NEW ZEALAND [TRAVEL + TOURISM]

[SYDNEY]

The World's finest one day hike

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Saturday Dec 26, 2009

image hosted on flickr

by allentomdude

The travel bible Lonely Planet calls it "life-changing" and rates it as the world's finest day hike. With spectacular scenery ranging from volcanic craters to sparkling turquoise lakes and views from Mt Taranaki to beyond Lake Taupo, the Tongariro Crossing isn't just a trek - it's a spiritual journey that leaves you with no doubt about how violently parts of our country were created. The nearly-19km track begins by winding its way up from the Mangatepopo Valley (you can do the track starting from the Ketetahi Carpark but we want to get the hard uphill walking out of the way first).

As we set off, there is barely a cloud in the sky, making sunblock top-ups an absolute must. The track starts in tussock in open, barren land before a steep climb between the lower slopes of Mt Tongariro to our left, and the conical Mt Ngauruhoe to the right. We walk through flat, open desert-like fields that sit sheltered beneath rocky peaks, but an hour into the trip our heart-rates are racing as we climb the Devil's Staircase. The higher we go, the more insignificant we feel. In the distance, ahead and behind us, dozens of walkers along the trail look like multi-coloured-ants.

As warned, when we reach the first ridge between the mountains, a chilly wind picks up and I have to change from a sunhat and singlet to a beanie and woollen top. As the view to the west opens up to the Central Plateau, we can see sunlight reflecting off cars travelling on State Highway 1, in the middle of the vast brown surrounds of the aptly-named Desert Road. At the top, we can see straight into the Red Crater with its jagged and scarily steep black-and-rust coloured crevasses - startling evidence of massive forces beneath us.

Our hard uphill work is rewarded with a short descent - we opt for the more fun option of running down the soft soil, skidding as the stones come away underfoot, sliding towards the Emerald Lakes, a trio of glistening turquoise pools that draw their dazzling colour from volcanic minerals. Many choose the stunning spot for lunch, in spite of the sulphurous smell of the steam from thermal vents. We move on, passing the Blue Lake, crossing another windy ridge, looking north to a scattering of small lakes and yet another dwarfing scene that gives perspective to the massive waters of Lake Taupo.

We start the rapid descent towards Ketetahi Hut, which appears deceptively close as we zig-zag our way down the tricky, uneven and rocky track. The final 4km drops dramatically with lots of steps - scenery changing suddenly from fawny tussock to a bush-covered path before we emerge in Ketetahi Carpark, joining dozens of others lounging in the sun and shade, quietly contemplating the experience while awaiting transport. The pair of us had recently run marathons and are reasonably fit, and our trip took 6 hours and 20 minutes, but we stopped often for snacks, sunblock and to take plenty of photos.

Most of those on the track were tourists and it is embarrassing to note that so few of them were Kiwis. A Welsh backpacker travelling the country for five weeks on word-of-mouth recommendations said the Tongariro Crossing was the most frequently mentioned activity. "It's the one thing all the backpackers talk about and say to go and do," she said. "Do the Tongariro Crossing."

[SYDNEY]

Holiday retreat for celebrities - Bay of Islands

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Sunday Dec 27, 2009

image hosted on flickr

by EmmaJG

If you're a multi-millionaire owner of property in the Bay of Islands, you'd have a struggle asking your neighbour to borrow a cup of sugar - they're likely to be miles away. The area is about three hours' drive - or, more likely, a 55-minute helicopter ride - from Auckland, and the playground of numerous Rich Listers and celebrities, from our shores and abroad. The first celebrity visitor may have been writer and keen fisherman Zane Grey. He established a base on Urupukapuka Island, the largest of more than 140 in the bay, almost a century ago.

Famous faces to follow in his footsteps included another keen angler, opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who owns a secluded mansion on a bush-clad peninsula in Rawhiti, about 15km east of Russell. Dame Kiri told the Daily Telegraph last year she tried to visit the house at least twice a year. "When I visit, I take my boat out and spend the day fishing - usually catching tuna, marlin or snapper - and enjoying the wildlife," she said. "Then I head back to the house to eat the fish I've just caught, often inviting over family and friends. I love nothing better than having people round for a meal."

Another high-profile singer to buy property in the area is Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford, who has a $3 million house in Doves Bay, 10km east of Kerikeri. Some powerful businessmen also have interests in the Bay. Investor Peter Masfen, who helped make Montana Wines a global success story and has a fortune estimated at $290 million on the 2009 National Business Review Rich List, has a property near Russell valued at more than $23 million. It comes complete with four dwellings, a swimming pool, extensive landscaping and a large fenced-off kiwi sanctuary.

Another investor with land in the area is Bill Birnie, whose fortune is estimated at $100 million. His Mataka Station property on the Purerua Peninsula, about 10km northeast of Kerikeri, is rated at $21.1 million. It has been split into sections, all priced at more than $1 million. The station is home to the historic Marsden Cross, which marks the site of the first Christian sermon delivered in this country, on Christmas Day in 1814 by the Rev Samuel Marsden. It also boasts an award-winning wine cellar and a private beachfront for members of the exclusive estate to use as they while away the summer.

For those that need a bit more isolation, there is always the option of buying property on an island. Craig Heatley, founder of Sky Television in New Zealand turned investor with an estimated fortune of $200 million, owns a slice of $24.4 million Moturoa Island, with his hideaway boasting a tunnel between two bays on the island. The smaller brother to 146ha Moturoa is 28ha Motukiekie Island, owned by Stephen Lockwood and Lewis Grant and valued at $6 million. The nearby Roberton Island has two properties for sale. One, a $2.8 million three-bedroom house called Snapper Rock, comes with its own helipad, jetty and fishing spots on 2.6ha of land.

For those wanting something a little smaller, one-bedroom Cooks Cottage is closer to the water for $2.5 million. The Bay of Islands also is home to one of the world's most exclusive retreats, Eagles Nest in Russell. The 75ha estate was the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show The Bachelor and boasts breathtaking views over more than 1km of private ocean and beachfront. A stay in one of the five villas can cost up to $20,000 a night. Bayleys agent Chester Rendell said there are "some gorgeous places" in the bay, but owners and vendors tended to keep a low profile. "Most of the people there, you wouldn't know who they are."

Rendell said there was a misconception that much of the high-end property is owned by foreigners - most was owned by Kiwis living here or abroad. However, he acknowledged that "most places round here aren't what you'd call your typical Kiwi bach". "You wouldn't get a property on the beachfront for anything less than $1 million."

[SYDNEY]

HAPPY NEW YEAR ... WITH LOVE FROM THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY ON EARTH ...

AUCKLAND .... THE FIRST MAJOR CITY TO SEE IN THE NEW YEAR

image hosted on flickr

[SYDNEY]

Paddling through coastal paradise - Abel Tasman

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Monday Jan 4, 2010

image hosted on flickr

by Larry He

Every year the best-selling Lonely Planet travel guide raves to overseas visitors about the stunning experiences New Zealand has to offer. In the latest of a series, Jarrod Booker discovers the Abel Tasman National Park.

Lonely Planet describes the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman National Park as "heaven sent" and "impossibly pretty". And it's hard to argue. It's like something you would expect to find on a tropical island retreat rather than rugged New Zealand. And to enjoy this national treasure at the top of the South Island at its best, it's hard to imagine anything better than a gentle kayaking trip along the stunning coastline. Courtesy of Wilsons Abel Tasman, I joined two American honeymooning couples and a German couple and guide Adam Rossall on a six-hour kayak trip through the stunning bays of the national park.

It begins with a ferry trip from the picturesque seaside resort of Kaiteriteri (about an hour's drive from Nelson) to secluded Torrent Bay, where we gather up the two-seater kayaks and other equipment, and our packed picnic lunches, at the bay lodge. Then comes a flurry of instructions on fitting lifesaving gear and operating in the kayaks and what to do if we capsize. It's all a bit overwhelming, but everything begins falling into place when we get out on the water. Getting into the rhythm of paddling takes time for a novice like myself, but it's impossible to get stressed out in such a tranquil setting. The only downside is that placing your concentration so heavily on getting the stroke right can distract you from the stunning scenery.

Adam said it was often a three-day process to master kayaking, the first to figure it out, the second for "feathering in" the technique, and the third being a "pleasure day". The double kayaks are jokingly called "divorce kayaks" because of minor squabbles that can arise between couples. When you do scan around, everywhere the colours seem far more vivid than you are used to. Whether it is the blue of the sky, the turquoise of the sea, the gold of the sand, or the multitude of greens, browns and greys that make up the forest of rimu, beech, teatree and ferns encasing the bays. Unfortunately the cat is well and truly out of the bag about this stunning environment, and wherever we go, we find other kayak groups, ferries or water taxis, and any hope of having a bay or cove to ourselves is dashed.

After exploring the beautiful bays, we make for Bark Bay to break for lunch, when we get our first encounter with the local wildlife. A seal perched on a rock we pass briefly sizes us up before losing interest and plunging into the water. He chooses to keep his distance, but Adam recalled close encounters, such as when a seal leaped onto the back of his kayak. Bark Bay is a little piece of paradise, allowing us to stretch out on the sand in the sun as we enjoy lunch. Afterwards, Adam takes us on a short tour into the bush, with an avalanche of information about the flora, fauna and history. While much of it is designed for the predominantly foreign clientele, as a New Zealander I obviously still have plenty to learn.

The return trip to the lodge features an unexpected highlight as Adam instructs us to join our four kayaks together, bound by our arms, and produces a sail stored in one of the boats that is hoisted by those on the sides. The result is a makeshift sailing ship that gives us a break from paddling, and a pleasant ride back. But the return to Torrent Bay seems to come too soon. Such is being bitten by the kayaking bug in a place like this.

[MexiQuebecois]

Love it!

New Zealand has a reciprocity working holiday visa arrangement with Mexico, but they fly like pancakes unfortunately I'd sure love to spend some time there.

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by MexiQuebecois

Love it!

New Zealand has a reciprocity working holiday visa arrangement with Mexico, but they fly like pancakes unfortunately I'd sure love to spend some time there.

Thanks mate, I have noticed a lot of South Americans here, not so many Mexicans but many, many Brazilians and Argentineans are flocking here - all good I say - 184 nationalities call Auckland home You should try to see NZ but I can imagine that the flight will be very long and very pricey Thanks for the comment.

[SYDNEY]

NZ Top Destinations for 2009

SCOOP
Tuesday, 5 January 2010, 4:39

image hosted on flickr

by Kiwi Vision

Wotif.com today revealed Kiwi domestic travellers’ favourite destinations in 2009. Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington held their respective spots at the top in 2009, with Christchurch overthrowing Wellington to sneak into second place after holding third in 2008. The North and South Islands were equally represented in the top twenty, with ten destinations from each region. Te Anau and Hamner Springs were two of the biggest movers in 2009 jumping a few places to 12th and 17th respectively. Wotif.com General Manager Brand Megan Magill said that despite the economic downturn hitting headlines over the past 12 months, Wotif.com saw strong growth in 2009. “The top destinations across New Zealand are traditionally cities, and that hasn’t changed much this year. But we have seen some really solid growth, particularly on the South Island and in some regional centres across the country which is great.”

Top 20 New Zealand Destinations 2009

DESTINATION |2009 |2008
Auckland |1 |1
Christchurch |2 |3
Wellington |3 |2
Queenstown |4 |4
Rotorua |5 |5
Dunedin |6 |6
Taupo |7 |7
Hamilton |8 |8
Napier |9 |9
Palmerston North |10 |10
Nelson |11 |11
Te Anau |12 |14
Tauranga |13 |12
Paihia |14 |13
New Plymouth |15 |16
Wanaka |16 |15
Hamner Springs |17 |20
Mount Cook/Aoraki |18 |17
Blenheim |19 |19
Invercargill |20 |18

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand voted best destination for Independent Travelers in 2010

LINK

image hosted on flickr

by AnthonyRae

1 – New Zealand
2 – Pucón, Chile
3 – Scotland
4 – British Columbia, Canada
5 – Split, Croatia
6 – Philippines
7 – Sighisoara, Romania
8 – Iceland
9 – Durban, South Africa
10 – Fukuoka, Japan

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand one of top 10 travel adventures to have before you hit 30

Monday Jan 11, 2010

image hosted on flickr

by msdstefan

STA Travel is celebrating its 30th birthday with a bucket list of 10 adventures to tick off before you reach that milestone in your own life, and New Zealand has made it on as a must-see destination. The agency, which caters to students and young people, called for people to vote online, picking their favourites from a list of 30 travel experiences. "We were overwhelmed with the number of votes we received for our Top 10 bucket list," STA Travel marketing manager Anna Henwood said. "We hope the list inspires and excites our travellers to experience the world face to face, creating their own unique adventures and travel memories to reminisce over both now and later in life," Ms Henwood said. "But of course we will still forgive them if they find themselves hiking the Inca Trail at 52."

The list:

1. Visit the Pyramids in Egypt

2. Party (all night) in Vegas

3. Do your Big OE to London

4. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

5. Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, Thailand

6. Do a road trip through the USA

7. Tour Europe

8. See the Big 5 in Africa

9. Party in Rio de Janeiro

10. Discover New Zealand

[corredor06]

would love to be there now its summer.

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by corredor06

would love to be there now its summer.

You live in Panama - don't you have summer all year long ?

[SYDNEY]

Travel + Leisure's top 50 Hotels - 2010

#17
NEW Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (93.75)
Matauri Bay, New Zealand

#22
NEW The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (93.33)
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Other hotels in the top 500 :

Westin Auckland Lighter Quay (85.31), AUCKLAND
The George (82.43), CHRISTCHURCH
Huka Lodge (83.53), TAUPO

[SYDNEY]

Great Barrier Island

NZ HERALD
4:00 AM Saturday Jan 16, 2010

image hosted on flickr

by pommieken

Salli Beaumont ended up on Great Barrier Island completely by accident. But, if there's anyone who has experienced most of the many charms the island and its inhabitants have to offer, it's her. The 25-year-old - who arrived on the island after hearing about it on the "couch surfing" worldwide travelling network - broke her foot during a visit to the South Island and has been left so humbled by how the islanders have looked after her that she is now hoping to call the place home.

The former personal trainer from Leicester, England, came to New Zealand in October after two tourists she met in Peru told her about couch surfing, a non-profit network that enables travellers to swap details to find and share accommodation with one another. Her planned one-week stay on the island with her couch surfing contacts was meant to be followed up with a trip around New Zealand, then to Australia. But, while walking at Franz Josef Glacier, Ms Beaumont broke her leg and ruptured a ligament, which left her unable to work, and she prepared to head back home.

However, when she told her couch surfing friends about her accident, they told her to come back to the island to be looked after. Then, on her way back there after three days in Auckland City Hospital, she met more friendly islanders who told her that she could stay with them too. "I've never been somewhere where the people are so nice. That's what makes me want to stay ... It's just a really nice community feel." Ms Beaumont has been captivated by the islanders' unique charm, the stunning surrounds and the simple way of life.

"I've never been somewhere so hospitable in all my life," she said. "There's always someone who will give you a bed, or put you up. They're just nice, genuine, caring people. It's so incredible. I've just worked my way down the island, staying with locals. "I've travelled around the world and either the scenery's been absolutely incredible but the people are boring or the people are incredible but the scenery isn't great. "This island has both. It's got the bush, it's got the beach, it's got everything."

[dutchmaster]

This little island is blessy!! I read some news that nz was choosed the most peaceful country on earth. IMO a good country to a trip.

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by dutchmaster

This little island is blessy!! I read some news that nz was choosed the most peaceful country on earth. IMO a good country to a trip.

Spot on mate, the most peaceful and least corrupt nation in the World, now if only I can find peace and get my little piece of bliss in Queenstown

[Dimethyltryptamine]

*cough* right

Kidding Sydney. Love the updates.

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Dimethyltryptamine

*cough* right

Kidding Sydney. Love the updates.

Whatever girlfriend thanks mate

[SYDNEY]

Air New Zealand named Airline of the year

image hosted on flickr

by Eduardo Mariz

Penton Media’s Air Transport World®, the leading monthly magazine covering the global airline industry, today announced the selection of Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2010. The Auckland, N.Z.-based carrier is being honored for its superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, typified by the use of Performance Based Navigation cockpit technology at weather and terrain challenged destinations, and for its superb and groundbreaking customer service that combines high-tech, passenger-friendly IT systems with high-touch and caring staff. The editors further cited Air New Zealand's sterling financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history. They also were strongly impressed with the airline's leadership role in addressing environmental challenges facing the industry, including conducting the world's first sustainable biofuel flight.

[SYDNEY]

Queenstown B&B named best in South Pacific

NZ HERALD
1:45 PM Friday Jan 22, 2010

image hosted on flickr

by NZSki

A rural bed and breakfast near Queenstown has been named the best accommodation of its type in the South Pacific by readers of the Tripadvisor website. Crown View Bed & Breakfast is situated halfway between Queenstown and Arrowtown and bills itself as a farmstay "home away from home". Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice awards are based on the reviews and opinions of real travellers, millions of whom leave their opinions on the site each year. Crown View was named the best B&B or Inn in the South Pacific region, a category dominated by New Zealand accommodation providers. One person who stayed at Crown View described it on tripadvisor.com as "spectacular" with "spotless and tastefully decorated" bedrooms. Another said it was "the best and friendliest home in Queenstown". "We were warmly welcomed, the rooms were extremely spacious and comfortable, the food delicious, and nothing was too much trouble for our hosts." Eight of the top ten B&Bs or Inns in the South Pacific were in New Zealand, with Akaroa's Oinako Lodge and Blenheim's Radfield House taking the second and third spots respectively. New Zealand accommodation providers were also named among the South Pacific's best in the Bargain, Best Service, Luxury and Relaxation and Spa categories. The Queenstown Park Hotel garnered two mentions in the awards. It was named sixth in the Best Service category and third in the Luxury category. Nelson's Palazzo Motor Lodge was also mentioned twice, taking second place in the Bargain category and third in the Best Service category.

[SYDNEY]

100% Pure New Zealand Campaign

Produced by Weta Digital - who also played an important role in "Avatar", "Lord of the Rings", "TinTin" and "District 9"