OURNZ iss36 WINTER

I SSue 3 6 / winter 2017

Our New Zealand onboard travel magazine

Taming the Lions Yours to take home

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CREATIVE NELSON TASMAN

NZ WINTER

FEATURES 10 Great Journeys of NZ 14

Taming of The Lions

22 Haere Mai 32 Accommodation

NORTH ISLAND 31 36 38 44 46

Visit Ruapehu The Coromandel Coolest Capital Hutt Valley Village Life Winter Getaway Wairarapa

SOUTH ISLAND 48 Stunning Marlborough 54 Marlborough Wine Trail 63 The Heart of Kaikoura 66 Relaxing Hanmer Springs 68 New Look Christchurch 71 Charming Akaroa 74 Majestic Mackenzie/Aoraki 77 Cruising the West Coast 84 Breathtaking Lake Wanaka 87 Queenstown Wonderland

REGULARS Welcome Our Story 8 Your Journeys 12 Onboard Services 13 Interislander Plus 18 Share Your Views 20 Rail Safety Week 92 Onboard Maps 94 Motive Power 96 Merchandise 98 Puzzles 5 6

Our New Zealand Magazine

#0urnewzealand #findtimeinterislander #nzbytrain

ourne w z ealand . c o . n z cover photo: Two British and Irish Lions fans brave the wintery weather as their team takes on the New Zealand All Blacks in the first Test match, played in Christchurch, 25 June 2005. The All Blacks defeated the British and Irish Lions 21-3 to take a 1-0 lead in the three Test series. CREDIT WILLIAM WEST/AFP/ Getty images

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Patrick McElligott PO Box 2173, Washdyke, Timaru Patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au

Michelle Agnew PO Box 2173, Washdyke, Timaru P: 0274 664 384 Michelle@ttmediagroup.co.nz

EDITOR

Penny Thompson

Joanna May Joanna@ttmediagroup.co.nz

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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION PRINTING Format Print, Wellington

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the Our New Zealand magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

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Free app (QR Code Scan) available on itunes for iPhone and iPad.

WELCOME ON BOARD Te¯na¯ koutou. Nau mai ki Aotearoa.

I would like to extend a special welcome to our international visitors.

Winter in New Zealand means rugby and this year the rugby will be very special. For the first time since 2005 the best players on offer from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland are taking on the All Blacks as the Lions tour New Zealand.

Coming with the team will be thousands of fans whose fervour is matched only by the passion of the All Black supporters determined to see their hometown heroes prevail.

This issue of Our New Zealand, which is free for you to take home, offers a special insight into rugby at the highest level, with Rodney So’oialo – who played against the Lions the last time they toured here – sharing what it feels like to be named as an All Black for the first time and how he moved up through the rugby ranks.

For those who want to add something extra to their Cook Strait experience, the Interislander Plus lounges on Kaitaki, Kaiarahi and Aratere are available for an additional charge.

And for those taking one of our scenic trains there is the bonus of GPS-triggered at seat commentary on board the Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine.

Enjoy your journey – it has been our pleasure to have you today, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Regardless of who triumphs on the field, KiwiRail welcomes the visiting fans as members of its whanau (family). We love what we do, and we love sharing our country.

We want to provide travellers with authentic New Zealand - moments as awe-inspiring and unique as the spectacular Southern Alps seen from the viewing car of the award-winning TranzAlpine, or as small and personal as a custard square enjoyed on the Interislander on a perfect Marlborough Sounds morning.

Our team includes not only those you see, but also those who work behind the scenes to provide those experiences. In this issue we profile Derek Case, the man responsible for keeping our scenic trains rolling down the rails in tip-top condition. Derek, like many others who work for KiwiRail, has dedicated decades to delivering the best of service.

PETER REIDY Chief Executive, KiwiRail

Check out the details inside on how you can get discounts on future travel with us. There’s a lot to see in New Zealand. It’s never too early to plan ahead and book another KiwiRail service for next time.

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AU C K L A N D

KiwiRail Connects New Zealand KiwiRail has been an important part of connecting New Zealand for more than 150 years. Although many know us for our freight services up and down the country, KiwiRail also provides nationwide infrastructure, property and tourism services.

The tourism sector is New Zealand’s largest export earner, recently taking the number one spot ahead of the dairy sector, and attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. Australia remains the country’s number one source of visitor arrivals, with more than 1.3 million tourists crossing the Tasman, followed

by China and the US. According to Tourism New Zealand, international visitors contribute more than $10.3 billion to the New Zealand economy.

KiwiRail tourism is well-known for offering postcard-perfect scenery from every window, with internationally acclaimed scenic train and ferry routes that traverses some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.

Our three scenic train journeys have received global recognition, with the TranzAlpine - which travels from Christchurch to Greymouth via farmland, forests and the Southern Alps - ranked 9th in the Luxury Travel Expert’s Top 10 Greatest Train Journeys in the World.

The Coastal Pacific - which travels up the east coast of the South Island, past the breath-taking Kaikoura Ranges on one side and 6

Pacific Ocean on the other - is featured 2nd in Lonely Planet’s Best Train Journeys You’ve Never Heard Of. The Northern Explorer - which runs through the heart of the North Island, via the Central Plateau’s three volcanic peaks - was recently nominated for the 2016 Holiday & Tours Specialist Award by the UK based Luxury Travel Guide.

Meanwhile the journey on the Interislander ferries, via the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, Cook Strait and Wellington and Picton Harbours, has been described as “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”.

We offer passengers unique, must-do, world class experiences.

From stunning scenery to award winning train carriages, we’re bringing the best of New Zealand to you.

Pelorus Jack – Our Guiding Dolphin

The Interislander logo is inspired by the story of Pelorus Jack, the Risso’s dolphin that guided ships across the Cook Strait for 20 years. From 1888 through to around 1912, whether night or day, Jack would ride the bow waves, delighting passengers travelling between the North and South Islands.

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Staff profile

Derek Case “It’s all about steel wheels on a steel rail – if you get that right everything else will follow.”

Derek Case should know ¬– he’s been working on steel wheels (and every other part of the train) at KiwiRail for nigh on half a century.

Currently the manager of asset and engineering maintenance for the scenic rail depots based in Otahuhu, Wellington and Waltham, he’s tasked with keeping the trains on the some of the world’s most beautiful tracks in tip top shape.

Derek joined KiwiRail in 1973 as an apprentice fitter; working his way through the ranks and gaining many qualifications on his way. Although he says engineering can ”sometimes be a bit boring” he’s made a lot of great friends at KiwiRail. “The people are the best thing about the job – it’s definitely a team effort.”

When someone fired a shot at Jack in 1904, the Governor General signed an order protecting the Risso’s dolphin, and postcards soon declared Pelorus Jack ‘The only fish in the world protected by an Act of Parliament.’ The last sighting of Jack, who it turns out may have been a Jill, was in 1912.

Jack is not the only legendary dolphin in these parts. According to Maori history, the dolphin Tuhirangi guided Kupe, a Maori voyager, across the ocean to New Zealand, and through the outer Marlborough Sounds to the West Coast of the South Island.

While he says he’s not a “train foamer” (somewhat alarming railway slang for obsessive train spotters) he has pretty good memories of the steam trains that used to chug up and down the country.

“I was born in Otaki and I used to watch the steam trains from my uncle’s porch,” he says. “It was a great sight.”

The trains under Derek’s purview are some of the shining stars of New Zealand rail. Northern Explorer, Capital Connection and the two South Island trains, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine, travel through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.

He’s loathe to say which route he likes the best (“you’re putting me on the spot here,” he laughs) but he does admit to loving the view when the Northern Explorer runs by the coast in Paekakariki. “It’s just stunning,” he enthuses.

Derek explains that his job primarily involves developing maintenance plans for the trains at the three depots and liaising across depots around any modification of rolling stock. He also is charged with design briefs on new stock; all the trains are fully bespoke and this is an important task.

He’s currently overseeing the window reglazing the South Island trains, setting up a programme to ensure they are upgraded to his exacting standards. He’s got lots of experience (and obvious talent) but he’s modest about his role.

“When I go to the depots the staff think I’m some super engineer; they don’t know there are all these busybodies behind me helping out,” he laughs.

Top: Risso's Dolphin, by Uko Gorter Bottom: Interislander logo

While cars and boats often have affectionate names bestowed on them by people who work with them, Derek says this isn’t the norm with trains.

But he does admit to one episode that got him more attention than he intended.

“I was working on an English electric unit. It was one of three and it had a big single headlight on it, so to distinguish it from the other trains I called it Cyclops.”

The train was duly awarded with a plaque saying: “This Train is known as Cyclops” “But I was the only one who called it that,” he laughs.

AU C K L A N D

see the best of new zealand

Discover the heart of New Zealand when you travel by train or ferry. There's a spectacular range of scenery waiting for you - rugged coastlines, winding rivers, towering mountains, untouched alpine landscape and the brilliant Marlborough Sounds. Watch it all roll by with The Great Journeys of New Zealand.

We operate three unique train services across the North and South Islands; the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.

Interislander is New Zealand's ferry service, linking the North and South Islands with up to twelve crossings per a day. Each journey offers a unique way to experience New Zealand.

CHRISTCHURCH - ARTHURS PASS - GREYMOUTH

15 The Canterbury Plains, at 750,000 hectares, are New Zealand’s

21 Darfield is the main town between Christchurch and the West

16 The Rakaia River is what is known as a braided river (these are

22 The North-West ranges, comprising the Paparoa, Victoria

largest area of flat land. The plains were formed over millions of years by rivers such as the Waimakariri carrying material from the mountains and depositing it as the river flow decreases. rivers that carry large amounts of sediment). As it drops, the sediment and slope decreases and the river carves a myriad of channels into the riverbed (because water always looks for the easiest path downhill).

17 The ice-fed Waimakariri River is the largest of the North

Canterbury Rivers flowing for 151 kms from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

Coast. It has a particular weather phenomenon where it often has an arch of cloud above it, caused by the condensation of water particles channelled upwards over the Southern Alps. and north-west Nelson ranges, are not as high as neighbouring mountains but do contain New Zealand’s oldest sedimentary and volcanic rocks and its oldest fossils.

23 At 3,754 metres, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain. The height was reduced by 10 metres when approximately 10 million cubic metres of rock and ice fell off the mountain on December 14th, 1991.

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TAPUAE-O-UENUKU

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18 At 920 metres, Arthur’s Pass is the highest of only three roads crossing the Southern Alps. First travelled by M¯aori in search of the precious West Coast pounamu (greenstone), it was named after Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson who led the first party of Europeans across it in 1864.

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Island. Known for its brown trout fishing, the lake empties into the Arnold River which, in turn, flows into the Grey River.

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20 Otira is the site of both the Otira Tunnel and the Otira Viaduct.

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When the Otira Tunnel was finally completed in 1923 it was the longest railway tunnel in the British Empire. Remarkably, while most rail tunnels are level, the Otira Tunnel has a gradient of 1 in 33.

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HURUNUI RIVER

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LAKE PUKAKI

LAKE TEKAPO

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WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

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RAKAIA RIVER

RANGITATA RIVER

QUEENSTOWN

NORTHERN EXPLORER interislander FERRY COASTAL PACIFIC TRANZ ALPINE INTERCITY COACH

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19 Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the north-western South

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AUCKLAND - NATIONAL PARK - WELLINGTON

1 The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, running for 425 kilometres.

2 The Waitomo Caves is an ancient labyrinth of limestone caves featuring native New Zealand glow worms. The word Waitomo comes from wai meaning water and tomo meaning a sinkhole; it can be translated as water passing through a hole.

3 Raurimu Spiral, built in 1898, is a feat of civil engineering

that allows trains to conquer the 132 metre height difference between the Whanganui River valley and the Volcanic Plateau.

The train travels 6.8 kilometres which, in a straight line, is just two kilometres long.

AUCKLAND pukekohe waikato river

4 Lake Taupo lies in a caldera caused by a huge volcanic

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eruption. It has erupted 28 times in the last 27,000 years. The most recent eruption, in 180 AD, had an eruption column that turned the sky red over Rome and China.

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5 Mt Ruapehu, nearly half a million years old, is the highest

lake rotorua

peak (2,797 metres) in the North Island and the only one with glaciers.

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6 Mt Ngauruhoe (2,287 metres), erupted 45 times in the 20th Century, most recently in 1977.

Its Maori name means ‘throwing heated stones’.

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7 Mt Tongariro (1,967 metres), is the lowest of the three central

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national park

North Island volcanoes. Known as a truncated volcano, it has a number of separate peaks. Its only major active vent is Ngauruhoe which is considered a separate mountain.

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mt taranaki

mt ruapehu

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8 Mt Taranaki (2,518 metres), is a stratovolcano and one of

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the most symmetrical volcanoes in the world. Because of its resemblance to Mt Fuji, Mt Taranaki was used as the backdrop for the movie The Last Samurai.

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9 The Tararua Ranges are created by the same uplifting process

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that formed the Southern Alps. Stretching 100 kilometres from the Manawatu Gorge to the Rimutakas in the south, they are part of the ‘backbone’ of the North Island.

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10 Kapiti Island, eight kilometres off the coast, is known today

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as a rodent-free, bird and marine sanctuary. In earlier times, it was home to the great chief, Te Rauparaha and later used as a whaling base when 2,000 people lived there.

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picton

COOK STRAIT

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D GE ARRAN A CLARENCE RIVER

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KAIKOURA CHRISTCHURCH - PICTON - WELLINGTON

The Coastal Pacific will not operate during the 2017 season due to earthquake damage to the rail track.

11 Lake Grassmere is a shallow lagoon sheltered from the open sea by a barrier beach and sand dunes. Its high salinity, along with the warm, prevailing winds, makes it ideal for natural salt extraction. Nearly half of New Zealand’s domestic salt comes from here.

WELLINGTON - PICTON

12 The Hikurangi Trench, just 1.6 kilometres off the coast of

Total Journey 52 Nautical miles (96 Kilometres) Wellington – The Capital city of New Zealand, and second most populous urban area of New Zealand with 398,300 residents. Famous for a vibrant creative culture fuelled by great food, wine, craft beer, coffee and events.

Cook Strait – Known to M¯aori as Raukawa. Named by Captain Cook but visited earlier

by Abel Tasman (who mistook it for an inlet) in 1642. The narrowest part is 22km wide.

Tory Channel – Surveyed by Captain Edward Chaffers in August 1839 and named after his ship, the New Zealand Company’s survey vessel ‘Tory’. John Guard established a whaling station here in the 1820’s with his wife Elizabeth.

Queen Charlotte Sound – one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday areas, Picton –is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand’s South Island.

The town is located near the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and 25km north of Blenheim.

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Kaikoura, is a deep-sea trench formed in the subduction zone where one of the Earth’s plates plunges under another. Between 1,000 and 2,000 metres deep, this trench is a rich source of marine life which makes it an attractive feeding ground for the sperm whale.

13 Rising dramatically from the sea, the Inland Kaikoura

Ranges and Seaward Kaikoura ranges are parallel ranges formed along the Alpine Fault. The Inland Kaikouras included the highest mountains in the country north of the Aoraki/Mt Cook region, the highest in this area being Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2,884 metres).

14 The North Canterbury Plains are formed from moraine gravels deposited by glaciers about three million years ago. The porous alluvial material combined with the drying north-westerly winds make the land very prone to drought.

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G R E AT J OU R N E Y S O F N Z

THE GREAT JOURNEYS OF NEW ZEALAND

We’re excited to announce that some of New Zealand’s best-loved journeys are coming together under one umbrella.

“The Great Journeys of New Zealand” is the new brand name for all our tourism services, encompassing our Interislander ferries and Scenic Journeys trains - Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.

The Great Journeys of New Zealand services are all internationally acclaimed experiences showcasing postcard-perfect scenery.

will be located in one place, to make it even easier for travellers to find out information and book one service or combination of journeys that run from Auckland to Greymouth. Our services are “iconically” New Zealand and proudly retain their individual names, character and quality. We have a special offer for the first customers who use our new website.

Our services are legendary for their Kiwi hospitality,with all those who travel with us made to feel part of the family – so it made sense for us to bring our services into one family too under one brand.

The Northern Explorer, which runs from Auckland to Wellington through the heart of the North Island via the Central Plateau’s three volcanic peaks, was recently nominated for the 2016 Holiday & Tours Specialist Award by the UK-based Luxury Travel Guide. The journey from Wellington to Picton on Interislander ferries across Cook Strait has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. It takes in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, as well as Wellington and Picton harbours.

In the first week of June we will be launching a new website for The Great Journeys of New Zealand. All our travel information

From Picton the Coastal Pacific journey takes you along the east coast of the South Island, flanked by the Kaikoura Ranges on one

Each of our journeys has a distinctive flavour, but all embody the same unique and authentic Kiwi character. They are globallyrecognised and can be enjoyed separately or together to create a quintessential New Zealand experience.

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G R E AT J OU R N E Y S O F N Z

side and the Pacific Ocean on the other to Christchurch, and is ranked second in Lonely Planet’s Best Train Journeys You’ve Never Heard Of. This service is temporarily on hold while earthquake damage to the rail track is repaired.

The TranzAlpine – which travels from Christchurch to Greymouth via farmland, forests and the spectacular Southern Alps – is ranked ninth in the Luxury Travel Experts top 10 Greatest Train Journeys in the world. All four experiences, which together carry more than one million passengers a year, are proudly owned and operated by New Zealand’s national rail operator KiwiRail.

KiwiRail has been an important part of connecting New Zealand for more than 150 years. The new name for our services reflects our tourism heritage and our unique ability to take people to places otherwise inaccessible by road.

Through The Great Journeys of New Zealand, we can connect you to the rich diversity of people and places throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

It’s the simplest way to see the best of New Zealand and the series of special moments creates life-long memories for all those on board.

To celebrate the launch of our new The Great Journeys of New Zealand brand, we are offering all of our readers a 10% discount off future travel when booking via our new website.

From 1 June, visit our new website at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz and receive a 10% discount when booking a trip on Interislander, TranzAlpine or Northern Explorer*

Terms and Conditions apply: Discount available online only.

Enter the code GJNZBL17 in the promo code box on the payment screen when booking online and receive a 10% on any available fare type. Discount valid for purchase and travel from 1 June – 31 August 2017. This Our New Zealand magazine page must be presented a check-in.

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Onboard services Thanks for joining us and choosing to experience New Zealand with us. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the following information to help you have a safe and pleasant journey.

SERVICES ON YOUR ferry JOURNEY

CAFE

Our fully licensed cafe is open throughout the day with a great selection of snacks, meals and beverages to enjoy.

SERVICES ON YOUR TRAIN JOURNEY

TOI LE TS

CAF E

TO ILETS

Toilets and accessible toilets are available onboard. Please refer to signage onboard to locate these or ask a friendly crew member for directions.

Our fully licensed café is open throughout the day with a great selection of snacks, meals and beverages to enjoy. A full menu is available in your seat pocket.

Toilets are located at the end of each carriage, and an accessible toilet is located in the café carriage.

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VIEWING DECK

Kids

Viewing decks are available on your journey. Please follow safety guidelines and ensure children are supervised when visiting the viewing deck.

We get excited about our sailings, and no doubt children do too.

However please remember to supervise children at all times while onboard.

Your crew will advise when viewing decks are open throughout the journey. Please follow safety guidelines and ensure children are supervised when visiting the viewing deck.

Kids activity packs are available to purchase from the café. These fun zip-up packs include cards, colouring-in books, origami and other activities. These are all suitable for children aged 3-10.

W H E RE C A N I C ONN ECT

POWER I NG UP

Wi-Fi is available on all sailings!

Travelling through some remote parts of the country means connectivity is patchy and sometimes not available.

Make sure you look out for our provided power outlets onboard. Plug in, power-up.

Audio commentary is available at your seat in English and Mandarin. Headphones are provided for listening.

A notification sound will indicate when commentary is about to commence.

commen tary

POWERING UP

Make sure you look out for our provided power outlets on-board. Plug in, power-up.

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YOUR ON-BOARD CREW

SAF ET Y

Interislander is committed to reducing the impact our operations have on the environment, so support us by using one of our recycling stations onboard to dispose of rubbish or waste.

Our crew members are trained to make your journey as safe and as comfortable as possible, please let them know if you require any assistance.

Our crew members are trained to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible, please let them know if you require any assistance. Emergency help buttons are located in each carriage.

Your safety is our first priority.

Please read the safety card in your seat pocket, and pay close attention to instructions from your crew throughout the journey.

SA F E T Y

AVO I D I NJURY

Please follow staff directions at all times. Posted throughout the ship are instructions on emergency signal and assembly station locations. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself these.

feedback

SIT BACK & REL A X

To avoid injury use the hand rails at all times when using stairs. The doors can be heavy to open and close. No loitering in doorways and keep hands and limbs clear of frames.

If you provided an email address when booking, a post-travel survey will make its way to your inbox. Your feedback is important to us.

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Thanks for choosing to travel with us. We hope you enjoy your time on board.

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Kaitaki

INTERISLANDER PLUS The perfect way to get the most out of your Cook Strait journey.

Regular customers and holidaymakers alike enjoy the comfort and added extras that Interislander Plus lounges provide. Upgrading is great value when you consider the inclusion of meals, drinks and comfortable seating. First and foremost for many, the lounges are restricted to passengers 18 years and over which many adults appreciate.

(There are great areas set aside for kids elsewhere. Cabins are another good option for families.)

Comfortable lounge-style seating is a feature of each of the three lounges, although each has a unique character and layout. Crew are always on hand in the lounge to ensure that your journey is enjoyable.

Looking for something to do? Plus lounges offer a good range of magazines and local newspapers. Wi-Fi is also included and available for most of the journey.

Aratere

Food and drink is included in the price of the lounge upgrade. The meals provided vary to suit the time of the sailing. For example, there’s a breakfast served on 9am sailings, followed by morning tea items. The evening sailings offer more substantial hot options.

And look out for the warm scones with cream and jam – so simple yet so delicious!

There are plenty of drink options to accompany your meal too, from tea and coffee and a range of cold fruit juices and ginger beer, to local beers and wines.

There is a lot to like about Interislander Plus, it is a service both well-liked by customers, and well-worth considering on your next trip with us. o u rnewzealand.co. nz

Experience it now If you’re reading this on the ferry and wish to upgrade to Interislander Plus, please enquire at the on board shop.

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taming the lions

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Westpac Stadium, a much loved landmark of the capital city, Wellington.

Photo / Andy Radka ABOVE Ground Level

“ The camaraderie around the tour has trumped the intensity of the impending on-field rivalry.”

Lions fans in full voice. Photo/ Andy Radka ABOVE Ground Level

The roar will ring out from Northland to the deep south, the stadiums will be a mass of red and black, and songs will echo across emerald grass.

The British and Irish Lions Rugby team will be in New Zealand with their band of fans whose passion matches that of the Kiwis awaiting the revival of an old rivalry.

When it comes to atmosphere, Lions rugby tours are up there with the Rugby World Cup. They’re a rare affair – the last time the Lions toured New Zealand was 12 years ago – so they are savoured all the more because of that.

Lions coach – and former All Black – Warren Gatland realises that the tour is more than just a series of rugby matches. He’s looking to see his team play a big role off the field as well as on it, by getting out and about in the community.

In preparation he’s been reported as saying that they will be required to brush up their singing as well as their scrummaging so they can acquit themselves well during powhiri (singing a waiata is a crucial part of being formally welcomed on to a marae, or meeting place).

The team took part in a crash course on Kiwi culture, with Gatland deciding they should take in the films Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy and Whale Rider before arriving in New Zealand.

Nearly 20,000 fans from Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland are expected to travel to New Zealand.

According to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU), data from the 2005 Lions Series suggests it is very possible that the 2017 Lions Series will be the biggest event held in New Zealand - in terms of match attendance, international bed nights and international visitor spending - since the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The visiting fans love to party and the bars and restaurants close to the match venues love to host. The locals are quick to join

in the revelry by reliving the contests waged on the field over a thirst-quenching New Zealand brew or a fine wine.

Hotels, motels and other accommodation has been booked out for months and it will be tricky for those who’ve left it to the last minute to secure a bed for the night.

The camaraderie around the tour has trumped the intensity of the impending on-field rivalry. A Facebook page has been set up allowing New Zealand rugby fans to “Adopt a Lions Fan 2017” for the occasion, offering them a roof over their head and some true kiwi hospitality.

The man who set up the page, Adam Gilshnan, told Britain’s Guardian newspaper, “I really hope friendships will develop out of this, because rugby is a great vehicle for it,” adding “we don’t want money to change hands at all, we want visitors to experience the famed Kiwi hospitality, and give Kiwi rugby fans the opportunity to look after their Lions guests.”

There is no doubt, though, that the games will be intense affairs.

If there is anyone who understands just how intense it is it’s celebrated former All Black Rodney So’oialo who played against the Lions when they toured here in 2005. He says that it’s hard to understand how powerful the experience is until you live it firsthand.

“I didn’t realize how massive the tour was going to be until I got on the tour bus and started travelling to the matches,” he says.

“There was so much promotional stuff involved and the fans were so incredibly passionate about their team.”

Being chosen to play for a national team is the ultimate honour for any rugby player. So’oialo remembers well the moment his selection was announced.

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Rodney So'oialo at Westpac Stadium.

All Blacks vs South Africa July 2008 Photo/ Andy Radka ABOVE Ground Level

“I was at a gathering at my in-laws; I’d been tipped off that I was in the running for a place on the team in 2002,” he says.

He explains that the room was packed when the televised announcement was made.

“I was actually at the back of the room when my name was called, but I could tell from the cheering that I’d been chosen.”

He says that the late Jerry Collins came round to congratulate him straight away.

The Lions tests are notable for the intense atmosphere created by the fans, but the 2005 test wasn’t the first time So’oialo had experienced the passion of the British fans first hand.

His first test in an All Black jersey was played against the Welsh at Millennium Stadium; as hallowed a rugby ground as Eden Park.

His debut at number 8 was on November 23, 2002 – in front of 70,000 Welsh supporters.

The experience is one of the pivotal moments in his life.

“He didn’t leave the house for three days,” So’oialo laughs. “He liked the beer!”

“I was at the hotel, which was near the park, when my brother rang. He told me to look outside,” So’oialo says.

While the action on the field during the Lions tour will be broadcast to an audience of millions, sometimes it’s the off-field happenings that are the most memorable.

“I went to the window and looked out; all I could see was a sea of red jerseys. It was pretty incredible.”

A few Lions fans from the 2005 tour will have enduring memories of an instance involving So’oialo and Collins.

“We had finished training at a gym in the hotel we were staying in, we were waiting for a lift and Jerry had left his shirt off.”

He says that the doors opened to reveal a lift full of Lions supporters – at 6 foot 3 inches; muscles’ bulging from the gym workout, Collins was an impressive sight.

“The fans all started giggling. Jerry walked in and just stood there, facing them.”

So’oialo says that Collins asked them how they thought their team would do; one of the Lions fans said they would do well.

“Jerry answered ‘Nah, no chance’ and kept staring at them until they got off the lift. No smile or anything. It was so funny, they all looked pretty scared”.

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“ Running on to the field, in front of 70,000 Welsh supporters, was a revelation.”

“Seventy thousand people, all shouting the national anthem.

New Zealanders during that period were quite conservative at matches – this was something completely new for me. I will never forget it.”

He remembers catching the eyes of a few Welsh fans in the crowd, and being determined not to disappoint them.

“They had come to see the All Blacks play rugby at its finest; I didn’t want to let them down by being rubbish.”

He didn’t, and the All Blacks walked away with a 43 – 17 victory.

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G R E AT J OU R N E Y S O F N Z

“ A few Lions fans from the 2005 tour will have enduring memories of an instance involving So’oialo and Collins.”

New Zealand supporters of the past didn’t overflow with emotion, preferring to regard the role of spectator as one that required displaying a certain stoicism in the face of either victory or defeat, but times are changing.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup brought the international spotlight to New Zealand and fans rose to the challenge, singing the national anthem (in English and Maori) with gusto.

So’oialo says that this change is welcomed, currently working as a coach for Petone Rugby Club in Wellington, he loves being in the stadium for the big games.

“I went to a game against Australia…the love of the game never leaves you, but it’s a completely different experience watching from the stands. I really enjoyed it.”

And how does So’oialo think things will unfold for the Lions this time round? He says the All Blacks will have some tough competition but are looking very strong.

“The Lions look like a pretty good squad,” he says. “But our boys have done really well, the coaching staff are great. I predict a three-nil victory to the All Blacks.”

The Lions’ squad was announced on April 19 to much fanfare, and some real disappointment on the part of those who felt their nationalities were under-represented – the Scots, for example, only have two representatives in the team.

Gatland has defended the choices, telling the British media “it wasn’t about what nation you come from, we put together what we thought was the strongest possible squad.”

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has called it the best Lions team in years, and believes there is a lot of depth. He says however, the proof will be in the on-field performance.

“It’s going to be a very good side and they’ll come with a lot of expectation, I think it’s going to be interesting to see how they cope with that.”

Gatland is putting his faith in the boot, believing goal kicking will prove the difference that will see his side home. He is also confident his side will match the All Blacks up front.

Date

Home team

3 June

NZ Barbarians

7 June

Who triumphs on the field remains to be seen, but whether the fans are Welsh, English, Irish, Scottish or Kiwi, the Lions tour is as much about camaraderie as score lines.

The on-field rivalry may be fierce, but the beauty of an event like this is its power to unite fans from both sides in their admiration for a game played gloriously well by men at the top of their sport.

Kicking off on June 3 with a game against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei, the British and Irish Lions will also visit Rotorua, Hamilton, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, ensuring rugby fans nationwide get their fix of the action. They will play ten matches against all five New Zealand Super Rugby teams, the Maori All Blacks, the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, and the three big ones against the All Blacks.

About the British and Irish Lions The Lions squad is made up of representatives from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are represented).

The touring team was first established to tour the Southern Hemisphere in 1888 when a squad visited New Zealand and Australia, but they weren’t given the Lions’ moniker until the 1950 tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The Lions tour every four years, and alternate between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Their last New Zealand tour was in 2005, and despite high hopes after England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, they lost the test series three - nil.

The 2013 tour of Australia was a different kettle of fish. The Lions proving too tough for the Aussies winning the test series by two matches to one.

It’s against this backdrop, with the same coach Warren Gatland and the same captain Sam Warburton as toured Australia, that the Lions’ head to New Zealand.

This year’s team features 16 players from England, 12 from Wales, 2 from Scotland and 11 from Ireland.

Away team

Venue

vs

British and Irish Lions

Toll Stadium, Whangarei

Blues

vs

British and Irish Lions

Eden Park, Auckland

10 June

Crusaders

vs

British and Irish Lions

AMI Stadium, Christchurch

13 June

Highlanders

vs

British and Irish Lions

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

17 June

Māori All Blacks

vs

British and Irish Lions

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

20 June

Chiefs

vs

British and Irish Lions

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

24 June

All Blacks

vs

British and Irish Lions

Eden Park, Auckland

27 June

Hurricanes

vs

British and Irish Lions

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

1 July

All Blacks

vs

British and Irish Lions

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

8 July

All Blacks

vs

British and Irish Lions

Eden Park, Auckland

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AU C K L A N D

Get snapping and share your scenic adventures by train

#NZbyTrain #TranzAlpine #CoastalPacific #NorthernExplorer

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Find time to capture your Interislander memory

#FindTimeInterislander #Aratere #Kaitaki #Kaiarahi

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SHARE YOUR VIEWS One of the greatest things about travelling is sharing your experience with those back home. And with amazing views outside and fun environment inside, your journey with us is sure to bring a smile to their faces – and perhaps a teeny bit of jealousy, too!

Photo: @nickyjbe

And with today’s technology, you can capture the magic of your journey, jump online and share it with friends and family in an instant.

So get snapping and use the hashtags #FindTimeInterislander or #NZbyTrain to show the world your amazing views of New Zealand!

Photo: @dana.blair

Photo: @bekki_sara

Photo: @ jessssssspeacock

S PON S O R S H I P

Rail Safety Week 2017 As the spotlight falls on safe behaviour around the rail network during this year’s Rail Safety Week, we are reminding motorists to be cautious of level crossings when driving on New Zealand roads.

New Zealand’s annual Rail Safety Week (14-20 August) aims to raise awareness of rail safety, and it’s a timely message for visitors to our country too.

In the 12 months to April 2017, there were 15 collisions between vehicles and trains at level crossings in New Zealand, and a further 205 near misses.

“The causes of these incidents are complex, but research tells us that complacency, distraction and impatience are some of the key factors,” says TrackSAFE NZ’s Foundation Manager Megan Drayton.

“We’d like to encourage motorists in New Zealand to take a moment to stop, check if there’s a train approaching and proceed only if there’s no train in sight.

It only takes a moment but it could save their life.

“Trains travel much faster than they appear, and any attempt to try and race a train over a crossing rarely ends well.”

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Motorists visiting from overseas should also be aware that level crossings here may differ from those at home. New Zealand’s level crossings include those that are controlled by lights, bells and barrier arms, and also crossings which are controlled with Give Way or Stop signs.

Many level crossings in the South Island, particularly in Canterbury and the West Coast, are protected by signs alone.

When driving over any level crossing, motorists should look carefully in both directions for trains, and always ensure there’s enough space on the other side of the crossing for their vehicle before going ahead.

At level crossings controlled by lights and bells or barrier arms, you must stop your car, wait for the train to pass and wait for the lights to stop flashing and barrier arms to lift before proceeding.

When approaching a crossing that’s controlled by a sign, drivers should slow

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

down and prepare to stop—and if it’s a Stop sign, stop your vehicle completely and look both ways up and down the track.

If there is a train coming, wait for it to pass. If there’s more than one track, make sure to look both ways to check there’s no train coming from the opposite direction.

Some vehicles, such as passenger buses and some heavy vehicles are legally required to stop at all level crossings, so take care and be aware that they may come to a complete stop ahead of you.

For more tips on how to be safe around trains, head to www.tracksafe.co.nz

Experience a tour like never before

Train travel is the most scenic and relaxing way to explore the North Island, with the Northern Explorer taking you between Auckland and Wellington.

Through enormous panoramic windows, see breath taking landscapes like you’ve never seen before. From rolling green farmland and native bush to quaint country towns and bustling cityscapes.

Take time off from the intensity of Lions rugby by traveling on the Northern Explorer and discover the North Island.

To see even more of New Zealand, check out our Interislander ferries between the North and South Islands and discover the world famous TranzAlpine train.

Book now at kiwirailscenic.co.nz

Haere mai welcome

BY JO MAY

New Zealand's Māori culture is an integral part of kiwi life and adds a unique, dynamic experience for visitors. Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki.

Photo: Chris Williams

Visitors to New Zealand are presented with diverse opportunities to experience Māori culture first-hand in many parts of the country. You can experience Māori culture by visiting a marae with an organised tour, watching a carving or weaving demonstration or learning about fascinating myths and legends from passionate Māori guides.

Traditional Māori customs still play a big part in the lives of many modern Māori in New Zealand and are an intrinsic part of Kiwi culture for New Zealanders. Nothing arouses the passion of Kiwis like the haka as the All Blacks go through their pre-game challenge; nothing chills like the spine-tingling emotion upon hearing a karakia (prayer).

Māori names and their meanings:

Aotearoa: New Zealand's unique Māori culture : "Kia ora!"

Many New Zealanders welcome visitors with the traditional greeting of the indigenous Māori people. Māori are the tangata whenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori culture is central to New Zealand's fresh, invigorating and adventurous national identity.

The haka: New Zealand icon: The haka popularised by New Zealand’s premier sporting team the All Blacks, Ka Mate, is not the only haka - there are various forms of haka and many individual forms of haka. However, Ka Mate, the haka of the Ngā ti Toa iwi, is the most renowned.

Probably New Zealand’s best-known international Māori identity is opera diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She made her debut at Covent Garden in 1971 and has been a star in the opera world ever since.

But Dame Kiri isn’t alone. People such as writer Witi Ihimaera, who penned the novel Whale Rider, actor Temuera Morrison, film director Lee Tamahori, golfer Michael Campbell, artists Cliff Whiting and Shane Cotton, the late poet Hone Tuwhare and businessman Wally Stone add to the culture of Aotearoa.

Māori Tā moko: Tā moko is traditional Māori tattooing, often on the face, and its purpose and applications are sacred. (Kirituhi means skin art and describes more general tattooing.)

It is a culture that, due to initiatives over recent decades to revitalise Māori language, art and culture, continues to grow from strength to strength.

The pōwhiri: Māori welcome : Māori culture has a dynamic nature that is inherent in a lot of what is seen on marae. The pōwhiri is a formal Māori welcome.

Any visit to New Zealand is bound to provide an encounter with this country’s unique Māori culture. An encounter that will allow you to experience a culture rich in traditions passed on from generation to generation.

New Zealand icon: Silver fern: The silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) has come to embody the spirit of New Zealand. This distinctly New Zealand symbol is considered a badge of honour by the people, products and services of our country that carry it.

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The Māori marae: The marae (meeting place) is central to the concept of Māoritanga (Māori culture). It is the place where Māori values and philosophy are reaffirmed. Carvings and decorative panels inside each marae tell the story of ancestors.

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N Z AUTU M N

NZ WINTER

THE PERFECT WINTER ESCAPE

BY JO MAY

New Zealand offers world class skiing and snowboarding and has the longest season in Australasia and a huge variety in terms of terrain.

High quality snow invites all levels to enjoy the pistes, from beginner to advanced. All ski resorts are also within a short drive of each other so you can don’t have to choose one resort and stick to it – you can experience them all!

Photo: Julian Apse

o u rnewzealand.co. nz

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Mountain Safety Snow reports - Conditions on the mountains can change rapidly, so it’s important you check the daily snow report.

These reports are updated throughout the day and include information on the snow and weather, road conditions and chain requirements, boundary and closure information, informs on which lifts and facilities are open and any other important updates.

For further information, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz

You can experience off-piste outdoor winter experiences including dog sledding, guided snow shoe treks, snow tubing, glacier hikes and scenic flights - by flying fox, ski plane or helicopter - to spectacular landscapes that are not easily accessible.

New Zealand’s main ski regions are Mt Ruapehu in the North Island, where Whakapapa and Turoa are the key destinations and then in the Southern Lakes (Queenstown & Wanaka) and Mount Hutt near Christchurch in the South Island.

Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Fields, Central North Island

Experience New Zealand's two largest ski areas - with just one lift pass. Mt Ruapehu - Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas - is home to the most awesome natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country; huge snow filled basins, lift accessed backcountry, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes.

Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone; fantastic learners' facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities, and the best spring skiing and riding in New Zealand.

Mt Ruapehu is conveniently located right in the central North Island of New Zealand, approximately half way between Auckland and Wellington. www.mtruapehu.com Mt Hutt Canterbury, South Island

Mt Hutt is Canterbury’s own “big mountain” with runs to accommodate families on a fun day in the snow as well as 24

the variety it takes to entice even the hottest skiers and snowboarders, attracting people from all over the world.

Mt Hutt Ski Area is only a 90minute drive from Christchurch.

The summit 6 seat high-speed chairlift takes you to the highest point of any ski area in the South Island. From feeling on top of the world, you can cruise down the legendary ‘Broadway’ or take on the chutes and steeps of “Towers”.

Then when your day on the slopes is done, you can relax with the real New Zealand flavour that’s unmistakably the country town of Methven. There’s simply nowhere else quite like it. www.nzski.com/mt-hutt Treble Cone Wanaka/Queenstown, Southern Lakes - South Island

Treble Cone Ski Area is the South Island’s largest ski area, has the longest vertical in the Queenstown and Lake Wanaka region with 700m of leg burning vertical and has a global reputation for it’s terrain, spectacular views and reliable snow.

Treble Cone won New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort at both the 2013 and 2014 World Ski Awards.

The mountain is the closest ski area to Lake Wanaka (30 minutes) and only 90 minutes from Queenstown with daily shuttles available from both ski towns, or you can drive yourself.

The views alone from Treble Cone are well worth a visit, and even if skiing is not your thing, a drive up the mountain and Scenic Chairlift Ride including a hot drink up the top is a breathtaking experience, particularly with a short walk out to the View Point. www.treblecone.com

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N Z W I NT E R

Get the COMVITA® EXPERIENCE

Other than snow……

If you’re traveling to New Zealand from the northern hemisphere, you’ll probably end up visiting during your own summer vacation–also known as the dead of winter in New Zealand.

But never fear! Skiing isn’t the only reason to visit New Zealand in winter (though it’s a pretty good one, for sure).

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Did you know that most of the country never gets snow? That’s right–only the mountain slopes are covered in wonderful powder, while most of the land (all of the roads and valleys) stays clear. So you can drive, hike, and even camp in winter without dealing with a bunch of snow and ice.

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EN

Photo: Julian Apse

OLD

A visit to New Zealand’s geothermal wonders and hot springs should be first on your agenda. The North Island abounds with geothermal destinations, with Rotorua the most well-known. And you can’t go past the stunning Hanmer Springs for a thermal treat in the South Island.

The vines are bare but wineries are bursting with the labours of an autumn vintage.

Try the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, from Hawkes Bay in the North Island to Marlborough in the South, to make the most of a cellar door experience. And the renowned Central Otago wine region is a stone’s throw from ski hubs Queenstown and Lake Wanaka.

New Zealand’s coastline is spectacular at any time of year, so don’t write off a couple of days at the beach. Cosy up by an open fire and enjoy longs walks on the sand - minus the summer crowds.

We’d be amiss to not mention adventure! Caving, skydiving, bungy, white-water rafting, jet-boating; it’s all go no matter the temperature.

Or step into a magical world of Hobbiton. Visit the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit™ Film Trilogies.

Hobbiton Tours offer daily tours where you can see Hobbit™ Holes, The Green Dragon Inn™, the Mill and other structures. www.hobbitontours.com Experience Comvita and discover the world of honey bees and the wonder of nature’s intelligence with their guided tour. This tour is for all ages and all weather. They also have a retail store and café and are based in Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty. www.experiencecomvita.com For something totally unforgettable visit The Flying Fox Retreat that offers accommodation on the banks of the Whanganui River. Set in bush clad surroundings, their unique accommodation is like stepping back in time. www.theflyingfox.co.nz Combine any of these activities with a few days on a mountain and you’re guaranteed a fabulous Kiwi winter holiday! o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

Unforgettable retreat accommodation on the banks of the Whanganui River. Set in bush clad surroundings, our unique accommodation is like stepping back in time. An ideal retreat from the fast pace of modern living. accessed only via aerial cable way or jet boat FULLY SELF-CONTAINED HAND BUILT COTTAGES, CAMPING OR GLAMPING TENTS, CATERING AVAILABLE, FREE WI-FI

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Each year a cluster of stars - known to astronomers as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters - rises in New Zealand skies.

Believed to have formed more than 100 million years ago the cluster has continued to play a pivotal role in modern and ancient mythology. Photo:

N Z W I NT E R

UNIQUE EventS

Earth & Sky

BY JO MAY

As the weather cools and snow falls, New Zealand is ready to welcome visitors for another season of uniquely Kiwi winter events.

Snow is gathering on New Zealand’s high country and mountain resorts are grooming their fields as the country says goodbye to autumn and welcomes visitors for another season of uniquely kiwi winter events.

Matariki: Māori new year celebration

Food shows and wine festivals, music, arts, fashion, sport and family fun events, plus some Kiwi-only cultural experiences are all part of New Zealand’s year-round experiences.

For New Zealand's Māori people, Matariki - the rising of a cluster of tiny stars in the final days of June - is a celestial signal of an ending and a beginning.

Matariki - the traditional Māori celebration of the winter solstice - is marked by the arrival of the Matariki / Pleiades star constellation in the southern skies. This ancient festival plays out across the country with a huge variety of community and family events to celebrate and give thanks for the end of the season’s harvests and anticipate the lengthening days of the approaching summer.

Matariki - the Māori New Year - is enjoyed by all New Zealanders and visitors are welcome to join the celebrations.

Whether it’s more gentle outdoor action and adventure, or cosy fireside relaxation that whets the appetite, there’s a varied menu of New Zealand event highlights this winter.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival 22 June - 25 June

In the final days of June each year, a cluster of tiny stars intermittently twinkles as it rises on the north-east horizon. To astronomers this constellation is known as Pleiades but to the Māori people of New Zealand, it is Matariki.

Matariki has two common English translations: mata riki or 'tiny eyes' mata ariki or 'eyes of god'.

But while there are two translations, for the Māori there is only one universal theme of Matariki. This is the beginning of a new life cycle, and the celebration of traditional Māori new year. The new year is marked by the next new moon after the appearance Matariki.

Preparation and ceremony

In days gone by, Matariki was a time to prepare for the year ahead, a time to learn and a time to celebrate the future. Matariki was also a time of ceremonial offering to the land gods Rongo and Uenuku in the hope of a good harvest in the year to come.

As Matariki appears in the middle of the winter, at a time when all crops have been harvested, it was an important signal to the Māori people that they needed to be prepared with sufficient preserved food stocks to last them through to the next harvest.

Once this important task was completed, the people were free to focus their attentions on other winter-time occupations such as learning, sharing, family and celebration.

End of harvest

The end of harvest was a plentiful time for all, and with village food stocks replenished to the brim, it was time for Māori to feast on and to share what was left of the harvest. During Matariki, guests and visitors were showered with gifts and great hākari (banquets) were held in celebration of the New Year and the future.

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Matariki tradition

How to Experience Matariki

The tradition of Matariki continues and is very much alive in modern day Aotearoa.

Matariki is celebrated throughout New Zealand, with most major towns and cities hosting Matariki Festivals or events during June and July.

Exhibitions, lively festivals, concerts and cultural performances are among a growing myriad of entertaining events that take place throughout the country during the celebration of Matariki.

Matariki celebrations vary in style and timing from region to region but the underlying principle of sharing, learning, feasting and festivity is constant throughout.

Matariki is a celebration unique to Aotearoa, and a chance for everyone to forget the winter blues by embracing the warm spirit of Matariki ahunga nui - Matariki provider of plentiful food.

If you want to see Matariki, you'll need to set the alarm clock. Get up early and look to the north, says Margaret Munro, general manager of Earth & Sky in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo in the South Island. "It's usually about 5 or 6am and it will be low on the horizon, so you want to be able to see the northern horizon uninterrupted if you can," she says.

"Somewhere with clear sky and a good view of the horizon is ideal."

Margaret suggests looking to the left of what New Zealanders refer to as ‘The Pot’ but which others know as Orion's Belt, albeit appearing upside down in southern skies.

Auckland's Matariki Festival runs from 10 June to 2 July and includes cultural performances, workshops, talks and demonstrations. www.matarikifestival.org.nz In Wellington join Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand that will have in June celebrations for Matariki. Visit www.tepapa.govt.nz for more details.

Christchurch’s Matariki events are publicised on the city council website www.ccc.govt.nz The southern city of Dunedin hosts its unique Puaka Matariki Dunedin Festival, with a diverse range of community celebrations across the city from 17-23 June. www.matarikidunedin.co.nz

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NEW PLYMOUTH IS TURNING IT ON

If there’s one place around the country that has an array of events on offer for you to enjoy as the summer months draw near, it’s Taranaki and the team at New Plymouth Event Venues.

With a portfolio that includes award-winning Yarrow Stadium, iconic amphitheatre the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, and theatre and sports venues the TSB Showplace and TSB Stadium, the team have packed their schedule with an assortment of events that will inspire you to drop in on the region voted the second best in the world to visit, by Lonely Planet.

The festivities kick off at the TSB Showplace in September with the raucous and seductive fusion of disco, dance and circus that is Velvet. This unique take on cabaret comes to town as part of the Taranaki International Arts Festival which runs from 17 August – 3 September. Shortly after, sports fanatics will get their fix when the All Blacks take on Argentina at Yarrow Stadium in game three of the Investec Rugby Championship.

Tattoo enthusiasts from around the world have been flocking to New Plymouth every November for the past six years to experience Australasia’s largest tattoo event, the NZ Tattoo & Art Festival. This year will be no different, with the two-day line-up

P. 06 759 6060

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featuring some of the world’s best tattoo artists, performers, musicians and extreme athletes, giving it an appeal that goes beyond the assumed demographic.

With December comes New Zealand’s best lighting festival, the TSB Bank Festival of Lights, which transforms Pukekura Park into a magical night-time wonderland every summer. More than 120,000 visitors experience this free event every year, which is set to run from 16 December 2017 to 5 February 2018. This year’s festival opening night will coincide with Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ 50th Anniversary concert at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, in what is expected to be a magical weekend in the city.

To keep up-to-date with all New Plymouth events, sign up to the New Plymouth Event Venues newsletter at npeventvenues.nz.

Taranaki International Arts Festival TSB Showplace 31 Aug – 3 Sept

NZ Tattoo & Art Festival TSB Stadium 25-26 Nov

All Blacks v Argentina Yarrow Stadium 9 Sept

Yusuf/Cat Stevens TSB Bowl of Brooklands 16 Dec

E. npeventvenues@npdc.govt.nz www.npeventvenues.nz

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N Z W I NT E R

Explore New Zealand’s Seafaring HeritagE

The New Zealand Maritime Museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy winter day exploring New Zealand’s seafaring heritage.

dinghies have been given a new lease of life and create a thoughtprovoking environment. Music, audio and digital technology are used to convey and share experiences that reflect the joy, heartache and confusion of moving to a new land.

The Museum houses an extensive range of nautical and historical artefacts that represent New Zealand maritime history from the earliest Polynesian arrivals - right through to modern day yachting triumphs including the remarkable and inspiring story of Sir Peter Blake.

“I hope that by engaging with the artwork and the stories, people will take away a new understanding of what it’s like to resettle here,” says Singh. “Through listening to the different stories there is the potential to build tolerance, compassion and an awareness that can filter down to the younger generations so that we can build a more harmonious society.”

Over the winter months waka sailings on Aotearoa One, a modern take on a traditional vessel, are available for those who want to experience the Waitemata Harbour from the water.

Visitors are also invited to explore the journeys made by migrants to New Zealand in a compelling new exhibition “The Journey of a Million Miles – Following Steps” which is inspired by real-life experiences. Created by social practice artist, Tiffany Singh, this installation personalises and unpacks the conversations around the process of resettling in Aotearoa.

There is a range of public programmes that will accompany the exhibition – everything from public talks, holiday programme workshops, live performances and family days. You are also invited to share your story and celebrate the ethnic diversity of a changing New Zealand. www.maritimemuseum.co.nz

Until 3rd September, the Edmiston Gallery at the New Zealand Maritime Museum is transformed into a stunning and reflective space. Adorned with thousands of tiny golden boats, up-cycled

Sharing stories of arrival in Aotearoa.

18 March - 03 September New Zealand Maritime Museum cnr Quay & Hobson Streets www.maritimemuseum.co.nz

A work by social practice

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N Z W I NT E R

Kapiti Island Lookout Point Photo: DOC

Take a wintry short walk While you’re travelling around the country this winter, try out one of the 500+ short walks on Department of Conservation (DOC) land. There’s great short walks scattered throughout the country, whether you’re looking for holiday daytime activities for the family or a quick stretch of the legs on a road trip.

On the northern side of the ferry crossing, there’s some fantastic walks in and around the Wellington area. Schedule in a day trip to Kapiti Island, host to one of the largest accessible island bird sanctuaries in New Zealand. Take a vigorous walk to the top of the island to soak in the sweeping views over Cook Strait and the South Island, and be surrounded by precious native birds rarely seen on the mainland.

If you’re taking the Alternative Route from Picton to Christchurch, there’s plenty of options for breaking up the long journey at various picnic areas, short walks and campsites along the way.

Find out more at doc.govt.nz/shortwalks Outsi

de DOC

’s Aoraki/Moun t

Cook National Park visitor centre. Ph

oto: Mike

Langfor

d

The stunning Lake Rotoiti makes for a great spot to stretch your legs. Several short walks will lead you through majestic beech forest, and the expansive views across the lake are more than Insta-worthy.

The 20-minute return Alpine Nature Walk in Lewis Pass provides an opportunity to break up a long drive while enjoying spectacular scenery and beech forest.

Always ensure you are adequately prepared as New Zealand’s weather can be highly changeable. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Discover these and many more walks at www.doc.govt.nz/ shortwalks

RUAPEHU

RUAPEHU IT’S SNOWTIME!

One of New Zealand’s most dramatic and diverse year-round destinations, Ruapehu reaches peak form in winter, when epic snowfalls transform the region into one of the world’s premier skiing and snowboarding resorts.

At its heart is Mount Ruapehu, located in the spectacular World Heritage area. The loftiest volcano within Tongariro National Park, the mountain’s high annual snowfall, and incredible views make it a must-visit for snow-lovers.

Mount Ruapehu’s two major ski areas blanket around 1000ha of terrain accessed by top-notch lifts, with Whakapapa the country’s biggest, and Turoa offering the highest vertical descent at a whopping 722m.

This range of terrain and extraordinary natural features will satisfy skiers and snowboarders of every level. Mount Ruapehu also boasts the country’s longest season, starting in early June with the opening of Happy Valley Snow Park, New Zealand’s best beginner area. Night-skiing and snowmaking facilities maximise the action.

At four and a half hours’ drive from Auckland or Wellington, it’s easy to reach Ohakune, Whakapapa Village and National Park Village from where free ski area shuttles run. Reasonably priced shuttles also run from Turangi and Taupō.

Skiing and snowboarding, however, are just the tip of Ruapehu’s winter iceberg.

TAKE A GUIDED HIKE ON THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Steaming fumerole emerald lakes and a red crater are just some of the reasons the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is rated amongst the world’s finest one-day walks.

Winter is a terrific time to hike it with the bonus of expert guides, striking snow cover and no crowds.

MT RUAPEHU, CLOAKED IN WHITE

Scope New Zealand’s largest active volcano on Whakapapa’s Scenic Chairlift ride (open all year) up to Knoll Ridge Café with its edgy, award-winning architecture and eye-popping views from 2020m. o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

DO MORE ON THE WILD SIDE

Awesome year-round activities and attractions include scenic flights, mountain biking, and 4WD tours. Get fresh on a whitewater rafting or jetboat trip, delve into the past on Forgotten World Adventures’ railcart trips, or at the National Army Museum in Waiouru.

MERRY APRÈS-SKI SCENES

Cranking into high gear during the ski season are alpine towns such as National Park Village, Whakapapa Village and Ohakune, offering everything from relaxing holiday homes and hotels to sociable lodges and lively nightlife.

Heaps of cafes, shops and other essential facilities will keep everyone in high spirits.

Plan your trip at visitruapehu.com 31

AC C O M M O DAT I ON

Our Winter Accommodation Picks From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, make the most of New Zealand’s picturesque holiday destinations and while you are at it, check out some of this season’s top accommodation spots.

Whitianga

Mercury Bay Holiday Park If you are looking for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with quality camping and accommodation options and great facilities, then Mercury Bay Holiday Park is the perfect base for you and your family.

A easy walk to restaurants, shops, wharf and swimming beach means you can leave the car, campervan, motorbike or pushbike at the Park and easily explore Whitianga on foot.

They are only 2.5 hours drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. Centrally located on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula the ideal central location with Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove only 40 minutes’ drive south and New Chums Beach, Opito Bay and Coromandel Township only 45 minutes’ drive north.

They have a bed for every budget – from camping to glamping! Budget cabins to fully equipped kitchen cabins and self-contained units or 4 star chalets. Their Qualmark 4 star facilities include a seasonal swimming pool, children’s play area and free BBQ’s.

A: 121 Albert Street, Whitianga T: 07 866 5579 E: info@mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz W: mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz New Plymouth

Brougham Heights Motel Brougham Heights Motel and Apartments, provides you with "the personal alternative" to your accommodation needs in New Plymouth CBD. Their 35 room New Plymouth motel and apartments complex offers a full range of room options with free parking outside your unit. They offer a range of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom

apartments with a variety of cooking options.

If you are wanting dining options then look no further than the Table restaurant directly across the road, they will even deliver if you wish to have in room service. Full cooked breakfasts are cooked on site and delivered to your room.

In New Plymouth on business, then ask us about one of our conference or meeting rooms. These are ideal for planning sessions or interviews.

Brougham Heights Motel is situated right in the centre of the city, which allows guests to be able to walk around the city and enjoy what New Plymouth has to offer.

A: 54 Brougham Street, New Plymouth T: 06 757-9954 E: book@broughamheights.co.nz W: broughamheights.co.nz

Taranaki Motels The best range of accommodation in New Plymouth.

16 luxury rooms Airconditioned FREE Unlimited Internet Quiet central location 50+ SKY channels Close to all Hawke’s Bay attractions

WELCOME TO OUR PLACE. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME! Our park is a little oasis just 400 meters from the middle of Whitianga township. Easy walk to restaurants and bars, beaches and boats!

Only a 40 minute drive to Cathedral Cove and Hot water Beach to the south and New Chums and Coromandel town to the north.

Super sized camping and caravan sites and accommodation to suit every budget.

YO U R H O S T S L U K E A N D S A M

info@mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz

www.mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz 32

Discover your next home away from home at Brougham Heights Motel, and Fitzroy Beach Motel

Freephone NZ 0800 107 008 or call +64 6 757 9954

www.taranakimotels.co.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

www.ballinamotel.co.nz 393 Gloucester Street Taradale, Napier Reservations: 0508 22 55 42

acc o mm o dat i o n

Napier

Ballina Motel One of Hawke's Bay's newest luxury airconditioned motels – the place where "those in the know" choose to spend their time while staying in Napier.

The small size allows them to focus on those important little details and provide personal service to ensure that your stay is both a relaxing and memorable experience. All their spacious rooms are air-conditioned (to provide some relief from Hawke's Bay's high summer temperatures and warmth in winter), and furnished to a high standard of quality which is reflected in their "4 Star plus" independently assessed Qualmark grading.

They make it easy for you to stay connected with FREE unlimited wired or wireless (WIFI) internet.

Centrally located in Taradale midway between Napier and Hastings city centres – ensures that you are close to all of Hawke's Bay's diverse range of activities and attractions. Ballina Motel is within easy walking distance of the cafe's, restaurants, bars, and the main shopping centre of Taradale.

A: 393 Gloucester St, Taradale, Napier T: 06 845 0648 E: info@ballinamotel.co.nz W: ballinamotel.co.nz Wellington

Newlands Court Motel Newlands Court Motel is conveniently located just 300m off SH 1 and set back from Newlands Road. They are the last motel off SH 1 before the Interislander ferry, 5 minutes drive to Interislander ferry.

Located also just 7 to 10 minutes to the central city, Te Papa, Westpac Stadium, Hutt Valley and Porirua. They are on the main bus route to Wellington and within 1.5km of restaurants, rail and shopping centre.

Service and facilities include 24-hour check-in, guest laundry. Wireless broadband internet, facsimile facilities.

Cooked or continental breakfast, cot/ highchair available. Large lawn play area with a swing and a slide, ample off-street parking, dogs are welcome by arrangement.

They offer two studio units (sleep 2) queen-size bed, tea/coffee/toast-making facilities and microwave. Plus they offer five family units (sleep 2 to 5) - queensize bed, single beds in the lounge and separate bedroom and has fully equipped kitchen.

A: 96 Newlands Road, Wellington T: 04 478 4114 E: newcourt@paradise.net.nz W: newlandscourtmotel.co.nz Greymouth

Sundowner Motel Sundowner Motel in Greymouth offers motel accommodation to suit your budget. Choose from a range of affordable, comfortable and modern studio motel rooms and family motel units, all of which are quality 4-star accommodation so you can be assured of a high standard of accommodation and a good night’s sleep.

Whether you’re travelling to Greymouth on business or to explore the West Coast attractions, and whether you’re visiting on your own or in a group, Sundowner Motel provides the highest level of service and facilities.

Sundowner Motel is one of the most conveniently located motels in Greymouth. Located on the main road through Greymouth (State Highway 6), it is easy to find whether you are travelling to Greymouth from Christchurch, Hokitika or Westport, and is the closest motel to the start of the West Coast.

Sundowner Motel is opposite a supermarket, The Warehouse and the Greymouth train station, making it the ideal motel choice if you are catching the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth.

A: 14 Smith Street, Greymouth T: 03 768 4666 E: sundowner@minidata.co.nz W: sundowner.co.nz

Newlands Court MOTEL

Refurbished in 2016, Newlands Court Motel is located within 15 minutes’ drive from Wellington City. Guests can enjoy the gardens and free on-site parking. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

• Courtesy of the Interislander ferry • 7mins drive to Westpac stadium and Wellington CBD • Great breakfast available • Brand new premium studios with kitchen & spa bath • Free Wifi

T: 04 478 4114 or Freephone 0508 727 727 96 Newlands Road, Wellington

E:newcourt@paradise.net.nz

www.newlandscourtmotel.co.nz

SUNDOWNER MOTEL

SUNDOWNER MOTEL in Greymouth, on New Zealand’s West Coast, offers motel accommodation to suit your budget.

Choose from a range of affordable, comfortable and modern studio motel rooms and family motel units.

Close to the Tranzalpine Station and to Greymouth township, we also offer FREE transfers from the train station.

SUPER SAVINGS Stay two nights and receive a 20% discount on your 2nd and 3rd night (applies to Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only)

Studios start at $120.00 (1st night) 20% discount off 2nd night.

Applies to phone or email direct bookings only. Guests must mention advert at time of booking.

SPECIAL OFFER IS ONLY VALID FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST 2017 (EXCLUDES QUEENS BIRTHDAY)

14 Smith Street, Greymouth 7805 P: +64 3 768 4666 Res: 0800 08 08 59

www.sundowner.co.nz

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Taupo

Colonial Lodge Motel Enjoy the beauty of Taupo and the attractive surroundings and the warm hospitality at Colonial Lodge Motel.

They are situated opposite one of the most popular swimming beaches in Taupo.

With four apartments and eight studio suites containing double spa baths, LCD TV's, free Wifi Internet, kitchens you will feel right at home. The studios and apartments are quiet, without any road noises, making them suitable for Corporate or Free Independent Travellers wishing to have a quiet night’s rest and a peaceful stay.

They have been built to capture the Warm Sun in Winter and to keep cool during the Summer months.

Guest laundry is available and complimentary. Continental/ cooked breakfast is available delivered to suites for an additional fee. There is safe storage for bikes and skis during your stay.

The lakefront is just a short stroll as is the main shopping area and restaurants. Colonial Lodge Motel is the place to stay for all seasons and it is all about the location. They are a hidden treasure

by Lake Taupo.

134 Lake Terrace, Taupo T: 07 378 9846 E: reception@colonial.co.nz www.colonial.co.nz

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AU C K L A N D

Interislander’s ferries are the best way to cross between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise between Wellington and Picton.

Carrying both passengers and vehicles on up to 11 sailings per day, Interislander offers a truly unique perspective of the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.

Relax in between the games

Take time off from the intensity of Lions rugby and discover more of New Zealand. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth.

To see even more of New Zealand take the Northern Explorer train between Auckland and Wellington.

Book now at interislander.co.nz

THE COROMANDEL

THE COROMANDEL

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

BY JO MAY

As autumn gently gives way to the freshness of the New Zealand winter, The Coromandel welcomes crisp bright mornings, mild afternoons, and a gentler pace of life that’s as captivating as the stunning natural environment and rich heritage.

The region’s tourism website www.thecoromandel.com features over 50 of the area’s most popular walks, but ask in any town you visit and you’ll learn of dozens more ranging from day long treks to gentle strolls.

Of course, if The Coromandel’s land is rich in treasures, so too are its waters. The mild temperatures provide year round opportunities for fishing, diving and snorkelling and fine days herald a flurry of activity at marinas and boat ramps right around the coast.

a beautiful and important ecological property that is home to more than 50 kiwi. Here guests can listen to kiwi calling in the native bush around the lodges at night, perhaps while laying back in the open air bush spas. or by visiting the nearby kiwi viewing platform. Great for a prolonged get away, with a café on site.

No visit to this part of the world would be complete without sampling some of the famed local produce. The Coromandel seafood rates among the best in the world. In August, the first scallops of the season will be harvested from The Coromandel fishery and begin to grace menus up and down the peninsula.

The region also has several microbreweries and wineries producing craft beers and wines found nowhere else in New Zealand. Several are open for tours and tasting sessions.

The Coromandel was once a hippy haven and while it’s established now as a more mainstream playground, the region has retained an arty, creative flavour. Many of the towns have galleries with a selection of local fine arts and crafts. Private artists’ studios nestle in the hills and valleys, where the artists can draw on the untouched nature for creative inspiration. As you re-enter Coromandel Town, you come upon one such creative mecca, Driving Creek Railway, known for its narrow-gauge mountain railway but also home to a large collection of ceramic art. The one-hour train ride traverses a series of engineering marvels including viaducts and tunnels, up to a lookout over the bay with panoramic views. The track is lined with pottery sculptures and the station houses a pottery and craft gallery.

At the Stony Bay end of the coastal walkway, the road leaves the coast at Port Charles and winds past Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat,

The eastern seaboard of The Coromandel is home to well-known surf and white sand beaches, and the sheltered waters of Mercury

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COROMANDEL

Bay, with its distinctive protective islands. Whitianga is the largest town, and it is here you can find a range of accommodation.

The sophistication of Marina Park Apartments will provide all you need for a relaxing getaway, situated right by the water and close to the town centre, ferry wharf and Buffalo Beach. It is here that you can take a boat to the visit the natural wonders of this volcanic coast with its remarkable sea caves, secret blowholes and rocky outcrops, including the famous Cathedral Cove. www.thecoromandel.com

Driving Creek Railway & Potteries

Accommodation, Restaurant Weddings, Functions Nestled within 800 acres of native bush we have 13 fully self-contained Chalets’ – one, two and three bedroom options. With your personal onsite massage therapist available by appointment & private outdoor bush spa pools, this is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

1299 Port Charles Road, RD 4, Coromandel 3584 E: info@kiwiretreat.co.nz P: 0800TANGIARO or 07 8666614

www.kiwiretreat.co.nz

One hour return scenic train ride on a narrow gauge mountain railway through native forest. Unique pottery sculptures & tiles line the track. Enjoy panoramic views from the EyeFull Tower lookout. Pottery & books for sale. Multiple daily tours.

Suitable all ages & weather conditions.

380 Driving Creek Road, 3km north of Coromandel Town

P: 0800 327 245

Adjacent to the picturesque Whitianga Marina, and conveniently located just a two minute walk from the local shopping centre, our contemporary designed apartments are perfect for a quality stay in the Coromandel region.

P. 07 8660599 E. info@marinapark.co.nz 84 Albert Street, Whitianga

www.marinapark.co.nz

E: bookings@dcrail.nz

BO OKINGS ADVIS AB LE

www.dcrail.co.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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WELLINGTON

the coolest little caPITAL

BY JO MAY

The great thing about the capital of cool is that when the winter weather packs in, you don't have to pack out.

The capital is blessed with an abundance of awesome things to do when the nights are long – the region’s creative heart lights up in winter.

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o u rnewzealand.co. nz

acc o mm o dat i o n p ic k s

For fashion, beauty and a latte…

Fashion cLockwork Steampunk

Top 5 things to do in Wellington this winter: Discover our stories at Te Papa

The national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, is fascinating and fun for curious minds of any age. The exhibits are innovative and interactive, telling stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways, including through the awe-inspiring Gallipoli: The Scale of our War exhibition. By the way, general admission is free (some touring exhibitions have an entry fee).

Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria

Get a panoramic view of city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at the Mount Victoria Lookout. Watch the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. You can drive all the way up, or walk through the town belt greenery. Grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up.

Rug up and visit Zealandia

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Wellington you'll find Zealandia. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225-hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. Take a walk and hear the songs of the flourishing native bird population. Volunteer guides help you make the most, and you can even book a night tour for kiwi spotting – just make sure to wear your woollies!

Cruise down Cuba Street

Home to hipsters, artists and lovers of vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with some of the city’s most colourful shops, bars and cafes. Street entertainers might play percussive guitar, put on a marionette show, or play with fire – there’s always something to intrigue and entertain in this quirky quarter. Don't forget to get your photo with the one and only Bucket Fountain.

i Love pariS i Love uGLy miSSy’S room ricocHet ruby SiLLS + co tayLor boutique viGi workSHop

Lifestyle de Spa cHocoLatier SHaLLa jeweLLerS tHe GoLd excHanGe tory & ko waLLace cotton

Cafés HiGHer taSte reStaurant mojo SmitH tHe Grocer StarbuckS

Beauty GeorGie Love Hair Studio L’occitane LuSH SHampoo pLuS Spa expreSS

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car

All images courtesy of WellingtonNZ.com

The Cable Car is a Wellington icon. It runs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where at the top there’s a lookout, the Cable Car Museum, and the incredible Space Place at Carter Observatory. With interactive displays, a state of the art digital planetarium and historic telescopes, it's a virtual voyage to the stars. Come back down to earth (and the city) through the beautiful Botanic Garden. o u rnewzealand.co. nz

Open 7 Days Cnr Willis St & Lambton Quay Log on to join our VIP Quay Club

www.oldbank.co.nz

W E L L I N G TON

What to do in Wellington on a winter’s day

Experience Southward Museum which houses a collection of over 350 vehicles, various other exhibits including motorcycles, bicycles, fire engine and much more. The museum is just under an hour’s drive from the central city and is open seven days.

Immersive Events

Get a soul-warming fix of bar-hopping, head-bopping good times with your choice of 100 gigs in five days at the Wellington Jazz Festival (7-11 June).

Feast for 17 days as the culinary festival Visa Wellington On a Plate (11-27 Aug) serves up an array of foodie delights from food truck feasts to epic degustations. If you are a beer geek or just keen to learn your hops from your malt, then Beervana (11-12 Aug) is for you – it’s a tasty weekend festival full of tasty brews and delicious eats.

Indoor attractions

Wellington has got plenty of inspirational indoor attractions if you’re seeking shelter. Explore world-class artwork at City Gallery, with works from Petra Cortright, Shannon Te Ao, Martino Gamper and Colin McCahon on this winter. Journey through Wellington’s past, present and future at the Wellington Museum at Queens Wharf – this intriguing museum was even named one of the World's Top 50 Museums in The Times UK. Ride the Cable Car to Space Place at Carter Observatory and take a virtual journey through space. Or if you're film buff, visit Weta Cave. It's a mini museum offering a behind-the-scenes look at Weta’s movie magic, movie memorabilia and more.

Visit the Wellington Underground Market which is open every Saturday on Wellington’s Waterfront. The market offers delicious street food and organic fair trade coffee and you can stroll around stalls from local artists, designers and small businesses.

The Old Bank Arcade building is one of Wellington's most famous landmarks. Retailers operating from the restored building include Sills & Co, Ruby, Tory & Ko, Taylor Boutique, I Love Ugly, Wallace Cotton, Lush and many more. Old Bank Arcade has established itself as a fashion enclave, boasting an array of hip fashion boutiques, in addition to stylish beauty parlours and delectable cafes and eateries.

Heart-warming treats

Enjoy an afternoon of sweet treats, fine tea and conversation with friends at one of our favourite high tea spots: ultra-girly Martha's Pantry; luxurious French-inspired Hippopotamus at the QT Museum Wellington and Mojo Kumutoto.

Indulge in rich cheese and dessert fondues at Beach Babylon and watch the ocean roll up in Oriental Bay, or curl up at exceptionally cosy bar The Library where they can match you a cocktail with a delicious dessert.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers has a different feel to that of other budget accommodation properties in Wellington and New Zealand.

Most of our rooms offer ensuite bathrooms and rooms with shared facilities share with a maximum of one other room.

Y O U R P E R F E C T T R AV E L C O M PA N I O N

QUEST ON THORNDON 61-63 THORNDON QUAY, WELLINGTON E: host@questonthorndon.co.nz T: 04 333 0007 or 0800 895 134

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YOU CAN’T MISS US The Hotel greets you as soon as you enter Wellington, whether you come by rail, by sea, or by road.

We have the right room type to accommodate everyone, from school groups, individuals, golden age travellers, backpackers, families and business travellers who come to Wellington for one of the many events.

Try our on-site café located in the old hotel’s ballroom or whip up your own creation in our fully equipped 24 hour operating guest kitchen.

1 Bunny Street,Wellington 0800 BAKPAK (0800 225 725)

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

hotelwaterloo.co.nz

W E L L I N G TON

Winter nightlife

Spend an evening at Noble Rot Wine Bar. The atmosphere is romantic, so get a nice bottle of wine and graze on mouthwatering delights from their seasonal menus. Then head to the worldfamous Embassy Theatre in the city or the Art Deco-style Roxy Cinema in Miramar and enjoy a movie in warm, comfy surroundings.

Fire and ice: bars with fireplaces

Sit by the fireplace and roast marshmallows at Hawthorn Lounge on Tory Street. Relax in the sitting room of Foxglove on the waterfront, where the open fireplace, overstuffed couches, ottomans and hot pink velour swivel chairs await you.

Cosy up at Southern Cross Garden Bar & Restaurant where the fireplace is lit and the garden bar stocked against the chill with hot water bottles, blankets and homemade mulled wine.

Warming winter dining

Winter dining is all about the flavours, the atmosphere and the warmth of company.

Whether you’re looking to spoil yourself with the finest dining available, the cosy feel

r to ou Pop in Coffee ity Grav and grab kiosk lf a hot e yours nk. dri

Supporting local artists, designers and small businesses International street food and great coffee Saturdays 10am - 4pm Undercover on Wellington’s Waterfront

www.undergroundmarket.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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W E L L I N G TON

of comfort food or just to park up with a steak, a beer and a fireplace, Wellington’s got you covered this winter.

Comfort and colour

Once a Swiss coffee house in the 1960s, Matterhorn has become a haven to creative Wellingtonians, with its hip atmosphere, cocktails and regular live music. What many don't know is just how excellent their food is. Based on a shared plate menu, it fuses wildfood ingredients with sophisticated technique.

Vibrant and busy, Monsoon Poon specialises in the best of South East Asia. Flaming woks and flashing knives are visible in the open kitchen making this 'eatertainment' at its very best. Try the 25 Herb & Spice Lamb Curry for the full sensory experience. in the heart of Courtenay Place, Hummingbird prides itself on delicious unprentious food and a great atmosphere. From tapas and sharing plates to a bistro or full dinner menu, they've got something to suit any appetite. Just along the street is the sophisticated modern Asian eatery Dragonfly, where tasty and exotic food is matched with a fantastic wine selection and signature cocktails - try the Thai Foon!

If you're heading to a show, movie or other evening event Whitby's, on the 17th floor of the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has a special earlybird winter warmer buffet. Roasts, stews curries, desserts and cheeses, and you're on your way by 7pm.

Public Bar & Eatery is the bistro concept evolved for the 21st century. Stylish surroundings and great service are grounded by hearty food and big flavours. Book ahead for the Sunday Jazz Club, where some of the best local jazz trios come together for a regular session.

The local craft beer scene is buzzing, and the team at Fork & Brewer are proud to champion the industry. With forty beer taps and a menu that matches each and every dish to a brew (yes, even the desserts), this is a beer lover's paradise.

Steak fans (you know who you are), can't go past the Portlander Bar & Grill, where from Angus to Wakanui and Wagyu, your passion will be indulged by people who love the finest cuts as much as you do. If you're accompanying a devoted carnivore, there's also a fine menu to choose from beyond the steak section.

Bold and brasserie

In winter there’s nothing more welcoming than a fireplace and the warmth of wood. Well over 150 years old, The Thistle Inn combines a relaxed atmosphere with a menu of simple food, cooked beautifully. Plus they match it with a great selection of NZ wines – something they didn’t do in the 1840s!

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o u rnewzealand.co. r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. nz nz

wellington: 20 awesome things to do under $20 There's heaps of cool things to see, do and eat in Wellington that won't break the bank. Here's 20 things you can do for under $20.

• Play ‘spot the tuatara’, watch cheeky kaka swarm for food at snack time, and see weta hanging out in their tree hotel at the epic Zealandia eco-sanctuary (adults $18.50) • Take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car and enjoy stunning views over the city from the lookout ($7.50 adult return) • Journey through WWI history at two incredible exhibitions - The Great War Exhibition on Buckle St (adults $15), and Gallipoli: The Scale of our War at Te Papa (free) - brought to life by movie-making maestros Sir Richard Taylor and Sir Peter Jackson.

• Pedal around Wellington’s scenic waterfront on a quirky Crocodile Bike. Hire a two seater for 30 minutes of cruising for $16.50, or grab a few mates and get a four seater ($44 for 1 hour – with four people that's just $11 each!)

• Everything on the Ekim Burgers menu is affordable and delicious.

You'd come under budget here, so go ahead and chuck some chips in too. ($8-$15) • Tommy Millions do pizza by the slice at around $5 each, so you can get four slices down you for $20. Not bad at all ($5-$5.50 a slice) • Discover Wellington’s secrets, stories and treasures at Wellington Museum on the waterfront (free) • Get your culture fix at City Gallery, home to an ever-changing collection of contemporary art from Aotearoa and abroad. Most exhibitions at City Gallery are free – this winter, see works by Colin McCahon, Petra Cortright, Martino Gamper and Shannon Te Ao. • Take a tour of Wellington's boutique soda factory, Six Barrel Soda, and sample their specialty sodas ($20)

• Gaze into the skies above Wellington and learn all about astronomy at Space Place ($12.50) • Get the inside word on New Zealand's government and learn all about the busy bees that work inside the Beehive on a guided tour of Parliament Buildings (free) • For a quick bite to eat that'll have all your fellow lunchmates envious, try Mt Vic Chippery's Express Lunch. Crumbed fish, crinkle cut chips and slaw. Yum! ($10) • Warm up over the winter months with a decadent and delicious Italian hot chocolate from Scopa on Cuba Street ($6 for a large) • Hang out with wizards and trolls on a visit to Weta Cave, Wellington’s home of movie-making magic (entry to the Cave is free, while Weta Workshop Studio Tour costs $25) • Grab a hot waffle loaded up with fresh cream, ganache, sauces and toppings from The Little Waffle Shop ($7 each, $5 on Wednesdays) • Cosy up on a two-seater couch and enjoy a movie at the boutique Light House Cinema, Cuba Street, Petone ($17.50 per person) • Cocktails at CHOW are insanely good, we particularly like the Rosebud. Plus, each come in at under $20 a pop ($13-$18) • Slurp on a tasty milkshake with friends at Five Boroughs. Flavours include Jelly Tip, Bounty and triple chocolate ($7.50) • Every day from 2-5pm at Burger Liquor get a Standard burger, crinkle cut fries and a cold tap bevvy or bootleggers soda as part of the Standard Deal ($15) • Hop up to Garage Project Cellar Door and taste a few beers from their impressive tap line-up (free)

Mud Cycles Experience Wellingtons best adventure activity!

OCEAN MOTEL

Mountain biking & bike hire.

We also design rides catering for all levels. Options range from easy sightseeing adventures through to advanced technical trails for the thrill seekers!

MOUNTAIN BIKING & BIKE HIRE KARORI 424 Karori Rd, Karori P: 04 476 4961 E: mudcycles@mudcycles.co.nz CITY Trek Global Backpackers 9 O'Reily Ave 0800 TO TREK (0800 86 87 35)

With over 500 cars and bikes. Spend time in the museum or just relax and have a coffee in the café amongst superb automotive history.

A quiet location close to the beach, restaurants & Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. Your perfect gateway to Kapiti Island and other attractions. Self-contained access units, Childrens playground. Fast, FREE WIFI, SKY Movie Channels. Friendly Service, clean.

BOOK ONLINE AT

Open every day of the year from 9:00am - 4:30pm except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

www.oceanmotel.co.nz or phone

P: 04 902 6424

Just an hour North of Wellington.

Otaihanga Road, just off State Highway 1.

E: book@oceanmotel.co.nz

www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz

42-44 OCEAN ROAD, PARAPARAUMU BEACH

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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HUTT VALLEY

AU C K L A N D

Walk in Style – wander yourself or join a guided tour for style tips, top food and more

A slice of village life Explore New Zealand’s first village with plenty of winter warmth.

Take yourself back to New Zealand’s colonial days with an insight in to the rugged life of being the first European immigrants in New Zealand. The Aurora brought English settlers to the shores of Petone in January 1840 and Wellington city grew up thanks to the industry and creative enterprise that still thrives in Petone today. You can smell your way through history at the Petone Settlers Museum – originally built as changing rooms for beachgoers and New Zealand’s centennial memorial.

Today you’ll smell the aroma of artisans in a real foodie hotspot.

In Petone you’re only ever a few steps away from the warm and rich aroma of local coffee roasters Ripe, Revive, Bravo, Good Fortune Coffee Co, and Karamu. Sample their blends at many of the funky cafes in and around Jackson Street – a historic main street that brings you back to the feeling of being in a village.

You can meet the brewer, baker and candlestick-maker and find handcrafted furniture and contemporary candles to one-of-akind garments and exquisite tableware. Petone’s mile long main street is full of an eclectic mix of boutiques, bars, specialty stores and eateries.

Enhance your style on walking tour of six of Petone's fashion houses and designers, quirky historic stories matched with a 44

food and wine too! Stylist Frances Hamilton will introduce you to six local designers at Deryn Schmidt, Ellen Giggenbach, Fix, Goodness, Scintilla and Wanda Harland. Discover what's new and find your style.

Frances’ fashion sense morphs to the street’s fascinating past from stores gone by, the quirks of Petone and those that originally settled in this delightful town.

Best known for creating woollen costumes for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, Stansborough uses the rarest wools from New Zealand to traditionally create and weave stunning collections of exquisite textile pieces on historic 1890s looms.

Visit the gallery and experience the historic mill through ‘the window to the past’ and discover pure New Zealand heirloom treasures and movie memorabilia.

Petone is a vibrant village of the new celebrating days gone by. Petone’s newest cafe sits atop the Petone Rowing Club overlooking the foreshore. The Seashore Cabaret is a nod to its dance hall history. Bite your way through a new twist on the classics, featuring seaside staples such as shrimp cocktail and surf ‘n’ turf. Pinball machines, mounted deer heads on the wall

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

HUTT valley

TRANQUILITY HOMESTAY BED AND BREAKFAST

Seashore Cabaret – the home of living wage coffee roasting and seriously great decor to talk about

Relax, unwind and enjoy a home away from away (We do all the work). Nested in approx one acre of native bush and gardens, Tranquility Homestay B&B is the ideal getaway with all the trimmings of an awesome holiday - AND we are PET FRIENDLY. Transport available to Pick Up or Drop off enquire availability of this. Use our peaceful B&B as your base to explore the Wairarapa, Kapiti, Hutt Valley and the rest of the Wellington region. Great walking tracks and we are on the cycle trail.

Petone Settlers Museum – discover the fashion garb of the 70s and Miss Lower Hutt

We are located in Upper Hutt, just off SH2, turn off to Staglands and only 1.3km down the Akatarawa Road on your right is Tranquility Homestay B&B awaiting your arrival.

Approximately 20 minutes from the Interislander Ferry.

136 Akatarawa Road, Birchville, Upper Hutt P: 0800 270787 or 04 5266948

www.tranquilityhomestay.co.nz

HAWK’S INN

MOTEL • UPPER HUTT, WELLINGTON

Stansborough Mill – look through to see how NZ’s rarest wools are woven for Hollywood blockbusters

The Hawks Inn is a Qualmark 4 star rated motel with 16 well equipped 1 and 2 bedroom units, with self-catering kitchens, comfortable beds and a friendly atmosphere. All bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and some bathrooms have spa baths.

and a large Bugs Bunny statue make for a relaxed and light-hearted meal. Good Fortune Coffee, a roasting business operating within the cafe, recently became the first coffee roaster in New Zealand to receive a living wage accreditation.

A walk along the Jackson street you’ll come to an urn-like fountain sculpture created by artist Louise Purvis. Fill your water bottle here at Te Puna Wai Ora – the Spring of Life, on the corner of Buick and Jackson Streets. You will be drinking pure water from the aquifer below filtered for a year through sand, gravel and boulders on its journey to the sea from the Tararua mountains.

Discover more warm spots for cooler days: talk to the team at the Hutt City i-SITE Visitor Centre at 25 Laings Road, Lower Hutt. Phone 04 560 4715 or visit www.HuttValleyNZ.com o u rnewzealand.co. r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. nz nz

Accommodation at Hawk’s Inn Motel is large and spacious, ideal for Wellington business visitors, families and groups.

The central courtyard of the motel has a fully fenced pool and spa pool which guests can relax in at the end of a busy day. All rooms have SKY TV and Freeview with complimentary wireless internet. There is ample off street free parking available at the front and back of the motel.

T: 0800 500 838 E: stay@hawksinnmotel.co.nz 704-706 Fergusson Drive, Elderslea, Upper Hutt Wellington

www.hawksinnm ote l .co.n z 45

WAIRARAPA

WAIRARAPA

THE PERFECT WINTER GETAWAY

BY JO MAY

There’s nothing like winter in the Wairarapa. Snowcapped mountains, crisp mornings and clear days accentuate the beauty of this region renowned for its premium vineyards, olive groves, wild coastlines, cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping - making it a wonderful time to explore.

Being only one hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City, makes Wairarapa the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here are five reasons to escape to the Wairarapa this winter.

A Schoc Chocolate

Pinot Noir truffle anyone? Sound interesting? Well, that’s what you will find at Schoc Chocolate in Greytown this winter, along with dozens of other beautiful handcrafted and hand-painted truffles with unique flavours such as ginger and wasabi, and raspberry. This popular chocolate studio, housed in a super cute historic colonial building next to Cobblestones Museum on the main street, is a must-do for chocolate lovers.

There are 60 flavours in the tablet range alone while beautiful chocolates fill the main cabinet. Those who prefer savoury flavours can rejoice thanks to owner Murray Langham’s flavour combinations which include: cardamom and dark chocolate, toasted sesame and top seller lime and chilli. Afterwards, take a walk down Greytown’s pretty, tree lined Main Street and check out the gorgeous speciality shops, designer boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Welcome rugby supporters

Wairarapa is rolling out the welcome mat to British and Irish Lions supporters travelling through the region during the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017.

The region is only one hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington which is 46

hosting games on Tuesday, June 27th and Saturday, July 1st. It has accommodation available, including powered campervan sites, and there are special trains returning to and from Wellington after the games making it the ideal place to be based.

The wine village of Martinborough will see its wineries and super cool craft brewery offer special tastings for visitors while its restaurants and cafes will have matched dishes with local wines or craft beer. Visitors can attend practices at the Martinborough Rugby Club and enjoy a glass with the locals at the rugby club bar while the village’s retailers have designed their own Reds, Whites and Brews rugby shirt so visitors can spot the locals.

Further north in Masterton at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History can discover two significant historical periods of New Zealand – one a sporting perspective through the lens of renowned photographer Peter Bush, who has captured great All Black moments, controversial and contentious moments on the rugby field and candid behindthe-scenes shots. The other an important period of the Treaty settlement in the Wairarapa with Te marae o Rongotaketake - Redressing our Kahungunu History, which is the largest exhibition of Ngāti Kahungunu taonga ever on display.

A little bit of luxury

There's always something exciting going on at Wharekauhau in south Wairarapa.

This luxurious Edwardian style lodge, o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

with incredible views over Palliser Bay, was where Prince William and Princess Kate stayed during their 2014 Royal Tour of New Zealand. The grand lodge and its private cottage suites are set in the magnificent rural surrounds of a 5000 acre farm estate. Guests can enjoy fine cuisine made from fresh local ingredients complemented with top New Zealand wines, a wide range of recreation and adventure activities onsite or just relax in the incredible surroundings. This winter, Wharekauhau is offering a series of themed packages including incredible degustation meals cooked by NZ Chef of the Year Marc Soper. The packages include a Winter Solstice Retreat; a Bastille Weekend which is a country retreat with a French twist and the annual Louis Roederer Champagne event in September. Full details can be found on: www.wharekauhau.co.nz/packages.

Matariki Celebration at Stonehenge Aotearoa

Storytelling is king at Stonehenge Aotearoa and leading astronomer Richard Hall is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the stars to those who visit the full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge in England on the rolling Gladstone hills near Carterton.

“Story form is traditionally how information was passed down from generation to generation and there is a concern we will lose the old stories,” Richard tells me. “I love bringing those ancient stories to life here at Stonehenge Aotearoa.”

WA I R A R A PA

Open 7 days

Discover Wairarapa’s unique experience Quality gifts, NZ Greenstone & Jewellery Souvenirs direct from on site factory Factory tours during workdays Short information DVD

54 Kent St, Carterton 06 379 4247 www.pauaworld.com This June, Matariki or the Maori New Year will be celebrated at Stonehenge Aotearoa. The herald of the Maori new year, which occurs close to the Winter Solstice, is the rising of star cluster Matariki, also known at the Seven Sisters. They are perhaps are the most celebrated of all stars playing a significant role in cultures around the world both past and present. In this presentation evening on June 24th, Hall will explore the ancient meanings and significance of Matariki and their relationship to the solstices and equinoxes. The program includes a shared meal and, weather permitting, viewing the Sun set over the Winter Heel stone. Bookings are essential. Outside of this date, daily tours of Stonehenge are available. More information on www.stonehenge-aotearoa.co.nz School holiday fun at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre

The Junior Ranger programme at Pukaha Mount Bruce, just north of Masterton, is ideal for kids aged 6 – 12 years and the perfect way to get them outside over the winter school holidays. Kids get an incredible opportunity to go behind the scenes with one of Pukaha’s Rangers and learn about caring for New Zealand’s birds and forest. They will look at insects, birds, plants and eco-systems and enjoy a packed lunch. Mum and Dad can enjoy a FREE coffee in the Wild Café and enjoy a walk around the park for half-price while waiting for the Junior Rangers to come off duty. Outside of the school holidays, Pukaha is a terrific place to visit and see Kaka, eels and tuatara being fed and walk under a stunning canopy of New Zealand trees. Bookings for Junior Rangers are essential.

Email info@pukaha.org.nz or give Pukaha a call on 06 375 8004.

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

WA I R A R A PA W I N T E R

FA M I LY H O L I DAY B e d & B re a k fa s t Pa cka ge rooms from

$159 per night*

W W W. S O LWAY. C O . N Z 0 8 0 0 S O LWAY

*Offer subject to availability, terms & conditions apply

47

MARLBOROUGH

Warm on the inside, stunning on the outside

BY JO MAY

Winter in Marlborough brings brilliant blue-sky days and calm, sparkling waters.

M A R L B O R OU G H

The days, while undeniably shorter at this time of year, provide perfect conditions for guilt-free relaxation such as breakfast in bed at a lodge tucked away in the Marlborough Sounds, or savouring a glass of Pinot Noir beside a fireplace at a cellar door or restaurant.

On your Interislander ferry crossing, you’ll spend about an hour cruising through the winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, with superb views of the native bush-clad hills. Grab your camera, head out onto the deck and be sure to take a selfie tagging #BrilliantEveryDay and #MarlboroughNZ. Wander around the vibrant port town of Picton, home to buzzing cafes, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops, surrounded by an array of walking and cycling trails. From the foreshore, discover the rich maritime history and eco experiences at museums, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation hubs.

If you’ve got a bit more time, experience the Marlborough Sounds in a completely different way that you don’t get from the ferry. Explore 1500km of winding coastline home to secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious island sanctuaries, which foster kiwi and other native wildlife.

Jump on a cruise or kayak your way through the Sounds, where you could encounter dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds, or walk or mountain bike the iconic 70km Queen Charlotte Track starting at Ship Cove, Captain Cook’s favourite NZ landing site. Listed as one of the New Zealand Cycle Trail’s Great Rides, what makes the Queen Charlotte Track so special is that your luggage can be transported ahead of you by boat, and there is a variety of accommodation available along the trail, from basic campgrounds to luxury lodges on the waters edge. Whether you’re up for a four-day experience or a half-day walk the choice is yours.

Extend your stay in Picton, or relax at a lodge or holiday house in the sounds and really take the chance to push the un-wind button.

As you delve deeper into Marlborough, you’ll find that many of the region’s winery cellar doors are open all year, making for a relaxed atmosphere enhanced by delicious dining options.

As New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough produces over 75% of the country’s wine and is the undisputed home of Sauvignon Blanc – world famous for its intense and pure flavours.

Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice with many varietals including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Methode Traditionelle. Join a guided tour or hire a bike, and choose from more than 30 cellar doors, tasting award winning wines along the way. A must-do

Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm 79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim, NZ PH: 03 579 1305 www.omaka.org.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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M A R L B O R OU G H

Cinnamon House Design For those seeking inspiration.

32 Park Terrace, Blenheim Open Mon - Fri 9 - 4pm Sat 10 - 2pm

Experience the beauty of the

BLENHEIM

Queen Charlotte Sounds in the best well kept secret of Marlborough, New Zealand

At Blenheim TOP 10 Holiday Park, we have a range of accommodation to suit families, couples, individuals or groups.

We are a great choice for an overnight stay or a relaxing holiday whatever your budget!

Escape to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy the hospitality of Punga Cove Resort and Furneaux Lodge, on the route of the iconic Queen Charlotte Track.

DEAL #1

DEAL #2

FREE NIGHT

SITE + MOUNTAIN BIKE

We will give you a night for FREE on our powered /tent site if you hire our electric bikes (E-bike) for a full day hire.

10% OFF when you check into our park with mountain bike hires.

Both Resorts offer a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and count with a fully licenced Restaurant offering refined dishes with Marlborough’s finest fresh produce, wild game and seafood, plus a little spice and flavour, and a wide selection of Marlborough’s best wines.

Hike, mountain bike, kayak, stand up paddle board or just kick back and relax with us. Contact us for specials and packages.

P: 03 579 8561 E: enquiries@pungacove.co.nz www.pungacove.co.nz

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P:03 579 8259 E: info@furneaux.co.nz www.furneaux.co.nz

Terms and Conditions and more details available from our website below Book the deals directly with us via stay@blenheimtop10.co.nz or 0800 268 666

www.blenheimtop10.co.nz

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

M A R L B O R OU G H

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre 79 Aerodrome Rd, Omaka, Blenheim

while on your trip is to indulge in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, and pair the wines with fresh local produce to create the ultimate match made in Marlborough.

A range of accommodation options within close proximity to the vineyards are available from motels and hotels, to B&B’s and vineyard retreats.

Don’t miss a visit to the internationally acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, with its theatrical displays of WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia, with life-like mannequins created by the team behind The Lord of The Rings.

If you can drag yourself away from the fireplace, the Rainbow Ski Area near St Arnaud is a great club field, located near St Arnaud. Rainbow’s wide, uncrowded slopes and well groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginners and intermediates while advanced skiers and snowboarders can challenge themselves in the field’s picturesque powder runs and chutes.

beside lush wetlands, native bush, and the entrance to the Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds, the township provides access to stunning waterways, walks and places to stay. A short drive along the road and you’ll find Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve with some stunning bush walks, and the location of the barrel run scene from The Hobbit – Desolation of Smaug.

Plenty of events are happening in the region over winter, including the Marlborough Book Festival from 28-30 July. Check out everything that’s happening in the region at www.FollowME.co.nz Marlborough fits all travel styles, from wine and food lovers to outdoor enthusiasts, there is something here for everyone. Marlborough is ready and waiting for you to visit this winter. To plan your brilliant holiday now, visit www.MarlboroughNZ.com Marlborough – Brilliant Every Day

If you love seafood, then a visit to the Greenshell™ mussel capital of the world, Havelock, will be well rewarded. Tucked up

STAY A WHILE OR TAKE AWAY SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! AND A PERFECT HARBOUR VIEW WINTER HOURS: 8 A M T I L L L AT E W E D TO S U N

YOU’LL FIND US ON THE PICTON WATERFRONT SERVICING INTERISLANDER PASSENGERS SINCE 2000

NOW WORLD FAMOUS IN LONELY PLANET!

www.cafecortado.co.nz P: 03 573 5630

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

51

Marlborough Book Festival An impressive line-up of authors will speak at the Marlborough Book Festival 2017 in and around Blenheim from Friday 28 July to Sunday 30 July.

As well as the one-hour authoremcee interview sessions which have been hugely popular at previous festivals, there will be a poetry panel, a cartooning workshop, a long-form journalism panel and a 90-minute session with much-loved children’s author Joy Cowley.

Acclaimed historian Dame Anne Salmond, Australia’s awardwinning dinosaur journalist John Pickrell, and craft beer blogger Alice Galletly are among the guest authors, and reveal the diversity of events on offer.

Three of the authors nominated for the top fiction award in the country, the Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize of the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, are also coming. They are Emma Neale, Catherine Chidgey and current poet laureate CK Stead.

Poet Brian Turner, cartoonist-writer Sarah Laing, children’s author/illustrator Gavin Bishop and short story writer Tracey Slaughter complete the exciting author guest list.

The Boathouse Theatre in Blenheim will be the festival hub, with busy schedule starting on Friday night and running through the weekend. Sessions will be held on Saturday at the beautiful Spy Valley cellar door and on Sunday at Cloudy Bay’s gorgeous Treehouse venue, with views over vines to the Richmond Range. In addition this year, Sarah Laing’s cartooning workshop and Brian Turner’s poetry session will be held at Hunter’s Wines.

Dame Anne will speak about Captain James Cook and his contemporaries in a session chaired by Marlborough Cookresearcher Peter Jerram and held aboard Marlborough Tour Company’s MV Odyssea luxury catamaran while it cruises Queen Charlotte Sound on Friday 28 July.

Dame Anne’s book The Trial of the Cannibal Dog: The Remarkable Story of Captain Cook’s Encounters in the South Seas tells the story of Captain Cook’s great voyages in the Pacific, focusing on the encounters between the explorers and the peoples they “discovered”. Her visit is particularly timely as the region gears up to commemorate the 250th anniversary in 2020 of Cook’s first visit to Ship Cove.

The Marlborough Book Festival is a run by volunteers under a charitable trust and strongly supported by sponsoring businesses and the Marlborough District Council as a cultural treat for both book lovers and guest authors in the middle of winter.

Check out www.marlboroughbookfest.co.nz or follow them on Facebook @MarlboroughBookFestival and Twitter @MarlBookFest.

M A R L B O R OU G H

The Marlborough Book Festival 28-30 july An annual weekend of wonderful authors, curious audiences and beautiful Marlborough locations.

Spy Valley Wines Chief Winemaker - Paul Bourgeois Photo: Jim Tannock Photography

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

53

WINE COUNTRY

MARLBOROUGH

New Zealand’s Premier Wine Region

BY JO MAY Ballochdale Estate, Awatere Valley

New Zealand’s largest and most famous wine region, Marlborough produces 75% of New Zealand’s wine and is the undisputed home of Sauvignon Blanc – world famous for its intense and pure flavours.

While you’re here join a tour on the world-famous Marlborough Wine Trail, exploring some of the regions 30 plus cellar doors.

of your precious time. You will have the freedom to choose the cellar doors that cater to your individual taste, and being self-guided, your day will be very much your own without the pressure of keeping up with others. www.winetoursbybike.co.nz

Wine Tours by bike

Our Picks

What better way to see the beautiful Marlborough wine region than to leisurely cycle through the superb countryside on a stunning Marlborough day.

Saint Clair Family Estate is proud to be a Marlborough family owned winery. From 1994 when wines from their first vintage all won medals including gold, the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning record continues today.

Marlborough wineries round off the palate with a large range of world-renowned Pinot Noir, Aromatics and Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines.

Wine Tours by Bike, Marlborough's premier vineyard bike tour company, is located in Renwick, the heart of the Marlborough Wine Region, which boasts the greatest concentration of cellar doors in the country.

With flat sealed roads, bike paths and short distances between the cellar doors, time out among the vineyards can be enjoyed by young and old alike, whether you are travelling by yourself, a couple or a group.

Steve and Jo are your friendly and experienced hosts who are there to help you plan your route so that you make the most 54

Visit the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen and enjoy the sunny courtyard which offers outdoor dining with some dining options amongst the vines. On a cooler day an extended veranda section can ensure customers continue to have the vineyard feel while being sheltered from the elements through extensive floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. A cosy fire provides ambience and warmth during the winter, an ideal settling to relax and enjoy Saint Clair’s award winning wines. www.saintclair.co.nz

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

W I N E C OUNT RY

“ONE OF THE BEST ATTRACTIONS IN NEW ZEALAND” NO1 FOR CRUISING AROUND RENWICK’S BEAUTIFUL CELLAR DOORS.

Eco friendly, cost effective and without a doubt, possibly the most fun you will ever have on a bike!

Rock Ferry Wines are proud producers of world-class certified organic wines from vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago. Their philosophy is to make real wines which speak of their home; to express the pure distinct flavours from their organic estate vineyards.

Visit the cellar door and café and enjoy a seasonal inspired menu along with their range of organic wines in warm spaces next to open fire or on their sunny veranda. www.rockferry.co.nz Spy Valley Wines is so named for its proximity to an international satellite communications monitoring station (GSCB) in the Waihopai Valley...a Spy base. Not befitting the world of espionage, Spy Valley's wine has demanded global attention the wine has been called "impossible to ignore" and the company among "the planet's 20 most notable new producers". Fine accolades, but you be the judge.

Visit their cellar door for the ultimate experience and chat to their knowledgeable staff in their award winning architectural setting. www.spyvalleywine.co.nz

Don’t risk drinking and driving or waste precious time biking the 12km (1hrs biking) on the busy State Highways out from Blenheim.

We offer FREE pickup & drop off to/from Blenheim & Renwick.

Self-guided tours so you have the flexibility to go where you want without feeling pressured to keep up with others

Full emergency backup service Bottle of spring water & helmet

SINGLE CRUISER $45.00 p/p CRUISER TANDEM $40.00 p/p CRUISER TRIKE $45.00 p/p Also Kids Seats, Trailers and Tow-alongs FREE OF CHARGE

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UP TO DATE TOUR START TIMES

Your Hosts: Steve & Jo Hill, Hillsfield House, 33 Blicks Rd, Renwick, Marlborough P: 03 572 7954 M: 021 432 276 E: info@winetoursbybike.co.nz Check out our TripAdvisor page for reviews

www.winetoursbybike.co.nz

Open

SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND REWARD CELLAR DOOR S 41.529801 E 173.796072

wide and say

CAFE & CELLAR DOOR Open Daily 10:00am - 4:30pm

LUNCH SERVED between 11:30am - 3:00pm Bookings recommended for dining

ahh!

Come and see the recently refurbished Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen.

H O U R S 9 A M - 5 PM

A fully Marlborous range awaits your interrogation.

37 LAKE TIMARA ROAD, WAIHOPAI VALLEY MARLBOROUGH. PHONE 03 572 6207

Open 10.30am – 4.30pm 7 days: mid-Oct to mid-Jul Mon – Fri: mid-Jul to mid-Oct www.spyvalleywine.co.nz

80 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim P: 03 579 6431 E: cafe@rockferry.co.nz

rockferry.co.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

Open 7 days a week Selmes Road Rapaura Marlborough

Bookings Recommended Freephone 0800 317 319 www.saintclair.co.nz

55

NELSON/tasman

The Art of Matchmaking

56

n els o n/ tasma n

With hundreds of artists, artisans and craftspeople making Nelson Tasman their home, creativity is alive and flourishing in this engaging and inviting pocket of New Zealand.

It’s small wonder then that after five years of exhibiting an extensive range of artistic styles and mediums, Art Expo Nelson has become a firm favourite on the country’s art calendar.

This year sees the Expo shift locations into the central city, exhibiting in the newly re-opened and refurbished Trafalgar Stadium for the earlier dates of 18-20 August (previously held in October).

The show displays several works each from more than 100 painters, sculptors, photographers and mixed media artists from around New Zealand, all, as project manager Nic Foster puts it, politely vying to secure the visitors’ joyful exclamations and bare wall spaces.

“Buyers from all walks of life attend the show and it’s fair to say the socialising with each other plus the chance to connect with the artists in person is an important and very enjoyable part of the show, rivalled only by the elation of purchasing something you cannot resist.”

Nic and his team delight in playing ‘art cupids’, proud matchmakers watching from the side lines as the love affair blooms between art and the public that views it.

An ever increasing percentage of attendees walk away with a piece of just-purchased art and Nic notes while there was some reticence in knowing what they liked in the early years of the Expo, visitors are now appearing more confident in their decision making.

“No doubt this is helped considerably by the chance to meet the creatives behind the art. Most of our artists choose to be on hand at the 3-day show, engaging with buyers, mingling with other artists and getting a feel for where they sit in the real world artscape.”

For more information, go to www.artexponelson.co.nz.

Art Immersion

This August, consider also visiting some of the many artists’ galleries and studies.

In Nelson City: The Suter Art Gallery (New Zealand’s oldest continuous-use art gallery), the National WOW® Museum and Nelson Classic Cars Collection, RED Art Gallery & Café, South Street Gallery, Mockingbird Studio, Jens Hansen The Ringmaker, Flame Daisy Glass Design, Craig Potton Gallery and Store, Parker Gallery, Jewel Beetle, Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, Art @ 203, Refinery Artspace, Nikki Romney/Alan Clarke Studio, Woods & Co Gallery and Louise Douglas Jewellery.

In the region: Brian Strong, Hoglund Artglass, Katie Gold and Owen Bartlett Ceramics, Coolstore Gallery, Kereru Gallery, Forest Fusion Functional, Laughing Fish Ceramic Studio, Art Bank, Onekaka Sculpture 705, Wolter Art Studio, The Fullmer Gallery, Royce McGlashen Pottery, Estuary Arts, Weka Studio and many, many more!

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real or fake?

The often low-profile yet high-cost and fascinating world of art theft is under the microscope in Shady Dealings, a seminar at this year’s Art Expo Nelson in August.

Hosted by Will Korner from London-based Art Loss Register (ALR), the world’s largest private database of stolen, missing and looted art, antiques and collectibles, the seminar is a unique chance for art buyers to glean an insight into the less attractive dealings and tricks of some traders.

Since 1990, ALR has played I-spy in the search for the missing and identification of the stolen. Experts and private owners around the world use ARL’s services to check the provenance of items before they buy or handle them, and to record items they own or that have been lost to maximise the chances of recovery.

Art Expo Nelson project manager Nic Foster says the seminar is part of a rare New Zealand visit by the company’s representatives, and Expo organisers are delighted to have secured the speaker.

ARL’s due diligence service is the first choice for museums, law enforcement and the insurance industry. Shady Dealings is a ticketed event at Art Expo Nelson, on Saturday 19 August at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson. www.artexponelson.co.nz

HANDMADE IN NEW ZEALAND

World renowned art glass and glass jewellery by glass artists Ola & Marie Höglund.

NELSON 52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond (25 mins from Nelson) CENTRAL OTAGO 1767 Luggate-Cromwell Rd, off State Highway 6 between Cromwell and Wanaka (50 mins from Queenstown)

www.hoglundartglass.com 58

194 Cable Bay Rd, Nelson Free Ph: 0800 157 300 Local Ph: 545 0304 www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz

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ESCAPE WINTER IN ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Discounts for Interislander and KiwiRail Scenic readers Welcoming visitors to the region since 1841, the Wilson family knows how you can make the most of plentiful sunshine during the cooler months in Abel Tasman National Park.

Cruises depart daily from Kaiteriteri at 9.20 am, returning at 4.10 pm.

Quote Promo Code onboard for a 10% discount on all options with Wilsons Abel Tasman.

Choose a beach stop with walking and guided sea kayaking options, designed to suit the crisp, crystal conditions of the season. Overnight trips staying at our Beachfront Lodges are available on selected departures.

Book online, or if you can’t decide, call our friendly, expert reservations team to help you plan your ideal day in Abel Tasman National Park. Coach transfers available from/to Nelson and Motueka.

Browse all options and book online www.AbelTasman.co.nz Or call us 0800 ABELTAS (223 582).

Holiday and Wellness Experience Kaiteriteri

Be our guest... ...tucked away amongst the bush with panoramic views of Kaiteriteri beach and estuary and close to the Abel Tasman National Park, Kimi Ora Eco Resort offers a place of peace, seclusion and everything you need to relax and unwind.

Try one of our package deals starting from just $75pp for our Day Stay Massage Package or from $249 for 2 for our Overnight Massage Package to experience all that Kimi Ora Eco Resort has to offer.

Kimi Ora Eco Resort 99 Martin Farm Road, Kaiteriteri P: 0508 KIMIORA (5464672) E: info@kimiora.com www.kimiora.com

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PERFECTLY POSITIONED

Close to beaches and National Parks.

Beside Cycle Trail.

Walk to Vineyards, arts and crafts.

15 minutes to Nelson and airport.

Golden Bay only 1 hour drive.

13 spacious comfortable self-catering studio, one & two bedroom units.

Accessible, executive and spa bath options.

Most rooms have scenic outlooks from their sun drenched patio or balcony over the adjoining park to the ranges of the Kahurangi Park.

42 Gladstone Road, Richmond, Nelson Freephone: 0800 161 212 P: 03 544 2264 E: info@parksidemotel.co.nz

www.parksidemotel.co.nz

PUT NELSON CELLAR DOORS ON YOUR ITINERARY

Enjoy exploring Nelson's boutique wineries from the hills to the plains crafting exquisite wines. Journey into the countryside and meet the winemakers at their cellar doors. Bask in the sunshine, savour lunch at one of the vineyard cafes, select wines for your cellar, or treat yourself to a real fruit ice-cream. It's all there to be discovered.

You'll delight in the craftsmanship of local artisans, art exhibitions, luxurious vineyard accommodation and breath-taking views in the picturesque hills and plains of Nelson.

Simply unforgettable. #nelsonwine www.winenelson.co.nz About Nelson’s Wine Marahau is a sunny valley located just one hour from Nelson. We have many activities on our doorstep, you can kayak the Abel Tasman National Park, enjoy a leisurely wine trail, take a water taxi cruise into the National Park, or ride horses on the beach. ...the choice is yours!

Cabins, Powered Sites, Tent Sites.

100 acres of bush and farm walks.

Natural swimming holes and camping equipment hire Marahau - Abel Tasman National Park P: 03 527 8288 E: info@oldmacs.co.nz www.oldmacs.co.nz 60

Nelson has a gentle sun-drenched climate and a spectacular landscape ranging from golden sand beaches to rugged, bush-clad mountains. Grapes are grown in Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains: production is small but quality is impressive overall including some superlative highlights.

The region is long renowned for crops and orchards, with vines having been cultivated from the time of the mid-1800s German settlers. Bragato commented in 1895 on Nelson’s impressive potential but it was the pioneering 1970s producers who established the modern wine industry – and names such as Seifried and Neudorf are still going strong.

Excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Aromatics are produced with Nelson also boasting an impressive and eclectic mix of other varieties.

Nelson has a vibrant artistic and café culture with many wineries offering the benefits of both at their cellar doors. The region’s compact size means visitors can get around most wineries in a day. o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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THE NATIONAL WOW®MUSEUM

The museum complex in Nelson houses two collections representing innovation in design; the world’s only World of WearableArt™ (WOW®) museum and a treasured classic car collection.

WOW®MUSEUM

Visit the WOW® Museum and get up close with the ‘best of the best’ from around the world.

Since 2001, visitors have been captivated by the award-winning garments exhibited from previous WOW® Awards Shows and the unique opportunity of seeing these extraordinary works of art up close.

CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION

A car used by presidents, the most expensive car ever made for its time and the world’s fastest mini are some of the treasures you’ll discover.

See 120 classic cars from the last 100 years and immerse yourself in the art of motoring.

Open every day from 10am – 5.00pm except Christmas Day, the Museum also includes the WOW® Café and Museum Shop.

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Images: National WOW® Museum, Nelson, NZ

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AU C K L A N D

KAIKOURA

The heart of Kaikoura Kaikoura is well known for its breathtaking scenery, coastline, marine-life, kayaking, biking and hiking experiences. In particular, Kaikoura’s famous residents which can be seen all year-round; sperm whales, humpback whales, orca, dolphins (dusky and hector dolphins), fur seals, albatross and other birdlife. You can experience this marine life from a boat, plane, helicopter or sea kayak.

Photo: Kaikoura Hiking

In November 2016 Kaikoura experienced an earthquake that had a big impact on the community, accessibility and the tourism industry. Six months on after the event the community is in good heart. Kaikoura has seen a flurry of visitors since Christmas which is heartening for the local community. From a business perspective there is now 91% of tourism activity/attractions open, 88% retail, café and hospitality outlets open and 83% of commercial accommodation providers are open. Whale Watch Kaikoura, Dolphin Encounter and Albatross Encounter trips are running 2-3 trips a day and expect to commence scheduled sailings again in the next two months. Operators and the Kaikoura i-SITE recommend visitors pre-book Whale Watch and Dolphin trips prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.

The raised seabed/rockpools with the mountain range and ocean as the backdrop to any photo makes Kaikoura a photographers’ paradise! Prior to the earthquake, all rocks were under water at high tide. The old high tide is the new low tide x 2. Any chalky white coloured rocks you see now get no water cover and any green algae/dark rock colour you see is where the new high tide is. The rockpools at Point Kean seal colony go for almost a kilometre at low tide. You can easily spend more than 1-2 hours down on the rocks walking around in awe taking photos.

Travellers will really enjoy being so close to the Pacific Ocean and observing rock-pools up close. Scientists, geologists, marine biologists, school groups and other educators will also enjoy the area. You can now walk around the Peninsula at high tide.

Something you could never do before.

Travelling to and from Kaikoura

Both SH1 south to Christchurch and Inland Route 70 roads between Kaikoura-Waiau-Hanmer Springs reopened on

Māori Tours

21 December. Currently there are still daylight travel only restrictions on SH1 south, however there is still 24/7 unrestricted travel on Inland Route 70.

Travelling from Picton to Christchurch via Murchison (SH63 and SH6), Lewis Pass (SH65), Hanmer Springs (SH7) and Culverden onto Christchurch (SH1) has traffic flowing between 90-100km.

The slowest part of the trip is between Picton-St Arnaud to Kawatiri Junction onto SH6. A number of previous 100km zones are now 80km zones with most road work areas 30kms. Once on SH6 and SH7 the traffic line stretches out and you can drive at your own pace. NZTA road signage is excellent.

TIP: Plan ahead for food stops. Springs Junction is pretty busy around 11.30am-1.00pm, however still okay to get food and

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A new state of the art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history.

OPEN DAILY 10AM – 4PM

Point Kean Seal Colony

refreshments. It’s easier for trucks to stop in Murchison and Springs Junction so if you wish to avoid truck traffic, you may like to consider other food stops at St Arnaud, Maruia Hot Springs & Cafe, Hanmer Springs, Culverden and if on Inland Route 70, Waiau.

Travelling to Kaikorua via the Inland Route 70 road is fine. There’s a number of 30km road work sections (maybe 8) where you have a few stop/go sections. Road crews like a friendly wave. It is important to drive slowly and to the speed limit where signage it is indicated.

P. 03 319 7440 Kaikoura Museum Visit our facebook page for news and updates

Swimming with and watching Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins!

Travelling to/from Kaikoura and Christchurch on SH1 south there is light traffic. You don’t notice any changes in the road until you get just before the Hundalee Hills where there’s a short detour before driving over the hills. Over the hills you see a couple of ‘waves’ in the road and notice the bendy road barriers. From the Hundalee Hills you drop down onto the SH1 coast road and as you make your way to Kaikoura there are numerous sets of 30km zone road work, hill strengthening sections, one-way traffic light stop/go sections and new walls being constructed.

Progress along State Highway 1 north of Kaikoura towards Clarence is going well. The past two months have focused primarily on helicopter sluicing (loosening of work). Road crews have now been sent in and repairs have begun. NZTA estimates SH1 will reopen by December 2017.

Enter the world of the dusky dolphin and experience the grace and beauty of the most acrobatic and interactive of all dolphin species.

Kaikoura is regarded as the best place in the world to see seabirds. Get up close to albatross and many other ocean-going bird species found close to shore.

THESE WORLD-CLASS TOURS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND. BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE !

Sensational food, divine coffee at our beachfront Café. Quality jewellery, clothing, art and much more in our Gift Shop and Gallery!

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, NZ. Phone (03) 319 6777 Freephone 0800 733 365

www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz 64

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Kaikoura Kayaks winter marine life encounters Winter is a great time to kayak with Kaikoura’s marine life as you are guaranteed to paddle with Fur Seals and have chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.

In Kaikoura, it’s no secret that the marine life outnumbers the humans so why not meet some of the locals of the ocean world.

Whether you want to paddle with marine life, go fishing, hire your own kayak or up skill your paddling through a kayak school – it’s all available to you at Kaikoura Kayaks.

Stay warm and dry in your enclosed stable double sea kayak with the Kokatat paddle jacket, spray skirt and wetsuit booty’s that they provide. Dry bags are also available for camera’s.

The Kayak Store is stocked with top of the range gear and equipment that includes spray decks, paddles, buoyancy vests, dry tops and much more.

For the nature lovers, the curious New Zealand Fur Seals, Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins are only a few paddle strokes away.

Kaikoura Kayak’s qualified local guides would love to introduce them to you around the Kaikoura Peninsula.

Kaikoura Kayak’s hassle free, half-day, eco friendly tours offer a safe, enjoyable and interactive experience with little effort and a whole lot of good fun - suitable for all ages and abilities, operating year round. Families most welcome.

Kaikoura’s Orginal Operator Est. 1998 For more information or to book, free phone 0800 452 456 or Book online www.kaikourakayaks.nz

New Zealand’s Ultimate Year Round Marine Experience

Freephone 0800 655 121

www.whalewatch.co.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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HANMER SPRINGS

Where relaxation begins…

Surrounded by mountains and forests with quaint boutiques and giant redwood trees, Hanmer Springs is unlike other small towns in New Zealand – it instantly relaxes you, but don’t be fooled, there is plenty to do in this pretty and quiet alpine village.

Hanmer Springs has long been a favourite holiday destination for South Islanders and it’s not surprising the village is now becoming a must-do on the itineraries of other visitors too, attracting more than half a million people every year.

It’s ideally situated for those travelling between the top of the South Island and Christchurch, has a great range of accommodation and eateries and activities for everyone – from adrenalin junkies to those wanting a little (or a lot of) indulgence.

This is also an ideal place to experience the snowcapped mountains that winter brings.

173 years of goodness

The jewel in the village’s crown is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Its famous, mineral-rich, thermal waters have been attracting people for centuries. Every drop is heated naturally in underground reservoirs by heat from the earth’s core – a process that takes 173 years. That means the water that comes out of the pools’ bores today fell as rain in 1844.

The multi-million dollar complex offers plenty of places to sit and soak in this goodness – there are even adults-only AquaTherapy Pools that massage away aches and pains.

There’s nothing like sitting snug in the water’s warmth on a cool winter day.

Where relaxation begins visithanmersprings.co.nz 66

But there’s another side to the complex too with a family-friendly area offering a place for everyone to let off some steam. It’s home to hydroslides, two large activity pools, a water playground (perfect for small children), and the South Island’s only aquatic-thrill ride – the SuperBowl – which is popular with children and those who are a child at heart!

New Zealand’s alpine spa village

The Spa (alongside the pools) is a multi-award winning mecca of quality treatments and represents a huge part of what Hanmer Springs is about.

This is New Zealand’s alpine spa village and, despite having less than a thousand residents, it has more than a dozen operators offering everything from holistic o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

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F��s��y��o��t�� ��a��, ��p��s�� ��f��e, f��s��f��d��n��m��e… treatments (like reiki and pascha therapy) to a full menu of spa services. The variety of massage available is enormous.

Together, the businesses deliver more than $2,000,000 worth of treatments every year – a sign that what is being offered is truly world class.

So much to do!

65A Main North Road, Woodend (Opposite the BP station) www. thre e l l a m a s co f f ee. c o m

You won’t be bored in Hanmer Springs – there is so much to do.

Those wanting a rush should check out the bungy jumping, jetboating, quad biking and rafting trips. There’s even clay bird shooting!

The forests around the village have a huge network of walking and biking tracks – the best place for information on which is suited to you is the iSITE visitor centre (next to the pools) and there are plenty of places to hire bikes from. Don’t miss the Conical Hill walk – it’s a relatively steep climb but the panoramic views from the top make for fantastic photos.

Families will be delighted to see the farm park, a maze, mini-golf and the village cruiser bikes (which even have baby seats).

Discover Three Llamas

Everything you need

On your way towards Christchurch from Hanmer and the Waipara Valley or vice versa why not indulge in a speciality coffee.

There is also a huge range of accommodation – from luxury lodges to campgrounds and holiday homes so you will have no problem finding a place to stay.

For a village, Hanmer Springs has a surprising number of eateries - from high-end restaurants to casual dining and takeaways.

There’s a small supermarket in the town, along with a hardware store and garage so if you’re after some necessities, you’ll find them here.

Hard to leave

Ask a local what the best thing about Hanmer Springs is and you’ll probably find they’ll say ‘being here’. That’s because with its fresh alpine air, mountains, forests and incredible views just being in Hanmer Springs feels good. The village has an incredibly laid-back atmosphere that is hard to describe – it is the ultimate place to relax and unwind.

You can go at your own pace here. There’s no rush, unless you want one! It is not a place for stress, it’s a place people come to escape. One of the best things about Hanmer Springs is its people. They’re warm, friendly and welcoming. So many came for a holiday, fell in love with the place and never left – perhaps you will too! www.visithanmersprings.co.nz o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

At Three Llamas Gourmet Coffee they are a little bit different. their coffee is proudly Peruvian. In fact their coffee only comes from a small mountainous region in Northern Perú, recognized for its exceptional and distinctive high quality coffee. You will see their coffee selection is so good it doesn’t need to be blended with coffees from other countries.

That’s right, they don’t do blends; no confusion, just the finest Arabica coffee from the best growing region in Perú.

You can come in and enjoy an excellent espresso, grab a bite to eat and buy your choice of freshly roasted specialty coffee beans from their wide selection on offer…..you may even be able to watch them when they are roasting!

Three Llamas Gourmet Coffee is situated on the Main North Road, Woodend and only 25 km from Christchurch.

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CHRISTCHURCH

AU C K L A N D

PHOTO: ChristchurchNZ.com

New look Christchurch By jo may

Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city that is ever-evolving. Discover amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene, and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels and functions.

New Zealand’s South Island city of Christchurch made world news over five years ago. Now out of devastation has risen a place making global headlines for all the right reasons.

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redevelopments in the world, attracting attention for creativity and innovation.

Christchurch, New Zealand’s oldest city, is now the country’s newest destination story.

The constantly-evolving urban landscape is a work in progress but Christchurch is described as having reached its reconstruction peak.

The life-changing earthquakes of the region has now made the Canterbury city become one of the most unique urban

Alongside new buildings like the transport centre and stylishly-restored Isaac Theatre Royal are refreshed open

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ARCADIA MOTEL Comfortable, spacious affordable accommodation

spaces and gap filler installations that show the edgy attitude of many future- focused locals.

Projects like the Transitional ‘cardboard’ Cathedral, creative street art, clever retail spaces and a raft of quality cafes and restaurants are creating a potent vibe in this once conservativeminded city.

While the inner city is abuzz with construction, many outlying areas are untouched by change and offer tranquil pursuits like punting on the Avon River through the Botanical Gardens, one of 740 parks in the city.

Significant heritage restoration projects provide a reminder of the city’s place in New Zealand’s history. Completed works include the Theatre Royal, New Regent Street – featuring 40 shops built in the Spanish Mission Revival style of the 1930s – ­ the rejuvenated Canterbury Museum, Victoria Street Precinct – a hub of night life and the Old Government Building Heritage Hotel – and The Tannery, a boutique shopping emporium beside Heathcote River in Woolston.

Ultra-modern, stylish buildings like the Ilex Visitors Centre & Café with sophisticated designs promoting sustainability and the latest technology are a highlight of the new look city. The Christchurch Art Gallery – one of the central city’s significant modern buildings. Work is currently underway on restoring Christchurch Arts Centre with various areas reopening as the work is complete.

ARCADIA MOTEL OFFERS YOU: • Spacious and tranquil park setting with ample parking • Units with full kitchens • Units with baths and showers

• Family sized units • Disabled access unit • Free internet available • Pet friendly motel

Loads of Campervan parking

FREEPHONE 0800 272 2342 564 Ferry Rd, Woolston, ChCh E: info@arcadiamotel.co.nz www.arcadiamotel.co.nz

The now famous Re:START mall, home to over 20 businesses operating out of brightly coloured shipping containers, sprang up in 2011 to re-start the city’s retail sector after the earthquake.

They now have been re-jigged to make way for the new permanent retail hub. . On north/south bypass. Airport 8min, city 15min

1. It's a little bit different If you are looking for a quirky and inspiring place, Christchurch will not disappoint. After recovering from the earthquakes, the city is being rebuilt from scratch. The new, emerging city is modern, greener and more creative than ever before. There are some #PocketsofAwesome waiting for you around every corner.

2. Art is splashed all over the walls Christchurch's art scene is buzzing and is not afraid to put a colourful statement all across the city. Find your way through an urban jungle of cool graffiti, clever sculptures and humorous installations. The grey days are definitely over, roll on bright future!

From the neighbour's garden and paddock directly to your plate: The city's restaurants and cafes pride itself of serving freshly made food. Lots of the products used in the kitchens are locally sourced and therefore high quality. Enjoy a glass of Waipara wine, Akaroa Salmon or a real fruit ice cream.

In Christchurch you are never too far away from the alps or the ocean. Skiing and surfing in one day? Not a problem at all! If you prefer hiking or biking instead, you don't have far to go either: The Port Hills are only a short drive from the inner city and are a great outdoor playground for young and old.

5. There are plenty of events for all to enjoy!

Every year in January the streets of Christchurch resemble one big stage. Buskers from all over the world perform for an audience of thousands. From stand-up comedians to acrobats - Christchurch has it all. The World Buskers Festival is only one of the numerous events going on throughout the year: Shakespeare in the Park, the Festival of Transitional Architecture or the International Film Festival are other highlights.

. Plus standalone, 3 bedroom, fully equipped townhouse with dishwasher, full size fridge/ freezer, own laundry, 2 toilets (sleeps 8).

Set in large park like grounds . FREE wireless internet . LCD TVs with Sky Guest Select 50 + channels . Adjacent to Groynes reserve with walkways, picnic areas etc, Rosebank Café and Function Centre . Close to Peppers Clearwater Golf Resort, Orana Park, Willowbank & Antarctic Centre . Guest BBQ, children’s playground, trampoline, Petanque . Winner of 2015 Community Pride Garden Award

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3. If you love fresh food and produce, Christchurch is the place for you.

4. Can’t decide between the beach or the mountains? Why not both!

. 13 sunny ground floor studio and 1 brm units

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Why Christchurch needs to make your bucket list.

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170 Johns Road, Christchurch P: 03 323 8224 / Reservations: 0800 468 444 E: chardonnay@xtra.co.nz

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C H R I S T C HU R C H

A must do in Christchurch!

The closest you’ll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!

Experience the wonder and magic of Antarctica without leaving Christchurch, at one of New Zealand’s best, award winning tourist attractions - the International Antarctic Centre.

• Experience real snow and ice then, brace yourself as wind chill plummets the temperature to -18C in an indoor Antarctic Storm • Encounter rescued Little Blue Penguins • Hear stories and legacies of the great Antarctic explorers • Spend time in the gallery, learn about climate, wildlife, glaciers, and all things Antarctic • Climb aboard for a ride in our amazing all terrain Antarctic vehicles – the Hagglund • Go on an Antarctic voyage of discovery in our 4D theatre – a multisensory experience not to be missed!

Hours of fun for all ages, this is the closest you’ll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!

Open daily from 9am Free Penguin Express Shuttle from Christchurch city. Several departures daily from Canterbury Museum.

Book now at iceberg.co.nz

Hägglund rides Little Blue Penguins 4D movies Antarctic storm experience and much more...

Free transport from CBD

10% OFF

General Admission Valid until 31 Oct 2017 on adults & child’s passes only.

Mention this advert, limit two per booking.

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AU C K L A N D

AKAROA

A HIDDEN GEM By jo may

Banks Peninsula is made up of two extinct volcanoes and the coves and bays offer variety and adventure. Akaroa, a charming French inspired village is well known as a romantic getaway or family break.

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A K A R OA /B A NK S P E N I N S U L A

Akaroa village itself is a wonderful mix of French culture and New Zealand heritage, dotted with charming old cottages and villas, little galleries and gift shops and lovely cafes, bars and restaurants.

Akaroa has an enormous range of activities which makes it an ideal multi-day destination. If you’re keen to meet our marine and wildlife, then a 4WD guided tour out to Flea Bay is a must – here you’ll be greeted by hundreds of little blue penguins who call this place ‘home’. Akaroa harbour is also a haven to Hectors dolphins, New Zealand’s rarest and smallest marine dolphins.

You can watch them or swim with them with Black Cat Cruises or perhaps kayak alongside them with a kayak company.

There are cruises, sail boats, cycle tours, mail runs and an excellent range of walking tracks catering to all levels of fitness and ability. Follow the fantails, wood pigeons and bell birds around the hill tracks surrounding the town or simply meander the streets and avenues and enjoy the sense of pride and history.

By now you’ll have worked up an appetite – and Akaroa is the perfect place to be hungry! The peninsula is a food bowl – boasting some of New Zealand’s finest produce. New Zealand’s best olive oils, Takamatua smoked salmon, Canterbury lamb, Barrys Bay Cheeses, French Farm wine and seafood plucked from the water in the morning and on your plate by dinner time!

Barrys Bay Cheese comes from the fertile pastures of Banks Peninsula, sourced from local milk from grass fed cows to make

handcrafted cheese fresh each day. Cafes and restaurants cater to all tastes and they focus on French cuisine.

Historical Akaroa

Akaroa is one of New Zealand’s first European settlements. With many fine examples of early architecture, including a part of the Akaroa Museum where displays and a short film help with understanding Akaroa’s past- Māori History, French Settlement, British Sovereignty Akaroa is recognised as an exceptionally well preserved example of an early colonial village.

In 1838 a French whaler, Captain Langlois, decided that Akaroa was an ideal location for a town that could service the whaling ships. He subsequently acquired the peninsula in a dubious land deal with the local Māori. He then returned to France and arranged for a group of French and German families to sail to New Zealand, with the intention of forming a French colony.

However, by the time Langlois and his colonists arrived at Banks Peninsula in August 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi had already been signed (the signatories including two Akaroa chiefs) and New Zealand's first Governor, Hobson, had declared sovereignty over the whole of New Zealand.

In spite of this unexpected turn of events, the French settlers decided to stay on. Akaroa's French street names and charming colonial cottages are their legacy.

Akaroa: Home of the Original Blue Pearl

Blue Pearl Gallery Akaroa Harbour Wharf, Akaroa 7520 P: 03 304 7262 E: pearls@nzbluepearls.co.nz www.nzbluepearls.co.nz Blue Pearl Gallery

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A K A R OA /B A NK S P E N I N S U L A

SILOSTAY SERVICED APARTMENTS

Converted from humble grain silo to innovative, stylish, enviro friendly accommodation. Within your self-contained luxuriously comfortable silo the aim is to provide a welcoming & embracing experience to nourish mind, body & spirit.

A unique experience, the only accommodation of its kind in the world!

Cutting edge, bespoke design, the industrial theme of the downstairs kitchen surrenders to a sumptuous 1st floor bedroom & balcony, ascending a sculptural steel staircase.

Explore Banks Peninsula-secluded bays, stolen vistas, abundant wildlife, gourmet treats.

4+ Stars.

Little River

The gateway to Banks Peninsula is the quaint town of Little River. Little River is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Akaroa and 45 minutes’ drive from Christchurch.

It is on State Highway 75, which links Christchurch and Akaroa. Little River is a great place to visit for walks and mountain biking, and is a very popular stop over for its cafe and art gallery.

The town is the end (or the start) of the easy 50km Little River Cycle Trail. The Christchurch to Little River Rail Trail mostly follows the route of a 19th century railway line between Hornby and Little River, and passes through Prebbleton, Lincoln, Motukarara and Birdlings Flat.

The Art gallery at Little River is simply unique and a ‘must see’. The gallery is intriguing and hosts New Zealand art, painting, jewellery, sculpture and exquisite giftware. www.littlerivergallery.com For something uniquely different and perhaps the only accommodation of its kind in the world is SiloStay in Little River. Converted from a humble grain silo this innovative, stylish and enviro friendly type of accommodation will prove to be out of this world.

SH 75, Little River, Canterbury P: (03) 325 1977 E: info@silostay.kiwi.nz

www.silostay.kiwi.nz Enjoy a Unique Experience with SiloStay

Eyris Blue Pearls

Discover Eyris Blue Pearls® which are exclusive to the shores of New Zealand and originate from NZ abalone (also known as Paua or Haliotis Iris), which is only found in the cool clear waters along the coastline. The pearls are cultured in the Akaroa Harbour and the talented jewellers at the Blue Pearl Gallery, on the Main Wharf in Akaroa, will create a beautiful piece of Blue Pearl jewellery right in front of you Portraying the true essence of individuality, their brand Eyris was chosen to reflect the link between the natural beauty of the human eye and the unique beauty of each blue pearl.

The story behind the creation of one of nature’s most stunning gems is as remarkable as each individual blue pearl itself. It’s the story of dedication and research and development to create a gem that is truly distinctive, truly one of a kind. It’s the story of New Zealander Roger Beattie, who, in 1989, established the first ocean based blue pearl farm at Whangamoe Inlet on New Zealand’s Chatham Islands.

The humble paua, New Zealand’s own abalone Haliotis iris has given us the blue pearl.

Paua are only found in the cool water areas close to the New Zealand coastline and it is these creatures which possess the greatest range of colour and iridescence of any abalone shell. Blue pearls capture the essence of New Zealand, a vibrant, fresh, young country; a country with a feeling of adventure and organic beauty. The colours of blue pearls are the colours of New Zealand.

Eyris Pearls - the original blue pearls. Available throughout New Zealand – see www.bluepearls.com for stockists. o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

Dream a little. Shoot for the stars and while away a moment in the luxurious comfort of your own Silo.

Innovative design, enviropeopled, cocooned and stimulating. Pamper yourself, or even better, be pampered by another, or even better, pamper each other.

Realign your lei lines with the aid of Silos curved walls, with its queen bed directly beneath the glass star gazing peak ring.

Situated to nurture and stimulate your time on the Peninsula, your Silo is the ideal base to explore the wonders of Banks Peninsula.

Visit secluded outer Eastern and Southern Bays defined by solitude, wonder & witty wildlife. Take brunch in Akaroa before climbing to the crater rim and descending into Okains, Le Bons, Pigeon Bay, to explore and relax, often only surrounded by you, yourself and nobody else. Nirvana, SiloStay. www.silostay.kiwi.nz

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MACKENZIE/AORAKI

MACKENZIE AORAKI

THE MAJESTIC LANDSCAPE

Nestled in the Southern Alps, the Mackenzie/Aoraki region is a magical part of the world.

MacKenzie Aoraki is a gold-rated dark sky reserve, in recognition of the quality of the almost light-pollution-free skies of the Mackenzie Basin. The Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand, and includes Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and the villages of Lake Tekapo, Twizel and Mt Cook.

The 4300sq km area is bounded by a spectacular alpine landscape with the Southern Alps in the west, and the Two Thumb Range in the east.

Lake Tekapo is the site of New Zealand’s premier scientific astronomy observatory, Mt John Observatory. The observatory site was chosen in 1963 for the clarity of darkness of the night sky after three years of site testing.

Mt John is operated by the University of Canterbury and the onsite team includes astronomers from Japan’s Nagoya University.

The USA and Germany have also invested in Mt John facilities.

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There are now personalised day and night sky tours, educational and public outreach programmes.

Tekapo’s Earth and Sky Ltd, which works closely with the University of Canterbury and Mt John, runs several day and night tours at the observatory. Experienced guides take visitors through an introduction and exploration of the night sky via hands-on experience of telescopes, astro-photography and the summit-top cafe. www.earthandsky.co.nz Remarkable Aoraki Mount Cook

Mt John Observatory

Astro-tourism in the Mackenzie Basin

The strength of the ongoing scientific research programme and the growth of astro-tourism in the region were prime motivators in the proposal to establish a dark sky reserve in the Mackenzie Basin.

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, with a height of 3,754 metres. At the foot of the mountain sits the village of Mount Cook - a comfortable haven in one of the most unforgiving parts of New Zealand. On every side, the Southern Alps scrape the sky.

You don’t have to be a mountaineer to interact with the stunning scenery; there are various alpine walks beginning near the village, all about three hours return. Flightseeing, tours to the Tasman Glacier and stargazing are other ways to optimise your time here.

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M ac k e n zie Ao ra k i LAKE TEKAPO

Spectacular Air Safaris

To view the beauty and scale of the Aoraki Mount Cook there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. Air Safaris has been flying aircraft in and around the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. Air Safaris has grown from a single aircraft operation and now flies 9 aircraft and is one of New Zealand’s largest scenic flight airlines.

Experience breathtaking alpine scenery on an exciting scenic flight with Air Safaris from their base at Lake Tekapo on the main highway between Christchurch and Queenstown – a must do South Island attraction. The Grand Traverse flight from Lake Tekapo is their most popular air tour and covers a diverse range of alpine scenery.

Air Safaris main base and airport facility (since 1975) is located alongside the main highway 4km west of the Lake Tekapo township. Their airport has plenty of free parking, toilets, WiFi, coffee and has a great area for non fliers to sit and enjoy the view. A sales and information office is situated centrally within the small township.

The Grand Traverse scenic flight operates year round (except Christmas day) from Lake Tekapo with departures every hour (weather permitting).

EARTH & SKY O B S E R VAT O R Y

TOURS

”Window to the Universe”

EARTH AND SKY OBSERVATORIES HOME OF THE AORAKI-MACKENZIE INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE CAFÉ AND DAY TOURS

Drive or hike to the summit of Mt John. Enjoy your coffee with spectacular views at the Astro Cafe. Imagine viewing day-time stars, then visiting NZ’s largest telescope!

MT JOHN TWILIGHT AND NIGHT TOURS

Join us for our famous Observatory Tour. We provide transport, equipment and guidance. Navigate your way around the Southern Sky using powerful lasers, while telescopes unlock familiar planets through to rich star clusters.

BOOKING IS ADVISED

Experience a flight of a lifetime with Air Safaris.

For more details call 03 680 6960 or email: info@earthandsky co.nz www.earthandsky.co.nz

www.airsafaris.co.nz

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wi n e n els o n

imagine yourself here... and your cares a million miles away private pools massage & beauty treatments main pools

Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier glacierhotpools.co.nz 0800 044 044

AU C K L A N D

WEST COAST

CRUISING ON the COAST WITH THE MOST

BY CHRIS BIRT

Buller Gorge Highway

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W E S T C OA S T

It’s a region with a long-history of serving up culinary delights and designer beverages.

Whether it’s the fluffy home-grown whitebait fritters or the special brand of ales not only crafted, but consumed over decades in these parts, the West Coast is internationally known for serving up unique fare, delivered by some of the most hospitable folk on the planet.

But now there is something else on the plate - touring routes designed to not only tantalise and titillate the taste buds, but to deliver on travellers’ passion for new experiences and adventures.

With these new offerings planning a visit to this untamed natural wilderness region of Aotearoa New Zealand has never been easier.

Whether going south directly from Picton - the jump-off point from the Cook Strait ferries - to Blenheim and then swinging westward, or travelling over the Top of the South through the Nelson-Tasman district, these alternatives to the traditional drive down the eastern coastline set a course for entry into an untouched natural world seen by comparatively few, even in this day and age.

And there’s no better time of year to enjoy the thin strip of land that makes up The Coast, as those who dwell there affectionately label it.

There are multiple reasons for planning a winter excursion. The weather in these parts, while sometimes brisk before dawn, has warmth of its own, the crowds have thinned and there are plenty of good deals to be done with local operators. But as always it’s essential to allow more than a few days in order to get the most from The Coast.

Travelling either of the alternative touring routes from Picton offers a diversity of landscape, often running alongside raging waters as they slam into sheer rock faces carved and crafted over millennia.

Alongside these raging torrents rests the township of Murchison, base for a number of tourism operations established to harness and showcase nature in its rawest form.

Spanning the Buller River gorge is New Zealand’s longest swing bridge - at 122 metres it’s enough to get most hearts pounding. This structure provides a feet-down view of the power of one of the South Island’s most impressive uncontrolled waterways and access to a variety of stunning walks.

The Buller Canyon Jet passes under this long span of cable and timber decking as it races up and down the river en route to 400,000 year old rock formations, a miner’s diversion tunnel and a series of rapids, all of which have their own story.

2 Hr Quad Adventure Buggy Adventure Driver (16 yrs+) $160 Passenger (8 yrs+) $70

Passenger $70 SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN 3 YEARS AND OVER

While surging rapids are at the heart of this tour - V8 engines produce 85 kilometres an hour action in just 10 centimetres of water at times - there’s plenty of time for capturing the experience in digital form, with picturesque waterfalls, stunning native beech forest and a chance to view monster trout all part of the exhilarating deal.

Murchison also provides another uniquely West Coast experience, a one-of-a-kind tour that has no parallel in New Zealand. It’s the Natural Flames Experience, operated in the Blackwater Valley just north of the town.

PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT OUR COMBOS

A visit to a local deer farm sets the scene for a leisurely walk through bush-clad hills and then they are there, in a rocky amphitheatre - gently burning but stunningly hot flames.

The only quad bike ride in New Zealand with outstanding glacial views and the thrill of riding through West Coast rainforest, riverbeds, and glorious mud.

2-seater fully automatic quad bikes.

No experience needed. Wet weather gear and helmets included.

Needless to say, where there are flames there are pancakes, and maple syrup - and billy tea. What better use for heat of a kind that literally bursts from the ground, burning incessantly. But a word of warning, there’s a cheeky bush robin in residence with a healthy appetite for great pancakes.

We offer Helicopter, Plane and Skydive deals!

Main Road, State Highway 6, Franz Josef West Coast P: 0800 234 288

www.acrosscountryquadbikes.co.nz 78

From Murchison it’s an easy run through to the coastal settlement of Westport. On a site once occupied by Maori hunting for prized pounamu, or greenstone, which they traded with other tribes, this town was established by goldminers in 1861. Today it is a great base for expeditions and adventures centred on the untouched natural wilderness areas to both the north-west and south. o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

W E S T C OA S T

Spending a few days in and around Karamea, with a diverse range of activities and attractions, comes highly recommended. With a population of just over 400, this delightful little settlement is the first sign of civilisation trampers encounter when emerging from the multi-day Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park.

The Karamea information and resources centre is a great starting point for the inside word on the diverse range of fishing, kayaking and caving opportunities, and can put travellers on the right path to the famed Oparara Basin, host to one of the most stunning limestone formations in the world.

Heading back down country, the even smaller settlement of Granity offers a windowlook at the mining industry on which the West Coast was founded, from an early settlers’ perspective. The Charming Creek walkway on the Ngakawau River is littered with relics of a long-gone era, fascinating on one hand and providing an insight into how the West was won on the other.

Exciting Buller Canyon Jet experience!

Alternative driving routes through to the Northern West Coast

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W E S T C OA S T

Nearby the Denniston Plateau is a must-see attraction. Sitting at 600 metres, it provides dramatic views of the coastline and the steepest incline constructed at any mine in New Zealand, with original coal wagons poised at its very edge. It’s a chance to get down and get dirty, literally, during a real-life mining experience on offer to visitors.

H E R I TAG E PA R K  WEST COAST  NEW ZEALAND

No stopover in Westport is complete without a visit to the Tauranga Bay seal colony, just a hop, skip and jump away, and to the Cape Foulwind walkway, with time out at the lighthouse that warned ancient mariners of the dangers presented by the peninsula’s stunning vertical cliffs. State Highway 67A leads to one of New Zealand’s largest mainland marine mammal reserves, with seals in their droves resident year round. But beware the big bulls in the mating season.

Step back in time and discover a

recreated gold rush village. Over 30 shops and buildings to explore plus Steam Train ride, Sluice demonstrations, Gold panning tutorials and old time photographs. Lots of family fun!

Onsite café and licenced bar, postal services and free wifi.

Rutherglen Road, Paroa (10km South of Greymouth).

Open 7 days 8.30am - 5.00pm.

Phone 03 762 6634 shantytown.co.nz

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The Coaltown Museum in Westport is another must for those interested in history and heritage. The exhibits demonstrate the intricacies of just how this black gold was extracted from the hills and valleys of the West Coast and there’s a lot to be learned here. While many have heard that canaries were used to detect gas deep in the underground mines, few would have heard that if these feathered lifesavers succumbed, they were resuscitated and put to work again … and again.

Named after an early settler, Carter’s Beach just out of Westport is another delightful settlement, with stunning coastal views in both directions. It hosts one of the few sandy beaches suitable for swimming along the entire thin ribbon of green and blue that runs from Karamea to Haast, but a winter dip certainly requires adequate layers of protection.

State Highway 6 carries travellers down the coastline - and features two of the best-known and most visited natural attractions in the region, Charlestown and Punakaiki.

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W E S T C OA S T

From Charlestown, Norwest Underworld Adventures offers tours into the Nile Valley, home of a series of very spectacular subterranean caverns. Whether it’s a passive train ride through lush rainforest, an insight into the life of a glow worm, or cave rafting and adventure caving outings, there’s something for everyone in this location.

Outwest Tours is also based in Charleston and offers unique tours in four-wheel-drive vehicles designed to get into the wild heart of the hinterland, taking travellers off the beaten track to enjoy spectacular landscapes, historic mining trails, a cave used by early Maori and a host of other spectacular sights. Charleston is not to be overlooked when planning any West Coast visit.

Just south, at Punakaiki, the pancake rocks are one of New Zealand’s most photographed formations, with powerful wave surges sending columns of water high into the air through sculptured blow holes.

High tide provides the best images, but any time is a great time to marvel at the power of nature at Punakaiki. An overnight stay in this location, often producing stunning twilight scenes, rarely leaves travellers disappointed.

Greymouth Beach

The West Coast’s biggest town, Greymouth, lies further to the south and is easily accessed on the highway that, for the most part, hugs the coastline, providing picture postcard scenes at every turn. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about this region’s past history and to experience the trials and tribulations of those who sought to tame an inhospitable land in their incessant quest for its valuable resources.

ION MENT T TIME Y AD A THIS KING AN O O O T OF B E ROOM T E PRIVA E A FRE V L I RECE INENTA T CON AKFAST BRE Immerse yourself in the spectacular view of mountains and bush scenery of New Zealand’s west coast. Rainforest Retreat offers a unique getaway with options suited to various budgets and needs of the world weary traveller.

Centrally located in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier township on the west coast of NZ’s South Island.

Nestled in six acres of native bush and surrounded by lush punga groves, Rainforest Retreat offers a wide range of accommodation – all built to embrace the natural environment.

Whatever the season, explore New Zealand’s glaciers while staying at Rainforest Retreat. It’s not just accommodation … it’s an experience!

46 Cron Street, Franz Josef, West Coast /

Freecall 0800 873 346 /

Phone: +64 3 752 0220 /

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www.rainforestretreat.co.nz

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W E S T C OA S T

From Greymouth, travel can be to the east or south. Board the TransAlpine for a leisurely jaunt through stunning alpine passes on one of the world’s great train journeys, to Christchurch on the eastern seaboard.

Or follow State Highway 6 as it passes through more historic towns and settlements to Glacier Country and the Gates of Haast, en route to Wanaka and Queenstown.

One thing is irrefutable about the West Coast - there is always a lot more to explore.

Untamed natural wilderness is what Mother Nature created and it’s almost a duty to delve into the hidden secrets of this stunning region at a leisurely pace.

Take a lead from the region’s 32,000 residents - because nothing is done at any great pace on the West Coast of the Southern Alps. www.westcoast.co.nz

Punakaiki

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ALL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED A RANGE OF TRIPS AVAILABLE HELI HIKE OPTIONS The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. Join us and share the experience of a lifetime. We give you the opportunity to explore the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability.

FREEPHONE 0800 GUIDES www.franzjosefglacier.com

lake wanaka

Cardrona Ski Field

the ultimate winter base By jo may

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Pure mountain air, crisp sunny days and breathtaking vistas.

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps and boasting Australasia's largest skiable terrain, Lake Wanaka offers you the freedom to enjoy the best skiing in New Zealand at three diverse ski fields.

Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm are all located within a 40-minute drive from the town centre, giving you access to the some of the finest and most scenic skiing in New Zealand.

With wide open ski trails, challenging steeps, extensive terrain parks, pipes‚ powder stashes, spectacular views and over 50km's of cross country trails.

For those looking for a unique mountain experience you can stay on snow at Cardrona or a backcountry hut at Snow Farm and enjoy a sunrise over the magnificent Southern Alps.

The mountains also host a number of world-class events during the winter, attracting top athletes from around the world. These include the Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ, an elite international event encompassing all facets of winter sports and acting as a pre-qualifier for the Winter Olympics, the Merino Muster - New Zealand's event on the World Loppet x-country ski race tour

Meadow Hut - Snow Farm

and the most recent addition to the events calendar the Jossi Wells Invitational. The 2nd annual Jossi Wells Invitational Big Air at Cardrona Alpine Resort promises to be a highlight of the 2017 winter season. Taking place on the Monster Big Air jump, expect to see the most progressive skiing & boarding, with all the latest tricks thrown down.

If the snow is not for you but you want some adventure all the same then why not try a tandem skydive with Skydive Wanaka and freefall above some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.

LF TO A

L U F I T U A BE R E G N A R T S STRAP YOURSE

Wanaka Heights offers guests friendly, affordable, comfortable accommodation with amazing lake and mountain views.

Situated on a high rise overlooking Wanaka township, our motel is a 5-minute walk to the lake front, restaurants, bars, cinema and retail shops.

0800 786 877 skydivewanaka.com

Our accommodation has stunning alpine views to Lake Wanaka and the mountains, each with their own balcony or patio. We have studio and family motel units each with kitchen facilities, ensuite bathrooms, wireless internet access & flat-screen SKY TVs. Continental breakfast available. Outdoor seating area with barbecue facilities plus off-street parking.

BOOK ONLINE TO RECEIVE $30 OFF CAMERA WORK!

FREE WIFI

Conditions apply*

PROMO CODE: sail&save

Reservations toll free 0800194452 E: info@wanakaheightsmotel.co.nz

www.wanakaheightsmotel.co.nz

FREE TRANSPORT FROM QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA

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*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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L a k e Wa n a k a

For those looking for off-piste activities, there are excellent restaurants and cafes, wineries, breweries and an artisan distillery - Lake Wanaka offers more choice than you’d expect from a town this size.

Join a guided wine tour and sample some of New Zealand's finest wines from the cellar door or make a visit to the Lake Wanaka Farmers Market where you will find everything from locally made pastries and cakes, to award-winning breads, mulled wine, and more.

Accommodation:

Wanaka Heights Motel offers guests friendly, affordable, comfortable accommodation with amazing lake and mountain views. They are situated on a high rise overlooking Wanaka township, a 5-minute walk to the lake front, restaurants and bars.

The Wanaka Hotel also offers great value and only a minute’s walk to the Lake and town centre.

Enjoy a relaxing drink on your deck while soaking up the lake and mountain views.

SPECTACULAR LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS ONLY 1 MINUTE WALK TO LAKE AND TOWN CENTRE GUEST KITCHEN, LAUNDRY & FREE WIFI ONSITE CAFE, BAR AND RESTAURANTS

71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

P: 0800 473 288

EVENTS THIS winter June 10 Cardrona opens June 22 Treble Cone opens June 30 to July 4 NZ Mountain Film Festival July 7 to 9 The Mountain Book Festival 25 Aug to 10 Sept Audi Quattro Winter Games 12- 14 Sept Jossi Wells Invitational

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C H R I S T C HU R C H

WINTER WONDERLAND By jo may

Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic, snowcapped mountains ready for winter activities, Queenstown is the perfect winter holiday destination.

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QUEENSTOWN

WELCOME TO THE

q u ee n s t o w n

Queenstown Winter Festival

Whether you have an appetite for adventure, mountains and fresh air or are more at home enjoying a delicious meal, fine wine and a roaring fire, get away from the everyday and escape to Queenstown.

The cosmopolitan town has a welcoming, vibrant energy that resonates across the resort to make Queenstown a unique holiday destination. Big enough to offer a wide range of accommodation, activities, ski fields, events, eateries and bars - yet small enough to make you feel like you belong.

Every year from early June onwards, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting snow sports enthusiasts from around the world with its incredible lake and alpine scenery, crisp blue-sky days, easy access to some of New Zealand's finest ski and snowboard terrain and vibrant après ski scene.

TM

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY Enquire today about our latest Family offer.

BOOK NOW P: 0800 SHOTOVER E: reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz

SHOTOVERJET.COM

The region’s four ski fields, all within a handy 25 to 90-minute drive of Queenstown, are scheduled to open from mid-June and offer a range of terrain for all levels whether you’re keen to conquer the basics, enjoy groomed runs, tackle off-piste, throw down some freestyle tricks or experience the thrill of night skiing. With the first snowfalls, you can feel the buzz in town as skiers and snowboarders gear up for a season of fun.

Visit Queenstown at the start of the ski season and experience the electric atmosphere of the town’s annual Queenstown Winter Festival (22 – 25 June 2017). Winter Festival has grown into the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration and is a true showcase of Queenstown's unique culture and community, with street parades, fireworks, entertainment, live music, comedy, loads of family fun, and plenty of mountain mayhem, and loved by locals and visitors alike.

However the Queenstown Winter Festival is just the start when it comes to Queenstown’s winter event calendar – there’s loads to do both on and off mountain throughout the season!

The NZ Mountain film festival (6-8 July) is held in Queenstown and is a collection of the world's best adventure films and speakers with amazing atmosphere and inspiring films.

If the thrill of mountain climbing is what you are after The Remarkables Ice & Mixed Festival (17 – 20 August) brings together winter alpine climbers from around New Zealand and overseas to advance and promote modern mixed and ice climbing.

The fifth biennial Audi quattro Winter Games NZ return to the region this 25 August – 10 September 2017 where Winter Olympic, Paralympic and X Games Winter stars head to New Zealand’s Southern Alps for the first major championships of the season.

The Games are one of the world’s top five winter sports competitions, with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, sporting action and festival fun – and it’s all free to watch!

Gay Ski Week QT (2-9 September) adds its own glitz and glamour when hundreds of revellers come from around the world to Queenstown for the Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay alpine celebration.

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q u ee n s t o w n

Queenstown is famous for its year-round high-octane thrills so if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or want to push your boundaries, there’s activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, zip trekking, paragliding, dirt biking, supercar or four-wheel-driving - all guaranteed to get your blood pumping!

If a relaxed, leisurely experience is what you’re after, Queenstown has some great ways to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries.

Wrap up warmly and explore the region’s spectacular scenery by foot or by bike on one of its many trails. The Queenstown Trail provides 110km of walking and cycling trails which link popular scenic spots. Scenic walks from downtown Queenstown range from a leisurely stroll around the beautiful lakeside gardens to hiking up Queenstown Hill for magnificent 360 degree vistas.

Queenstown is also an internationally renowned golf hub. With six golf courses, three of international standing, within a 25-minute drive of the town centre, they offer everything from family friendly 9-hole courses to immaculately-groomed fairways with snow-capped mountain backdrops so stunning that it’s hard to keep your eye on the ball.

Central Otago produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world thanks to the region’s combination of shale soil and sharply defined seasons. And with around 200 vineyards within 1½ hours’ drive of Queenstown, wine tours are a great way to explore the area and get an insight into its epicurean culture and world-renowned wines.

When it comes to eating out, Queenstown’s innovative and award-winning cafés and restaurants offer cuisine to suit every palate. Along with nearby Arrowtown, Queenstown is home to more than 150 eateries ranging from fine dining to fun dining. Stylish bars, sophisticated clubs, Kiwi pubs and late night hot spots also make Queenstown’s après ski atmosphere second to none.

For the ultimate in relaxation, especially after a day on the slopes, enjoy some ‘me time’ at one of Queenstown’s luxury day spas. A full range of treatments are on offer and it’s the perfect way to revitalize mind, body and soul. Or, there are many ways to stretch and recover those tested legs, from languid yoga to Pilates, or even a multiday retreat designed to help you reconnect with yourself.

Queenstown offers a wide range of accommodation from budget to five-star, with international chains of hotels and motels alongside backpacker properties, B&Bs, and luxury lodges. Whether you choose to stay within walking distance of town or venture further out, you’ll find friendly hosts and spectacular views.

A short 20-minute drive from Queenstown is the beautiful old gold mining village of Arrowtown and this is a trip worth its weight in gold. In 1862 the cry of “gold” brought thousands of miners to the Arrow River. Through careful preservation, the legacy of the early settlers has been retained over time and created a fascinating, picturesque town where the past and present seamlessly blend. Arrowtown is now a treasure in its own right with quaint tree-lined streets, old miners’ cottages, a restored Chinese Village and the Lakes District Museum which is the focal point for the rich history of the town and surrounding areas.

To experience a true slice of paradise head west to Glenorchy, a spectacular 45-minute drive from Queenstown at the top of Lake Wakatipu. Bordered by the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, this tiny hamlet is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most epic scenery.

Connect with real New Zealand An awe inspiring journey into the Te Wai Pounamu World Heritage Area.

BOOK NOW! 0800 327 853 www.dartriver.co.nz

Glenorchy offers several café options with a hearty southern meal and accommodation options to suit everyone. There’s also a visitor centre, garage and general store as well as its famous possum fur products and New Zealand-made designer garments and gifts. It’s a great place to get back to nature and enjoy tandem hang gliding, wilderness jet boating, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, and is starting point for many multi-day hikes.

For more inspiration and information on flights, activities and accommodation visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz

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Treble Cone Ski Field

Q U E E N S TO W N

Finz is the place to enjoy superb seafood and NZ’s finest meat produce in a warm and casual bistro style atmosphere, with excellent service and spectacular views. Enjoy casual relaxed waterfront dining whilst treating yourself to a seafood platter, a hearty steak or enjoy classic Kiwi fish and chips.

For reservations telephone +64 3 442 7405 or email: eat@finzdownunder.co.nz Open 7 days from 5 pm until late

Ground Floor, Steamer Wharf Beach Street, Queenstown P: +64 3 442 7405 E: eat@finzdownunder.co.nz

www.finzdownunder.co.nz

Top Five Things to do in Queenstown in winter

Explore four ski fields —Find your ski legs. Coronet Peak ski area caters for all levels, and is only 20 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown. The Remarkables access road has been sealed to the 9.5km mark and added 150 new car parks, and don’t forget the new, state of the art base building that opened in 2015. Cardrona Ski Resort is only one hour from central Queenstown, and offers wide open terrain for all levels and a new ski lift the ‘Chondola’ opening 2017, ideal for young ones and leaners with its enclosed gondola cabins, as well as the traditional chair lift. Treble Cone is the South Island’s biggest ski area and a favourite for advanced skiers and snowboarders with the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, two large basins, great off-piste terrain and stunning views.

Queenstown Winter Festival, June —The Queenstown Winter Festival is on every June, and this year’s festival is an exciting new four day format, kicking off 22 June until 25 June. Queenstown Winter Festival has grown into the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of winter and is a true showcase of Queenstown's love for the season, with street parades, fireworks, entertainment, live music, comedy, loads of family fun, and plenty of mountain mayhem, and loved by locals and visitors alike.

Wine + Food—With more than 150 eateries in Queenstown and its surrounding, foodies of all persuasions will find a meal to satisfy their hunger after a day on the slopes—and a fine local wine to match in cosy après ski surrounds. Or explore our award-winning wineries, paired with locally sourced produce for a true reward.

Rest and relaxation — With all this skiing and snowboarding, a relaxing activity may be in order. Visit the some hot pools, or get a massage at one of Queenstown’s many day spas. Still got that chilled out vibe? Queenstown has many wineries so head out to Gibbston, where there are excellent cellar door and restaurant offerings, or do a wine tasting tour in the afternoon.

COALFIRE BARBECUE BAR offers cooking inspired by pit masters and kitchens from around the globe. Dishes that carry that distinctive smoky flavour that comes from long slow hours over hot coals. Add in a damn fine selection of craft beer, cocktails and delicious tipples to boot and you have “Flavour by Fire”. Serving food and beverages from 8am till late.

17 Ballarat St, The Mall, Queenstown E: eat@coalfire.co.nz

P: 03 442 8439 90

Adventure — Look no further than Queenstown for a true adrenaline rush. From bungy jumping to skydiving, parasailing and even jet boarding, you’ll have no trouble filling your days with adventure. Many of Queenstown’s iconic adventure activities are available during the winter months, check with operators directing.

Ski area lowdown

Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s closest ski area and is a 20 minute drive from downtown. World-class facilities, superb conditions and spectacular rollercoaster terrain make Coronet Peak an exciting destination for snow lovers of any ability.

Experience magnificent views, a stunning base building, fantastic on-mountain facilities, state-of-the-art snowmaking as well as night skiing on the weekends. Shuttle options available. Scheduled to open 17 June. New in 2017 for July only, Coronet Peak is launching mid-week night and twilight skiing, on Wednesday evenings.

@coalfireqt

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Q U E E N S TO W N

The Remarkables is a true alpine experience just a 45-minute drive from central Queenstown and is perfect for the whole family, from beginners and novices to advanced skiers and boarders. The new base building is a world-class facility for skiers and boarders with improved restaurant, ticketing, rentals and retail areas. With its high alpine location, sunny aspect and relaxed atmosphere, it’s become a firm local favourite. The Remarkables features a six-seat, highspeed detachable Curvey Basin chairlift, alongside increased snow making capacity, a large and wide learners’ area, fresh trails, ample car parking with the first 10km of the 12km access road now sealed.

Shuttle options are available. Scheduled to open 10 June.

EMBRACE THE FEAR

Cardrona Alpine Resort has a laid-back and friendly vibe, deep snow cover, wide open slopes, serious half pipes, steep chutes and an extensive terrain park for freestylers, great family facilities, and on-mountain accommodation. Cardrona is an hour’s drive from Queenstown and shuttle options are available. There are over $15million worth of developments for the 2017 winter season including the new McDougall’s Express Chondola a combination of gondola cabins & chairs, the first of its kind in NZ. Cardrona is scheduled to open 10 June.

Show your ferry/train ticket for a free $15 gift with your Tandem Skydive

Treble Cone is the South Island’s biggest ski area and a favourite for advanced skiers and snowboarders with the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, two large basins, great off-piste terrain and stunning views. Novices are also well catered for with a dedicated learning area. The ski area is an hour and a half’s drive or a short 15-minute flight from Queenstown. Scheduled to open 21 June.

TANDEM SKYDIVE FROM 15,000FT OVER QUEENSTOWN www.nzoneskydive.co.nz

0800 DROPZONE (376 796)

Queenstown’s most memorable dining experience A pioneering landmark from the 1860s, Gantleys is a charming stone building set on two acres of landscaped gardens with stunning mountain scenery.

Gantleys offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine using fresh, regional produce and has New Zealand’s most Awarded Wine list. Gantleys is certainly worth a visit. Just 10 minutes from Queenstown.

Complimentary transport from central Queenstown by arrangement.

“ Dining at Gantleys was one of the highlights of my trip to Queenstown. Along with the wonderful service, stunning gardens and the gorgeous wines (and there were certainly plenty to choose from), the food was second to none. Piping hot, cooked to perfection and cutting through my steak, it may as well have been butter. If you’re heading to the region, I encourage you to pop into this little gem of Queenstown – you won’t be disappointed and you’ll most likely find it’ll be your highlight too.”

Editor, Our New Zealand Magazine 172 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown

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03 442 8999

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www.gantleys.co.nz

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AU C K L A N D

YOUR ONBOARD MAPS KAITAKI DECK 2 1)

2)

Play area – A play area for kids aged 3-10. Light snacks are available to purchase and parents can enjoy an espresso coffee while supervising their children.

Movie theatres – Relax and enjoy a movie in one of our two movie theatres on Deck 2. Tickets can be purchased from Reception or the shop.

DECK 7

DECK 7

Shop: An on-board shop to purchase magazines, confectionery and souvenirs. Buy your movie and Interislander Plus tickets here. Eftpos facilities are available.

4) Family lounge: A great place for children and parents to relax with a TV on-site.

5) Hector’s Café – A place to relax in a contemporary café style setting.

There is cabinet food and a full range of beverages available.

6) Interislander Plus lounge – An exclusive lounge for 18+. This lounge offers complimentary drinks (beer, wine, tea and coffee), a meal, and newspapers and magazines. Tickets can be purchased from the Reception.

7) Nurseries – Available for families traveling with infants. There are four cabins with cots and a separate toilet provided. A baby changing facility is located in the foyer on Deck 7.

8) Recliner seating – A great place for you to sit back and relax.

9) Cabins – Passenger cabins with an en-suite are available to hire. Please enquire at the shop or Reception.

10) Reception - A place to purchase movie tickets, book cabins or for all general enquiries.

3)

8 10

7

4

9

5

3

8

6 8

DECK 8

DECK 8

Ocean View Eatery – Café style seating with a selection of light snacks and hot meals. Beverages include filter coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, beer and wine.

12) Local Heroes Café & Bar – A relaxed atmosphere, serving espresso coffee, local wines, beers and spirits. Selections of bar snacks are available at peak times. The bar features wide screen TV’s and there are often local bands performing.

13) Lookout Atrium – The ‘lookout’ offers café style seating with great views.

14) Rembrandt’s lounge – Rembrandt’s lounge offers space for group bookings. If you are a large group this is to be requested in advance.

15) No.1 Truck Stop – A lounge reserved for truck drivers. ID’s are required for this area.

11)

=

=

14 12

13

15 11

DECK 10 16) Main outside viewing deck. Smoking is permitted on Deck 7 portside (or the left-hand side of the vessel).

KAIARAHI DECK 7

DECK 7 Embarking & Disembarking Wellington

1)

2) Embarking & Disembarking Picton

2

1

3)

3

DECK 8

DECK 8

4)

5) 6) 4

5 7

6 7) 8)

8

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Ocean View Eatery – Café style seating with a selection of light snacks and hot meals. Beverages include filter coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Shop – An onboard shop to purchase magazines, confectionery and souvenirs. Eftpos facilities are available.

Local Heroes Bar/Café - A relaxed atmosphere, serving espresso coffee, local wines, beers and spirits. Selections of bar snacks are available at peak times. The bar features wide screen TV’s.

o u rnewzealand.co. nz

Interislander Plus lounge - An exclusive lounge for 18+. This lounge offers complimentary drinks (beer, wine, tea and coffee), a meal, and newspapers and magazines. Tickets can be purchased from the Shop.

Nurseries – Available for families traveling with infants. Cots and changing facilities provided.

The Lookout Lounge –Enjoy the scenery in the lookout lounge. This area offers recliner seating with great views to relax and enjoy the scenery. Kids play areas and nurseries are also close by for families looking to unwind throughout the journey.

Play area – A great area for kids aged 3-10 to play.

No.1 Truck Stop – A lounge reserved for truck drivers. ID’s are required for this area.

ARATERE DECK 4 1)

2)

3)

4)

5) 6) 7)

Bar – Situated at the bow of the ship this lounge offers great views and a social atmosphere. Includes a bar to satisfy your thirst with local wines and beers and spirits.

A selection of bar snacks is available.

Food Court – A great place to enjoy a selection of snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold meals and a variety of beverages.

Movie Theatre – Relax and enjoy a movie in our movie theatre. Tickets can be purchased from Hector’s Store and Cafe.

Hector's Store & Cafe - Order coffee from our baristas then browse a great range of magazines, confectionery and souvenirs. Hector’s serves quality, café-style cabinet food and a range of beverages.

Play Area – Moby’s play area provides TV cartoons for children, a nursery and family seating.

Passenger lounge – A large space to find a seat and relax throughout the journey

Driver’s Driver’s Mess Room Accommodation

DECK 4

Access to Vehicle Deck MES

7 5

6

4

3

2

1

9

MES

Passenger Entry/Exit

*

Muster Stations

Nurseries – Available for families traveling with infants.

There are four cabins with cots and a separate toilet provided.

DECK 5

DECK 5

Interislander Plus lounge - An exclusive lounge for 18+. This lounge offers complimentary drinks (beer, wine, tea and coffee), a meal, and newspapers and magazines. Tickets can be purchased from Hector's Store & Cafe.

9) Observation decks – A great place to enjoy the magnificent views of Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait and The Marlborough Sounds. Seating is also provided on the deck.

10) Pencarrow Lounge – Relax in the comfort of this lounge.

8)

9

9

7

10

Driver’s Driver’s Mess Room Accommodation

9

Access to Vehicle Deck MES

MES

TRAIN CARRIAGE

Passenger Entry/Exit

Our fleet of AK carriages were designed and constructed in New Zealand. They were purpose-built to maximise the views on offer and provide a comfortable and relaxing environment.

Main carriages • 39 seats configured around shared tables • 24 forward facing seats with fold-down trays • Above seat coat rack with integrated reading lights • Large panoramic side and sky-view roof windows • Toilet

*

Muster Stations

Accessibility • 2 dedicated wheelchair spaces in dining area of café carriage • Accessible toilet with baby change table in café carriage • Inter-carriage vestibules with automatic sliding doors • Hearing Loop throughout seating carriages and dining area Dining and viewing carriages • Licensed café carriage with a wide range of food and drinks • Dining area in café carriage • Outdoor viewing carriage

Entertainment • GPS-activated commentary system at every seat (English or Mandarin) • GPS-activated route map on central overhead screens

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A U CCKKL LA A ND AU ND

motive power How many, how big, how fast, how heavy?

Interislander has a fleet of 3 ships – Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi

KAITAKI

ARATERE

KAIARAHI

KAITAKI

MEANING - CHALLENGER BUILT

Holland,1995

FLAG

British

PASSENGER CAPACITY

1400

GROSS TONNAGE

22,365 tonnes

LENGTH

181.6m

BREADTH

23.4m

SPEED

20.5 knots

MAIN ENGINES

4x Sulzer type: 8 ZAL 40S 5760kw each at 510rpm

ARATERE

MEANing - quickpath BUILT

Spain, 1998

FLAG

New Zealand

PASSENGER CAPACITY

600

GROSS TONNAGE

17,816 tonnes

LENGTH

183.7m

BREADTH

20.3m

SPEED

19.5 knots

ENGINES

Four Wartsila 8L32 od 3680KW Each coupled to ABB alternators Of 3,300 volts at 50Hz Plus tow Wartsila 8L20 of 1600 KW Each

KAIARAHI

MEANING - LEADER / GUARDIAN BUILT

Seville, Spain 1998

FLAG

United Kingdom

PASSENGER CAPACITY

550

GROSS TONNAGE

22,152 tonnes

LENGTH

180m

breadth

25m

SPEED

19 knots

ENGINES

Four Diesel Engines, Wartsilla 9L38, four-stroke, of 5,940kW each at 600rpm, burning 380 cSt fuel at 50 degrees celcius with twin c/p screw arrangement. Two pairs of engines connected through De Schelde Rduction Gear with Vulkan Couplings to a Wartsila Wichmann Controllable Pitch Propeller, type PR130 4H with diameter 4,850mm and 138 rpm

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C KL LAANND D AUACU K

How many, how big, how fast, how heavy?

A variety of different locomotives will be the driving force for your Scenic Journey, depending on a number of factors including which journey you are on and the size of the train.

DC LOCOMOTIVE

DIESEL ELECTRIC MAINLINE PASSENGER & FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVE NUMBER IN SERVICE

71

ENGINE TYPE

EMD 12/645E

POWER OUTPUT

1500HP traction / 1650HP gross

GEAR RATIO

63.14

DRIVING WHEEL DIAMETER

1022mm

MAX TRACTIVE EFFORT

145kN

MAXIMUM SPEED

100kph

WEIGHT IN SERVICE

82 tonnes

DFT LOCOMOTIVE

DIESEL ELECTRIC MAINLINE PASSENGER & FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVE NUMBER IN SERVICE

30

ENGINE TYPE

GM 12/645E3C

POWER OUTPUT

2250HP traction / 2450HP gross

GEAR RATIO

57.16

DRIVING WHEEL DIAMETER

940mm

MAX TRACTIVE EFFORT

270kN

MAXIMUM SPEED

113kph

WEIGHT IN SERVICE

87.6 tonnes

DX LOCOMOTIVE

DIESEL ELECTRIC MAINLINE PASSENGER & FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVE NUMBER IN SERVICE

46

ENGINE TYPE

GE 7FDL12

POWER OUTPUT

3150HP traction / 3300HP gross

GEAR RATIO

93.18

DRIVING WHEEL DIAMETER

940mm

MAX TRACTIVE EFFORT

370kN

MAXIMUM SPEED

106kph

WEIGHT IN SERVICE

99.9 tonnes

EF LOCOMOTIVE

MAINLINE ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE NUMBER IN SERVICE

17

POWER OUTPUT

3MW

GEAR RATIO

74.17

DRIVING WHEEL DIAMETER

1100 - 1000mm

MAX TRACTIVE EFFORT

300kN

MAXIMUM SPEED

110kph

WEIGHT IN SERVICE

108 tonnes

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Onboard Souvenirs Make the memories of your trip last longer. We offer a range of special souvenirs to remind you of your experience aboard our ships and/or trains for years to come.

Items listed are in NZD incl GST and are subject to availability at shops on Interislander and cafes on all scenic trains.

Scenic trains

Playing cards $5

TranzAlpine keyring $10

Magnets and badges $9

4GB USB with images and video loaded $15

Kids’ activity pack

Postcards $1.50

(Suitable for ages 3-10 years)

$10

One size fits all caps $30

Reusuable cups $12.90 Travel mug

(Available TranzAlpine/Addington Station only)

Tote bag $35

$35

$16

96

Passport Stamp t-shirt

(Men’s and women’s styles available)

o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

Interislander ferries

Ship keyring $7.50

Sticker $2.50

Water cube $7.90

Blue self-wind flashlight $10

Large memo clip (with magnet on reverse)

Magnet $4.50

$5.70

Silver teaspoon $6.50

Keyring $6.90

Notebook and pen $5

Playing cards $7.50

Pin $4

8GB USB card $14.90

Badge $9

Patch $7

Magnetic jigsaw puzzle $7.70

Postcards $1.50

Ship cap $30

Tote bag $35

Ship t-shirt $35 o u r n e w z e a l a n d.c o. n z

Interislander cap $25

Passport Stamp t-shirt (Men’s and women’s styles available)

$35

97

ENJOY SOME DOWNTIME

Across

Down

1 Leap (4) 3 Pictures on glass or metal (8) 9 A Japanese defensive method (7) 10 Stand out (5) 11 Homes for the unwell or elderly (7,5) 13 To place in a horizontal position (3,3) 15 A painting technique (6) 17 A collector of trains (12) 20 Weariness (5) 21 Lair (7) 22 Bright light city (3,5) 23 Ooze (4)

1 2 4 5

SuDOKU

Without interest (8) Chief (5) Trek (6) Condition of an enlarged vein (12) 6 A central part about which other parts are grouped (7) 7 A cylider fodder carrier (4) 8 To assume attitudes (12) 12 The home’s greeting point (8) 14 A type of men’s underwear (1-6) 16 A disorder of respiration (6) 18 More than one person/thing (5) 19 Dark greenish blue (4)

solution

98

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Looking to ski Mt Hutt this year?

Enjoy Qualmark 4 Star self-contained accommodation with 5 Star service at Mt Hutt’s Brinkley Resort, now recognised as one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations for families and couples alike. Located only 1 hour from Christchurch International Airport and situated on Scenic Route 74.

$510pp

Stay n Sleigh Package* Make the most of Mt Hutt’s glorious ski fields with this exclusive package. Accommodation in a selfcontained Studio Room for 3 nights. Lift pass for 2 guests for 2 days. Mountain shuttle for 2 guests for 2 days to Mt Hutt. Continental Breakfasts and complimentary glass of wine in Shackleton’s our award winning restaurant. Only $510 per person, twin share. *Subject to availability. Available June, August, September and October.

Enquire now for availability Visit www.brinkleyresort.co.nz to find out about our other available packages.

Brinkley Resort, 43 Barkers Road Methven Mt Hutt Village

Tel +63 3 302 8885 info@brinkleyresort.co.nz www.brinkleyresort.co.nz

0800 161 223 Background Image: Methven Heliski taken by Kevin Boekholt

Toll Free

Relax, join our Club and save For over 30 years and in over 45 spectacular locations throughout New Zealand, we have been carefully creating environments to provide you, with your very own unique, quality holiday experience.

We offer a range of accommodation options including everything from motels and self-contained units through to cabins, tent and powered sites.

All our Parks offer you plenty of space, children’s play facilities, BBQ areas plus indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

10% SAVINGS

No holiday memories are complete without experiencing one of our great Parks.

Plus enjoy many other great benefits and savings throughout New Zealand.

on all Interislander Ferry Travel, on-board services and TOP 10 Accommodation when you join our Club.

Join at a TOP 10 Holiday Park reception, or online

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