Free Travel Newsletter : August 2016

Written by Steph Kendall

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

Lucky Subscriber

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

If you are a menopausal vegan who loves running, it could be that we've picked the very best entertainment for you ever this Spring (everyone else should, however, definitely google and visit blossom festivals, wine tastings and farmers' markets). Anyway, have a read, have a chuckle and plan your trip using our direct booking service - find out more about being a eco-friendly traveller in New Zealand and where to go.

Menopuase the Musical - On Fire

Location: New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Rotorua
Date: 24 August - 11 September

What's a hot flush between friends!? Frickin' hilarious that's what!

Ladies - and brave men keen to avoid domestic meltdowns by not attending - Menopause the Musical is set to pour more blood, sweat (think buckets) and tears on New Zealand as this award-winning, box office record-breaking show returns for a national tour in August and September.

Menopause the Musical sets four women in a department store who have nothing in common but a black lace bra they want to buy at a lingerie sale. The female cast pokes fun of their woeful hot flushes, wrinkles, night sweats, and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between them, and a wonderful musical that features popular tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s is born. Click on the website to book the hottest tickets in New Zealand!.

Vegan Vibes

Location: Soper Reserve, 95 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui
Date: 24 September (10am - 4pm)

Vegan Vibes is a celebration of all things vegan. A great combination of street food, food products, footwear, clothing, health and beauty. Plus workshops and entertainment. This event is free to children under the age of 14 or when an event t-shirt is purchased.

Watch the Vegan Vibes Facebook page for updates of what's on.

Hellers Pegasus Fun Run

Location: Pegasus Lake, Lakeside Drive, Pegasus
Date: 9 October (10am - 2:30pm)

Make this your first family fun run for Spring! This is the 5th Pegasus Fun Run promoting participation amongst all ages and levels of experience. It's a perfect excuse to dust off running shoes and finish winter by setting a new goal. There are three-course distances to choose from: 2.5km, 6km and 11km.

The run follows Pegasus Lake, weaving through the wetlands and forest tracks of the Tuhaitara Coastal Park with stunning views across to the Canterbury foothills.

Registration from 8:30 am. Event start at 10 am. More information on the website.

New Zealand Direct Booking Service

You can use our New Zealand Direct Booking Service to book directly with New Zealand businesses and save yourself a lot of time. It's easy to compare prices, view different accommodations, check availability and it's easy to book. (And the booking system is free to use.)

Simply use the booking facility by entering your location, then choose your accommodation type, and dates of travel, and then click Search. The accommodation results you are shown will display the rates and availability of one room in that business, and allows you to compare rates and availability to other businesses in the area. To find out more, or to make a booking, click any of the links for that business.

You will then see a list of all available rooms in that business and the nightly rate for those rooms. You can then click on the Book button for the room you would like to book.

This is a free booking and reservation service. It is safe and secure, and you can pay by credit card. Save time and book your travel or holidays using the selection of tourism businesses featured on our New Zealand Direct Booking Service.

Go See... Rangitoto Island, Auckland

Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. Rangitoto meaning 'Bloody Sky' in Māori was formed by a series of eruptions commencing at least 6000 years ago. The island is an Auckland icon and deeply enriched with history, it's long been a favourite day trip for walkers and a much loved boating destination.

The popular summit track climbs through the world's largest pohutukawa forest. The peak is 259 metres above sea level, so you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto Island is in the Hauraki Gulf close to Auckland city.

Access is by ferries, private boats or by kayak (experienced kayakers only, approx. 2 hours each way).

For more information and to book campsites, visit the council website.

Bring your own food and water. There are no shops on the island.
Wear sturdy walking shoes that can cope with the rugged lava surfaces.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. The heat reflecting off the ground can be intense.
Take care not to miss your ferry. There is no overnight accommodation and alternative transport back to the mainland is expensive.

Where to go: Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
When to go: All year round

Find out more about the Auckland region.

10 Top Eco-Friendly Experiences

Ecological or eco-tourism in New Zealand is all about ensuring that the country's great natural beauty and environment remains in good sustainable condition. The aim of all eco-tourism in New Zealand is to reduce negative impacts on surrounding environments, and even trying to return something back for example, volunteer work. If you are concerned about leaving 'only footprints' when you travel, you may our pick of 10 eco-friendly experiences in both North and South Islands:

Eco-Friendly Experiences on the North Island

Paihia, Bay of Islands - Kayaking and sailing trips around the beautiful Bay of Islands help you explore hidden places, secluded beaches and caves in a eco-friendly, fun and safe way.
Cathedral Cove, Whitianga - Scenic boat tours and charter sailing trips from Whitianga offer a wonderful way to see the Coromandel including Shakespeare's cliffs, Cooks blowhole, Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve.
Tatapouri Bay, Gisborne - This eco-experience invites you to meet the children of the Māori Sea God, Tangaroa - wild stingrays, eagle rays, kingfish and other reef dwellers.
Whangamomona Railway Adventures - One or two day tours are available along 142km of decommissioned railway lines, 24 tunnels and 98 bridges in a self-driven rail cart or rail bike. A unique and unforgettable way to follow the rail footprints of the past.
Te Pohue, Hawke's Bay - For eco-friendly adrenalin junkies and thrill seekers, white water rafting and heli-hiking expeditions offer a great way to enjoy the cliffs, gorges, canyons and rapids of the Mohaka River.

Eco-Friendly Experiences on the South Island

Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson - Enjoy kayaking, boat and walking tours - we particularly recommend a sea kayaking tour - as a low impact way to explore the park's beautiful golden beaches, coves, lagoons, offshore islands, wildlife and the native forest.
Akaroa, Canterbury - Visit the small township of Akaroa and take to the sea to sail with dolphins. The views are fantastic and your carbon footprint invisible! Sailing training offered with some sailing tours.
Albatross Centre, Dunedin - Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the world's only mainland Albatross breeding colony. This unique tour is the best way to experience Pukekura, its wildlife and history.
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Country - Tread lightly across the golden tussock and snow-capped peaks surrounding Lake Tekapo. A guided trek can include climbing a 2070m peak and a night savouring the mountain sunset and star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere.
Marlborough Tours - See this part of the South Island by kayak, foot or vehicle and exploring the wildlife and human history of the region. Of particular interest to those interested in birding, history, photography, geology and flora.

Share Your Experience

There are hundreds of eco-friendly tourism businesses in New Zealand run by people who are passionate about preserving and contributing to New Zealand's unique environment. If you have stayed with some of them, enjoyed their tours or hospitality, visit our Facebook page and let other readers know about them.

New Zealand Fast Facts

You can become a "Green Tourist" by selecting high quality places to stay, things to do, and ways to get around New Zealand. When you see a business displaying the Qualmark symbol you can be assured that the business has met stringent quality standards and environmental criteria. Businesses that wish to be recognised for their sustainable tourism practices may also be awarded the Qualmark Enviro Award.

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