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!

January Jaunts

Happy New Year!

Now that Christmas is but a thing of the past (at least for another 12, 11... 10 months), New Year's resolutions have been made (and already broken) and the first serious snowfall of the season has descended onto UK soil, I find my mind wandering to far off lands, where the sun does shine and adventure beckons.

As we sit at home cosily tucked up against the long, cold winter nights, on the other side of the world, summer is blazing into full glory, with events and festivals galore filling the calendar. (These events include New Zealand's premier tennis tournament, the Auckland Heineken Open marking the beginning of my beloved tennis season). Given all this activity and sunshine, it's little wonder that January is such a popular time for UK visitors to New Zealand. Though popular doesn't have to mean busy.

This is after all, New Zealand we're talking about and 'peak season' and 'crowds' are a relative term. Naturally January is a busy time for some of the major tourist areas in the country, especially as this is summer holiday time for the locals too. So then, if you plan to escape winter with a jaunt down under, why not try 'off the beaten track'?

From a personal perspective I can observe that North Island's East Cape is amazing in January. Picturesque bays, sandy beaches textured by driftwood, Maori Marae's and glorious sunsrises. Best of all, as you travel out and about each day you'll find you have the place virtually to yourself.  Heading westward, you'd not be mistaken for believing the 'Forgotten World Highway' to qualify as a lesser explored region. This touring route, which runs from Stratford in Taranaki to Tongariro National Park is a historic hidden gem past rolling hills, dramatic gorges, dense forests to the stunning alpine vista of central North Island. Finally, journey south, far south, to the untouched beauty of the Catlins Coast. Here the scenery takes on a dramatic edge and nature is all around.

If this makes you want to jump on a plane as much as it does me, pick up the phone and give our team a call and we'll see what we can do!

Trekking in Abel Tasman

As I just sneak this post in under the November radar, I thought I'd just take the opportunity to reminisce about one my the best memories of New Zealand, which also happened in November some years ago - walking the Abel Tasman track.

The popular coastal path that runs through Abel Tasman National Park follows some of the most beautiful coastline in New Zealand and is situated at the north of South Island, near to lovely Nelson.

In true kiwi spirit, the Abel Tasman, combines adventure with nature, as the track follows the natural lye of the headland, passing through luscious fern lined bush then opening up onto stunning bays with golden beaches. As the views keep on coming, you'll have trouble putting your camera down.

In order to find time to really appreciate the surroundings, a few nights in this National Park are well worth it. Anchorage Bay provides an idyllic setting for an overnight.  The horseshoe shaped beach is framed by rich green fauna, which gives the bay a feeling of seclusion and tranquillity.  The water is clear and amazingly inviting.  Relaxation is not hard in such a setting.

So, Anchorage Bay wins my scenic vote, but crossing the Awaroa estuary at 'low' tide (I'd hate to see high tide!) was by far the most entertaining moment of the trek, though I even have a soft spot for the sand flys! In short, trekking the Abel Tasman is great fun and spring is the perfect time to do so - though it has much to offer all year round.

On a sidenote, posts have been a little thin on the ground lately because we've been working hard on our latest New Zealand brochure, which is due back from the printers next week. It's looking great - the perfect inspiration for your New Zealand holiday. Order online now and we'll send you a copy just as soon as it's available.

Bloomin' Spring

As fine weather in the last few days has really brought out the colours of Autumn in the UK, over on the other side of the world, there's a different sort of awakening. Spring is in the air, which is bloomin' marvellous for gardeners!

Indeed, October in NZ is festival time with rhodies taking centre stage in not one, but two, dedicated festivals happening at opposite ends of the country (creative geography rules).

October 25-28 sees the Dunedin Rhododendron Festival return for its 24th year, while one day later Western North Island launches the 20th annual Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival running from 26 Oct to 4 Nov.

The former celebrates the gardens of Otago, both private and public, focusing on glorious rhododendrons. Garden tours, open gardens, cooking demonstrations, a golf tournament and painting classes amongst other activities aim to give the event wider appeal to more than gardeners. There is even a elaborate Masquerade Ball held at Larnach Castle.

Meanwhile, back on North Island, Taranaki brings out the big guns with 16 of the festival's 49 featured gardens being of National or Regional Significance (the highest number of any region in the country).

Gardens in bloom are a great reason to visit NZ in the Spring and we can put together a tailor-made self drive holiday focusing on NZ's lovely gardens for the really green-fingered among you. So you’ll be able to see all of the country’s stunning highlights with a floral accompaniment.

Mt Ruapehu

Well, it's been going off in New Zealand this week and we haven't even reached the conclusion of RWC yet! I talk of course of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand's most active volcano and part of the trio of volanoes in Tongariro National Park. The eruption lasted for seven minutes and was not anticipated by the experts, the volcano having given no warning signs.

One of NZ's most popular ski area, in the summer Tongariro NP provides the setting for some of the country's great walks including the famed one-day Tongariro Crossing.

As Lindi, our NZ product manager commented, "I did the walk in the summer and was astonished at the colours and textures of the landscape dominated by the volcanic peaks. Definately a trek to recommend".

There is something rather fascinating about volcanoes and the raw power of nature they represent. Indeed as part of our Iceland programme we feature a Volcano Hotline, whereby in the event of a volcanic eruption we'll arrange short notice trips to get clients over to Iceland to witness the activity at close hand. Logistics may prove a little difficult for us to offer a similar service in New Zealand!

Location, Location

I was watching Eragon on DVD the other night marvelling at the landscapes used for the filming and yet wondering why New Zealand was not used as the location. I mean, everybody knows that there's nowhere better for filming fantasy epics involving wizards and elves and good versus evil! Which got me to thinking...what can film fans expect from next from NZ?

Well, staying in the world of fantasy, Prince Caspian the next (published) story in the Chronicles of Narnia series started filming in NZ in February. LOTR this may not be, but any excuse for sword play. In a similar vein, the current offering in cinemas, 'Bridge to Terabithia', was filmed in and around Auckland and is supposed to be a jolly fine family film. Finally, back in the real world, albeit in the past, and Peter Jackson's remake of 'Dambusters' is in production for release next year and is due to be filmed largely in Wellington. The original was such a classic I can't wait to see how the film is updated for modern audiences.

I get a buzz from watching New Zealand feature in films, but that doesn't compare to how I felt seeing the film locations for real. Pretending to fight off orcs on the full day TranzAlpine Experience was great, but visiting the towns and villages of the East Cape as featured on our 'Whale Rider' self drive tour was incredible. Next time I'm heading to Taranaki for 'The Last Samurai' flashbacks.

On a side note for fans of the genre I would definitely recommend Eragon. It's a fun romp and I look forward to the next instalment...should there be one. By the way, it was filmed in Hungary, though Weta Digital (based in Wellington and founded by Peter Jackson) was responsible for the special effects.

The First

OK, we’re back! The first New Zealand blog since Rhiannon moved on to pastures new. So from now on, instead of the insider viewpoint, you’ll be getting ramblings from a Brit with a passion for all that New Zealand has to offer (unless of course we talking rugby and England are playing nearby).

I’ve now been working with our New Zealand holidays for nearly 6 years and I sometimes have to remind myself that I’ve only travelled there twice – once as a backpacker in the 90’s and then again recently when my friend’s wedding provided the perfect excuse for a holiday. After all, it would have been impolite not to attend! When I think about it I’ve actually been selling NZ for far longer than 6 years. As soon as I returned home from my first trip I couldn’t stop telling everyone to visit. ‘What was not to like?’  ‘You simply can’t have a bad time’. I haven’t stopped since…

In my backpacker days I didn’t know a great deal about the country before I travelled there, but I felt an instant affinity with the place and fell deeply for the fertile valleys of the northern north island after 3 months working in Australia’s red desert. It was spring time, it was raining and I loved every minute of my 6 weeks.

Obviously it didn’t rain for my entire visit, though spending my first Sunday sitting down watching Eastenders with some fellow backpackers in Paihia, Bay of Islands, while it poured down outside was fairly surreal. Had I really just travelled 12,000 miles?! Then I remembered the fantastic dolphin encounter I had planned for the following day and suddenly I wasn't in Surrey any more.

I have nothing but happy memories of New Zealand and am sure that I’ll recount more of them in future blogs – so watch this space...

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!

I've got the Paua

The Paua shell is a tourist must-have. I bet you've got a piece somewhere in the form of a piece of jewellery, a paperweight for the study or an ashtray for the front room.  This sparkly abalone souvenir can be found around the New Zealand waters and shines all the colours you could possibly want it to. Just like a hologram card the paua shell gleams different hues when viewed from different angles. Beware, this can be very mesmerizing. The Maori sometimes use Paua shell pieces to decorate the eyes of their warrior carvings. I think this gives them life - and a haunting psychedelic presence..just me? I have a little model one which sits on my dresser and watches me while i sleep.

There was a time in New Zealand when Paua jewellery was considered cheap and 'tacky' but times they are a changing and there is now a booming Paua shell business. I myself have an over sized paua ring, which i like to flash on the tube, like my 'I'm-a-Kiwi' calling card. A little piece of home.