadsworth

Wadsworth is in Medina County, Ohio.

Understand
Wadsworth was founded in 1814 and was named after General Elijah Wadsworth, a hero of the Revolutionary War. The Wadsworth City School District is known for success in athletics, the arts, and academics.

By Car
Wadsworth is located just off of I-76 which runs from west of Akron east to New Jersey.

See

 * Historical Downtown District with picturesque Gazebo in the town square.

Do

 * Relax at one of Wadsworth's beautiful parks
 * Shop at one of the many shops in the picture perfect downtown district.
 * Blue Sky Drive-in is one of the few remaining drive-in movie theatres in Ohio. It is located on the east side of town and shows first run movies all summer long.

title: Wadsworth


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Wagah

Wagah (or Wagha) is a border town straddling the line between Pakistan and India, 29 km from the city of Lahore on the Pakistani side and 27 km from Amritsar on the Indian side. This is the only open and direct crossing point between Pakistan and India.

Understand
The border has become famous for its daily flag raising and lowering ceremony, which is done with pomp and ceremony. It involves some of the tallest members of the Indian Border Force and the Pakistani Rangers marching and closing the many gates. It has become a tradition for people from both sides of the border to gather and see this. Both sides synchronise their parade and the entire event is meant to create a feel-good/patriotic fervour amongst the crowd. It is called the beating retreat ceremony. Since 2010, the Wagha ceremony has begun to tone down so one might see less of the flourishing of Peacock helmets and goose-stepping.

Get in
The closest significant cities to Wagah are Amritsar in India (28 km) and Lahore in Pakistan (25 km).

Visa
Please note that because of border skirmishes in Kashmir and the tensions between the two nations, the governments of India and Pakistan are not going to allow visas to be given in Wagha. Also, the people who can cross/the times of crossing will be restricted if the skirmishes continue.

By train
The Samjhauta Express from Lahore to Delhi passes through Wagah. The last station on the Indian side is Attari. This train runs twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays. As of December 2022, it is not operating.

From India
From Amritsar, Wagah is about 45 minutes away by car, rickshaw, or taxi.

 * By bus – There are public buses directly to the border from Amritsar Bus Station, taking about 1–1¼ hr. In case you got a non-direct one that turns around at Attari, take a rickshaw from there for the last 3 km, or just walk. The bus is ₹50 one-way. The last bus from the border back to Amritsar usually waits for 40 min after the end of the ceremony before taking off, but it will definitely go when full—though you won't have big problems passing by the slow Indian crowd to be one of first at the bus.

 * By rickshaw – Shared rickshaws from nearby the Golden Temple are ₹100–150 per person return. You won't have problems finding them. Make sure to remember your vehicle and location at the border. Offer a deposit and ask if you can pay the rest on your return.

 * By Hop-on/Hop-off bus– There exists a tourist hop-on hop-off double-decker bus, leaving around 3PM from the roundabout northeast of the Golden Temple. The return trip is ₹350.

 * By taxi – A taxi round trip, which includes the waiting time at Wagah from Amritsar was about ₹800 in 2009.

From Pakistan
When driving from Islamabad, it should take 4½ hr minimum.

From Lahore Station, take a bus, taxi or the Metro and a shared rickshaw. Minibus No. 4 might leave from outside Lahore Railway Station every 15 minutes for about 50 Rs while a taxi should cost 1,900 Rs. For a cheaper ride, use auto rickshaws: when leaving the train station, go left and find the departing point for shared rickshaws where they are waiting until they're filled up. There will be one going to Wagah, or more likely Jallo More (about 150 Rs), from where you will find another one towards Wagah border (50-100 Rs). Expect the whole ride to take around an hour.

Another more comfortable option (especially in summer) is to use the modern Orange Metro Line until its Eastern terminus, Dera Gujran (20-40 Rs depending on where you board) and take a shared rickshaw from the station exit towards Wagah border (about 100 Rs).

Get around
If you're planning to cross the border, you should aim to get there as early as possible. As of 2022, the border is open every day 8:30AM–3:30PM. Border formalities can take from 30 minutes to over two hours, and you will need to arrange a proper visa before you arrive. E-visa don't entitle the holder to cross here.

Regular buses or taxis are not allowed into the no-man's land between the countries, so unless you're on one of the few deluxe international buses, you'll have to walk across the 500 m between the border posts yourself. Porters ― Indian porters wear blue coats and Pakistani porters wear green coats ― can carry your belongings for a fee.

Flag lowering ceremony
''Note the following is a description of the Indian side of the border and ceremony. But the Pakistani side should be similar.''

Since 1959, the border crossing has become famous for this ceremony, which includes the closing of international gates, a lot of nationalistic cheering, a Monty-Pythonesque silly walk, and the lowering of the flags of both the countries. The flag code of India mandates that the national flag shall be flown only from sunrise to sunset. The guards who perform are chosen carefully among those who have great height, ability to perform, and imposing stature. The crowd on weekends is heavy.

The flag lowering ceremony has become the main event for tourists visiting Amritsar. In addition, there is now a short cultural program also done by local folk dancers (Bhangra) for the waiting crowd before the flag lowering. The border gates have a visitor gallery on each side, basically concrete steps created around the border main road. This allows most people in the crowd to get a seat. A peak crowd of up to 2,000 people can assemble on the Indian side and up and over 1,000 people on the Pakistani side. There are metal fences to help direct and control the crowds in and out of the seating areas. The crowd consists of tourists & locals. The noise (bring earplugs if you are sensitive) and atmosphere of the assembled crowds on both sides of the border is similar to that of a sporting match and very entertaining.

The seating area in the gallery is as follows:
 * VIP seating – closest to the gates and requires a special pass which can be made from the BSF station near the Amritsar bypass road a couple of days in advance.
 * Ladies exclusive – a section where only women and small children are allowed. This comes after the VIP seating and is little further from the gates (about 80 m away)
 * General seating – tends to get very crowded and congested during rush days. Occasional pushing/jostling may happen.

When you are let in, there are separate queues for men and women, and Indian women are kept separate for the women section. Foreigners of both sexes are kept together in the same area after going through the separated security lines. They have a reserved section (partly shaded) so make sure you bring your passport with you so that you can skip the queue and get the best seats available. Most of the seating is exposed to the sun. It gets pretty hot and sweaty unless you go in the winters. Be prepared for that. Not everyone can manage it. If you plan to be there very early, better bring an umbrella to protect yourself, or head up to the shaded and covered seat. Even though there are some gates controlled by soldiers, if you are keen, you can just walk around freely. Later just before the start of the ceremony, you can always move back down seats for closer views.

There are no tickets to see this event, it is free for viewing for anyone on the Pakistani as well as the Indian side. However, VIP seating can by inquired from the BSF station near the Amritsar bypass road.

Cope
Do not bring any bags. No covered bags, including women's purses & handbags, are allowed inside the visitor areas. As of July 2023, a fanny pack does not seem to pose a problem. The restrictions are usually dependent on the crowd and perceived security alertness on that day. In any case, there are paid lockers provided by the merchants and stalls along the road 500 m before the border.

Mobile phones, cameras and men's wallets are allowed, but leave the camera bag. However, border personnel allow clear plastic bags with few snacks, water, children's food etc. Cigarettes might be confiscated.

Taxis and cars must be parked about 500 m away from the entry gates to the border area—see. You will need to walk in and reach the visitor gallery. Stay to the right side until you reach the grandstands. Be prepared for minor traffic jams when the ceremony has finished as up to 200-300 vehicles try to exit around the same time.

There are stalls nearby the parking, organized to buy food and bottled water. On the Indian side, a free drinking water station is right before the entrance to the seating gallery.

Times
Ideally, one should reach the border 45 min before the start of the parade latest, on Saturdays at least 1–1½ hr before would make sense.

The whole ceremony including the cultural pre-program takes 45 min to 1 hr.

 * In July 2023, the cultural pre-ceremony started at 6PM, with the main ceremony of the soldiers starting at 6:30PM.
 * As of December 2022, the border closes at 3:30PM. On a normal day, there is no need to be there before the gates open, which should be between 3:30PM and 3:45PM. The Indian part, however, seems to fill up more quickly so it is a good idea to be there in advance.
 * Other sources stated that 4:15PM is the time during winter and 4:45PM during summer.

Do
Relax at nearby Jallo Park, or enjoy in Suzo Water Park.

Buy

 * You can buy some snacks/drinks at the entry gate and also along the roadside as you are walking the ca. 500 m to the seating area.
 * There are many local male children who sell DVDs of the ceremony, costing around ₹20.
 * Be careful of pickpockets.

Eat
There is an official tourist centre, called "Aman Umeed" at the entry gate. It is a nice clean facility with toilets etc. and has comfortable seating, although food options are very limited inside.

However, there are 2-3 large local food stalls outside the gate opposite the tourist centre which serve food, offer packaged snacks and soft drinks. You can take these inside when you watch the ceremony.

Drink
Water bottles were not allowed after the checking point of entry to Wagah border, but are apparently now, but this might depend on the day of week. If necessary, buy them at the stalls just near the gate.

On the Indian side, a free drinking water station is right before the entrance to the seating gallery.

Connect
Mobile phones will not work here, as calls/SMSs are jammed.

Go next

 * Amritsar
 * Lahore

title: Wagah


text:
Wagamon

Vagamon or Wagamon is a hill station located in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, India. It is a warm and friendly place with cool climate as the temperature is between 10° and 23°C during midday in summer. It is situated 1,100 m above sea level.

Get in
Erattupetta is the closest town, from where Vagamon is about 25 km, another major city is Moolamattom which is about 21 km from Vagamon.

You can also reach there via Kottayam Kumali road [KK road] by taking a turn from Peerumedu. Also you can reach there from Iddukki dam site. Even though there are KSRTC buses to Wagamon, it is best if you have your own vehicle. All the roads leading to the place are a biker's dream. Beware of those blind turns and steep sides. For those looking for more adventure can take the Ernakulam-Thodupuzha-Kanjar route. From Thodupuzha take the Moolamattom dam road, just before Kanjar town there are a couple of dips in the road, you need to take the small road to the right (sign board is put up). The road is steep and scenery breathtaking. There are very few roads which can match the beauty of this one. Many people visit Wagamon only to enjoy the travel on this road. Watch out for oncoming vehicles.

Get around
You can reach there from Yendayar (12 km from Mundakayam) on NH220. From Yendayar you can hire jeep to reach Wagamon Kurishumala. You can climb the rock to Kurishumala. From there you can watch hills, very nice to see from there.

Also you can have the feeling of the following:

 * Meenachil River, made famous by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece God of Small Things, originates near Vanilla County.
 * Illikal Peak, is the origin of the River Meenachil and is a mythological site. Local belief has it that a bird brings the mythical herb atop this mountain to whosoever seeks eternal life! The natural menhirs atop the mountain takes on a mystical meaning to those who view it from afar. A climb to the top is a rewarding experience to trekkers as well as to those who wish to see the origin of one of Kerala's life giving rivers.
 * Maramala Waterfalls, a scenic stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as "Enchantress of the Jungle" in the local lore. Sliding down the numerous hillocks, this gushing water has etched out over the years a deep natural pond amongst the rocks.
 * Poonjar Palace, the ancient kingdom still draws the crowds to marvel at an era gone past. It is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. The present day Munnar was a small principality under these rajahs till they were given out on lease to the British tea companies two centuries ago.
 * Ayyampara, or Five Rocks, a 30-acre rock formation is a favourite haunt for those who wish to see some spectacular sunsets.
 * Kurisumala Asramom is a Catholic monastery set up by two British priests in the middle of last century. The life of the hermits there combines Christian teachings with Hindu traditions. Not all visitors are welcome there, but you can make an attempt if you are genuinely interested in seeing their unique way of life.

See

 * Wagamon (also spelled Vagamon) is known for the vast green meadows and the beautiful Pine forest. The suitable weather conditions and ambience makes Wagamon a great Paragliding Spot too. Annual Paragliding Grandprixs are held at the Wagamon hills by ASSTA (Adventure Sports & Sustainable Tourism Academy) in partnership with Kerala Tourism Development Council. The event gifted Kerala Tourism, "the most innovative tourism activity" of 2008.
 * There is also a 'Kurishumala' (Malayalam for The Way Of Cross depicted on small hills) nearby worth trekking. There are good views from here, some locals claim that one can see the sea from there on clear days. Also you can explore on the grassy hills and small pine forests in the vicinity. Thangal para is an important part of Vagamon, because a Muslim priest named Thangal was believed to have  died there.

Do

 * Paragliding is increasingly becoming a popular sport here. The topography and wind pattern have made the place one of the ideal places for this sport.
 * Bicycling during the early morning or evening and feeling the cool breeze blow towards your face is a rewarding experience.

Eat
Not many options, although few are coming up these days. It is a good option if you can carry your own food. There are few tea shops in the village centre. There are a couple of cottages in the nearby hills, where you can stay, also get food but it takes a long time as they start cooking only on receiving your orders.

Drink
Several shops in Vagamon sell Buttermilk. During a warm day drinking, buttermilk is a better option than cold drinks.

Sleep

 * Summer sand - An Ayurvedic Health Resort with 12 comfortable luxury rooms in Italian Barricade set among lush green hill tops, British Castle with 3 bedrooms suited with all modern amenities and traditional Kerala cottages Ettukettu and Nalukettu enclosed 5 super deluxe rooms overlooking misty mountains.
 * Vanilla County is an enchanting Plantation Homestay offering Home Stay, near the origin of the Meenachil River at Vagamon, set amidst plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber.

Go next

 * Kuttikkanam
 * Peerumedu

title: Wagamon


text:
Wageningen

Wageningen is a town along the Rhine river within the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands. Because of its famous agricultural university, it is more lively than one would expect from a Dutch town with 39,000 inhabitants (2019). In 2007 it had residents from 152 different countries, mainly being students at the university. Wageningen was the site of the formal surrender of the Germans to the Allies in the Netherlands on May 5, 1945, a day that is a public holiday in the Netherlands. Wageningen hosts a military veterans parade and this is followed by great alcohol consumption in the town.

Understand
Wageningen lies close to the right bank of the branch of the Rhine estuary known in the Netherlands as the Nederrijn. Excavations date a settlement at this site back to the Stone Age. The hills to the east of the town provided protection for a Bronze Age tribe from flooding of the Rhine and from enemies and the earliest record of the name (in 838AD) is from the same hilly area. The town has had a chequered history, being occupied or destroyed on several occasions. Also, in 1421 the Rhine changed course, moving further south and, in the process, having a detrimental effect on Wageningen's trade. In the 17th century the town started tobacco cultivation and there were several cigar manufacturers. The floodplain of the Rhine to the south also had several brick factories, one of which can still be seen.

In 1876 the Dutch government decided to build the first agricultural school in Wageningen on the grounds that it was in the heart of the country and was surrounded by a wide variety of soils. Since then the town has boomed and Wageningen University is now a world-renowned Life Sciences university. Wageningen also has the largest inland port in the Netherlands.

Get in
The story goes that Wageningen was given the choice of getting a university or a train station. It chose the university, and still doesn't have a station. There is a station called Ede-Wageningen but it is close to Ede and 8 km from Wageningen. The Ede-Wageningen station is about an hour from Amsterdam or from Schiphol airport. From these stations look for trains headed to Arnhem and Nijmegen. There is a train every half an hour from Amsterdam and every half an hour from Schiphol. If you miss the direct train you can take a train to Utrecht and change there. Arriving at Ede-Wageningen, take Bus No. 88 to downtown Wageningen (turn left at bottom of stairs leading down from the platforms). This stops at many of the student residences en route. By taxi (turn right at bottom of stairs) the journey will cost €25.

From Arnhem, take Bus No. 51 or 52 from Arnhem station to Wageningen bus station.

Wageningen can be reached by car from highway A12, which passes to the north, A15, which passes to the south and can be reached by a ferry over the Rhine, and the A50, which passes to the east.

For information on the various types of bus and train tickets see Netherlands.

Get around
Cycling is the best mode of transport and there are several stores downtown that can provide bike rentals. For those staying longer it is possible to buy second-hand bikes. A stall in the main square on Saturdays has good bargains. New bikes range from around €200 for a Chinese-made one (looked upon contemptuously by the Dutch) to up to €1000 for a real Dutch bike. All of the main roads have separate cycling lanes. These have their own traffic signals and you are expected to obey them. At roundabouts and other junctions cyclists usually have the right of way but this cannot be guaranteed so be careful. You have to give way if there are white triangles on the track that point towards you.

Bus No.88 also takes you around most of Wageningen but it really doesn't make much sense to ride the bus here.

See

Detailed information in English can be found at. There is a Tourist Office in the Kniphorst Bookshop in Hoogstraat 49.

Do

 * Cycle/walk along the dyke. Enjoy the beautiful view of the countryside along the dyke amongst the grazing sheep and cows of the surrounding farms. Cycling and walking tours are organised by the Wageningen Guild
 * Rhine River. Wageningen is on the most northern spur of the Rhine estuary. From the dyke that protects the town in case the river floods you can take walks through the meadows to the Rhine and then along it. Popular among the locals as a place to go fishing and swimming, especially during the warmer months. Attracts thousands of ice skaters when it freezes. Good birdwatching. Two ferries to the East and West of the town allow for a pleasant round trip by bike.
 * Rhine River. Wageningen is on the most northern spur of the Rhine estuary. From the dyke that protects the town in case the river floods you can take walks through the meadows to the Rhine and then along it. Popular among the locals as a place to go fishing and swimming, especially during the warmer months. Attracts thousands of ice skaters when it freezes. Good birdwatching. Two ferries to the East and West of the town allow for a pleasant round trip by bike.

Buy
The main shopping street in Wageningen is the Hoogstraat although selection is limited. Apart from a shop selling wooden clogs, there are no obvious souvenirs to purchase. For visiting students setting up home for a time, inexpensive household items are available at HEMA and BLOKKER on Hoogstraat. Shopping hours are limited. Most shops close around 18:00 during the week and at 17:00 on Saturdays, except on Friday evening when they are open until 21.00. Supermarkets stay open until 20:00 most evenings and are also open on Sunday afternoons.

Budget

 * Open Markt - on Wednesday morning (09:00-12:00) and Saturday (09:00-17:00). The market downtown offers typical Dutch foods. The freshly made stroopwafels on Wednesdays are fantastic.
 * Open Markt - on Wednesday morning (09:00-12:00) and Saturday (09:00-17:00). The market downtown offers typical Dutch foods. The freshly made stroopwafels on Wednesdays are fantastic.

Mid-range

 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.
 * Pannekoek House - Traditional Dutch pancake restaurant within the centre.

Drink

There are many cafes located around the church in the centre with good selection of beers.

Most student residences (triangular-looking buildings) also have their own bar downstairs.

Wageningen does not have a particularly thriving nightlife, but still there are a few nice cafes and pubs to hang around, drink beers and listen to live music. The main hangout places in Wageningen are:
 * and some others.

There are also a few "coffee shops" in town for those who are looking for 'alternative entertainment'.

Go next
On Saturday and Sunday, the town is quite empty since Dutch students go back to their hometowns to spend their weekend with friends and family. If you are looking for some Dutch nightlife try Arnhem, Utrecht or Rotterdam!

 * Hoge Veluwe National Park. Wageningen is 15 km from this large nature reserve. Very nice for biking and nature walks as well as for spotting the local wildlife. Hundreds of white bicycles available free of charge. A good museum with the second largest collection of paintings by Van Gogh to be found anywhere.

title: Wageningen


text:
Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga (pronounced Wogga Wogga), the largest inland city in New South Wales, with a population of around 56,000 people (2018), is located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. The city is universally referred to as Wagga.

Understand
What's now Wagga Wagga was originally inhabited by the Wiradjuri people, considered to be the largest Aboriginal cultural grouping in New South Wales. They inhabited much of what is now the Riverina and the Central West.

Early colonists first sighted the land on which the city of Wagga Wagga now stands in December 1829 during an expedition of discovery down the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers. Settlement swiftly followed.

Wagga Wagga was proclaimed a town in 1849 and by the 1860s had a population of 700. The train line reached Wagga in the 1870s, and by 1881, the population had increased to 3,975. In 1879 the railway line was extended south of the river.

"Wagga" in the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal dialect means "crow". The repetition of a word is the method of expressing the plural or emphasis; thus, Wagga Wagga means "crows" or "the place where crows assemble in large numbers". The Murrumbidgee River which runs through the city also derived its name from the Wiradjuri language and means "plenty of water" or "big water".

By car
Wagga is:
 * 6 hours from Sydney via M31 and A30
 * 2.5 hours from Canberra via A25, M31 and A20
 * 5 hours from Melbourne via M31, A41 and A20
 * 11 hours from Adelaide via A20
 * 6 hours from Mildura via A20

By plane

 * Melbourne operated by Regional Express
 * Sydney operated by QantasLink and Regional Express

Ground transportation

Best to book in advance if you want a hire car at the airport. Not just to ensure a vehicle is available, but also to ensure there is someone to meet your flight. Car hire from Wagga is usually limited mileage. To get unlimited milage, Canberra is the best bet, around 3 1/2 hours drive away.

Get around

 * Wagga Radio Cabs operate 24/7 throughout the city.

Do

 * Walk, the Wollundry Track or the Wiradjuri Walking track with maps available at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre.
 * Swim in the Murrumbidgee River, at Wagga Beach (which is a sand beach).
 * The local newspaper, The Daily Advertiser, is a good guide to what's on around town.
 * Walk the track to the top of The Rock, a short drive away from Wagga.
 * Wagga Wagga Heritage Walk. A self-guided walking tour showcasing 41 fascinating heritage-listed buildings in Wagga Wagga.
 * Walk the track to the top of The Rock, a short drive away from Wagga.
 * Wagga Wagga Heritage Walk. A self-guided walking tour showcasing 41 fascinating heritage-listed buildings in Wagga Wagga.

Buy
Baylis Street is the main street of Wagga and is where you will find most shops. You'll find the Sturt Mall and Marketplace shopping centres which should have everything you need. You'll also find some smaller malls in the suburbs such as the Kooringal Mall (Kooringal) and the Southcity Shopping Centre (Glenfield Park).

Eat

 * The Quinty Bakehouse at Uranquinty is a 10-minute drive from Wagga (South on the Olympic Highway, A41). Offers a range of products made using organic flour, such as sourdough melts and pies with real meat. They are famous for their tarts, which come in three sizes and more than 10 flavours.
 * The Riverina Hotel, also known as The Bridge, serves good pub meals for very reasonable prices. A schnitty, veg and gravy costs about $10. The special of the day is about $6 to $7.
 * The Riverina Hotel, also known as The Bridge, serves good pub meals for very reasonable prices. A schnitty, veg and gravy costs about $10. The special of the day is about $6 to $7.

Go next
If you are driving, Wagga Wagga is at a crossroads. Head west on the Sturt Highway (Route A20) for a long drive to Adelaide (approx. 11-hr drive), east on the Sturt Highway (Route A20) and then the Hume Highway (Route M31) to Canberra (3 hr) and Sydney (5 hr) or south on the Olympic Highway (Route A41) and then the Hume Highway (Route A31) to Melbourne (5 hr).

title: Wagga Wagga


text:
Wagoner (Oklahoma)

Wagoner is a city in the Green Country in Oklahoma. It was huge on the railroad scene with Henry Wagoner's helping hand, and the first city to be incorporated in Indian Territory, in 1896. Unfortunately, it was also the site of a brutal lynching of a teenage African American in 1914.

title: Wagoner (Oklahoma)


text:
Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is a vast sand dune filled desert just south of Sur in Central Coastal Oman.

Understand
A desert with sand dunes, up to 100 metres high and 170 km long, stretching south. There are several camps in Wahiba Sands where it is possible to camp and experience the desert, do some camel riding, dune bashing and relaxation. Seeing the sun setting in Wahiba Sands is truly wonderful!

Do
Look at sand

Sleep
There are a few tourist resorts in the Wahiba, well worth spending 3 or 4 nights for the full experience.
 * Camel Adventures Camp (10km into the desert, on top of a large dune, accessible by 4WD), ☏  +968 9151 5182. Small private camp in a quiet and secluded location.
 * Camel Adventures Camp (10km into the desert, on top of a large dune, accessible by 4WD), ☏  +968 9151 5182. Small private camp in a quiet and secluded location.

Go next

 * Ibra
 * Muscat

title: Wahiba Sands


text:
Wahpeton

Wahpeton is a town in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. It has a population of about 8,586 people. It is the home of North Dakota State College of Science.

Understand
Wahpeton, along with its sister city, Breckenridge, are referred to as ''Two States. Two Cities. One community''.

Get in

 * By car: exit 23 from I-29

title: Wahpeton


text:
Wahpeton (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Wahpeton:

United States of America

 * Wahpeton - a city in Richland County (North Dakota), North Dakota
 * Wahpeton (Iowa) - a city in Dickinson County, Iowa

title: Wahpeton (disambiguation)


text:
Waianae

Wai`anae is on the island of Oahu, Hawaii

Get in
Take the H1 freeway west. As you round the SW corner of the island you will see the Waianae Coast laid out before you, with the expanse of blue ocean to your left. You will know you are home.

Get around
The City Bus will get there, but rental car is the best bet. Just as in other places, don't leave valuables anywhere in your car when checking out the sites.

Buy
Rent surfboards, snorkel equipment and bikes.

Go next
Beaches: In general strong shore breaks and rip currents are prevalent during the winter, while the water is much calmer during the summer months. Always bring water, sunscreen and shoes (hot sand). Don't leave valuables in your car and it's always a good idea to check with the lifeguards about the current conditions.

 * Makaha Beach : good for swimming, surfing, body boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving. The middle part of the beach is good for swimming. Sharp reef at the right side of the beach (near the hotel). Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, street parking and lifeguards.
 * Kealakekua (Yokahama) Beach: at the end of Farrington Hwy is a delicate beach with long sandy shores. A spot for expert surfers only and swimming is risky as the currents and riptides are strong. However the beach is great for sunbathing and for that feeling of peaceful isolation. We like to lay our towel down past the last lifeguard stand or "third dips" as the locals call it.
 * Ka‘ena Point The Northwest tip of Oahu is a sacred area. It is referred to as a "jumping-off point" for souls departing this world for the next. It is also a nature reserve where albatross breed and lay their eggs. The lowland dune ecosystems is a hot 2.5-mi (4-km) hike one way so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if you decide to check it out.

title: Waianae


text:
Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, just off the North Island of New Zealand. It is 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland and is a popular destination for day trips and longer visits.

Understand
Waiheke Island is the third most populous island of New Zealand (after the North and South Islands), with 9,800 permanent residents (2021), 2,000 of whom commute to Auckland each work day. Another estimated 3,400 have second homes or holiday homes on the island. In summer the population swells dramatically, as the island is a popular destination for both overseas travellers and New Zealanders.

The microclimate is well suited for winemaking and the island has over two dozen vineyards. Olives are well established and some extremely nice olive oils are produced. Waiheke is administered by the Auckland Council.

Passenger ferries
Fullers passenger ferries (phone +64 9 367 9111) run from downtown Auckland to on Waiheke Island, taking 40 minutes, hourly or more frequently between 6AM and 7:15PM and less frequently at night. Last departures from Waiheke are M-Sa at 12:30AM and Su at 11PM. Ferries leave Auckland from Pier 2 ferry terminal, near the corner of Quay St and Albert St. Fullers buses and the hop-on-hop-off bus depart from Matiatia, and taxis and hire cars are available there. Return fares are adult $45 ($40 using an AT Hop card), child (5-15 years or high school ID) $20, seniors with a Supergold card are free - family passes are available. The AT Journey Planner covers the Fullers ferries and Waiheke buses.

Vehicle/passenger ferries
Sealink (phone +64 9 300 5900) operate a passenger/vehicle ferry service from Half Moon Bay in eastern Auckland to Kennedy Point on Waiheke, taking 45–60 minutes. Transfers are available from Kennedy Point. Standard return fares are adult $36.50, child $20, senior/student $31, car $170 and there are different family passes. Check their website for "hot deals" - sometimes two people with a car only have to pay for the car. Cheaper fares are also available with 10-trip tickets or with day return passes.

By plane

 * Helilink makes charter helicopter flights to Waiheke.

By bus
Waiheke Bus Company. These Fullers-owned buses run around the main populated areas between Matiatia Wharf and Onetangi and Rocky Bay. They do not cover Kennedy Point, Orapiu or Stony Batter. All-day passes are available from Matiatia Wharf or can be bought with your ferry ticket from Auckland (but not before 9AM on weekdays). Day passes are not sold on the bus, but bus fares are reasonable. Auckland AT Hop cards can be used on the buses.

Waiheke Explorer Hop-on Hop-off tour bus. You can just stay on these Fullers-owned buses and have a 1½ hour tour of the island, or hop on and off as often as you want at any of 15 stops, which include vineyards, beaches and restaurants. Adult $60, child $30.

By taxi
There are multiple taxi and shuttle services.

By personal vehicles
Cars, scooters and bicycles can be hired near the Matiatia ferry terminal, or you can bring bicycles on any of the passenger ferries.

By thumb
Hitchhiking is commonplace with locals and visitors. There are few destinations and distances are relatively short, which increases the chances of a driver stopping for hitchers.

Do

 * Try deep sea fishing with Fat Snapper Fishing Charters, 21 Waiheke Road, Onetangi, +64 9 372-8755 (andfloor@xtra.co.nz). Full or half day deep sea fishing. Includes all equipment (rods, reels & bait). Half day charter $80 per person. Minimum charge $200.
 * Go walking round the island's tracks and bush reserves. Including roadside tracks there are some 100 km of walks on the island. Pick up a copy of the guides locally.
 * Try deep sea fishing with Fat Snapper Fishing Charters, 21 Waiheke Road, Onetangi, +64 9 372-8755 (andfloor@xtra.co.nz). Full or half day deep sea fishing. Includes all equipment (rods, reels & bait). Half day charter $80 per person. Minimum charge $200.
 * Go walking round the island's tracks and bush reserves. Including roadside tracks there are some 100 km of walks on the island. Pick up a copy of the guides locally.
 * Try deep sea fishing with Fat Snapper Fishing Charters, 21 Waiheke Road, Onetangi, +64 9 372-8755 (andfloor@xtra.co.nz). Full or half day deep sea fishing. Includes all equipment (rods, reels & bait). Half day charter $80 per person. Minimum charge $200.
 * Go walking round the island's tracks and bush reserves. Including roadside tracks there are some 100 km of walks on the island. Pick up a copy of the guides locally.

Beaches
The northern side of Waiheke is known for its relatively uncrowded white sand beaches, while the southern side beaches are quite tidal and swimming is dependent on the tides.

Buy
Oneroa has the main shopping street with a post office, two banks, a chemist, a greengrocer, a wine shop, a small supermarket, real estate agents and some clothes and souvenir shops. Ostend has a full sized supermarket, a chemist, a fishmonger, and a Placemakers if are looking for a bag of cement.

Drink
Waiheke does not have a mains water supply so water fountains are not as common as elsewhere in Auckland (and your accommodation may ask you to save water). There is a filtered water fountain in the Matiatia ferry terminal.

Waiheke wine are premium brands, with bottles starting around $25 in the supermarket, and many costing a few times more.

Go next

 * Take a ferry back to Auckland.
 * Head out to Great Barrier Island for a more remote experience.
 * Catch the weekend and holiday ferry to Coromandel town.

title: Waiheke Island


text:
Waikabubak

Waikabubak is a small town on the island of Sumba in the Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia.

Understand
This small town is the second base of western Sumba after Tambolaka. It and the surrounding area is known as Wanukaka, and there is a population of about 10,000. This remote region is home to Sumba's most spectacular attraction - the Pasola - and some truly stunning beaches.

Get in
From Tambolaka you can take:

 * "Travel" (shared car): for about Rp50,000 per passenger (as of Dec 2018).
 * Public bus (typically the one named 'Century 21'), only suitable if you travel light. Bus departs from Tambolaka/Waitabula Market, and you can board from the street side (they will only depart to destination after their bus is full). The bus is operated by a driver and assistant (to manage seating, spot passengers, etc.). The price per seat is Rp15,000 (as of Dec 2018), some bus assistants would ask for Rp50,000. Let them go away and wait for another bus. The bus sometime is overcrowded with more than 15 people packed in (especially during school start/finish time). The bus will stop outside Waikabubak, which you need to transfer to a bemo for Rp5,000 to the town which can drop you at your accommodation if it is not too far away (as of Dec 2018).

Get around
You can always flag a bemo or an ojek to go around, although most part is walkable.

See
There are 14 villages around Waikabubak (only about four can be visited by foot), some of them have special characteristics (e.g. biggest tomb, tallest tomb, most beautifully carved tomb, etc.)

 * Tarung Village: Walkable. Several houses were burnt down in 2017, but the rebuilding has been completed. Voluntary donation for entrance, recommended amount is Rp20,000 per person (as of Dec 2018).
 * Prai Ijing Village: Walkable. A big village with around 50 houses. Seems to be the most tourism-ready village, with ticketing and fixed entrance fee: Rp50,000 per person (as of Dec 2018).
 * Praigoli Village: 10km South of Waikabubak.
 * Pasola Festival: a ritual horseback jousting competition in western Sumba to celebrate the rice planting season. The jousts involve throwing wooden spears at the opponent from a different clan. Horse-riding skills are paramount and the joust ends when the wooden spear hits the bare flesh of an opponents. The Sumbanese ancient beliefs state that spilled blood will fertilize the land and increase the output of the rice paddy. The dates of pasola is never fixed, and it is determined independently in different regions, but it is always arranged in the months of February or March. In the Wanukaka region, as part of the ritual, early in the morning the Marapu priests and their entourage go the beach to perform a prayer. They sacrifice a black rooster to the gods and check the heart of the cock to read the signs from the gods as to whether to proceed with the pasola.

Do
If you receive an invitation to attend a wedding, birth, or funeral, never miss it. Those are the best way to learn about the culture. Ask for the norm (what to bring along, what not to do) and behave (e.g. avoid taking excessive photos during sensitive time).

Sleep

 * Hotel Manandang: probably the biggest and the most famous hotel. Room rate Rp325,000 and up (as of Dec 2018)
 * Hotel Pelita: up-and-coming accommodation for the next best alternative, often recommended by locals. Room rate Rp250,000 (as of Dec 2018)
 * Hotel Artha: a long-standing local accommodation with nice inner garden in the middle of 15 rooms. Tel: +62852-53253 980. Room rate Rp250,000 (as of Dec 2018)
 * Mona Lisa Homestay, located on the Western outskirt of Waikabubak
 * Sutomo Homestay: one of the new accommodation, located on the Western outskirt of Waikabubak; Tel: +62812-444 36405. Rp175,000 and above (as of Dec 2018)

Go next

 * Tambolaka to the West, 1-2 hours over land.
 * Waingapu, to the East, 3-4 hours away over land.

title: Waikabubak


text:
Waikanae

Waikanae is a laid-back beach town of 14,000 people (2022) in the Kapiti Coast with a combination of retired population and young families that brings a unique blend that is relaxing and vibrant.

The lovely long beach and pristine Waikanae River offer a range of outdoor activities. The local fly fishing club offers lessons for first timers.

By car

 * Driving will take about 45 minutes from Wellington to Waikanae via Transmission Gully and the expressway (State Highway 1) there is also a local road (State Highway 59) that takes you through all the local towns but it may take longer if using the local road

See
This is a proud gardening community which regularly features in national magazines. Head inland to Reikorangi Valley where you will find the local pottery making and cafe. This hidden gem is where it stops.

Do
Two bridges allow a decent loop walk which you can break to let the kids play in the playground at Otaihanga Domain or enjoy a safe swim in the river. Where the River meets the sea you may meet Waikanae's Birdman, Mik Peryer, guiding visitors to spot the rich birdlife on the protected estuary.

In summer, take a picnic and book a BBQ at the outdoor swimming pool complex where kids can swim for hours and enjoy the slide.

Buy
Right in the middle of town you can shop, do your errands, visit the districts gallery and enjoy a selection of restaurants and follow your nose to the bakeries with the fresh hot bread.

Eat
there are local restaurants and takeaway shops in waikanae but there are no big chain restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC, or Domino's, they are in the next town south Paraparaumu most of the restraunts are in the town area near the to the west side of the station There are two supermarkets in the area, Countdown and New World; they are within walking distance of the station.

Go next

 * North to Otaki
 * South to Paraparaumu

title: Waikanae


text:
Waikato

The Waikato is a region of the North Island of New Zealand that lies to the south of Auckland and is named for the Waikato River that traverses its length. The Waikato River has several hydroelectric dams and the man-made lakes behind them are used for a range of water sports.

Cities

 * – where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings and is now a tourist attraction
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings and is now a tourist attraction
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku

Other destinations

 * – limestone caves populated by glowworms, a major tourist attraction

Understand
The Waikato River (Māori for flowing water) is New Zealand's longest river at including headwaters. The river's source is Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and the river flows in a northwesterly direction through Hamilton to empty into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, some south of Auckland. The river between Taupo and Hamilton has been extensively developed for hydroelectric generation, with nine hydroelectric dams on the river built between 1929 and 1971, today supplying around 10% of New Zealand's electricity demand.

This area of New Zealand is partly agricultural, with dairying being the major agri-industry.

Within the region there are also areas of incredible natural value – such as the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Pirongia, Waitomo, and more.

Go next

 * Auckland Region
 * Bay of Plenty
 * Central North Island
 * Taranaki

title: Waikato


text:
Waikoloa

Waikoloa is a city on the Big Island in Hawaii.

By plane
The nearest airport is Kona International Airport, a half-hour drive from Waikoloa. Hilo International Airport is over an hour away by car.

By shuttle
SpeediShuttle offers shuttle service from Kona International Airport directly to hotels in Waikoloa.

title: Waikoloa


text:
Wailea

Wailea, and the smaller Makena to the south, are resort areas on the south side of Maui, Hawaii, immediately south of the town of Kihei. They are known for their luxury resort hotels and condos, upscale restaurants, fancy shopping center and expensive golf courses. And although hidden behind the hotels and condos now, the beaches that attracted the developers in the first place are still there in all their golden sand beauty.

Get in
From Maui's main airport in Kahului, follow the signs to Kihei and Wailea via Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway). Highway 311 becomes Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway) in Kihei and it ends in Wailea, where it becomes Wailea Ike Drive. Driving time from the airport to Wailea is about 30 minutes.

Get around
The main street through town is Wailea Alanui Drive and The Shops at Wailea (Wailea Alanui Drive and Wailea Ike Drive) serve as the center of town.

Do
Go swimming or snorkeling at one of the many beaches along the coast. Take a stroll along the Wailea Beach Walk. It stretches for a mile and a half and connects the town's beaches. In winter, it provides a good spot to watch whales.

If you're a golf enthusiast, there are two golf clubs with five courses in the area.

Sleep
Accommodation in Wailea and Makena is on the upscale-side, with hotels in the four- and five-star range. If you want or need something cheaper, Kihei is a better bet.

Hotels
}}
 * {{sleep
 * name=Hotel Wailea Maui | url=http://www.hotelwailea.com | email=
 * address=555 Kaukahi St | lat= | long= | directions=
 * phone=+1 808 874-0500 | tollfree= | fax=
 * checkin= | checkout= | price=
 * content=A 15-acre all-suite resort nestled on the plush hillside overlooking world renowned Wailea. One-bedroom suites offer {{ft2|900}}} of accommodations with a separate living area and private lanai. The resort also features an Italian restaurant, swimming pool and beautifully landscaped grounds with waterfall and koi pond.
 * name=Hotel Wailea Maui | url=http://www.hotelwailea.com | email=
 * address=555 Kaukahi St | lat= | long= | directions=
 * phone=+1 808 874-0500 | tollfree= | fax=
 * checkin= | checkout= | price=
 * content=A 15-acre all-suite resort nestled on the plush hillside overlooking world renowned Wailea. One-bedroom suites offer {{ft2|900}}} of accommodations with a separate living area and private lanai. The resort also features an Italian restaurant, swimming pool and beautifully landscaped grounds with waterfall and koi pond.

Go next
Wailea/Makena is almost as far as you can go south, but there are a couple of good spots to go to for snorkeling and hiking before the road ends for good.

Heading north up Highway 31 will bring you to the main part of Maui, which is all accessible within a day's drive.

title: Wailea


text:
Wailuku

Wailuku, on Maui, is the seat of Maui County. Unlike the commercial center of Kahului, Wailuku has a small-town plantation feel centered around its Main Street. Several buildings in Wailuku are registered as historic places. It is also the gateway to nearby Iao Valley and Iao Needle.

By plane

 * Kahului Airport is a major airport about 10 minutes away, in nearby Kahului. This airport has flights to many Hawaiian Islands, mainland, Alaska, and Vancouver, Canada.
 * Honolulu International Airport, while not on Maui, is the most common way to get to Wailuku. Flights from around the world fly to here, and then take a short flight to Kahului Airport.

By car
From Kahului, follow Kaahumanu Avenue (Hwy 32) west. Kaahumanu Avenue turns into Main Street after passing an overpass and viaduct. To get to Iao Valley, continue past High Street (Hwy 30) for about 0.5 mile, then take the fork in the road onto Iao Valley Road.

By bus
Maui Bus 20 runs from Lahaina to Kahului through Wailuku.

Get around
The four main streets in Wailuku are:
 * Main Street (highway 32), which runs east to west from Kaahumanu Avenue into Iao Valley.
 * Market Street (highway 330), which runs roughly north-south and intersects Main Street in the center of Wailuku town. The north part passes through the neighborhood of Happy Valley.
 * Lower Main Street, which begins at the Main Street overpass and runs roughly southwest to northeast to Waiehu Beach Road and then connects to Kahului Beach Road to Kaahumanu Avenue. This is often a good alternate route if Kaahumanu Avenue is congested.
 * High Street (highway 30), which begins at the state office building on Main Street and runs south toward Lahaina, turning into Honoapiilani Highway.

Eat
Alas, Ooka Super Market, once the main supermarket in Wailuku, is no more. At one point, the only full-service supermarket in Wailuku was Sack N Save, at 790 Eha Street (corner of Eha St and Waiehu Beach Road), but branches of Safeway (58 Maui Lani Parkway, across Baldwin High School) and Foodland (370 Kehalani Village Drive) have since opened. You can find a smaller selection at Takamiya Market on Market Street; they also serve a wide selection of ready-to-eat food. Whole Foods Market is about 10 minutes away in Kahului.

title: Wailuku


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Waima Valley

Waima Valley is a series of little settlements in the Hokianga.

Get in
From the east: You get into the Waima Valley coming from Kaikohe driving west on State Highway 12 (SH 12). You arrive at the first settlement Taheke after 18 km. From there the valley stretches over 17 km to the turn off on SH 12 to Rawene.

From the west: Leaving from Opononi you reach the turn off to Rawene after 17 km. Keep on SH12 and the Waima Valley starts after passing over the first hill.

From the north: Coming from Ahipara or Kaitaia you drive South on SH 1, 67 km from Kaitaia to reach the turn off in Rangiahau which is just a junction. Follow the signs to Horeke and continue over the road to Taheke.

Get around
There is no public transport in the Waima Valley.

See
The Tuhirangi Marae and Waima School, directly opposite Waima lodge, are nestled at the base of the sacred, native forest covered slopes of the Waima Ranges. This ancient rainforest covers the entire range of high country between Waima and the Waipoua forest through which you have traveled. These mountains are the highest point of Northland at 780 m and they dominate the scene as you enter the Waima river valley. The forest park is accessible through a series of tramping tracks suitable for experienced trampers with a good level of fitness and experience. The great attraction of this region is the unique flora & fauna with plants such as the Coprosma Waima, which was discovered in the 1980s, and rare native birds such as the Kokako and Brown Kiwi.

The Waima & Waipoua forest is the last untouched remnant of the great forest that once covered the entire country north of Auckland!

Home to a subtribe of the Ngapuhi who call themselves Mahurehure, the people of Waima have occupied the fertile Waima river valley since its discovery by Kupe the great Polynesian navigator over 1200 years ago.

Do
Waima Lodge Heritage Garden is beautifully planted with an astonishing variety of subtropical plants, fruit and nut trees. The beautiful Waima River flows through the property and features a safe swimming hole. There is a unique guided river walk that takes you high into the Waima Forest, historic, secluded, magnificent. Enquire at Waima Lodge info@waimalodge.co.nz

Eat
Goldfish Corner store at the corner of SH 12 and Waima Valley Road. Heather and Daniel provide very good takeaway meals, and the usual array of good counter foods and fresh real coffee

Drink
The Taheke Tavern is 6 km east of Waima Lodge on SH 12. This classic New Zealand pub was built in the days of the kauri gum industry in the 1880s.

Go next
Horeke, Rawene and Opononi, all on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour.

title: Waima Valley


text:
Waimea

Waimea is a town on the Big Island in Hawaii, a state of the United States of America.

Eat
Despite its small size, Waimea has most of the amenities you would expect to find in a small town. Many of these are located in the Parker ranch Food court. You'll find the usual establishments such as a Starbucks, and McDonalds, as well as some smaller chains.

title: Waimea


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Waingapu

Waingapu is the largest town of the island of Sumba in the Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia.

Understand
Waingapu is the largest town on Sumba and the capital town of the East Sumba Regency. Waingapu City is the name of the city sub-district which is also the capital of East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. The area of this sub-district is around 191 km2 with a population in 2020 of 39,690 people and a density of 538 people/km2. The capital of the sub-district is located in the sub-district of Hambala.

Demography
The original inhabitants of East Sumba are Sumba tribes, as well as those in the city of Waingapu. In addition, there are also other immigrant tribes from around the province of East Nusa Tenggara, such as the Alor tribe, Flores tribe, and also immigrants such as Javanese, Bugis, Balinese, and others. Meanwhile, the language used in the region besides Indonesian, local residents use Sumbanese with Ligar Kambera accent, an accent commonly used in the East Sumba district.

Get in
Waingapu is the gateway town to Sumba and many visitors arrive here. Tourists coming from Jakarta to Waingapu must transit in Kupang (El Tari Airport) with a total travel time of up to 11 hours. The airfare is about 3 million. Bali – Waingapu direct flight has a travel time of 1 hour 40 minutes with ticket costs starting at 2.3 million Rupiah. The cost for the Waingapu destination is more expensive than Tambolaka because it is located in the easternmost of Sumba Island.

By boat
The Pelni passenger ship Awu calls in at Waingapu twice on its 14-day round trip of Nusa Tenggara. This allows access from Kupang and several other cities in the region. The Awu is by far the safest and best way to reach Sumba by sea.

The ferry experience is very enjoyable. When boarding expect a tussle as the usually friendly and courteous Indonesians will push and shove their way past anyone to get on. If travelling economy class do not expect to get a bunk in one of the many dorm style rooms. The spaces go quickly, so it might be worth taking along a mat to sleep on and a heavier weight sarong for if the weather changes. Quite frankly, it's better on the deck as the rooms are very hot and do have a very strong odour. On the subject of odours, be prepared for the bathrooms. Not well maintained or cleaned very often, just be aware. Wet wipes for washing hands are recommended.

Food is served 3 times a day, just listen out for the words "economy" on the loudspeaker. Just follow the crowds. You'll need to take your ticket with you. It's not much, so you might want to bring along your own food; dry biscuits and so on. Bearing in mind the state of the toilets a lightweight diet may be in your favour. Hot water is available for a few thousand Rupiah from the little kiosk.

From Lembar to Waingapu is about 26 hours.

See

 * Prailiu Village, 3 km from the city centre on the road to the airport has impressive megalithic tombstones and really good examples of hand woven Sumba ikat cloth, coloured with natural dyes in traditional designs.
 * Rende Village (sometimes spelt Rindi) has large traditional houses with imposing megalithic tombstones, about 70 km east of Waingapu, or 7 km east of Melolo.

Eat

 * El Cafe Sumba
 * Mr. Cafe
 * Warung Makan Babi Guling "Muncul Jaya Indah": a simple yet nice Balinese eatery at an unsuspecting place. a portion of nasi campur (mied rice) is Rp 25,000 (as of Dec 2018).

title: Waingapu


text:
Waipukurau

Waipukurau is the largest town, with a population of 4,100, in the Central Hawke's Bay District on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

By road
Coming from Wellington, travel for 250 kilometers on State Highway 2, which passes through Waipukurau.

By bus
Waipukurau is a stop on Intercity coach services between Wellington and Napier or Gisborne. There are also occasional services from Palmerston North and Tauranga.

Connect

 * Central Hawkes Bay Information Centre, Waipukurau: (06) 858 6488
 * Emergency: 111 (Fire, Ambulance, Police)
 * Police Station: (06) 858 9140
 * Police Station: (06) 858 9140

Go next

 * North-east to Elsthorpe (and on to Kairakau Beach)
 * North to Waipawa, Hastings and Napier on SH2
 * South to Takapau and Dannevirke on SH2

title: Waipukurau


text:
Wairarapa

The Wairarapa district is the south-eastern corner of New Zealand's North Island. Separated from the Wellington metropolitan area by the Rimutaka Ranges, its proximity and good transport connections with the capital make it a popular place for Wellington day-trippers and commuters.

The Rimutaka and Tararua ranges shelter the region from the prevailing westerly winds, resulting in a warm, dry climate. While the region is mostly suited for general sheep and dairy farming, horticulture and viticulture have been established in places.

Understand
Wairarapa takes it name from Lake Wairarapa, the largest lake in the region. According to local Maori legend, the lake was discovered by Haunui while chasing his cheating wife Wairaka and her lover across the lower North Island. While he rested at the top of the Rimutaka Range, he looked down towards the lake to see it glistening with the reflection of the sun, hence he named the lake Wairarapa (glistening waters). Haunui also named the region's five major rivers - Tauwharenikau (corrupted to Tauherenikau), Waiohine, Waingawa, Waipoua and Ruamahunga.

Commuting between Wairarapa and Wellington began after the opening of the 8.8-km Rimutaka rail tunnel in November 1955, and today over 1000 people make the daily commute "through the hill" to work in Wellington. Before the tunnel opened, trains ran over the unique Rimutaka Incline Railway, which due to its steepness required special Fell locomotives and brakevans that gripped onto a third centre rail for adhesion and braking. Trains up the incline often required five locomotives and had a top speed of just 8 km/h. The old railway formation now forms the Rimutaka Rail Trail, a popular walking and cycling route over the Rimutaka Ranges.

By car
State Highway 2 passes through the Wairarapa, connecting it with Wellington and the Hutt Valley in the south, and with the Hawke's Bay in the north. Between the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa, SH 2 passes over the Rimutaka Range via a narrow and winding 15 km road; take extra care as it is one of the country's worst crash blackspots.

From Palmerston North, take State Highway 3 via the Manawatu Gorge, then turn right onto State Highway 2 at Woodville. An alternative route is the 'Pahiatua Track' (actually a fairly good sealed road), which leaves State Highway 57 at Aokautere in southeastern Palmerston North and joins with State Highway 2 in Pahiatua.

By train
The Wairarapa Connection is a regular train service to and from Wellington. Primarily for commuters from the Wairarapa to Wellington, it runs 5 services daily each way on weekdays and 2 services daily each way on weekends and public holidays. Seating is strictly on a first-come-first-served basis, and evening peak services are often standing-room only during the school holidays. There is a luggage compartment in the northernmost carriage and bicycles will be carried for free (space permitting). The train stops at Featherston, Woodside (for Greytown), Matarawa, Carterton and at 3 stations in Masterton. Purchase tickets at the station ticket office (if one is open) or on board the train.

By bus
Tranzit Coachlines operates a Palmerston North to Masterton service five days a week (Tu-F and Su). The bus departs the InterCity terminal in The Square, Palmerston North, and stops at Ashhurst, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Pukaha Mount Bruce (booked passengers only), and Masterton.

By cycle
Cycling from Wellington is difficult due to the Remutaka Ranges being in the way. The usual route is over the Remutaka Ranges via the Remutaka Rail Trail, which is largely easy on the Hutt Valley side, but is steeper and more gravelly on the Wairarapa side making a mountain bike a necessity (however, a competent rider should have little difficulty with this route). Following State Highway 2 is also possible, but the Remutaka section is narrow, steep and winding, and also has a large volume of vehicular traffic; this option is best avoided by cyclists for these reasons. It's also possible to cycle around the Remutaka Ranges along the South Coast section of the Remutaka Rail Trail from Orongorongo or Wainuiomata to Ocean Beach, but this is a very remote and rugged route requiring a mountain bike in excellent condition, and a fit and experienced cyclist. This option should not be attempted in foul weather as some river crossings may be impassable after heavy rain, and southerlies can be especially cold and ferocious. (As of May 2022, the South Coast routing is closed due to a slip.) Ultimately, the best option is probably not to cycle from Wellington at all, and to simply put your bicycle and yourself on the train.

Approaching from the north is more simple, as State Highway 2 can be followed from southern Hawke's Bay. Do note that this route carries a significant volume of traffic. An alternative option is the former State Highway 52 route between Waipukurau and Masterton, which is far quieter but extremely remote in parts.

By plane
There have been no air services to the Wairarapa since February 2014.

Get around
A car is probably a good idea if you intend to get out of town. The country is reasonably flat so bicycling is practical for short distances.

There is a regular bus service linking Masterton with Carterton, Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough. Buses also link Martinborough with trains at Featherston and Greytown with trains at Woodside. They do not operate on Sundays or public holidays.

Do
Carterton is a short drive from a number of tramping tracks in the Tararua Ranges. There is great swimming in the local pools and many surrounding rivers.

Eat
The major towns in the Wairarapa all have a supermarket or community store. Most major national fast food chains have a presence in Masterton.

Wine
Wairarapa is a small wine-growing area compared to Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, but its boutique wines (especially its Pinot Noir) ranks highly in national and international wine awards. The main growing area is around Martinborough, with smaller areas further north at Gladstone (east of Carterton) and north of Masterton. Pinot Noir and Sauvingnon Blanc are the two main varieties produced, but the region also has a significant amount of aromatic wines such as Pinot Gris and Riesling.

Stay safe
Wairarapa Hospital in Masterton provides the region's accident and emergency service.

Go next

 * Hawke's Bay
 * Hutt Valley
 * Manawatu

title: Wairarapa


text:
Wairoa

Wairoa is a town of 5,000 people in northern Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Understand
The town lies on both sides of the big Wairoa River, with the main part on the south bank. The bridge crossing the river is the third to be here and replaces one that was swept away by Cyclone Bola in 1988.

By car
From Napier, follow State Highway 2 north for two hours.

Do

 * Chase the wild birds on the Marine Parade. The marine parade isn't actually beside the sea, but it is where the river widens before forming a lagoon. All sorts of interesting stuff (100-year-old trees and the like) are washed down the river.
 * Chase the wild birds on the Marine Parade. The marine parade isn't actually beside the sea, but it is where the river widens before forming a lagoon. All sorts of interesting stuff (100-year-old trees and the like) are washed down the river.

Buy
The town has four ATM machines. Many merchants in the surrounding region do not have EFTPOS, meaning you need to pay in cash. The town has a few boutique shops that are owner-operated and the town is virtually untouched by large chain stores.

Go next

 * Morere – hot pools and bush walks on the way to Gisborne
 * The beaches of the Mahia area
 * Napier

title: Wairoa


text:
Auckland/West Auckland

West Auckland (until 2010, Waitakere City) is the western part of the metropolitan area of Auckland and also the Waitakere Range.

Understand
Waitakere was an independent city until the cities of Auckland were amalgamated in 2010. Waitakere City had an area of 367 km², with the urban area being 26 km², and a population of nearly 200,000.

Of the area's residents, colloquially called Westies, 71.9% of people are of European descent, 14.5% Pacific Island, 11.0% Asian and 11.0% Maori, with 68% born in New Zealand. English is spoken by almost all residents, and around 5% also speak Samoan and a similar number speak Maori.

Get in
It is 18 km by road from central Auckland to Henderson in central Waitakere via the North-Western Motorway and takes about 20 minutes in off-peak times. From Auckland Airport it takes 40 minutes in off-peak times. From northern parts of North Harbour take the Upper Harbour Motorway; from southern parts it is more direct to cross the main Harbour Bridge and pass through the Central Motorway Junction.

Regular train services run from central Auckland to West Auckland and there is a network of bus services.

Get around
West Auckland is best seen by car. Buses and trains service the area, but many are slow and serve residents rather than visitors out to see the sights. The Auckland Transport (AT) website provides information on public transport, and allows you to select bus, train or ferry to plan an itinerary.

The route 14 buses (14t and 14w) connects the three main centres of New Lynn, Henderson and Westgate every 15 minutes during the day.

See
West Auckland offers many of the native delights, such as trees, bushes and flowers that make New Zealand unique.

 * West Auckland houses some of New Zealand's best wineries. These can be found in two main areas, Henderson Valley and Kumeu. On summer weekends, these will be packed with those looking to sit in the sun, have a bottle of wine and a relaxed late lunch. On Sundays Pleasant Valley on Henderson Valley Road can be a good afternoon, often having live music. Other vineyards in the area include Delegats and Montana, although these are much harder to find and do not have regular food service.
 * The Kumeu area makes for a wonderful day trip. Follow the Northwestern motorway to the end and take State Highway 16 to Kumeu. Within 10-15 minutes you will start to see vineyards that have cafes and immaculate gardens. Vineyards include Coopers Creek, Soljans and Kumeu River. Stop for lunch before heading further on to Muriwai Beach.

Do

 * Waitakere Ranges. Waterfalls, views and rugged, beautiful beaches. Some hiking tracks have been closed since 1 July 2012 to protect some areas from a disease affecting kauri trees. The Hillary Trail, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, is open.
 * The west coast beaches, such as Piha, offer sand and surf and are popular for swimming, though dangerous for the unwary, with surf that changes with the tides, unpredictable deep holes, undertows and rips. Swim between the red and yellow flags and pay attention to the lifeguards on duty.
 * Movies. West Auckland has the cheapest ticket prices in Auckland (compared with $18.50 to $19.50 in most of Auckland, Prices as in 2017.).
 * To really indulge yourself, visit Tonic Spa, an award winning day spa with relaxation and therapy spaces inside and out.
 * To really indulge yourself, visit Tonic Spa, an award winning day spa with relaxation and therapy spaces inside and out.
 * To really indulge yourself, visit Tonic Spa, an award winning day spa with relaxation and therapy spaces inside and out.
 * To really indulge yourself, visit Tonic Spa, an award winning day spa with relaxation and therapy spaces inside and out.

Eat
Great North Rd, which runs through much of Waitakere, has many places to get food. New Lynn has many cafes and sandwich bars.

Glendene has excellent kebabs, roast dinners and lovely homemade pizza, as well as gourmet burgers (expensive but good) and a regular fish and chip shop. The bakery behind the shops has the best chicken sandwiches out west and the best chocolate chip shortcake caramel slice ever - it's $1.50 and simply divine.

In Henderson there is a Thai takeaway (main & rice $10-13), & a vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant at the far end. Up by the bridge and the bus stop is another fish and chip shop.

Haddad Takeaways, 538 Te Atatu Rd (the main road), Te Atatu Nth, has chicken, fish, potato and kumara (sweet potato) chips and kebabs. Further past the roundabout there is an excellent ice cream parlour where a double scoop of locally made ice cream will cost about $2.20, 5 scoops around $3.70, milkshakes $3. These should be taken in the car and then head down to the beach (2 mins away). You can then sit in the car or walk around the reserve. This looks back uninterrupted across the harbour to the city, which can be very beautiful.

Fruit shops out of the urban area along State Highway 16 offer good selections of fresh seasonal produce. When strawberries are in high season, 3 punnets usually cost about $5.

Drink
Licensing to sell alcohol in Waitakere is controlled by two trusts: the Portage and the Waitakere. Everyone who sells alcohol must be registered by either one. You can't buy beer or wine in the supermarket unlike the rest of Auckland. The trusts are non-profit organisations that reinvest the taxes on alcohol back into local communities, schools, parks and sports teams. Although this is less convenient, the local referendum always supports the trusts as they would prefer money going back into the community and not into supermarkets' profits (lower prices, lower margins, less levied for the community). Alcohol is no more expensive, but it is more controlled and hours are more restrictive. Another argument for this is that there is more control over young people buying alcohol, so it may reduce under-age drinking.

Go next

 * Helensville – a town to the north-west, with Kaipara Harbour cruises and fishing, and natural thermal pools and skydiving at Parakai
 * Muriwai – long surf beach that can be driven on
 * Piha – surf beach at the foot of the forest-clad Waitakere Range

title: Auckland/West Auckland


text:
Waitomo

Waitomo is a district in the North Island of New Zealand whose main feature is its limestone caves and their glowworm inhabitants, a major tourist attraction.

Get in
The Waitomo Caves are between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti. It is 15 minutes drive (18 km) north of Te Kuiti, 1 hour (75 km) south of Hamilton, 2½ hours south of Auckland and 2 hours west of both Rotorua and Taupo.

Travelling south from Otorohanga and Hamilton on State Highway 3, turn right onto State Highway 37 at the Hangatiki roundabout. Waitomo Caves is 7 km up SH 37.

GreatSights operates premium sightseeing tours daily from Auckland and from Rotorua. Grayline Tours does a deluxe version of this tour.

Waitomo offers many different activities for all ages and fitness. There are around 16 different glowworm cave tours you can do from the following caving companies - Kiwi Cave Rafting, The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, Waitomo Adventures (Waitomo Adventure Center), Spellbound, Cave World and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The local I-site is a great place to go to get information about the different tours available.

Waitomo is a great place to cycle. This aspect is being developed more to meet the increasing popularity of the activity. There are animal petting farms for the children, an abundance of free bush walks with interesting rock formations and caves to explore as well as gardens. Scenic flights and golf. The museum of caves is a must-see in Waitomo.

There are lots of quirky places around Waitomo to stay with lovely kiwi hosts to top off your Waitomo experience. And Waitomo has many great places to eat ranging from cabinet food to fish n chips or pub food, to fine dining and a buffet restaurant.

The locals are friendly and accommodating so don't be afraid to stop for a yarn.

Overall there's more to Waitomo than just a glowworm cave, so come and explore this great destination for yourself!

Get around
There is a shuttle service that can transfer you from Otorohanga and from Waitomo Caves Village you can be picked up for cave tours. The Great Sights bus does transfers to Rotorua daily. Tickets can be purchased at the Information Centre (I-site).

There is lots of accommodation within walking distance of the Village too as well as a few bush walks.

Travellers with a car are able to enjoy more activities further afield from the Village.

See

Tickets can be purchased individually, or in packages (Feb 2019):
 * Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave: adult $94, child $35, family $204
 * Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave: adult $79, child $35, family $169
 * All three caves: adult $100, child $46, family $221

Do

 * The Lost World. Abseil 100 metres through the collapsed roof of a cave to the floor below then walk through the caves, seeing glow-worms on the way. Either climb out if you are on the 4-hour trip or continue on through the stream and further caverns on the 7½-hour trip.
 * The Lost World. Abseil 100 metres through the collapsed roof of a cave to the floor below then walk through the caves, seeing glow-worms on the way. Either climb out if you are on the 4-hour trip or continue on through the stream and further caverns on the 7½-hour trip.

Otorohanga
Otorohanga is approximately 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Waitomo, thirty minutes by car.

Go next

 * Pirongia
 * Te Kuiti

title: Waitomo