1 September 2010

Welcome to the second edition of our series focusing on New Zealand and its many delights.  There are numerous amazing locales to visit while in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” and if you are planning a trip for pleasure or looking at purchasing New Zealand investment property these are well worth your consideration!

#90    The Interislander Experience – Wellington/Picton
New Zealand is made up of two main islands; these have the imaginative monikers of North Island and South Island!  One of the most pleasurable ways to travel between the two is the Interislander Ferry.  This has been described as one of this most beautiful ferry rides in the world and during the 92 kilometre journey you will see the scenic Wellington harbour, the wide expanse of the Cook Straight and the majesty of Queen Charlotte Sound.   For more info please visit www.interislander.co.nz

#89    Davenport and North Head – Auckland
This settlement is a charming seaside village which is only a 12 minute ferry ride from Auckland Central.  It is an area steeped in Maori (peoples indigenous to New Zealand) history.  Originally a pa (or fortified village) there are still remnants of that occupation today.  Evidence of European settlement is also evident with colonial buildings, gun placements and defense forts – which are available to explore!  Davenport offers a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the CBD.  Please visit www.devonport.co.nz

#88    Sky Tower and SkyJump – Auckland
No trip to Auckland is complete without a visit to the iconic Sky Tower in the heart of the CBD.  This is the 12th tallest tower in the world standing at 328 metres and the opportunity to jump off at 192 metres is available to the brave!  For those less adventurous there is a viewing platform and a selection of restaurants to sample in the tower including the ‘Orbit’; which rotates slowly giving a 360deg unsurpassed view of Auckland to a distance of almost 80 kilometres.  Well worth a visit www.skycityauckland.co.nz

#87    Spa and Wellbeing Retreat – Nelson
Nelson is located at the top of the South Island and boasts the most sunshine hours in the country.  The spectacular combination of pristine beaches and second to none native forest and park in the Nelson/Tasman area are an ideal setting for exclusive spas and retreats.  On offer at these rejuvenation centres are massage, beauty, facials and exclusive treatments as well as aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal treatments, iridology and reiki.  Visit http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/nelson/accommodation/resorts-and-health-spas today.

#86    Rere Rock Slide – Gisborne
This is a naturally occurring waterslide with a difference!  Until now recently a closely guarded secret with the locals; this is 100 metres of descending rock face on a gradient safe enough to glide down using a boogie board or similar.  You get a smooth ride due to the water flowing from the Rere Waterfall nearby.  This is also a nice picnic and photography spot.  See www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/rere-rockslide-gisborne

#85    Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Waitangi, Northland
The Treaty of Waitangi is an important document that signified our emergence as a nation.  Signed February 6 (now our National Day), 1840 between the British Colonialists and a selection of Maori tribes its implementation was the beginning of New Zealand as we know it today.  In beautiful sub-tropical Northland you can visit this historical site and be wowed by the intense cultural experience on display at Waitangi.  For more information please see www.waitangi.net.nz

#84    Whakarewarewa Village– Rotorua
Within this area there is a living, breathing Maori village which is totally sustained using geo thermal properties– and this all can be observed while visiting the tourist mecca that is Rotorua.   Throughout the day, local residents act as village guides, providing a tour with a difference - from relaying village stories, to cooking meals (try corn boiled to perfection in the bubbling champagne pool) and using the natural landscape for bathing, washing clothes and predicting weather patterns.  Please visit www.whakarewarewa.com for more information.

#83    Takaka Hill and Remeka Track – Nelson
The Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand’s smallest national park but it has many delights including the mountain bikers magnet of Takaka Hill.  Within this area is Harwood’s Hole – a vertical hole in the hill which is the steepest straight drop in the country.  As you descend the hill on foot or mountain bike the beauty of Golden Bay will be laid before you before arriving at the township of Takaka at the bottom.  For serious mountain biking see www.marblemountainclassic.org.nz/mountainbikerace.php.

#82    Raglan – Waikato
The seaside township of Raglan in the North Island has stunning beaches and excellent surf to lure surfers from New Zealand and around the globe.  Also known for having bohemian community and an ‘alternative’ lifestyle, the locals will no doubt make visitors welcome in their laidback, friendly community.  With stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Raglan is a must visit if you are in the area.  Please visit www.raglan.net.nz for more info.

#81    War Memorial Museum – Auckland
Situated on the tip of an extinct volcano in the Auckland Domain, the War Memorial Museum is history with a difference.  The museum regularly exhibits internationally renowned works and has interactive displays and shows for all ages.  Containing unique flora and fauna, extensive information on New Zealand’s colonial development and more than 2,000 native Maori artefact’, the War Memorial Museum is one of Auckland’s treasures.

That concludes this edition of the top 100 places to visit in New Zealand – keep an eye out for our next instalment!

With thanks to the AA Travel website.

24 August 2010

Here in New Zealand we are proud of our nation.  Throughout a series of articles we will be showcasing this wonderful country of ours.

New Zealand has so much to offer for its own residents, tourists and those of you looking to emigrate.   If you are looking at investing in New Zealand property it would be wise to familiarise yourself with the area and anyone considering a visit should take note of the following.

Let’s begin!

#100    Beehive and Parliament Buildings - Wellington 
For those of you unfamiliar with the New Zealand Government building; the Beehive is an interesting piece of architecture to say the least!  As you would think the building is shaped like a beehive and was constructed in the 1970’s.  A controversial design at the time; it is now a New Zealand icon.  Parliament has an ‘open house’ policy and free tours of the buildings are available, including the debating chamber while is session.  For more information please visit www.parliament.nz

#99     New Zealand Rugby Museum – Palmerston North, Manawatu
New Zealand’s national game is rugby union.  The national team (the All Blacks) are the most successful team in the history of the sport and New Zealanders are very proud of their “men in black” so much so the nation goes into mourning if they lose!  The rugby museum in Palmerston North showcases New Zealand as a rugby powerhouse and has a range of interesting and informative displays for the fan and non-fan alike.  To make a booking please visit www.rugbymuseum.co.nz

#98    Stonehenge Aotearoa – Carterton, Wairarapa
Aotearoa is the Maori (indigenous people of this land) name for New Zealand.   It means “Land of the Long White Cloud.”  The structure completed near Carterton in 2005 is a full scale working model of the original Stonehenge situated in Salisbury Plains, England.  Aotearoa Stonehenge is perfectly placed to record seasons; celebrate winter solstice and Matariki (Maori New Year).  Situated on private property, bookings are essential so please visit www.astronomynz.org.nz/stonehenge for more information.

#97    Cross Country Skiing – Queenstown/Southern Lakes
New Zealand has world renowned ski fields and breath-taking scenery.   Lake Wanaka has New Zealand’s only dedicated cross-country skiing area, with over 50 kilometres of tracks way up in the Pisa Range.  Cross country skiing can take some mastering but it is an experience like no other on the ski field and the views along the mountains and over the lake are well worth the hard work.  For more information please see www.snowfarmnz.com

#96    Writers Walk – Wellington
This self-tour of the capital city is for those with an avid interest in the arts.  The tour encapsulates musings cast in stone by writers who, at some point in their lives, have called Wellington home.  These include Katherine Mansfield, Robin Hyde, Denis Glover, Bruce Mason and Vincent O’Sullivan.  Look out for James K Baxter’s sculpture, which appears to float on the surface of the Te Papa pool.  For more info see www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/wellington_writers_walk

#95    Hundertwasser Toilets – Kawakawa, Northland
These need to be seen to be believed!  Situated in the picturesque town of Kawakawa; these public conveniences were designed by world renowned artist, ecologist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser – the only structure he completed in the southern hemisphere.   Made of recycled coloured glass bottles and old bricks, featuring brightly coloured archways and sculptured columns with a tree growing in the building itself – this is not to be missed if you are visiting Northland! www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/hundertwasser-public-toilets-kawakawa

#94    Golf in Alpine Splendour – Queenstown/Southern Lakes
Queenstown Golf Club’s 5th hole is said to be one of the most photographed in the world.  Framed by Lake Wakatipu and the majesty of the Southern Alps it can be difficult to concentrate on your drive!  The world class Millbrook Resort and golf club is a short drive from Queenstown and offers similar awe-inspiring views along with luxurious accommodation.  Please visit www.queenstowngolf.co.nz or www.millbrook.co.nz

#93    Port Waikato – Auckland
Situated on Auckland’s West Coast, this is where New Zealand’s longest river meets the sea.  A classic Kiwi beachside town, the beauty and serenity of this area is second to none.  Parts of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy were filmed here and the nearby Nikau Glow Worm caves offer something different.   Peaceful coastal walks on black sand dunes and prime fishing round out this quintessential Kiwi experience. Visit www.portwaikato.com

#92    Central Otago Curling – Alexandra/Maniototo
Parts of Central Otago are seen as thoroughfares to the Queenstown/Southern Lakes District.  However some of these towns and settlements offer a unique beauty and culture all of their own.   The Scottish sport of curling is a big hit in Central Otago and well worth a go!  It involves hurling 20 kilo stones fitted with a handle down a 35 metre strip of groomed ice.  Similar to lawn bowls the aim is to get closest to the markers. www.curling.co.nz

#91    Volcano Treks – Auckland
A little known fact about our biggest city is that much of the urban area sits on dormant volcanoes!  Two of the most popular cones to visit are Mt Eden and One Tree Hill.  Mt Eden is the highest and offer stunning views over the harbour and city.  One Tree Hill was one of the largest Maori settlement complexes in the country at one point and is claimed to be the largest pre0histroic earth fort in the world.  These are both easily accessible by foot or car. See www.tourism.net.nz/region/auckland

Please keep a look out for the next article in our series.  With thanks to AA Travel.

Ref: www.aatravel.co.nz

8 May 2009

Source: stuff.co.nz

Fewer tourists visited New Zealand in the year to March, but total tourist spending held firm according to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism.

Tourists spent $6.1 billion, down just 0.1 percent compared with the same period last year.  This is despite there being 96,000 fewer tourists, or 3.9 percent fewer than last year.

Tourism ministry research manager Bruce Bassett said the results were positive in the face of challenging times.

He credited the bigger spend by tourists to a more favourable exchange rate.

Spending from visitors from the three biggest markets was down, with Australian spending $1.6 billion, 4.1 percent less than last year.  Visiting Britons spent $916 million, down 3.8 percent while those from the US spent $612 million, down 2.2 percent.

However, visitors from China and Japan spent significantly more than in the past, up 11.6 percent and 12.3 percent respectively.  Spending from both countries totalled $779 million.

Bassett said while it was unclear how international visitor demand would continue over the short term, the sector was demonstrating resilience and a real ability to adapt to the challenging conditions.

15 August, 2008 

Karori Sanctuary, one of New Zealand’s leading conservation tourism attractions, has won a prestigious conservation tourism award

The Sanctuary won the prestigious DOC Conservation in Action Award at the recent New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards.

Karori Sanctuary by CEO Nancy McIntosh-Ward is delighted with the win.

“This award recognises our contribution to New Zealand’s growing sustainable tourism industry and our achievements in managing the Sanctuary as both a visitor attraction and an internationally-respected ecological restoration project”

Located just 10 minutes drive from downtown Wellington, Karori Sanctuary gives a unique opportunity to engage with endangered native birds and other wildlife. A new Visitor and Education Centre is currently under construction, and due to open in the summer of 2009/10.

The new state-of-the-art Centre will be New Zealand’s first facility dedicated exclusively to our country’s unique natural history and conservation story.

Research indicates that in the first three years of the Centre’s operation, visitors to the Karori Sanctuary will increase almost three-fold from 70,000 to nearly 200,000.

“The Centre’s potential impact on Wellington’s international visitor market is significant. If 30,000 international visitors spent another night here because of the Karori Sanctuary, that would mean another $4.5 million per year being spent in Wellington.”

Positively Wellington Tourism has worked closely with Karori Sanctuary on the designs and plans for the Visitor and Education Centre. A key focus has been how the Centre will deliver a world-class visitor experience, through its design elements and layout.

“We have been excited by what we’ve seen, throughout the planning process,” says Tim. “The Centre will offer a unique visitor experience with its combination of nature, story-telling and interactive technology. I’m confident the Wellington tourism industry and public will be as excited about this Centre as we are.”