Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Free Travel Newsletter : July 2017

Written by Steph Kendall

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

Lucky Subscriber

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

Markets bring people together and give a wonderful insight into local community - the best markets offer much more than shopping, with plenty of food choices, unique products, conversation and time to relax on offer. We highlighted the Soundshell Markets in the Coromandel, but there are farmers markets and arts/crafts fayres throughout New Zealand most weekends. Check the online or print press or ask the locals for details as you travel and enjoy market life New-Zealand style.

Not into markets? How about stargazing, chocolate, fashion, sightseeing? There's much more this month, including things that are 'World Famous in NZ'!

Read more about:


Become a Skyentist, Christchurch

Become a Skyentist, Christchurch

Location: Canterbury Astronomical Society, 218 Bells Road, Christchurch
Date: Various dates from 28 July 2017

Become a "Skyentist" for the evening, as you and your family enjoy the wonders of the southern night sky with local amateur astronomers. See planets such as Jupiter or Saturn or perhaps take a closer look at the Moon. Learn about our constellations, closest stars, the galactic core and nebulae in our amazing universe.

The open evening is dependent on the weather. Check the website for opening information, booking and ticketing.

Feel inspired by the stars? You may also like the 2017 Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Festival will take place at The Hermitage, Mt Cook Village, 13 - 15 October. This festival celebrates the creation of the southern hemisphere's first International Dark Sky Reserve.

More Info


Soundshell Markets, the Coromandel

Soundshell Markets, the Coromandel

Location: Soundshell Village Green, Memorial Drive, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Date: Sundays from 30 July, 9:00am - 3:00pm

The Soundshell Market operating for over 28 years features outdoor stalls held right on the lakefront. Enjoy the location, easy parking and the town's restaurants and cafes. The stalls feature produce from all over New Zealand - perfect as souvenirs, collectables and gifts. Crafts, curios, antiques, jewellery, clothing, tools, woodware, greenstone, wooden carvings, vinyl records, garden ornaments and plants, lavender, gemstones, shells and more.

More Info


Chocolate Factory Tours, Wellington

Chocolate Factory Tours, Wellington

Location: 5 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Date: Public tours every Saturday 11am, Private tours - bookings only

Join a tour at Wellington Chocolate Factory, New Zealand's first open to the public 'bean-to-bar' chocolate factory and learn about the magical (and mouth-watering) world of chocolate making. The tour traces the journey of making chocolate at WCF, from meeting the farmers to a delicious single origin, Fairtrade and Organic chocolate.

Age restriction: Children ages 7 and up. By advance booking only. It's recommended that you keep a clean palate one hour before a tour, and refrain from drinking coffee or smoking in preparation for the chocolate tasting.

More Info


New Zealand Fashion Week, Auckland

New Zealand Fashion Week, Auckland

Location: ANZ Viaduct Events Centre, 161 Halsey Street, CBD, Auckland
Date: 28 August - 3 September, 10am - 10pm

The country's premium showcase of New Zealand design talent - New Zealand Fashion Week - returns for its seventeenth year. The event is a mecca for fashion lovers who will be given insight into established, new guard and emerging design talent. New Zealand Fashion Weekend, opening September 1st is the public's chance to experience the energy and glamour of the biggest week on the fashion calendar. Filled with in-season runway shows, seminars, a beauty hub, discounted designer shopping and a mix of bars.

Fashion Weekend tickets on sale now. Designer announcements expected at the end of the month! More info on the NZ Fashion Week website.

More Info


New Zealand By Drone

New Zealand By Drone

If you are planning a trip overseas and want to know why New Zealand inspires so many other people to visit, take a look at the pictures and footage submitted by travellers and visitors who've explored our shores. Be warned, these images are stunning and you may just find yourself booking your flight, accommodation and tours within minutes!

More Info


What There Is to See and Do In... the Coromandel

What There Is to See and Do In... the Coromandel

Three hours drive from Auckland, the Coromandel is a rugged and mysterious place, yet with stunning golden beaches, natural hideaways and mist laden forests, it is the ideal place to relax and unwind with historical tours, fishing and diving, hiking, kayaking and cycling on offer. Main jumping off points include Coromandel Town, Thames, Whitianga, Whangamata, Waihi, Pauauni and Tairua.

Highlights of the region

  • Pose for a Picture in Paeroa - Check out the "World famous in New Zealand" Lemon and Paeroa (L&P) iconic seven-metre high bottle located in Paeroa - cameras at the ready.
  • Catch the Ferry to the Beaches of Cook's Coast - From Whitianga Wharf catch a ferry to Stone Steps Wharf, start of Cook's Coast. To the south is Lonely Bay, cut off by cliffs and totally unspoilt - accessible only from the Cook Memorial via a short steep track.
  • Dig Your Own Spa at Hot Water Beach - The experience of digging your personal hot pool out of the sand at low tide has to be done whilst visiting the Coromandel, it's part of the region's geothermal legacy!
  • Walk the Rocky's Goldmine Trail - Enjoy a three-hour bush walk in Thames starting at the Dickson Holiday Park. You'll see excellent views of the Firth of Thames, regenerating native forest and swimming holes.
  • Get Twitching - Spy on the local birdlife and hide out at the Karaka Bird Hide by the Goldfields Shopping Mall, Brown Street (Thames). It's an easy walk through the mangroves to the hide, where you can sit and relax watching the birds in the Thames Firth.
  • Go by Bike to the Kauaeranga Valley - Mountain biking along the Kauaeranga River is highly recommended. Pack a picnic and a towel if you fancy cooling off in one of many excellent swimming spots on the way.
  • Walking in the Wentworth Valley - Walks of varying lengths including the popular walk to the Wentworth Waterfall. Spectacular views make all the effort worthwhile.
  • Visit Hahei and Cathedral Cove - Enjoy exploring the beaches, islands, coves and the famous arches of Cathedral Cove. Perfect beach for picnicking, swimming and boating.

What Did You Do and See in the Coromandel?

If you enjoyed an activity during your stay in the Coromandel, 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 Coromandel 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!


New Zealand Fast Facts

"World famous in New Zealand"… was a phrase first coined to market L&P (soft drink) describes Kiwi favourites not known outside of the country. We'll share one of ours with you - Pineapple Lumps. Soft chewy pineapple-flavoured lolly covered in chocolate - ridiculously moreish. Much loved/chewed since the 1950s (first named Pineapple Chunks). Discover them in a dairy near you!

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.