Waitangi Day Inspiration

As we celebrate Waitangi Day in the office - it's still 6 February in the UK - with a slice of makeshift pavlova (now established as 100% Pure Kiwi) we got to talking about visiting the site where this historic treaty between the Maori chiefs and the British was signed in 1840. As our esteemed Product Manager, Lindi commented, "it is simply stunning and gives me goose bumps every time I visit".

With such a heartfelt recommendation, Waitangi National Reserve surely has to be given serious consideration as you compile a 'must-do' list for your visit to the 'land of the long white cloud'.

Located in the beautiful Bay of Islands in Northland, Waitangi is New Zealand’s most significant historical site. The Treaty House itself, which is one of the country's oldest historic homes, acts as a museum and visitor centre documenting the events that have helped to shape modern New Zealand.

The 506 hectare reserve also houses the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house and Ngatokimatawhaorua, the 100ft long war canoe. You can also take a walk around the extensive grounds including the heritage gardens and mangrove boardwalk followed by a refreshment stop at one of the two onsite cafes serving everything from coffee and light snacks to award-winning local dining.

All in all, Waitangi Treaty Grounds is an experience not to be missed... and as chance would have it, fits perfectly into our 21-day self drive itinerary Discover Aotearoa.

Tour of a lifetime

On the 6^thof February, New Zealander's celebrate their National Day, Waitangi Day. Waitangi Day is to commemorate the signing of the country’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi.

Signed by Queen Victoria and Ngapuhi chiefs, this document recognized Maori ownership of their lands and gave the Maori the rights to British subjects – the translation of the documents into English and Maori have been the source of controversy till this day. Waitangi Day took place in 1840 – which makes New Zealand one of the youngest countries in the world!

To make the most of this special occasion, Cultural Crossroads have a tour that offers a complete immersion into the Maori culture and excursions to surrounding areas of importance. This tour is rated a ‘Tour of a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveller. Discover the World can help you experience the real New Zealand and also participate in this impressive tour as an 'added extra' to your itinerary.

The holiday options you have that include a visit to the Bay of Islands area are Pure and Simple, The Real New Zealand (4x4), Discover Aotearoa.

Sweet Taste of Success

It's officially a Kiwi dish according to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Pavlova is in my opinion one of the finest desserts on the planet - meringue, cream and sugared fruit - and for almost a century the Aussie's and the Kiwi's have been claiming it as their own.

Well according to an article read in the Independent online this morning, the latest online edition of OED notes that the first recorded recipe for 'pav' appeared in a New Zealand publication in 1927, which would be 8 years prior to when the Aussies claim it was first invented. Both NZ and Australia agree on the origin of the dish as being in honour of an Antipodean tour by the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Well, I'm glad that's cleared up then.

I'm quite happy that both the Aussies and the Kiwis have taken this dessert to their hearts, since frankly there can never be too much pavlova!

Anzac Day

This Sunday is ANZAC Day, one of the most important dates in the antipodean calendar. A national holiday in Australia and New Zealand, the 25 April marks the anniversary of the significant contribution that the troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps made during the First World War and subsequently in WWII and other military operations. This includes the well-documented campaign at Gallipoli, which began on 25 April 1915.

In Australia and New Zealand each year the day is commemorated with gatherings in towns throughout both countries and shops and hotels remain closed on Anzac Day morning, while in London, a service is held at Westminster Abbey.

Anzac Day is also marked by social gatherings and sporting events such as the Anzac Test - an annual rugby league match between Austalia and New Zealand, this year to be held on 7 May in Melbourne.

Again, in the UK the ANZAC Sports Challenge Shield, won by the Kiwis for the first time last year is being held tomorrow, Saturday, 24 April at Grasshoppers RFC in Isleworth, London. Events being contested are:

6th ANZAC Netball Cup
6th Touch ANZAC Cup
4th Rugby League ANZAC Cup
4th Football ANZAC Cup
3rd Rugby Union ANZAC Cup
Innagural Tag ANZAC Cup

Vertical Limits in Dunedin

Dunedin is New Zealand’s southernmost city and is known for its Scottish heritage, interesting architecture, having the oldest university in New Zealand, abundant pubs and cafes and a proximity to the Otago Peninsula (great for wildlife). This fascinating city can also lay claim to having the steepest street in the world!

Baldwin Street is the name and steep it most certainly is at 1:2.86. I’m guessing the local kids don’t play too many ball games. Either that or possibly their catching skills are second to none!

The annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster is part of our Dunedin Summer Festival programme and challenges particpants to test their fitness levels by running from bottom to top and back again. Seriously… only in New Zealand!!

This particular street proved of great interest to my Dad when he travelled to NZ a few years ago. Why? Because he’s a cyclist and was keen to test the theory that it’s too steep to cycle up. I'm still waiting for the outcome though, since never one to take the simple option, he hired a penny farthing for some cycling fun instead of the more conventional mountain bike. Funnily enough the owners were a little reluctant that their museum piece be used in such a way. There’s Kiwi blood pumping through his veins I’ve no doubt…

Lyttleton secrets

The historic Harbour town of Lyttelton has a quiet, country like feel to it, and is just 15 minutes drive through the tunnel from Christchurch. With one small main street and quirky shops and cafes, its known for its bohemian style and other creative types that live there. I love the arty feel to this place. Too much sea air does weird things to you I guess.

I could go on and on about the numerous funky cafes around New Zealand but the Lava bar and Volcano cafe (next door to each other) are fantastic to wind down in after a day strolling the hills and exploring Quail Island in the Harbour.The Lava bar has an upstairs courtyard to lounge in under hanging flowers and overgrown vines on a warm summers evening. It feels a bit like someones back garden but with better food. Downstairs is shared with the Volcano cafe and their main menu starts at 6pm. If you prefer, they have a BYO bottled wine license.

After your meal, waddle across the road to pop your head into the Wunder Bar - a must see for Lyttleton. Even if its just for one drink. They regularly have live music, where up and coming bands start out (including my brothers band!). Local artists display works on the low-lit walls amongst 1920s-50s memorabilia posters and weird and wacky sculptures made from old barbie dolls or farming equipment. Its very colourful and the staff are interesting...

Sign of the Kiwi

Being from Christchurch makes me slightly biased..but that also means I know some brilliant locations around this beautiful city I call home.  One of those is the Sign of the Kiwi. A historic site which was used by the settlers as a rest house and tearooms, still sits high up on the Port hills at the dividing point between Lyttelton and Christchurch. If you stand in the middle of the road (not recommended) you see on one side the sparse flatness of plains spread out before you and great mountains far into the distance, but turn to the other side, the salty sea air cuts your face as you scour the blue-green bay waters of Lyttelton Harbour with tiny houses dotted into hillsides.

The best way to see these views is by car, although there are still many fit examples that cycle and jog around the Port hills for kicks. Winding roads hug the summit, with many an opportunity for that essential postcard shot.

The Sign of the Kiwi put on a home style tea time with scones, cream and jam or freshly made club sandwiches with tea and are open 10-4 daily. But I always choose a goody goody gumdrops ice cream or banana thick shake!