Archive for the 'Activities' Category
Pa Harakeke
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 7, 2010 at 2:24 pm
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.
Bay Of Islands Overnight Cruise On Ipipiri
Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 1, 2010 at 1:07 pm
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!!!!
The Coromandel Experience
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 31, 2010 at 11:22 am
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.
Horseback Riding at Pakiri Beach
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 31, 2010 at 10:58 am
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.
Don’t Go Yet…
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 27, 2010 at 2:23 pm
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.
