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The Touch of Spice Private Villa Collection features a portfolio of properties of unsurpassed elegance and opulence including exclusive townhouses, luxury penthouses, luxury lodges and private island retreats.

Touch of Spice Weddings provides tailor-made wedding-planning services throughout New Zealand.

Touch of Spice Events offers exclusive and unique event solutions – New Zealand wide.

This is always a sad post to write. It means that it’s really all over for another year. It is always a privilege to be the TRENZblog writer. The two weeks that I get to be in New Zealand are always busy. And I do mean BUSY! We’re talking 18-hour days, multiple interviews, activities and then getting the blog posts up in a timely fashion for you to read. And now that Twitter has become more popular, we’re tweeting on a regular basis too. It is definitely challenging. I come home in desperate need of sleep and don’t want to talk to anyone for at least two days. But I wouldn’t change a thing about it!

Each time we produce TRENZblog, I learn a few more things about the right way to travel. First off, that old adage about “packing half of what you think you need” is right. I had a very heavy suitcase (ok, that’s plural – suitcases!) and I didn’t need to bring that much clothing. Next time, I will travel with one small bag and that’s it! (Everyone at AHA is rolling on the floor laughing hysterically at the idea that I could ever not have too much luggage.)

I also had the opportunity to do some different things on this trip – including a coach tour through APT. I have to tell you it’s a stress-free and interesting way to travel! I am a pretty independent traveller and I wondered if I would like this approach. Well, let me tell you – I am sold. The only thing you need to worry about when you take this kind of freedom of choice coach tour is what activity you want to do (there are lots of choice) and what kind of wine to have with lunch!

Another tidbit that I learned is that if you really want to learn about a country or a city, go to the local farmers’ market or take a food tour. I took the Zest Food Tour in Wellington and checked out three local markets. They gave me a real sense of the place and the people – and everyone was so friendly.

And following on the food theme – especially in NZ where excellent food is the standard – finding a place that allows you to connect with the earth and have great food can be an amazing experience. The Wild Food Cooking School at Treetop Lodge (what a place!!) was a highlight for me.

Get out of your comfort zone!! One of my more extreme experiences included going to ZORB and rolling down the hill in a giant ball. It was something I will never forget. Now I can check that off my list and find another whacky thing to do since I have already bungy jumped twice. I am thinking that next year, maybe I should try the Ziptrek in Queenstown.

Get off the ground. While I didn’t have the opportunity this year, I did spend some time with the amazing women from Volcanic Air Safaris in Rotorua. Their tours sound incredible and I am keeping my fingers crossed that next year I get to check out the White Island Active Volcano Tour. Everyone I have spoken with that takes this tour raves about it!

And last but not least, expect to have life changing experiences. I had several while in New Zealand and while most of them started with a special moment in nature, what made them extraordinary could be directly traced back to the person I was with at that time.

I mentioned Tom Bryant of Abel Tasman AquaTaxi – you might remember him, he’s the one that made me eat bug pee! He also shared an important life lesson with me about living in the moment – all while bossing me around in a kayak! I spent time on a horse on a beach with Fiona of Pakiri Beach Horse Rides and that gave me a valuable connection to the world as well. Maori Chef Eru Tutaki at Treetops also opened my mind and my heart about the importance of connecting our food to Mother Nature and being appreciative and grateful for the bounty of the earth. Our volunteer guide Allison at Zealandia was so passionate about the work being done there, you couldn’t help but feel engaged.

Everywhere I turned in New Zealand, a stranger was reaching out and sharing something with me that made me see the world differently – better. They weren’t trying to impart some big picture wisdom of the ages; they were just being who they are and shared their special part of New Zealand with me.

Even at TRENZ, where they could only show me video or images and tell me about their tourism product, the passion and pride that tour operators – like the incredibly charming Kate of Dive Tutukaka – shared with me was inspiring. The people that share their piece of New Zealand with tourists do it because they have a passion for it. They know that it can create a lasting impact, something more than just a pretty picture and a checkmark on a bucket list. They do it because they want to find that special moment with people like you and me, where we share laughter or a quiet moment in awe of the beauty of the world we live in. Or perhaps we get the chance to watch a sea creature, land animal or bird in its natural environment and we feel that connection to other living things. They do it because we carry those memories with us as we go home and we call them up again and again to remind us of how very fortunate we are to be able to visit places like New Zealand.

As I say goodbye for another year, I want to say thank you to all of the people that went out of their way to help with this blog. Thank you to the teams at TIA and Tourism New Zealand – who have never once tried to edit me and who always go out of their way to provide leadership, guidance and support. And a big thank you goes out to the Kiwis who invited me to experience their world, took the time to tell me their stories, and shared extraordinary moments with me in a very special part of the world that I have grown to love.

I hope that this blog helped bring New Zealand and the incredible people I met there to life for you.

If you get a chance, go! I promise you – it will be the trip of a lifetime.

Until next year…Kia ora!

Ruth Atherley

Franklin Country is the ultimate lifestyle destination, combining relaxed country living with savvy city style – all just a short drive from Auckland.

Franklin Country is identified by its lush green boundaries and it features olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards – which means visitors have a lot to taste!!!

There is horse trekking and jet sprinting. There are also a variety of markets, you can picnic in a secluded bay, paraglide over a black sand beach and shop in boutique style stores. I have to say, this sounds like it’s for me!

Franklin Country offers a diversity of experiences and clearly has something for everyone – from kids to parents to favourite aunties (like me!). Considered to be the adventure playground for Auckland, Franklin provides the opportunity to explore breathtaking scenery. And – a little known fact – this is an area that grows onions and potatoes that are exported worldwide.

The people from Ralston Marketing have many high quality boutique accommodations and activity suppliers on their roster. They include Atholwood Luxury Country Accommodation in Mapua, Adrift Outdoors in National Park Village, Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds, Knapdale Eco Lodge in Gisborne, Bachcare Holiday Homes found across the country, U-Fly Adventure Rides in Wanaka, and - new this year - Waiatoto River Safaris and Hannah’s Homestead in Hasst .

I spent some time in Haast last year and loved it! It is a breathtaking place and these two new products are worth checking out! I had the opportunity to see Hannah’s Homestead as it was just being developed.  I also got to experience Waiatoto River Safaris. It was an excellent experience (see my blog post) and anyone looking to get out there and really connect with Mother Nature will enjoy the adventure!

There is nothing quite like seeing New Zealand from the air. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offers awesome New Zealand scenic helicopter flights of the mountains and lakes in and around Queenstown, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

I have had the opportunity to see parts of New Zealand from a helicopter and it is incredible. Majestic mountains and dramatic glaciers rising into the sky, then the clear waters of lakes embraced by forests that are so green it feels like you are seeing something that has been photoshopped.

…And for the skiers, there is Southern Lakes Heli Ski.

Something I didn’t know is that heli skiing isn’t just for advanced skiers. The Southern Lakes Heli Ski people operate on several mountain ranges, with the most exclusive access to over 5,000 sq km of powder. There is a wide range of options available for you to get the best possible location for your heli ski adventure, no matter what your level might be.

The people at Southern Lakes Heli Ski take their role as your guide seriously – skiing in the mountains is serious business. The International Federation of Mountain Guides Association oversees their heli skiing program. They have years of experience in heli skiing in the Southern Lakes region and abroad in Canada, Turkey and Alaska.

They provide a ratio of one guide per five guests, making sure you are safe and get the most out of your adventure.

The tourism opportunities that I discover at TRENZ never cease to amaze me. New Zealand has such a wide range of activities, events and accommodation; there really is something for everyone.

One of the more interesting activities is Pa Harakeke, an eco-cultural tourism experience with a difference. It was developed in response to the growing awareness of the environment and the gradual loss of cultural traditions. Pa Harakeke is a fascinating journey into the realm of Tane Mahuta (God of the forest) and Haumiatiketike (God of fern roots) and it includes insight into the life and times of the Ngati Rereahu people. There is much to be learned about the people of New Zealand and their rich cultural heritage.

Through daily tours that include an eco-cultural guided tour and an eco-planting tour, you can learn about the culture and experience different aspects of nature. Nature is a very important part of the Maori world and being out in the forest and feeling the ground beneath your feet, seeing the trees, and taking in the smell and the full experience of the flora and fauna is inspiring. There is something magical about the forests and land in New Zealand; you have to experience it to fully understand the feeling of connection to the earth that it brings.

Pa Harakeke provides down-to-earth guided experiences with people who live in the area and who have a first-hand knowledge of the history, culture and environment in the region called Pureora. It is centrally located between the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo – and is within an hour’s drive of each.

At TRENZ, I had the chance to learn a little more about Ipipiri, the latest addition to the Fullers GreatSights fleet at TRENZ. This is a unique overnight cruise that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands. On the cruise, you learn about the region’s historical and cultural significance as you journey back to the birthplace of New Zealand. You can snorkel or kayak in the clear waters and then sit on the rooftop sundeck and relax with a drink.

The overnight experience accommodation is in one of 30 ocean view cabins, each with private ensuite and uninterrupted sea views. Also included are a three-course buffet dinner and a full cooked breakfast featuring local produce. There are complimentary afternoon activities at one of the favourite sheltered bays – that could include snorkeling, kayaking or nature walks.

I am told that starting in September 2010, there will also be a two-night cruise option, allowing guests to extend their wonderful experience in the Bay of Islands.

Another one to add to my wish list for next year!!!!

I had a chance to catch up with Shane Harnett of the Coromandel Experience at TRENZ. He told me all about their Glass Bottom Boat Tour and the Hahei Explorer Adventure boat trip. Both trips visit the world famous Cathedral Cove and look amazing!

I think the videos on their websites showcase how amazing these tours are and how incredible the scenery is better than I possibly could explain it. Have a look.

Glass Bottom Boat

Hahei Explorer

I had the privilege of spending time at Pakiri Beach Horse Rides before I left New Zealand. What an exceptional place Pakiri Beach is. It is so beautiful; there aren’t words to describe it.

Laly and Sharley Haddon own and run Pakiri Beach Horse Rides. They are a blended family of both Maori and European descent. Along with their daughter Olivia and son Ben, they are descendents of Te Kiri of Ngati Wai, an ancient Maori chief, and his daughter Rahui and from Scottish, Portuguese and English whalers and settlers.

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides is just 90 minutes from downtown Auckland city, less than two hours from Auckland International Airport and just minutes from Matakana Coast Wine Country. I had the pleasure of stopping into Matakana on the way to Pakiri Beach, what a lovely place. I could live there. It is so charming and friendly; it felt like home two seconds after I had set foot out of the rental car.

Back to Laly and Sharley – their tribe, Ngati Wai, were seafarers. They discovered the Pakiri Beach area after following the call of the whales across the Pacific. Their home is on land that has been handed down through many generations. Here they have gained a lifetime of experience with horses and farming and they love to share the history and legends of this special place with visitors.

Their family farm is known as Taurere; over the northeastern coastal hill country in lower Northland. A true working farm, Taurere carries 200 beef and breeding cattle, 200 Perendale sheep and 127 horses.

Sharley explained to me that they feel strongly about the area they live in and see it as their privilege to be caretakers to the unpopulated, pristine and private Pakiri Beach. It’s 15 km of white sand surf beach touching the majestic Pacific Ocean. Here you will see the rare and endangered New Zealand Dotterels and Fairy Terns, as well as other birds such as the blue heron, the variable oystercatcher and many others.

When you visit Laly and Sharley at Pakiri Beach, you can experience the freedom of this special place on horseback. Their rides cover everything from a relaxed one-hour outing to a full day or longer. It can be tranquil or exhilarating! Whatever suits you.

All of their rides travel along Pakiri Beach and continue through the dunes with breathtaking views of the coastal islands. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a ride with my lovely guide Fiona and my beautiful horse Flame. The beach is spectacular – it’s like a scene out of movie! We also went through groves of ancient Pohutukawa trees, which, Fiona explained, are ablaze with red flowers in the summer. We followed a track through native bush and Nikau palms. I only had a few hours here, but I understand that the longer rides take you through pine forests and over lush green farmland.

It was an exceptional experience and one I will never forget.

Click here to see additional images.

While TRENZ 2010 drew to a close last night with a great closing gala, TRENZblog is still going strong. (Remember we’re 19 hours ahead of you and this blog is on North American time.) I have several blog posts to write, which means there will be live content going up here for at least a few more days.

I spoke with buyers, exhibitors and media last night at the party and from what they had to say – TRENZ 2010 was a great success. While I am looking forward to getting home to my real life and my family, I am also sad that TRENZ is over. I love working with Ann-Marie and the Tourism Industry Association team and with Jo and the Tourism Auckland team. They always make me feel welcome and involved. They go out of their way to support me so that I can deliver interesting information here. I will miss connecting with them each day.

It isn’t often that you get an opportunity like this and I want to say thank you to everyone at Tourism New Zealand for all of their exceptional support for TRENZblog. They have given us editorial freedom, have supported and encouraged us and, as always, have provide me with the incredible opportunity of spending time in New Zealand.

And to the TRENZblog readers and Twitter peeps – thank you for your support and engagement. We’re building a solid little community online of people who want to tell the rest of the world how great New Zealand is and why they should visit.

Please keep reading – I’m not done yet.

Today, I go to Pakiri Beach Horse Rides, which I am really looking forward to! Then, late lunch in Matakana Village and a quick rugby tutorial with former All Blacks player, Brian Williams. And I’m doing the driving!!!

I will update more tomorrow.