Free Travel Newsletter : September 2011

Written by Steph Kendall

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

Lucky Subscriber

Congratulations to Alan Edwards of Australia, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning "The Ultimate New Zealand DVD".

Unlike the northern hemisphere, in New Zealand the first day of Spring is marked by the 1st of September and is not influenced by the equinox. The days are usually clear, crisp and warm, with cool evenings (so make sure you pack something warm to wear). It's a great time of year to holiday in New Zealand and this spring is one of the liveliest ever with festivals and events being held all over the country for visiting rugby fans and holiday makers. We have our last word on the rugby and cast our eye over fish, fish and more fish!

Find out about:

• Last Word on the Rugby World Cup 2011
• Festivals Of Fish and Seafood
• Go Face to Face with New Zealand Tourism Guide
• Off the Beaten Track to... Mavora Lakes
• Fishing in New Zealand
• New Zealand Fast Facts

Last Word on the Rugby World Cup 2011

We'll keep this brief as we hope you know about the Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand this spring. However, we know that for some people (not New Zealand born and bred obviously), the game is totally mystifying. If you too have little idea about the game itself, except it involves hulking great men racing around a grass field chasing an egg-shaped ball, then these quick links are for you:

• Rugby Basics: Find out more about the Rules, Players, Laws, Scoring, Scrum, Line-Out, Rucks and Mauls, Offside and Referee's Signals
• If you have got the basics, then take a look at the International Rugby Board's summary of rugby's Laws and Regulations.

Everything else you need to know about the Rugby World Cup 2011 is just a click away:

• Dates and games
• Facts and history
• News and teams
• Tickets and venues

We also suggest you read our guidelines on Your Rights to ensure a fair game for all involved in Rugby World Cup 2011. And finally, if you happen to be in Palmerston North, then stop by the Rugby Museum. Dedicated to the golden game, this little museum takes you back in time to explore the history and folklore of New Zealand rugby.

Festivals Of Fish and Seafood

You are never far from the ocean in New Zealand which means that fans of fish and seafood are never far away from fresh, delicious and first-class fish dishes. Ocean cuisine is celebrated throughout New Zealand and during this spring, visitors can enjoy one of four fun, fresh, fishy festivals...(more)

Go Face to Face with New Zealand Tourism Guide

Over one thousand of our regular site visitors like us on Facebook, so why not drop in and find out what things you can do in New Zealand during your holiday. We can help you: plan your holiday by pointing you in all the right directions, suggest things to do, recommend places to visit and sights to see, offer discounts from New Zealand tourism operators and even give you directions to our front door.

Check out New Zealand Tourism Guide on Facebook. You'll like it.

Off the Beaten Track to... Mavora Lakes

The Mavora Lakes are considered to be one of the treasures of Southland and part of Te Wāhipounamu/South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Located in the south-west corner of New Zealand's South Island, the landscape is dominated by mountains, lakes, forests and grasslands. Mavora is a very special areas as many activities not allowed in other National Parks are permitted here...(more)

Fishing in New Zealand

You've read about the fish, you've tasted the fish, you've celebrated the fish – now if you want to catch the fish, we can show you where to go for the best fishing in the country. Simply view our listings for:

• Deep Sea and Big Game Fishing
• Fly, Salmon and Trout Fishing
• Inshore Saltwater Fishing

All the equipment you need will be provided and if you end up with a story of the 'one that got away', most fishing guides will know the way to the nearest 'chippie' (fish and chips shop).

New Zealand Fast Facts

One of New Zealand's most popular fast foods is a deep-fried delight, fish and chips (or as the Aussies would say in a vague attempt to mimic our accent, 'fush 'n' chups'). In the North Island, the preferred fish species is hoki, shark (marketed as lemon fish) and tarakihi. In the South Island, you'll find gurnard and blue cod commonly nestled amongst those thick-cut, hot, salty chips. Say yes to salt and ketchup to eat them Kiwi-style. Delicious – don't go home without trying some.