Giant Rugby Ball hits London

It graced the Eiffel Tower for the duration of the Rugby World Cup in Paris last year and next week the Giant New Zealand Rugby Ball will be touching down in Potters Field Park near Tower Bridge.

In situ for one week only between 25th Nov and 2nd Dec, the Ball will be open to the public free of charge for the majority of these days. Go along and enjoy a multi-media experience that showcases the multitude of delights New Zealand has to offer.

The ball will provide the venue for the pool draw for next IRB World Cup taking place in New Zealand in 2011, but you don't need to be a rugby fan to visit. Sound and vision presentations aim to transport visitors to the other side of the of the world to sample kiwi environments, from the momentuous landscapes to Maori culture. This includes performances from Maori Performing Arts & Education Company, Manaia. In the words of Ben Fogle, how cool is that?!

For further information about opening times, visit the Tourism New Zealand's website. This is really an experience not to be missed and with the winter chill setting in, this is the perfect chance to contemplate warmer climes. Brrr!!

Ben Fogle in New Zealand

In February this year we sent Ben Fogle to New Zealand to check out some of the glorious sights and fun activities on offer. Not only did he have perfect weather during his 9 days, but he also managed to pack in some fantastic experiences.

From kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman and whale watching in Kaikoura to a heli-flight over Milford Sound and a climb up Single Cone in the Remarkables. He also went kiwi spotting on Stewart Island, sand-boarded down huge dunes in Hokianga and ate fresh crayfish al fresco.

Watch Ben's video diary at Tourism New Zealand.

Kiwi Quest

The iconic national bird of New Zealand is a little cutie and none more so that Hupai, the 1000th chick to be hatched as part of the Bank of New Zealand initiative Operation Nest Egg launched in 1994 in an effort to counter disturbing statistics that 90% of all wild-born kiwi chicks were dying before they reached six months. The plan was simple and based on research that a chick's chance of survival increased considerably once they weighed about 1kg.

A pilot scheme was tried, whereby wild eggs and chicks were relocated to a safe haven during their most vulnerable period before returning them to the wild. The scheme worked and the project became BNZ Operation Nest Egg. Each summer during the breeding season, eggs and chicks are collected and looked after 'in captive-rearing facilities and predator-free creches. When the juveniles have reached about 1.2 kilograms and are able to better fend for themselves, they are released back to their wild home'.

This year, Hupai's appearance brought the grand total of successfully hatched chicks to 1000! The Save The Kiwi website charts the progress of this oblivious star and offers a wealth of information about the project and kiwis.

Such is the prominence of the kiwi in New Zealand that they can be found everywhere from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Queenstown, around hotels, in airports and shops. It is omnipresent in one form or another. The real-life little fellow is much harder to find - though worth the quest, he truly is!

My only encounter with a kiwi was curiously enough in the National Aquarium in Napier. Though unlike another well-known flightless bird found in New Zealand, the penguin, kiwis are not known for their aquatic skills. Stewart Island is recognised as being the best place to spot kiwis in the wild. But since these curious little creatures are nocturnal as well as superbly camouflaged, patience and a good guide are key ingredients.

“If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege.  Stay still and watch.  Don't approach within 5 metres.  please do not disturb them in any way”.
stewartisland.co.nz

Happy spotting!

Wishing for a warm Christmas

I have yet to experience Christmas in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere, although to do so is firmly in my plans for the future. I mean, there are just so many options...

If you've family or friends to visit you may simply be able to enjoy a traditional roast turkey will all the trimmings followed by the unusual bonus of a post-lunch swim in the sea or spot of sunbathing. The meal may take on more of a kiwi slant with a BBQ on the beach or cold meats accompanying pavlova on the terrace. If the sun is shining, who needs Christmas pud?!

For independent travellers, Christmas is really the perfect excuse to stay in one of New Zealand's idyllic lodges and really relax. Amidst a gloriously scenic setting, let someone else prepare an 'out of this world' dining experience as you simply chill out and indulge.

Of course, you could choose to treat the day like any other day and let the magnificence of the New Zealand scenery transport you into a world far from sleigh bells and tinsel. On a self drive holiday you can head off to find a quiet spot and many activities and attractions are open even on Christmas day. 

Finally, it's not such a bad time of year to actually set off on your New Zealand adventure, especially if the idea of repeating the same old Christmas arrangements just doesn't appeal. Embarking on overseas travel really does have a way of kicking off the new year well. A couple of years ago I travelled to NZ on New Year's Day and I can sincerely say that it was the best start to a year imaginable.

If you plan to visit New Zealand next Christmas, take a tip and book early to make sure you get exactly what you want. It'll be worth it!

So whether it is white or warm, I wish you all a very a merry Christmas.

Black Magic

The Kiwis take on Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend (well it's close to France!) in the Rugby World Cup, but not in their characteristic black. Due to the home side understandably electing to sport their own traditional dark blue colours, the visiting team must defer to their away kit. In this case, silver jerseys.

So, will the All Blacks minus the black be as effective?  Of course, says second row Chris Jack. "We're still playing for New Zealand and running out with the same guys. I guess it won't make a difference, but we'll see". The alternate jersey is still adorned with the silver fern logo though and it would seem that this is important part.

Black is a pretty significant colour in New Zealand. Apart from the All Blacks, the NZ cricket team are called the Black Caps and the hockey team the Black Sticks. Then there's Black Cat offering daily cruises on scenic Akaroa harbour near Christchurch and black water rafting in Waitomo. Fortunately though there is hope, since the world class NZ netball team are called the Silver Ferns. Except, they also play in black, ooops!

As the game kicks off on Sunday at 5pm, I shall be watching with quiet anticipation to see whether black really is magic or if in rugby, as in life, its the shades of grey that count.

New Zealand Expects

There's only a week to go before the 2007 Rugby World Cup kicks off in France and for the 6th time in  succession the All Blacks are favourite for the title. Yet in spite of setting such consistent standards in world rugby, they've only picked up the trophy once back in 1987 at the inaugural tournament. Four disappointments later could this be the year?

With reigning champions England unlikely to repeat their victory of 4 years ago (and with that comment I think I'm being kind) it may be time to put my faith in the world's best to pull off a win. That said, nothing will stop me loudly singing 'Swing Low' everytime England take to the field.

That rugby union means a lot to the Kiwis might be considered an understatement. It is the national sport and with the team's exceptional track record, consistently the best in the world, Kiwis should be rightfully proud. Rugby is the dominant theme in practically every souvenir shop you'll come across with Canterbury clothing, rugby shaped stress balls, and cuddly kiwis wearing the All Black strip all featuring. But if it's a more authentic rugby experience you're after, why not head down to Palmerston North. En route to Wellington, this university town hosts the All Black's training ground and a Rugby Museum full of sporting memorabilia. And if you wait a month or two there might be some additional goldware to marvel at...

Flight Fright Fascination

Growing up in the South Island of New Zealand is different to anywhere else in the world. In order to see other parts of my country, such as the North Island, I have to take the ferry across sea or fly. New Zealand has one airline, Air New Zealand, yes how original, who dominate the Pacific skies along side the odd Qantas plane or two. So after only flying Air New Zealand (ANZ) all my life, its only natural that i feel safest and most at ease with this airline. Yet somehow i managed to develop this ridiculously minor fear of flying. Upon take-off i have to squeeze my eyes tight shut and draw my legs up to my chest, so that i can't feel any engine failure vibrations through the floor of the plane (duh). I then push my earlobes inside my ear, attempting to block out any freaky rushing plane sounds and picture myself lying on a calm tropical beach, with my feet safely digging into the sand. I recently learned it is best not to crush the hand of the person sitting next to me as it may result in further discomfort on my behalf. Surprisingly though, i love landing and find it hilarious when my plane bounces or skids upon contact with the ground at eye-watering speeds. I believe this unnatural joy has to do with the concept of arrival and the desired action of getting off the plane.

Yet this small issue with flying has not managed to tame my wild passion for travel and new adventures, as i seem to forget i am 30 000ft. above sweet stable ground once we are airborne. I get distracted by the large variety of up-to-date movies and that delicious airplane food we all know and love. The drive of the destination fuels me, keeps me coming back for more personal torment in order to sample the flavour of every culture our world offers.

Air New Zealand fly daily from London Heathrow and have recently opened up new routings to Auckland via Hong Kong or Shanghai. Other popular stopover options include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands way out in the middle of the no where, Osaka and Tokyo, along with many more code shares and connecting airlines within the Star Alliance. The airline also offer Economy, Premium Economy and Business class airfares with the most comfortable seat pitch and that friendly Kiwi service with a smile.

New Zealand Christmas Tree

Ahhh, now is about that time when you are starting to think about kai for the Christmas barbie, pulling out your speedos again and dusting off the decorations to embellish the Pohutukawa tree. No, we don't really decorate the Pohutukawa tree but December is its time of year to flourish. The stunning blood red colour of its flower gives the Pohutukawa its unique beauty during this festive season.

The first settlers used pohutukawa blossom to decorate their new homes at Christmas time, think of it as New Zealand's rip off to holly. The settlers were the first to give the shrub its name of Christmas tree, but the name 'Pohutukawa' (Po-hootah-car-wah) is the Maori name meaning 'drenched with mist' or 'splashed with sea spray'. The leaves, bark, nectar and honey from this New Zealand native were also used by the indigenous Maori for many medicinal purposes, back in the day. Nowadays you can just get your fix at Amcal.

The trees are amazingly adaptable and can tolerate extreme coastal conditions, much like the common New Zealander really. They can be found congregating on beaches and coastline in the North Island of Aotearoa, much like the enthusiastic tourist.

However, our tree is in danger of being eaten. The possum, introduced from Australia, has damaged the Pohutukawa population, but the Kiwis have, of course, taken action. Project Crimson is the charitable trust which has been set up to protect the endangered species, along with its cousin the Rata. The funded conservation project encourages the growth and plantation of these trees throughout the nation, and plants up to 30 000 trees a year! There will be a tree for every sheep in no time!

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!