Free Travel Newsletter : May 2017
Written by Steph Kendall
Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.
Lucky Subscriber
Congratulations to Lloyd Hosken, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning a "Kiwi Country New Zealand" DVD.
We have flitted all over New Zealand with our event picks this month, which we strongly encourage visitors and locals to do for themselves too. These great events offer an insight into some of the cultural interests that make New Zealand such a cool place to be! Boutique wines, wool craft, barista coffee and wearable arts – these events don't have much in common aside from the fact that passions inspired them and passions come in all shapes in sizes - wild, mild or styled.
We've also honed in on one of the most memorable and unique areas of the North Island, Rotorua. The wonders of this geothermal landscape are reminders of the seething power of inner earth. Wild.
Read more about:
- New Zealand Boutique Wine Festival 2017 (NZBWF)
- Midwinter Woolfeast 2017
- Tauranga Coffee Festival
- Art 'n Tartan Wearable Art Awards
- What There Is to See and Do In... Rotorua
- Guide to Accessible Travel in New Zealand
- New Zealand Fast Facts
New Zealand Boutique Wine Festival 2017 (NZBWF)
Location: Imperial Lane, 7 Fort Lane, CBD, Auckland
Date: Sunday 11 June, 11.30am – 7pm
The fifth annual New Zealand Boutique Wine Festival descends into one of Auckland's most sophisticated wining and dining establishments, the Imperial Building in Fort Lane. The best boutique vineyards from around New Zealand will be showcasing over 300 wines, creating one of the most unique cellar door experiences in this country's wine history.
Event attendees will be able to explore wines from different regions, enjoy fantastic food and wine pairings, great live music, masterclass and vertical tastings.
Midwinter Woolfeast 2017
Location: Te Hapua Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road, Christchurch
Date: Saturday 17 June, 10am – 5pm
Midwinter Woolfeast is New Zealand's wool craft spectacular. Come to the stunning Te Hapua: Halswell Centre and experience the visual, tactile overload that is the contemporary world of wool craft. Packed full of artisan yarn dyers, top homegrown talent and fabulous international craft brands.
Sit down, relax and enjoy a delicious treat, chat with friends and shop till you drop. If you knit, crochet, felt, spin, weave, or if you'd like to learn more, Midwinter Woolfeast is the event for you.
Tauranga Coffee Festival
Location: The Rising Ride, 107 Newton St, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
Date: Saturday 29 July, 10am – 6pm
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and its association with the cafe culture in New Zealand has provided an industry within itself. From boutique roasters and coffee brand collaborations to barista competitions, coffee has become more than just a morning pick me up - it's a lifestyle.
Tauranga's inaugural Coffee Festival is an eclectic mix of coffee, food and music and is one of the most exciting new festivals to hit Tauranga City. Children 12 and under are free.
Art 'n Tartan Wearable Art Awards
Location: Celtic Barn, 47 The Centre, Waipu, Bream Bay, Whangarei District
Date: 21 – 22 July (various times)
An event for fans of fashion and the fantastic – three shows over two days. A magical opening night performance, followed by a fantastic matinee and finally topped off with an inspiring awards evening of light and sound. This event showcases creative endeavour from around New Zealand.
What There Is to See and Do In... Rotorua
Rotorua is New Zealand's most dynamic thermal area which enjoys more than a whiff of sulphur, hence its moniker "Sulphur City". It is home to mighty geysers, steaming hot springs and exploding mud pools. A fascinating, unique place to visit revered by Māori, who today offer insight into traditional culture through performances and hangi (traditional pit oven cooking).
Highlights of the region
- Blue Lake Track - This track provides good opportunities to look out over the Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and Green Lake (Rotokakahi) and enjoy native bush and quiet beaches (Blue Lake is situated 9 km south-east of Rotorua).
- Hell's Gate - Sounds ominous but it is Rotorua's most famous thermal attraction with over 50 acres of mud pools, geysers, hot springs and the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot-water waterfall.
- Lake Ōkareka - This small and little-visited lake, the "lake of sweet food" is a place of great charm, surrounded by hills and out of sight of the main tourist routes. Perfect for peaceful fishing and contemplative moments.
- Lake Tarawera - A sightseeing tour of the lake can offer a bit of everything, from volcanic domes and native forest to Tarawera's Buried Village and traditional Māori carvings.
- Sulphur Point Walkway - Explore this little-known walkway behind the Rotorua Museum, described as "alien, barren and wild-looking... a very unique and fascinating area... quite beautiful in its own way."
- Waimangu - Take in the sights of this historic thermal area meaning "black water" in Māori. It was created after the devastating 1886 Tarawera Eruption – the same eruption that buried the then '8th Wonder of the World', the Pink and White Terraces.
- Wai-O-Tapu - The 'Sacred Waters' geothermal wonderland features exhilarating mudpools, geysers and sulphur pools including the stunning Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.
- Whakarewarewa - With nearly 500 hot springs, this Living Thermal Village is one of Rotorua's most popular geothermal sites and includes a traditional Māori village.
What Did You Do and See in Rotorua?
If you enjoyed an activity during your stay in Rotorua, why not let other NZTG readers know about it? You can share with the Instagram community or post on the New Zealand Tourism Guide Facebook page. We look forward to seeing your news and views.
Find out more about New Zealand's Rotorua region.
Share Your Experience
If you have had a particular experience during your stay in New Zealand unlike anything else, why not let us know. We've picked out a few to give you some ideas!
Guide to Accessible Travel in New Zealand
Did you know that New Zealand Tourism Guide has a dedicated guide to accessible travel on its website? This enables people with a disability and ageing consumers to travel safely and have access to destinations, accommodations, facilities and activities that recognise their needs.
Accessible travel organisations listed have completed a Be. Welcome Assessment. This assessment has been designed to identify access features travellers may need to know when researching or preparing to visit, entering, experiencing and leaving the location or service.
If you have experience of a New Zealand tourism business providing great access, then put them forward to the Be Accessible movement by recommending them for assessment or a listing.
New Zealand Fast Facts
The Pink Terrace ('fountain of the clouded sky') and White Terrace ('the tattooed rock') were one of the country's first and most famous tourist attractions. Following a devastating volcanic eruption in 1886, the Terraces were buried – thought lost until 2011, when they were discovered some 60 metres below the surface of Lake Rotomahana, caked in 2 metres of mud.
