NEW ZEALAND [TRAVEL + TOURISM]

[SYDNEY]

Top travel writers choose New Zealand among best

4:00 AM Saturday Nov 7, 2009


Writers for the travel bible Lonely Planet revealed this week they have picked New Zealand as one of the top 10 countries to visit next year. New Zealand features frequently in its annual Best in Travel guide, with several activities for some amazing experiences listed among what the writers reckon are the world's best. But the world-beating sights aren't reserved for overseas tourists, so here are four of the highlights selected by the travel expert from New Zealand's "spine-tingling vistas" and "spectacular landscapes".

OTAGO PENINSULA

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by André Pipa

Lonely Planet describes the peninsula as a "near-compulsory excursion" with the royal albatross colony and one of the world's rarest penguins, the yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho. The peninsula features in the Best in Travel book in the Super Cycling Routes section for having "one of the best day rides in the country" and in the Top 10 for Twitchers section for the bird-watching at Taiaroa Head - "the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding ground, where you can observe the incredible spectacle of soaring albatrosses, with up to 3m wingspans, coming into land like a succession of 747s". The "photogenic" peninsula gets yet another mention in the Top 10 Places to Walk Your Dog section of dog-friendly walking trails.

TONGARIRO CROSSING

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by msdstefan

Writers recommend the crossing as one of New Zealand's life-changing experiences: "Explore the pulsating volcanic landscape of the Tongariro National Park and tackle the Tongariro Crossing, rated as the world's finest day hike. "Reputedly the best one-day walk in NZ, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses spectacular volcanic geography, from an active crater to steaming vents and beautiful coloured lakes." It warns the tramp is exhausting and should not be taken lightly because weather can change without warning.

PARAGLIDING IN QUEENSTOWN

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by Str1ke

Best in Travel recommends the South Island's adventure hotspot, which is where the sport took off in New Zealand in the mid-1980s. "For the ultimate heart-stopper take a helicopter to Bowen Peak before leaping from its 1800m-high summit." It also lists hang-gliding among the activities to get your adrenaline going by air. Writer Brett Atkinson describes his experience: "When you're surrounded by some of the world's most spectacular scenery, does it really make sense to experience it in a brief burst of a few terror-stricken seconds? ... [But] a few seconds after take-off I know I've made the right decision ... and yes, it really does feel like you're flying."

KAYAKING IN THE ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

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by joeforjette

The country's most visited national park also features as a life-changing experience. "Kayaking around the blissfully desolate beaches, coves and bays of Abel Tasman National Park; sleep under canvas for the ultimate escapist adventure."

[SYDNEY]

NZ whale venture scoops top tourism award

10:35 AM Thursday Nov 12, 2009

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by pixmad

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by f0rbe5

Whale Watch Kaikoura has been named the supreme winner at this year's Responsible Tourism Awards in London. The international accolades are awarded annually and recognise tourism ventures operating in a way that respects and benefits both the destination and the local people. Whale Watch Kaikoura's CEO, Kauahi Ngapora, said it was humbling to be chosen as the best from among the world's leading responsible tourism operators.

"This award is a mark of success for not only Whale Watch Kaikoura but to the many people of our community who support the success of our business and provide true hospitality to the many tens of thousands of people who visit Kaikoura," he said.Whale Watch Kaikoura is owned and operated by Ngati Kuri, a hapu of the South Island's Ngai Tahu tribe. It was formed in response to Kaikoura's declining economy in the late 1980s, when hapu leaders realised that a tourism venture based around the area's sperm whales could hold the key to unemploment problems amongst local Maori.

It's a business plan which impressed the awards judges, who said it was rare to see a tourism initiative "developed from the ground up by a local community to such a successful and grand scale". "Whale Watch Kaikoura provides consistently responsible whale watching tours with minimal impacts. The founding of the enterprise by four Maori families has demonstrated that the local Maori community can not only grow a considerable tourism business, but, more significantly, use that business to buy back their ancestral land for the benefit of the indigenous people and their cultural identity," they said in naming the venture this year's supreme winner.

Since its launch, Whale Watch Kaikoura has grown to become one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions, with more than 100,000 visitors a year taking the chance to get up close and personal with the region's ocean giants. Twenty-two years on, the company continues to expand. A sixth vessel was added to its Kaikoura fleet earlier this month and last year it invested $5m in a joint venture with Sea World on Australia's Gold Coast to provide their whale watching. Whale Watch Kaikoura chairman Wally Stone says the company's ongoing success is down to its sustainability and responsibility as a host. "Bill Solomon [Whale Watch Kaikoura's founder] instilled a deep respect for the environment and a strong sense of community in our organisation from our first day of operation. "It is a deep respect for the environment that embraces responsibility for the protection and nurturing of our natural resources to ensure they remain gifts we can continue share."

Another local winner in this year's Responsible Tourism Awards is YHA Wellington, which was named best large hotel. Judges said the hotel employed a host of innovative initiatives and went "above and beyond regular hotel practice to engage and communicate with their guests around issues of sustainability in an upbeat and inspiring way". Its 'Tree Planting Day' for guests was among initiatives praised by the judges.

[SYDNEY]

Wellington: Creative City

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by mickstone1

As I stand on Queen's Wharf bracing myself against a stiff southerly, I think that Lauris Edmond hit the nail on the head when she wrote this about Wellington: "It's true you can't live here by chance, you have to do and be, not simply watch or even describe. This is the city of action, the world headquarters of the verb." I am on a Walk Wellington tour and we have just crossed The City to Sea Bridge from Civic Square when I spy Edmond's quote, part of the waterfront Writers Walk.

I am a born-and-bred Wellingtonian who defected to that large metropolis in the north a number of years ago, and I am back in my home city for the weekend to view it as a tourist. You had to have imagination to "do and be" in Wellington when I was growing up in its windswept western suburbs. These days the stylishness and activity of the city is palpable. The place is one big sculpture walk for a start. I do not exaggerate when I say there is artwork on practically every corner - the Protoplasm sculpture on the corner of Lambton Quay and Hunter St that changes with the wind is a personal favourite.

Within a stone's throw are two big steel walls of Braille known as Invisible City and the bronze of city father John Plimmer. An elderly Japanese artist with an obsession for polka dots may not, at first blush, seem like everyone's cup of tea, but if you have no other artistic experience this year go to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the City Gallery. This avant-garde gallery is known for its edgy events, and as soon as you round the corner into Civic Square you will see that director Paula Savage and her team have done it again.

Because some of her art could not be brought to New Zealand, 80-year-old Kusama decided to create two new works especially for the Kiwi exhibition - including covering the gallery's facade in brightly coloured, vinyl polka dots. It is one of only three installations she has ever done on the exteriors of buildings and there has been worldwide interest in the Wellington work. Sticking dots on a building is not as easy as it sounds and very nearly didn't happen. Permission had to be gained from the relevant authorities, the original architectural plans for the Art Deco building had to be dug out and sent to Japan, and then the gallery needed to find funding for the scaffolding and other equipment necessary to put the work in place.

Inside, the exhibition contains installations that defy the imagination. Check out Fireflies on the Water - a darkened, mirrored and watery infinity room filled with red, yellow and turquoise fairy lights. Or Invisible Life - a maze of convex, round mirrors leading into a tangerine room covered in black polka dots, with large tangerine- and black-spotted, Mr Blobby-like blow-ups. Walk back through the maze and you reach a room that is the exact mirror image - black with tangerine dots and similarly patterned Mr Blobbies.

If that doesn't blow your mind try the 60s lounge room covered in fluorescent red, orange, blue and green dots, and the infinity room chocker with white and red polka-dotted mushrooming blobs. It's not all about hardcore contemporary art, of course, and while we're here, Wellington is in full World of Wearable Art (WOW) swing. The sound of credit cards being flexed fills the air as planeloads of 35-plus ladies swarm into town. Held just as Fashion Week winds up in Auckland, it's hard not to notice the contrast - while the former caters to the fashionistas and media denizens, WOW captures the imagination of the whole city.

The part costume design, part craft event is not easy to define, but it is a fabulous show and hugely popular. And it's becoming evermore international - entrants this year hailed from 10 countries, and the Supreme Award winner was Alaskan David Walker with his Lady of the Wood, a Cinderella dress made entirely of wood panels. WOW is worth a stroll. From the audience, it's hard to get an appreciation of the wacky materials and craftsmanship that have gone into the works, and on the Wander walk, past Supreme Award winners are exhibited in various locations around town.

Fatigued from our Wellington walkings we head back to the sumptuous Victorian decor of the Museum Hotel - itself a mini exhibition with a stunning collection of New Zealand art in its foyer. But before we cross the road to the hotel we pass Regan Gentry's Green Islands sculpture outside Te Papa - cabbage trees, toi toi, manuka and flax made of No 8 fencing wire and bent as though against the capital's prevailing northwester. Having grown up tilting against that wind I immediately recognise the sentiment, wildness and exhilaration of this city perched at the end of the island. Happily, it's not only artists or dyed-in-the-wool Wellingtonians who can appreciate it.

[wyfblog]

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[dutchmaster]

Truly amazing country! Safe, peaceful and COMPLETLY beautiful!

[SYDNEY]

Hilton opens deluxe Lake Taupo Hotel

10:30 AM Tuesday Nov 17, 2009

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by Fraser P

Tourism centre Taupo gets a boost in the arm today with the opening of a luxury hotel. The $55m Hilton Lake Taupo offers 113 deluxe guest rooms, suites and apartments. One wing of the hotel is the bulding previously known as the historic Terraces Hotel, built in 1889 and now completely re-furbished. The other wing has been purpose-built for the new hotel.

"We are delighted that we have been able to retain the character of the original Victorian building and incorporate some of the same charm into the new Mountain Wing", said Martin Rinck, President Hilton Worldwide Asia Pacific. Close to 100 people in the region have already been employed by the hotel. The opening of Hilton Lake Taupo is the first stage in the development - the second stage will feature a conference centre due to open in 2010.

[Milan Luka]

Good work Sydney, another top thread.

Where do you find the time mate?

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by dutchmaster

Truly amazing country! Safe, peaceful and COMPLETLY beautiful!

Thanks mate, you are so right

Originally Posted by Milan Luka

Good work Sydney, another top thread.

Where do you find the time mate?

Thanks ML ... pure blood, sweat and tears Keeping me busy distracts me from having lewd and "evil" thoughts

[SYDNEY]

Australasia's leading boutique Hotel - The Spire Hotel

4:00 AM Wednesday Nov 18, 2009

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by shortie66

Queenstown's The Spire Hotel was voted Australasia's leading boutique hotel in the World Travel Awards. Auckland-based Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors did the fitout. Stewart Harris from the firm said he was inspired to create a contrast to the traditional lodge-styled accommodation prevalent in the district. So he went for a New York-style theme, particularly in the bar and restaurant.

[SYDNEY]

Auckland Airport wins best in Australasia award

Wednesday, 18 November 2009, 9:25 am

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by Jestyr

Auckland Airport has been voted the best airport in Australasia in the 2009 World Travel Awards announced a few days ago in London. Auckland Airport's chief executive, Simon Moutter, said, “The recognition of Auckland Airport in the 2009 World Travel Awards is extremely satisfying. Each new award we receive is a testament to the enormous amount of work we are doing with our airport partners – including airlines, border agencies, and baggage-handlers – to provide a world-class passenger experience”. This award follows on from the successes of Auckland Airport in the recent 2009 Skytrax awards, in which Auckland was named one of the 10 best airports in the world, and the best airport in the Australia Pacific region.

Mr Moutter said, “It is fantastic to see everyone.s hard work beginning to pay off, first in the eyes of the millions of travellers who voted in the Skytrax awards, and now from the travel industry experts who voted in the World Travel Awards”. About the World Travel Awards The World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 and is recognised as a premier event which acknowledges, honours and salutes excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the 'Oscars' of the global travel and tourism industry, revealed who are the 'best of the best' in the world.

Since World Travel Awards „burst. on to the international travel and tourism scene 16 years ago, the organisation has been making steady and significant, long term impact. Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. According to the organisers, research has shown that winning a World Travel Award increases international brand recognition, building consumer loyalty. Over 1000 travel companies were nominated in 94 World categories and 14 Travel Technology categories in the Grand Final ceremony held at London.s Mayfair Hotel.

[SYDNEY]

Tourist deal for Auckland marae in China

North Shore Times Last updated 05:00 19/11/2009

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by Carmelo Aquilina

A multi-million dollar venture is putting Northcote's Awataha Marae on the international map. It has signed a cooperation agreement with a major Chinese company to open up tourism opportunities for both China and New Zealand. The venture will see Awataha building a Maori Cultural Village on a two-hectare site in Qufu City - in China's northeast province of Shandong - the birthplace of Confucius. Awataha leader and spokesman Anthony Wilson says the agreement "secures for the Maori people and New Zealand a stake in a $200 million tourism development project in the city".

"This is an important deal for us. It's a great big project and it will create not only job and training opportunities but also open up a new gateway for Maori and New Zealand culture to flourish globally," he says. Mr Wilson was in Qufu recently to formally sign the agreement with his counterparts from the New Zealand Gardens Qufu. The company is building the New Zealand Gardens theme park at the Shimenshan Scenic National Forest Park north of Qufu. The 670ha development will feature the Maori village as the main gateway to the park, tipped to attract millions of tourists from China and around the world.

The park will have a 54-hole golf course, a dairy farm, organic orchards, vineyard and winery, equestrian club, hotels, luxury villas and spa resort and an international school. "The level of investment being poured into this project is in excess of two billion Chinese yuan or around $200m. "To be part of a massive development with limitless potential is historic for Awataha and it signals a new dawn for the Maori people," he says. Awataha's part of the project would be to build and maintain the Maori village.

It will erect an exact replica of its wharenui or meeting house on the Shore and build a 36-metre tall waharoa or gateway into the complex. "The cultural protocol that we've agreed upon provides that everything comes through the village," he says. The gateway will be adorned with traditional carvings promoting the principle of kotahitanga or unity of people. He says Awataha is also able to leverage ownership of part of the village and become "stakeholders of the whole thing".

"It also opens up a direct link between New Zealand, China and the world and provides a window for Maori culture and New Zealand in general," he says. The joint venture will be formally launched in Wellington on Monday with a powerhouse delegation from China coming over for the ceremony.

[SYDNEY]

Travellers name NZ second-best destination in the World

1:45 PM Friday Sep 4, 2009

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by f0rbe5

New Zealand has been named the second-favourite destination in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine. The publication's annual Readers' Travel Awards rank everything from cities, countries and islands to tour operators and spas. New Zealand topped the 'favourite countries' list last year but was pushed into second place this year by Italy, which the magazine's readers identified as having the best food, culture and climate in the world. Each country was given a mark out of 100, with Italy this year scoring an impressive 95.55. New Zealand's score was 95.18. Rounding out the top five were Turkey (94.84), Australia (94.47) and France (94.31).

Luxury Glenorchy hotel Blanket Bay was named the best leisure hotel in Australasia and the South Pacific, with Taupo's Huka Lodge, the Wairarapa's Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers also making the top 20. Local carrier Air New Zealand also performed well in the awards, being named second-best airline for long-haul leisure travel. First place in that category was taken by Virgin Atlantic, with Qantas, British Airways and India's Kingfisher Airlines making up the top five. Air New Zealand was also singled out as having the best in-flight catering of all the long-haul carriers.

In addition to identifying winners in each category, the travel awards features a 'Top 100' list, which ranks the destinations and experiences according to the score they were given - regardless of the individual categories. This year's winner is the island of Sicily, which received a score of 95.70 out of a possible 100. New Zealand's score on the 'best countries' list gave it a spot at number four and Blanket Bay's score of 94.44 in the 'best hotels' category placed it at number 10 on the 'Top 100' list.

Best countries

1. Italy 2. New Zealand 3. Turkey 4. Australia 5. France 6. Egypt 7. USA 8. South Africa 9. Spain 10. Morocco 11. Greece 12. Mexico 13. India 14. Canada 15. Thailand 16. Brazil 17. Argentina 18. Sweden 19. Portugal 20. Kenya

Best long-haul leisure airlines

1. Virgin Atlantic 2. Air New Zealand 3. Qantas 4. British Airways 5. Kingfisher Airlines 6. Singapore Airlines 7. Emirates 8. Etihad Airways 9. Thai Airways 10. Cathay Pacific

Overall best destinations and experiences

1. Sicily (Island) 2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India (Hotel) 3. Italy (Country) 4. New Zealand (Country) 5. New York (City) 6. Maldives (Island) 7. Turkey (Country) 8. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Italy (Hotel) 9. Australia (Country) 10. Blanket Bay, Glenorchy, New Zealand (Hotel)

[SYDNEY]

National Cycleway for Waiheke Island

Waiheke Marketplace Last updated 15:03 18/11/2009

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by Squirmelia

Plans for a national cycleway on the island are set to steam ahead after a council committee voted to investigate possible funding. Auckland City Council's finance and strategy committee wants council's transport committee to consider setting aside some funds for a trail between Matiatia and Onetangi. The transport committee is also being told to recommend options to council's combined committees next February, if necessary. The idea to include Waiheke in John Key's vision for a national cycleway was first mooted by Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye earlier this year.

It is being supported by the Waiheke Community Board, according to resident Tony King-Turner, who presented an outline of the proposal to members last month. They were given a document entitled "The Waiheke Island Great Ride", outlining how trails at both ends of the island could bring practical, social, and economic benefits. The Waiheke Western Trail would take bike riders through the mixed residential-rural landscape, with a Waiheke Eastern loop allowing people to enjoy native bush, beaches, and historic sites.

It is envisaged funding could come from a number of different sources such as Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Council, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and government. Fullers Ferries, which recently won a national award for carrying bicycles free of charge on its vessels, has already agreed to be a project partner. The document points to the island's special attractions, such as stunning beaches, wetlands, native forests, vineyards, and archeological sites, as well as its close proximity to Auckland and the international airport.

It says the island has the advantage of having no traffic lights and claims council is now looking at adding more cycle lanes to the one installed this year. Mr King-Turner told the community board how a national cycleway would benefit visitors, school children, commuters, and families. He said it would mean safe rides for families, an increase in cycle tourists that would benefit the hospitality industry, and comfortable commutes for workers using the ferry.

And he said children stood to gain increased levels of fitness by being able to bike to school safely, with their parents saving time having to get them there by car. "All the motorists will be winners. Cycling and cars are a big issue here. We are getting more and more cars and feelings of not being safe are experienced by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. "There is way too much traffic now for them to share the road. This is a good solution," he said. Now Mr King-Turner is looking to form a committee called "Bike Waiheke" that will work to produce proposals for the different funding agencies.

He is keen for the committee to include people working in the tourism and hospitality industries on the island as well as a representative from council's transport department. Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye says she has already forwarded an initial proposal to the tourism ministry together with a letter of support. Meanwhile, she says she is delighted to hear of the council's finance committee's recommendations that funding should be investigated, and believes the concept is gaining momentum.

"It is great that Auckland City Council is taking steps to consider what it may be able to further do to help. "I know how hard the Waiheke cycleway team has been working on the project and I am doing my bit to help get all the agencies to support it. "The cycleway would improve transport for islanders and attract tourists, while enhancing the natural environment of Waiheke."

[SYDNEY]

The World loves New Zealand

11:13 24/11/2009

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by Maharepa

The world is in love with New Zealand. People want to holiday here, live here, consume our primary produce and wine, and even watch our movies. We're seen as a peaceful backwater in a harsh world of terrorism and financial instability. A recently released study by Futurebrand confirms this, ranking New Zealand as the fourth-strongest "brand" in the world, behind the US, Canada and Australia.

Futurebrand builds its annual index of country brands by gathering the views of "residents, investors, tourists and foreign governments". The best country brands are those which have the most attractive perception through a whole mix of economic, political and social activity. They are not created by clever country logos or tourism advertisements, although these play a part, but by delivering the strongest set of experiences to the audience groups.

According to Futurebrand "well-branded countries can better promote economic value and export products; attract inbound investment, tourists and talent, redress stereotypes or cliches and build competitive advantage". Basically a powerful country brand can help a customer choose a New Zealand product or service over another country's. It is a fantastic achievement. Tourism especially will gain from the Futurebrand analysis; so will our primary goods and our wine.

Various government initiatives encourage our technology sector, and a major campaign has been run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to shift "brand New Zealand" to be seen as more a high-tech and creative. When the dominant perception is of a country with considerably more sheep than people, it is hard to transform our image into one of South Pacific Silicon Valley.Strong brands are built on the experiences people have with an entity. That's why the "100% Pure" tourism campaign has worked so well.

No matter what the greenies say, a tourist will arrive here and experience an incredibly beautiful, peaceful, green country. The promise we make in our advertising campaigns gets delivered. If a businessman in the US has only ever experienced New Zealand in terms of consuming Canterbury lamb or enjoying a Marlborough sauvignon blanc, it takes time for him to see a Kiwi company as a credible supplier of software, electronics or some other sophisticated product.

That doesn't mean Kiwi tech companies can't compete. They do, and they do it exceptionally well. But that global perception of a rural paradise means they start behind their competitors from more assuredly high tech economies. Software, computer hardware, electronics and so on applied to areas like agriculture, viticulture and sustainability are more credible. It is a much easier task to convince the world we have the best software for measuring the purity of water, than software to run a nuclear power plant.

Just as mining-related innovations would seem credible coming from Australia, or technology related to cheating at football from France, there are many good examples of technologies that are consistent with existing perceptions of New Zealand. Hamilton Jet has great products, but it is also highly credible that a Kiwi company developed a new way of boat propulsion enabling people to explore rugged and remote rivers.

Farm management software products, vineyard productivity machinery, GPS tracking solutions for spreading fertiliser, smart sensors for monitoring soil, laboratory testing equipment - the list is healthy, but we need more of them, and more that grow to a large size. Companies that leverage our strong country brand make the global playing field more even for themselves, increasing their chances of building large and enduring businesses.

[SYDNEY]

'America's Next Top Model' to film in NZ

3:07 PM Friday Nov 27, 2009

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by eekaphot

Rumours are circulating that America's Next Top Model will be filming an episode in New Zealand. According to fashion blogger Isaac Hindin Miller, ANTM contestants are set to shoot a runway challenge episode here alongside a number of local models.Potential collaborators are supposedly being asked to sign a confidentiality agreement with hefty penalties, but a source told Hindin Miller that host Tyra Banks is due to fly in next week.

The anonymous source also said filming would take place mostly in the South Island and Queenstown, although a second source reported that North Island locations were also being considered. This will be the show's 14th season, in which contestants compete for the title of America's Next Top Model and a chance to win a modelling contract.

UPDATE 01|12|09

Several episodes of the next season of America's Next Top Model will be filmed in New Zealand, host and former top model Tyra Banks confirmed on Twitter this morning. "Rumours are true & U R 1st to know. Top Model is goin to NEW ZEALAND for cycle 14! Can't wait to get there. Are y'all excited for next cycle?," Banks' verified Twitter account said. Rumours that the show would film here began to circulate last week, with fashion blogger Isaac Hindin Miller saying he had been in touch with a source working on the show. Hindin Miller said Banks was due to fly to New Zealand this week and would be joined by the show's new judge, American Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. Filming would begin on Thursday or Friday this week, in locations including Queenstown and Auckland, he said. New Zealand designers would be featured on the show. Hindin Miller said Tourism New Zealand may have been involved in location-scouting for the filming, but a spokesperson for the agency could not be reached for comment. A New Zealand adaptation of the reality series screened on TV3 earlier this year, plans for a second season were yet to be confirmed.

[SYDNEY]

NZ's clean, green wedding scene

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Monday Dec 14, 2009

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by ranhar2

New Zealand's lush green pastures, snowy mountain peaks and clear lakes are turning the country into a "wedding photo tourism" hotspot. Wedding photographers from Asian cities such as Singapore and Taipei are bringing couples, who spend upwards of $10,000 each, to have their wedding photographs shot in New Zealand. They get married at home but usually have their photos done in New Zealand in advance so they can show them off at the ceremony.

Singaporean IT consultant Jeffrey Ong, 32, and bank executive Jaslyn Tay, 28, had their wedding photos shot at Lake Tekapo in August and described their Kiwi experience as "a dream come true". "We made up our minds that we wanted to have our wedding photos taken in New Zealand after watching The Lord of the Rings," Mr Ong said yesterday. A slide show featuring the couple's New Zealand shoot was one of the highlights of their wedding dinner in Singapore last night.

Mr Ong said he spent nearly $15,000 on their shoot, and they intend to return to New Zealand for their honeymoon. Taipei-based photographer Ricardo Tsai, who travelled with three Taiwanese and Chinese couples to the Bay of Islands in September, said the "rising affluence" of newlyweds in Asia who wanted "something different" for their wedding photograph is fuelling the trend.

Mr Tsai has photographed seven couples in three trips to New Zealand since April, and says his clients would have "easily spent more than $100,000" here. "They want good hotels, good rental cars. In their minds, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture their special moment in time, and they are willing to spend good money to make it memorable." Mr Tsai said popular locations include the Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo, Lake Tekapo and Queenstown.

Besides air tickets, accommodation and vehicle rental for a minimum of five days, the couples also pay between $5000 and $9000 in fees and airfares for their photographer and stylist. In Singapore, the Straits Times reported that the number of couples there who travelled overseas for their wedding photo shoot may have jumped by up to 80 per cent in the last two years.

It said lower airfares and the lack of unusual locations in Singapore contributed to the trend. "The mountains, sea and lakes of New Zealand makes it a natural choice for photographers. The scenery turns each picture into a work of art," said Singaporean photographer John Lim, who photographed Mr and Mrs Ong. "Couples feel less inhibited there, and we are also able to do a lot more with our outdoor shoots because of New Zealand's less-humid climate," he said. Mr Lim has received confirmed bookings from couples for an "autumn shoot" in April.

[SYDNEY]

New luxury Choice for Rotorua visitors

SCOOP
Monday, 14 December 2009, 5:25 pm

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by Spencer Miles

Visitors to Rotorua will have a new first-class accommodation choice as the new 5-star Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort joins the Choice Hotels Australasia’s Clarion Collection brand. Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort hosted two events over the weekend to mark its new Clarion branding and the first direct flight between Sydney and Rotorua touching down on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, December 13, Choice Hotels Australasia CEO David Bayes, Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters, local Maori leaders, Air New Zealand representatives and local tourism leaders attended an official Clarion Collection Branding Breakfast.

Then, in the evening the hotel’s Mokoia Restaurant was the scene of the “New Zealand Food Celebration” – a nine-course degustation dinner featuring unique New Zealand flavours. Bryan Hughes, CEO of the Wai Ora Group, said Clarion Collection was a natural choice when deciding on a brand for its new Rotorua resort. “We approached, and were approached by, a number of organisations, but the approach by Choice Hotels was the best fit. In the month that we have been working together, we have been impressed with their professionalism, organisation and expertise.”

Mr Bayes said it was equally clear to Choice Hotels that the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort was a perfect fit for the Clarion Collection brand. “Clarion Collection Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is Rotorua’s only 5-star hotel. It offers 30 luxury rooms, including 10 superior suites, a-la-carte dining, multiple options for rest and relaxation and direct access to Lake Rotorua. “Clarion Collection hotels are all one-of-a-kind, offering exceptional service and first-class facilities, ideal for the business and leisure travellers looking for affordable luxury. The Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort fits this brand perfectly.”

[SYDNEY]

Travel & Leisure's top spots to spend Christmas - KAIKOURA

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Thursday Dec 24, 2009

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by Mollivan Jon

A small New Zealand town has been named in a global travel magazine as one of the top spots in the world to spend Christmas. Kaikoura was the only New Zealand place to feature in a Travel and Leisure list of locations for the festive season. Kaikoura was chosen because of its picturesque setting, the attraction of sunbathing on Christmas Day, and for the opportunities to see a plethora of sealife along the rugged east coast of the South Island. "The Kaikoura peninsula may not have reindeer, but it is teeming with sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins, pilot whales, and albatross in Kaikoura Bay," the article said.

The magazine also praised the region's eco-tourism accommodation options, naming Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses as places to stay. Kaikoura District Council's John MacPhail, who chairs the tourism development committee, said the article was unlikely to influence tourists' travel plans this summer, but it was a boost nonetheless. "It's nice to be included and noted up there - we believe it's a great spot to be whether it's Christmas or not. It's recognised as an international destination, and that's quite a coup for us." Mr MacPhail was not surprised by the accolade, as the region's whale-watching ventures had drawn global media attention for years.

He said Kaikoura had the strong marketing angle of both a majestic, snow-tipped mountain range and a crystal-blue coastline full of wildlife. Meanwhile, Britain's Sunday Times travel editor, Ed Grenby, said New Zealand "didn't even exist" as a travel destination 10 years ago. "Certainly, nobody ever actually went there - well, why would you, when you could do Australia instead?" But he said the exposure of New Zealand's natural beauty in the Lord of the Rings trilogy woke the world up to the country.

"[It is] the ruggedest, prettiest, friendliest, most cultured, least crowded, most adrenaline-burning, most serenely peaceful, best-value-booze-and-foodiest, most just-plain-wonderful holiday destination in the world ... the once-in-a-lifetime trip you should aim to do every few years."

[poshbakerloo]

Its a shame New Zealand is so far as I wanna go sometime!

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by poshbakerloo

Its a shame New Zealand is so far as I wanna go sometime!

Save, save, save - take a sleeping pill and Volia ! Wouldn't it be gr8 if travel was so much quicker, it is quite a schlep for us to get to Europe Thanks for the comment mate and have a great 2010