Visit New Zealand

Summer 2013 is sure to be a memorable on in the capital this year. Here is just a small flavor of what’s going on in the warmer months.

This year Wellingtonians will notice a stronger harbour theme to our events programme. Some of the highlights include the Waka showcase – with bands and kai – outside the new Wharewaka Te Raukura on Waitangi Day, the Chinese New Year parade on the waterfront and Salsa at Sunset lessons on top of the Band Rotunda in Oriental Bay.

Wellingtonians can even get up close and personal with the crews and yachts from the Global Ocean Race, here until 29 January.

For film buffs, there’ll again be Films by Starlight outdoor screenings in the Dell, in the Wellington Botanic Garden. It’ll again be a mix of classics and new films, with four films screening from 18-26 January.

On Waitangi Day (6 February) Wellington will be alive and hopping with Te Ra o Waitangi on Wellington waterfront and One Love 2013 at Foxglove.

Popular community events like the Island Bay Festival and Kilbirnie Festival return in 2012, and with its festive atmosphere, the Newtown Festival on 4 March will not disappoint either.

If you are heading to NZ then always ensure you have good cover for holiday insurance over 65s for the senior.

There will be plenty of thrilling sporting action on offer in Wellington, with the party atmosphere of the 2012 NZ International Sevens at Westpac Stadium from 3-4 February, the AMI Round the Bays Fun Run and the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival in mid March. Cricket fans should note there will also be top quality cricket action at Wellington’s Basin Reserve and Westpac Stadium this summer too, with the NZ BLACKCAPS hosting England.

November 9th, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off

While the Northern Hemisphere is basking in summer sunshine the South is in mid winter which means only one thing for the mountains of NZ – snow!

New Zealands’ resorts might not be as flash as the ones in Europe and North America, but on a smaller scale, they are still well worth a visit if you are into winter sports of skiing and snowboarding.

Here are a run down of the resorts.

Coronet Peak ski New Zealand

The closest ski resort to Queenstown, Coronet Peak has some of the best free riding terrain in New Zealand. The high capacity lift facilities cater for a large number of skiers and boarders.

Long groomed runs make the riding style smooth and fast, and the snowmaking facilities ensure that there is a solid snow base from early in the season. Coronet Peak is a great mountain for the introduction to off piste and backcountry riding with moderate gradient snow lines to select. After heavy snowfalls an endless dimension of backcountry exploring opportunities opens up.

Cardrona near Wanaka

Approximately mid way between the townships of Queenstown and Wanaka is the family friendly Cardrona Mountain Resort. Cardrona has some of the best quality natural snow in New Zealand and caters for Snowboarders and Skiers of all abilities.

Treble Cone near Queenstown

The king of mountains in Southern New Zealand, Treble Cone has the highest and steepest terrain, providing some exciting challenges for advanced skiers and boarders. The steep natural chutes on the backside of the mountain provide some excellent natural half pipe opportunities.

Remarkables – New Zealand

This Ski resort is accessed via an adventurous road which boasts spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the township of Queenstown. Just 45 minutes from town, the Remarkables is an old favourite for the local skiers and boarders.

Known for it’s backcountry and touring potential, there is always fresh tracks to be made somewhere in this vast terrain.

Queenstown and Wanaka are both very busy tourist resorts.

July 19th, 2012 | Category: Adventure, tourism | Comments Off

Queenstown is best known as a winter destination being close to many excellent ski fields, indeed it is one of the skiing capitals of the southern hemisphere. It is also well known as a summer destination too when the ski poles are replaced with walking poles for the busy tramping season.

Queenstown though doesn’t really have an off-season. Autumn is a fine time to enjoy much of what the region has to offer. Here are some activities you can do in the fall.

Hiking/Tramping – Even if the tops of the mountains are starting to look a little brushed with snow there is still plenty of hiking options for those who do not fancy putting on crampons and carrying ice-axes!

The Greenstone track which starts approximately 65kms from Queenstown is a low level hike that can be pretty much walked year round. In the autumn it is also possible to make it a circular walk with the ever popular Routeburn track.

Mountain Biking – Queenstown is still very much at the center of mountain biking in the south island and there are heaps of opportunities to ride the many tracks around the regions.

On the Lake – You can take out kayaks and even parascend over The Lake  Wakatipui or take a more leisurely trip over to Walter Peak on the Earnshaw that departs from Downtown Queenstown every day of the year.

April 18th, 2012 | Category: tourism | Comments Off

New Zealand really comes alive in the summer months and there is no better time to visit new zealand than this time when outdoor events seem to be happening every week.

NZ is famous for it’s wine and one the finest events on the calendar is The Marlborough wine festival. New Zealand’s longest running wine festival – held at Brancott Estate – offers the chance to sample the best from Marlborough’s award-winning wineries matched with local food. Activities include wine tutorials, cooking classes, entertainment and ‘Fashion in the Vines’.

This year the festival is taking place on the 11th Feb.

Another major event which is unique to New Zealand is the Art Deco weekend that takes place in Napier which is New Zealand’s art deco capital and one of the best-known collective examples of 1930s architecture in the world.

From the 14th Feb the city celebrates in style with classic cars, aircraft and guests in Deco clothing, adding authenticity and 20s glamour to events – many of which are free.

Overseas visitors to New Zealand should always take out travel insurance over 75 to ensure they are covered in case of loss of items or medical emergency.

January 25th, 2012 | Category: tourism | Comments Off

The rugby world cup was a huge success commercially for NZ, and the feel good factor of a home win also added to the huge benefit of hosting such an event.

The NZ Rugby World Cup lured thousands of hard-core rugby fans from UK, France, and Australia; visitor arrivals increased by 26% compared to September 2010 which is great news.

New Zealand needs to keep momentum going and TIA is encouraging the incoming government to provide the means to ensure further development of the sector. The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) has commented on this great achievement, yet concluded this is not enough.

November 8th, 2011 | Category: tourism | Comments Off

Helipro Nelson

Based at Nelson Airport terminal, we’re skilled in most regions of helicopter procedures. We operate 24 hrs, seven days a week. Our friendly team and experienced aircraft pilots can customise a transfer or scenic flight for you personally in our modern helis.

Marhau Ocean Kayaks

We are only a stone’s throw in the golden sands from the Abel Tasman National Park. Our philosophy is concerning you becoming an individual, either on the led excursion, or at the own pace having a freedom hire.

Tasman Helis

Fly into a couple of from the The almighty from the Rings secret locations. Explore the mystical atmosphere and head to the unknown. Go through the isolation and spectacular rocky landscapes south of Rivendell (Mount Olympus).

If you are travelling to Nelson from overseas then ensure you have decent over 85s travel insurance  with you in case you need medical treatment.

September 29th, 2011 | Category: Travel | Comments Off

The biggest show on planet rugby is going to be arriving on the shores of NZ and with a a well and truly needed boost to the local economy in terms of tourism. Some tourism providers have been criticised for trebling prices in some instances, particularly greedy hotel owners in Auckland.

There will be many coming from South Africa too, Mike Jaspers, the communications manager of the organising committee, on Tuesday said that a number of former SA citizens would also make the trip.

“Our expectation is that about 5 000 South Africans will travel here based on current ticket sales,” Jaspers said “In addition we expect a number of expats to travel from countries such as Australia.”

The main destination will be Auckland as it is hosting the most games along with Wellington too. Christchurch unfortunately will be missing out due to damage that occured to the Jade Stadium during the earthquakes.

August 23rd, 2011 | Category: tourism | Comments Off

New Zealand is hoping to bounce back after the devastating Earthquake in Christchurch and encourage tourists back to the land of the long white cloud.

There is no better time to visit NZ than in the autumn where the summer still lingers and sunny warm days and evening are the norm.

There are many festivals in NZ at this time and here is a selection of a few we have picked out,

Bluff Oyster Food Festival
21 May 2011
A much-anticipated event for seafood lovers, the Bluff Oyster Festival marks the start of the oyster season and showcases other local delicacies and wines. The programme also includes special dinner fun.

Festival of Colour, Wanaka
12 – 17 April 2011
The Southern Lakes Festival of Colour is a biennial celebration of the arts set against the beautiful backdrop of Central Otago lakes. The festival is based in Wanaka but also includes Queenstown, Luggate, Hawea, Cromwell and Glenorchy.

Auckland Arts Festival
2 – 20 March 2011
Auckland Arts Festival is a biennial event that boasts a spectacular programme of more than 200 theatre, dance, music, and visual arts events from some of the world’s most exciting arts and entertainment companies – many of which have never before performed in Australasia.

Womad
18 – 20 March 2011
Over three-days, more than 200 artists from 20 different countries perform on six stages at the TSB Bowl and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth – one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the world. The festival focuses on the discovery and enjoyment of music from around the globe.

NZ Music Month
1 – 31 May 2011
NZ Music Month is a 31-day celebration of homegrown Kiwi music talent. Concerts will be held across the length and breadth of the country, celebrating the unique talent of New Zealand musicians and raising awareness of emerging local artists. Music month began in 2001 with the objective of increasing the proportion of NZ songs on commercial radio.

March 17th, 2011 | Category: tourism | Comments Off

November 1st, 2010 | Category: tourism | Comments Off