Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Guysers
Gazette
Guysers Gaystay turns 2 A honeymoon downunder Sun exposure and vitamin D The benefits of sleeping naked
Spring has sprung at Hobbiton ™
Gaystay
Rotorua, New Zealand
s t n e t Con Guysers Gaystay Turns 2............................ 3
Special Guests A honeymoon downunder....................... 6
Tourism Spring has sprung at Hobbiton............... 8 Rotorua by day and by night..................10 A walk in the park.......................................12
Health Sun exposure and vitamin D..................14 Spunk Lube Hybrid....................................15 Benefits of sleeping naked......................16
Rotorua Cuisine Capizzi Pizzeria Restaurant.....................18
Recipe Coconut Raspberry Slice..........................19
GUYSERS GAYSTAY Hosted B&B for gay men 1406c Pukuatua Street Rotorua, New Zealand Phone: NZ +64 (0) 21 0298 8093 enquiries@guysersgaystay.com
www.guysersgaystay.com
facebook.com/GuysersGaystayRotorua
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Guysers Gazette
Welcome
n of our very own Welcome to the first editio uysers Gazette”. quarterly e-magazine “G ystay’s 2nd birthday. This issue marks Guysers Ga beginnings, the hard We tell you about Guysers it and how its looking work we’ve put in creating today.
about new and exciting We will bring you articles around Rotorua City things taking place in and th new tourism and keep you up to date wi ventures and activities. some of Rotorua’s Each issue we will feature tions and describe our most popular tourist attrac em. We’ll also feature personal experiences of th ch issue and give our one Rotorua restaurant ea review of them. n where previous We’ll provide a guest colum th us talk about their guests who have stayed wi their reviews of Guysers time spent in Rotorua and Gaystay. icles of interest to gay And lastly we’ll include art d throw in some of our men, health and travel an measure. favourite recipes for good g our first edition of We hope you enjoy readin “Guysers Gazette”. Pete & Mike
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Guysers Gaystay Turns 2
Gaystay
Guysers Gaystay opened its doors for business on 1st October 2012. Through hard work, dedication and attention to detail Guysers has become a popular choice of accommodation for gay male travellers to our beautiful city – Rotorua. We had a vision 4 years ago of running our very own B&B/guesthouse for gay men, to be our own boss, and live a lifestyle hosting travellers from all over the world and New Zealand alike. After selling up in Wellington we decided on Rotorua as being the ideal location for our B&B as Rotorua is a major tourist destination that attracts thousands of people to the region each year, and the weather here is pretty nice too. In looking for a property that was close to the Rotorua CBD and one that could easily function as a B&B with several rooms and bathrooms, we found the ideal house on Pukuatua Street – 5 minutes walk from the city center and close to all the action and tourist attractions.
October 2012: Work begins . building the new high fences
With our spare time and our experience in web and graphic design we started to build our very own website www.guysersgaystay.com Once we had moved in we began straight away building a stylish new fence to privatise the back section (to allow men to sunbathe au natural if they wish). To save money we did all the building work ourselves which included digging many post holes, countless hours of cutting and staining timber, pouring bags of concrete and nailing on hundreds of vertical pickets. Once the fence was complete we began planting a sub tropical-look garden which quickly flourished in the rich Rotorua soil.
Today: The stylish fence is complete providing total pr ivacy and the gard en is flourishing provid ing a relaxing sett ing.
Continued over... www.guysersgaystay.com
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Continued...
Gone!
The clapped out old spa pool that came with the property we ripped out (and managed to sell on TradeMe for $50) and was replaced with a beautiful deluxe hydrotherapy Hot Spring spa. We lined and painted all the walls of the covered spa pool area with a fresh and vibrant aqua blue colour and decorated the area with hanging plants, potted cactus and wooden ornaments and carvings from Bali. Now this area we have called ‘The Wet Spot’ gets regular use from nearly all our guests looking for a hot relaxing soak after a day of activities in Rotorua.
... October 2012: Out with the old
The spa is set to a very comfortable 38.5 degrees Celsius and has many different jets that provide an awesome spa experience. Being totally private, the spa is swimwear optional which nude bathing is of course the best way to enjoy a spa – that way you don’t get any surface foam building up from detergent washed swimwear. We also provide clear plastic wine or beer glasses should guests want to have a drink in the spa. ... and in with the new!
Another thing we added this year was a clear zip-down roller blind that we can roll down on breezy days to keep the spa pool area warmer. Now the space can be enjoyed even in winter and the 6-seater table setting can be used to sit and chat with guests with a glass of wine.
er blind is a The clear roll ition. welcome add
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Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Last summer we built a brand new pergola extension. We designed it in such a way that the louvres can be angled depending on the sun to control how much light is let down onto the courtyard. Now guests can choose whether they want to top up their tan in full sun or shelter under the part-shade of the pergola extension.
The brand new pe rgola extension pr ovides just the right amou nt of controlled lig ht and/or shade.
On a recent trip to Bali we brought back with us many decorative Balinese carvings, umbrellas, and fabrics which now adorn the outside area, guestrooms, bathrooms and lounge. This has created an exotic look and feel that is very much in keeping with the Balinese resort theme we have adopted. q
ate an ethnic
ve items cre nese decorati
Bali
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feel.
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s t s e u G l a i c e Sp
A Honeymoon downunder Recently we had the pleasure of hosting Arnold and Marcel from Zurich, Switzerland for a few days here at Guysers Gaystay in Rotorua while they toured around New Zealand on their honeymoon. Why did you choose New Zealand for your holiday? New Zealand was chosen for this particular holiday because it was our honeymoon. Early in 2013 New Zealand made it legal to marry your same sex partner, or rather the law came into effect. I visited New Zealand for the first time in 1989 and it is my favourite country to visit. I have had the opportunity to return with some regularity over the years and do not tire of the people, the landscape, the food and the wine :-) I wanted to share this great place with my husband.
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Arnold and Marcel looking rather dashing in their Speedos at Kerosene Creek, Rotorua.
Arnold enjoys skinny dipping and a hot shoulder massage at the ‘Secret Spot’.
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Was there something in particular that drew you to Rotorua? I had visited Rotorua on my first visit and knew it would be a mustsee place to share with someone visiting New Zealand for the first time. As we planned our travels of the north island, we included Rotorua on our list of interesting places to visit. We only wished that we had spent more time there!
The history, the natural wonders and the exposure to the Maori culture first hand are just a few of the things that we were able to experience. Having a place such as Guysers Gaystay made it all the more enjoyable.
Tell us a bit about your time spent staying at Guysers Gaystay Guysers Gaystay was comfortable, like home. A great base to stay and explore the local attractions.
We live a naturist lifestyle back home in Switzerland so being able to go on holidays and enjoy the same comfort with other likeminded individuals is something we always look for. Hosts Mike and Peter were attentive, full of suggestions and accommodating. Joining us on some of the local attractions and sharing their knowledge of the local history added a much appreciated personal touch to our stay at Guysers Gaystay.
What were some of the attractions you did while in Rotorua and what was the highlight?
We visit the Maori village of Ohinemutu during a walk around Rotorua City.
We enjoyed the Rotorua Museum and a walk around the city. In the evening we visited Te Puia for the Maori cultural show, the Pohutu Geyser and indigenous hangi dinner. We got to see geothermal activity happening within the city as well as at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. We enjoyed everything, but the ‘off the beaten path’ adventure with our hosts Mike and Peter was the highlight for us.
Would like to return to Rotorua someday?
Three’s company! A photo opportunity in front of the beautiful Rotorua Museum.
www.guysersgaystay.com
Yes, we definitely will return to New Zealand and include visiting Rotorua again. There are things we did not get to experience or explore this time. One could stay for quite some days in Rotorua and not fully experience everything. q
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Tourism Spring has sprung at Hobbiton ™
On a recent visit to Hobbiton we share with you some images and facts about this amazing tourist attraction that was the movie set to Peter Jackson’s award winning Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Hobbiton is one of the North Island’s most popular tourist attractions with visitor numbers exceeding 150,000 pa. Located near Matamata, Hobbiton is just 1 hour by car or bus from Rotorua City. The staff and gardeners at Hobbiton keep the set looking amazing all year round, but its spring and summer when the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the flowers are in full bloom that the Shire really comes to life.
The Shire consists of 44 Hobbit houses dug into the hillside, surrounded by colourful gardens, orchards and fertile pastures of sheep and cattle owned and operated by the Alexander family. The Hobbiton movie set covers 12 acres while the whole farm area is 1250 acres (500 hectares) with approximately 13,500 sheep and 350-400 beef cattle. This is the only Hobbit house that has any depth to it, but even this one is only 1m deep - just enough to pose for a photo.
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Issue 1 • Spring 2014
The attention to detail on each Hobbit house is incredible. It really is a ‘living set’ consisting of flowers, real herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. The grass is cut by hand using scythes to keep the grass at a consistent long length. Any machinery used has to be done at times when tourists are not viewing the Shire so it is kept in keeping with the era. Tour guides take you around the Shire and explain what took place in the movie at each location.
As part of the tour visitors can step into The Green Dragon pub and receive a complimentary craft beer or cider while admiring the interior of this building. In the movies the interior scenes of The Green Dragon pub were shot in studios in Wellington, but here at Hobbiton this building has been totally recreated including the thatched roof, tiled floors and carved wooden beams and windows.
If you’d like to experience Hobbition we can arrange to get you there. We work with a tour operator that provides a full day trip combining Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Valley (including the Lady Knox Geyser) with the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Providing you stay with us at Guysers Gaystay we can have the bus pick you up from our front door and have you returned by early evening. For more info and current prices you can email us: enquiries@guysersgaystay.com q
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Rotorua by day and by night Rotorua offers visitors a vast array of activities and attractions that can be experienced by day and by night. Here are just a few... Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa is not only Rotorua’s “beast of all geothermal parks”, but also offers unique geothermal mud bathing, either by day or in the evening.
BY NIGHT BY DAY BY NIGHT BY DAY Te Puia is New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural centre and home of the world famous Pohutu Geyser. See this amazing geyser by day, and by evening following a traditional Maori Hangi feast that has been cooked in the ground.
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Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Skyline Rotorua is a major tourist attraction offering a gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha, a world-class luge ride, an exhilarating Sky Swing, a new ZipLine experience plus an award-winning buffet restaurant.
BY NIGHT BY DAY
BY DAY
BY NIGHT For a natural bathing experience of Rotorua’s thermal waters head to Kerosene Creek or Wai-O-Tapu streams by day, or have an evening soak at the Polynesian Spa – a World Top 10 Spa right here in Rotorua City.
Enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast at Guysers Gaystay in the morning and then check out the cafés, restaurants and bars on ‘Eat Street’ (Tutanekai Street) for lunch or dinner.
BY DAY www.guysersgaystay.com
BY NIGHT Guysers Gazette
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A walk in the park Guysers Gaystay sits just across the road from Rotorua’s only free geothermal park. A gentle stroll around this park you will discover boiling mud pools, steaming lakes, hot springs, thermal foot pools, manuka bushes and pretty gardens.
Gaystay We are here
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Guysers Gazette
Legend tells us that a young woman by the name of Kuiarau was bathing in her private pool Taokahu (now known as Lake Kuirau) where she came to each day. One day a Taniwha (water serpent) who dwelt deep in the pool seized her and dragged her down to his lair.
The Gods, observing the struggle between Kuiarau and the Taniwha, became angry and caused the lake to boil so the Taniwha would be destroyed forever. From that time the lake and the land surrounding it was named after Kuiarau, or Kuirau Park as it is called today.
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
MUD POOLS
Geothermal Features
Kuirau Park is dotted with numerous examples of bubbling, plopping and furiously boiling mud pools, some of which are close to 100 °C in temperature.
The park’s greatest feature is Lake Kuirau, a large geothermally active lake with interesting surface textures and colours. Stop by and soak your feet in one of three pools in the park. q
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Health Sun exposure and vitamin D Over the winter months when most have us have been stuck indoors hibernating from the bad weather, the lack of sunshine that’s provides our bodies with the all-important vitamin D can make us feel depressed and often ill. Now that we are in spring and coming into summer, getting outdoors with sun on our bodies is important in replenishing our bodies vitamin D levels. You cannot overdose on vitamin D from the sun as the body stops making it if the levels in the blood become too high. Many of us are afraid of the sun due to publicity of the risks imposed by too much sun exposure, but total lack of sun can lead to a number of diseases such as rickets, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as depression. It is a known fact that sun burn leads to skin cancer but not sensible sun exposure. The holistic approach of the naturist philosophy goes much further than just lying about in the sun and getting an all-over suntan. In a survey of New Zealand naturists, less than 20% said that their favourite activity was sunbathing. The office worker who spends two weeks of his/her summer holidays at the beach would be at far greater risk of sun burn than the hardened naturist. The area of skin covered by a bathing suit doesn’t really make much difference when out in the sun – the same precautions have to be taken naked or in swimwear. That said, sun protection is always advisable when out in the sun, especially between 10am-2pm in the summer months. The recommended ‘dose’ of sunlight on the total body required to maintain adequate vitamin D levels is considered by many specialists to be half the time it takes to burn per day.
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Being naked outdoors on a sunny day isn’t sexual, but it is sensual – a delight to your senses – creating a feeling of well-being. We all know how invigorating the sun can be and how depressed we feel in the winter during days and days of cloud and rain. It even has a name – SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Now imagine the feeling when the whole body is exposed to the sun – totally naked. Without clothing, you have improved blood circulation in your skin and nerve endings which gives a feeling of well-being. Unless you have tried it, it’s hard to believe how much more alive being totally naked on a nice day can make you feel. At Guysers Gaystay we have a clothing optional policy which allows you to be naked to get a bit of sun on your bodies. This is appreciated by many of our guests if they rarely get to do so on their own properties due to privacy issues or if they rarely get to a nude beach. But of course, it is optional. Not all our guests feel comfortable stripping off in front of others, and we respect that. q
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
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Benefits of sleeping naked you may not know Sleeping is one of the most important things we do every night. Getting the right amount of sleep has an untold number of health benefits and not getting enough sleep is a serious problem. Did you know that you can get additional benefits by sleeping totally naked? Here are some benefits of sleeping in the nude:
It’s easier!
It can help your skin breathe
When you don’t have to worry about sleeping in clothes, things start to get easier. You don’t have to buy pyjamas, which can save you money. You have less clothes to wash and less clothes to put away. You may have to clean your bed sheets more often, but not nearly as often as you’d have to wash your pyjamas when you run out.
For once your body gets to breathe. Your cock and balls, armpits, and feet are generally restricted all day and are often covered by multiple layers, even in the summer time. Giving those parts a chance to air out and breathe can lower the risk of skin diseases, like athlete’s foot and other fungal infections that result from wet, restricted skin.
It can make you feel happier and more free
Helps you regulate your cortisol
When you sleep naked you’re free of restricting clothes and underwear. It’s just your body sandwiched between two sheets. The feeling just makes you want to smile and it makes you feel more free. Everyone can use that kind of good feeling every now and then, and it may even help you be happier as a person.
Skin-on-skin contact is the best If you have a partner, sleeping naked gives a greater chance of skin-on-skin contact, especially when it comes to cuddling. This skin-on-skin contact leads to a more intimate and active sex life. All of this releases copious amounts of oxytocin, which is the neurotransmitter that helps you feel those good feelings about your partner.
It could lead to better sleep There are no drawstrings or clothes getting tangled in sheets. You don’t have to worry about t-shirts or pyjama tops getting twisted around your body. All of these distractions go away when you sleep naked and it may help you get better, deeper sleep.
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Cortisol is a very strange chemical in the body but it can do a lot of damage. When you sleep naked, it helps keep your body temperature at the optimal ranges so your body can better create cortisol. If you sleep overheated your cortisol levels tend to stay high, even after you wake up. This can lead to increased anxiety, cravings for bad food, weight gain, and more terrible things. Sleep naked so you can keep your body temperature down and sleep well so your body can properly produce and regulate cortisol.
Balances your melatonin and growth hormone Keeping your sleeping environment below 25 degrees (C) every night can help your body regulate its melatonin and growth hormone levels. These chemicals help the body do things like prevent aging and are essential to good health. When you sleep in clothes, your body heats up and prevents effective use of these hormones. In other words, sleeping with clothes on makes you grow old faster!
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
It can keep your sex organs happier For men, the cooler sleeping conditions allows your testes to remain at a cooler temperature. This helps keep your sperm healthy and your reproductive systems functioning as normal. When it’s cooler and dryer, the growth of yeast infections is prevented.
Sleeping naked during summertime Warm summer nights are a tricky time to get good sleep. If you don’t have air conditioning, then you may find your bedroom a bit stuffy at night. Shedding those bedtime clothes can help the bedroom feel more comfortable. If you have air conditioning you may be able to turn it off on those milder nights, which can save you a few bucks on your electricity bill.
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With these tips in mind, it’s time to start taking off your clothes at night! Of course, there are times where clothes are preferable – if you are ill or it’s freezing outside, then its probably wise to at least keep your top half warm to prevent further illness. Otherwise, go commando! q At Guysers Gaystay we pride ourselves with providing our guests with quality beds and linen. We fit summer or winter weight duvets depending on season and you can even choose your linen (Egyptian cotton or brushed cotton flannelette sheets) when you book online at www.guysersgaystay.com
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Rotorua
Cuisine
Capizzi Pizzeria Restaurant at 1198 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua, opened its doors in March 2013. Serving delicious fresh woodfired pizzas and salads, Capizzi has become a popular dining choice for locals and visitors alike. When we have a craving for a good pizza and a glass of red wine, Capizzi is we head to. The restaurant is small and quaint and very Italian with its black and white tables, pictures of Italy on the walls and soft Italian music. The pizza bases are light and airy with a delicious smokey flavor straight from the wood fired oven. Available in 3 sizes, 12”, 14” and 16” toppings include ‘Real Hawaii’ (ham, pineapple, bacon, capsicum, mozzarella and tomato sauce), ‘Toscana Chicken’ (chicken, tomato, mushrooms, red onions, mozzarella and pesto sauce), ‘Del Sur’ (Meatballs, tomato, red onions, mozzarella and spicy BBQ sauce), ‘Three Cheeses’ (Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and garlic sauce) or ‘The Capizzi’ (Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, red onions, capsicums, olives, mozzarella and tomato sauce. Or you can design your own. Side salads include ‘Italian’ (lettuce, tomato, capsicum, red onion, balsamic and ricotta), ‘Caesar’ (lettuce, Parmesan, croutons, bacon and Caesar dressing) or the ‘Orzo Salad’ (Orzo, basil, capsicum, tomato, mushroom and pesto). Of course they sell wines, beers, coffees and non-alcoholic drinks too, and a desert to die for called ‘Torte al Cacao’. q
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Here’s what NZ Masterchef judge Ray McVinnie had to say about Capizzi:
Capizzi Pizzeria has perfect pizzas... a great example of a delightful, original, unexpected and HIGH QUALITY experience, delivered by staff who are proud of their establishment Ray McVinnie 1198 Tutanekai St, Rotorua www.capizzi.co.nz
Issue 1 • Spring 2014
Recipe Coconut y r r e b p s a R Slice If you love coconut, you’ll love this slice! It’s quick and easy to make and uses cheap ingredients that are always in your pantry. It’s a favourite of ours, so we’d like to share it with you.
Base: 90g butter 1/2 cup castor sugar 1 egg 1 cup plain flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup raspberry jam Topping: 2 eggs 1/2 cup castor sugar 2 cups coconut
Method: Cream butter, sugar and egg in a bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in sifted flour and baking powder. Spread mixture evenly over base of greased slice tray.
For the topping: In a bowl beat eggs lightly with a fork. Beat in the sugar and the coconut. Spread gently over the top of the jam.
Warm the raspberry jam in the microwave to make it slightly runny and easier to spread.
Cool in the pan and cut into squares when cold.
Spread the warmed jam over the base mixture evenly.
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Bake at 180 degrees C for 35 minutes. Serve on your favourite presentation plate and enjoy with a good cup of tea with friends! q
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GONAKED
Hosted homestay for men RotoRua City • New ZealaNd
Your ‘home away from home’ https://guysersgaystay.com
Checkout all the issues of GoNaked on issuu.com Note: For various production reasons GoNaked Magazine has sadly come to an end. The website www.gonakedmagazine.com has now closed.
Find the complete back catelogue of GoNaked Magazines on ISSUU.com
Enjoy the great outdoors
plus purpose-built spa and steam complex for men. Split level video room, private rooms and maze. Secluded heated outdoor pool, legal smoking outdoors, gymnasium, internet available, off street parking. Open 12 noon every day. (Including all public holidays)
76 Wingate Street, Avondale, Auckland Phone 09 828 0910
www.WINGATECLUB.CO.NZ 20
Guysers Gazette
Issue 1 • Spring 2014