Check out this beautiful video!
New Zealand Landscapes Timelapse Volume Two from Bevan Percival on Vimeo.
Article: Ten offbeat experiences on New Zealand’s South Island
Mountains, lakes and glaciers all conspire to make the South Island of New Zealand a superbly scenic stage for active adventure, but once you’ve bungy jumped, hiked and mountain biked to a stellar collection of souvenir T-shirts and DVDs, slow down with these equally engrossing alternative experiences.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pacific/travel-tips-and-articles/77631#ixzz2OYtBAsAO
Video: New Zealand – The Home of Middle-earth
Tourism New Zealand has released a great new short film on the filming of the Hobbit. It’s included with the DVD release of the movie but you can also watch it here.
Check it out below:
Guest Post: Saltwater Fly Fishing in New Zealand
New Zealand offers some of the greatest variety of fishing opportunities in the world. Some anglers choose to pursue salt-water species using fly fishing tackle. While this type of fishing is not unique to New Zealand, the islands offer some of the best opportunities for anglers.
Where to Fish
Many of the coastal waters of New Zealand offer saltwater fly-fishing opportunities. The Bay of Islands off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island is noted for this type of fishing although it is just one of many regions. Outfitters provide boats and guide services along with fishing tackle designed to provide the ultimate saltwater fly-fishing adventure.
Anglers are encouraged to do their research and know the area and the best seasons for fishing any particular water. In addition, fly fishermen should know how to handle the equipment properly and be able to cast accurately in order to improve their fishing experience.
Fish Species
The fish species are varied depending on the region and the season. Saltwater fly anglers can pursue salmon near the mouths of streams as they return from the ocean and migrate into the streams. Other options include the yellowtail kingfish often taken on flies in the flats or expanses of shallow water. Some of the more adventurous anglers may go in pursuit of predatory fish like sharks with a fly rod and lures. In New Zealand, the angler’s imagination is about the only limitation to the fly fishing opportunities in the saltwater oceans.
Fishing Tackle
The fishing tackle used by the saltwater fly anger depends on the target species. Smaller fish obviously warrant lighter tackle while bigger game requires the heavier tackle. An angler pursuing the salmon in saltwater would likely use the same type of tackle as an angler pursuing salmon and trout in a freshwater stream. If the larger saltwater species are your target utilize a longer and heavier fly rod equipped with stronger line and heavier tackle.
The heavier tackle is also more humane for fish that are caught and released. The heavy rods allow the fish to be brought to the boat or angler quicker with less fatigue improving the fish’s chance of recovery when it is released. Many of the outfitters and guides in New Zealand specialize in maintaining a sustainable fishing resource for generations to come.
Mixing it Up
While saltwater fly fishing offers some great opportunities for sport, many anglers choose to mix it with some other forms of fishing. Many of the same outfitters can provide other types of fishing adventures. A morning of pursuing saltwater salmon with a fly rod can be followed by an afternoon of jigging for kingfish or snappers or even trolling for billfish. Saltwater fly fishing becomes just another opportunity for the angler in New Zealand to find enjoyment.
Video: The Bear Essentials of Safety – Bear Grylls Does the New Air New Zealand Safety Video
Bear Grylls goes wild in our Bear essentials of safety video. He even spots a giant creature thought to be extinct! Watch & be in to WIN the Great Kiwi Bucket List at airnzsafety.com
This epic prize could see you and a friend flying in comfort on Air New Zealand from anywhere in the world to the greatest adventure playground on earth, New Zealand. Click the web address above to enter.
Guest Article: Top 5 Strange New Zealand Activities
Heli bike drop. By Grayskullduggery (Flickr)
The breath-taking beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes was admirably showcased in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Due to the numerous areas of interest and scenery, there are plenty of outdoor-themed activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. From zorbing (read: a human hamster ball) to tours of the Hobbiton Shire, here are some of the stranger activities found around New Zealand.
Zorbing
For those not in the know, zorbing – also referred to as orbing, globe-riding, and sphereing – is a popular recreational sport that was tried for the first time in New Zealand. What is it? Well, it involves someone hurtling down a hill or slope with little more than a plastic ball to protect the occupant from the elements. You too can experience the thrill of this by visiting Rotorua.
River Surfing
Those who cannot surf often look on enviously from the shoreline as lithe, lean bodies navigate the ocean surf and successfully catch a wave. At some point, someone in New Zealand looked at sea surfers and thought ‘there must be a way to make this more challenging’; and so they invented river surfing. If you’re interested in trying it, head to Queenstown, where the Kawarau River awaits you. You’ll don a wetsuit, receive a board, and then float down river to your instructor, who will help you navigate the dangerous rapids ahead. Not for the faint hearted.
Heli-biking
If you’re not an outdoor fundi, then you’re unlikely to have heard of heli-biking…which in short is a unique New Zealand extreme sport, which involves taking a helicopter ride to the top of a slope or summit before being dropped off on the peak with only your bikes. Your group then has to navigate the twisting, winding slopes of the peak you’ve landed on, and make it safely back to the base. Tours for this activity are also offered from Queenstown, with full day and half-day options. Most tour operators also can arrange tailored heli-bike trips.
Dunedin’s Jaffa Cake Roll
The annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival is a fun event indeed and it’s been around since 2002. One of the crowd-pleasing activities is the Jaffa Cake Race – where thousands of giant Jaffa cakes are rolled down Baldwin Street; the steepest street in the world! Dunedin happens to be the home of this much-loved chocolate-orange treat, and the Jaffa cakes used are given up for a higher purpose. Two charities organise two races, with nearly 25,000 Jaffa cakes per race. Each Jaffa Cake is numbered, and the first 5 to cross the finish line are winners! The money made from this event goes towards a worthwhile cause. Past donations have been made to the Dunedin Kindergarten Association, The Malcam Charitable Trust, as well as The Otago Community Hospice. If you’re keen to experience this, then head to Dunedin from 20 – 26 July 2013.
Auckland Sky Tower Challenge
Another annual event that’s rather odd though good fun for those involved is the Auckland Sky Tower Challenge – open to any firefighter. Dressed in full fire fighting gear (which averages 25kg), these heroic men and women race up the tallest building in the southern hemisphere to raise funds for the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand charity. The building has 51 flights of stairs, totalling 1,103 steps. Last year, fireman Josh Harrison made it to the top of the tower in 8 minutes 29 seconds, with the fastest female firefighter, Rochelle Martin, coming in at 12 minutes 48 seconds.
Author Bio: Roseanna McBain is a writer for TravelGround.com. She enjoys learning about cultures and mythologies from around the world, has a love of strong coffee and herbal teas, and enjoys spending times with friends on weekends.
Article: ABC News – New Zealand: What to See, What to Skip
The search for Middle Earth has now officially made it on the bucket list of many a traveler. And there’s no denying that New Zealand, whose spectacular landscapes take on veritable supporting roles in the newest Hobbit film, is aiming to leverage the movie’s success to incentivize travel. Airfare and vacation package deals should become more prevalent in 2013, and when you’re down there, consider the fact that the options are endless – from adventure to culture, from the spectacular to the delicious. Here’s a look at some not-so-typical ways to experience all the wonder New Zealand has to offer.
Guest Post: Visiting Your Favourite New Zealand Wine Producers
Industry journal Drinks International recently published their list of the world’s fifty most admired wine brands, and it’s no surprise to see that a few names from the New Zealand wine industry made the list.
If you’re planning on taking some cheap flights to New Zealand this year, take some time out to relax and enjoy your favourite wine: at the chateau itself.
Cloudy Bay
Jackson’s Road, Blenheim, Marlborough
When people think of New Zealand wines, they think of Sauvignon Blanc. And when Cloudy Bay started producing their Sauvignon Blanc they really set the bar high for other New World whites. Even the French are interested, with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey owning a controlling interest.
Cloudy Bay still welcome visitors to their cellar door, and have a number of tasting options for oenophiles: including an exclusive sommelier lunch experience. It’s enough to make you want to book a place on Qantas right away.
Brancott Estate
180 Brancott Road, Blenheim, Marlborough
This Marlborough based producer has really embraced modern technology, with their chief winemaker chatting to fans of the brand on Twitter and an iPhone app which really brings their bottles to life.
Their heritage center serves up seasonal, local produce in its restaurant: perfect for lining your stomach before embarking on a vineyard and tasting tour. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered New Zealand Falcon.
Wither Hills
211 New Renwick Road, Fairhall, Marlborough
Another awesome Marlborough vineyeard, the Wither Hills winery is a must visit for people who love contemporary yet sophisticated design. Wither Hills wine launched in 1994, and since then has become one of the most admired brands in the region.
The relaxed atmosphere of the vineyard is perfect for sampling the wines before enjoying an al fresco dinner in the garden. If you like to educate yourself whilst on holiday, the Wither Hills vine library is the perfect place to learn about wine grapes.
Nobilo
Station Road, Huapai
Yes, there are some great wineries outside of Marlborough. The Nobilo Estate is located a short jaunt from Auckland.
Founded by Croation immigrant Nikola Nobilo in the 1940’s, Nobilo wines are one of New Zealand’s oldest and best respected labels. The winery is so respected that Nikola was awarded an OBE for services to the viticulture industry in 1995: perhaps one of the coolest honours out there.
Despite being owned by the massive Constellation brand, wine tasting at the House of Nobilo estate still feels like an intimate experience. The cellar is ambient, staff are friendly and hospitable, and best of all- it’s free to sample the wines.
With so many other great producers such as Kumala, Billa Maria, Babich, and Oyster Bay, you could spend a very happy holiday in New Zealand sampling the local wines.
Guest Post: 3 Favourite Travel Spots for Kiwi Tourists
India
Among the Asian countries, India is among the top destinations for the Kiwi tourists every year. It seems that the New Zealand tourist has a taste for India’s exotic delights. In January 2011, there was a significant increase of tourists heading to India from New Zealand alone, with most of them heading there for holidays. While data regarding the age group of who travels to India is hard to come by, a quick check reveals that the average traveller to India is usually on a tourist visa. What’s more, the introduction of direct flights between the two countries has seen the volume of tourist numbers increase on both sides, with cheap flights available from major airlines like Etihad Airways, Delta and Lufthansa.
The Kiwi tourist will definitely fall in love with India. The place provides a cost effective holiday destination for them, considering the price level. Additionally, it offers a wide variety of activities for the typical Kiwi tourist to enjoy. While New Zealand has excellent beach fronts and its own island forests, India’s culture, desert life in the north east, beautiful tea farms in the west, and lush landscapes up in the north offer a variety that the Kiwi tourist is sure to appreciate. What’s more, the cricket scene is as lively (if not more fanatic) as the one in New Zealand, a sport that is sure to excite the Kiwi traveller.
Maldives
This premier luxury destination has all the makings of a beautiful getaway. This island nation has whole islands dedicated to tourist activity. With about 99 resort islands, the choice on where to stay is one that may be daunting.
It is surprising that this destination would be popular with the Kiwi tourist. Is it not similar to the home country after all? However, the Maldives offer a new and exciting twist that home doesn’t have. Its culture: including the food, music, and history give it an edge. What’s more, New Zealand and Maldives are not that far apart, making it a convenient destination for the Kiwi tourist who wants to enjoy world class hospitality and private beaches. The warm diplomatic relationships between the two countries facilitates easy travel too, so Kiwis head here to relax in a luxury overwater bungalow, sip on a cocktail and enjoy living like a king.
UK B&B trips
Both New Zealand and the UK belong to the commonwealth. They also share a great deal of history between them. The attraction between residents of the two countries seems mutual, with large tourist numbers flocking both ways. When you place Australia aside, the UK is one of the top 3 destinations for tourists from New Zealand. In 2011, there were about 187,000 tourists from New Zealand, and they spent a total of about £163 million on their visits that year.
For those who are particularly adventurous, B&B trips around the UK are a fun way of enjoying the delights of the country. They facilitate easy and cheap travel, and also a more intimate experience. From a beach trip to Cornwall to a city escape whilst staying at a B&B in Edinburgh, Kiwis love to expore every corner of the UK. The Kiwi tourist will undoubtedly enjoy the large English breakfasts, delicious local pies, as well as sampling the local beer. The sports scene will also be very appealing, as New Zealanders are passionate about rugby and cricket.
With such a beautiful home country, finding an exciting holiday destination can be challenging for folks from New Zealand, but we think these 3 are more than worthy of a visit!
Guest Post: 3 Reasons to Buy a Honda Motorcycle
Did you know that Honda created the first motorcycle airbag? For years Honda has probably been the most rider-centric company in the industry, bringing the motorcycle culture to the everyman. Considering buying a Honda motorbike to cut down on gas costs? It might be time to shift gears, and find out for yourself why people love their Hondas… and never want to get rid of them.
Customizability
When you first buy a Honda motorcycles UK, you have the option to design your own personal bike (call it Japanese tradition), from coloration to the individual parts. You can make it your own, and create your experience from the ground up! Despite this, their fit and finish is top notch, easily superior to their competition in visual appeal and technical quality.
Track Record
From the first motorcycle airbag to their standard and innovative Anti-lock breaking system, they’ve been paving their way as a safe brand for years. They’re constantly pushing their models to the peak of ridability, and haven’t stopped since 1959. They’re motto is “Happy owners make for happy engineers, and happy engineers change the world”.
Longevity
Honda always makes sure that when you buy a motorcycle from them, you won’t be back for a while, unless you want an upgrade. Their parts are super durable, and it’s easy to spot a model from the 70′s, 80′s, or 90′s still being ridden around today. Once you buy your first model, you’ll probably be pretty satisfied for a while.
Just starting out? If you’re shopping for Honda motorbikes you can pick up a Honda cbf125, a dream for novice riders, and under £2,000. Veteran? Well, you know what you like. Whether it’s your first bike, or you’re a seasoned rider, you can’t go wrong with Honda, the leading manufacturer in the world.