Free Travel Newsletter : April 2015

Written by Steph Kendall

Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.

Lucky Subscriber

Congratulations to Lonnie McIntyre, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning a "Kiwi Country New Zealand" DVD.

Whether you want an easy stroll to photograph rock formations and rainforests, a challenging race in a tough mud and guts competition, or prefer to get your pulse racing in an unforgettable thrill ride, you'll find just what you're looking for in our pick of New Zealand's upcoming events and year-round activity opportunities.

Read more about:

• ANZAC Apple Day, Nelson
• Chocolate and Coffee Show, Auckland
• Hazed in the Square, Christchurch
• The Mudder, Whanganui
• Go See... Truman Beach, Punakaiki
• 10 Top Thrill Rides
• New Zealand Fast Facts

ANZAC Apple Day, Nelson

Location: Founders Heritage Park, Nelson
Date: 27 April, 10am – 3.30pm

Nelson's wartime community spirit is rediscovered at a 1915 Harvest Festival featuring a street party, wartime music and entertainment, bazaar, games and exhibitions.

During the First World War, events were held in Nelson to raise funds for wounded soldiers including the Fete of Nations, Signing of the Red Cross flag, Apple Day and the Patriotic Concerts held nationwide. These events included traditional galas, bazaars, street parades and processions of decorated vehicles, flower shows and many forms of entertainment including community brass bands, choirs, carnival queens and variety shows. 100 years later, as part of Nelson City Council's centenary celebrations, Founders Heritage Park is remembering these events by hosting ANZAC Apple Day.

Chocolate and Coffee Show, Auckland

Location: Queens Wharf, Auckland
Date: 2 – 3 May

If you love chocolate and coffee, you simply won't want to miss The Chocolate and Coffee Show featuring New Zealand's best chocolatiers, coffee roasters, baristas and more. This one-of-a-kind event is the place to discover what's new in the world of chocolate and coffee. There will be a decadent line-up of independent artisan chocolate and coffee producers, well known brands and the opportunity to see expert chocolatiers and baristas in action.

Learn new tips and techniques, discover new flavours and sample and buy new treats. In addition to the delicious line-up of chocolate and coffee exhibitors, you'll find everything from cookbooks to cupcakes, fudge to fortune cookies and ice cream to iced tea. Live demonstrations from experts throughout the day will provide fresh ideas on how to use chocolate and coffee in the kitchen.

For more information, visit www.chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz.

Hazed in the Square, Christchurch

Location: Cathedral Square, Christchurch City
Date: Various

Hazed in the Square is a pop up market located in Cathedral Square - right next to the tram stop. An 'indie' market aimed at showcasing Christchurch and Canterbury's finest artisans as well as up and coming talent. There is a balance of ethical and vintage goods within the mix and something for tourists and locals alike.

View more information for dates and stallholder participation at www.hazellovesdesign.com/p/hazed-in-square.html.

The Mudder, Whanganui

Location: Marton, Whanganui
Date: 19 September, 8am – 3pm

Start training now! The Mudder is coming this September.... This race has been running at Rangitikei Farmstay for the past two years as "The Mud Muster". This year sees a change of name, change of management but it's the same awesome course.

And this is no flat, dawdle around some obstacle course on the edge of suburbia. The rugged hill country of the southern Rangitikei makes for plenty of lung burning and calf aching even before you throw in the obstacles. The course is designed to maximise the natural assets of the working sheep and beef farm it is hosted on. Many of the obstacles are based on natural springs that see guaranteed mud all year round. There is a dam with a floating island to crawl over, a 100 year old tree with roots straight out of a Hobbit scene and plenty of dams, bogs, and hills. Throw in some man made obstacles and you have a course that guarantees fun, laughter and a great day out.

The Mudder has something to suit both elite athletes and complete novices. Enter as a business, family or as a single.

Watch out for the website coming soon at www.themudder.co.nz

Go See... Truman Beach, Punakaiki

Grab your camera and enjoy a short stroll with the kids to Truman Beach on the West Coast of South Island, just a few minutes north of Punakaiki (home of the famous Pancake Rocks). The sandstone formations on the beach are striking and hugely photogenic.

The Truman track leads down towards the beach and along this track in sub-tropical forest, you may hear and see native birds including tui, bellbirds, kereru and weka. The track ends at a cliff overlooking the Tasman Sea. There are barriers in place for safety purposes and a bench seat from which to savour the view. From here, you can continue down a short (sometimes slippery) staircase to Truman Beach. Truman Beach should only be accessed at low tide. Make your way around the beach to see the sandstone rock formations and pretty waterfall.

Where to go: Truman Beach, Punakaiki
How to get there: Drive north from Punakaiki for 3km on the State Highway 6.
When to go: Visit the beach at low tide only.

View more about the Punakaiki region of the West Coast.

10 Top Thrill Rides

New Zealanders are well-known for their adventurous spirit and in some of the world's most beautiful locations, some of these innovative souls have devised breath-taking and thrilling rides that make unforgettable holiday memories.

North Island Thrill Rides

1. Agroventures Adventure Park, Rotorua - Agroventures is home to the world's only Shweeb, the fastest and only jet sprint experience in New Zealand. Swoop - swing from 40m towards the earth at 130kmph, plus the Rotorua Bungy - a 43m leap of faith and last but not least, the Southern Hemisphere's only outdoor wind tunnel.
2. Raftabout, Rotorua – This is rafting in Rotorua with a difference. Amazing scenery, history, culture and adventure. Raft grade three to five rivers, plus the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall and give the sledging river-run on the Kaituna River a go too!
3. Skydive, Taupo - Jump out of the pink into the blue! With the help of expert tandem skydiving instructors, jump out of a pink aircraft from 12,000 or 15,000 feet and into an incredible freefall over the world's most stunning drop zone. Surrounded by snow tipped peaks and the clean, fresh blue of Lake Taupo, you descend to a safe, controlled canopy landing.
4. White Water World, Taupo - From the comfort of a special effects chair, you can join the celebration of the river and adventures which take place on the water. White Water World offers the world's first 4D rafting adventure. Take a virtual ride down the country's most scenic rivers, plunge off waterfalls and feel the rush from running the rapids - a "must do" experience that everyone can enjoy!
5. ZORB, Rotorua - Visit the home of the Zorb as seen on the TVs "The Amazing Race." You can try the Zydro ride, with water added to the mix so you can slip and slide, as well as hurtle your way downhill. Alternatively try the adventurous Zig-Zag track, a cross between a waterfall and rollercoaster or the Zorbit ride that sends you head over heels downhill.

South Island Thrill Rides

6. Alpine Jet, Springfield - Venture deep into the foothills of the Southern Alps via the breathtaking Waimakariri River canyon. Alpine Jet is situated only 50 minutes from Christchurch Airport and offers a fantastic safari tour option that doubles as an eco-experience with magnificent scenery, native bush and wildlife.
7. Flyboard, Queenstown - This amazing new extreme water activity is nothing like you've ever felt before. You'll feel a little like a superhero and a dolphin as you feel the thrill of jet propelled flight.
8. Shotover Canyon Swing, Queenstown - Jumping off or being released from 109 metres high into a canyon is a scary move, but with over 70 different jump styles to choose from the scariness factor can be managed for everyone – from knitting nanas to adrenalin junkies!
9. Soviet Jet Experience, Christchurch - The roar of a military jet is a rare thing in the New Zealand skies. Experience the adrenalin rush of flying a sortie in a legendary soviet jets over some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. The L-29 aircraft, which are characterised with high speed and maneuverability, have a longstanding military record and are Reno Air Race record holders.
10. Volo Jetski Adventures, Christchurch – Drive a custom Seadoo GTI130 jetski or suit up and turn into a superhero on a flyboard jetpack. Experienced and maritime New Zealand licensed guides will teach you everything you need to know before embarking on a breathtaking tour of the harbour. Keep an eye out for the dolphins, penguins, seals and ride through a secret-cave.

New Zealand Fast Facts

ANZAC is an abbreviation of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 25th April 1915 was the day the ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula to battle the Turkish army during the first World War. More than 11,000 ANZACs died on the Gallipoli Peninsula. ANZAC also included officers from Britain, Ireland, India, Zion, Ceylon and the Pacific islands. The last surviving ANZAC died on 16th May 2002.