Free Travel Newsletter : May 2010
Written by Steph Kendall
Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.
Lucky Subscriber
Congratulations to Julie Nagle of Australia, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning "The Ultimate New Zealand DVD".
If you're arriving in New Zealand between June and October, you can make the most of our great scenery by enjoying the country's wonderful ski and snowboarding fields. Ski and snowboard areas are located throughout the country and offer world-class facilities for novices and experts of all ages. Alternatively you may want to head to the remote south for some sunny, solitary sightseeing or venture to the north to join in with some wild, conservation projects...
Find out about:
- The NZ Ski and Snow Season
- Waiheke Islands Wilderness Projects
- Off the Beaten Track to... Murihiku
- Kiwi Conservation
- New Zealand Fast Facts
The NZ Ski and Snow Season
The skiing and snowboarding season starts at the beginning of June and snow permitting runs through until October. New Zealand ski fields are located in both the North and South Islands and every year attract visitors from all over the world. Ski and snowboard areas are hugely variable for both skiers and snowboarders. Ski fields offer a perfect mix of undefined terrain and marked trail on wide open treeless slopes, whilst snowboarders will find some excellent natural and man-made halfpipes as well as dedicated terrain parks, and some of the most awesome off-piste powder snow around.
Gear hire, instructions, transport to and from the ski fields and local accommodation is available at most ski fields. So whether you're a novice or expert skier, why not head for the mountains and an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience in superb alpine locations.
View more information about New Zealand's ski fields.
Waiheke Islands Wilderness Projects
Auckland, New Zealand
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)
If you are looking for a great way to meet fellow-minded conservationists in New Zealand, why not volunteer for the tree planting and mulching projects on Waiheke Island held between the 1st June and 1st October? You'll get fun, exercise, fresh air and make a difference to the environment - all at the same time. For more information, view details of Tame the Wilderness on Waiheke.
Waiheke Island lies in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, 17.7 km (about 35 minutes by ferry) from Auckland. Of the Hauraki Gulf islands, it is the second-largest, the most populated and the most accessible by regular ferry and air services. Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand with a permanent population of around 8,000. The island, a blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves, offers visitors a range of activities including sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and winery tours.
Off the Beaten Track to... Murihiku
Murihiku is the Māori name for the province of Southland which is located in New Zealand's South Island. The name means "the tail end of the land" and it's a tail that visitors can often overlook. The Southland region is home to stunning wetlands, cave formations, mountains, lakes, marine wildlife and the Catlins coastline and forests... (more)
Kiwi Conservation
For many New Zealanders their national bird, the kiwi, is a taonga or treasure. This shy little bird is native to New Zealand and is the size of a small chicken. Kiwis are nocturnal and flightless and are the only birds known to have nostrils at the end of their bills. They are particularly vulnerable to predators and in New Zealand conservationists are working hard to help preserve the species... (more)
New Zealand Fast Facts
Did you know that the grand NZ final of 'Rock paper scissors' has just taken place in Tauranga? This game is for big and little kids of all ages to enjoy and is popular not only in New Zealand, but around the world. Known as jenken or jan ken pon in Japan, roshambo or farggling in the USA, shnik shnak shnuk in Germany, ching chong chow in South Africa, scissors paper stone in the UK, the game is called 'Rock paper scissors' in New Zealand.
For the uninitiated, rock paper scissors involves two contestants simultaneously releasing their hands into either a rock, paper or scissors shape. Rocks blunt scissors and therefore wins. Papers wrap rocks and therefore wins. Scissors cut papers and therefore wins. Easy as!
