Innholdsfortegnelse for Spring/Summer 2021 i International Traveller

The national bird and unofficial emblem of the country, the kiwi holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders – or Kiwis. There are five species of kiwi – the brown, great spotted/roroa, little spotted, rowi and southern brown/tokoeka. According to the Department of Conservation (DOC), there are about 68,000 kiwi left in the wild in New Zealand, with programs in place to protect the birds from introduced predators. On STEWART ISLAND/RAKIURA the brown kiwi actually outnumber humans 50 to one, while KAPITI ISLAND has a population of 1200 birds after five birds were translocated there in the early 20th century. Your best bet for seeing one of these notoriously shy nocturnal creatures in the wild is in a predator-free sanctuary such as ULVA ISLAND or joining the…

CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch has rebuilt itself into one of the southern hemisphere’s most innovative urban spaces. Feel the rebirth at The Terrace, home to the city’s best new restaurants, cafes and bars. Enjoy the blue-sky days of winter at The Pink Lady RoofTop Bar or Mr Brightside, and gather round the chef’s table at Inati. Experience the eclectic retail and hospitality experiences in the SALT District. Stock up at The Crossing, an upmarket shopping district in the city centre. Visit Riverside Market, a fresh farmers’ market for food lovers and get muscles ski-ready at He Puna Taimoana (beachside hot pools). Accommodation Sudima Christchurch City: Sleep in the heart of the action. sudimahotels.com MID CANTERBURY Mt Hutt, the second stop on your road trip – is an hour’s drive from Christchurch. It’s…

15 A Hawke's Bay food & wine tour When your guide has a few decades of working in the local wine scene, you’re guaranteed a good time exploring HAWKE’S BAY, especially when a full-day tour takes in New Zealand’s most historic vineyards and a modern and innovative urban wine-tasting experience. Bespoke itineraries with PRINSY’S TOURS harness the knowledge of its expert guides, often offering the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet with the region’s winemakers. Where you visit depends on your interests, and wine- and food-focused tours with Prinsy’s could also include NAPIER/ AHURIRI ’s historic Art Deco architecture, visiting organic orchards, and coastal views from atop leviathan TE MATA PEAK . An essential stop is MISSION ESTATE , established by French Catholic missionaries in 1851, and New…

• While you might expect that New Zealanders would claim the kiwifruit as their favourite fruit given its name, think again. It is the feijoa that fills the childhood memories and hearts of those who dwell in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Native to parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia, this unassuming green fruit, most often described as a cross between a pineapple, guava and a quince, has been grown in New Zealand since the 1920s. No matter how long you are planning to be in the country, you are going to come across the feijoa a lot, marinated on mezze plates, served as jam, as ice-cream and even in alcohol – local distiller 42 BELOW does a feijoa vodka. One of the most popular ways…

SOME ESSENTIAL TE REO MAORI WORDS TO KNOW Kia ora – Hello Morena – Good morning Tena koe – Hello (this is more formal than kia ora) Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome Kei te pehea koe? – How’s it going? Kei te pai – Good Ka kite ano – See you later Haere ra – Goodbye Kai – Food Maunga – Mountain Moana – Ocean/sea Awa – River Taonga – Treasure Whanau – Family DOING DOUBLE DUTY As well as being used as a greeting, kia ora is also a general expression of appreciation. AND HERE’S HOW YOU PRONOUNCE THEM The Maori language consists of five vowel sounds: a as in ‘car’; e like in ‘egg’; i which sounds like the e in ‘tee’; o as in ‘four’; u…

The Hawke’s Bay region on the North Island’s east coast is hard to beat. The weather is amazing, Art Deco architecture renowned, seaside towns cheerful and scenery simply gobsmacking. Best of all, this is New Zealand’s most enjoyable food and wine region. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading red-wine producer, and home to its oldest winery. It boasts award-winning restaurants helmed by some of the country’s finest chefs. Head out on the culinary trail and you’re in for a treat: this is where real foodies go. More than 35 Hawke’s Bay wineries have cellar doors, internationally renowned for producing merlot-cabernet blends, syrah and chardonnay. At New Zealand’s oldest winery, MISSION ESTATE , the cellar door occupies a colonial-era seminary. For a particularly stunning location, ELEPHANT HILL sits on the Te…

34 CROSS PATHS WITH PENGUINS Irresistibly cute, but extremely vulnerable, penguins are commonly monitored and cared for in the wild by community-based conservation groups. Interesting fact: 13 of the world’s 18 penguin species have been recorded in the New Zealand region. Three species actually breed on the mainland itself, which makes it relatively easy to see these waddling little sea birds on a visit to Aotearoa as long as you’re in the right place at the right time. Irresistibly cute but extremely vulnerable, penguins are commonly monitored and cared for in the wild by community-based conservation groups that work with the Department of Conservation to keep them safe. Penguin-viewing tours are often available as part of these partnerships, so that the birds can be appreciated without human disturbance. The most…

As one of Australia’s most trusted travel companies, travel with VIVA Holidays is worry-free. The hard work is done by VIVA: finding the most outstanding high-end experiences in New Zealand and making them available in packages that offer the best value and unforgettable experiences. Think world-class lodges, luxury hotels and boutique properties, indulgent spas and helicopter pads, sightseeing and scenery. Back at your accommodation, you’ll find cocktails, canapés and crackling fires. AUCKLAND: ENJOY BOUTIQUE URBAN PLEASURES Settle into a five-star hotel near Auckland’s fashionable shops, galleries and museums. An in-depth tour takes you through Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to discover art not available for public viewing. Alternatively, stay in the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area and then cruise to Waiheke Island and relax at a superbly located lodge with…

The Northland region of New Zealand is a spectacular collision of convoluted coastlines, rolling hills, ancient forests and innumerable islands. But beyond the scenery, it’s also the epicentre of Maori culture and history. This is where the great Polynesian chief Kupe landed after his legendary voyage, which led to the discovery of Aotearoa. Its tip at Cape Reinga is where the Maori believe the wairua (spirit) departs on its final journey back to the homeland, Hawaiki. Northland is also where Maori and British settlers came together in the Bay of Islands at Waitangi in 1840 to sign a treaty that led to modern New Zealand’s founding. But this is just the beginning of any encounter in culture-dense Northland. Here are other top experiences that will take you on a journey…

96 ON THE STREET (ART) New Zealand’s vibrant street art scene not only showcases some of the country’s best talent, but also tells the unique story of the nation itself. Tucked away in rural North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui townships like TĀNEATUA , the gateway to the pristine native forest of Te Urewera, you’ll find an extraordinary mural of prominent Ngāi Tūhoe elder Hokimoana Tawa, emphasising unity, called Ma mua a muri ka tika, by Tūhoe artist and activist Tame Iti and internationally recognised artist Owen Dippie. Drive 15 minutes south of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty to find it. In regional art enclaves like WHANGANUI , the town is an ever-changing canvas thanks, in part, to the biennial street art festival, WHANGANUI WALLS . Drop into the city’s iSite visitor…

Travelling consciously and responsibly is a commitment that Kiwis humbly ask all visitors to make during their journey through their country. New Zealanders are renowned throughout the world for the warmth of their welcome and hospitality, something they take pride in. In Māori culture, manaakitanga is central to the way they host visitors, by extending respect, empathy, generosity and hospitality. For all New Zealanders this applies when welcoming visitors into their homes and their businesses, and introducing and sharing their customs and traditions, no matter who they are or where they come from. It is a culture that also informs the country’s famously inclusive approach to visitors to its lands. As with many Māori words, manaakitanga is a term that contains layers of meaning. At its heart, the term is…

Discover New Zealand’s unique birdlife. Kea – The only alpine parrots in the world (pictured top left) are found in MILFORD SOUND/PIOPIOTAHI in Fiordland National Park and ARTHUR’S PASS , and are infamous for their habit of eating car exteriors. Penguins – There are six species of penguins in New Zealand including the yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho (left) which is endemic and can be spotted on the BANKS PENINSULA and Stewart Island. Gannets – See one of the largest colonies of these seabirds at CAPE KIDNAPPERS in the HAWKE’S BAY region. Tūī – Native to Aotearoa, you’ll hear the distinctive call of the tūī before you see its glossy black plumage with blue and white feathers at its neck. Wood pigeon/kererū – Possibly the prettiest of New…

A particular favourite among Australian travellers, New Zealand has long been considered one of the world’s most desired tourist destinations. The best way to see the country is on a road trip, and the best road trip is one where you bring your accommodation with you. Don’t feel held back on your holiday with set schedules; book an Apollo motorhome and go wherever the road takes you. NEW ZEALAND FREEDOM APOLLO-STYLE There’s a lot of space to explore in New Zealand – and not a lot of accommodation along the way. The best way to see the best of what New Zealand offers is to take your hotel on the road with you. Forget trying to plan your way on a pre-booked road trip, with an Apollo motorhome you can…

• 2 nights at QT Auckland in a QT King including: – Complimentary full breakfast daily – 3 course dinner including one exclusive off-menu dish and a bottle of wine expertly paired with your dinner menu (once per stay) • Return ferry from Auckland to Waiheke • 3 nights at Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island in a Luxury Suite including: – Complimentary breakfast daily – 2 course dinner nightly – Welcome drink + platter • 6.5 hour Private Gourmet Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch • Private Waiheke Island Art Walking Tour with Lunch • Return transfers from Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Delamore Lodge • Private car transfer from Auckland Airport to QT Auckland FROM $3,235 PER PERSON* Twin share *Conditions apply…

66 Take the ultimate scenic flight If you’ve considered taking the leap but never quite mustered the courage, New Zealand might just tip you over the edge. Spectacular drop zones and a bunch of top-notch skydive operators make this a great place to bag your bragging rights and get a seriously scenic flight on the side. Tandem skydiving makes it easy. Strapped onto a seasoned pro, you’ll get all the instruction, encouragement and camaraderie you need to seal the deal. Jump from between 2740 and 5600 metres to experience between 30 and 75 seconds of freefall, then enjoy a more mellow high on the final swoop under the chute. More than just ticking a box on your bucket list, skydiving offers great bang for your buck. Taking a couple of…

NORTHERN EXPLORER The Northern Explorer train from Auckland to Wellington heads past rolling farmland, pretty towns, and towering volcanic peaks. Friendly staff show you to comfortable seating, with large scenic windows enabling maximum visibility. A licensed cafe car provides excellent meals, while the open-air observation carriage allows you to take photos without window reflections. Halfway through the journey the train reaches Raurimu Spiral, which corkscrews up the Volcanic Plateau to stop at National Park Station, in Tongariro National Park. A stopover option is the Chateau Tongariro Experience package, which includes a night in the memorable Chateau Tongariro Hotel, some meals, and activities such as the Sky Waka Gondola Ride. South from National Park Station, the train crosses spectacular viaducts, then follows the glinting waters of the Kapiti Coast before reaching…

1 SEE A KIWI UP CLOSE Rotorua is home to The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, which is dedicated to the preservation of New Zealand’s national icon. Visitors here can take a tour of the facility and see how kiwi eggs are incubated, hatched and cared for. Visitors might also see newly hatched chicks. 2 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MĀORI CULTURE Tamaki Māori Village is an amazing place, one that allows visitors to get in touch with New Zealand’s Māori roots. Spend time in a traditional meeting place, sample Māori food, enjoy cultural shows and participate in hands-on activities. 3 ENJOY A GEOTHERMAL LANDSCAPE Don’t miss: Pohutu, the geyser at Te Puia; Hell’s Gate, home to mud bathing and the southern hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall; Waimangu Volcanic Valley; and the steaming cliffs…

STREET ART IS CHRISTCHURCH’S JAM Christchurch’s walls tell stories of history and culture and struggle and belief. And they do that through the art that adorns them. Start at the YMCA Building, where Irish artist Fin Dac has created Kaitaki, a mural of a Maori guardian. Continue to the Canterbury Museum, where Belgian artist ROA has painted his signature native animals, and onto Lichfield Street to see Organic Matters by Wellington’s Chimp, and Tuam Street to view Alice in Wonderland, by local Jacob Yikes. GET IN TOUCH WITH CHRISTCHURCH’S MAORI CULTURE As Christchurch has rebuilt itself, a huge part of its cultural history has been embraced: that of Maori. The highlight is Waka on Avon, a 45-minute paddle in a handcrafted waka (canoe) along the Otakaro Avon River, where you…