Archive for 2009
The blog lives on!!
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 11, 2009 at 12:58 pm
While TRENZ might be over—and I am getting on an Air New Zealand flight later today to head back to Vancouver (directly, no layovers for me!!)—the blog has been so well received that we have decided to keep it up for longer than planned. The TRENZblog will stay up for several months for reference and referral.
I have quite a few more posts on some of the interesting, innovative and amazing things to do in New Zealand. So please keep coming back to check them out over the next few days.
Getting around on land
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 10, 2009 at 6:59 pm
InterCity Group (the company that is bringing the Ipipiri ship to the Bay of Islands) also has a pretty interesting approach to travel through New Zealand. They offer a Travelpass and Flexi-Pass. These allow you to travel throughout the North and South Islands on coaches (buses) in comfort and at your convenience. You can hop on and off where you choose and the costs are based on the number of hours of travel. If you are planning on checking out several spots, it’s worth a look.
One of the bonuses of travelling this way is that you will get to travel New Zealand alongside the locals. I know that when I travel, the people I really want to talk to are the ones that live there. They know the best places to go, where to eat, what to do, what NOT to do and can give you a glimpse into the life of a Kiwi.
Check out the websites here:
GreatSights Overnight Cruises
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 10, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I had a great (get it!) conversation with Daniel of GreatSights. Along with a few other interesting services, they offer overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands on a brand new and beautiful ship called the Ipipiri. (And another wish goes on my list for my next trip to New Zealand.)
Ipipiri is the scared Maori name for the Bay of Islands and the InterCity Group graciously accepted the generous offer to use the name after consultation with the people of Rawhiti.
On the Ipipiri, which launches in October 2009, you can surround yourself in nature, immerse yourself in history and treat yourself to a truly unique night of style. The Ipipiri is the largest overnight cruise ship permanently based in New Zealand.
The Ipipiri will depart daily at 1:30 p.m. and return at 11 a.m. the following morning. Each cruise will include full commentary on the history, environment and some of the Bay of Islands most spectacular landmarks.
From Kupe, the very first voyager and Maori to discover New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Northland brings together the unique culture and history of the original Maori and European settlers of New Zealand. With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is home to an abundance of marine life – including dolphins, whales, seals and penguins.
The ship can be used as a self-contained conference facility. Imagine having a workshop and at the end of the day, sitting on deck with a drink and watching dolphins frolic!
Check out some of the images here.
Naked rugby, Chocolate Carnival and “The House of Pain”
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 10, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Dunedin, New Zealand could just be the most fun place in the whole world. Where else can you see a naked rugby game (really!!) or take part in a chocolate festival? I have lots of things to tell you about Dunedin, but c’mon, you must want to know about naked rugby?!!
Check out the photos from last year. (Warning!! There’s nudity – it is called NAKED rugby after all.) The annual nude rugby match will coincide with National Nude Day. A mixed international team will take on the unbeatable Nude Blacks. Guest referees in the past include ex-All Blacks’ Josh Kronfield and a blind referee. A nude haka will start the proceedings. (For those of you who haven’t seen a haka – it’s an incredible traditional Maori dance. It is very powerful and emotional…and well, now they’re doing it naked – go figure.) This is happening this coming Saturday, June 13.
The Cadbury Chocolate Carnival doesn’t happen until the summer, but who could resist talking about it! It is a week long celebration of all things chocolate, including a race of 30,000 Jaffas down the world’s steepest street.
30,000 Jaffas rolling down the street!
The carnival, now in its ninth year, includes other family activities such as a hot chocolate ceremony, chocolate fishing, chocolate facials, a Crunchie train, choc-art creativity classes and chocology with choc-therapist Murray Langham.
Also coming this weekend, Dunedin will host the first match between France and the All Blacks since the Kiwis were defeated at the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
The match will see France play their first ever game at Dunedin’s Carisbrook Stadium. Carisbrook, aptly known as “The House of Pain,” is set to be replaced by a new 35,000-seat stadium just in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
You have to admit, this is a city with a lot going on…and coming off!
Hawke’s Bay
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 10, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Some quick facts and figures about Hawke’s Bay that might be of interest:
- It is New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region and home to New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate Winery.
- It produces 80% of New Zealand’s red wine.
- There are over 720 vineyards in the region, with 42 cellar doors open for wine sampling.
- It has the largest farmer’s market in New Zealand, held every Sunday all year-round.
- There are over 2200 hours of sunshine annually.
- There are 17 golf courses in the region.
- It is home to a world-class concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture.
- It has the largest and most accessible mainland Gannet colony in the world.
- Lake Waikaremoana Walk is ranked in New Zealand’s top 10 walks.
- Hawke’s Bay’s coastline resembles a fishhook. According to Maori legend, Maui, Hawaii pulled Hawke’s Bay from the sea. With this good fortune, the region has continued to flourish ever since. Come and enjoy the fresh burst of spring, the long hot lazy days of summer, the golden hues of harvest or the crisp air and blue skies of winter at Hawke’s Bay.
Wine, golf, beautiful scenery and welcoming people – what’s not to love? For more information check out their website at www.hawkesbaynz.com.
