Sunday, May 30, 2010

Battle of the Cities






I leave Auckland early this morning eager to reach my new destination, Hamilton or "Hamiltron city of the future". It seems Aucklander's however don't share my same enthusiasm instead making suggestions to bypass Hamilton altogether and continue on my journey. Regardless with my enthusiasm levels intact and excitement levels high to experience this "true" rural New Zealand city i set on my way.



(video of Hamilton City)


Now at the halfway mark of my trip i have decided to base myself in Hamilton for around a week, in which time i hope to experience the "real" Hamilton and the surrounding areas which the city markets itself as the perfect base to be located. Centeral North Island Ski fields a couple hours drive to the South, flanked by the world class waves of Raglan, the stunning beaches of the Coromandel to its East and just a short drive to Auckland if you really have to. It seems to me the feeling between the two city's is mutual.


As i drive into Hamilton i am met with this low lying fog like an image straight out of the lord of rings, i am later told fog is charcetrisitc of the Waikato region. Fog or no fog i am glad to be in Hamilton and look forward to my following week here.




Arrival

Kia Ora, Gidday, Hi my name is Luke Desforges I work at Sheffield University and have a background in geography and education. I have decided to take 2 months out of work at the university in order to travel "down under" to further my research into youth tourist culture and this quest for cultural capital.



I am planning to spend a month in Australia starting in Perth making my way to Sydney where I plan to head up the East Coast of Australia, from there I will fly out to Auckland/ New Zealand where I will travel down the North Island via Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington and on to the beautiful South Island for my final week before heading back home.



My blog is very much centred on youth and this phenomenon of "collecting places" for the purpose of accumulation of cultural capital which if collected correctly can be displayed and of value back in the "real" world. As such I will strive throughout my trip to experience my journeys through the eyes of a some what younger tourist and search for this "authentic" youth tourist experience in order to draw greater insights into this exciting area of tourism.



Enjoy.