ISSUE 40 WINTER 2012
ARRIVAL
WINTER 2012
PEOPLE MEDIA GROUP
$2000 worth of
discounts,
coupons
& vouchers
INSIDE GET A FREE DOUBLE UPGRADE
WHEN YOU RENT FOR 10 DAYS OR MORE*
*
See page 19. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit the Avis counter or avis.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number UPNA011 at time of booking. Offer available on car groups A to C, to a maximum Group. E. Subject to availability.
FREE SKI PASS MIGHTY
FREE KEYRING
10% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NORTHLAND
Avail to 15 Sept 2012 for travel prior to 7 Oct. Cadrona Adult Pass with one or more fully paid Cardrona Adult Lift Pass. Only one pass per veh per day. Terms and conditions see www.mightycampers.co.nz
EXPLORE NZ
FREE keyring when booking Dolphin Discoveries and Dune Rider Combo. Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
THE KAURI mUSEUM
10% OFF applicable rates on admission Valid until 30/11/2012.
$89 ROOM ALL SEASONS HOTELS
In the heart of the city for a super low rate of $89. 20 Wyndham St, Auckland City. Ph: (09) 308 9140. Subject to availability
FREE SKY DECK ENTRY
Receive Free Sky Deck entry by presenting this voucher when you purchase a Main Observation Level pass to the Sky Tower. Valid until 31 Oct 2012. One offer per person per voucher. Only original vouchers will be accepted. Vouchers to be surrendered on presentation. Sky Tower may be closed from time to time due to adverse weather conditions
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL
FREE DOUBLE UPGRADE WHEN YOU RENT FOR 10 DAYS OR MORE*
Budget RENTALS Visit the Budget counter or budget.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number MPSZ004 at time of booking. Subject to availability.
FREE DOUBLE UPGRADE WHEN YOU RENT FOR 10 DAYS OR MORE* Visit the Avis counter or avis.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number UPNA011 at time of booking. Offer available on car groups A to C, to a maximum Group. E. Subject to availability.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NORTHLAND
Visit the Budget counter or budget.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number MPSZ004 at time of booking. Subject to availability.
SAVE $50 ON A GPS
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NORTHLAND
Budget RENTALS
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
SAVE $50 ON A GPS
• Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
Interislander Bookings Enter the promo code Arrive071 in the promo code box on the payment details when you make a booking on www.interislander.co.nz and present this voucher on check in. Valid until 30 November 2012.
www.travelbug.co.nz
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL
10% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NORTHLAND
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NATIONAL
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
FREE DRINK EXPLORE NZ
FREE drink when booking the Cape Reinga via 90 mile Beach adventure. Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
FREE DRINK EXPLORE NZ
FREE drink when booking this unique marine mammel experience. Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
FREE $25 PHOTO Auckland Adventure jet FREE photo souvenir $25 value. Present this voucher to receive the stated discount. This cannot be used in conjuntion with any other offer
10% off kelly tarltons
10% OFF one full paying adult admission. Conditions apply. Direct bookings only. Promo code: Arrival Magz
10% off Sky Tower Gift Shop when you spend $10 or more One voucher per person. Original vouchers only. Excludes F&B and sale items. Expires 31 November 2012. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.
E E R
F
Travellers’ co-op DISCOUNT CARD
The Best of New Zealand for Less Attractions / Transport / Accommodation / Shopping / Food&Drink
2 for 1 Bungy Agroventures Rotorua
FREE
T Shirt NZONE Skydive Queenstown and Rotorua
25% OFF Jet Boating Auckland Adventure Jet
$30 OFF SkyJump Auckland’s Sky Tower All Indicative offers Terms and Conditions will apply
@travellerscoop
facebook/travellerscoop
Free phone 0508 222 411
FREE from i-sites Downtown Auckland and No.1 Queen Street Cafe and Bar
10% OFF PRIDE OF AUCKLAND
10% OFF when booking our sailing and dining cruises in "The City of Sails". Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
FREE LUNCH WHALE AND DOLPHIN SAFARI
FREE Lunch when booking on our Whale and Dolphin Safari. Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
2 for 1 SKYWALK
Pay for one adult price get one free. Direct bookings only. Website booking code ARRIVAL. See page 39 for details.
Hammerheads fine seafood restaurant
Amazing views over Auckland Harbour
FREE DRINK Just minutes from downtown Auckland - next to Kelly Tarltons Fabulous food
HAMMERHEADS RESTAURANT Fresh New Zealand seafood Innovative menu
Receive 1 FreeFreeglass of Moa Beer or Car parking Antipodees Water with each meal. 19 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Auckland Phone: +64 9 521 4400 email: info@hammerheads.co.nz www.hammerheads.co.nz
10% off
360 Discovery 10% off Tiritiri Matangi Island Adult Return fare
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
$5 OFF entry, conditions apply* Present this voucher to receive the stated discount. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Ice Bar promotional offer, not redeemable for cash. Booking recommended.
$5 OFF ENTRY FREDDY'S ICE HOUSE
$5 OFF entry, conditions apply* Present this voucher to receive the stated discount. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Ice Bar promotional offer, not redeemable for cash. Booking recommended.
FREE LUNCH America's cup FREE Lunch when booking your 2 hour America's Cup sailing Experience. Valid until 30/11/2012. Direct bookings only.
$20 off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND
FREDDY'S ICE HOUSE
FULLERS
50% Off second person - Harbour Cruise winter special, second person goes half price. Valid to 30 September”
SKYJUMP
Save $20 off the normal adult price of your SkyJump. Direct bookings only. Website booking code ARRIVAL. See page 39 for details.
$10 off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIHEKE ISLAND
$5 OFF ENTRY
50% Off second person
MUDBRICK
Present this voucher for your FREE wine tasting valued at $10. Ph: 09 372 9050
10% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIHEKE ISLAND
10% OFF adult return to Rangitoto island.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO
FULLERS
360 Discovery 10% off a Coromandel Ferry Adult Return fare and/or 10% off the Coromandel Explorer Tour
SAVE $41 MOST POPULAR COMBO
Saving is on individual cave passes compared to Combo price PLUS $5 with this voucher. Direct Bookings only. Conditions Apply
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
SAVE $12
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company Save on the Black Labyrinth Tour. Direct Bookings only. Conditions Apply
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - AUCKLAND ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIHEKE ISLAND
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO
10% off
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
www.travelbug.co.nz • Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
DVD’S OF
? CARD
IS THIS
YOU
FREE
from i-sites Downtown Auckland and No.1Queen Street Cafe and Bar
CURLYS BAR
10% OFF
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
Buy 1 drink and get 1 free Te Anga Rd, Waitomo Caves. Not available with any other offer. 1 coupon per person. House beer or wine only.
SKYLINE ROTORUA
10% OFF Gondola and Luge packages. Valid to 31 Jan 2013
AGRODOME
Adult, Child & Family Rates on Farm Show, Farm Tour & Combo
Adult Agrocombo only $76 see page 57
Child (5-15) Agrocombo only $38 see page 57
20% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WHAKATANE
FREE DRINK
CAVEWORLD
20% discount on presentation of coupon
KIWI CAVE RAFTING 20% OFF accommodation when you book a tour with us. Must be booked 12 hours prior. See page 47 for details
FREE SOAP PEE JAY WHITE ISAND TOURS
1 FREE unique White Island sulphur soap redeemable after you come back from your tour. Not valid with any other offer. Direct bookings only.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
20% OFF accommodation when you book a tour with us. Must be booked 12 hours prior. See page 47 for details
20% OFF
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
KIWI CAVE RAFTING
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
20% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
Saving is on individual cave passes compared to Combo price PLUS $5 with this voucher. Direct Bookings only. Conditions Apply
SKYLINE ROTORUA
10% OFF Gondola and Luge packages. Valid to 31 Jan 2013
WHAKAREWAREWA
10% OFF admission to the Living Maori Village experience.
10% OFF ROTORUA MUSEUM
10% OFF normal admission price. (Not valid with any other offer. Valid to 30/11/12)
10% off RAFTABOUT
Receive 10% DISCOUNT off all trips. Direct bookings only
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
10% OFF RAINBOW SPRINGS
Receive 10% OFF on admission
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO
TRIPLE CAVE COMBO
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WAIKATO
SAVE $77
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
www.travelbug.co.nz • Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
Cafe and Bar
&BAR
FREE WIFI
COLD BEER
IPAD ACCESS FERRY TERMINAL
BRITOMART TRANSPORT CENTRE
QE2 SQUARE CUSTOM ST WEST
CUSTOM ST EAST
QUEEN ST
ALBERT ST
QUAY STREET
THE ACTION
CAFE
MIDDLE OF ALL
COFFEE
H T
HERE IN THE HEART OF AUCKLAND
NEXT TO: FREE BUSES FERRIES TRAINS TAXIS AIRPORT SHUTTLE SHOPPING BICYCLE HIRE TOURISM INFO
$5 OFF ZORB ROTORUA $5 OFF any ride. Conditions apply
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
www.travelbug.co.nz •R ooms from $20/night to $1000+/night •M ore than 20,000 reviews • T ry our Secret Sale •B ackpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
10% OFF TAUPOS FLOATPLANE
10% OFF Scenic Flights only. Direct bookings only.
FREE $25 PHOTO
TAUPO TANDEM SKYDIVING Get a FREE $25 Exit Photo with every Silver Jump Package Purchase. See page 67 for details. Direct bookings only.
FREE DRINK Orakei Korako
Complimentary tea or coffee to the value of $4 on admission
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
10% OFF deluxe Lake Spa bathing.
• Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
polynesian Spa
10% off
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
10% OFF a premier evening Maori culture experience.
www.travelbug.co.nz
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
te puia
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - Taupo
NZONE SKYDIVE
Receive a FREE gift to the value of $15 with your Tandem skydive.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - HAWKES BAY
FREE Gift
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - ROTORUA
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
te puia
10% OFF admission.
AGROVENTURES
10% off all Agroventures rides and packages, see page 61
10% OFF
BURIED VILLAGE Buried Village Rotorua 10% off adult entry.
10% OFF HUKAFALLS JET
10% OFF per person on Taupo's most thrilling jet boat ride by nature.
FREE DVD TAUPO CLIFF HANGER
Swing before 12.00pm and get a FREE DVD. One voucher per person & valid until Dec 2012
save $20 TAUPO BUNGY
Jump before 11am for $129. One voucher per person & valid until Dec 2012
10% OFF National Aquarium
10% Admission Discount on presentation of this coupon
T H E
G U I D E
T O
N E W
Z E A L A N D
DAILY DEALS, DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR VISITORS
DON’T MISS OUT
OR PAY TOO MUCH! Find us
www.facebook.com/ArrivalMagNZ
Follow us
www.twitter.com/ArrivalMagazine
KAITERITERI KAYAKS
10% discount off Kayak Packages Freephone: 0800 2KAYAK. Direct bookings only.
10% OFF THE HELICOPTER LINE
Receive 10% off scenic helicopter flights. Direct Bookings only. See page 80 for details.
$10 OFF
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER GUIDES $10 off Ice Explorer Freephone: 0800 GUIDES
FREE
Icebreaker Merino SockS
ALBATROSS ENCOUNTER
Free Icebreaker Merino Socks on all Tour Bookings. Until 30 September 2012. Direct Bookings Only. Conditions Apply.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WANAKA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
www.travelbug.co.nz •R ooms from $20/night to $1000+/night •M ore than 20,000 reviews • T ry our Secret Sale •B ackpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
10% off PUZZLING WORLD
10% off Adult COMBO admission tickets. Valid for 2x Adult Combo tickets.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WELLINGTON ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NELSON
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WEST COAST
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WEST COAST
•R ooms from $20/night to $1000+/night •M ore than 20,000 reviews • T ry our Secret Sale •B ackpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WEST COAST
www.travelbug.co.nz
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - KAIKOURA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - KAIKOURA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WEST COAST
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WEST COAST
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - NELSON
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - KAIKOURA
Enter the promo code Arrive071 in the promo code box on the payment details when you make a booking on www.interislander.co.nz and present this voucher on check in. Valid until 30 November 2012.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WANAKA
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - WELLINGTON
10% off
Interislander Bookings
FREE COFFEE TE PAPA CAFE Free Coffee Buy one and receive another one free
$30 OFF ABEL TASMAN SKYDIVE
Receive $30 off tandem skydive. Direct bookings only & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
$20 OFF THE HELICOPTER LINE
Receive $20 off your Franz Josef HeliHike experience.Direct Bookings only. See page 80 for details.
10% OFF FOX GLACIER GUIDING
10% off Hobnail shop products excluding NZ Post
$5 OFF GLACIER HOT POOLS
Present to receive $5 off admission to Glacier Hotpools.
FREE
Icebreaker Merino SockS
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER
Free Icebreaker Merino Socks on all Tour Bookings. Until 30 September 2012. Direct Bookings Only. Conditions Apply.
10% OFF WHALE WATCH Present this voucher to receive 10% off. Valid for one adult fare. Direct bookings. Not to be used with other offers
$30 OFF
SKYDIVE LAKE WANAKA Our 12,000 & 15,000 feet Tandem Skydive. Freephone 0800 786 877 Direct Bookings only
THE Ultimate
New Zealand DVD’S OF
South Island Discover the South Island, a haven for visitors seeking unspoilt wilderness, awe-inspiring scenery and a chance to get away from it all. Its contrasting landscapes include soaring snowy mountains, dramatic glaciers, deep fiords, lush forests, dramatic limestone formations, glacier carved lakes, wild coastline and beautiful remote beaches.
Only
$39.90
North Island Discover New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Wellington, a country of sandy beaches, expansive rain forests and culturally diverse towns and cities. Explore ancient Kauri forests and volcanic landscapes with bubbling mud pools and dramatic geysers. Fish for trout in remote rivers or raise adrenaline levels with a bungy jump. Only
$39.90
New Zealand Discover New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff, a country of sandy beaches, expansive rain forests and culturally diverse towns and cities. Explore ancient Kauri forests and volcanic landscapes with bubbling mud pools and dramatic geysers in thermal areas where nature’s wonders know no bounds. Only
$49.90
Purchase online now at
www.thenewzealanddvd.co.nz or Freephone 0800 485 584
10% OFF DART RIVER JET SAFARI
10% off Dart River Safaris.
$20 OFF WHITEWATER RAFTING
$20 OFF
0800 723 846 +64 3 442 9792 www.rafting.co.nz QUEENSTOWN RAFTING $20 off White Water Rafting Freephone: 0800 723 846 www.rafting.co.nz
10% OFF THE HELICOPTER LINE
10% off scenic helicopter flights. Direct bookings only. Freephone 0800 807 767
$10 OFF SKYLINE QUEENSTOWN
$10 OFF Gondola ride and Dinner Reservations essential see page 88 for details
10% OFF CADBURY WORLD
Cadbury World Tours 10% off Factory Tour adult ticket price
FREE COFFEE LARNACH CASTLE Larnach Castle Tour. one complimentary coffee with admission paid
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN
Combining Queenstown’s leading adventure activities. Direct bookings only.
MITRE PEAK CRUISES
$10 off any of our cruise options. Conditions apply.
$10 OFF ZIPTREK ECOTOURS
$10 off on our tours, direct bookings only. See page 86 for details.
FREE Gift NZONE SKYDIVE
Receive a FREE gift to the value of $15 with your Tandem skydive.
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN
QUEENSTOWN RAFTING
$10 OFF
15% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN
10% OFF
10% OFF
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - DUNEDIN
Vaid for Jucy Cruize or Jucy Cruize and Coach from Queenstown. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - DUNEDIN
Jucy Cruize Milford
SOUTHERN DISCOVERIES 15% off Milford Cruises* Freephone: 0800 264 536. *Conditions apply.
KAWARAU JET
10% off one hour jet boat trip. Direct bookings only, please refer to page 97 for details.
20% OFF
MONARCH WILDLIFE CRUISES & TOURS Winter Special 20% discount. Valid August & September. Direct Bookings only. Conditions apply
1 FREE COFFEE TAIERI GORGE RAILWAY
Taieri Gorge Railway – one of the world’s greatest train trips. Dunedin Railway Station. Receive 1 Free coffee from the Buffet Car. Direct bookings only.
Terms and Conditions: ARRIVAL MAGAZINE
ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - DUNEDIN ARRIVAL MAGAZINE - DUNEDIN
Buy One, get one half price
Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Only while productor service available. Terms and conditions may change without notice. Some offers have expiry dates. Not redeemable for cash. Some offers not available during school holidays or public holidays. Some offers for certain days only. Offers only apply when booked direct. Other specific operator conditions may apply. Some offers are limited to one per voucher holder.
XPLR
NZ
DVD’S OF
? CARD
IS THIS
YOU
FREE
from i-sites Downtown Auckland and No.1Queen Street Cafe and Bar
T H E
G U I D E
T O
N E W
Z E A L A N D
DAILY DEALS, DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR VISITORS
DON’T MISS OUT
OR PAY TOO MUCH! Find us
www.facebook.com/ArrivalMagNZ
Follow us
www.twitter.com/ArrivalMagazine
E E R
F
Travellers’ co-op DISCOUNT CARD
The Best of New Zealand for Less Attractions / Transport / Accommodation / Shopping / Food&Drink
2 for 1 Bungy Agroventures Rotorua
FREE
T Shirt NZONE Skydive Queenstown and Rotorua
25% OFF Jet Boating Auckland Adventure Jet
$30 OFF SkyJump Auckland’s Sky Tower All Indicative offers Terms and Conditions will apply
@travellerscoop
facebook/travellerscoop
Free phone 0508 222 411
FREE from i-sites Downtown Auckland and No.1 Queen Street Cafe and Bar
Cafe and Bar
&BAR
FREE WIFI
COLD BEER
IPAD ACCESS FERRY TERMINAL
BRITOMART TRANSPORT CENTRE
QE2 SQUARE CUSTOM ST WEST
CUSTOM ST EAST
QUEEN ST
ALBERT ST
QUAY STREET
THE ACTION
CAFE
MIDDLE OF ALL
COFFEE
H T
HERE IN THE HEART OF AUCKLAND
NEXT TO: FREE BUSES FERRIES TRAINS TAXIS AIRPORT SHUTTLE SHOPPING BICYCLE HIRE TOURISM INFO
Contents WINTER 2012 FEATURES 02 Important Information 04 Bits and Pieces 06 What’s Hot/New 08 Snow Sports 11 Hot Springs 12 General Overview 18 Transport Maps 24 North Island Map 25
08 ARRIVAL MAGAZINE www.arrival.co.nz PEOPLE MEDIA GROUP www.peoplemediagroup.co.nz NEXT ISSUE: October 2012. PUBLISHED QUARTERLY: Sept/Dec/Mar/June. Cover Image: Te Puia Design: Martina O’Keeffe CCL Communications Group www.cclgroup.co.nz
54
Printed by: Webstar Advertising: Travis Field mob: 021 474 447 email: travis@arrival.co.nz Anthony Browne mob: 093 666 879 email: anthony@arrival.co.nz Editor: Heather Ramsay Publisher: People Media Group, Ground Floor, West Plaza Building 1-3 Albert Street, Auckland New Zealand ph: (09) 366 6879 fax: (09) 366 6838, email: info@arrival.co.nz
72
Copyright: arrival.
75
South Island Map
DESTINATIONS 26 Northland 31 Auckland 42 Islands of the Gulf 44 Coromandel 45 Waikato 50 Whakatane 52 Bay of Plenty 54 Rotorua 63 Taupo 69 Hawke’s Bay 70 Taranaki 73 Wellington 75 Marlborough 76 Nelson Tasman 78 West Coast 81 Kaikoura 82 Canterbury 84 Wanaka 85 Queenstown 90 Dunedin IMMIGRATION/BUSINESS 92 Immigration 96 Survey
arrival New Zealand
■
1
this is
NEW ZEALAND • something for everyone • Top: Queenstown. Left to right below: Te Mata Peak, Te Puia, Wellington Bar. Opposite page: Top left clockwise: Rail, Rotorua, Kaikoura, Polynesian Spa, Vineyard, Kayaks Taupo, Taupo Tandem Skydive, Bay of Plenty. Centre: Sking Wanaka
HELPFUL information ON ARRIVAL
BANKING
Auckland Airport is 21 kilometres (14 miles) from the CBD. A free bus runs between international and domestic terminals. Airbuses to the city service both terminals all day, every day. Services run every 10 minutes, 7am – 7pm; see their timetable for the night schedule. It takes 45 minutes and costs $16 one way, $26 return. Taxis ($60 - $80) and shuttles ($30 - $40 per person, less for multiple passengers) are found outside the terminals. Major car rental companies have depots within the airport complex, while off-site companies offer free shuttles – as do airport hotels and motels.
Banks hours are generally 9am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday but in cities some are open on Saturday mornings, late nights and weekends. 24-hour ATMs are widespread.
give false information, or use unfair trading practices. It applies to any trader, whether it’s a big hotel chain or a temporary ice-cream stand. After purchase, the Consumer Guarantees Act demands certain standards of
CURRENCY
Safety and security
You can buy NZ dollars at banks and foreign exchange kiosks, and at international airports. Major credit cards are accepted and travellers’ cheques can be used at banks, many hotels, and some stores. You may not be able to change travellers’ cheques in regional areas, especially on weekends.
PHONE NUMBERS
sales tax
New Zealand is generally a safe place to travel, but sadly crime does happen. Theft from unattended vehicles is on the rise so never leave valuables in the vehicle, put belongings out of sight, and always lock up. For personal safety, common sense and a touch of caution will see you right. The SAFE (7233) text message service can be accessed by police and is available for anyone wishing to record their NZ travel intentions. It stores travel details but isn’t monitored. In emergencies, 111 is still the number to call.
• Emergency Fire, police and ambulance dial 111. • International operator 0170 • International directory assistance 0172 • Local operator 010 • New Zealand directory assistance 018 Public payphones accept phone cards ($5-$50), credit cards, calling cards and some take coins.
WEATHER The weather anywhere in New Zealand can be changeable, with location and weather patterns having a huge influence. Average summer (DecemberFebruary) maximum temperatures range from 20-30°C and in winter (JuneAugust) the range is 10-16°C. Spring and autumn temperatures generally fall somewhere in between.
PASSPORTS Passports must be valid for a certain number of months beyond the intended date of departure, depending on your nationality. Australians with e-passports can use the SmartGates at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
2
•
arrival New Zealand
All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 15% goods and services tax. The tax is usually included in the price of an item unless otherwise indicated. There is no GST refund scheme for overseas visitors.
TIPPING New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service but it is appreciated for excellent service.
DRINKING, SMOKING, DRIVING • T he minimum age for buying alcohol is 18. • Smoking is not allowed in bars, restaurants or other indoor public areas. • The blood alcohol limit for fully licensed drivers over twenty years is 0.08. For under twenties, it’s zero.
STAYING CONNECTED If your mobile phone has roaming, that’s great, but it may be more costeffective to invest in a local prepaid SIM card. A free 2Degrees tourist SIM card is available from i-SITE Information centres in downtown Auckland. Phone cards offer incredibly cheap rates from landlines and some can be used with mobiles. Internet, usually broadband, can be found at cyber cafes, accommodation providers, i-SITE Visitor Information Centres, and public libraries. Many public PCs are coin-operated ($1 & $2) and typical costs are $6 per hour. Libraries are often cheaper, and sometimes free. If you’re travelling with a laptop and your room doesn’t have
CONSUMER RIGHTS Visitors are covered under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees Act. The former makes it illegal for businesses to mislead consumers,
wi-fi, try the public areas of your hotel, libraries (once again, sometimes free) or cafes with a wireless hotspot. Mobile phone providers also offer prepaid mobile broadband.
Tell someone. Let someone know your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.
Be aware of the weather. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.
Know your limits. Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
Take sufficient supplies. Take enough food, equipment, clothing and emergency rations – plus an appropriate means of communication, for the worst-case scenario.
2
3
4
5
Watch out for yourself and others. Always watch children around water. Swim with others and in lifeguard zones.
Be aware of the dangers. Enter water feet first and obey all safety signs and warnings. Do not drink alcohol and swim.
Know your limits. Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger.
2
3
4
Life jackets. Take them – Wear them It will increase your survival time.
Skipper responsibility. Keep everyone safe – stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.
Communications. Take at least two separate waterproof ways of communicating.
Marine weather. Check the forecast first. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Avoid alcohol. Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Stay alert and aware.
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The Boating Safety CODE
Be prepared. Learn to swim and survive. Use safe and correct equipment. Know the weather and water conditions before you get in.
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The Water Safety CODE
Plan your trip. Seek local knowledge, plan your route and allow a reasonable amount of time.
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The Outdoor Safety CODE
www.adventuresmart.org.nz
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO New Zealand offers amazing adventures. Get out and enjoy them!
Be Adventuresmart r u o t u o Chewckebsite It’ It’s got tips and advice to help you prepare for your ad adventures so you can have a great time, safely. Get Ready, Get Outdoors
www.adventuresmart.org.nz
BEFORE YOU GO CUT OUT THESE POCKET SAFETY CODES TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR AN ADVENTUROUS TIME
BITS AND PIECES www.arrival.co .n z
WHAT’S ON ICEFEST The majesty and wonder of Antarctica comes to Christchurch for five weekends this year. From September 14 – October 14, New Zealand IceFest celebrates and showcases the science, heritage and culture of this astonishing frozen continent. Hagley Park Events Village will be transformed into an Ice Station complete with a hovercraft and Hagglunds, and a large ice skating rink. Many other experiences will be on offer. See www.nzicefest.co.nz BRITS AT THE BEACH You don’t have to be a Brit to join the fun at Tairua’s Brits at the Beach, October 5 – 7. Events include a British Car & Bike Parade, a classic British Drive-In Movie, British “Sound-A-Like Bands”, stand-up comedians, a fashion parade, food and much more. www.britsatthebeach.co.nz FOOD SHOW The annual Food Show offers the chance to sample the finest wines, food and produce, and check out the latest kitchen gadgets as well as watching cookery demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs. It’s in Auckland (August 2 – 5) and Christchurch (September 14 – 16). www.foodshow.co.nz RUGBY Pick a favourite team and share the excitement at an ITM Cup rugby match somewhere around the country. See www.itmcup.co.nz FOODIES Visa Wellington On a Plate serves up good times and great deals August 10 26. As well as many events, around 100 eateries will offer lunchtime set menus and delectable dinner deals. Craft beer fans should note it incorporates Beervana (17-18 August), while chocoholics should diary the final weekend, which is the NZ Chocolate Festival (24-26 August).
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BAY OF PLENTY
BE PART OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND NEW ZEALAND
THE ARRIVAL TEAM HAS PUT TOGETHER THESE RANDOM TIPS TO HELP YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY.
Nice PRICE The Entertainment™ Book offers deals and discounts at restaurants, cafés, attractions, theatres, accommodation and more. Books cover different regions, and are sold as fundraisers. See www.entertainmentbook.co.nz
Daily deals websites offer huge savings on anything from hair cuts to helicopter rides, burgers to bungy jumps, clothing to cameras, and flights to fine dining. Sign up for alerts from www.grabaseat.co.nz, www.treatme.co.nz, www.grabone.co.nz, www.spreets.co.nz, www.seeya.co.nz, Buying or selling a car, a surfboard, or camping gear? Need a bed or a job? With millions of auctions a month, New Zealand’s largest auction site has it covered.www.trademe.co.nz I f you’re taking the family skiing, kids go free at Mt Hutt this winter. Each child under 10 accompanied by a paying adult gets a free return ski bus to Mt Hutt, Christchurch Airport to Methven transfers, plus free accommodation, meals and lift passes. See www.kids4free.co.nz
Nationwide accommodation chains often have good deals throughout their networks, and some also offer loyalty cards. Try these for starters: www.asurestay.com, www.mainstay.co.nz, www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz, www.choicehotels.co.nz, www.accorhotels.co.nz, www.goldenchain.co.nz, www.millenniumhotels.co.nz. Travelbug showcases over 2,000 properties along with reviews and great prices. www.travelbug.co.nz
USEFUL
handy
WWW...
www.newzealand.com Tourism New Zealand’s official site gives you the low-down on places, experiences and activities, plus great deals, driving routes and accommodation. You’ll find links through to regional tourism websites.
APPS
The Roadside Stories audio-visual guide follows eleven major road trips and covers the history, geography and culture of places you’ll pass along the way. Download as MP3 or app from www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/ Explore heritage buildings, museums and galleries; discover nature, boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and cafes in our compact capital with the Welly Walks app. Even if you’re offline or off the beaten track the Rankers Camping app gives you every camping spot in NZ, whether it’s freedom camping, government
www.i-site.org.nz The Visitor Information Network’s website gives essential information, plus local tips on what’s on, what’s new and what’s hot posted daily by i-SITE staff around the country. During your travels, drop in to i–SITES for free, friendly advice and assistance. campsites or commercial holiday parks. See www.rankers.co.nz and www.camping.org.nz The excellent Pocket Ranger app provides interpretation, maps and images of the unique natural features of the stunning Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well as important safety messages. www.tongariro.org.nz/pocketranger
www.doc.govt.nz The Department of Conservation has all the info you’ll need on our hidden treasures – conservation areas, walks, tracks, huts, camping grounds, policy and issues. www.metservice.com Get the latest forecasts for New Zealand’s “four seasons in one day” weather from MetService, including marine, coastal and general forecasts, tides, and surf and snow reports.
by
Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night
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WHAT’S
HOT/NEW The ice age
Coromandel
GETS CLOSER
360 Discovery has a same day return fare Auckland – Coromandel winter special for only $59 – and from Orapiu it’s only $39! The scenic cruise takes two hours from Auckland and 55 minutes from Waiheke. If you decide to stay, there’s accommodation for all budgets, and tour options are available with Coromandel Adventures. A shuttle bus to Coromandel Town meets the ferry, which departs Auckland at 8.45am on Saturdays and Sundays, and 6pm (by bus) on Fridays. It departs Waiheke (Orapiu) at 9.50am on Saturdays and Sundays.
A premium cruise Enjoy the comfort of Premium Plus – Interislander’s superior lounges, which are now available on the Kaitaki and Aratere. For just $45 extra, you can travel across Cook Strait in an elegant, exclusive lounge where you’ll enjoy complimentary newspapers, the latest magazines, and a variety of teas, coffees, juices and cookies. The lounges also offer complimentary beer, wine, and snacks. Don’t miss out - reserve your Premium Plus seat when you select your Aratere or Kaitaki sailing. Premium Plus is restricted to passengers aged 18 years and over. See www.interislander.co.nz or 0800 802 802
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Natural changes on the glacier face recently presented Franz Josef Glacier Guides with one of their biggest challenges since they started operating in the early 1900s. The outcome is the new Ice Explorer trip, which includes a short helicopter trip onto the ice. The whirl offers fantastic views of the coast, rainforest, glacier and surrounds, and drops visitors in an area unseen on previous hiking trips, offering stunning crevasses and the clearest blue ice. See www.franzjosefglacier.com
Talk’s cheap Yabba is a simple cost-effective way to make phone calls while you are travelling around New Zealand. Even better, Yabba Prepaid Phone Card has recently announced No Surcharge from Telecom payphones calling overseas from New Zealand! Now you can call overseas from any of the 3000 toasty warm Telecom NZ phone boxes across New Zealand at great low Yabba rates! See www.yabba.co.nz
Art & Design MARKET DAY AT BRITOMART A new monthly art and design market at Britomart features some of Auckland’s freshest art and design talent. The inaugural market was held on Saturday 26 May and showcased up-and-coming artists and designers. The art and design market will be held on the last Saturday of each month between 10.30am and 2.30pm at Tyler Street Garage. The event is a co-production with creative design partnership MoAD (Ministry of Art & Design). Contemporary artifacts for sale include jewellery, ceramics, textiles, limited-edition T-shirts, leatherware, object art and prints. Pop down and check out all the market fanfare at Britomart, with the City Farmers’ Market also taking place on Gore Street from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
In the fast lane Put the stress of navigating behind you with TomTom’s new GO LIVE 2050, which offers some of the most up-to-date maps in the New Zealand sat-nav market. The unit has a 5” fluid touch screen which responds superfast to commands, and it also contains latest technologies such as advanced lane guidance, hands-free calling and pre-installed safety cameras. It features TomTom’s HD Traffic, which offers real-time traffic information that ensures you’re always on the fastest route. See www.tomtom.com
Journeys through
our scenic heartland See New Zealand’s ever-changing landscapes, unique attractions and outdoor activities unfold by including train travel in your trip. KiwiRail’s scenic journeys encompass lush farmland and forests, historic feats of railway engineering, active volcanoes and alpine tussock land, wild gorges and broad rivers, dramatic seascapes and soaring mountains. Different fare options allow you to stop off along the way and take time to discover what heartland New Zealand is all about. www.kiwirailscenicjourneys.co.nz or 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467)
Waitemata in winter Cruise the sparkling waters and see the best of Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata Harbour aboard Fullers Harbour Cruise. Highlights include the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Viaduct Basin and a brief stopover at Rangitoto Island, which provides a small taste of its unique volcanic terrain. There’s a full commentary from the knowledgeable crew; morning or afternoon tea is included plus a FREE return trip to Devonport to be used whenever you like. The cruise departs daily at 10.30am and 1.30pm, and a winter special allows the second person to go for half price. Purchase at any ticket office or call 09 367 9111 to book. Not available for online bookings. Valid until 30 September 2012. See www.fullers.co.nz, phone 09 367 9111
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power
Powder
EARLY SNOW MEANS THE COUNTRY’S SKI SLOPES ARE ALREADY HUMMING SO GRAB YOUR SKIS, BOARDS, TUBES OR WHATEVER – AND GET THERE!
F
rom Mt Ruapehu in the north to The Remarkables in the south, New Zealand’s ski areas provide some of the most varied and scenic terrain in the world. Depending on the resort, you can ski or snowboard from June to midNovember on runs that cater to every skill level. Ski areas are a mix of commercial and club fields. The latter are generally run by non-profit ski clubs, which welcome new members and casual visitors to their slopes. Slopes are not usually too crowded, although school holidays (June 29 – July 16; September 28 – October 15) can be busy. Adult lift passes at commercial ski areas hover around $95 a day, and club fields are often cheaper. However the huge range of discounts, packages and combo options on offer brings the cost down considerably. For instance, OnePassNZ provides access to eight of the central South Island’s top fields, as well as discounts on rentals, lessons, and
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activities in the surrounding areas. Few commercial fields offer on-hill accommodation, so nearby towns and resorts are hubs for equipment rental, shuttle services, accommodation and après ski entertainment. Notable exceptions are Snow Park and Cardrona fields, between Wanaka and Queenstown, both of which have apartments on the slopes. Several club fields provide accommodation on the mountain, which may be booked if available. The country’s largest ski area is Mt Ruapehu in the North Island, which has two ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa. The two fields have a variety of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including dedicated areas for tobogganing and tubing. Whakapapa is on the north-western slopes and boasts 65 trails, ranging from beginners to challenging back-country runs. A self-contained beginners’ area, Happy
Valley, has its own ski rental and cafeteria. Turoa is on the southwest of the mountain and boasts plenty of dry snow throughout the season. Its Alpine Meadow is a good beginners’ area with a 120-metre carpet lift. Turoa also has the longest vertical descent of any ski resort in Australasia. Ruapehu’s service towns are National Park, Whakapapa Village and Ohakune. The major South Island resorts are Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Park NZ (a snowboarders’ playground) and the Snow Farm, the country’s only commercial crosscountry ski area – all in the QueenstownWanaka region – and Mt Hutt in Canterbury. Queenstown is a busy all-year resort sitting beneath the stunning Remarkables mountain range on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wanaka, an hour’s drive over the Crown Range from Queenstown (or fly from Christchurch) is another all-season resort. Like Queenstown, it has a variety of accommodation and eateries, great scenery and lots of off-slope activities. Methven is the gateway town for Mt Hutt, a one-hour drive from Christchurch. Numerous heli-ski operators whisk offpiste enthusiasts into some of the South Island’s most breathtaking terrain. A commercial snow-shoeing venture in the scenic backcountry around Queenstown is popular with both skiers and non-skiers.
arrival New Zealand
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A hot lifesaver
MOKENA spa baths , TE
AROHA
PUT TOGETHER TWO YOUNG AMERICAN STUDENTS, A WINTER HIKE INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY AND A FIERCE BLIZZARD, AND IT COULD SPELL DISASTER. BUT THANKS TO ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S MANY HOT SPRINGS THIS STORY HAS A HAPPY ENDING.
I
n June this year, Alec Brown and Erica Klintworth, both aged twenty-one and both students from Wisconsin, USA, walked out of the South Island wilderness after being trapped for nine days by relentless snow and rain. The resourceful pair kept warm by soaking in the waters of a natural hot spring while waiting for the weather to clear. It was a great survival tale, but fortunately most people visit the country’s hot springs for more indulgent reasons. Natural hot springs occur from north to south and east to west, with many in between. Geothermal regions like Rotorua and Taupo have a plethora of places to soak – here even accommodation providers may have their own natural hot pool. Rotorua’s longestablished Polynesian Spa has twenty-six hot mineral pools including private, family and adult-only pools as well as deluxe Lake Spa pools and the Lake Spa Retreat spa therapy wing.
POLYNESIAN SPA
Taupo DeBretts offers accommodation, landscaped outdoor mineral pools, private mineral pools, and therapeutic and beauty treatments in the Living Waters Spa. At picturesque Te Aroha, the historic Hot Springs Domain was created around the soda springs that bubble from beneath the mountain and the hot soda geyser spouts frequently. The Te Aroha Mineral Spas & Leisure Pools offer both private soda pools and open-air public pools.
NGS SEF SPRI FRANZ JO
outdoors. While not a natural hot spring, the mixture of mountain spring water, rain water and lake water is heated to a cosy 37.8 – 39.8 degrees or can be adapted to your preference. On the West Coast, Glacier Hot Pools uses
In the South Island at pretty Hanmer Springs, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools offer everything from personal pampering in a health and beauty spa to family fun in the outdoor pools. In winter, you could end up luxuriating in wet warmth while snow falls softly to the ground.
water from the Wahio River Aquifer, which has
Queenstown’s Onsen sits on a cliff overlooking the Shotover River canyon and a dramatic alpine landscape. Its private pools have a retractable glass roof and front wall, so you feel as if you’re part of the
natural hot springs beside rivers and lakes,
the pristine Franz Josef Glacier as a source. The three invitingly warm main pools and three secluded private pools are nestled amid lush rainforest where birds flit in the foliage. If you’d rather soak for free, you’ll find beneath towering mountains and even on the beach such as those at Hot Water Beach and Kawhia. The website www. nzhotpools.co.nz lists over 100 hot pools.
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GENERAL OVERVIEW www.arrival.co .n z
this is
New Zealand Around 180 million years ago New Zealand broke away from a giant land-mass called Gondwana and drifted nearly 3,000km south to where it sits today. Polynesians sailed here in the early 1300s, following their ancestor Kupe, who had named the country Aotearoa – “Land of the Long White Cloud”. FOX GLACIER GUIDING
D
utch explorer Abel Tasman arrived in 1642, naming the land “Nieuw Zeeland”. European settlement began in 1769 with the arrival of British navigator Captain James Cook. In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi confirmed New Zealand as a British colony and it became an independent nation in 1947. A visit to any of the country’s excellent museums will fill you in on everything that’s led us to where we are now – a modern, multi-cultural nation enjoying an enviable Pacific lifestyle.
Accommodation Whether luxury or budget, city or country, New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation choices. Self-contained Motels are the most widespread accommodation choice, and units generally have a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom and one or two bedrooms. Rates range from $90 to $175 (or more) a night. Apartments, holiday homes or even vineyard cottages are good self-catering options for longer stays. Home & Hosted New Zealand B&Bs, homestays and farmstays are a good way to meet locals. Some B&Bs provide dinner on request and all provide breakfast. Farmstays, where you stay with a family on their farm, are an excellent
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way to get an insight into this important industry. Luxury Lodgings Throughout the country you’ll find large luxury hotels, boutique hotels, country lodges, resorts, health retreats and luxury B&Bs providing impeccable service and every conceivable comfort. BACKPACKERS New Zealand has an excellent network of backpacker lodges and hostels, most of which offer a very good standard of accommodation. Most provide a range of sleeping options, from dorm beds with shared facilities to double rooms with en suites. A dorm bed can start from as little as $15, with most averaging $20 – $25 a night. These are great places to meet and share
tips and experiences with other travellers, and most offer discounts on everything from food and accommodation to gift items and transport. Well-known backpacker groups are BBH which has around 300 member hostels around the country, and YHA which has around fifty properties. CAMPING Campers will find scores of holiday parks and campgrounds in beautiful locations. As well as powered and unpowered sites, many offer basic cabin accommodation and motel-style tourist flats. Prices vary widely depending on the location and the season, but expect to pay $25 – $45 for a site. Campground facilities include bathrooms/toilets and a kitchen (you need your own cookware and utensils), and there’s often a laundry, recreation room, barbecues, playground, on-site shop, and sometimes even a swimming pool and spa. Regional councils and DOC (Department of Conservation) also maintain basic camping areas in stunning natural areas. See www. doc.govt.nz/camping, See Transport section, Mobile Living for more information.
Dining A temperate climate, fertile soil and a pristine ocean combine to provide talented kiwi chefs with the freshest meat, seafood and produce. Add an enthusiasm for incorporating international influences and you’ve got an innovative cuisine that has led to many New Zealand chefs gaining fame offshore. Kiwis tend to prefer less formal, brasserie-style eating and there are many establishments around the country with smart or homely décor, tasty, inventive cuisine and good service. Many such places morph from casual daytime cafés to sophisticated evening eateries. Alfresco dining at pavement tables, beside the water or among the vines is popular, especially in summer. If you enjoy ethnic cuisine you’ll find a veritable United Nations of food on offer, whether it’s Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Korean, French, Italian, and so on. Fast-food outlets range from big-name international chains to tiny kebab stands and gourmet burger bars.
Wine Trails Most wineries welcome tourists to their cellar doors to sample and buy their products. Some have pleasant picnic areas, restaurants and even vineyard
cottages to rent. New Zealand’s ten recognised wine regions are Northland, Auckland (including Waiheke Island), Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Waipara and Central Otago. Each region produces “wine trail” maps showing wineries or you can devise your own outing, or join an organised wine tour. Varying climate and terrain means each region has its signature varieties – for example, Marlborough is renowned for Sauvignon Blanc; Gisborne for Chardonnay; Hawke’s Bay for Claret-style reds; Central Otago for Pinot Noir, etc. – but there are no hard-and-fast rules to finding a great wine.
Beer & Breweries There are literally dozens of fine brews waiting to be savoured, including excellent mass-market lagers like Steinlager and NZ PURE. These are produced respectively by Lion Nathan and Independent Liquor, both national breweries. Some of Steinlager’s better-known stable-mates are Mac’s and Speight’s, each of which comes with a bit of a legend and in a variety of styles. The other big player is DB, which among others, includes the Monteith’s brand and Tui. Visiting the iconic Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka is a almost rite of passage for beer devotees, and tours are also available at Speight’s in Dunedin, Monteith’s in Greymouth and Mainland Brewery, Timaru. The country has over fifty boutique breweries spread from the north to the very south. These craft/premium beers are batch-brewed in micro- and macrobreweries and brewpubs using the very best ingredients, nurtured along by passionate brewers. Boutique brewers are usually happy to discuss their processes and products, so even if they don’t officially provide tours, ask anyway. Check them out on www. brewersguild.org.nz.
good buy, as are New Zealand wines and gourmet treats. On the subject of fashion, New Zealand designers have been making a splash on international runways in recent years as critics rave about their fresh and edgy look. Where to shop In central Auckland, you’ll find design stores and galleries in the heritage buildings near the waterfront, or for clothing by top New Zealand designers visit heritage-listed Vulcan Lane and High, O’Connell and Chancery Streets, Britomart, which are just off the main street, Queen Street. To the west, Ponsonby Road has boutique fashion stores, galleries, trendy shops and many excellent eateries, while Newmarket’s main shopping areas are Broadway and Nuffield Street. In Downtown Wellington, the Lambton Quarter is where chain stores rub shoulders with unique boutiques; Willis Quarter is a mix of lifestyle shops, and several local designers have
DISTRICT DINING, CUSTOMS STREET
Shopping If you’re looking for a typical Kiwi memento, there’s no shortage of souvenir shops in tourist centres and cities. For something more individual, check out art and craft galleries that support local artists and artisans working in glass, wood, wool, bone, paua (abalone) shell, and other indigenous materials. Fashionable clothing and thermal wear made from fine wools such as merino are a
COUCOU, BRITOMART
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“CARBONATED”
“FLOWERS”
Varying sizes of both plain and diamond set circles placed randomly to create this ring that is both bubbly and fun to wear. This collection of retro-inspired designs features top quality white diamonds, natural coloured diamonds and other top coloured gemstones to create bold and eye-catching pieces. Be noticed with this unique and exceptionally eye-catching design.
For centuries we have given flowers to our friends and family members or to someone we love. We give flowers to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or to show support. Whatever the reason just remember a flower can speak more than words ever could. “SAY IT WITH FLOWERS”. Carats ‘Flower’ rings are all 18ct gold set with diamonds and natural precious coloured gems and range in price from $650 - $1175, so you can purchase rings individually in your favourite colours or buy a whole bouquet.
Carats Design Jewellery, 1st Floor, 10 High St, Auckland C.B.D, PH/Fax (09) 309-5145, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz, email@caratsjewellery.co.nz
souvenirs are sold in galleries throughout New Zealand. Every area has talented artists and craftspeople, and you are often able to visit them in their home studios and watch them at work. Nelson, which is known as the arts capital of New Zealand, has a large concentration of artists, many of whom sell their wares at the busy Saturday morning market. The small towns of Cambridge and Tirau on State Highway 1 south of Hamilton are known for unique crafts and antiques. Decorative tapa (bark) cloths from the Pacific Islands can be found at Auckland markets, and a few specialist shops like Pauanesia in High St sell quirky Pasificana.
Museums & Galleries New Zealand ’s history and culture is preserved in museums and art galleries that range from modern icons like Wellington’s Te Papa to small-town celebrations of local craft and industry. One of the oldest is the Auckland Museum, founded in 1852. It holds a world-class collection of Maori and Pacific artefacts, along with excellent collections of ethnology and natural history, military and social history, and the decorative arts. In Wellington, Te Papa – the country’s national museum – showcases New Zealand’s history and culturally diverse society through smart and interactive interpretations. The Auckland City Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is the country’s largest and oldest, and a fabulous new redevelopment adds a contemporary edge to this world-class facility. City Gallery Wellington has a reputation for innovation and style, with a focus on contemporary visual arts, architecture and design. Christchurch boasts an extensive collection in the striking new gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu (currently closed but check their website to find out where exhibitions and events are being held around the city).
Maori Tourism TE PAPA
their flagship stores here. In the funky Cuba Quarter explore James Smith’s Market or head to Courtenay Quarter for a 24/7 experience. In Christchurch, try Westfield Riccarton and Northlands Mall, as well as Merivale Mall which offers wonderful fashion boutiques. Dressmart at Hornby has a good selection of outlet stores. There’s also the weekend Boulevard Artisans’ market held opposite
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the Arts Centre, as well as the popular Christchurch Farmers’ Market at Riccarton House and Lyttelton Farmers’ Market - both on Saturdays. The city’s groovy new pop-up container mall in the CBD is proving a hit with locals and visitors. Art, Crafts & Collectibles Fine quality handmade art, crafts and
The first permanent Maori settlers arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand on huge waka (canoes) in the 13th century, and Maori people of today trace their lineage (whakapapa) to the ancestors who arrived in these canoes. Throughout the country visitors can enjoy diverse experiences that have a distinctive Maori component. It might be watching skilled carvers working with pounamu (jade) and wood, browsing a gallery of fine arts made by Maori craftspeople, or joining a Maori guide to search for kiwi in a Northland
Grab a 2degrees NZ Visitor SIM for low prepay rates in NZ
Simply pick up a 2degrees NZ Visitor SIM and get great local and international calling, texting and data rates while in NZ. With 2degrees you’ll get nationwide 3G coverage, convenient ways to top up and 24/7 customer service.
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Scenic Highways
GOLD MINING RELICS, COROMANDEL
forest or sperm whales off the Kaikoura coast. You might partake in a communal meal cooked in an earth oven (hangi) followed by a cultural performance in Rotorua, or stay overnight on a marae in a remote country setting. A very good brochure called Discover Maori has details of over a hundred Maori operators throughout the country, and gives lots of fascinating information about Maori history, culture, language and protocols. Pick it up at i-SITES or download from www.inz. maori.nz.
Outdoors New Zealand’s 14 magnificent national parks offer an unsurpassed outdoor experience. Backcountry huts provide shelter on outings that may take in rainforests and tundra, mountain peaks and glaciers, fiords and waterfalls, deserted beaches and pristine lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Tramp, ski, kayak, jetboat into remote areas – our national parks have it all. The Department of Conservation’s (www. doc.govt.nz) nine “Great Walks” include the Milford, Routeburn, Heaphy and Lake Waikaremoana tracks, as well as the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Whanganui Journey, both of which offer canoe/kayak options. There are dozens of other fine tramps of varying lengths, and some guided walks include catered overnight lodge stays. New Zealand’s waters are a paradise for fresh and saltwater fishers. Hunting, horsetrekking, mountain biking, climbing and, in winter, skiing in all its forms, are other popular outdoor pursuits.
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AGROVENTURES, ROTORUA
!
Remember, the great outdoors can be unpredictable and dangerous. Always tell someone detailed plans, including when you’ll be back. Get an updated weather forecast, ask local advice, and take extra food and clothing. You can also hire Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). You should complete an Outdoor Intentions form every time you venture into the outdoors. This can be done online, and few minutes spent doing this could be life-saving. See www.adventuresmart.org.nz and www. mountainsafety.org.nz
Adventure/Thrills Commercial bungy jumping was invented here, so it’s no surprise that New Zealand is a magnet for thrill-seekers. High-adrenalin activities range from the aforementioned leap from high places to abseiling down waterfalls and rafting along underground rivers. Other breathtaking activities include jetboating, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, tandem skydiving and paragliding, river surfing, off-road 4WD adventures, giant swings, luge runs and the Zorb – a hollow plastic ball in which you bounce downhill. Queenstown is a main centre for adventure activities, but you can even taste high-level thrills in the centre of Auckland with the Sky Tower’s 192m Skyjump and knee-trembling SkyWalk. Rotorua and Taupo also have their share of thrills and Waitomo’s caves offer underground excitement in various forms.
Tourist routes that take in areas of scenic, historical or cultural interest are well-marked by special brown signs. Driving north from Auckland you meet the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, which follows a long loop through Northland, including east (Bay of Islands) and west (giant kauri forests) coasts; the Pacific Coast Highway takes in the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay on its way from Auckland to Napier; while the Thermal Explorer opens up Rotorua’s geysers and Maori culture, Taupo’s volcanoes and hotsprings, the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the spectacular scenery of the Central Plateau. There are many other national and local scenic routes that are worth watching out for – or create your own by leaving the major arteries and discovering New Zealand’s rural heartland.
Golf New Zealand has more golf courses per head of population than anywhere else in the world – from nine-hole country tracks to world-class layouts designed by the game’s greatest names. Crowded fairways are a rarity; in fact on weekdays you’ll often have them to yourself, and the cost of a round on a rural course can be as little as $15 or $20. The average is $30 – $40, with top courses asking $65 – $150 (non-NZGA-affiliated). A small number of resort courses – like the stunning Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands and rugged Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay – may demand up to $400 a round for non-resident or nonNZGA-affiliated players, but the experience is one you’re unlikely to forget.
Health & Wellbeing Hot thermal waters created some of New Zealand’s earliest resorts. Soaking in a mineral hotpool at Rotorua, Taupo or Hanmer Springs is an experience not to be missed, and there are many other, less-visited hotspots up and down the country. You can even find hot pools in the bush, or by the sea at places like Kawhia or the Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach. Spa treatments – from massages to body wraps and facials – are available at several thermal resorts, while day spas are becoming common in main centres. Public swimming pools often have spa pools, saunas, gyms and massage facilities.
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If you’re an adrenalin junky... or not the Travellers’ co-op card gives you HUGE discounts on bungy jumping and jet boating. It’s a once in a lifetime trip so why not experience a skydive over Queenstown and get a free t-shirt to prove you’ve done it? Or maybe you’re brave enough to take the SkyJump – a 192 mtr leap off New Zealand’s tallest building – the iconic Auckland Sky Tower. Having your pants scared off not your thing? Check out New Zealand’s most loved tourist attraction Agrodome and their award winning sheep show and farm tour. Or experience the thermal wonderlands of Rotorua at Te Puia and Whakarewarewa – you can take the whole family without breaking the bank.
At the end of the day how about devouring a bowl of mussels and a pint at Auckland’s historic Occidental Hotel and paying less than the locals? Or enjoying a free wine or beer with your meal at Mecca Café? Settle in for the night and save at over 50 YHA hostels New Zealand wide or enjoy some luxury for less at one of our hotel partners. Then up the next morning for a little shopping – with the Travellers’ co-op card you’ll score great deals at leading retailers. The choice is yours, just make sure you pick up a Travellers’ co-op card available for FREE from May onwards
Travellers’ co-op
TRANSPORT www.arrival.co .n z
SOUTHERN DISCOVERIES, MILFORD SOUND
Seeing the
country
NEW ZEALAND IS FAMOUS FOR ITS SPECTACULAR SCENERY, AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO VENTURE FAR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO FIND MOUNTAIN
RANGES, VOLCANOES, THERMAL ACTIVITY, PRISTINE LAKES, FIORDS AND MEANDERING RIVERS, AS WELL AS MYRIAD PICTURESQUE BAYS AND BEACHES.
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Self-drive This is a popular option for anyone who likes to do their own thing. New Zealand’s roading network is excellent. Most roads – even smaller rural thoroughfares – are paved, though small, scenic, back-country roads may have unsealed, gravel surfaces, and some are four-wheel-drive territory. Vehicle rental companies usually have such 4WD vehicles in their range, along with every shape and size of car. Some companies specialise in motor homes, from small, budget vans to luxury self-contained models. Major international car-rental companies are represented here and home-grown firms often have very good deals. Distances between major places of interest are never great, so driving is a leisurely affair. There is plentiful
E nj oy
m or e olafnd New Ze a Taupo
GET A
FREE DOUBLE
UPGRADE
WHEN YOU RENT FOR
10 DAYS OR MORE*
EXPLORE NZ, DUNE RIDER
accommodation on routes throughout the country. Remember, New Zealanders drive on the left-hand-side of the road!
Mobile living More and more motorhomes and campervans are seen on Kiwi roads these days. Little wonder: not only do they provide mobile lodgings, the view from your bedroom window is often nothing less than spectacular. Most hire companies provide maps and detailed information about campgrounds and holiday parks around New Zealand and there are many other less formal (and usually more basic) sites open to self-contained motorhomes. The Auckland Regional Council (ARC), for example, allows camping in several regional parks (see www.arc.govt. nz) and the Department of Conservation
(www.doc.govt.nz/camping) manages some 240 vehicle-accessible camping areas on conservation land. Beware, though: some jet-lagged long-haul visitors have come to grief by attempting to drive long distances in big, unfamiliar vehicles as soon as they step off the plane. Better to spend the first night near the airport and then get on your way. Several hire companies advertise in the pages of arrival and some offer readers special discounts and privileges – check out the vouchers section at the front of this magazine.
Explore the natural beauty of a New Zealand Winter, all at your own pace.
Visit the Avis counter or avis.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number UPNA011 at time of booking. Offer available on car groups A to C, to a maximum Group E. Subject to availability. Full terms apply please visit avis.co.nz
COACH For those who like to be driven and prefer a more organised agenda, coach tour companies like GreatSights take charter groups or individuals, whether for a half-day
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Helitours, Queenstown
CAMPERVAN FUN, BAY OF PLENTY
CAMPING OUR WAY To help keep New Zealand’s beautiful environment clean, tourism groups have come together in the Responsible Camping Forum. They ask that in the spirit of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), visitors respect the unique flora and fauna, and help keep towns, cities, parks, beaches and bush free from pollution and waste. Visitors are asked to leave no trace of their trip for the collective benefit of current and future generations. Campers must use designated camping
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spots, whether it’s a Department of Conservation site, commercial holiday park or freedom camping spot. Only selfcontained motor-homes with toilet and waste disposal can use some places. A brochure, website, and smartphone app give useful information such as details of campgrounds (including freedom camping sites), regional information, and safety tips. If in doubt, ask at the local i-SITE, DOC office or holiday park. See www.camping.org.nz A new Freedom Camping Bill allows for $200 instant fine for illegal camping. A successful prosecution for illegally discharging a campervan’s sewage will enable courts to impose fines up to $10,000.
sightseeing tour, a full day, a week, or even a month. Accommodation, most meals and sightseeing are usually included in the price package, and you will receive friendly service and an informative commentary. Kiwi Experience, Stray Travel and Magic Travellers Network offer budget package options, and regular scheduled bus services operate between towns and cities, and also link with inter-island ferry services. Intercity Coachlines visits more than 600 towns and communities throughout New Zealand every day. Even scheduled services usually have a commentary, so you will still learn about the country as you travel. Local towns and cities have public transport networks, and several have city sightseeing tours and/or convenient hop-on, hop-off options that loop around the main attractions. Try Auckland
SAVE
$50
ON A GPS WHEN YOU RENT A
CAR FOR 7+ DAYS
*
Explorer, CitySights in Rotorua and Wellington and Citibus in Dunedin.
WATER Water transport ranges from highthrill jet boats that race over river rapids, to stately steamers, ferries, launches and large yachts, available either for excursions or charter. Ferries link the North and South islands of New Zealand, crossing Cook Strait daily between Wellington and Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. The Interislander operates three ferries, the Arahura, Kaitaki and Aratere, all of which carry passengers and vehicles. In good weather the trip takes three hours, with up to five return sailings between Wellington and Picton each day, depending on the season. The crossing has
been described as “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”. At the bottom of the country, there’s a launch service across the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island. Local ferries, such as those that service Auckland’s seaside suburbs and Hauraki Gulf islands, are a convenient way to get out on the water. Car/passenger ferries run between Auckland and Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands. In places like the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park, water taxis service otherwise inaccessible areas and most will organise sightseeing agendas.
With so much of New Zealand to explore, book now and save $50 off a GPS to help you see more. Visit the Budget counter or budget.co.nz *Offer applies to rentals commencing between 15 July and 30 September 2012. Please quote coupon number MPSZ004 at time of booking. Subject to availability. Full terms apply, please visit budget.co.nz.
AIR Air New Zealand services most domestic destinations, with Jetstar providing budget services on a restricted network. Air New
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Zealand’s Eagle Airways, Mount Cook airlines and Air Nelson fly to regional and tourist centres and small commuter air services link smaller towns. One-way internet fares between Auckland and Christchurch may be as low as $49 (sometimes even less), depending on flight dates and specials. Generally, low-rate Auckland- Christchurch fares range from $75 to $119. If you’re not tied to a schedule, snap up an incredibly cheap deal on Air New Zealand’s Grabaseat – specials are loaded every day. Charter planes and helicopters are available throughout the country for scenic flights.
RAIL KiwiRail’s Scenic Journeys take in some of the most beautiful stretches of countryside. The daily Tranzalpine service from Christchurch to Greymouth over Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps is a case in point. The train crosses breathtaking scenery and its service has earned international accolades. You can travel there and back in the same day. The Coastal Pacific between Christchurch and Picton is another scenic journey, this
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Taieri Gorge
time following the east coast. It connects with the ferry service to Wellington. The Northern Explorer links Auckland and Wellington via the Central North Island. The scenic 12-hour trip passes through some of the North Island’s most inaccessible areas, and includes many amazing tunnels, viaducts and bridges. For dates see www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz or phone 0800 872 467.
Rail buffs head for Dunedin to catch the daily Taieri Gorge scenic rail experience, travelling across the Taieri plains and over the spectacular gorge on a four-hour return journey into the past. The Track & Trail coach/rail option from Citibus offers a link to and from Queenstown. Around the country, societies of rail enthusiasts operate short excursions on restored engines and tracks.
-
New Zealand by train Simply Stunning
Discover some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, only accessible by train. Step aboard any of our three services and you’ll enjoy full 360-degree views of some of the most pristine and untouched areas in the country.
Book now at
kiwirailscenic.co.nz arrival New Zealand
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NORTH ISLAND MAP www.arrival.co .n z
Cape Reinga
North Cape
6 Polynesian Spa
Kaitaia
Bay of Islands
Kerikeri
1 7
1
Dive Tutukaka, Poor Knights Islands
WHANGAREI
Agrodome
1
Dargaville 2
Wellsford
2
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Warkworth
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Kauri Museum Taupo Bungy
Helensville 3
AUCKLAND
Whitianga
4
Thames Whangamata
Pukekohe o ik at Wa
3 Sail NZ
Riv er
TAURANGA
HAMILTON
TASMAN SEA
Bay of Plenty
Cambridge Lake Rotorua
Te Awamutu Tokoroa
5
Whakatane
Ruatoria
7 ROTORUA 6
4
Tolaga Bay
Skyjump
8
North Taranaki Bight
Taumarunui NEW PLYMOUTH
TAUPO
GISBORNE
Lake Taupo
Turangi
Waitara National Park
Cape Egmont
5
Hawke Bay
NAPIER
Black Water Rafting
Hawera HASTINGS
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
South Taranaki Bight
WANGANUI
www.travelbug.co.nz
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
• Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
Waipukurau
TASMAN SEA
Bulls
Feilding
PALMERSTON NORTH
Interislander
Levin
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
ST RA
IT
Masterton
CO
OK
WELLINGTON
Cape Palliser
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SOUTH ISLAND MAP www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
NZ’s Accommodation Website Best range. Great Deals
www.travelbug.co.nz
http://tbu.gs/arrivalsqr
• Rooms from $20/night to $1000+/night • More than 20,000 reviews • Try our Secret Sale • Backpacker hostels & camping grounds to luxury hotels & lodges
1 Kaiteriteri Kayak
TASMAN SEA
Golden Bay
1 2
Takaka
Tasman Bay
2
Blenheim
CO OK
NELSON
Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi
Westport Buller
River
Waiau
River
3 Hanmer Springs
4
Hanmer
GREYMOUTH
Kaikoura
3 Springs
TASMAN SEA
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S SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Rangiora
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kiwirailscenic.co.nz
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Lake Wanaka
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Lake Pukaki
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Lake Tekapo
ri River
Waimakari
CHRISTCHURCH
Methven
Aoraki/ Mount Cook
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Ashburton
R ak ai a Ri ver
Canterbury Bight
Temuka Lake Hawea
Omarama
Timaru
Milford Sound
Wanaka
QUEENSTOWN
Doubtful Sound
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4 7
Ranfurly
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Te Anau
Encounter Kaikoura
Oamaru
Alexandra
Te Anau
DUNEDIN
5 Up Up and Away
Gore
7 NZONE Skydive
Balclutha
INVERCARGILL FO
VE
Bluff
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X
ST
RA
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SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA
6 Shotover Jet
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NORTHLAND www.arrival.co .n z
mild AT HEART NORTHLAND’S MILD WINTER DAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO AMBLE ALONG A DESERTED BEACH, RAMBLE THROUGH A MAJESTIC KAURI FOREST, OR EXPLORE THE REGION’S INTRIGUING HISTORY IN A MUSEUM
O
EXPLORE NZ, otehei BAY
ften called the birthplace of the nation, Northland is steeped in both Maori lore and European history. Its stunning scenery is complemented by rich stories and legends that seem to intensify as you proceed further north. The easiest way to get there is via the Northern Gateway Toll Road on SH1 ($2 one-way for cars), but the free route between Orewa and Puhoi is more picturesque, winding through seaside settlements such as Waiwera, with its hot pools. An hour from Auckland CBD is the Matakana Coast, a developing wine region that boasts around a dozen wineries, most offering cellar-door tastings. There are good cafés and restaurants, craft shops, art galleries and potteries. Matakana Village
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is a “slow food” town and its lively Saturday morning Farmers’ Market sells fabulous local produce such as oysters, olives, organic cheese, breads and much more. On the coast past Matakana, Goat Island Marine Reserve, the country’s first, has a rich, easily accessible underwater ecology. It’s close to the vast expanse of Pakiri Beach, and Tawharanui Regional Park, which also has a marine park. Like Goat Island, it’s ideal for snorkelling and diving. Back on the main highway, drive to the Brynderwyn Hills and either continue towards Whangarei or turn left on SH12 towards Dargaville. Either way you’ll still be on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, a scenic route that starts in Auckland and opens up the best of this fascinating
region. A left turn takes you around the tip of the expansive Kaipara Harbour to Dargaville. This intriguing area has been the site of many shipwrecks, some of which are still being newly exposed by shifting sand. Many artefacts are kept in Dargaville’s interesting hilltop museum. This coast is kauri country, where you can see awe-inspiring examples of the giant trees that once covered Northland. The mighty forests were logged in the 19th century for houses and ships’ masts. The excellent Kauri Museum at Matakohe tells the story of this impressive tree – and those whose lives it influenced. With over 4500 square metres of exhibitions, the museum offers something for all ages. Life-size displays depict the lives of the pioneer timber men and gumdiggers, and there are scientific displays, collections of arts, crafts and colonial furniture crafted from the beautiful timber, as well as a magnificent collection of kauri gum. There’s also an on-site shop and cafe. The museum has recently become the world’s first carboNZero museum audited by CEMARS, the Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme. About 30km north of Dargaville, which was once a thriving kauri timber port, consider a detour to picturesque Kai Iwi Lakes, then continue to Trounson Kauri Park to see some really big trees. Bigger trees wait, though, in the Waipoua
Kauri Forest. Waipoua is home to Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), New Zealand’s tallest kauri, standing 52 metres tall. From there it’s a 15-minute drive to pretty Omapere and Opononi on the Hokianga Harbour. A lookout above the villages has amazing vistas of the harbour and the giant sandhills on the northern shore. Down the hill in the village, stop at the visitor centre cum art gallery, and take a stroll to the statue of Opo, a friendly dolphin that once captured the heart of the nation. Through Opononi, follow the harbour to Rawene and browse the craft galleries while you wait for the car ferry that crosses the Narrows to Kohukohu. Tiny Kohukohu was once a busy timber town and there’s an interesting walking trail around its lovely historic buildings. Continue through rolling farmland to Ahipara at the bottom of the famous 90 Mile Beach, then on to Kaitaia, the main service town for the Far North. From here you can drive through Awanui and Houhora to the very top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, but to really absorb the scenery, leave your car and join a bus tour up Ninety Mile Beach. According to Maori legend, Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the dead depart for the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. There’s a lighthouse and splendid views of the tumultuous meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea; at nearby Te Paki Stream, you
TANE MAHUTA
KAURI MUSEUM
CAPE REINGA
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can slide down giant sandhills. Back at the foot of the peninsula turn east on SH10. If there’s no hurry, detour up the beautiful Karikari Peninsula, or otherwise skirt Doubtless Bay to Mangonui, a seaside settlement famous for its heritage trail and fresh fish and chips. Follow the shores of pretty Whangaroa Harbour, a fishing hotspot that’s a base for game fishing. Turn off at Waipapa towards Kerikeri, a charming historic town boasting citrus orchards, cafés, galleries and good accommodation. Before town, stop at Rainbow Falls, then drive to New Zealand’s oldest buildings – Kemp House (1821) and the Stone Store (1832) – which sit in postcard-perfect splendour beside the inlet. Both are open to the public. Kerikeri is known for its outstanding fruit, vegetables and wine, and its lively Sunday Farmers’ Market is a great place to sample and buy fresh fare direct from the growers and producers. Continuing south, Paihia is the place to experience the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a boat trip to the Hole in the Rock or even an overnight cruise (The Rock is a friendly, reasonably priced option), swim with dolphins, go deep-sea fishing or catch the foot ferry across to quaint Russell, a one-time whaling station – and briefly, in 1840 – New Zealand’s capital. Waitangi is where the nation’s founding document was signed in 1840, and the Treaty House and its elevated grounds offer superb views over the bay. Head south through Opua, and even if you don’t need to, make a comfort stop in Kawakawa’s famous Hundertwasser public toilet. Next are the Waiomo glowworm caves and the fortified Maori pa at Raupekapeka, and you can turn off at Hikurangi for bays, beaches and dive spots on the Tutukaka Coast, which National Geographic Traveler recently rated second equal in its geo-tourism assessment of coastal destinations worldwide. A final stop before Whangarei will be Zion Wildlife Gardens, a park-like environment that’s a sanctuary for some of the world’s rarest big cats. At Whangarei Town Basin, cafés and restaurants front the marina. The city has a great Museum and Heritage Park, as well as lovely Whangarei Falls. Whangarei’s attractive town centre is a relaxing place to shop, or for something special, visit The Quarry Arts Centre, a collective of artists working in a bushy haven that was once a quarry. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink, you can’t go past the Killer Prawn restaurant or lively McMorrissey’s Irish Pub and Eatery. Meander back to Auckland detouring to Waipu, with its Scottish heritage, and the seaside town of Mangawhai.
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THE POOR KNIGHTS Recently ranked in the UK’s Guardian newspaper as one of the world’s top ten wildlife destinations, the protected Poor Knights Islands off Tutukaka (about 2½ hours’ drive north of Auckland) display a rare biodiversity created by converging currents, a micro-climate, and thousands of years of isolation from the mainland. This abundance of unique plant, animal and marine life is augmented by the islands’ Maori history, which is dramatic, turbulent and – considering the inhospitable nature of the craggy isles – astonishing. The Poor Knights are currently being considered for World Heritage status and the pure, clean waters provide some of the best diving in the country. In fact Jacques Cousteau rated the Poor Knights among the top 10 dive sites in the world. Dive! Tutukaka has a brilliant “Dive the Five” package that takes in Northland’s top five dive sites, including the Poor Knights. Nondivers will love their “Perfect Day” trip which offers sightseeing, kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, fish-cam viewing, sea mammal-spotting – and great food! Freephone (in NZ) 0800 288 882; www.diving.co.nz
nORTHLAND
must-dos
Visit the fascinating Kauri Museu m at Matakohe Go sandboarding on towering golden dunes Laze the day away on an isolated beach Take a day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands Admire Tane Mahuta and the kauri forests Enjoy stunning scenery while you play a round of golf Take a ride up Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga Sail Paihia to the Hole in the Rock WHANGAREI FALLS
Great reasons to visit:
Northland Ultimate Twin Tours Experience PRESENT THIS FOR
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Discover the scenic far North on our purposebuilt off-road vehicle. Visit Gumdigger Park, Spiritual Cape Reinga and drive along 90 Mile Beach. • Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach Adventure
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Unique marine mammal experiences, including the ‘Hole in the Rock’, or swim with the dolphins. • Discover the Bay ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise and Dolphin Watching • Swim with the Dolphins Eco-Cruise
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Conditions apply. Valid to 31 July 2012
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HERITAGE, NIGHTLIFE AND SHOPPING ON AUCKLAND’S WATERFRONT The historic Britomart precinct spans several blocks of beautifully preserved heritage buildings and cuttingedge architecture. It is home to Auckland’s hippest nightlife and some of New Zealand’s best designer shopping. Britomart’s many restaurants, bars and cafes are alive at all hours of the day and night. A treasure trove of boutiques, from high fashion and beauty to New Zealand art and gifts, is waiting to be discovered.
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AUCKLAND
www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
BIGGER by the day A BABY GIRL DELIVERED AT MIDDLEMORE HOSPITAL ON FEBRUARY 1ST BECAME AUCKLAND’S 1.5 MILLIONTH RESIDENT. THE NATION’S BIGGEST CITY IS GROWING FAST, BUT IT STILL RETAINS AN INTIMATE CHARM
A
uckland spreads over a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour in the west and the Waitemata Harbour in the east, which in turn opens out into the island-studded Hauraki Gulf. Nowhere in Auckland is far from the water and visitors will soon work out why it’s dubbed the “City of Sails”. Locals love to get out on the water and the Waitemata in particular is always dotted with craft. There are plenty of options for visitors to share this passion, whether it’s helping sail a former America’s Cup yacht, taking a luxury cruise, going fishing, kayaking, renting a jet ski, or simply taking one of the scheduled ferries that criss-cross the harbour. For supercharged waterborne thrills, take a wild jetboat ride with Auckland Adventure Jet.
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AUCKLAND MUSEUM
The Britomart Country Club
KIA ORA WELCOME One of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland Museum is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures. It is the only place in Auckland where you can experience the warmth of a Māori cultural performance, every day. Open daily 10am to 5pm. Admission by donation. $10 per adult is suggested, children are free. Charges apply for special exhibitions and events.
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KELLY TARLTON’S
Even when they’re not actually on the water, Aucklanders like to get close to it. They head to popular Mission Bay and St Heliers; they stroll along Tamaki Drive; they make for eastern beaches or the black sand surf beaches of the wild west coast; they sit at cafés, restaurants and bars around Princes Wharf and Viaduct Harbour, where you can also delve into New Zealand’s maritime history at the National Maritime Museum. The Viaduct is central to new public spaces which are proving popular with both visitors and locals. The Wynyard Quarter is linked by a drawbridge, and offers an interesting combination of eateries, open spaces and playgrounds amid an industrial waterfront landscape. A quaint heritage tram provides transport to the precinct, and signposts guide walkers to Victoria Park Market and beyond. Also at the harbour end of the city
AUCKLAND MUSEUM
is Britomart, a new development that incorporates the city’s transport hub, as well as spanning several blocks of beautifully preserved mercantile warehouses and cutting edge new buildings. It’s home to hip bars, cafes and restaurants, a Saturday Farmers’ Market and some wonderful designer shopping. Around the waterfront you can even get underwater without getting wet at Kelly Tarlton’s, the underwater world that recently celebrated its 25th birthday. See how it all began and get up close to sharks, stingrays, New Zealand’s only sub-Antarctic penguins, and more. Of Auckland’s 49 volcanic cones, some – try Mount Eden, One Tree Hill or Mt Victoria – are a great place to get a visual overview of the city. Another option is to catch the highspeed lift up the Sky Tower (see box). Auckland offers all the amusements and facilities you’d expect in a large, modern
Getting around Getting around Auckland is faster, easier and cheaper with HOP – a new smartcard that’s available from transport centres and selected retailers. It includes Link bus services such as the Red Link that connects the city with the waterfront every ten minutes (free with HOP card, 50c without). The frequent green Inner Link and amber Outer Link buses connect to places such as funky K-Road, the restaurant, café and shopping strips of Ponsonby, Parnell and Newmarket, Victoria Park Markets, MOTAT, St Luke’s Mall and more. Alternatively, the $10.50 BusAbout Pass has unlimited rides after 9am ($26 family), while the $16 Discovery day pass includes some ferry services. You can also use the hop-on, hop-off Auckland Explorer Bus (one-day adult $40, two-day adult $65; $20 child, $30 group (10 or more) $90 family) which visits Auckland’s big 14 attractions. See www.myhop.co.nz, www.maxx.co.nz, www.explorerbus.co.nz
MOTAT TRAM
Hammerheads Restaurant
Amazing views over Auckland Harbour Just minutes from downtown Auckland - next to Kelly Tarltons Fabulous food Fresh New Zealand seafood Innovative menu Free Car parking Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday
19 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Auckland Phone: +64 9 521 4400 email: info@hammerheads.co.nz www.hammerheads.co.nz
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Visit Voyager Auckland waterfront’s Maritime Museum SKYJUMP
Discover amazing stories of Polynesian voyaging across the Pacific, European exploration and immigration and NZ’s international yachting success. An all weather, must-see attraction, only 200 metres from Queen Street. Discover more at Voyager. Open 9.00am-5.00pm, 7 days a week Corner Quay & Hobson Streets Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Ph: +64 9 373 0800
www.maritimemuseum.co.nz
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metropolis, while retaining a welcoming, smalltown vibe. As you’d expect, there’s a huge range of excellent dining and accommodation options with choices to suit every taste and budget.
is a much larger park, with bush walks, formal gardens and glasshouses full of exotic plants. It also contains the excellent Auckland Museum. Auckland Zoo is internationally respected and great entertainment. It’s set at the edge
CENTRAL AUCKLAND Queen St is the city’s main north-south artery and shopping strip. It houses major retail chains, and running off or beside it are smart precincts like High St, Vulcan Lane and Chancery, with their boutique offerings. The recently redeveloped Aotea Square is a focal point for the city and offers an attractive outdoor space for major public events and everyday activity. The square lets on to cinemas, theatres and the Auckland Town Hall. Walk up Wellesley St East to reach the Auckland Art Gallery and the lovely haven of Albert Park. The Domain, further east,
of Western Springs Park, which wraps around a picturesque lake. MOTAT — the Museum of Transport and Technology — is nearby. Its astounding collection has been enhanced by the recent addition of a stunning new Aviation Hall, which is already receiving accolades for design. Chamberlain Park, a very good 18hole public golf course, is also in the vicinity. You’ll find pleasant cafés and restaurants, food and wine stores, supermarkets, bookshops and galleries in inner suburbs like Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Mt Eden, Kingsland and Parnell. These inner-city suburbs are within 10 minutes’ drive of the CBD.
DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY COLONY OF
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NORTH SHORE Starting just over the harbour bridge, North Shore is easily reached by road or ferry. The region boasts 140 kilometres of pohutukawa-fringed beaches, spacious parks and attractive scenery. It’s a busy events destination, with many sporting venues, shopping malls, boutique shops, modern cafés and upmarket restaurants, as well as an interesting history and thriving artistic community. Devonport has a village-like atmosphere, with excellent eateries, galleries, boutiques, and leafy streets lined with elegant villas. Nearby, North Head Historic Reserve has tunnels, gun emplacements and fortifications, as well as brilliant views over the Gulf. There’s a fascinating self-guided walk, and the 1885 stone kitchen is now a theatre (open 8.30am-4pm) that shows a film on North Head’s history. The interesting new Navy Museum is in King Edward Parade,
AUCKLAND ZOO
Plus come face-to-face with thousands of other fascinating deep sea creatures! Save 10% by booking at kellytarltons.co.nz 0800 80 50 50 Open 9.30am daily. 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland.
DISTRICT DINING
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Torpedo Bay, at the base of North Head. Mt Victoria, the North Shore’s highest volcanic cone, also provides panoramic views. Northcote Point is another interesting heritage area, and the self-guided Northcote Point heritage walk offers a leisurely stroll past lovingly restored villas, and along a beautiful coastline that offers spectacular views. Takapuna is an urban centre with a breezy, coastal vibe. Beautiful Takapuna Beach and Lake Pupuke are great places to while away the day. Dedicated mall-goers should head to Albany, where the country’s largest shopping mall – Westfield Albany – offers an exciting mix of fashion, food, and movie theatres. Albany’s North Harbour Stadium hosts major sporting fixtures, concerts, and other entertainment.
dunes dropping down to a small inland lake. Numerous artists’ studios and galleries welcome visitors, and some of the ten or so vineyards out this way were planted by the country’s first winemakers. The hilly village of Titirangi on the Scenic Drive has good cafés and a very good gallery, Lopdell House. There are 16,000 hectares of temperate rainforest in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, with 250km of walking and tramping tracks providing access to beaches, streams, waterfalls, historic homesteads and farms overlooking the wild west coast. At the Arataki Visitors Centre on the Scenic Drive you’ll find information about track conditions, weather and tides and guided walks.
WAITAKERE
MANUKAU
To the west, still within Greater Auckland, Waitakere exists against a backdrop of bushcovered ranges and a rugged coastline of black, volcanic sand surf beaches such as Karekare, Piha and Bethells (Te Henga). The latter looks like a mini Sahara, with rolling
Manukau, 25 minutes south of Auckland city, is a blend of town and country, with 320km of coastline. The central urban area has a vibrant Maori and Pacific culture. It’s also home to Auckland Botanic Gardens, and Villa Maria Winery and Vineyard Park is
WYNYARD QUARTER
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minutes from the airport. The long-established Rainbow’s End theme park provides thrills without spills, and its awesome Invader ride is a fantastic addition. Rated in the top three attractions at overseas theme parks, the Invader’s huge whirling disc will spin you like you’ve never been spun before, giving you gut-churning G Force sensations. Botany Town Centre offers award-winning shopping and the Grange Golf Club is internationally renowned. Rural Manukau begins on the outskirts of Howick, itself well worth visiting for its charming specialty shops. The miniature Howick Historical Village is in nearby Pakuranga. Take a ferry from Auckland, then a short bus ride to Howick. Around Clevedon and beyond is rolling countryside fringed by the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. It’s packed full of low-key things to do and see, including Ayrlies Garden at Whitford, a stunning country garden sculpted from a bare paddock. Succulent Clevedon oysters harvested fresh from the sea are a good enough reason to visit, and you can continue down the
Pohutukawa Coast to the Seabird Coast, with its amazing flocks of migratory birds, stopping to visit the coastal regional parks of Omana, Duder, Tawhitokino and Tapapakanga on the way. There are numerous charming rural B&Bs, and a short ferry ride from either Half Moon Bay or Pine Harbour Marina gets you to Auckland city. EXPLORE NZ
Further north Just beyond North Shore in the Rodney region, the line between city, coast and country blurs. It’s an area of farmland, vineyards, forest, sandy coves and rocky shores, where small settlements combine city sophistication and village charm. These include Puhoi, which was settled by Bohemians in 1863. Stop for a drink at the historic pub, browse galleries and antique shops, and sample Puhoi Valley Cheese. Other towns include Matakana Wine Village, and Warkworth, with its heritage buildings and peaceful riverside boardwalk. The district encompasses popular regional parks such as Mahurangi and
Wenderholm, which blend farm, riverine, coastal and forest environments. They offer sheltered picnic and play areas, barbecues, camping, walking tracks, and of course, aquatic activities. At Wenderholm you can visit historic Couldrey House, a gracious homestead which has been restored and is now run as a museum, (open weekends 1 – 4pm). Historic exotic trees are a feature, with some planted back in the 1860s. Mahurangi has Scott Homestead, a Georgian-style house which dates back to 1877. The restored homestead is only available for private functions but the front garden and exterior are extremely picturesque.
CANYONZ
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Wineries
of Waiheke
BRITOMART
Market Days
The first vines were planted on Waiheke Island in the 1950s, but its current status as a wine-trail getaway dates back to 1978, when Kim and Jeanette Goldwater planted the first modern vineyard at Putiki Bay. Today the island boasts around thirty wineries – most of them small producers – and has become wellknown for its claret-style reds, although some award-winning chardonnay and syrah is now coming out of Waiheke estates. Notable Waiheke wineries include Goldwater Estate, Cable Bay, Mudbrick, Obsidian, Passage Rock, Stonyridge, Te Motu and Te Whau. Many have tasting rooms and some have very good restaurants with lovely outlooks. The restaurant at Mudbrick’s Church Bay vineyard, for example, has spectacular Waitemata Harbour views and a well-earned reputation for its food. Its wines received accolades in the recent Bragato wine awards, and the vineyard regularly hosts entertainment and events. The Restaurant and Wine Bar at Cable Bay Vineyard overlook a swathe of olive trees to the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city. Its fabulous wine is complemented by top quality food, and the whole experience is enhanced by an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings by leading New Zealand artists.
Victoria Park market is a long-established daily market that is currently undergoing a major redevelopment. Many new shops and restaurants have already opened in the revamped precinct, with more scheduled to open shortly. See www.victoriaparkmarket.co.nz. The City Market at Britomart Precinct (at the bottom of Queen St) is among a growing number of farmers’ markets at which stallholders sell only their own produce (see www. farmersmarkets.org.nz). It’s a good place to grab breakfast on a Saturday morning – open 8.30am-12.30pm. La Cigale, the French market in St George’s Bay Road, Parnell, is also a treasure trove of goodies. Check it out on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Meanwhile, Otara’s huge Saturday morning market is reputedly the biggest Polynesian market in the world. It’s where South Auckland’s large Maori and Pacific Island population comes to shop and socialise, creating a colourful weekly scene. Enterprising Asian stallholders add to the cultural potpourri. Customers start arriving around 6am and it pays to get there early because the stalls start coming down at noon. There are bargains aplenty, from piles of fresh produce to Maori and Pacific Island arts and crafts, clothes and bric-a-brac. It’s in the centre of Otara, enter from Newbury St. MUDBRICK VINEYARD
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STOP AT THE TOP A visit to Auckland isn’t complete without a visit to the SKYCITY entertainment precinct in the heart of the CBD. The focal point is the iconic Sky Tower, which celebrates its 15th birthday this year. At 328 metres high, Sky Tower can be seen from all over Auckland and its two observation levels and three dining options provide breathtaking 360 degree views of the city and even the distant Coromandel Peninsula. Thrill-seekers can take the fast way down via the SkyJump, a controlled base jump that takes just eleven seconds. Another adventurous option is the SkyWalk around the outside of the Sky Tower. It has no rails, just a harness to keep you secure as you stroll 192 metres above the ground! SKYCITY is home to a world-class casino and around two dozen bars, cafes and restaurants that offer dining options from casual to fine dining. Be treated to freshly shucked oysters and casual Kiwi-style cuisine at New Zealand chef Al Brown’s Depot, supreme winner of Metro Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year 2012. For that special night out, savour a fine dining degustation experience at dine by Peter Gordon, located in the SKYCITY Grand Hotel. The Spanish tapas bar Bellota is a great place to enjoy fine wines and authentic Spanish cuisine whilst celebrity chef Sean Connolly creates the perfect steak at The Grill by Sean Connolly - his legendary duck fat chips are not to be missed. Top sports bar the Nation’s Clubrooms is the place to watch any sporting occasion, and if dancing into the small hours takes your fancy, twentyone is renowned for fabulous cocktails. The complex is also home to two of Auckland’s top hotels: the four-star SKYCITY Hotel and the five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel. The latter oozes luxury, with top quality rooms, fine dining, a gym, lap pool and East Day Spa. Combined with its central location in Federal Street, no wonder SKYCITY Grand Hotel is so popular for those staying in Auckland.
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Waitemata Harbour
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Great reasons to visit:
AUCKLAND receive a free viaduct restaurant lunch voucher
Dreams Can Come True PRESENT THIS FOR
Americas Cup Sailing Experience
FREE LUNCH
PRESENT THIS FOR
Whale & Dolphin Safari Trip Duration 4.5hrs, departing daily at 12:30pm Over 90% Dolphin & 75% Whale Sighting Success
Our America’s Cup yachts offer a unique opportunity for you to participate in sailing on these grand prix racing machines. No experience required. • America’s Cup 2hr Sailing Experience
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Conditions apply. Valid to 31 July 2012
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Sailing and Dining Cruises in the ‘City of Sails’ Departing daily from the Auckland Viaduct. Harbour Sailing Cruise - Daily at 3.15pm Dinner Cruise - Daily at 6.00pm
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Celebrate your special occasion with the girls in style. Cornwall Park’s iconic High Tea offers a selection of gourmet tea time delicacies with stunning park views. Choose from our traditional, sparkling or gluten-free options. P
630 2888
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AUCKLAND MUSEUM
Conditions apply. Valid to 31 July 2012
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in auckland’s most stunning park
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ISLANDS OF THE GULF www.arrival.co .n z
Gulf islands
biking, horse-riding and abseiling. There are natural hot springs and dramatic canyon walks. A climb to the top of Mt Hobson yields fabulous views over the gulf to Coromandel and Auckland. The waters around the island are visited by whales, turtles and manta rays. Hire a car or take a tour. There’s a wide range of accommodation and you can camp in designated campsites. Fly there in 30 minutes from Auckland airport (Great Barrier Airlines, $198-$248 return), or take the Sealink EcoIslander car/ passenger ferry ($85 - $120 return but check for specials). Departs Brigham Street, Wynyard Wharf. Fullers runs a seasonal service.
Kawau
MUDBRICK
VISIT SOME OF AUCKLAND’S FINEST JEWELS, NESTLED IN THE GULF.
Waiheke The most populous island in the gulf has boomed in recent years, thanks largely to fast ferries (Fullers $35 return, child $17.50, family $89) which take 35 minutes from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal on Quay St. Fullers also offers some great packages and tours, such as the Wine on Waiheke Tour. Vineyards produce sought-after vintages, cafés and restaurants boast fine menus and wine lists, and accommodation ranges from backpacker to five-star lodges. The island is a great place for walkers and cyclists (bikes go free on the ferry, or hire one at Matiatia wharf). Waiheke’s main town is Oneroa, a short bus ride from the wharf at Matiatia. There are lovely, accessible beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi. Buses and taxis serve the island and scenic tours may include wine, olive oil and art trails.
Rangitoto The distinctive, almost symmetrical cone of Rangitoto Island is an Auckland icon. At a mere 600 years old, it’s the youngest volcano in the region, and its curious basalt lava landscape supports the world’s largest pohutukawa forest. The island is twenty minutes by ferry from downtown, and once there, an hourlong walk to the summit is rewarded with
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360-degree views over the gulf, or take Fullers’ Volcanic Explorer 4WD road train.
Tiritiri Matangi Managed by the Department of Conservation, this is one of two open wildlife sanctuaries in New Zealand. Wander freely among a profusion of birds, many rare or endangered. If you take the 75-minute 360 Discovery trip (Wed – Sun, 9am from Pier 4, Quay St, arrives back 4.50pm) it’s well worth paying $5 extra for a guided walk with a knowledgeable volunteer.
Great Barrier Remote Great Barrier is ninety kilometres northeast of Auckland, and boasts bushwalks, swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, diving,
Kawau Island’s picturesque Mansion House was the home of New Zealand’s first governor, Sir George Grey, who introduced many exotic plants and animals. The island still has some wild Australian creatures such as kookaburras, possums and wallabies, all regarded as pests. The Kawau Island Historic Reserve protects Mansion House, its gardens and surrounds, as well as remnants of the historic copper industry. Water taxis shuttle to the island from Sandspit near Warkworth, or you can join the mail cruise, delivering mail and goods while learning about the island during an informative three-hour cruise.
Rotoroa In February 2011 Rotoroa Island opened to the public for the first time in over 100 years. For decades the island was a Salvation Army drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, so as well as enjoying beaches and bush walks, visitors can explore the heart of the old treatment centre’s community, including the jail, chapel, schoolhouse and cemetery. A state-ofthe-art exhibition centre features artworks, and an exhibition on Rotoroa’s past and future. 360 Discovery runs ferry services.
Explore Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with Fullers waiheke island
devonport N
• 45 minutes by ferry. • Ferries depart hourly from 6am-midnight. • Take the Taste of Waiheke or Wine on Waiheke vineyard tours to sample the best local food and wines.
rangitoto island
MOTUTAPU ISLAND (seasonal)
RANGITOTO ISLAND DEVONPORT
• 25 minutes by ferry. • Ferries depart daily at 9.15am, 10.30am and 12.15pm. • Book the Rangitoto Volcanic Explorer for a guided island tour with commentary.
WAIHEKE ISLAND
FULLERS HARBOUR CRUISE
DOWNTOWN AUCKLAND
• 12 minutes by ferry. • Ferries depart approx every 30 min. • Cafes, restaurants, art galleries, the Royal NZ Navy Museum and more. • Check out Mt. Victoria and North Head.
harbour cruise
• 1 ½ hour harbour cruise with commentary. • Cruise departs daily at 10.30am & 1.30pm. • Includes a 10 min stopover on Rangitoto, complimentary afternoon/morning tea and a free Devonport return ticket!
facebook.com/fullersferry twitter.com/fullersferry For timetables and booking information on your phone visit fullers.co.nz/mobile
PHONE 09 367 9111
WWW.FULLERS.CO.NZ
Cruise to Paradise and Back with 360 Discovery Cruises Coromandel
2 HR SCENIC CRUISE
• Coromandel Explorer Tour • Driving Creek Railway • Famous beaches • Walks • Arts & crafts • Local seafood
Tiritiri Matangi Island
WORLD-RENOWNED BIRD SANCTUARY
Departs 9am every Wednesday to Sunday • Endangered birds and reptiles • Native trees • Guided walks
Motuihe Island ISLAND PARADISE • Sandy beaches • Walking trails • Rare wildlife • War heritage • Camping
Rotoroa Island
ARTS, HERITAGE, & CONSERVATION
• Salvation Army settlement • Exhibition centre • Walking trails • Sandy beaches
Cruises depart downtown Auckland. To find out more and book, visit www.360discovery.co.nz or call 0800 360 3472 facebook.com/360discoverycruises
0800 360 3472
www.360discovery.co.nz
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COROMANDEL www.arrival.co .n z
Cornish Pumphouse, Waihi
DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY LINE
Moving
to natural rhythms
THE COROMANDEL’S MISTY, RAINFOREST-CLAD HILLS AND IDYLLIC COASTLINE PROVIDE CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR THE REGION’S
SEVEN STAIRS TO HEAVEN WATERFALL
COROMANDEL
must-dos
MANY ARTISTS, CRAFTSPEOPLE AND INVENTORS.
T
he laid-back culture – locally known as ‘Coromandel time’ – adds a relaxed ambience to a Coromandel visit. Thus, the region is best experienced by meandering slowly around the entire peninsula, where you’ll come across myriad unexpected, unique attractions. The landscape and lifestyle encourages a wide variety of events, which happen year-round. For example, on August 21 there’s action aplenty during the Coromandel Classic, a two-day multi-sport challenge that goes from coast to coast. On September 1 you can get out and about during the
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Whangamata Run/Walk Festival, while on September 15, you could indulge at the Whitianga Scallop Festival. On the same weekend Paeroa hosts an Antiques & Jazz Weekend (September 16 – 18). October 1 is the date set for Waihi Goldfest, where you can join with locals in a truly golden celebration. Whether you arrive by ferry, car or plane the Coromandel has a range of accommodation to suit all tastes, ranging from cosy cabins to luxurious lodgings. Find out more about events, activities and accommodation at www.thecoromandel.com
Get high on the spectacular Driving Creek Railway Warm body and soul in the beautiful Lost Spring Visit the studios of talented local artists Explore Coromandel’s gold-mining heritage Take the walking track to glorious Cathedral Cove
W A I K AT O
www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
Whatever the weather WAITOMO’S EERIE SUBTERRANEAN WORLD OF LOFTY CAVERNS AND INTIMATE GROTTOS BARELY CHANGES WITH THE SEASONS. ABOVEGROUND, EXPLORE ITS RUGGED COASTLINES, LUSH PASTURES AND WORLD-CLASS GARDENS.
W
aitomo’s famous limestone cave system was formed by millions of years of land movement, rain, and river erosion, resulting in a dazzling display of nature’s artwork. Throughout the 50km labyrinth, caverns and grottos are decorated with intricate sculptures that hang suspended from the ceiling, or grow from the cave floor. The scene is softly illuminated by millions of native New Zealand glowworms – tiny, twinkling creatures that turn ceilings and walls into mesmerising, star-filled nightscapes. In many cases, underground streams and rivers allow visitors to view the wonders from boats or inflatable tubes that glide silently
RUAKURI CAVE, WAITOMO
through meandering passages. A guided trip through any of the caves will explain how the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites developed over hundreds of millennia, and guides often intertwine natural history with legends of this historic district. Perhaps the best-known subterranean attractions are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their grand Cathedral cavern and famous Glowworm Grotto. The access point to these caves is the striking new Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, which has already won awards for its stunning architecture. With a gallery, exhibition space, theatre, gift shop, restaurant and café, the Centre is set to become an attraction in itself.
The mystical Ruakuri (“den of dogs”) Cave has been reopened after an 18-year closure and now hosts the country’s longest guided underground walking tour. The Black Water Rafting Co. – with whom you float along underground rivers in a truck inner-tube – also operates tours through this cave. Aranui Cave is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo’s three main caves. It’s home to a colony of cave wetas (large, horned insects) and a stunning collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations. There are subterranean adventures to suit all ages and abilities. For something sedate, how about walking over suspended walkways where the only sounds are the echoes of hidden waterfalls? If you’re not afraid of the dark or confined spaces, blackwater rafting, invented in Waitomo, could be for you. Wetsuits are provided to keep you warm and hot showers are a welcome end to your underground adventure. You can also abseil into deep caverns and undertake other adrenalininducing underground activities. Several tour companies offer the whole adventure package. Waitomo Adventures, for example, has a menu of guided caving adventures that includes blackwater rafting, abseiling
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into caves through deep, sunlit shafts, underground flying fox, climbing, jumping, swimming and various combinations of these. Caveworld is a provider of blackwater rafting, caving and abseiling fun. Caveworld’s own spectacular cave system incorporates glowworms, stunning limestone formations, and even ancient moa bones. Caveworld’s special experiences include “The Canyon”, “Black Magic” and night abseiling. Whatever you choose, it’s certain to provide a mysterious and truly memorable trip through the middle of the earth, through a treasure that’s been 30 million years in the making. Back in the light of day enjoy the excellent range of drinks, food and entertainment at Curly’s Bar, right in the heart of Waitomo Caves Village. Curly’s has a lovely view of the nearby hills and is a short walk to the holiday park and Kiwi Paka, a top-rated backpackers offering large, sunny decks and a range of accommodation. The caves are the focus of the King Country sub-region, which also offers plenty to do above the ground. The vivid green land offers a placid escape where you can trek through rugged limestone-studded hills, explore limestone tunnels and enjoy 360-degree views of the sweeping valleys. Walks through beautiful native bush lead to natural wonders such as the plunging Marokopa Falls, or the astonishing 17m-long two-tiered limestone arch known as Mangapohue Natural Bridge. At Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, you’ll find a natural tunnel set against a backdrop of native bush and at Kawhia you can dig your own hot pool in the black sand at Ocean Beach. The remains of the ancestral Tainui waka (canoe) are buried on the local marae at Kawhia, and the village remains a stronghold of Maori history. There are some low-key activities based around the massive harbour
CAVEWORLD
Great reasons to visit: WAIkato
Kiwi paka WAITOMO
Accommodation • Cafe • Travel Centre PH 07 878 3395 FAX 07 878 3396 waitomobackpackers@xtra.co.nz School Road, PO Box 21, Waitomo, New Zealand 3943
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Experience the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Three of the best caves in New Zealand. Discover magical glowworms by boat in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and see the iconic new Visitor Centre. Combine your experience with Ruakuri Cave, see glowworms up close and it’s spectacular spiral entrance and be mesmerised by ornate cave decorations in Aranui Cave.
Book now on 0800 456 922 or www.waitomo.com
waitomo gloworm cave
BLACK WATER RAFTING
Waitomo’s 5 Star Eco-Glowworm Experience. This Cave Tour Is unique – Enjoy numerous Glowworm displays, a relaxed atmosphere; take your time & immerse yourself in this truly Memorable Glowworm experience. CaveWorld holds exclusive rights to operate in the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.
Freephone 0800 228 228 338 Freephone 0800 338
Next to Waitomo Museum, Waitomo Village info@caveworld.co.nz info@caveworld.co.nz www.caveworld.co.nz www.caveworld.co.nz REDSPARK 1107-1871
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HAMILTON GARDENS
and the surrounding hills. Greater Waikato’s above-ground landscape also offers plenty of variety. The main city is Hamilton, just ninety minutes’ drive from Auckland, and on the main trunk railway. The Waikato River, the country’s longest waterway, slides through the heart of the city and excellent walking and cycleways meander along its banks. Waterborne activities such as rowing, kayaking, jetboating, scenic boat tours and waterskiing are popular pursuits on this river and on other rivers, lakes and dams in the region. The Waikato River curves alongside the city’s special treasure, the magnificent Hamilton Gardens. This 58ha public garden has a world-class reputation, with its pavilions, lakes, terrace café and feature gardens encompassing everything from herbs to Italian Renaissance themes. The gardens attract more than 1.3 million visitors a year. Hamilton Zoo, with its rare Sumatran tigers and white rhinos, is another visitor favourite. Outside Hamilton there are many other attractions and activities. Forty-five minutes west of Hamilton is Raglan, a town that has long attracted surfers to its curling surf breaks. These days the town buzzes with funky cafes, restaurants and galleries. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including a surf school. An easy walk meanders around the peaceful harbour, or drive beyond the surf breaks at Manu and Whale Bays to an unpopulated area of rough roads and wild coastline where the slopes of Mt Karioi sweep down to the shore. A walking track leads to the summit of the mountain but if the westerly wind is howling, duck into the shelter of the Te Toto Gorge Track and scramble down the steep, forested sides to the open grassy areas on the cliff tops. Pretty Bridal Veil Falls are just off the unsealed country road that links Raglan and Kawhia, worth the twenty-minute walk. There are also hot springs at Waingaro, west of Ngaruawahia, as well as at Matamata and historic Te Aroha. In Tirau and Cambridge you’ll find shops full of antiques and crafts. Te Awamutu has gorgeous roses and Otorohanga’s famous kiwi house and bird sanctuary are a delight. Otorohanga is also the country’s Kiwiana capital, celebrating everything from pavlovas to buzzy bee toys. The lush Waikato pastures make it the country’s dairy capital, and it’s home to some of our greatest racehorses. You can watch cheese-making and sample and buy cheese near Matamata, or tour a horse stud at Cambridge. You’ll also find horse-trekking
adventures, hot-air ballooning, bushwalking, mountain-biking, wine-tasting and golf.
Accommodation The region has accommodation to suit every pocket and preference. Fancy staying somewhere unique? Perhaps you’d like to sleep in a plane, a train, a boat – or a Hobbit motel? Take your pick. Waitomo has everything from backpacker hostels, motel units and campgrounds to the historic Waitomo Caves Hotel, homestays and charming B&Bs. The accommodation choice is mirrored elsewhere in the Waikato. Hamilton has a strong café culture centred on the southern end of Victoria Street, and there are good cafés and restaurants, and highquality produce throughout the district. Adjacent to Waikato is the Matamata/Piako district, where Lord of the Rings fans can visit the Hobbiton film set from the movie trilogy. It’s on a working sheep and beef farm, so visitors can see the remnants of the set as well as enjoying a rural experience. Filming of The Hobbit takes place on site this year, so check ahead for opening times. The region encompasses the historic spa town of Te Aroha, which boasts the country’s only complete Edwardian domain. Within this peaceful precinct you can drink the curative waters at a soda spring, watch the Mokena Geyser erupt, visit an interesting museum, and soak your feet in a warm path-side pool. The revamped Te Aroha Mineral Spa is the star attraction, where you can soak in one of eight private soda pools or take a dip in the open-air public pools. Visitors to Matamata/Piako can also visit the Firth Tower Museum or the specialty cheesemaker, Kaimai Cheese. Another option is a half-day walk to Wairere Falls in the Kaimai Ranges, where a bush track leads to platform offering spectacular views of the 153-metre waterfall.
KIWI CAVE RAFTING
5
SPECTACULAR CAVING ADVENTURES IN ONE
KIWI CAVE RAFTING
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W H A K ATA N E www.arrival.co .n z
Smoke on
the water
IF YOU STAND ON ONE OF THE EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY’S GORGEOUS BEACHES AND LOOK OUT TO SEA, CHANCES ARE YOU’LL SEE THE STEAM kohi point
K
nown as Whakaari in Maori, White Island is an active marine volcano 48 kilometres offshore from Whakatane. It’s accessible via guided tours, and stepping ashore here takes you into a different world – a stark, rocky, treeless landscape of hissing steam vents, swirling sulphur and volcanic debris. Learning about its geological features and human history (including the abandoned sulphur works) from an experienced guide is fascinating and the guided walk up to the volcano’s steaming crater lake is something you’re not likely to forget. The island’s sheer physical power and scale is enormous, with the main crater stretching 1.5km across and the perimeter soaring 300m overhead. Trekking in line as part of a group, you feel as insignificant as a procession of ants. The large, comfortable launch operated by White Island Tours makes the trip in ninety minutes, allowing two hours on the island. A bonus is the chance of seeing playful dolphins and diving gannets during the voyage. Alternatively, take an exciting whirl with Vulcan Helicopters and see the volcanic action from above before landing on the crater floor and walking to edge of the crater lake. Fixed wing scenic flights are also available. While White Island is the region’s undisputed icon, the Eastern Bay is a popular holiday
PLUME FROM WHITE ISLAND DRIFTING SKYWARDS.
destination for Kiwis, who treasure its oldstyle coastal culture of baches, beaches and barbecues. The undeveloped coastline, secret coves and forested interior offer a wealth of nature-based activities such as ocean and river fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, swimming (including swimming with dolphins), beachcombing, walking and hunting. The main town is Whakatane, a picturesque coastal town tucked under a rocky hill alongside the Whakatane River. Its size (population 15 000) means it has all the amenities of a busy metropolis without the crowds. It’s less than an hour’s drive from both Rotorua and Tauranga, and it’s also right on the Pacific Coast Highway touring route that follows the scenic east coast of the North Island. Adding to the town’s scenic beauty is Whale Island, which looms just off the river mouth. As well as offering kayak trips to along the coast, KG Kayaks has added a kayaking trip around Whale Island to its programme. It starts with a boat trip to a sheltered bay on the island where the kayaks are launched. Expert guides provide a commentary on the history and natural environment, and paddlers can expect encounters with fur seals and penguins – and if conditions are favourable, you may be able to paddle inside sea caves. Gorgeous beaches fringe the region,
WHITE ISLAND
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including the 11-kilometre sweep of Ohope and pretty Otarawairere Bay, a tree-fringed cove that’s only accessible by foot. Both beaches are on the Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkway, a 16 kilometre walk that can be sampled in sections, depending on your level of fitness. Different parts of the walk encompass significant pa sites, seabird colonies, bird-filled native forest and superb coastal, rural and forest vistas. Ohope stretches to the Ohiwa Harbour, where thousands of seabirds make their home on the mudflats and sandbanks. Ohiwa’s calm waters are popular for fishing, sailing, water skiing, kayaking and windsurfing – or you can simply indulge in fresh oysters at the local oyster farm. Not surprisingly, the region is rated as a top fishing destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and an excellent charter boat fleet operates out of town. While game fish like tuna and marlin abound in summer, at any time of year you can try for tasty snapper, tarakihi and hapuka (groper) which lurk around the offshore reefs. The region’s accessible beaches are ideal for surfcasting, and the rivers and streams offer myriad opportunities to fish for trout, whether it’s fly or spinning in the wild waters of Te Urewera National Park, or boat and shore fishing in lakes, rivers and streams.
Guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers
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B AY O F I S L A N D S www.arrival.co .n z
TREASURES AND
pleasures
Mount maunganui
SUNNY WEATHER, A BUSY EVENTS CALENDAR, DISTINCTIVE TOWNS, DRAMATIC SCENERY AND PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES AWAIT VISITORS TO “THE BAY”.
T
he Bay of Plenty extends along the Pacific Coast Highway, following the east coast of the North Island from Waihi Beach to Whakatane. It sits along an active volcanic zone, and the forces beneath have created a diverse environment of islands, mountains and geothermal areas. The main urban area is Tauranga, which boasts a vibrant
arts, culture and entertainment scene, with many local and touring events on offer. The Tauranga Art Gallery showcases historical and contemporary art exhibitions and hosts national and internationally-sourced exhibitions. The city’s enviable location offers myriad options for beachgoers, boaties, fishermen, divers, kayakers, jetskiers, windsurfers, hikers and hunters. Those in search of sun, sand and surf are spoiled for choice. Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are the premier beach and surf destinations, but fine beaches stretch along the entire coast. No visit to the Bay is complete without a stroll around the base, or to the top, of
Mauao (Mount Maunganui). The 3.4km base track offers brilliant ocean and city views, making it easy to understand why it’s walked by over a million people each year. At the base of Mauao, New Zealand’s only saltwater hot pools are a great place to unwind after a busy day in “the Bay”. Adventure lovers can blast on a Blokart (the locally invented land sail-craft) or take a scenic flight over the region – and perhaps skydive in one of the North Island’s most scenic drop zones. Later, take Waimarino’s atmospheric glow-worm kayaking trip on Lake McLaren. After wine and nibbles on the lake’s edge, at dusk you’ll kayak to a glowworm canyon, where thousands of these tiny, twinkling
Tauranga ART GALLERY
WAIMARINO KAYAK TOURS
creatures adorn the walls. Maori culture runs deep in the Bay and there are numerous wahi tapu (sacred places) and many marae. Coastal Maketu was the landing place of the Te Arawa waka (canoe) following the migration of early Maori, which makes it an exceptionally significant cultural and historical site. Visitors can learn about the region’s strong Maori heritage on a guided cultural tour or a marae visit. Tauranga is also home to the Elms Mission House, an important historic site linked to European settlement. Smaller towns include Te Puke, the ‘kiwifruit capital of the world’, where you can learn all about kiwifruit at Kiwi360. Te Puke is also home to Comvita, the manufacturers
SURFING MT MAUNGANUI
of health and beauty products made from manuka honey. Not far away in Katikati – New Zealand’s mural town – you can follow a mural trail as well as the riverside Haiku Pathway. Bay of Plenty wines and other local fare are on offer at Morton Estate in Katikati or Mills Reef in Tauranga. For nightlife, head to the Strand on the Tauranga waterfront, where numerous restaurants and bars offer something for everyone. The region boasts a variety of accommodation options, ranging from beachfront apartments and holiday parks to motels, hotels, luxury retreats, B&Bs and backpackers. For more information, visit www.bayofplentynz.com.
BAY OF PLENTY
must-dos
Browse the exhibitions at the Tauranga Art Gallery Walk the easy, scenic track around the base of Mauao, or if you’re feeling fit, head to the top for spectacular views Soak in the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools Get to the seaside village of Maketu and grab a fa mous Maketu pie
ROTORUA
www.arrival.co .n z
WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua
FEEL THE
heat
AT ANY TIME OF YEAR, SWIRLS OF STEAM ESCAPING FROM THE EARTH GIVE ROTORUA A MYSTICAL FEEL. IN WINTER, WHEN HOT VAPOURS MEET THE COOLER AIR, THE REGION SEEMS ALMOST OTHERWORLDLY.
agroventures
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Rotorua museum
R
otorua’s lakes, rivers and forest provided the first inhabitants, the Arawa people, with a rich source of food, while the geothermal resources gave an endless supply of hot water and steam for the hangi (earth ovens). Early tourists came to view the region’s unique natural wonders and experience its welcoming Maori culture. In the 1880s the healing powers of Rotorua’s geothermal waters were recognised, and it became a popular spa resort. Today’s visitors can enjoy similar experiences with many places to see bubbling mud pools, active geysers and steaming lakes. You can soak in the soothing waters of a hot spring, unwind with a therapeutic spa or massage, or ease aches and pains with a mud wrap sourced from local geothermal areas. Rotorua remains the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand. Just over a third of the region’s population is Maori, with around 35 marae, and various cultural attractions. Visitors can easily experience this living culture, whether it’s sampling indigenous food, learning its fascinating history and legends, enjoying a hangi and concert, or trying carving, weaving and traditional games. It’s also a good place to see Maori
POLYNESIAN SPA
BURIED VILLAGE
AGROVENTURES
MOUNT TARAWERA CRATER
artisans carving pounamu (jade), bone or wood using traditional and modern methods. Native and exotic forests cloak much of the Rotorua region (forestry is an important industry), offering myriad options for short walks, hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and bird-watching. In Whakarewarewa Forest, five minutes’ drive from the city centre, stately Californian redwoods stand guard over a network of walking and biking tracks suitable for all skill levels. The forest is free to the public throughout the year. Further out, Whirinaki Forest and Te Urewera National Park offer spectacular hiking and bird-watching in magnificent native rainforest. Adding to the region’s natural beauty is a network of stunning lakes. Approaching Rotorua from the northwest on State Highway 5, you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Rotorua from the top of the rugged Mamaku Ranges. This is one of many accessible lakes where you can fish for trout, swim, kayak, take a cruise or simply stroll on a lakeside beach. The lakes district – an easy twenty minutes drive from the city centre – offers plenty of walking options. A 5km track around Blue Lake winds through pine forest and reveals
several good swimming beaches. Okareka Walkway is a 5.5km return walk through farmland, beach, lake and wetland scenery. A well-formed bush walk in Okere Falls Scenic Reserve has lookouts over the Okere River and its waterfalls. Kayak over the calm waters of Lake Rotoiti on a new excursion offered by Waimarino. It combines scenery, a glowworm cave and hot pools with tales of Maori myths and history. Coming from the northwest you’ll pass attractions such as Off Road New Zealand, Agroventures and Skyline Skyrides, which comprise part of the region’s growing range of adventure activities. Skyline Skyrides is an old favourite with New Zealanders. This all-weather attraction is set on Mt Ngongotaha (487m), and is guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Three exciting luge – three-wheeled carts – tracks snake over five kilometres of the mountainside, so don a safety helmet and feel the wind in your face as you hurtle downhill. Also on site is the exhilarating Skyswing, which sends you skywards at 120kph, providing amazing views of Rotorua city and the lake from the safety of your harness. Atop Mt Ngongotaha is the Cableway Restaurant
and Bar, the perfect location to dine while enjoying panoramic views. Open daily, it’s fully licensed with capacity for 499 people. They serve breakfast, café meals, a buffet lunch, and a nine-course buffet dinner. Some of the Agroventures rides, including the quirkily named ZORB and Shweeb, originated in Rotorua and consequently the region has become a popular place to challenge your spirit. Experience thrilling 360-degree spins in a jetboat, raft or sledge down a choice of rivers (trips vary in difficulty), or get your blood pumping with a scree slide into the crater of an active volcano. Other attractions provide plenty for all the family. Paradise Valley Springs Nature Park features wild trout, animals and birdlife in a native bush setting. Lion feeding takes place daily at 2.30pm and shouldn’t be missed. The Agrodome, a 160-hectare working sheep and cattle farm, gives visitors a hands-on farming experience and a chance to interact with commercially farmed animals. The worldrenowned sheep show runs three times a day and includes shearing, lamb feeding and cowmilking demonstrations. Rainbow Springs Nature Park is home to
Kiwi Encounter, a working hatchery and nursery. Kiwi are hatched and nurtured here, and when mature enough they are released back into the wild in their original habitat. Both kids and adults will love the chance to get up close to New Zealand’s iconic, but normally elusive, bird. Rainbow Springs now boasts the exciting “Big Splash”, a high-tech boat ride that provides a fun, educational journey through the ecology, history and culture of New Zealand. It features state-of-the-art animatronics and projection technology (including a massive dinosaur, moa and the Haast eagle), plus an adrenalin boosting plunge at the end. There’s also a new 384-seat outdoor auditorium for the centre’s wonderful free-flight bird show. Golfers will revel in the many golfing experiences on offer, which include everything from resort-style golf courses of an international standard, through to boutique and country courses with some of the best views in New Zealand. After an active day, soothe the body and mind with a wellness experience. For a day spa, try Hell’s Gate and Wai Ora Spa where you can feel the earth’s raw power with New Zealand’s only mud bath. The city’s Polynesian Spa was recognized by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top ten medical/thermal spas in the world. It also has a family pool. Families will also find gallons of fun at Waikite Valley Thermal Pool. As a premier tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, Rotorua has a wide range of dining and accommodation options, with choices to suit all budgets and tastes. Rotorua Museum, photo by Dennis Richardson
B&RSP0038
Guardians Of History
Show this advert and receive 10% off admission*. Not available with special deal combos.
*
Open daily 8am-late Fairy Springs Rd Phone 0800 724 626
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www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
In the late 1800s, the New Zealand government decided to capitalise on the curative powers of Rotorua’s thermal waters and began developing a fashionable European-style tourism and healing resort that included bathhouses, promenades, a band rotunda, a tea-house, and natural geothermal features set amid ornamental gardens. Today Rotorua’s tranquil Government Gardens are still home to the picturesque 1908 Bathhouse, which was once an internationally renowned medical spa. The imposing Bathhouse now houses the excellent Rotorua Museum – a storehouse of treasures featuring permanent galleries and cinema experiences that cover everything from the Mt Tarawera eruption, to Maori history and the spa era. The other iconic building in the gardens is the splendid Blue Baths complex, which opened in 1931. While other Rotorua bathhouses were mainly for medicinal purposes, the Blue Baths were purely for pleasure. Elegant Spanish-style architecture, white tiles, sun balconies and diving towers, submerged lighting and sparkling sapphire pools echoed the movie-star glamour of the era. Not only that, it marked the first time that men and women could bathe together in public, and mixed bathing at the Blue Baths quickly became de rigueur. Today the Blue Baths have been stunningly restored inside and out, and are again the epitome of style and sophistication. The glittering pools are open to the public, and the former adult changing rooms are a museum gallery recording the history of the baths.
TE PUIA
tarawera
NIGHT Of FIRE Raftabout on Kaituna – at 7 metres, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall
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On May 31 1886, it was business as usual at Te Wairoa village near Lake Tarawera. Local Maori were busy paddling early tourists across the lake, where the brooding hulk of Mt Tarawera loomed on the opposite shore. Their destination was the spectacular Pink and White Terraces of Rotomahana, which tumbled like wide silica waterfalls through tangled rainforest to the lake, with hot blue waters overflowing through scalloped bathing pools. On that day, both locals and tourists noticed the lake level suddenly fall and rise, and many saw a ghostly Maori war canoe slip silently out of the mist. No such canoe was known in the area, and frightened Maori called it a waka wairua - a spirit canoe that meant impending disaster. Ten days later in the early hours of June 10, 1886, the three peaks of Mt Tarawera erupted violently and beneath Lake Rotomahana, a deadly mixture of water, gases and magma exploded, burying the Pink & White Terraces beneath the lake and smothering the surrounding land – including Te Wairoa and other villages – with ash and mud. The final death toll will never be known, but at least 120 people perished in what remains the largest eruption since European settlement. Rotorua Museum has an excellent gallery dedicated to this cataclysmic event and at Lake Tarawera, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa gives an intriguing insight into the events of that fateful night. As well as excavated archaeological sites, there’s a museum, a Maori whare, a pioneer cottage, and a cafe – all in a pretty bush setting that boasts good walking trails. Lake Tarawera is a peaceful place that offers swimming and bush walks, boating and fantastic trout fishing. There are scenic cruises and fishing trips or you can hire a kayak or take a water taxi to places around the shore. Natural hot pools fringe the lake, and at Hot Water Beach you can dig a hole in the steaming sand to cook your trout (or melt chocolate for a fondue!). The scenic drive to Lake Tarawera passes Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi (the Blue and Green Lakes) and a short detour leads to Lake Okareka. Mt Tarawera can only be accessed on organised helicopter or 4WD tours from Rotorua.
New Zealand’s premier Māori cultural centre and home of the world famous Pohutu geyser
Te Puia Highlights
Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau The National Carving School The prestigious art of carving is passed on to young trainees under the skilled guidance of graduate and master carvers.
Our guided tours Experience our great guiding tradition in the variety of tours we offer. The stories they relay have been handed down for generations.
Te Rito - The National Weaving School Our weaving school trains students in the art and skills of traditional weaving.
Ngā Manu Ahurei - Kiwi House A rare opportunity to view New Zealand’s national bird, the endangered kiwi here on site at Te Puia.
Ngā Mōkai a Koko Mud Pool This large pool of boiling mud (kaolin clay) is one of the features of the geothermal activity in Te Whakarewarewa valley.
Te Pō Te Pō is an indigenous evening experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Māori cuisine.
Daytime Cultural Performance Experience the very best of Māori performing arts including the graceful poi and the powerful haka.
Opening Hours Summer: 8am - 6pm | Winter: 8am - 5pm Guided Tours: Hourly from 9am (last tour departs 5pm Summer, 4pm Winter) Daytime Cultural Performances: 10:15am, 12:15pm, 3.15pm Te Po: 6pm - 9pm
OPEN 365 DAYS
NEW ZEALAND MAORI ARTS AND CRAFTS INSTITUTE arrival New Zealand
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Hemo Road (southern end of Fenton St), Rotorua, New Zealand | Telephone +64-7-348 9047 | Freephone 0800 83 7842 | www.tepuia.com ■
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Okere Falls
ROTORUA MATAWHAURA SCENIC RESERVE
LAKE ROTOITI SCENIC RESERVE
Lake Rotoiti
Hamurana
Hinehopu 3 Rainbow Springs
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Mokoia Island
8 Hells Gate 9 The Buried Village Haroharo
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LAKE ROTOKAKAHI Steeped as it is in Maori culture, Rotorua is a wellspring of intriguing stories SCENIC RESERVE m and legends, but there’s one tale that’s told more than any other. e a Indeed, the S tr captivating story even inspired city planners to name two main streets in honourTeofRata Bay a ir u its stars. Wa Hot Water It’s the tale of the beautiful maiden Hinemoa and the handsome warrior Beach Tumunui R oto ho u h ou S tr e a m Tutanekai, whose love was so deep that neither their families nor the waters of Lake Lake Rotorua could keep them apart. The youngFlat lovers were forbidden to be Rotomahana Earthquake together but Hinemoa defied her family and decided to join Tutanekai on his home S tre a m 5 i pi t of Mokoia Island, the hump of land that rises from Lake Rotorua. ra Ka WAIMANGU In the dead of night she tied calabashes to her arms to help her float, and SCENICslipped RESERVE am Waimangu re St quietly into the inky waters. Guided by the sound of Tutanekai’s flute, she swam ki a n i r i Wh Lake more than two kilometres to be with her true love. Cold and tired,Okaro she dragged herself ashore and slipped into the warm thermal waters of Waikimihia, commonly m Rotomahana ea 38 called Hinemoa’s Pool. Lake Ngahewa Rainbow Like all good love stories, this one has a happy ending. Instead Mountain of fighting MAUNGAONGAONGA 740 RESERVE O ta Rotowheroand Tutanekai finally mover each other the forbidden union, theSCENIC families of Hinemoa ak (Green Lake) o Maunga5 RAINBOW MTN ongaonga accepted their wish, and the young lovers became the impetus for lasting peace SCENIC RESERVE 825 S tr e a m between the tribes. Waiotapu Waikite Valley Lakewhere some of the country’s rarest Mokoia Island is now a wildlife refuge Ngapouri species flourish. It’s off limits to individual visitors, but Wai Ora Experiences now ai W n au offers a half-day trip which encompasses the island’s Maori and European history, w Ka and its flora and fauna. And at the end of the island walk, you can dip your toes in Hinemoa’s Pool and contemplate the power of love.
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Great reasons to visit:
ROTORUA ON PRESENTATION OF THIS COUPON RECEIVE 10% OFF ADULT ADMISSION • At Rotorua’s Buried Village you enter a world from the past. • Tarawera stories come to life in our museum. • Explore the original excavated site and experience the tranquillity of this now peaceful village. www.buriedvillage.co.nz Tarawera Road 07 362 8287
10%
discount
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1335 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua. OPEN DAILY: 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day). FREEPHONE: 0800 949 888 WEBSITE: www.agroventures.co.nz
10% off Lake Spa Bathing with this voucher Relax and unwind in the hot mineral pools renowned for their therapeutic properties. Open 8am - 11pm, 1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua ph: 07 348 1328, www.polynesianspa.co.nz
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PRESENT THIS VOUCHER FOR
Hemo Road, Rotorua 0800 83 7842 www.tepuia.com
10% DISCOUNT ON DAYTIME ADMISSION
OPEN EVERY DAY
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Nestled between Taupo & Rotorua on the banks of the Waikato River (Lake Ohakuri) lies The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park “the place of adorning”. Off the beaten tourist track it is at once breath-taking in its beauty, and yet spine – chilling in the might of its unbridled subterranean power. With its ever-changing beauty this valley represents the acme in thermal perfection. You may travel the world—you will see none better. The Lonely Planet travellers guide states “Orakei Korako as possibly the best thermal area left in New Zealand and one of the finest in the world”. Orakei Korako is reached by a short ferry trip aboard Te Eruera Wikiriwhi over tranquil Lake Ohakuri where you can watch water trickle over the enchanting Emerald Terraces into the lake. After the ferry ride its time to start exploring. Ever wonder what the Pink and White terraces would have looked like today? The Rainbow and Cascade Terraces, built up from silica, gives visitors a pretty close comparison to the eighth wonder of the world. The hot water algae growing on the cascades of over 60 degrees Celsius gives the terraces an amazing technicolour appearance. Further around the track there’s a feature which looks like it comes straight out of the ice age. The Golden Fleece Terrace is about 40 metres long and five metres high and made of pure white silica. Another amazing attraction is the Artists Palette – with the colours of a Monet painting spilling into each other. This feature was formed by a hydrothermal eruption between 8000 and 14000BC. One of the highlights of the trip is the Ruatapu Cave, like a big throat into the centre of middle earth, this cave is only one of two in the world that exist in a geothermal area. How its unusual shape was caused is still a mystery, some suggest a vast hydrothermal eruption while others suggest a cave in as a more likely explanation. Although it may be called the Hidden Valley, it’s really not that hard to find. A leisurely 45-minute drive south of Rotorua or 25-minute drive north of Taupo is all that is required. Take the morning, afternoon or whole day and travel out to find a place unlike any other in New Zealand. Featured as one of AA’s “101 Must See and Do’s” this is one of New Zealand’s premier attractions not to be missed. In 2011 a new visitor centre was completed over looking the attraction and beautiful lake Ohakuri. A souvenir shop plus café provides gifts and great coffee, free wifi is available on ticket purchase. The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park is open from 8am till 4.00pm seven days a week. Access to Orakei Korako is by boat, at no extra charge. Average sightseeing time is about 1 hour. The tour is self-guided, boats do not run to a timetable, but on demand. Ph: 07 3783131 GPS 38°25’51.87S/176°08.47.84E
Web www.orakeikorako.co.nz Facebook.com/orakeikorako Twitter @orakei_korako
TA U P O
www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
NO PRICE ON
perfection
TAUPO FLOATPLANE
THE “GREAT LAKE” REGION HAS MANY NATURAL ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE
HUKAFALLS JET
FREE TO VISIT. AT JUST 3½ HOURS DRIVE FROM AUCKLAND, IT’S ALSO A POPULAR BASE FOR SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS HEADING TO THE MOUNTAINS THAT LOOM BEYOND THE LAKE’S SOUTHERN SHORES.
L
ake Taupo (pronounced toe-paw) covers an area roughly the same size as Singapore, and was formed thousands of years ago by a massive eruption. Taupo town hugs the northern shore of the great lake, and is the main population base for the region. It’s a popular holiday spot for both Kiwis and visitors, and offers great shopping, restaurants, and many accommodation
options. It’s also the base for a huge number of experiences and activities, ranging from jetboating to volcanic air safaris, hot pools to skydiving, and lake cruises to trout fishing. Tramping, bungy jumping over the Waikato River, 4x4 motorbiking, whitewater rafting, horse trekking, mountain biking, abseiling and rock climbing are all on offer, and the
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TAUPO TANDEM SKYDIVE
region has several very good golf courses. Among these are the Jack Nicklaus designed Kinloch Club, and the Wairakei Golf Course and Sanctuary, which offers an excellent international 18-hole golf course with an ecological edge. The course/ sanctuary now has a five-kilometre predator proof fence around the perimeter, meaning that the native plants and bird life are protected and flourishing. In the warmer months (or in winter if you dare!) Lake Taupo’s beaches are popular with swimmers and sunbathers; you can sail and kayak, waterski or parasail behind a speedboat. A lake cruise to the famous Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay is a popular activity at any time of year, as is a visit to the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, where you can learn about the region’s history and culture. The region’s volcanic past means there are many geothermal attractions, including secluded natural spas and expansive hot pool complexes right in town. A longestablished geothermal resort is Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, which draws hot natural mineral waters from the Onekeneke Stream. Its family pools offer lots of fun for kids; there are private hot pools as well as the Living Waters Spa, a beautiful day spa
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TAUPO BUNGY & CLIFFHANGER
providing heavenly treatments. Minutes north of Taupo near Wairakei village you’ll find boiling mud pools, thermal valleys and steaming geysers, plus brilliantly coloured silica terraces. The man-made Wairakei Terraces are a window into history; there’s also a Maori village, an animal park, aviary and the recently reinstated Te Kiri o Hinekai (Honeymoon) Pool. It’s a fabulous place to soak in silica-rich, thermally heated waters that are famous in Maori folklore for their healing properties for skin ailments. More geothermal wonders await at Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, where you can wander through a valley of unbelievable colours; a world of bubbling hot springs, geysers and great natural beauty. Scenes from the BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs were filmed at Orakei Korako. Thundering Huka Falls, 3km north of Taupo, can be viewed from above, but to really appreciate the power of the falls, take an exciting jet boat trip to the base. A quieter option is a launch cruise that covers the Waikato River from Aratiatia to Huka Falls. Not surprisingly, many of the region’s natural attractions are volcanic in origin. Even the main ski areas are on the active volcano Mt Ruapehu, which offers world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities at Whakapapa
TAUPO & RUAPEHU
must-dos
Explore the walks and mountain bike trails alongside the Waikato River – some are just steps from thundering Huka Falls For a tranquil day out, pack a picnic and head to pretty Lake Maraetai at Mangakino A day hike a mid the dra matic volcanic scenery of Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been described as lifechanging – try it! Go rafting or fishing in a wild river Take a leap of faith, whether it’s from a bungy ju mp platform or a skydive plane Learn about the region’s history and culture at the excellent Taupo Museu m, which incorporates the gorgeous Ora Garden of Wellbeing
You can’t put a price on perfection... so we haven’t
GreatLakeTaupo.com For information or bookings phone 0800 LAKE TAUPO (0800 525 382) or visit GreatLakeTaupo.com
TAUPO BUNGY
HUKAFALLS
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TAUPO TANDEM SKYDIVE
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
and Turoa Skifields. Mt Ruapehu is part of Tongariro National Park, which includes two other volcanoes - Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the film The Lord of the Rings). It was New Zealand’s first national park and was gifted to the nation in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tukino IV, paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa. The park’s dual World Heritage status recognises these cultural links as well as its superb natural attributes. A scenic flight provides an impressive outlook, while at ground level the Volcanic Loop Highway around the lake and mountains is another great way to see the region. En route stop (or stay a night or two) at Turangi, a small town at the southern end of Lake Taupo. Turangi is just forty minutes from the ski slopes so in winter and spring it buzzes with the feel of an alpine village. It’s situated where the fast-flowing Tongariro River feeds into the lake, a river that is almost legendary among trout fishers. There you’ll also find the National Trout Centre, which gives an interesting overview of trout fishing in New Zealand, and boasts a new underwater viewing room that gives a trout’s eye view of the fish. As well as fishing, the Tongariro and other rivers in the area provide brilliant rafting opportunities, ranging from fun, family trips to exhilarating adventures on remote, hidden gems. After all this invigorating outdoor activity, soak your aching bones in the hot springs at nearby Tokaanu. Active people who want to experience a truly volcanic landscape can traverse Mt Tongariro on the spectacular 17-kilometre Tongariro Crossing, generally reckoned to be the best one-day hike in New Zealand. Alpine conditions change rapidly so check weather forecasts and make sure you’re well-prepared. In winter and spring you’ll need specialised equipment and hiring an experienced guide is highly recommended. Northwest of Taupo town, the laid-back village of Mangakino is centred on Lake Maraetai, one of a series of hydro-dams on the Waikato River. There are many picturesque walkways and cycle-ways in the area, including the fantastic Waikato River Trails. It’s also close to the wilderness of Pureora Forest Park, where you can view New Zealand’s largest totara tree and stand on the true centre of the North Island. You can also explore Lake Maraetai and its tributaries on the paddleboat Otunui, which has more than 100 years of history in New Zealand.
OFF
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Half an hour of thrills, fun and excitement along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs to the very base of the Huka Falls. 9am - 5pm daily. Bookings essential.
ENJOY A SPECTACULAR SCENIC FLIGHT IN OUR HIGH WING CESSNA FLOATPLANE WITH VIEWS OF THE BEAUTIFUL GREAT LAKE TAUPO REGION Website: www.tauposfloatplane.co.nz Email: info@tauposfloatplane.co.nz
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ARRIVAL
07 378 7500
Tel 0800 4852 538 www.hukafallsjet.com 200 Karetoto Rd, Wairakei Tourist Park. Taupo (10mins north of Taupo)
CARD FREE from
i-sites Downtown Auckland and No.1 Queen Street Cafe and Bar
H A W K E S B AY www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
Bountiful
harvest
Takaro Trails
A HUGE RANGE OF ORCHARDS, MARKET GARDENS, VINEYARDS AND OTHER FOOD PRODUCERS MEANS HAWKE’S BAY CARRIES THE “FOOD BASKET” BANNER WITH PRIDE. PICTURESQUE ART DECO AND SPANISH MISSION ARCHITECTURE ADD TO THE AMBIENCE.
I
n 1931, a devastating earthquake claimed many lives and destroyed untold buildings in Hawke’s Bay. Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles and today the architecture is a feature of the region. Hawke’s Bay is also renowned for its superb food and wine – especially red wine – and around seventy wineries dot the landscape, many of which have cellar doors where you can taste and buy wine. Some have picnic areas and several have top-class restaurants housed in magnificent buildings in stunning locations. The region’s food trail has around eightyfive stops, with products ranging from olives and oils, breads and preserved delicacies to honey, fresh-roasted coffee, gourmet bacon, hand-made chocolate and famous Rush Munro’s ice cream. The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market operates a Saturday Urban Market in Napier and a Sunday Farmers’ Market at the A&P Showgrounds, Hastings. You can work off the calories on over 40 kilometres of dedicated walking and cycle trails, most of which are flat. Trails meander along the seaside, through cities, down river valleys, and through picturesque vineyards and orchards.
KEMBLEFIELD WINERY
The walk and cycle-ways run along Napier’s Marine Parade, which boasts lovely sunken gardens, a soundshell and several statues and memorials, as well as the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The facility has a large oceanarium with an underwater viewing tunnel, and many smaller tanks that hold aquatic creatures from around the world. Time your visit to see divers feed the sharks and stingrays, or if you’re a certified diver, get in amongst them yourself. A long-established Hawke’s Bay ecoexperience is a trip to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony (season ends early May), where thousands of birds breed, nest and raise their
young on the rugged headland. You can get there by tractor and trailer along the beach, or overland across a working farm. A few minutes drive around “the hill” from Napier’s CBD you’ll find Ahuriri, a busy entertainment precinct offering a string of great cafes and bars on the waterfront. Several are housed in revamped heritage buildings, and the suburb is also home to Napier’s most photographed Art Deco building, the National Tobacco Company. The region has a good range of accommodation, including vineyard cottages, hotels and apartments with an Art Deco ambience.
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TA R A N A K I
www.arrival.co .n z
Mountain
of many colours
GRACEFUL MT TARANAKI IS AT ITS MOST SPECTACULAR AT SUNSET, WHEN THE SUN’S DYING RAYS WRAP IT IN A MANTLE OF PINK AND GOLD.
M
aori legend says that Mt Taranaki fled west after a battle with Mt Tongariro, in the central North Island. Today the majestic 2518m peak of Mt Taranaki sits at the heart of Taranaki, a relatively undiscovered region that offers culture and urban sophistication,
MT TARANAKI
outdoor pursuits, and a beautiful natural environment. The region’s main urban area is New Plymouth, which was judged New Zealand’s best city (North & South magazine) and the world’s best small city (LiveCom awards). The city boasts many visitor attractions, and hosts many major
The best of Kiwi Culture From New Zealand’s leading contemporary art museum the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery to the amazing Traders and Whalers exhibit at Tawhiti Museum, by way of a magnificent mountain, Taranaki is the stuff of legend. Come and discover Taranaki’s stories and see why it’s considered the region ‘like no other’.
Rob Tucker
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www.taranaki.info/visit
TARANAKI
must-dos
Watch a stunning sunset from a Taranaki beach Take a short walk through lush mountainside forest to Dawson Falls Climb the volcanic coastal outcrop known as Paritutu Rock for a brilliant view of New Plymouth and surrounds Cycle or walk along New Plymouth’s coastal walkway Stay overnight in a cosy mountain lodge
Pukekura Park Taranaki
events from cultural festivals like WOMAD to huge concerts and international sporting events. A good starting point is Puke Ariki, a modern, interactive museum that houses the i-SITE Visitor Centre, the city library, a café, a restaurant and a museum shop. Puke Ariki’s permanent exhibitions trace the history and events that have formed this proud, creative region, from the mythical and physical birth of Mount Taranaki, through land wars and pioneering innovation. Not to be missed is a walk along New Plymouth’s international award-winning waterfront walkway, where the graceful Wind Wand designed by renowned kinetic artist Len Lye creates a focal point. Lye’s collection is held at the city’s contemporary gallery, the Govett-Brewster. In Hawera, Tawhiti Museum is often touted as the country’s best private museum. Mt Taranaki is surrounded by Egmont National Park, the most accessible of New Zealand’s national parks. It offers more
than 300km of walking tracks, whether it’s a short nature walk through the magical ‘Goblin Forest’ or the overnight Pouakai Circuit for the more intrepid adventurer. Taranaki’s other dominant landscape feature is the sea, which wraps around it on three sides. The northern coastline features wide river mouths, rugged cliff faces and towering rock formations. Meanwhile, south of New Plymouth world-class surf breaks peel from spots along the 100km Surf Highway 45. The province is renowned for its gardens, including native garden Te Kainga Marire, and the sub-alpine Pukeiti Gardens, known worldwide for its showy rhododendrons. A stroll through New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park will show why voters gave it the coveted Mayfair position on the New Zealand version of Monopoly. The 52-hectare park combines with Brooklands Park to provide a bushy oasis of lakes and streams, display houses, gardens and walking trails.
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Surfer on Taranaki Beach, PHOTO Rob Tucker
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10% off any Interislander booking Check out our voucher at the front of this magazine
Wine Spectator magazine called us “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”, and we know you’ll agree. Interislander is far more than the New Zealand ferry service which bridges the North and South Island, it links our great country. The three-hour, 92km journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences and acknowledged as one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. Interislander. The journey is even better than getting there.
WELLINGTON www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
WELLINGTON CABLE CAR, PHOTO BY NICK SERVIAN
Coffee, culture
and conservation
AS WELL AS A SOPHISTICATED CAFÉ CULTURE, BUSY EVENTS CALENDAR AND MYRIAD CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, WELLINGTON HAS A STRONG COMMITMENT TO ITS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
N
ot many capital cities can boast major conservation success stories in the heart of the city, but in Wellington dedicated volunteers have created a special place to hand down to future generations. ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is a scenic oasis covering 225 hectares of a forested i nner-city valley. It’s surrounded by a predator-proof fence that excludes non-native animals and on a bushwalk in this “living ark” tui, kereru and kaka will almost certainly be seen, and you might even spot endangered tuatara, little spotted kiwi, saddleback, hihi and giant weta. The sanctuary’s evocative ZEALANDIA: The Exhibition uses cutting-edge technology to trace New Zealand’s environmental history
from 1000 years ago to the present day. Another accessible sanctuary is MatiuSomes Island in Wellington Harbour, which was once a quarantine station for humans and animals, and an internment camp and defensive position during the World Wars. The island can be reached by ferry but for an interesting introduction, take a Ship ‘n Chip tour offered by the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. It includes an informative tour of this excellent museum, a fish and chip lunch and the ferry ride to the island. The Museum of Wellington City & Sea gives an intriguing insight into Wellington’s history, while further along the waterfront Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is a magnificent showcase of art, artefacts and interactive interpretations of the entire
nation’s history, life and culture. If you want to delve further into New Zealand history and culture, significant national collections are Archives New Zealand in Mulgrave St and the National Library (embracing the Turnbull Library) in Molesworth Street. Free guided tours of Parliament Buildings run on the hour, starting at the Beehive Visitor Centre. Wellington is a compact city, so if you stay somewhere central (CityLife in Lambton Quay is a good example) the waterfront and many attractions will be within walking distance. The hotel is close to the lower cable-car terminal, and a ride in this iconic vehicle to the Botanic Gardens gives wonderful views of the city and harbour. Another car-free option is to hop on and off the CitySights bus, which
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At One With Nature
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State Highway One to the capital passes through Horowhenua/Kapiti, a region bounded by the Tararua Range in the east, and long, sandy beaches in the west. The hulking form of Kapiti Island looms just off DINING AT WELLINGTON WATERFRONT, PHOTO BY PAT SHEPARD Paraparaumu, which is the starting point for island visits. The island is steeped in Maori and pioneer history does a sixty minute loop around twelve and sip a hot, strong coffee somewhere – it was once the stronghold of great attractions. like Mojo, Caffé Italiano, Vivace or Peoples famous warrior chief Te Rauparaha, After browsing the gardens and visiting Coffee. The city has iconic cinemas like the then a shore station for whalers. the Cable Car Museum, drop into Carter Embassy and Paramount, and if you’re a Later it was cleared for farming Observatory to learn about the southern Lord of the Rings fan, head to the minibut these days it’s a predator-free skies through its new planetarium show. The museum at the Weta Cave in Miramar. sanctuary where many endangered show is complemented by an interesting There are great beaches St Pauls for TH Heart bird species have been successfully MEMORIAL PARK collection related toPremier astronomical history, Primary Alexander WINGFIEL D School Capital Turnbull, beachcombing and strolling, or swimming House reintroduced. Gateway RC National and excellent multimedia exhibits show how Retail Centre Library HILL 2 STREET A IT K E N and surfing. Oriental Bay is a city favourite, ST Pipitea On the mainland significant wildlife Parliamentary National early Maori, Polynesian andIE European settlersLibrary Archives Court B AL L A N T R AE RV of the Appeal harbour there’s pretty Days refuges include the Manawatu River while across navigated to our shores. B E Parliament 16 K ATE S HE PPA House RD STR Estuary, which provides a coastal Bay. To the south at rugged Red Rocks you High EEbe Wellington’s culture and coffee can’t E 100 T W Court T Buses wetland habitat for thousands of ST V T at one of several can see the fur seals or watch the interI L ignored, aAshow only The M so Lcatch S C OT S E PA Beehive Millwood T BOLTON ST water birds. Besides birdwatching SYDN AY The Y U Q Gallery A MEMORIAL island passing by. theatres, visit one of the myriad galleries, Reserve EA Cenotaphferries Wellington QU P IP IT PARK Wellington Intercity Terminal ON Bank and wetland trails, the rivers, BT Railway Station ANDERSON Turnbull M CR LA House PARK Government Buildings ES 2 ET IL M beaches Historic Reserve & Thorndon Containerand estuarine areas provide RE IS T T Victoria University Terminal EA S ST LAMBTON ER Law Faculty S DA RE SQUARE fishing, swimming, surfing, canoeing ET Pres ST MASON ST SS S District Lady Norwood and boating. Both the coast and ST & Family E Rose Gardens R Courts Begonia ON inland areas offer cycling trails as well LT TC E T House 1 U BO 3 O 8 ST 3 RA as walks that range from easy strolls RO FARMERS AU IT Y Lambton BOTANICAL NN I to challenging multi-day tramps. Square IAN WOODW McGregor S T GARDENS AST ARD W AR Wright SEB IN G AN The region is full of quirky private Gallery y MIDLAND T AY ays Ba Ferry Terminal W a 1 ay The Interislaner PARK and D SHELL LO lk w JO to S Island R Ferry HN omes 1 Brooker STO atiu/S museums, whether it’s a renowned Terminal M to N Ferry DAL Gallery F e rry to P i c to n MUIR Terrace ST 2 Tranz Scenic Travel Centre Clifton vintage car museum, a doll museum BR Model School Art Works of Customhouse AN Quay NZ Gallery DO Capital on N Harbour the Quay Victoria or a working windmill. It’s also a City ST University PAN AM LA NZ Met haven for artists and artisans working A D Service ST Clifton ON ST East by West ory NZ Academy Station E WelTec Ferry Terminal in many different media. Visitors Talavera of Fine Arts Station Queens Wharf GRE TON Salamanca ble Car can pick up garden-fresh fruit and Y POST OFF ICE SQ Station useum T r CE Ca Van Helden Cable Museum of gton Gallery vegetables direct from growers, Wellin Events Wellington HUN TER City & Sea Centre BO S Lambton Harbour UL Kelburn speciality cheeses, creamy local Old Bank TREET CO TT Arcade S KELBURN MER ST ice-cream, handmade chocolate and PLIM TEPS RE S PARK ET W IL 1 LE S confectionery. T O Antrium BNZ NS 1 T House Centre Accommodation is plentiful, Victoria FRANK MA A University CH Bapt NIN KITTS EW G and staying a beach cottage is a S OL PARK Wellington HA RR Adam Art IS CHU Central popular option. Try Beach Getaway Gallery RCH Central ST City S T RO ME Library A Gallery RCE AD RC Clyde atQuayParaparaumu, a two-bedroom, Council EN R Capital E Taranaki St BY Wharf office FLA Wharf GST O ’R E IL Y The Civic self-contained apartment nestled in AFF Centre Town HIL L Hall Michael Chaffers Marina RES F LAG RD a leafy garden near the beach. See Fowler STA Overseas FF LN LD Centre Victoria E L LE R S Passenger University Terminal Hoyts Mid www.naturecoast.co.nz 96 YMCA City Cinemas
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MARLBOROUGH www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
vintage
A FINE
MARLBOROUGH IS WORLD-FAMOUS FOR ITS PREMIUM SAUVIGNON BLANC WINE, AND THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN SAVOURING A FINE DROP IN FRONT OF A BLAZING FIRE.
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ince Marlborough’s first commercial vineyard was planted in 1973, the region has gained a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in the world. As well as the flagship sauvignon blanc variety, the region also produces chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and methode traditionnelle. Of more than 100 wineries, around fifty have ‘cellar doors’ ranging from well-known international brands to small boutique family producers. Several local wine trail operators provide popular ways to see and sample what Marlborough has to offer, be it by coach or bicycle. Record sunshine hours help the grapes ripen, but the region’s culinary fare doesn’t stop at wine. The unspoiled environment gives up other delicious delights: succulent seafood from crystal-clear waterways includes scallops, crayfish, famed greenshell mussels, salmon or freshly caught snapper. There are many places crafting superb dishes, whether it’s among the vines at one of the many award-winning winery restaurants, a stylish urban eatery, or a country café. If you’re self-catering, pick up seasonal specialties
at the farm gate or at the Sunday Farmer’s Market. But Marlborough is more than just fabulous wine and food. The region boasts magnificent scenery, including the intricate network of waterways and headlands of the Marlborough Sounds. A great way to see some of the Sounds 1500km coastline is by walking all or part of the Queen Charlotte Track. This iconic 71km trail passes lush forest, historic bays and skyline ridges. Accommodation along the track ranges from backpackers to high-end, and with transfers and luggage undertaken by watertaxi, it means easy access and a relaxed experience. To make it even easier, local operators provide packages combining water transfers, accommodation, walking, mountain biking and sea kayaking. Marlborough has a number of cultural attractions, among them the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which brings to life the heroes of WWI aviation. There’s a full range of accommodation, including several delightful boutique properties, some of which are nestled amongst the vineyards.
CELLAR DOOR & WINERY A WORLD LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE WINE PRODUCTION AWARD WINNING WINES INTERACTIVE WINERY AND CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCE WINE TASTING AND SALES JUST 20 MINUTES SOUTH OF BLENHEIM IN THE AWATERE VALLEY
WINE TASTING & TOURS Mon–Sun: 10am–4.30pm Winery tours by appointment
Phone: 03 575 7618
www.yealands.co.nz
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N E L S O N TA S M A N www.arrival.co .n z
art for
ART’S SAKE N
elson city is the heart of this charming region and with over 350 artists and artisans in the area, it’s no wonder it’s often referred to as the arts capital of New Zealand. Many ply their craft from homes, galleries and colourful markets in the city, but others are found throughout the wider region. Studios, galleries and workshops can be visited, but a Nelson art experience doesn’t have to be passive. Fun, interactive classes are available on anything from bone carving to bead making, and painting to pottery. Nelson is home to the inspirational WOW – the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum – which is just two minutes from the airport. The mind-blowing collection in the WearableArt™ Gallery is a tribute to the creativity and ingenuity of artists working with
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hiking in the kahurangi national park
WITH AROUND 350 TALENTED ARTISTS AND ARTISANS WORKING IN THE REGION, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT NELSON IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ARTS CAPITAL OF THE NATION.
a range of materials. Meanwhile the classic car gallery showcases an eclectic mix of some of the most sought-after makes and models ever produced. Not surprisingly, many artists take their inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The region has three diverse national parks: beyond Motueka is Kahurangi, the country’s second-largest national park and home to the Heaphy Track, a five-day walk to Karamea on the West Coast (open to mountain bikers May 1 - September 30). Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for beautiful beaches and crystalclear waters and offers a stunning escape for trampers and sea kayakers. Inland, the Nelson Lakes National Park is a paradise of bird-filled beech forest, jagged mountains, clear streams and tranquil lakes.
Plenty of operators are keen to get you out and into it, and if you want to see it from above Skydive Abel Tasman will happily oblige. During the flight, you’ll get stunning views of snowy mountains, golden beaches and turquoise oceans. Throw yourself out at 13,000ft, and Kaiteriteri Kayak Kaiteriteri Kayak is the only kayak company to operate from Kaiteriteri beach. Come and enjoy good times, great people, personality-plus guides and interactive trips! Go for a big day out, big lunch, lots of laughs. Join a trip with Kaiteriteri Kayak – great little kayak trips. Phone 03 527 8082 or Freephone 0800 252 925. www.seakayak.co.nz
ABEL TASMAN SKYDIVE
revel in the sights of this stunningly scenic drop zone. The region also has over fifty fantastic cycle tracks that cater for both recreational cyclists and hard core riders. Golden Bay, over the steep Takaka Hill in the northwest part of the Nelson region, is a scenic jewel with a laid-back lifestyle. From here you can take guided safaris to Farewell Spit, the northernmost tip of the South Island. The sandy 35km spit – Onetahua or “heaped up sand” to Maori – is a protected bird sanctuary that harbours a variety of resident and migratory seabirds. Guided safaris also take in the historic lighthouse. Nelson’s sunny Mediterranean climate and fertile soils mean superb growing conditions, and the region produces hops, olives and many kinds of fruit. There’s a well-mapped trail of over twenty wineries, and locally grown hops supply boutique breweries. Seafood is a regional speciality and the many rivers that lace
DOWNTOWN NELSON
the area provide freshwater fishing. Festivals are a recurring theme in this region, with celebrations for everything from jazz to kite flying, seafood, busking and music. But if you can’t visit during a festival, don’t worry – being here is a celebration in itself!
Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi Services run the entire length of the National Park, year-round, with additional early and late departure times. Aqua Taxi has two departure bases: Marahau and Kaiteriteri. The drivers will show you a good time and share some of their stories on your journey. Phone 03 527 8083 or Freephone 0800 278 282. www.aquataxi.co.nz
NELSON TASMAN
must-dos
Cycle the Great Taste Trail from Richmond to Mapua Skydive over, walk or kayak the Abel Tasman National Park Marvel at the creativity on show at the WOW Museu m Take a water taxi into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park Give in to temptation at Nelson’s fabulous Saturday market
Great reasons to visit:
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WEST COAST www.arrival.co .n z
Where nature
rules
MIGHTY GLACIERS CARVE A PATH THROUGH MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS, INCHING THROUGH TANGLED FORESTS THAT STRETCH TO THE WILD TASMAN SEA.
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he West Coast is a long, narrow region wedged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. It’s an untamed land of awe-inspiring glaciers and rushing rivers, of towering mountains and placid lakes, and ancient rainforests and wild oceans. Often called Glacier Country, the Coast has more than sixty of these remarkable ice-flows in the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park alone. Among them are the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the most accessible glaciers in the world. To fully appreciate the grandeur and geology of these remarkable ice-flows, it’s best to take a guided trip with experienced local operators. Fox Glacier Guides and Franz Josef Glacier Guides offer several options on the respective glaciers, and whether you choose a half or full-day walk, a heli-hike, or ice-climbing you’ll be well looked after by friendly, professional guides. After an exhilarating day on the ice, soothe your aching muscles in the Glacier Hot Pools at Franz Josef, where you can choose from three invitingly warm main pools, or bush-fringed private pools. The region’s five diverse national parks – Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur’s Pass, Westland and Mt Aspiring – make it a paradise for nature lovers. Scenic flights, climbing, caving, quad-biking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and jetboating are all on offer, as are mountain-biking, fishing and gold panning. Countless walks and hikes range from gentle rambles to challenging adventures: try the Heaphy Track (but book well in advance), or take an easy stroll to
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FOX GLACIER GUIDING, HELIHIKE
WEST COAST
must-dos
Get up close to the glaciers on a guided trip Rejuvenate in the hot pools at Franz Josef Pan for gold at Shantytown Watch pouna mu (jade) carvers create fine jewellery Try to spot kotuku, the graceful white heron Listen to birdsong in a remote rainforest See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes PANCAKE ROCKS
$5 discount
voucher*
Glacier Hot Pools, Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand Freephone: 0800 044 044 | www.glacierhotpools.co.nz *Public and private pool entry only. CC: Arrival
$10off
ICE EXPLORER
FREEPHONE 0800 GUIDES LOCATED ON THE MAIN ST OF FRANZ JOSEF TOWNSHIP. CC: Arrival
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THE HELICOPTER LINE
serene Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier, where New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/ Mt Cook, and Mt Tasman are reflected in the glassy waters. The scenic, pristine wetland and lagoon at coastal Okarito is a birdwatcher’s paradise. As well as being home to more than 45 wetland species, it’s the breeding ground of the graceful kotuku, the white heron. Another coastal must-see is Punakaiki, with its spectacular blowholes and soaring limestone stacks called the Pancake Rocks. Interesting historic sites and attractions
trace the region’s settlement, which began when Maori came in search of sacred pounamu (greenstone). In the 1860s gold fever drew Europeans to the West Coast, many of whom stayed when the gold ran out and established farms, forestry and commerce. Near Greymouth you can experience this history at Shantytown, a cultural and heritage attraction inspired by the gold rushes. Around thirty historic buildings recreate a 19th-century pioneer town, and the attraction offers interactive experiences such as gold-panning, steam train rides and
Great reasons to visit:
WEST COAST Franz JoseF & Fox Glaciers
call free
0800 807 767 Main South Road, SH6, Franz Josef.
*Valid on direct bookings only, Offer not valid in conjunction with other offers.
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10% OFF
scenic helicopter flights
a bush sawmill experience. The descendants of those early pioneers – today’s “Coasters” – are independent, hospitable people, and warmly welcome visitors to this special part of the country. Museums and galleries, craft shops, cafés and good restaurants are found throughout the region, and accommodation options include luxury lodges, hotels and motels, camping, cottages and backpackers. A scenically brilliant way to get to the Coast is via the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth.
KAIKOURA
www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
Nature’s
playground
GIANT SPERM WHALES ARE YEARROUND RESIDENTS IN THE DEEP TRENCHES OFF THE KAIKOURA COAST. SEABIRDS, OTHER WHALE SPECIES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS OFTEN ENCHANT WITH THEIR ENTERTAINING ANTICS.
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verlooked by a range of snowcapped mountains, the Kaikoura region in North Canterbury first attracted Maori, who came to harvest its abundant seafood (kai = food, koura = crayfish). European whalers and sealers followed, and Kaikoura town is built on the site of a whaling station that was established in 1843. Ironically, the sperm whale, once hunted for its oil, has helped Kaikoura prosper in the 21st century. The whales feed on rich marine life in the deep Kaikoura Canyon,
WHALE DIVING, KAIKOURA
which runs along the coast quite close to shore. These giants of the sea can be seen from a Whale Watch boat or small plane as they rise to replenish their air supply then return to the depths in an awesome display of grace. Dusky dolphins, rare Hector’s dolphins and fur seals also entertain visitors at sea, and seals can be seen on rocks south of town and out on the peninsula. Seabirds too – including the rare wandering albatross – are attracted by the area’s abundance of fish.
Other Kaikoura activities include fishing, four-wheel drive adventures, walking and horse trekking. There’s also a picturesque golf course just south of the town. There are many places to sample Kaikoura’s famous seafood – try the crayfish (lobster), scallops, mussels, blue cod or butterfish. If you like wine, visit the Kaikoura Winery which boasts limestone cellars and spectacular views. Accommodation ranges from coastal campsites to a unique lodge with luxurious tree houses.
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C A N T E R B U RY www.arrival.co .n z
POP-UP MALL
A city C
on the rise
hristchurch’s CBD was extensively damaged in the earthquake of February 22, 2011 and while parts of it remain cordoned off, new initiatives are breathing energy into the inner city. The attractive green expanses of Hagley Park are home to the Hagley Park Events Village, a collection of temporary indoor and outdoor venues that allow the city to continue with its busy events schedule. A funky temporary “pop-up mall” made of brightly coloured shipping containers recently opened in Cashel Street, creating a unique shopping experience and providing an attractive gathering place for visitors and locals. It sits alongside Christchurch’s elegant, iconic department store Ballantynes, which has re-opened its doors after an extensive refurbishment. Many of Christchurch tourism operators and visitor attractions were up and running soon after the earthquake. These include
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EXCITING NEW INITIATIVES ARE BRINGING THE SOUL BACK INTO CENTRAL CHRISTCHURCH, MEANING NEW ZEALAND’S LOVELY GARDEN CITY IS DEFINITELY BACK ON THE TOURIST MAP.
Punting on the Avon, Up Up & Away Ballooning, the International Antarctic Centre (check out the brilliant new 4D experience), Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Park Wildlife & Shuttle, Tanks For Everything and many more. For a full list see www. christchurchnz.co.nz. Accommodation in the city is in high demand so book in advance, and advise providers of any change in plans. Meanwhile, in Canterbury’s regional hubs, business has continued as usual and visitors can enjoy everything from sumptuous wine and food to hot pools and alpine experiences; from horse trekking and rafting, to whale watching and swimming with dolphins. Akaroa, on Banks Peninsula, is set on a sparkling harbour surrounded by rugged hills. The waters are home to a variety of sea life, and wildlife cruises offer the chance to see fur seals, penguins and other birdlife – and if you’re lucky, rare Hector’s dolphins. The quaint village has a French ambience, and
the audio tour (available from the information centre) around its charming historic buildings will reveal the reasons why. The Alpine Pacific Triangle (see boxed text) offers another assortment of pleasures, while the breathtaking scenery of the fabled Mackenzie District – just 2.5 hours southwest of Christchurch – will stop you in your tracks. This is a land of lofty tussock-covered high country, snowy mountains, glacial lakes, orderly canals and meandering mountain streams. It’s the home of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook (3754m), where you can experience anything from a short walk to a multi-day hike, boating on a glacier lake or even a scenic flight with a snow landing. Aoraki Mount Cook is where the late Sir Edmund Hillary (a much-loved, iconic New Zealander, that’s him on the $5 note) practised before he became the first to conquer Mt Everest. Be sure to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mount Cook Village, which
HANMER SPRINGS
Alpine Pacific Triangle lake tekapo
features a 3D movie, Planetarium and Museum as well as the Hillary Gallery, which traces Sir Ed’s ties to the region, and celebrates a lifetime of physical and humanitarian achievements. The Mackenzie District is also renowned for its clear, star-filled skies – in fact, UNESCO has just designated the skies overhead as the goldrated Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the first in the southern hemisphere, and the world’s biggest. A tour to Mt John Observatory will leave you starry eyed, and this research observatory is also an interesting place to visit in the daytime. An alternative route south from Christchurch is the inland scenic highway, which passes through the pretty rural town of Geraldine. An ideal detour en route is Peel Forest, a stunning, bird-filled remnant of the magnificent podocarp forest that once covered much of the region. This peaceful area sits at the base of the Southern Alps, and offers walks of varying difficulty, kayaking and rafting on the spectacular Rangitata River (also a renowned trout and salmon fishery), and horse trekking through rivers, forests and high country. There are mountain biking and 4WD options, and it’s also the gateway to the famous backcountry farms Mt Peel Station, with its historic Church of Holy Innocents, and Mesopotamia Station at the head of the Rangitata Gorge.
KAYAKING CANTERBURY
canterbury
must-dos
Do some star-gazing in the new Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Get up-do-date information about bars, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, exhibitions and activities on Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism’s blog www.popupcity.co.nz See the changing face of Christchurch on a double-decker bus, a helicopter trip, or a Segway
This scenic touring route forms a triangle between the Waipara Valley wine region, the spa town of Hanmer Springs and the whale-watching hotspot of Kaikoura – with plenty of scenic panoramas along the way. Kaikoura sits half way between Picton and Christchurch, overlooked by towering mountains. Here you can go whale watching by boat or small plane, or encounter playful dusky dolphins and colonies of fur seals (see Kaikoura story). From Kaikoura, drive inland on State Highway 70 and follow the signs to Hanmer Springs. The main drawcard for decades has been Hanmer’s thermal pools complex, today a regular winner of tourism awards. Soak in hot water or relax in the newly revamped spa while the kids play on the waterslides. Other activities include forest walks, horse-trekking, mountain biking, jetboating, golf, fishing and skiing at nearby Mt Lyford. The town has plenty of good accommodation and eateries. At the bottom of the triangle, 45 minutes north of Christchurch, is the Waipara Valley, an up-and-coming wine region producing some fine wine, especially Pinot Noir, Riesling, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Several wineries have restaurants offering local cuisine and some have vineyard accommodation. A vintage train runs between Waipara and Waikiri through scenic Weka Pass on the first and third Sundays of each month, and most public holidays.
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WANAKA
www.arrival.co .n z
wild
ABOUT Wanaka
SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS REVEL IN THE VARIETY OFFERED BY WANAKA’S FOUR WORLD-CLASS SKI AREAS – CARDRONA ALPINE RESORT, TREBLE CONE, SNOW FARM AND SNOW PARK.
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now experiences around Wanaka range from family fun to crosscountry touring, and the region is also famed for its hard-out heli-skiing opportunities. Wanaka is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the sacred peaks and valleys that make up Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. The area is especially loved by hikers, day walkers and climbers, who revel in this pristine alpine wilderness. Outdoor activities include mountain biking, sky-diving, jetboating, paragliding, lake cruising and kayaking. Fly-fishers can’t resist the lakes and rivers, and the chances of landing a plump rainbow trout are high. In the warmer months, Lake Wanaka is popular for wakeboarding, waterskiing and sailing. Another way to appreciate the region’s beauty is on Deep Canyon’s canyoning trips through the spectacular crystal cascades, pools, and
native forest of the Matukituki valley. Wanaka has an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés and shops as well as a thriving arts and crafts community. It’s within easy reach of the world-class Central Otago vineyards, so hopping on the wine trail is easy — just 55km away in Cromwell there’s Quartz Reef, Nevis Bluff, Carrick and Bald Hills, to name a few. However, locals recommend grabbing a picnic or some nibbles and walking to Rippon Vineyard to taste wines in what must surely be one of the world’s most picturesque vineyards. Beer lovers can visit and tour Beerworks, a boutique brewery producing handcrafted, chemical-free brews. A unique Wanaka attraction is the bewildering but fascinating Puzzling World, which has been voted in the world’s top ten “weird attractions”. Its puzzling eccentricities of holograms, optical illusions, and a labyrinth with 1.5 kilometres of passages will intrigue visitors of all ages, as will its crazy leaning
tower and tilted house. Even the toilets will get you thinking! Other Wanaka attractions are the New Zealand Fighter Pilots’ Museum, which features aircraft, stories and exhibits related to fighter pilots and the World Wars. Meanwhile the National Transport and Toy Museum is an incredible private collection boasting over 600 vehicles (including 30 fire engines!), twelve aircraft, 30,000 toys and thousands of miscellaneous items. In keeping with the offbeat theme, Paradiso Cinema is a great spot for a flick with seating consisting of old couches and a car. With daily flights from Christchurch and just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Lake Wanaka is easy to get to by air or road.
Great reasons to visit: WANAKA nderful Wanaka’s weoirdness world of w, rooms of illusion gs Bizarre buildin s maze will baffle your and our famoulenge your perceptions brain and chal of reality.
RLD PUZZLING WO Wanaka 9382 gate Hwy 84, z 188 Wanaka Lug lingworld.co.n 9 E: info@puzz P: 03 443 748
gworld.co.nz
www.puzzlin
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oissfiofn % 1co0 m ad bo m
her
with this vouc
\
ons. lt Combo admissi tion. Valid for 2 x Adu any other promo Not valid with
QUEENSTOWN www.a r r iva l.c o.n z
HIGH SPIRITS IN HIGH
places
QUEENSTOWN
QUEENSTOWN IS AT ITS MOST DAZZLING IN WINTER, WHEN RUGGED SNOW-COVERED MOUNTAINS ARE REFLECTED IN THE CALM GREEN WATERS OF LAKE WAKATIPU. IT’S ALSO A TIME TO JOIN THE APRES-SKI FUN.
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ucked under the mountains at the edge of a pristine lake, Queenstown’s natural beauty attracts visitors all year round. In winter it’s the turn of snow sports enthusiasts, who come from far and wide to ski and snowboard on the nearby slopes, and to indulge in the town’s famous nightlife. The winter season is packed with events ranging from serious skiing and boarding competitions on the nearby slopes, to high-spirited (and sometimes slightly crazy!) celebrations both on and off the mountains. To complement the winter
pursuits, Queenstown offers an extensive range of amenities and attractions, including adventure tourism, fishing, golf, wine and food, shopping, nightlife, and world-class accommodation. It continues to claim the “adventure capital” tag with around 150 exciting activities and attractions operating year round. With both extreme and leisurely pursuits available, there’s something for everyone. For example, several boat companies ply beautiful Milford Sound, the Shotover Jet rockets through river canyons on a breathtaking thrill ride. The rushing waters are ideal for highenergy rafting, and companies like Queenstown Rafting offer rafting experiences in the Shotover River, the Kawarau River and the Landsborough River, as well as a variety of “action combos”. You can also take a scenic flight to Glenorchy and get a bird’s-eye view of the Alps, or for a real aerial thrill, try a
tandem skydive with NZONE. This awardwinning company has just celebrated its 21st birthday and will continue to provide thrills in one of the world’s most amazing drop zones. Their new plane can carry up to six tandem jumpers so groups can stay together during their once-in-a-lifetime experience. To sustain all that activity, you’ll need a good bed and great food, and whatever your budget and preferences, Queenstown’s got it sorted. A bed in a backpackers’ lodge can cost as little as $18; there are pretty B&Bs, homestays, apartments, motels, hotels and some fabulously exclusive high-end properties. With more than 150 great eateries staffed by chefs from around the world, Queenstown also offers adventures of the culinary kind. There are tantalising menus to satisfy every taste and budget, be it a mouth-watering gourmet burger enjoyed by the lake or an indulgent degustation dinner in a discreet, intimate venue. Team your meal with a
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fabulous Central Otago wine, or dine at one of the celebrated wineries just outside town. Coffee culture flourishes in downtown and lakeside areas. In the warmer months the streets buzz with alfresco diners basking in late sunsets, drinking locally-crafted, awardwinning beers and wine; in winter, hearty fare is served in front of roaring fires. Queenstown has good shopping too, with quality stores selling everything from fashion and adventure clothing, to classy souvenirs, ski gear, Tahitian black pearls and Australian opals. If you like a flutter, Queenstown has two small casinos, The Wharf, on Steamer Wharf, and Sky City Casino on Beach Road. Roulette, blackjack and baccarat tables operate alongside the ubiquitous gaming machines. As well as the driving range and 9-hole short course at Frankton, golfers will find several topnotch 18-hole courses, all dominated by the region’s magnificent scenery. If you’re tired, stressed, jet-lagged, actioned out, or just in need of pampering, soak in a spa pool, or head to one of Queenstown’s day spas for a range of beauty and therapeutic treatments.
SHOTOVER JET
• Two uniquely New Zealand • experiences exploring the ‘World Heritage’ wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park
• The Wilderness Safari - a half day • trip combining an exhilarating jet boat journey with an informative guided walk through ancient native forest and a back-country 4WD safari trip
• The Funyak Safari - a full day trip • offering the speed of a wilderness jet boat ride up the Dart River then paddle back downstream in our Funyak canoes exploring hidden side-streams, full wilderness buffet lunch included.
• Complimentary return shuttles • operate ex Queenstown or selfdrive to Glenorchy
Queenstown Info Centre: Cnr Camp & Shotover Sts , Queenstown Dart Visitor Centre: Mull St, Glenorchy Free phone: 0800 327 853 Email: reservations@dartriverjetsafaris.co.nz Web: www.dartriverjetsafaris.com
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QUEENSTOWN
must-dos
Try sking, snowboarding or snowshoeing Hold on tight during a thrilling jetboat ride Soak in a spa pool surrounded by alpine splendour Watch the sunset from a lakeside bar Catch a movie at Arrowtown’s hip cinema Cruise, sail or speed up Lake Wakatipu QUEENSTOWN RAFTING
TM
World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, shotover Jet has thrilled over 3 million people since 1970, and now it’s your turn! take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360˚ spins. ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with award winning shotover Jet, ‘the World’s Most exciting Jet Boat Ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular shotover River Canyons. ReseRvations essential shotover River Base, arthurs Pt, Queenstown Phone: 0800 sHotoveR email: reservations@shotoverjet.co.nz Web: www.shotoverjet.com
NEY E + SAVNE’SMLEOAD SAVE TIM ING QUEENSTOW COMBINE
S ADVENTURE ACTIVITIE
COME AND SEE US AT THE STATION BUILDING CORNER OF SHOTOVER + CAMP STREETS, QUEENSTOWN
CALL FREE: 0800 423 836
www.combos.co.nz
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Milford Sound Nature took millions of years to create the towering mountains, glaciers and deep fiords of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, but it will only take you a few hours to enjoy them. Several sightseeing options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau. You can fly in by plane or helicopter, drive yourself through the Homer Tunnel, or sit back in a luxury coach. Whatever your choice, you’ll be moved by the powerful, pristine landscape of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, spectacular waterfalls and ancient lush rainforest. From the air you’ll see impressive glaciers and hanging valleys, while by road there’s a dramatic vista of mirror lakes, rustling beech forest, the Homer Tunnel, and debris from past avalanches. Once there, cruise up the fiord of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, stopping to view cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, rugged peaks, verdant rainforest, and seal and penguin colonies. Should gentle dolphins be at play, there’s always time to observe their exuberance. Several operators are ready to share their passion for, and knowledge of, this remote, special part of the world. Make your visit a memorable one with Kiwi Discovery, Mitre Peak Cruises, Real Journeys and Southern Discoveries. The latter have recently introduced a one-hour kayak tour, allowing visitors to paddle across the clear, glassy waters of the Sound and get close to wildlife such as Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Encounter and discover our Milford Sound
www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz 30 Shotover St, Queenstown. Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
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Great reasons to visit:
QUEENSTOWN EMBRACE THE FEAR
Tandem Skydive from 15,000ft Free $15 Gift with your Tandem Skydive *conditions apply
OPERATING SINCE 1990
0800 DROPZONE (376 796) Rotorua & Queenstown www.nzone.biz
WHITEWATER RAFTING
gs only
ly. Direct bookin
Conditions app
1 Restaurant
#
with incredible views in the world! Rated by Trip Advisor 2011.
$10
OFF Gondola and Dinner
Email queenstownreservations@skyline.co.nz or call 03 441 0101 for all booking enquiries.
Reservations essential. Terms and Conditions apply. November 30th 2012
skyline.co.nz
DiscoverHollyford the heart of New Zealand, on a unique Fiordland adventure Track - Premier THree day Guided Wilderness advenTure
For more information Freephone: 0800 832 226
www.hollyfordtrack.com
*One coupon per person. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers.
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DUNEDIN
www.arrival.co .n z
LARNACH CASTLE
SOUTHERN D
sweetener
unedin, the South Island’s second largest city, is situated at the bottom of the Otago Peninsula, a long finger of land that hosts a wealth of subAntarctic wildlife, including rare yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions. The stars of the show however, are royal albatrosses, which soar majestically overhead before landing at the world’s only mainland breeding colony. The adult birds arrive at this dramatic, wild piece of coastline each September, an event that is celebrated by the ringing of church bells throughout Dunedin. From then on the colony is a busy place as the birds begin their breeding cycle – laying, hatching and incubating eggs, and taking turns to guard the nest or bring food to their chicks. The Royal Albatross Centre is a fine place to see and learn about the albatrosses, or alternatively, take a wildlife cruise and watch the birds from below as they soar overhead - chances are you’ll also encounter some of the region’s other wild creatures. (Note: The Albatross Colony is closed for renovations during August and September. The only way to view the albatross colony during this time is from the water with Monarch cruises). This stunning wilderness is on the doorstep
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of Dunedin, a small (population 120,000), elegant city that boasts many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Often dubbed the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin was founded in 1848 by Scottish Presbyterian immigrants. Its name means Edinburgh in Scottish Gaelic, and the link to Scotland remains strong. A bronze statue of poet Robbie Burns stands at the heart of the city in The Octagon, and these days he looks down on dozens of lively cafés, bars and bistros. Some of the patrons in these bars could be “scarfies”, the name bestowed on Otago University students because of the long scarves they wear. Dunedin is a culturally rich city. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is among the best in the country and the world-class collections at the Otago Museum attract more than 300,000 visitors annually. Meanwhile, the Otago Settlers Museum celebrates early British settlers and others, including the Maori and Chinese who worked the goldfields and made Dunedin rich. The Dunedin Botanic Garden boasts a fabulous rhododendron dell and is a serene place to visit at any time of year. You can also tour Speight’s brewery, and the Cadbury chocolate factory, where as well as learning
YOU HAVE TO LOVE A CITY THAT BRIGHTENS UP WINTER WITH A CHOCOLATE CARNIVAL. THE ANNUAL EVENT HAS BEEN AND GONE, BUT THERE ARE PLENTY MORE SWEET THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NEW ZEALAND’S SCOTTISH CITY.
dunedin
must-dos
Sa mple something sweet on a tour of Cadbury World Screa m for the Otago rugby tea m under the transparent roof of the new Forsyth Barr Stadiu m Watch the DVD of Scarfies for a dark but a musing insight into local university life Take one of Otago Museu m’s fascinating guided walks Explore the leafy dells in the Botanic Gardens See albatrosses, seals, penguins and other wildlife from the deck of a comfortable vessel
Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Otago Harbour
about chocolate-making you can sample the goodies. Departing every afternoon, the Taieri Gorge Scenic Rail Experience is a 78km journey that takes in the Taieri Plains and the deep Taieri River Gorge, where it rumbles across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. The railway is a scenic way to get to the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail, a popular 150km cycle/walk
cadbury’s factory
trail through heartland Otago. On the way to the royal albatross colony, you’ll pass Portobello and its Marine Studies Centre (visitors welcome) and New Zealand’s only authentic castle, Larnach Castle, with its fine gardens and stunning views. The castle has an exciting, sometimes scandalous, history, and boasts some magnificent architecture. The castle is home to the Barker family, who’ve spent more than 40 years
restoring it and its grounds. Another historic gem is Olveston House, an elegant mansion preserved to give a glimpse into the lives of a privileged Edwardian family. North of Dunedin lie the strange Moeraki Boulders, huge round rocks scattered randomly along Koekohe Beach. Dunedin is also the start (or finish) of the Southern Scenic Route, which takes in some of the deep south’s least visited regions.
Great reasons to visit: DUNEDIN
Discover
Albatross, Seals, Penguins and up to
20 species of marine life. Experience Taiaroa Head, Otago Harbour and the Peninsula at its best. One hour cruises, half and full day tours. Ph: +64 3 477 4276 0800 MONARC (666 272) www.wildlife.co.nz
Winter Special
20% Discount
on presentation of this voucher Valid August and September Direct Bookings only. Conditions apply
• • • •
LARNACH CASTLE New Zealand’s only Castle
Award Winning Attraction Garden of International Significance Excellent collection of NZ antiques Café and Gift Shop
~ ONE COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE ~
with this advertisement
Phone 03 476 1616 larnach@larnachcastle.co.nz www.larnachcastle.co.nz
I M M I G R AT I O N www.arrival.co .n z
J
Julia and Uwe, Helena Bay Cafe
Finding your place SETTLING PERMANENTLY IN A NEW COUNTRY CAN HAVE ITS UPS AND DOWNS, EVEN IN A WELCOMING COUNTRY LIKE NEW ZEALAND. SETTLEMENT SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND (SSNZ) IS THERE TO HELP, PROVIDING SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR ALL NEW MIGRANTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. SSNZ HEARS MANY INSPIRING STORIES OF PEOPLE LIVING THEIR DREAM IN NEW ZEALAND – WE SHARE ONE OF THEM.
If you’re here to stay, we’re here to help. Settlement Support New Zealand is a government funded free service designed to help new long-term residents to settle quickly into work and the communities. SSNZ provides a personal contact point in 18 regions throughout New Zealand.
Call 0800 776948 free from any NZ landline, visit www.ssnz.govt.nz/arrival or email settlementinformation@dol.govt.nz
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ulia Nüchter and Uwe Krohmann sit around a table in the lush surroundings of their café at Northland’s Helena Bay. The view beyond encompasses bush-clad hillsides running down to beautiful Helena Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a spectacular spot to reflect on just how far this Germanborn couple have come, in all senses of the word. Julia first fell in love with New Zealand sixteen years ago during a one-year working holiday. Ten years later she returned with partner Uwe on what was supposed to be a brief visit, but fate intervened when they visited a gallery in Northland’s secluded Helena Bay. To the couple, it seemed that a café would complement the gallery perfectly. The seed of an idea was planted and as Julia explains, it just kept growing. “You know how you have those crazy ideas when you’re travelling? We said, if we go back to Germany and we don’t like it, we could always go up north and open that café.” And that’s exactly what happened, although with a few detours along the way. On eventually returning to New Zealand they researched starting a business and preparing their immigration application. Uwe is a qualified electrician and soon found employment that allowed the couple to settle as skilled migrants. Julia’s hospitality management and economics qualifications meant she had the know-how to run a café. She researched the planning and permit process for their bold new project while Uwe provided them with an income. “We were surprised that for such a small
country, you definitely have at least as many rules as we have in Germany!” she says. “We went to the counter at Whangarei District Council endless times and the staff really helped us find our way through.” Just as the café opened, Julia discovered she was pregnant and for the following two years baby Lucas slept in a cot beside the servery while his parents worked. It was a busy time, but once the business was wellestablished Julia and Uwe realised that with all their energy devoted to the new baby, the new house and the new business, they hadn’t really settled. “Now, after three years, we’ve got to the stage of thinking ... hang on, what are we doing, where are we going? We didn’t really have a social network; we were too busy doing everything else. That’s when we started looking around for things to do.” “We saw an advertisement for Settlement Support in the newspaper,” remembers Uwe. “That’s when we started to get involved.” Since then they have attended a number of events. “Last year we went to one about the voting system,” says Julia. “That was really useful, and then one about the education system – of course we were interested in that because of Lucas. It’s good for meeting other migrants, too.” Setting up and running the café has given the couple an insight into New Zealand life, a highlight of which was the amazing support they received when the business was affected by natural disasters. The experience proved that although New Zealand may look similar, it is not
the same as Germany. “We got so much local support - I don’t think we would have got that in Germany,” says Julia. “People do think differently. They work differently; they’ve different priorities in their minds. You go with it, you know.” Asked what advice they would give to new settlers, Julia says, “When you come here, you need to be open to change. You can’t just move here and think we’ve done the paperwork and now we bring Germany with us. Although I still think of us as Germans, this is our home. And Lucas is a Kiwi, that’s for sure – he doesn’t wear any shoes!” Julia’s final tip is to allow one or two years to adapt to your new country. This sentiment is echoed by many other migrants and is endorsed by SSNZ, who will do everything they can to help you feel at home.
HiFX HiFX provides unrivalled foreign exchange services to businesses and individuals around the globe. Recognised as a leader in foreign exchange, whatever your plans HiFX can help you transfer your funds via our simple online system or via a dedicated dealer for larger transactions. HiFX will ensure every aspect of your transaction is as simple, cost effective and stress-free as possible.
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Settlement Support Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) is a free government-funded service that helps new migrants feel welcome, stay and settle well in New Zealand. In each of its 18 locations around the country, SSNZ works with councils and non-government organisations to ensure newcomers get the information and services they need, and to help local organisations understand the changing needs of new migrant communities.
SSNZ provides information about employment, housing, language, health, education, community groups, recreation, lifestyle and much more. The website, www.ssnz.govt.nz, has information of what to expect from SSNZ as well as links to regional websites and contact details. You can also call 0800 SSNZ 4U (0800 776 948). For other immigration information see www.immigration.govt.nz.
Tel: 0800 394 439 or visit www.hifx.co.nz
currency services eXpertly done HiFX Limited holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) No. 240914 and is regluated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
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List things you have done, intend to do, as a result of seeing them in Arrival Magazine
Apart from Arrival magazines, how else did you decide what to do while you were in New Zealand? (Eg what other brochures, websites, people, info centres did you use?) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
What tourism websites have you used while in NZ (local and international)? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Did you use a smart phone while in NZ Yes / No Did you use your own SIM or buy a local SIM? None / Own / Local Did you download any apps while in NZ? Yes/ No
If yes, what ................................................................
Did you use Facebook (yes / no) and/or Twitter ( Yes / No ) while in New Zealand? What did you most like about this magazine ............................................................................................................. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Any suggestions on how we can improve this magazine? .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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Your New Zealand discovery starts right here. Auckland’s i-SITE Visitor Centres can help you book your holiday in Auckland and New Zealand. See our teams for bookings and information about attractions, activities, accommodation, rental cars, motorhomes, buses and ferries. Open seven days.
Ph:
+64 9 367 6009 or 0800 282 552 (0800 AUCKLAND) Email: reservations@aucklandnz.com Web: www.aucklandnz.com Visit our friendly staff at any of the following locations: Auckland International Airport Auckland Domestic Airport SkyCity Princes Wharf Devonport Takapuna
Orewa Franklin Pukekohe Waiheke Island Great Barrier Island Warkworth
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per min
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(inc to mobile)
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9c
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To mobile: 50c
10c
per min
China
9c
10c
per min
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per min
USA
(inc to mobile)
(inc to mobile)
10c per min
Australia
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