Free Travel Newsletter : May 2018
Written by Steph Kendall
Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.
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The cooler months can be a wonderful time to explore the forest tracks and trails of New Zealand, (although care should be taken with the weather). There are organised events in (and out) of the forests, guided group walks available, or for more adventurous and independent hikers plenty of other opportunities. All highlighted this month alongside some fun nights at the museum, mid-winter 'Christmas' celebrations and a spine-tingling, energy-packed and beautiful celebration of Māori performing arts.
Read more about:
- Sculpture & Garden Trail
- He Pouwhenua, He Puapua - National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition 2018!
- Night at Auckland Museum - Secrets... shhh!
- Mid-Winter Christmas Party
- Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon
- Manawatu Moonlight Madness - Half Moon Hoopla
- Five of the Best Forest Walks in New Zealand
- New Zealand Fast Facts
Sculpture & Garden Trail
Location: Kaipara Coast Plants & Sculpture Gardens, 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa, Auckland
Date: 27 May - 8 November, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Against the backdrop of the Kaipara Harbour, enjoy a gentle 1km trail which winds through a secluded valley displaying the beauty of iconic New Zealand landscapes with more than 40 sculptures by emerging and established New Zealand and international artists.
This unique Sculpture Trail set in a tranquil, rural garden oasis has been open for 10 years, each with more than 40 sculptures (the Coast Plant Centre is just 40-minutes' drive from Auckland City). There is also the option of a more vigorous 30-minute adventure along the new Don's Conservation Track. This track takes you on a winding journey through the native forest, along streams and waterfalls and focuses on a conservation message. The Conservation Track takes around an extra 30 minutes to walk, with a reasonable level of fitness recommended and is not suitable for pushchairs.
He Pouwhenua, He Puapua - National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition 2018!
Location: Central Energy Trust Arena, 61 Pascal St, Palmerston North
Date: 3 - 6 July, 9am onwards
Attracting audiences of over 6,000 throughout the day, and many more via live-stream broadcast, this biennial event exemplifies excellence in Māori performing arts, Māori language and customs.
Boasting 41 teams representing secondary schools from all corners of New Zealand, the competition is a four-day event. Each group's performance is the product of months of hard work and commitment; practices consisting of perfecting sound and movement to bring together an inspiring experience! An event not to be missed for the entire family - come and be enthralled by the youth of Aotearoa.
Night at Auckland Museum - Secrets... shhh!
Location: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Dr, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
Date: 7,8,9 and 18,19, 20 July, 5.50pm - 9.00pm
Things are going bump in the night at Auckland Museum. Voices are heard. Shadows are moving. The objects are coming to life! Grab a torch, wander the darkened galleries and come face to face with a multitude of characters with stories to tell. You may meet a dinosaur, a Pacific navigator, a suffragette, an ancient Egyptian servant, a warrior princess, a statue with attitude, a nurse, some soldiers and a whole lot more.
Rosie the Head Night Custodian and her team will sneak you in and give you the lowdown. Rumour has it that Bob Tickbox, the Health and Safety Manager, is on the prowl ensuring that nosey visitors don't get inside. You may want to come disguised as a security guard, cleaner or even a museum object in case you bump into him... An Adult Night at Auckland Museum is also available.
Mid-Winter Christmas Party
Location: Alexandra Park Raceway, Greenlane Rd West, Epsom, Auckland
Date: 22, 29 June and 6, 13 July, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Ditch the winter woollies and warm up your Friday Nights! A Mid-Winter Christmas menu is always popular alongside a popular Kiwi spectator sport, harness racing.
Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon
Location: Westpac Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Wellington
Date: Sunday 1 July, 7.00am - 2.30pm
Established in 1986, the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon has been Wellington's favourite footrace for three decades. Based at the famous Westpac Stadium, the fast, flat, scenic route around Wellington's spectacular waterfront creates an occasion for all age and ability.
With a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and the Kids' Magic Mile, there's something for everyone.
Manawatu Moonlight Madness - Half Moon Hoopla
Location: Kohitere Forest, Denton Rd, Levin, Horowhenua
Date: Wednesday 18 July, 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Trail running fun in the dark in the Kohitere Forest. The track starts on a forestry road before heading into the forest along challenging single-track uphill switchbacks. After the single-track section participants re-join the forestry road. From here those doing the shorter course head home along a speedy downhill stretch. Those doing the long course head further out for an undulating out-and-back stretch of gravel road along the hilltops before hitting another single-track section. The route is not illuminated - all participants must wear either a headlamp or have a good handheld flashlight. A back up light source is recommended and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Five of the Best Forest Walks in New Zealand
New Zealand's Great Walks are famous throughout the world and deserve their reputation for being some of the finest walks in the country. The only downside is that to maintain the tracks and to regulate hut usage, you need to book these walks months in advance of your visit. Thankfully the Department of Conservation maintain tracks and trails throughout the country, which are mostly marked, offer hut or camping accommodation and do not require advance booking.
Five Favourites
- Rees Dart Trek, Aspiring National Park - A 75km trek offering similar views of the Routeburn Great Walk, but more challenging with steep alpine routes and far fewer people.
- Pelorus Track, Marlborough - Combine walking with a refreshing dip in the river, a 36km trail over three days walking - includes the famous Emerald Pools (popular with day trippers).
- Whirinaki Forest Park, Central North Island - One to three-day walk options in the ancient forests of the Whirinaki Forest Park and the adjacent Te Urewera National Park.
- Mount Taranaki, New Plymouth - Situated in the often over-looked Egmont National Park, a five day circuit is the easier option taking in the dormant volcano, alpine and bush.
- Cape Reinga Walk, Far North - The Ninety Mile Beach is a three-day 41km hike on uncrowded sands around the northern tip of New Zealand.
Walking Safety
- Plan your trip
- Tell someone about your plans
- Be aware of the weather
- Know your limits
- Take sufficient supplies
Download a free Mountain and Walking Safety Guide.
New Zealand Fast Facts
The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe's history.
Today, haka are still used to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. Haka are also used to challenge opponents on the sports field, a tradition which began with the 1888-89 New Zealand Native football team tour and which has been famously carried on by the New Zealand rugby union team since 1905.
