Weird & Wonderful in Wanaka

Sometimes it's rather nice amidst a brilliant, but full-on holiday, to throw something normal into the mix - like going to the cinema perhaps. Well, in NZ there's nowhere quite like Wanaka for adding a different twist to a regular outing.

Cinema Paridiso, as it's delightfully named, is a small but very charming theatre in the heart of the picturesque Southern Lakes region. OK, so being in such glorious surroundings you may think going to the cinema is a waste of time, but this is no ordinary cinema. What's special about Paradiso apart from the very chilled out atmosphere is the quirky seating. Not only can sink into a sofa and munch on a slice of pizza and beer, but a you can also opt to watch your chosen film from the 'comfort' of a Morris Minor. You can't deny it's different.

Located on Ardmore Street in downtown Wanaka, with hot meals available before, during or after the movie plus homemade icecream and hot cookies for the intermission, if you have the time, check this place out.

Personally, I think they do cinemas rather well in New Zealand. It was particularly taken by the comfort of Reading Cinemas Regency Cinelounge in Wellington (and all over NZ). Laz-e-boy reclining armchairs and food delivered to your seat made for a more satisfactory experience than at my local Odeon. I've also a soft spot for the Regent on Worcester in Christchurch - a great place to catch the latest New Zealand releases.

Posted on April 25, 2008 in Film , Food and Drink , local life | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this

Ben Fogle in New Zealand

In February this year we sent Ben Fogle to New Zealand to check out some of the glorious sights and fun activities on offer. Not only did he have perfect weather during his 9 days, but he also managed to pack in some fantastic experiences.

From kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman and whale watching in Kaikoura to a heli-flight over Milford Sound and a climb up Single Cone in the Remarkables. He also went kiwi spotting on Stewart Island, sand-boarded down huge dunes in Hokianga and ate fresh crayfish al fresco.

Watch Ben's video diary at Tourism New Zealand.

Posted on March 20, 2008 in activity , Food and Drink , Kiwi , Nature , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this

Kiwi Quest

The iconic national bird of New Zealand is a little cutie and none more so that Hupai, the 1000th chick to be hatched as part of the Bank of New Zealand initiative Operation Nest Egg launched in 1994 in an effort to counter disturbing statistics that 90% of all wild-born kiwi chicks were dying before they reached six months. The plan was simple and based on research that a chick's chance of survival increased considerably once they weighed about 1kg.

A pilot scheme was tried, whereby wild eggs and chicks were relocated to a safe haven during their most vulnerable period before returning them to the wild. The scheme worked and the project became BNZ Operation Nest Egg. Each summer during the breeding season, eggs and chicks are collected and looked after 'in captive-rearing facilities and predator-free creches. When the juveniles have reached about 1.2 kilograms and are able to better fend for themselves, they are released back to their wild home'.

This year, Hupai's appearance brought the grand total of successfully hatched chicks to 1000! The Save The Kiwi website charts the progress of this oblivious star and offers a wealth of information about the project and kiwis.

Such is the prominence of the kiwi in New Zealand that they can be found everywhere from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Queenstown, around hotels, in airports and shops. It is omnipresent in one form or another. The real-life little fellow is much harder to find - though worth the quest, he truly is!

My only encounter with a kiwi was curiously enough in the National Aquarium in Napier. Though unlike another well-known flightless bird found in New Zealand, the penguin, kiwis are not known for their aquatic skills. Stewart Island is recognised as being the best place to spot kiwis in the wild. But since these curious little creatures are nocturnal as well as superbly camouflaged, patience and a good guide are key ingredients.

“If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege.  Stay still and watch.  Don't approach within 5 metres.  please do not disturb them in any way”.
stewartisland.co.nz

Happy spotting!

Posted on March 6, 2008 in Current Affairs , Kiwi , Nature , Wildlife | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this

Return to Narnia

I saw my first trailer for the second Narnia film at the weekend, which was timely given that my conversation only moments before had speculated what was going on with this film.

Prince Caspian as this film is subtitled does look good. Loads of cgi effects, plenty of action with epic battles and sword fights galore and then of course there is the glorious setting. Once again NZ provided the location and that's a great reason to go see this film if no other. Even during the trailer the landscape is very familiar as one moment the Pevensie siblings are standing on a dreary wartime London tube station before being transported to a glorious sun drenched beach on the Coromandel..., ahem Narnia.

As the iconic image of Cathedral Cove appeared on the screen I couldn't help but feel a little amused. Was this iconic NZ setting really supposed to be a fantastical world of talking lions, fauns and ice queens? Perhaps somewhere a little more generic would have been better, but who am I to complain. The Coromandel bathed in sunshine, looked great!!

Curiously for one who loves a good action romp including those aimed at the 'kid market', I didn't quite gel with the first Narnai outing and found myself wishing that I was 10 years old again to fully appreciate it. However, I'm fully prepared to give this sequel a fair go, if only to go and admire the lovely setting...

Posted on February 15, 2008 in Film , Travel | Permalink | Comments (2) | E-mail this

Waitangi Day Celebrations

Today, 6th February, is Waitangi Day - New Zealand's national day that celebrates the signing of treaty between the Maori chiefs and the Pakeha (white New Zealanders) thus marking the birth of the modern nation. The Treaty made New Zealand a part of the British Empire, guaranteed Maori rights to their land and the rights of British citizens.

This notable event occured at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands in 1840. The Treaty House at Waitangi National Reserve acts as a museum and visitor centre recording these important events in New Zealand history. The reserve also houses the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house and the 100ft long war canoe or waka.

So, as you enjoy your evening raise a glass of finest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and toast Waitangi Day. We shall certainly be doing so!

Posted on February 6, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this

Thank you for the music

It's summer and it's concert time in New Zealand. With North Islands finest vineyards providing glorious settings for many of these events I find it difficult not to get into the spirit (ahem!)

Throughout February, the lovely Hayley Westenra will be teaming up with longtime Kiwi favourite Dave Dobbyn (I'm loving that name) for a series of concerts running the length of the country from Queenstown to Auckland.

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY, QUEENSTOWN, MILLBROOK RESORT
SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY, WAIPARA, MUD HOUSE WINERY & CAFE
TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY, BLENHEIM, BRANCOTT ESTATE
THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY, HAVELOCK NORTH, BLACK BARN (SOLD OUT)
SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY, MARTINBOROUGH, ALANA ESTATE
SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY, AUCKLAND, VILLA MARIA ESTATE


Another favourite, Church Road Jazz, Hawke's Bay's biggest jazz event took place over the weekend. Featuring 'Nathan Haines plus the best of Hawke's Bay Jazz Bands' this is a well loved event that runs year after year.

Finally on Saturday 1st March the Mission Estate Winery Concert returns for the 15th year. With previous acts including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Shirley Bassey, Sir Cliff Richard and Rod Stewart, this year's headline performer Tom Jones is sure to wow the crowds.

What a very civilised way to enjoy the great outdoors and what a nice addition these would make to your holiday in New Zealand. Just thought I'd add to the already considerable list of reasons to visit!

Posted on February 4, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this

Celebrating Great Kiwis

This January has been tinged with sadness for Kiwis following the passing of two great New Zealanders. Last week, the world said farewell to one of the greatest explorers ever to have lived, Sir Edmund Hillary. This week, the nation mourns the passing of Hone Tuwhare, New Zealand's second Poet Laurate and the first Maori poet to be published in English. He was 86.

Hillary's feats need little introduction and will remain forever in legend amongst humankind's most compelling endeavours. As a poet, Tuwhare's accomplishments were of a more understated nature and although he is not as well known internationally as 'Sir Ed' his poetic legacy will live on in the country of his birth.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said in a statement that Tuwhare had made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand literature. "His poetry contained powerful imagery of our land, sea and legends, and often expressed strong views on contemporary issues".

Associated Press reports:
Tuwhare's work, spanning more than 40 years, was popular among poetry connoisseurs and general readers alike. He was named New Zealand's Te Mata Poet Laureate in 1999, won two Montana New Zealand Book Awards for poetry and was awarded honorary doctorates of literature by Auckland and Otago Universities.

Posted on January 18, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this