Archives for June, 2008
Posted under Tips & Advice |
Price, frequency of service, and even a carrier’s safety record are all factors to consider when booking a flight to New Zealand. Major airlines such as Air New Zealand offer the greatest number of departures. Smaller airlines - including regional and no-frills airlines - usually have a limited number of flights daily. On the other hand, so-called low-cost airlines usually are cheaper, and their fares may impose fewer restrictions, such as advance-purchase requirements.
When you book flights to New Zealand, look for nonstop flights and remember that “direct” flights stop at least once. Try to avoid connecting flights, which require a change of plane. Two airlines may jointly operate a connecting flight, so ask if your airline operates every segment - you may find that your preferred carrier flies you only part of the way. International flights on a country’s flag carrier are almost always nonstop. The most common air routes are flights to Auckland, flights to Wellington, and flights to Christchurch.
Booking Online
Most major airlines offer electronic ticketing, which eliminates all paperwork. There’s no ticket to pick up or misplace. You go directly to the gate and give the agent a confirmation number, a receipt, or just your identification. While you can generally purchase these paperless “e-tickets” over the phone or from an agent, many airlines also sell them on their Web sites, and some even offer bonus frequent-flyer miles as an inducement to buy online.
You can also book airline tickets at lower than list price at several non-carrier sites. Online booking services such as Expedia.com and Travelocity.com offer great deals on flights to most destinations and carriers including New Zealand. Australians can use the online booking service Webjet.com.au. There is also travel aggregators like Kayak which compare airfare prices with the popular online booking services.
Posted under Travel News |
The Age recently reported that a new scheme which has been introduced by New Zealand’s Environment Minister Damien O’Connor has made changes to how Qualmark accredits tour operators. Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality which accredits more then 2000 tourism operators in NZ. Travel companies which are listed with them carry more trustworthiness in the industry.
As The Age writes:
The scheme will introduce new Qualmark ratings of Enviro-Gold, Enviro-Silver and Enviro-Bronze for companies that meet benchmarks in energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation and community.
O’Connor is hoping the changes will encourage more environmentally conscious travellers from Europe and America to New Zealand.
More details here
Posted under South Island |
Dunedin is a gracious city of grand 19th century buildings and beautiful gardens set at the head of a spectacular harbour in a beautiful corner of the country. The city, undisputedly different with a rich heritage, was once the largest in New Zealand, being the main centre for commerce and finance.
Public buildings are a feast for the eyes with Victorian, Edwardian and Flemish Renaissance reflected in the spires, turrets, towers and gables and the practical mixed with the whimsical; the imposing with the quaint. The Historic Places Trust lists 24 buildings worthy of permanent protection, including the Municipal Chambers, the railway station, St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, the Law Courts and Otago Girls High School. The ornate stonework of New Zealand’s first university campus (The University of Otago Clocktower) is home to thousands of students who give the city its lively atmosphere while providing a great pub scene.
If touring stately homes such as the Jacobean-styled Olveston or Glenfalloch hold no appeal, perhaps Dunedin’s stately railway station will. Not only is this stunning building a fascinating example of Edwardian architecture, complete with stained glass windows and Royal Doulton tiled floors, but it is the departure point for one of this country’s most spectacular rail journeys on the “Taieri Gorge Railway”. This unique experience lets you marvel at the tale of human endeavour which unfolds as you travel over the stone and iron lattice bridges that span the viaducts and rugged terrain.
As well as gaining an insight into the region’s Maori and European history, its geology, flora and fauna you’ll view stunning scenery which simply can’t be seen by any other means.
The Otago Museum which specialises in natural history and Maori and Polynesian heritage and the Otago Early Settlers’ Museum are also worth a visit.
There is plenty of Dunedin accommodation for all tastes and budgets, including apartments, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, hotels, motels, and lodges.
Posted under North Island |
The largest of the inner islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island has gradually become a commutable, residential “suburb” of Auckland for those people wanting to combine the best of city and island lifestyles. Just a short 35 minute ferry ride out of the inner harbour and past Rangitoto Island, Waiheke is surprisingly close to the city.
Another attraction of the island is that it is typically 4 degrees warmer than the mainland and has less rainfall, a fact that residents are quick to point out to their city bound counterparts.
Like most of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke has an amazing array of stunning, golden sand beaches predominantly found on the northern shores. Oneroa, Onetangi and Palm Beach to name but a few all offer gorgeous stretches of sandy coastline just waiting to be stretched out on for a day of total relaxation.
But there’s more to the island than just beaches. Waiheke is home to a plethora of art and craft studios, cafes and restaurants and shops as well as a number of quality wineries.
A good idea is to hire a car, scooter or bicycle to explore the island at your leisure and stop off at some of the interesting points en route. Alternatively there are buses from the Ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay which will to take you on various tours of the island including an excellent wine tour.
Waiheke is home to an ever increasing variety of boutique vineyards. Not having the availability of extensive tracts of land, winemakers on the island have concentrated on quality rather than quantity. Often the only way to get a vintage wine is by being on the vineyard’s mailing list.
Its not just the wines that provide the attraction but also the wineries themselves. Waiheke’s pleasant climate lends itself well to spending an afternoon on the verandah or terrace of a winery overlooking the olive trees and vineyards and letting the flavours of the wine paint your thoughts.
Stonyridge Vineyard is a perfect example of such a winery and also offers self contained accommodation with panoramic views of the vineyard.
The Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant in Church Bay combines spectacular views of the Gulf with interesting architecture. The restaurant is one of several buildings on the island that is, as the name suggests, made from mud bricks. These richly coloured bricks are not fired in a kiln but baked by Waiheke’s plentiful sun. It offers quality cuisine incorporating home grown produce, a six acre vineyard and surrounding native bush are additional reasons to visit this popular Waiheke attraction.
Some of the many other the activities available on Waiheke include Kayaking, golf, and fishing. There’s also a wide range of Waiheke Island accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Posted under North Island |
Just a short distance from Auckland lies the incredibly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a region of New Zealand which was, until recently, largely undiscovered by international visitors. Whilst The Coromandel is perhaps best known nationally for its numerous sandy beaches including Pauanui Beach and Matarangi Beach. It has much to offer those wishing to get closer to nature. Inland there are crystal clear rivers and streams, kauri forest, glow worms and an extensive range of walks in the Coromandel Ranges and Forest Park. Not to be missed is the famous Hot Water Beach, where all one has to do is dig a hole to be rewarded with the appearance of a natural ‘jacuzzi’.
For a different view of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline, board one of the many full or part day cruises from Whitianga. There are many options for fishing and diving if that’s more your thing.
The region’s beauty has been a source of inspiration for many local artists and craftspeople. Art galleries and craft trails exist here in abundance. Often, even the smallest of villages has an art studio or pottery. You’ll also find sculptures, hand blown glass and hand crafted local timber, as well as Maori crafts including carved bone, woven flax and ceramic work.
Coromandel accommodation is available though out the region, and includes a range of bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, lodges, holiday houses, and resorts.
Posted under North Island |
How often have you wished you could travel one of life’s great journeys? The Orient Express? Route 66? A safari through India, or Africa? Or perhaps better still, New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of THE great trails waiting to be discovered. From sophisticated city to tranquil seascapes where time stands still… and in between? Some of the world’s finest cuisine and wine, magnificent coastal scenery, unique flora, fauna, and a vibrant and artistic culture. All linked by 420 kilometres of smooth, lightly-used road, laced with an intriguing history.
The Pacific Coast Highway begins in the twin harboured city of Auckland, the main arrival point for international visitors. It links such regions as The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Whakatane and Eastland in the north, and Hawke’s Bay in the south, offering activities as diverse, as they are enjoyable. Whale watching and swimming with dolphins, walking on an active volcano, deep sea and fresh water fishing, scuba diving, golf, wine trails and whitewater rafting. These are just some of the many activities you can enjoy as you travel this fascinating route.
An advantage of the Pacific Coast Highway is that the journey can be whatever you would like it to be. Whether a romantic step back in time, a culinary adventure, a journey into a natural wilderness, or simply the most fun-filled vacation you’ve ever had, you can be assured of a journey you will always remember.
One thing is certain, whatever you choose to do and see, you are about to embark on one of life’s great journey’s, New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway.
Posted under North Island |
Perhaps the most identifiable of all islands in the Hauraki Gulf due to its almost symmetrical cone, is Rangitoto Island. Just a short 40 minute ferry ride from downtown, Rangitoto is unique amongst the islands due to its formation by volcanic activity which created its distinctive conical shape. The other unique feature of Rangitoto, again due to its volcanic origins, is the jagged, basalt rock surface covering much of the island. This is the remnant lava outflow from the eruptions which caused the birth of the island creating a mountain of lava rising out of the sea.
The Maori, who were believed to be present at the formation of the island, named it “Bleeding Sky” due to the stunning effects of sunrise and sunset on the ash filled sky. Although Rangitoto has a violent past scientists do not believe that it will blow again.
Incredibly, amongst the harshness of this environment, flora has adapted and today flourishes with excellent examples of Pohutukawa (New Zealand’s native “Christmas Tree”), orchids, ferns and mosses. Although not abundant, birdlife, mainly sea birds, does exist on the island with a notable colony of Black Back Gulls on the western shore.
Today Rangitoto Island is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Gulf and facilities have developed to keep pace with this popularity. Excellent walking tracks exists over much of the island although, especially on hot summer days, the climb can be challenging. The return trip to the summit takes around 2 hours.
A recent development on the island has been the introduction of a guided safari by tractor driven carriage. This trip takes some of the leg work out of the journey to the summit and allows you to enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the mainland, the city of Auckland, the North Shore, Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the outer islands in the Gulf.
Posted under North Island |
Great Barrier Island is paradise. Just a short hop away from Auckland, why stop off at Hawaii, Fiji or Tahiti en route to New Zealand - it’s all here! Miles of deserted, golden sand beaches, crystal clear water, pristine wilderness, plentiful food from the land and sea and only a handful of people to share all of this with - now that’s my idea of paradise.
Lying 90 kilometres north east of Auckland, Great Barrier Island is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and is around two hours ferry journey or 35 minutes flying time from Auckland. Auckland is the main point for departures to the island although a ferry service does operate from the Coromandel Peninsula.
Great Barrier Island was originally home to a large Maori population, however few remained after European settlers arrived to farm the land, mine gold and mill the wood of the Kauri tree. Vast tracts of land were cleared of native bush to make way for pasture and it is only today, after extensive efforts by the Department of Conservation, that the native bush is regenerating. Now over 60% of the island is under the Department’s protection.
For relaxation the Great Barrier Island is hard to beat. Seclusion, tranquility, miles of empty beaches. Many people come here to spend their entire vacation doing nothing more strenuous than reading their favourite book whilst sipping on a long, cool drink. Great Barrier is perfect for this and there are literally hundreds of spots where you can slip away to be by yourself.
The enjoyment of the natural environment can take many forms. Walking on one of the many tracks that dissect the island and take in large tracts of native bush is a popular pastime and can be undertaken either independently or with the services of a local guide. The services of a guide are especially recommended if your time is limited and you don’t want to spend it wandering around the less interesting parts of the island.
The local tour guides will show you the best spots on the island as well as impart a bit of local knowledge in the process. They are well versed in island history and I’m sure will have many stories about some of the islands more colourful past residents.
The best beaches on the island are generally found on the “outer” or eastern side facing the Pacific Ocean. Medlands, Kaitoke and Whangapoua Beaches are just three “picture-postcard” beaches, consisting of seemingly endless golden sand and crystal clear waters. Walks abound with over 100 kilometres of well maintained tracks through dense native forest, amongst native birdlife, along picturesque streams and waterfalls and around tree lined bays and inlets.
Great Barrier Island accommodation is available on the island, and includes a range of holiday houses, lodges, and motels. You will be sure to find accommodation which is suitable.
Posted under North Island |
When it’s time to discover the rest of New Zealand, many visitors head over the harbour bridge to Northland and the Bay of Islands, an historical and big game fishing centre.
Whangarei, sometimes described as the gateway to Northland, faces a picturesque, extensive harbour. There are many bushwalks and at the A.H. Reed Memorial Park, several fine stands of kauri, some up to 500 years old. Whangarei Falls, dropping 25 metres into a bush clad pool, makes an ideal picnic spot. The numerous viewing platforms provide excellent photo opportunities.
Russell in the Bay of Islands was New Zealand’s first capital and many of its Victorian buildings have been well preserved. Christ Church built in 1836 is the country’s oldest surviving church, Pompalier House was built in 1842 from mud and clay for use as a Roman Catholic mission and the recently revamped Duke of Marlborough was New Zealand’s first pub.
Paihia, a picturesque seaside resort offers good access to the many islands in the Bay of Islands. There’s a wide range of accommodation, from backpackers’ hostels and camping grounds to luxurious retreats and an almost endless choice of restaurants specialising in fresh seafood. Activities available here include windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and big game fishing as well as cruises to the islands.
The Waitangi National Reserve offers the chance to learn more about the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty between the Maori and the (British) Crown. The Treaty house is now a national museum.
Kerikeri is an ideal base for backpackers wanting to explore the far north of New Zealand. There is a good range of Kerikeri accommodation to stay at for a few nights, including shops and other services. A visit to the Stone Store is a must.
Ninety Mile Beach (actually about 90 kilometres long) doubles as a road and it’s possible to travel along its sands aboard a specially designed coach bound for Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point. According to Maori belief Cape Reinga is the departure point for spirits of the recently deceased. Here you can see where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea turbulently meet, walk to the famous lighthouse and send a postcard from the country’s northern most post box.
Having reached the northern most point there’s no need to see it all again as you head back south. Why not return to Auckland via the west coast. This part of Northland is sometimes referred to as the Kauri Coast, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it home to the country’s oldest and largest trees, but you’ll also find a number of interesting kauri buildings such as the Pouto Lighthouse. You can learn more about these giant trees and their fascinating history at the Matakohe Kauri Museum near Dargaville. Don’t miss the emerald-blue Kai Iwi Lakes and the Kaipara harbour, New Zealand’s largest.
Posted under Tips & Advice |
You can pretty much go surfing and windsurfing anywhere in NZ. New Zealand is a very windy country and has a great deal of shoreline. Anywhere you go along the coast will almost certainly have plenty of places to surf nearby.
If you’re really in to surfing and like big waves then a good place to go is Wellington. If you go surfing in Cook Strait (Wellington is on it), you will certainly find waves, big time (the wind exceeds 60 km/h on over half the days of the year in Wellington and exceeds 90 km/h on one out of every six or seven days of the year - and Wellington is sheltered - Cook Strait is worse). You should only try Cook Strait if you are very resistant to motion sickness.
If you want milder surfing conditions, try Eastbourne (a Wellington suburb on the harbor that Wellington is on - it borders both Cook Strait and Wellington harbor).
According to windsurfing experts, Dunedin Harbour is awesome for windsurfing. It tends to have a steady breeze most of the time, and it’s great if you like to go fast.
There is a book written by Wayne Warwicke called “Surfriding in New Zealand” in it’s 4th edition, which lists about 327 surfing spots in the North and South islands of New Zealand. It is no longer published, but you should still be able to get a used copy.