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Top Five Best Foods from New Zealand

Fresh Egg — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:11:12 +0000

Forget about the delicate pastries of France, the exquisite steaks of Argentina and the stodgy pub food of England, There’s a new boy on the food scene and he comes with a whole host of delicious treats from the country that is gracing our screens with the finals of the Rugby World Cup: New Zealand. One of the most enjoyable features of touring in New Zealand is the culinary treats that are waiting to be discovered. So as you settle in to watch the matches on Saturday and Sunday, ditch the pizza and beer and try something new.

The cream of any New Zealand tour

The desert that divides nations – PAVLOVA – there has long been an argument as to the origins of this delicious desert but historical research leans favourably in the direction of New Zealand; which infuriates the Aussies to no end. In essence, the Pavlova is a meringue based dessert with a crisp outside and soft inside. Traditionally, the Pavlova is topped with a generous dollop of cream and various fruits (kiwi fruit and strawberries tend to usually feature quite heavily). No family gathering or celebration is complete without a perfectly decorated Pavlova taking the central place on the dinner table.

MANUKA HONEY – the honey that is native to New Zealand has long been stocked on the shelves of Tesco and the other supermarket giants, but not many people realise that aside from being delicious drizzled over your porridge in the morning many types (around 10%) actually have incredible healing properties. From soothing sore throats and colds to promoting natural healing on grazes and burns, Manuka Honey is your new one stop shop and surely must become a kitchen cupboard staple.
L AND P – Brits drink teaas if it is going out of fashion, the Americans opt for the sugary Coca Cola, and the Kiwis reach for a bottle of L&P. Otherwise known as Lemon & Paeroa, L&P is a sweet soft drink manufactured in NZ. It is traditionally made by combining lemon juice with carbonated water from the Kiwi town of Paeroa. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but definitely a drink that should be tried… perhaps with a shot of southern comfort?
CHOCOLATE TREATS – as with most countries around the world, New Zealand has an incredible range of chocolate treats that are native to them and also incredibly unique! From Pineapple Lumps and Moro Gold Bars to Perkynana and Whittakers Peanut Slab; there is something to satisfy the cravings of even the most insatiable appetite of a chocolate fiend.
KUMARA – you say sweet potato, they say Kumara. It is eaten in dips, breads, sweet treats and so many more; even better, some fast food places (native to NZ) serveKumara as an option for fries instead of potato.

Next time you walk past the exotic/foreign food section of your local supermarket, keep your eyes peeled for some of these delicious treats and give them a go. Who knows, these delicious New Zealand foods could be the reason behind their success in the rugby world cup – one care package coming your way Mr Johnson.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

Top Five Best Foods from New Zealand

Rugby World Cup at Wellington

Fresh Egg — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:50 +0000

The Westpac stadium is has been a popular venue for major sporting events and is known for it’s circular metallic structure as well as being located with stunning views of the Wellington Harbour, with the second highest capacity of any stadium in the country. Expect this stadium on the southern tip of the Northern Island to be a popular venue for some of the big clashes.

The Westpac Stadium in Wellington

Matches at the Westpac Stadium

Being a stadium that has a capacity of 36,000, the Westpac stadium has quite a busy schedule over the duration of the Rugby World Cup, here are the upcoming games at the stadium.

South Africa v Wales – 11/09/2011
South Africa v Fiji – 17/09/2011
Australia v USA – 23/09/2011
Argentina v Scotland – 25/09/2011
France v Tonga – 01/10/2011
New Zealand v Canada – 02/10/2011
Quarter Final 1 – 08/10/2011
Quarter Final 3 – 09/10/2011

Spa Experiences and Eco Tours around Wellington

If your team doesn’t end up doing as well as you had planned and you find yourself with not much more to do there are plenty of sights to be seen around the Wellington area, including the Karori Sanctuary experience which allows visitors to explore the eco-tourism and conservation projects in a predator-free environment, helping to restore endangered species, whilst this park is free, donations are welcomed and encouraged to ensure the longevity of the project, especially since the financial hardship the country has faced since the Christchurch earthquake.

With many galleries and museums in Wellington such as the City Art Gallery and the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand there are many cultural hotspots around the area that are essential to visit too.

Take a cable car around the towns or take the Overlander Scenic train on our 9 Day North Island Loop Tour as a way to explore the rest of the country.

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Rugby World Cup at Wellington

Dunedin Forsyth Barr/Otago Stadium Guide

Fresh Egg — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:10 +0000

Continuing with our focus on the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the city stadium we will be covering is Dunedin.

Forsyth Barr Stadium – Dunedin

The Forsyth Barr Stadium is the largest on the Southern Islands and the newest, only opening in August 2011, it will be known by a non-commercial name during the World Cup of the Otago Stadium and will host England’s opening game of the tournament against Argentina.

As the World Cup is being held in the winter time in New Zealand, you can expect the nights to get a little chilly, but this is where the Forsyth Barr stadium comes into its own. The 30,000 fans watching the game will be treated to an indoor stadium at the height of stadium technology. Whilst the players can be protected from what may get to be particularly cold evenings out on a field.

The Forsyth Barr Stadium

The English team will be playing three of their pool matches in the stadium, so get used to seeing English team playing indoors for the group stage of the tournament.

Forsyth Barr Stadium World Cup Matches

The English team will be playing three of their pool matches in the stadium, so get used to seeing English team playing indoors for the group stage of the tournament. Here are the games being held in the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

New Zealand v Tonga – 09/09/2011
Australia v Ireland – 17/09/2011
New Zealand v France – 24/09/2011
Fiji v Samoa – 25/09/2011

Some games will be played on the Southern Island but the more high profile clashes, semi finals and finals will be held in the northern regions as covered in the Westpac Stadium and Eden Park posts. But Dunedin is where the first few England clashes will take place.

Heritage and Wildlife in Dunedin

Dunedin is also one of the very best locations in New Zealand to see some of the most incredible wildlife with penguins, albatross’, sea lions and seals.

With the great wildlife tours that are available to those travelling to Dunedin, there is also a chance to see the heritage of the city with the various stately homes and industrial heritage, the likes of Speight’s Brewery and Taieri Gorge Railway are must see locations around the city.

Located in Dunedin the rolling hills and natural harbour is steeped in an industrial heritage of New Zealand also has many of the countries best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture around.

You can really see some of the fantastic sights that the South Island has to offer, but you can at the same time quite easily travel to the Northern Island to experience the atmosphere around Auckland for the finals which should in no doubt be electric.

New Zealand South Island holidays have many more cultural destinations to visit, especially if you are interested in seeing the sites of heritage and distilleries around the area.

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Dunedin Forsyth Barr/Otago Stadium Guide

New Zealand Sky Rugby World Cup Guide to Auckland

Fresh Egg — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:36:22 +0000

The Rugby World Cupis to start on Friday and by the time New Zealand have their first match against Tonga, there should be around 100,000 travelling supporters from around the world. For many it will be the first time visiting New Zealand, so among the excitement of the first Haka in the opening match to the final whistle in the final there are many places to visit around the stadiums.

The New Zealand All Blacks Haka

Eden Park – Auckland

Eden Park is the venue for the world cup final and situated in the largest city in New Zealand, with a capacity of 60,000 after a fairly extensive refit so there will be a lot of people staying in the area so to get into some of the major attractions such as the Sky Tower could be a bit of a struggle. There are however many hidden gems and tourist destinations to see around the area.

Eden Park Rugby World Cup Matches

With Eden Park being the biggest venue in the country, it is obviously hosting some of the biggest clashes of the tournament starting with the opening game against Tonga on Friday the 9^th of September, the following list shows the games expected to be played at the Eden Park Stadium.

New Zealand v Tonga – 09/09/2011
Australia v Ireland – 17/09/2011
New Zealand v France – 24/09/2011
Fiji v Samoa – 25/09/2011
England v Scotland – 01/10/2011
Semi-Final 1 – 15/10/2011
Semi-Final 2 – 16/10/2011
Bronze Match – 21/10/2011
World Cup Final – 23/10/2011

Eden Park in Auckland

Last Minute Flights to New Zealand from London

It is not too late if you feel the urge to get out there for the opening game and the length of the tournament permits you the chance to fly out to New Zealand should you want to catch any of the action in the latter stages of the tournament.

Activities in Auckland

Whilst out in New Zealand for the rugby there are many more activities to take part in between the game schedules including a tour of the famous Sky Tower with walks around the 1.2 meter wide walkway 360 degrees around the tower, 192 meters above the ground.

New Zealand is famous for the thrill seekers inside of us with bungee jumping off the Auckland Bridge a must-do experience for anyone visiting the city.

If you are interested in staying near and around the largest stadium in New Zealand, head over to our Auckland Holidays page and get in touch and our advisors will be happy to give more information of things to do around the area in the down time from the World Cup.

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New Zealand Sky Rugby World Cup Guide to Auckland

Here is why you should get everyone you know to come to New Zealand!

Fresh Egg — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:40:03 +0000

New Zealand is ‘hands down’ one of the most amazing countries in the world! If you don’t believe me, you best get on the next direct flight!
Located in the south-west Pacific ocean, New Zealand consists of two main landmasses with a multitude of mesmerising islands scattered about its coastlines. Millions of tourists flock to New Zealand due to its amazingly diverse and captivating terrains, from endless sandy beaches to spectacular towering mountains that frame this country so magnificently.
When you’re here you can’t help but connect with all the natural raw beauty that surrounds you, with places like Lake Taupo located at the centre of New Zealand’s North Island. Here, you can take a boat out for the day and glide over Lake Taupo’s crystal clear blue waters and marvel at the unique landscape that was etched by an erupting volcano in the eighth century. For a place that is so tranquil and peaceful, it’s hard to believe it was created by one of most violent volcanic eruptions in history…but as the old saying goes out of every tragedy comes beauty!
For the more adventurous among you, Huka Falls is very close to Lake Taupo and is a fantastic place to try out or perfect your water rapid and kayaking skills. With over 220,000 litres of fresh mountain spring water roaring over its cliffs every second, you won’t be short of excitement that’s for sure! There are many water sports schools around this area that allow you to rent all the equipment and safety gear you need, so don’t worry about getting your kayak and paddles through security at the Airport!
No trip to New Zealand would be complete without learning a little bit about their amazing Maori heritage that is evidently a thing of national pride. The Maori were the first indigenous people of New Zealand and came to the country around 1300 CE. Prior to the Maoris’ setting up home here, New Zealand had not been inhabited by humans for around 80 million years and it was one of the last countries on the planet to be discovered by us! Up until this point New Zealand was covered in dense forest and was home to many rare species of birds due to its location in the middle of the south-west Pacific Ocean. This isolation from the rest of the world can account for why New Zealand has retain so much of its natural beauty that it is now famous for and why it also has the biggest range of unique plants and flowers.
The Maori people evidently noted the uniqueness of New Zealand and have called it home ever since. As the Maori were a tribe’s community such things as ‘Moko’ (tattoos), weaving and the ‘Haka’ (tribal dance) were prevalent in their traditions, and have been carried forth by many New Zealanders today. The ‘Haka’ was ritual dance performed by the Maori tribes before every battle and is still performed by the New Zealand rugby team before every match to this day!
In the words of the amazing Murray from the hit TV show Flight of the Conchords…’Come to New Zealand, IT ROCKS!!!!!’

Author by line: Maria fell in love with New Zealand holidays after seeing Brett and Jemaine on ‘Flight of the Conchords’ and hopes to one day stay with them in their fancy New Zealand holiday accommodation!

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Here is why you should get everyone you know to come to New Zealand!

A Precious Boost for New Zealand Tourism

Aidan Donovan — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:22:37 +0000

New Zealand’s tourism trade has been given a boost after it was confirmed that two films based on JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit will be made in the country. The films were given the green-light after lengthy discussions between the New Zealand government and Hollywood executives. New Zealand witnessed a tourism boom as a result of The Lord of the Rings trilogy being shot in the country.

The award-winning movies exposed New Zealand’s idyllic scenery internationally. According to official figures, the Rings trilogy helped New Zealand tourism earnings increase by 201 million dollars in the December quarter of 2004. The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand has said that securing the productions will boost New Zealand’s entire economy. Warner Bros and New Line had considered taking the production elsewhere when acting unions threatened to boycott the film in a row over wages. However, a marketing deal agreed between the government and Warner Bros rescued the situation.

New Zealand born director Peter Jackson filmed the three films in various locations around New Zealand. For Jackson it was a logical decision. The capital city Wellington is home to his hi-tech digital film studios Weta Digital; while the countries swooping landscapes matched Tolkien’s description of Middle Earth.

Jackson and his team scoured the country for the most-fitting locations. The volcanic region of Mount Ruapehu became the fiery Mount Doom while the rolling hills of Matamato were transformed into Hobbiton. New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, was the setting for numerous scenes, such as the Pillars of Argonath and the Ergion Hills. Along with the Rugby World Cup 2011, The Hobbit is expected to rekindle interest in New Zealand holidays.

image courtesy of Google:http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/538189210_58543abb06_z.jpg

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A Precious Boost for New Zealand Tourism

What chance do the Kiwis have in the Rugby World Cup

chris — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:41:43 +0000

The All Blacks are at it again. The year before the big event they are sweeping the board. They cleaned up in the Tri Nations, they will destroy us Brits when they visit in November this year and they will continue to dominate until about Sept 2011.

History tells us that something goes wrong for the greatest rugby nation in the world, when it comes to the World Cup Rugby event. They choke, lose, stifle or simply get too nervous. Im not suer which.

But they will be knocked out in the Semi Finals which means that the holiday you have bought through New Zealand Sky for Oct 2011 will be even more pleasurable. After all it would be great to say you were in New Zealand when England lifted the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

We still have some motorhomes available for rental during the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

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What chance do the Kiwis have in the Rugby World Cup

New Adventure Rules to be Implemented by New Zealand Government!

Mark Cronin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:35:40 +0000

Tourism is going to get tied up a little in New Zealand soon, or at least “Cushioned”! The New Zealand Government has announced that they are going to be putting “Adventure Tourism Rules” into practice soon, in order to provide a safer experience for travellers.

New Zealand is well known for its great adventure possibilities and is a popular location for those that enjoy an extreme sport or two. Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Body Boarding are among some of the most popular of the sports in this part of the world.

However with recent deaths in New Zealand attributed to some of these “extreme” sports, the government believes that they are required to step in and put a stop to dangers facing tourists. Over the space of 5 years between 2004 and 2009, 39 people had died when taking part in the various outdoor activities!

The rules are going to be designed to incorporate a mass of different activities, even those that range from bungee jumping to canyon swinging! Jet boating, and other commercial activities like rafting will not be included in this, because they already have passed the necessary safety requirements.

This could either damage tourism to New Zealand or could increase popularity of this country worldwide, setting a precedent for rules on adventure tourism around the world. It’s no surprise that New Zealand is popular when you have activities like Canyon swinging and so many outdoor activities to take part in!

New Zealand holidays are a popular experience for British tourists as well, especially back packers. And although tourists may be affected by some rules, costs may also have to be increased, depending on whether or not risk audits would need to be applied to some of the outdoor clubs!

At least we can still all enjoy activities like the one the video above! Even though it looks scary, there is something that attracts us to the exciting and adventurous island that is New Zealand!

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New Adventure Rules to be Implemented by New Zealand Government!

New Zealand holidays a hit with Gap Year Students!

Mark Cronin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:29:51 +0000

New Zealand has become one of the most popular destinations for Briton Students, when they take a gap year! Over 250,000 British holiday makers went to New Zealand from June 2009 to June 2010 making it a very popular destination to visit!

It would appear that the British have fallen in love with visiting New Zealand, and the students seem to have appreciation for the scenery. New Zealand has become a great place for any back packing adventure.

Obviously students want to enjoy the outdoors and explore something new. New Zealand offers a completely different holiday experience. If you want to trek in the great outdoors, there are few better places in the world, the advantage here, is that there is so much out here to enjoy. There are open plains and vast forests for you to enjoy, and a whole new experience!

Fiji has been rated as another popular place for Gap Year Students, although it is not quite as popular as New Zealand. Getting quick work in New Zealand is something that is also quite popular, consisting mainly of bar work! You must be careful when staying to long in New Zealand, make sure that you do not over stay your Visa!

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New Zealand holidays a hit with Gap Year Students!

New Zealand holidays! The North VS the South!

Mark Cronin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:57:30 +0000

Holidays, trips and tours to New Zealand are on the rise, and for many different reasons. New Zealand allows us to get away from it all and experience a completely different way of life, with adventure and vast area to explore!

However if you can only go for a week and don’t have enough time to travel across the two main islands of New Zealand, which one should you visit? Across travelling forums and blogs, many have asked experts where they should go if they only have enough time explore one island. In all honestly there is no right or wrong answer; there is only what you want to do. If you can’t make your mind up, maybe a summary of each island will help to point you in the right direction!

The North Island:

The home of Auckland, probably the most famous of all locations in New Zealand, even though it is not the capital! Just to give you a heads up anyone living in Auckland, is about 30 minutes away from a beach at all times! A fantastic mixture of different cultures and with a great attitude that is guaranteed to help you feel more relaxed.

Interestingly this Island is also home to the capital of New Zealand; Wellington! This rather unique city is situated between the sea and the wild. This charming and beautiful city is placed smack dab in the middle of nature. So in slight contrast with the relaxed view of Auckland, this city interestingly offers the opportunity to venture out of urban-land and into the outdoors! Many people do like to place themselves in the middle of this city so that they can experience with the vibrant shops and modern cafes!

The South Island:

Much less urbanised, the South Island gives people the opportunity to enjoy and outdoors and exploration holiday! Christchurch is the largest city on this island and a popular destination for those that enjoy the colonial heritage that surrounds this city. The advantage with Christchurch is that you are not far away from the Canterbury plains which seamlessly look like they go on for ever. The Aoraki Mount Cook is one of Canterbury’s most prominent feature, standing over 2 miles high,, this is one of the most stunning and visually pleasing features!

Adventure holidays, do they take your fancy? Then you need to try travelling to Queenstown and Fiordland!

Bungee Jumping
Rafting
Trekking
Mountian Climbing
River Surfing

Does this speak wonders to your adventurous soul? The South island offers a more exciting view to a holiday in New Zealand. I suppose it comes down to whether or not you more of an adventure, or more of a holiday!

Safari holidays may be completely different in comparison, but they are also adventure holidays, Bungee Jumping may not be on the list, but getting close to Lions certainly is!

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New Zealand holidays! The North VS the South!

The Great New Zealand 2 week holiday

chris — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:19:52 +0000

Yep, thats right, pack your bags and head out for a 2 week holiday in New Zealand. Why not. People go to Hawaii, only 8 hours shorter. Some go to Bali, again its not far beyond that. And others from Surrey and Wellington College spend longer on the M5 heading for Rock, or even worse the Sussex set endure a journey of epic proportions just to stay on the Isle of Sh Wight. Good Lord.

We have come up with the perfect 2 week (ok its 16 days but include your weekends) trip to NZ. Im afaid it means missing the North Island but your appetite will be whet and you’ll be back for more.

Our 13 day South island activity holidays is the pick of the bunch. This majestic island offers glorious mountains, activities galore (jet boating, tubing, skiing in winter, fky fishing, biking, hiking, bungy jumping, and more more more). Lakes, Glaciers, Oceans, Whales, dolphins, wine) and incomparable beauty. Arrive and depart form Christchurch.

The first 10 to read this and say I want to go to New Zealand for 2 weeks please, will get a free car upgrade and bottle of Kiwi wine on arrival.OK plus a further £50 off our already barmy rates. We dont price match because we know we are the best and offer the best self drive options with the best rates to New Zealand bar none. We are worth it.

See me in Rock you will not.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

The Great New Zealand 2 week holiday

Luxury Lodges in New Zealand

chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:45:04 +0000

There are some truly fabulous to stay all over the world but the Luxury Lodges that are dotted all over New Zealand are possibly the best. We have a bundle of these fine establishments available for you to experience and we really do encourage all of you to spoil yourselves for at least 2 nights in one of them.

When it comes to idyllic setting some argue that Fiordland Lodge has it. Perfectly placed between Queenstown and Milford Sound this wonderful property boasts Lake and Mountain views like no other. What we like about this Lodge retreat is its understated luxury. It has a genuine Kiwi charm with 2 log cabins that are the ultimate in family hideaways. A gem.

One of the newer Lodges is Tiritiri, set on an envious lakeside setting in Wanaka with majestic mountains in the background. The views are stunning, the accommodation gorgeous and so many activities that you could easily spend 10 days here (for those who have recently won the £45m Euro Lottery this could be feasible).

Huka Lodge is probably the most high profile but it desrves to be. This well established Lodge is on a beautiful river bank, with several types of luxury accommodation with the Owner’s Cottage being the ultimate in sublime accommodation. This is a peachy place in the Taupo region of the North Island.

Close to the Whale watching and Dolphin swimming town of Kaikoura is distinctly different Lodge, well treehouses really. Hapuku Lodge has some stunning, elevated rooms in the tree canopy and for sheer wow factor, it is hard to beat. Its proximity to a must go to place (Kaikoura) makes this Luxury Lodge and added attraction.

For Golfers look no further than cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs. With 2 of the most amazing golf courses on this planet these 2 Lodges offer the highest level of accommodation, dining and activity with great spas in both. Both in the North Island, they must be looked at as real treat options to stay during your NZ holiday.

We have a bundle more, too many all to mention at once. Give us a call to discuss your very special stay at one of our Luxury Lodges of New Zealand.

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Luxury Lodges in New Zealand

How to get an airline upgrade

chris — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:19:04 +0000

Thought we’d have a look at this little question as Im asked about it, weirdly by those who have booked economy seats. It seems the affluent business class traveller is not as fussed about heading North towards the cockpit and the often unseen, certainly untried First Class cabin.

In short it is nigh impossible to get that conversion from turning right to turning left (or even upstairs). However in my days at Virgin Atlantic and British Airways I learnt a small thing or two about the upgrade. Firstly, you need to be on very full, infact overbooked flights. This means that the airline will be looking to upgrade people.

How you dress then helps, though I always tuck some ‘economy’ travel wear in my hand luggage (wearing Tails in economy is not only daft but highlights the fact you are a failed Business Class Upgrade Searcher (BCUS) which will result in ridicule from the rest of your economy posse).

Having an airline loyalty card is a real clincher. Forget the BA Blue Card, my 5 year old has one of them. You need to start with Silver, aspire to Gold and if youve got the ‘rare as hens teeth’ Platinum card (can I help sir) you will not be reading this anyway. Any airline looks after its frequent travellers as best it can and that includes upgrades.

Forget eating 700 doughnuts and claiming you cant fit in your seat or claiming that you are a mate of Richard’s (if flying Virgin), neither rubs with the Servisair check in staff who after checking you in will be booking Margaret to Tenerife for some winter sun luvvie. Oh thats another one, only attempt the upgrade request with actual airline check in staff. BA at Heathrow is a good example.

Honeymooners, absolutely try your luck, anyone over 100 and Roger Moore (though he wants to travel on a bus at the momeent). You all have a chance.

But I have a better idea. BA is short of cash, to the tune of approx £260m as announced today. For a quid you get an Upgrade Lottery Ticket ticket and it says yeah or nay to an upgrade on your next journey. You know it would work, you would have a much better chance of winning than the National Lottery and it would force you to fly BA.

You heard it first here. Any airline could try it. Virgin Atlantic vs BA National Upgrade lottery every week. Imagine that. One would be on the BBC and the other on Sky probably.

NB. Any airline wishing to take up this great idea, should contact me via the blog for the rights. Ill accept a lifetime of upgrades.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

How to get an airline upgrade

Familiy activities in New Zealand

chris — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:39:59 +0000

New Zealand is a great spot for families. OK the flight is long but we are big Air New Zealand fans and they have the best leg room available on any airline and this makes a huge difference.

You will probably arrive into Auckland and this is a great start. We always encourage people to stay in our Quay West apartments, big rooms, own bedroomd and a lounge. Space galore and a gorgeous pool. Plenty to do here for all the family, climb the bridge, take a ferry to the outlying towns, visit the fabulous Martime museum.

Once you have acclimatised then the world is your oyster. The Bay of Islands has some great faamily activities including swimming with dolphins. Rotorua has the great fun luge, got to do it. There is boating on Lake Taupo and a visit to the many vineyards.

Swimming with the dolphins and whale watching in Kaikoura, the South Island is a must. Walking on a glacier will have the childern in awe and then wait until they get to Queenstown. This is the activity playground of the world, with so much on offer, from Jet Boating to body surfing down a river: walking to heli hiking, skiing to bungi jumping. This is a 4/5 day, unpack your bags and enjoy place.

Cruising Milford Sound, trekking one of the many famous walks are all other things that as a family youd love.

Without doubt a family holiday in New Zealand is best in a Motorhome or a car. Some do both for fun.

You know you want to to do it, please dad please dad can we go.

01342 310580 is the number to stop them nagging you.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

Familiy activities in New Zealand

Rugby World Cup Motorhomes / Campervans 2011

chris — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:26:15 +0000

The Rugby World Cups seem to come round so quickly that one would think they are yearly. The next tournament is hosted by the world cup ‘Chokers’, New Zealand. Despite being an awesome side the All Blacks have the uncanny knack of getting it all horribly wrong , certainly in their timings, when it comes to winning this much sought after sporting trophy.

Rugby fans from all over the world will be flocking to this far far away destination to cram in as much rugby as they can. And, unusually the matches start in September, a more attrcative time to visit this beautiful country than the more common rugby dates of June and July.

One sure fire way of seeing as much as youcan as well as travelling through New Zealand is by Motorhome (aka Campervan or if you are from the USA an RV). These will be at a premium, in huge demand and will be booked up way way in advance.

New Zealand Sky has Motorhomes available from 2 berth to 6 berth for the RWC 2011 but you will need to call us now to book.

2 weeks in NZ for the RWC incl International flights and Motorhome will cost approx:

£2669 pp for 2 people travelling

£2139 pp for 4 people travelling

£1899 pp for 6 people travelling

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

Rugby World Cup Motorhomes / Campervans 2011

Sir Howard Morrison, a legend

chris — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:32:11 +0000

Born in 1935, Morrison had a music career spanning more than 50 years, gaining fame with a collection of hits with the Howard Morrison Quartet in the late 1950s and 1960s. He was awarded an OBE in 1976, and knighted in 1990 for his services to entertainment. Few people may have heard of this legendary Kiwi but for New Zealand this is a sad loss but his music goes on.

There are several very well known bands who people may not think have New Zealand origins. But this blog gives me the excuse to mention one of the all time great pop bands..Split Enz..brilliant. Remember ‘I got you’. Fab stuff. Check them out and help the campaign to rekindle their tracks.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

Sir Howard Morrison, a legend

North or South Island

chris — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:24:06 +0000

That is the question. The answer is simple. You would be stark raving bonkers to not visit both. For sure the magnitude and majesty of grand peaks lie in the South but the coastline and hidden bays are found in the North. Skiing is in both islands though Queenstown is the mecca for the snow followers.

One of the greatest drives in the world is the Pacific Coast Highway in the North island and is worth every minute. But driving the southern tip of South Island is empty, great for motorbike tours.

Rugby is everywhere so take your pick. There are great golf courses, the North Island being home to the incredible Kauri Cliffs Golf Club. Bloomin pricey but boy oh boy what a course.

The North island just pips it when it comes to wine regions with 6 of the 10 main areas.

But if you are visiting then truly madly deeply you have to afford the time and travel the length and breadth of this stunning, beautiful, adjectives galore country.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

North or South Island

Driving or Coach Holidays

chris — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:20:23 +0000

We are often asked about the question about what is better, to go on a driving holiday or an escorted tour. To be honest there is no simple answer. Self drive holidays allow you the freedom of the road, detouring and stopping when you like and staying in smaller B&B stylie places. Great for those who like a real sense of adventure and enjoy doing daily things themselves. All of our self drive holidays include great maps, directions and things to see and do during your journey, plus great accommodation options.

Escorted touring comes in 2 fashions with us. Our small group tours with a maximum 16 people are incredible. You feel like a real VIP, with a small number of people travelling with you, offering more intimacy with the group as a result. All guides are local and the smaller vehicles mean you get to places that the larger coaches may not.

Our coach trips are perfect for those who like the combo of seeing everything there is to see with terrific local guides and meeting other people in a relaxed and organised atmosphere. If you like meeting lots of people then these are for you.

When booking your holiday to New Zealand with New Zealand Sky tell us as much as you can about the type of thing you are looking for and what things you enjoy and we will promise to get the most appropriate trip for you.

Post from: New Zealand Sky Blog

Driving or Coach Holidays