Exciting possibilities for winter travellers in New Zealand
From the Editor's Mailbox - 09/05/08
Big swing champions big bird
Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown is daring visitors and locals to dig deep during its 'I give a sh*t' campaign to raise awareness and money for the endangered Northern Royal Albatross.
From 1 May until mid-June, customers will be able to experience the Shotover Canyon Swing a second time for a $10 donation to support the Royal Albatross Centre in Dunedin.
The company is also dedicating Friday 9 May as 'Shotover Canyon Swing's Royal Albatross Day', and is encouraging people to either do the Shotover Canyon Swing or buy an ice cream from Mr Ted – the company's colourful ice cream van.
Mr Ted will be stationed outside the company's premises in Shotover Street during the day with all proceeds going to the Royal Albatross Centre.
Shotover Canyon Swing General Manager Matt Hollyer said this project appealed because it was dedicated to safeguarding the environment, and it was important his company did whatever it could to promote eco-tourism.
"It's a bit of a cheeky campaign but we're serious about wanting to protect New Zealand's wildlife and the work of the Royal Albatross Centre which is also a must see attraction."
Royal Albatross Centre Manager, Sam Inder said the funds raised would go towards the centre's satellite tracking project which currently tracks three juvenile Albatross as they journey around the world.
"We now want to start tracking adolescent Albatross to enhance our research and ultimately assist the plight of the Albatross," he said. "Fledgling Albatross disappear for an average of five years after leaving Taiaroa Head, and tracking them helps us to understand them better."
Interested people can follow the progress of the Albatross already tagged on
Visit www.albatross.org.nz
It costs $169 to do the Shotover Canyon Swing and usually $49 to do it again. Over the next six weeks the second Shotover Canyon Swing costs just a $10 donation to the cause.
"This is a fantastic way for people to have some fun and support a great cause," said Mr Hollyer.
He said the Royal Albatross Centre was offering a 50% discount on all of its tours to those giving a donation to do the Shotover Canyon Swing again.
"It gives our customers the opportunity to learn about the work they're doing and experience the Albatross up close."
The campaign coincides with Destination Queenstown's 'True Colours' campaign which encourages visitors to the area during shoulder season.
Visit www.canyonswing.co.nz for more information.
On-snow luxury at Snow Park NZ
New Zealand's only luxury apartments on-snow are open for business this winter at Snow Park NZ, offering guests the chance to ski/board to their front door and enjoy the unique experience of waking up to the spectacular scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
The apartments are part of the Snow Park Village which incorporates backpacker bunkrooms and a restaurant and bar open all hours to cater for the guests, accommodation bookings for the coming season are now being taken and can host up to 76 overnight guests.
The luxury apartments are architecturally designed to suit the alpine environment and furnished to a high specification with a spacious living area, large fire place and grand north-west facing windows to allow the sun and stunning views to flow in. The kitchen is equipped with all the mod cons and a large dining area which leads to the private deck, complete with barbeque and private hot tub.
For those on a tighter budget the backpacker bunkrooms, New Zealand's highest, can sleep up to 44 people. Bunkroom packages are available which include a hearty meal in the Woolshed Restaurant and a bed for the night.
The modern Woolshed Restaurant and Bar serves fine Kiwi cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For snow enthusiasts looking for an alternative workout from the terrain park, the Snow Farm is next door offering 55kms of groomed trails for x-country skiing.
Snow Park NZ, the Southern Hemisphere's only dedicated freestyle terrain park, is scheduled to open June 13. For more information, visit www.snowparknz.com
Walk or drive the islands with Fullers
Summer may be over, but that is no excuse to stay indoors in front of the TV.
And to keep you active this winter Fullers Group Ltd is making it easier than ever for anyone in the Auckland area to explore the islands on their doorstep.
The company has launched a new combo ticket which gives passengers a triple treat of return ferry tickets to Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island to explore the stunning walks on offer at these Hauraki beauty spots.
Those not feeling so energetic need not miss out, with the 'Wheels on Waiheke' package - which includes a return ferry ticket and full day's car hire – also on offer.
Well known for its art studios, restaurants, vineyards and historic sites, which are easy to explore by car, Waiheke also boasts countless beautiful walks with stunning views to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The volcanic terrain of Rangitoto offers a unique experience for walkers, while Motutapu's welcoming farmland is the perfect spot for those wanting to leave the city behind.
While the long hot days may have passed, we want people to realise that the islands around Auckland are a wonderful place to visit any time of year."
The 'Walk the Islands' combo ticket and 'Wheels on Waiheke' package give people the chance to enjoy the outdoors, or have complete freedom to explore as they step off the ferry at Waiheke.
'Walk the Islands' combo ticket:
Adult return: $59
Child return: $29 (5 – 15 years inclusive)
Tickets available now and valid until September 30, 2008
'Wheels on Waiheke' package:
Adult return ferry ticket (including one full day's car hire): $75*
Tickets available now and valid until September 30, 2008:
*Terms and conditions apply, including a kilometer charge of 60c/km
Walk or drive the islands with Fullers
Summer may be over, but that is no excuse to stay indoors in front of the TV, and to keep you active this winter Fullers Group Ltd is making it easier than ever for people in the Auckland area to explore the islands on their doorstep.
The company has launched a new combo ticket which gives passengers a triple treat of return ferry tickets to Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island to explore the stunning walks on offer at these Hauraki beauty spots.
Those not feeling so energetic need not miss out, with the 'Wheels on Waiheke' package - which includes a return ferry ticket and full day's car hire – also on offer.
Well known for its art studios, restaurants, vineyards and historic sites, which are easy to explore by car, Waiheke also boasts countless beautiful walks with stunning views to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The volcanic terrain of Rangitoto offers a unique experience for walkers, while Motutapu's welcoming farmland is the perfect spot for those wanting to leave the city behind.
"The stunning weather we had this summer saw people heading over to the islands in huge numbers," says Douglas Hudson, chief executive of Fullers Group Ltd.
"However, while the long hot days may have passed, we want people to realise that the islands around Auckland are a wonderful place to visit any time of year."
First DOC concession granted to heli-ski company to operate in Southland
A Queenstown based heli-ski operator has been granted the first ever concession from the Department of Conservation to operate in public conservation land in Southland.
Alpine Heli Ski Ltd can now access terrain in the Livingston Mountains, Mt Mavora and Tooth Peak areas, located between Lake Te Anau and Lake Wakatipu, from the start of the heli-ski season in July.
The area boasts peaks as high as 2,100m due its close proximity to Fiordland and the Tasman Sea, with the Livingston Mountains receiving heavy snowfalls during the winter.
Alpine Heli Ski Ltd co-owner Tim O'Leary said the company had been working closely with DOC for a number of years to ensure its operations would have minimal impact on the environment as well as making it a feasible heli-ski option for the company.
Mr O'Leary said Alpine Heli Ski Ltd's reputation as a professional, responsible, and environmentally aware operation were all factors that contributed to being granted the concession.
Alpine Heli Ski already offers the largest area of heli-ski terrain in New Zealand surrounding Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Cook, and has also secured permission to operate at Branches Station near Queenstown this season.
The Station is one of the largest high country stations in the South Island with peaks rising to over 2,000m.
"Branches Station is an iconic New Zealand high country station and offers some of the best heli-skiing in the Southern Lakes region," said Mr O'Leary.
Mr O'Leary said access to a vast range of terrain significantly increased the company's chances of finding perfect snow on any given day.
"When I go skiing I want the best possible conditions I can find, and this is what we're constantly aiming to achieve for our clients."
Alpine Heli Ski's Early Bird offer is available again this season online at www.alpineheliski.com. Book before 1 July and receive a 10% discount on any package during August or 15% off any package during July and September.
