New_zealand travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

In this article we present you a traditional dance of the Maori –HAKA, which was used before battle. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. This dance presents one of the aspects of Maori culture. It is an expression of the passion, vigor and identity of the race.

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island in the Hawke’s Bay area, roughly 400 kilometers southeast of Auckland. Ten kilometres to the south lies Hasting, Napier’s twin city. The two are sometimes known in New Zealand as “The Twin Cities”. Napier is dotted with vineyards and orchards wrapped in some of the most gorgeous farmland you’ll ever see. Napier is also the “Art Deco” capital of the world. After a 1931 earthquake flattened the city, most of Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style. Hence, the city has some of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. Every year on the third week of February, locals and visitors dress to the nines. Hundreds of spit-and-polish vintage autos cruise along Marine Drive, big band music wafts through the air, and laughter is everywhere. As of 2007, Napier has been nominated for UNESCO status, the first cultural site in New Zealand to be nominated.

The first European to see the future site of Napier was Captain James Cook, who sailed down the east coast in October 1769. He commented: “On each side of this bluff head is a low, narrow sand or stone beach, between these beaches and the mainland is a pretty large lake of salt water I suppose.” In October 1769 the bark “Endeavour”, captained by James Cook, sailed down the East Coast of the North Island on a voyage of discovery. As part of his meticulous charting of the unknown territory, Cook named the Bay in honour of Sir Edward Hawke, First Lord of the Admiralty. The actual Bay (the water) is Hawke Bay, and the the province (the land area) is Hawke’s Bay. Napier was declared a port of entry in 1855. The Royal Bride, 526 tons, from London under Captain Laker was wrecked at Napier on June 22nd 1863 two miles from the harbour entrance after dragging anchors. No lives were lost. She carried 24 assisted emigrants.

Napier is known as the Art Deco city, and is maintaining that title these days mainly because of the work of the Art Deco Trust. The buildings in this city have undergone massive reconstruction since the earthquake of 1931 which almost levelled the city. The rapid rebuilding, which occurred in the following few years after the earthquake saw the rise of the Art Deco city, was influenced by the art of that time. Without a doubt, Napier’s biggest attraction is the city itself, with marvelous architecture that offers visitors a look back in time. But The National Aquarium of New Zealand on Marine Parade is a Napier destination you wouldn’t want to miss. Opened in March 2002, it has a huge ocean tank with an observation tunnel and holds the most comprehensive collection of marine life in the country. The aquarium’s magnificent architecture resembles a stingray. Exhibits include kiwis, piranhas, crocodiles and every sea creature.

A great climate with day upon day of sunshine makes a year-round tourist destination and you will quickly feel relaxed as you wander through the streets amongst the splendour of the Art Deco buildings. Napier oozes fun and adventure and a visit to the attractions of Marine Parade is a must. Marine Parade overlooks the Pacific Ocean and out towards Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. A full day can be taken visiting Ocean Spa hot pools and swimming complex, the Hawke’s Bay Museum, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, or get splashed by the dolphins and seals at Marineland of New Zealand.

The Museum of New Zealand “Te Papa Tongarewa” is the national museum of New Zealand. It is branded and commonly known as “Te Papa and Our Place”. “Te Papa Tongarewa” is broadly translatable as “the place of treasures of this land”. The main Te Papa building is on the waterfront in Wellington, on Cable Street. Inside the building are six storeys of exhibitions, cafes and gift shops dedicated to New Zealand’s culture and environment.

The museum was opened to enable the people of New Zealand to learn more about their cultural identity and their country’s geography and has attracted international acclaim for its ultra-modern and interactive displays. Over the five floors of our huge building you can explore the breadth of the New Zealand story – from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive visual culture. It occupies a floor space measuring 36,000 sq m and houses many national artefacts, enabling visitors to learn about the art, history and natural environment of New Zealand.

New Zealand’s geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa’s permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa’s Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum. Te Papa has extensive collections: of birds from the New Zealand region, collection of land-based plants, the fishes collection contains around 175,000 specimens ( it’s the world’s largest collection from the New Zealand region), the largest Crustacea Collection – includes crabs, lobsters, prawns, krill, sea lice, water fleas, and others, collection comprises historical photography dating from the 1850s, art and visual culture intersects a variety of photography, botanical art, craft and design, and Maori and Pacific visual culture. Te Papa’s collection includes creatures as small as snails and slugs, and as large as octopuses and giant squids.

Te Papa is a place that welcomes visitors of all ages and interests. Along with stimulating exhibitions there are also engaging and fun presentations, including an animated theatre, motion simulator rides into the past and future, and interactive such as a virtual bungy-jump. With its hands-on learning areas and interactivity, Te Papa is a wonderful place for children.

Aoraki – New Zealand’s highest peak, is the majestic focal point of the Southern Alps, the “backbone” of the South Island. Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest and largest mountain. Reaching a height of 3754 metres its shear size and massive bulk easily dwarf the surrounding peaks.

Aoraki/Mount Cook (70,696 hectares) is New Zealand’s great alpine park. It has the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and all visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape that surrounds them. With over 40% of the park comprised of glaciers, this is also one of New Zealand’s most unforgiving national parks. An awe-inspiring 19 of Mt Cook National Park’s peaks exceed 3000 meters, with New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki Mount Cook – the most stunning. The summit, which has in fact three peaks, is 3,764 meters above sea level towering over its neighbours. It was once 10 meters higher, but in December 1991, an avalanche containing 10 million cubic meters of snow, ice and rock tumbled off the eastern face of the summit.
Lake Matheson, near the Fox Glacier in South Westland, New Zealand, is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Mount Cook Ski Planes offer the most spectacular alpine scenic flight in the world. The aircraft take you from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport or Franz Josef directly into the heart of the Southern Alps including Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at over 3750m and the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world. All ski options are available, including heli-skiing and ski touring, and guides are available for climbing, mountaineering, tramping, snowboarding and glacier exploration.

Mark Twain described golf as “a good walk spoiled”.
Enjoy the sounds of golf – the swish of steel, the thwack of graphite on ball, the plop of ball in cup. Play the shots of your life reveling in the surrounding natural beauty.
New Zealand – offering silence, scenery, fresh clean air and of course world class golf courses with great golfing for all levels of golfer. The people are friendly, the golf experience is mesmerising, the golf courses are challenging, the golf accommodation is memorable and we would love to have you visit. If you are accompanying a golfer and don’t play golf, use our great ideas and suggestions for you to spend a fruitful time in New Zealand. We will design a program to match your interests or leave you to relax.

New Zealand is divided into two main islands, North Island and South Island. To the south of South island there’s much smaller island called Stewart Island, but anyway, the most important islands are North and South, and between them there’s small sea called the Cook Straits. These majestic wilderness areas incorporate World Heritage Sites, fjords and glaciers, lakes, ski areas, rugged coastline, native forest, and world-class hiking tracks. Most people live on the North Island and that’s where the two biggest cities are, Wellington (the capital) and Auckland which is actually the biggest city in terms of population: over one million people live there. Piha Beach is located approx 45 minutes from Auckland. It is a very popular with keen surfers and beach lovers alike. Wellington is on the south coast of North Island on the Cook Straits to the west side. It’s very nice place with a beautiful harbour. Auckland is in the north east of North Island, on the coast too. People call it “the city of sails” because of all the sailing boats there and all the region to the north of Auckland is known as Northland. It’s the hottest part of the country with lots and lots beaches, very popular for holidays.
Both North and South Islands are very mountainous. There are several volcanoes on North Island and South Island is really divided into two halves a big range of mountains that runs from north to south, called the Southern alps. There’s very, very beautiful with lots of lakes and fjords in the south. That’s the area where most people go skiing or do other adventure sports such as climbing or bungee jumping… Sea food and wine are among New Zealand’s favourites which tourists should not miss.
To be continued

Imagine long days of warm, leisurely pleasure with all your wishes catered for. Wake to a splendid breakfast and views of glistening lakes and rolling hills. Tee off on some of the most immaculately presented greens in the country or spend the day relaxing with not a care in the world. Finally, end the day with Chef Albert’s mouth watering cuisine, excellent wine, superb service and the deep comfort of your own villa of luxury.
You only need to travel 90 minutes from Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga to find a little slice of paradise. Nestled in a sun drenched valley and surrounded by forestry is the site of New Zealand’s premier golfing resort and residential community.
Lakes Resort, Pauanui is the result of a single minded focus on the creation of a golf course which would be private and uninterrupted.
Lying amidst the preserved pristine landscape where forest covered hills blend in to some of the most spectacular wetlands seen on the Coromandel peninsular.
An 18-hole international golf course, recreational facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts, health spa, and some of the very best of New Zealand’s lifestyle homes, villas and terraced apartments.Lakes Resort, Pauanui has been the dream of Gary and Angie MacDougall since they purchased this hidden valley back in 1997. At first Gary and Angie had intentions of occupying purely for lifestyle purposes but soon realised the potential of the property could be best suited to that of a high quality golf resort and gated residential community.

The moment you approach the first tee you experience an extraordinary sense of calm. This is your private sanctuary without distraction or intrusion. It was all part of the plan.
This is the regions only private non-equity golf club.
Instead of crowds trees surround you. Here respect for your privacy is a design feature.
The golf course has received high recognition on it’s quality, course design and layout and playing surfaces that Lakes Resort has been accepted into the prestigious International Marketing and Promotional group called The Best of Golf New Zealand. Lakes Resort now stands alongside Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Terrace Downs, Wairakei Resort, Gulf Harbour, Formosa, Clearwater and Millbrook as one of the finest Resort Golf Courses in the country.
Since its completion golfing professionals, players and course evaluators throughout New Zealand have raved about the course’s unique natural design.
This 100 hectare tract borders protected conservation areas and embraces 20 hectares of natural wetlands.
10 kilometres of cart paths meander through the course and over charming stone bridges to link fairways.
Lakes Resort’s championship 6171 meter par 71 layout is definitely a player’s course.
A tribute to its brilliant designers Canadians Sid Puddicombe Associates.
The whole idea was to create a course that can be a formidable test, challenging but not impossible. Inspired by the perfection of nature itself.

The resort style features of this remarkable residential estate will include:* a luxurious clubhouse
* fitness facility
* tennis courts
* swimming pools
* lap pools
* resort hotel
* conference centre
* health spa
* peaceful outdoor walking trails amongst the native wetlands and fauna

The flora and fauna is some of the most unique in the region.
21 native bird species have been located on site including the endangered banded rail and dotterel.

for more info check the official site of Lakes Resort Pauanui http://www.lakesresort.co.nz/

Have some serious fun in the adventure sports capital of the world—New Zealand! Whether it is sailing or sea kayaking off the Bay of Islands, hiking the Routeburn, trout fishing, scuba diving, bungee jumping or sheep mustering, we will put together the ultimate New Zealand vacation for you.

New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you.

And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
You will find a variety of awesome landscapes in New Zealand, all within easy reach of each other. Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches — it’s all here. With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, often spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, and it is no surprise that New Zealand’s pure natural environment is so attractive to visitors from other countries.

New Zealand is a year-around destination, and does not have a specific rainy season. Rain falls throughout the year and keeps the landscape wonderfully green, a delight for hikers. New Zealand`s summer months are from December to February, and they bring high temperatures and lots of sunshine. Days are long and nights mild. Summer is an excellent time for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, boating and other watersports. The fall months from March to May are little cooler but weather can still be excellent. Colorful changing leaves make these months a scenic delight, especially in the regions of Central Otago and Hawke`s Bay known for the fall splendor. Winter months from June to August bring more rain in the North Island, and snow to the South Island. This is an excellent time to visit glaciers and mountains, and enjoy world-class skiing. The spring months from September to November bring warmer weather again, and flowering plants all over the country. If you are into whitewater rafting, this is the time as melting spring snow makes river water levels excitingly high!

With a long, often indented coastline of almost 18,000km, New Zealand is a diver`s paradise. Coastal waters teem with colorful, fascinating sea life and the usually clear waters make for excellent viewing, especially in the prime months from February to June. Many of New Zealand`s prime diving spots are just offshore, offering easy access. One of the best spots is the crystal-clear waters of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, whose amazing range of fish, including many tropical species, was considered by the late Jacques Cousteau to be one of the world`s top five diving locations. Other popular areas are the sheltered Bay of Islands, four hours drive north of Auckland; and in the South Island, the dramatic fiords of Fiordland, and Stewart Island with its breathtaking kelp forests and huge paua (abalone). Two accessible wrecks on the New Zealand coast also provide special diving opportunities.

New Zealand has a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of the indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Maori first arrived in the area over 1,000 years ago, and today make about ten percent of the population. Maori culture is a rich and varied one, and includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance), whaikorero (oratory) and moko (tattoo) are practised throughout the country. Practitioners following in the footsteps of their tipuna (ancestors) replicate the techniques used hundreds of years ago, yet also develop exciting new techniques and forms. Today Maori culture also includes art, film, television, poetry, theatre, and hip-hop. New Zealand gained its independence from Britain in 1907.