tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87292136656968271722024-02-07T21:13:45.272-08:00A New Zealand Travel GuideBits, pieces and snippets of travel ideas and opportunities in New Zealand.David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-4296686701824974712014-04-03T02:11:00.000-07:002014-04-03T02:11:24.229-07:00This safety thing again<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So another couple of tourists got robbed and assaulted - a particularly vicious attack this time. A dreadful thing. But as I keep underlining it is so rare that it was major news. Been on all the tv news and current affairs shows. The chattering classes on talkback radio went on and on about it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It must be set against the other news in that area - the fact that crime has been steadily dropping in most centres. Murders are showing a bit of an increase, but the statisticians tell us that it is not a trend, just an aberration this year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sexual assaults are also up - reported sexual assaults, and that's the key. More women are prepared to come forward and complain about low-lifes that commit that sort of crime. Thus reported crime may be up but we don't know about this type of assault overall because there is no data to compare. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two young women who were attacked in this latest event were hitch-hiking. Normally that's safe enough if there are two of you, but it just shows that there are exceptions to any rule.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My advice is take
a careful look at the driver and passengers and if they look dodgy, give it a
miss.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Having said that, I have very occasionally been forced to
hitch-hike - usually because there is no public transport available. I once got picked up at about 11pm by a bunch of hard
Maori dudes travelling from Hamilton to the casino in Auckland. They were
all drinking beer and looked less than savoury - but, hey, it was late and I
needed to get home. They were great. We had a lot of laughs, I even had a beer
with them and they dropped me right at my home in a suburb of Auckland. As I said, there are exceptions to every rule. </span></span>
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David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-48647194639609526452014-03-23T22:20:00.003-07:002014-03-23T22:20:58.762-07:00Adventure Tourism Is Dangerous - That's Why You Do It!<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The safety of adventure tourism has recently attracted attention. The government did a study and report in 2009-10 which has become the basis of tuning up the adventure industry since then. </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But the simple fact is that adventure tourism is, by its very nature, risky. Those activities - bungy jumping, jet boating, paragliding, tandem parachuting, white water rafting et al - really <i><b>are </b></i>dangerous. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sure, by careful attention to operational procedures the danger is minimised, but all the professional competence and standards rules can't totally eliminate the risk. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's like air travel. Highly regulated operational procedures can't stop something like MH370. S**t happens. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Tourist Industry Association in NZ takes a lead role in adventure tourism, helping to strengthen safety across this important visitor sector. The underlying premise is that the 'adventure' must not be taken
out of adventure tourism and that decisions made by government and other
organisations need to reflect the reality of operators working in the
adventure tourism sector.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To which I'll say amen to that. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A while back a rafter was drowned in an unfortunate event in Queenstown - which is tragic. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But the next thing customers were opting out because it was "dangerous". Well of course it's bloody dangerous - why else would you do it? Without the danger it's just an expensive and uncomfortable way to get wet, cold and miserable. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The potential for danger is what gives you the adrenalin rush. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The torism industry is quick to weed out the cowboy operators who are usually under-capitalisded and in shaky financial state - tyhe sort of conditions that lead to safety short cut. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are a visitor here look at the operator with whom you are contemplating an adventure. If they look professional - if their whole presentation is one of competence - you can be reasonably sure that they are complying with all the right safety standards. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Membership of the TIA or another industry body is usually a sign that they know what's what and who's who at the zoo. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So go with them and enjoy the ride. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more on New Zealand torurism go to my website <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/" target="_blank">A New Zealand Travel Guide</a>. </span></span><br />
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<br />David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-22919525815375689872013-10-06T02:36:00.003-07:002013-10-06T02:42:49.694-07:00Christchurch Trams Ready To Roll Again<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>One of Christchurch top tourist attractions, the Trams, is nearly ready to roll again after being shut down following the disastrous 2011 earthquakes.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The team at the Ferrymead Heritage Park has been busy during the downtime completely restoring some of the old tramcars. They look stunning in their new livery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPMnkI5x_CbZST5P1b56qvTZt5XyI4EKhyphenhyphenVHwBX9TDW2t49K19wpLb9TBAXBQUCUeiIf9maS6pa8kNKSvIJtfc_VTT4VqEQtKJmvWUQcHm_agZ9rDW74h8Z99POQnJdqSUbrLcfyAEcra/s1600/christchurch+tram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPMnkI5x_CbZST5P1b56qvTZt5XyI4EKhyphenhyphenVHwBX9TDW2t49K19wpLb9TBAXBQUCUeiIf9maS6pa8kNKSvIJtfc_VTT4VqEQtKJmvWUQcHm_agZ9rDW74h8Z99POQnJdqSUbrLcfyAEcra/s1600/christchurch+tram.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They won't running on the full route of old . . . that will come next year as the city continues to claw its way out of the abyss, but in the meantime you can catch a trip back into another time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jeff
Harvey of Ashburton’s Harvey Signs and Graphics is a traditional
sign-writer in a real sense, preferring to work with old-time methods
utilising gold leaf or non-tarnishing aluminium rather than modern
computer-generated graphics. Working on Tram No.11 which arrived from J.G. Brill of Philadelphia in
1903 to inaugurate the Dunedin Corporation electric tramway, Jeff is
reproducing the sign-writing close to as it would have been that year.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He is utilising early twentieth century sign-writing methods using gold leaf. He cannot
touch the tram body. If he does, finger grease will attract the fine
specks of airborne gold. It will not look good when the bodywork is
sealed with a clear lacquer. The completed work looks
superb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So when you hit Christchurch make sure to make time to take a trip back into the public transport of yesteryear and marvel at the craftsmanship of the volunteers that keep these wonderful old machines in perfect working order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The find out more about Christchurch's attractions go to http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Canterbury-New-Zealand.htm </span><br />
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David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-61675047544982407872013-10-02T18:21:00.004-07:002013-10-02T18:21:51.608-07:00Pahia Gives It Toilets A Makeover<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The good folk in Paihia, in New Zealand's Bay of Islands, were so ashamed when a
visitor wrote on the walls of the the local toilet block "These are the
worst toilets I have ever used" that they got their shit together, so
to speak, and did something about it.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A team of local volunteers
ripped into the scummy old toilet block and, taking a leaf out of nearby
Kawakawa's book, built a dunny with a difference. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a data-mce-href="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/paihia-toilet.jpg" href="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/paihia-toilet.jpg"><img alt="paihia toilet" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-33" data-mce-src="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/paihia-toilet.jpg?w=300" height="207" src="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/paihia-toilet.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Different
during the day, for sure, but you should see it at night - it's a
flashing disco light show. Like it's Kawakawa cousin, the local loo is
now one of the most photographed things in the town.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To learn more about Paihia and Northland, New Zealand, go to http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com or download my free Ebook <em>A New Zealand Travel Guide</em> at http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/download.htm</span></span></span>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-9128130295425958812013-09-14T16:01:00.000-07:002013-09-14T16:01:14.053-07:00The WOW Factor in Wellington and Nelson<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's World of Wearable Art time in Wellington again - this year the shows start on Sept 26 through to October 6. The awards themselves are on Sept 27. </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even if you haven't got tickets to the shows - there are still some nights available, including Saturday Oct 5 - it's still worth a trip to the capital city to see the WOW Window competition with 60 stores doing themed displays. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then there's the Wow Factor exhibition at Te Papa with a selection of garments from the past 25 years, going right back to that rainy day in Nelson when Dame Suzie Moncrieff kick-started an event that has become a major in the NZ fashion and art calendar. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkieeTShSMdR_K1kk5eY4V3J2cNx-olIOZAFNUF8ZpPPB0ziqZ8C4KRLY34yDi3coZTn4iQTqXfNhzKeLX9AIzPCeKwKp-UGzp9NqAMHQG2tc4MGBhAwctG-bNtYW4N0Js-jCFaWvSWFfS/s1600/wearableart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkieeTShSMdR_K1kk5eY4V3J2cNx-olIOZAFNUF8ZpPPB0ziqZ8C4KRLY34yDi3coZTn4iQTqXfNhzKeLX9AIzPCeKwKp-UGzp9NqAMHQG2tc4MGBhAwctG-bNtYW4N0Js-jCFaWvSWFfS/s320/wearableart.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKBK4Tk8MA3ztMAyHKvKDtsXxy9-fMkxMAi2WWaGTus64uqQ_Rs_xbxDqM18uEQKSVUwQE053wGtWSrJCX6I4JYGX_lgPv0NlKe6CjQ8qeZbET3pjcKwAOlaTr_G_86Uy4rpMqqgwItzt/s1600/wearableart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If that's not enough WOW for you, grab a flight to Nelson for a visit to the the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Rather strange bedfellows - Wearable Art and classic cars, but I guess if
the guys don't want to see the wearable art (they should, they definitely
should), they can slope off to the cars. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3vZSwfKTIYCKPVmn4htoyFao-vPYns62uqH1oyKjrtBhlHPp2KZOQV0XAwooLrb4UaeXdtCJqOKDh1HzTcS8s6KZ7SvIBLpujhhtuUX6tJHKFoQ8_AjaMIBeGNGeUYwWGxo3KTpAzEpM/s1600/Ford+Model+T+1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3vZSwfKTIYCKPVmn4htoyFao-vPYns62uqH1oyKjrtBhlHPp2KZOQV0XAwooLrb4UaeXdtCJqOKDh1HzTcS8s6KZ7SvIBLpujhhtuUX6tJHKFoQ8_AjaMIBeGNGeUYwWGxo3KTpAzEpM/s200/Ford+Model+T+1911.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The exhibits in the wearable art
section are stunning. Designers from around the world want to be part of the
annual Wearable Art awards. The show started in Nelson, but these days
it's staged in Wellington. The best of the collections are brought back
here. The cars are a world class collection of rare and classic cars. Open
10-5 daily.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more on Wellington's attractions go to <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Wellington-New-Zealand.htm">http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Wellington-New-Zealand.htm </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and for Nelson there's a lot to learn at <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Nelson-New-Zealand.htm">http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Nelson-New-Zealand.htm </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The World of Wearable Art website is at <a href="http://worldofwearableart.com/">http://worldofwearableart.com/ </a></span></span><br />
David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-74613211792775877372013-08-09T02:36:00.000-07:002013-08-09T02:48:46.217-07:00Christchurch's Woolston Shopping Mall is Fantastic<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It just has to be the new Must Visit in Christchurch - the shopping mall in the old Woolston tannery buildings, better known in more recent years as the Cassels and Sons Brewing Co. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Alasdair Casels has had a vision for the old tannery for some time. Prior to the devastating Christchurch earthquakes he had established a craft brewing business there, but could see a great deal more potential in the site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The earthquakes fairly much bowled the brewery and put the buildings at risk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Undeterred - even by the unimaginable cost - Cassels had a team of workmen strip down 150,000 bricks, clean them and once structural strengthening had been put in place, return them to their original place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then he set about turning the interior into something magical. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrUksrrkOLf9fq6Dnu-tPp26GnS11Cmfl9BXiqKhcE1jSGPWt6usQvXbrmAewSufkLY5hOjHFrqGh2OcXuYXDh5DW_vet-ZSMBmqrSRe7ocuvVgfppFY9SGgf4HhZGbgX0vNQG-TzmCq6/s1600/woolston+tannery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrUksrrkOLf9fq6Dnu-tPp26GnS11Cmfl9BXiqKhcE1jSGPWt6usQvXbrmAewSufkLY5hOjHFrqGh2OcXuYXDh5DW_vet-ZSMBmqrSRe7ocuvVgfppFY9SGgf4HhZGbgX0vNQG-TzmCq6/s320/woolston+tannery.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is what you expect to find in London, or even Melbourne. But in industrial Woolston? Magic! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The brewery is back in business and now there is a gaggle of shops, artisans and craftspeople on site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are visiting the city you simply have to go there. If for no other reason than to spend a few bob to keep the retailers in business so that further extensions of the development will make commercial sense. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZqwfe3wuktSSR3VzRSFZceH9XNqOMqHhct_UQg9ACSDjwK-2u3P07PESifme1f34oAnSgOmNsJ93lluE2WEvAvyCUJl7VFSvxzUdaeRN5Jzb1BGzkYdXKwsuW1lV0pMDRcWWtHU9DQOV/s1600/woolston+tannery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZqwfe3wuktSSR3VzRSFZceH9XNqOMqHhct_UQg9ACSDjwK-2u3P07PESifme1f34oAnSgOmNsJ93lluE2WEvAvyCUJl7VFSvxzUdaeRN5Jzb1BGzkYdXKwsuW1lV0pMDRcWWtHU9DQOV/s1600/woolston+tannery+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Already this is a marvellous addition to Christchurch's attractions. As it develops further it will become, I predict, one of the top three attractions in the city. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more on Canterbury';s attraction go to http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Canterbury-New-Zealand.htm </span><br />
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David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-85261678817022441802013-07-12T21:50:00.002-07:002013-07-12T21:55:39.760-07:00Skycity Convention Centre A Good Deal For All Concerned<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Government and casino owners Skycity have signed a deal under which the company will build and operate a 3500-seat convention centre in return for being allowed more poker machines and an extension of their casino licence to 2048. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtNgc675MXAw4oyknhXE8F63tq9-BajgPSqOT-nqH9yXvX3Ra9RPOWTH3rhKa2jo5ELz1bfewJYN1ryXAViPic5dhC1Vp0xZUcRY2BsyWhnlc-WVv_PeTNQEuQEpz7l8TVKd07Q8upg-Z/s1600/convention+centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtNgc675MXAw4oyknhXE8F63tq9-BajgPSqOT-nqH9yXvX3Ra9RPOWTH3rhKa2jo5ELz1bfewJYN1ryXAViPic5dhC1Vp0xZUcRY2BsyWhnlc-WVv_PeTNQEuQEpz7l8TVKd07Q8upg-Z/s320/convention+centre.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The arrangement has run into a barrage of objections from the hand-wringing classes - "problem gambling will increase" is their plaintive cry. They should stop whining. The loudest noise comes from people whose jobs depend on a steady supply of addicts to "counsel and support". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wellington's Dominion-Post - a pathetic imitation of a real newspaper - boomed "If the Government truly believes doctors, dentists and real estate
salespeople can be persuaded to hold thier (sic) annual shindigs at the bottom
of the world, the new centre should be paid for by those who will
profit from it – tourist operators, Auckland ratepayers and taxpayers,
in that order."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What, no contribution from the Wellington cafes that will pick the pockets of the doctors, dentists and real estate sales people as they explore the rest of the country before or after their "shindig"? Nor from the ferry operators that will carry them to and from the South Island . . . not to mention the civil servants that will be employed watching over this Auckland den on iniquity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just how stupid can an editorial writer be? Pretty damn stupid judging by the piece they printed on 14 May 2013. <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/editorials/8667051/Editorial-Keys-casino-a-misery-shrine">Read the drivel here. </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The tourism strategy behind the convention centre is simple: Build it and they will come. And then they will spend more time enjoying the rest of the country's tourist attractions. Businesses from North Cape to Bluff will be getting their share of the spoils as 33,000 high-wealth conventioneers annually spread the wallet love around. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And as for the proposition that the increase in poker machines and gaming tables will result in an increase in problem gambling - what statistical bosh. There are already 1600-odd poker machines in the place. Anyone who is at risk of addiction already has ample opportunity to fall into evil ways. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's not like there are queues of people waiting for a vacant machine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the other hand if you have a couple of thousand convention attendees in the
house I can well see why the casino might want more machines and tables to
relieve them of some of their cash. Where's the harm? The average conventioneer
can afford it and is unlikely to become addicted. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As for the license extension, given that the company has a mega-million
dollar investment in the casino, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, a
theatre and the convention centre is there any serious suggestion that the
casino license would not be renewed in the normal course of events? Of course
not. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All this deal does is make a virtue of the inevitable, thus giving the
company's shareholders some certainty in return for their huge investment in
tourism infrastructure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, no, I am not a fan of casinos. Haven't been there in years. </span><br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But I do like the tourist attractions they offer - Skytower, Skywalk, Skyjump and the Weta Cave. And they operate a couple of excellent hotels and a raft of good nosh spots. Find out more about these - and other Auckland - attractions by downloading "A New Zealand Travel Guide" eBook. <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/download.htm"> Here's the link. </a></span></div>
David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-46911175326673457772013-06-26T23:04:00.001-07:002013-06-26T23:12:21.377-07:00Is New Zealand Safe For Travellers?<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLmUP7uCT3d4AcRN2L7ZMNXLCSmeNC40zPx6-enil56AeZZGlJ_lGtuk6mpqkEaI5jk6AvEQDqXuoJLnbgjPOlpezjannJglyrxmtRTdG6LeOan7GI3kB2J9BfqYHUU-O4A-49UWIHkbr/s1600/nzpolice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLmUP7uCT3d4AcRN2L7ZMNXLCSmeNC40zPx6-enil56AeZZGlJ_lGtuk6mpqkEaI5jk6AvEQDqXuoJLnbgjPOlpezjannJglyrxmtRTdG6LeOan7GI3kB2J9BfqYHUU-O4A-49UWIHkbr/s1600/nzpolice.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">New Zealand cops are
efficient, friendly and corruption-free.</span></i></div>
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<b>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Occasionally some
twit who knows little about statistics and even less about life comes up with
some outrageous stat like “New Zealand is the second most violent country behind
South Africa”. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b>What is in the heads of these guys?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a strict statistical sense it
may be true – but that’s because in most cases if the police are called to any
sort of domestic dispute they lay charges against someone. Thus our stats are
pumped up because all the clowns that hit their wives or husbands are classed as
“violent crime”. Most other countries don’t even bother to report it</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In other words it’s not that our crime rate is higher, it’s just because we
collect better statistics..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The result of tabloid beat-up stories can, however, cause visitors to worry
about whether New Zealand is as safe as it seems.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Here’s the truth: Car jacking is unknown. Murders anywhere in the country are
still headline national news. Street muggings are rare. Sexual assaults are also
headline news. Nobody carries guns – not even the cops. Armed robberies are not
an everyday occurrence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Now the qualifications – yes, of course, there is the occasional street mugging,
rape happens, a very limited number of gang members are armed, and armed
robberies are at a rate of about two or three a week nationally. </span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Here’s the actual numbers: Last year in the whole country there were 46 murders,
1874 robberies, 2204 sexual attacks. “Robberies” includes all forms of robbery –
muggings, hold-ups etc – about 7 a day. “Sexual attacks” includes all kinds of
situations in which someone was touched in an inappropriate manner – like a man
on a bus putting his hand on the knee of the woman alongside him. Rape formed a
minor part of the figures.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It is all but unknown for, for instance, a couple of sleeping tourists to be
pulled from their campervan or sleepervan and seriously assaulted or robbed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
How safe are tourists? Provided you take simple precautions, very safe. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
What are the risks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The most common crime against tourists is theft from vehicles. It doesn’t happen
often, but it does happen. The most common location for this is at well known
tourist parking spots – for instance, at the head of a walking track. </span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Local communities are well aware of the problem and sensitive to its
implications. In most places they maintain a citizens watch group.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
But even the best citizen patrols won’t catch every little street-rodent every
time so sometimes someone loses out. In most instances it is kids looking for
money, cigarettes, liquor or big-brand clothing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Here’s some simple tips to reduce the risk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The best thing to leave in a car – other than a starving pit-bull – is nothing.
If you must park your car on a street take everything of value with you to the
hostel or motel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A
simple thing: :Leave the glove-box open. The sewer rats that prey on parked cars
can see that there’s nothing in the glove-box so it isn’t worth busting a
window. Even if they go away empty-handed after breaking in, you are left with
the cost and inconvenience of replacing a side window. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A
lot of self-drive tourists state that they want a sedan – a car with a boot (OK
– trunk if you insist) – because they can store stuff in there. Wrong. Most car
boots are quickly and easily accessed from inside the car. A quick tap on the
window to shatter it, reach inside, pull the lever, boot open, stuff gone. Total
time 15-20seconds. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Again, even if they open the boot and find it empty, your stuck with a broken
window problem.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In many ways an empty hatchback or station wagon is still the best protection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
What about personal safety?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The major cities are relatively safe even in the downtown areas. I can think of
nowhere in Auckland that would be regarded as a no-go zone for tourists. A young
woman on her own would need to be cautious in dark side street. – but, hey,
99,999 times out of 100,000 she’d be quite safe. Why take the risk if you don’t
have to?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A
couple walking down a side street is unlikely to be accosted. Sure, it happens,
but it’s not a prevalent offence. Again, simple precautions like avoiding dark
streets with loitering youths is still street smart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I’m 1.8m tall, slimmish and grey-haired. I.e. I’m no 400 pound gorilla that
would be safe even in LAs south west area. But I can not think of any street in
downtown Auckland. Wellington ort Christchurch that I would feel scared to walk
down in the middle of the night. The only proviso to that is in the wee small
hours of the morning – say 2am to 4am – when drunken yobbos are finally thrown
out of the nearest downtown watering hole. And you know what a drunk can be
like – looking for trouble and wanting to take on the world. Just ignore them,
don’t engage and move on. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
On the rare occasions that a tourist has been robbed in the downtown area of
Auckland it usually makes the tv news that night. How rare is that?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
What about theft in hostels. Yeah, yeah – again it happens but it’s not
prevalent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
What do you do if you have a problem? Obviously , go to the police. The NZ
Police have a proud record of corruption-free service. You need have no worry
that the copper you talk to is on the take. Again, it’s all but an unknown. You
should expect to get immediate attention and assistance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>David Morris is a
freelance New Zealand travel writer. You can get his free EBook,<a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Download%20request.htm">
“A New Zealand Travel Guide” </a>at http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Download
request.htm</i></span></span></div>
David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-72944548157654577452013-03-24T19:45:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:02:14.065-07:00Auckland’s West Coast Beaches had a bad week Two drownings at Piha and a fatal shark attack at Muriwai a couple of
weeks ago might tend to suggest that Auckland’s West Coast beaches are a
place to avoid. No such thing.<br />
<br />
Shark attacks are rare in New Zealand. There have only been 11 fatal
attacks since 1852 – and this in a country where swimming in the sea is a
popular recreation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/piha.jpg" target="_parent"><img alt="Piha" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16" src="http://nztravelguide.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/piha.jpg?w=450" /> Piha Beach</a><br />
<br />
<br />
But the drownings are a different story. West Coast beaches, and Piha
in particular, have dangerous rips, the currents created by water
flowing back out to sea. After a wave breaks on the shore, the water has
to return to sea. The resulting current is called a rip. If you get
caught in it you will be swept along with it.<br />
<br />
The drownings occurred when three men went swimming at night, fully
clothed (and wearing jeans!) and chose to swim in a strong rip close to
Piha’s Lion Rock. Even for a strong swimmer that would be risky. These
guys had no chance. They were gone before the lifeguards could turn to
and rescue them.<br />
<br />
Their fate underlies the importance, especially for overseas visitors
unfamiliar with ocean beaches, to be extremely cautious when swimming
in the sea.<br />
<br />
Ideally you should swim on a patrolled beach – and always, always
swim between the flags. Idiots go away from the patrolled area because
they want to get away from the crowds. Not knowing the ways of the sea
they choose to swim in an area of calm water. That smooth water is a
death trap. That’s a rip. They get into difficulties and it can be
several critical minutes before their plight is reported and longer for
the lifeguards to race down the beach and come to their aid.<br />
<br />
Then my three daughters, a 21-year-old and two 15-year-olds, all
lifeguards at North Piha, have to race into the surf , putting their own
lives on the line, to rescue them.<br />
<br />
To find out more about Auckland and its beaches go to my travel site <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Auckland-New-Zealand.htm">New Zealand Travel Guide</a> .David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-49963578653546248002012-06-26T20:16:00.000-07:002012-06-26T20:16:45.556-07:00Queenstown Liquor Ban Is Lazy Law, Lazier Policing<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Just writing about Queenstown food choices in my (Not Quite) Complete Guide to New Zealand Travel and I suggested that a great meal - and a cheap one at that - is to get a seafood basket from Aggys Shack on the lake front, grab a bottle of local wine and a couple of plastic glasses and sit down at the lake edge to enjoy fine dining with a million dollar view. <br /><br />
Then the hand of the Dark Lords at Lakes District Council cast a shadow over the idea. <br /><br />
There's a 24-hour liquor ban in downtown Queenstown between Dec 27 and Jan 6 and during festival week. So dining al fresco con vino is a no-no during these most popular dates. <br /><br />
Why?<br /><br />
This sounds for all the world like a classic autocratic authority response to a problem that doesn't, or at the very least, shouldn't, exist. <br /><br />
The usual approach by authorities in this situation is to take a rock-breaker to a problem the size of a pebble. <br /><br />
First question: Does the problem really exist? Are visitors to the town so drunk and disorderly during the daylight and early evening hours that the local constabulary can't deal with them? I have no problem with a ban between 10pm and 6am at certain times of the year (does it really need to be year-round) but, really, is there widespread, uncontrollable agro on the streets during the day??<br /><br />
Second Question: If there is hooliganism abroad on the streets, why not deal with that problem directly instead of punishing everybody? <br /><br />
Catch and release. Round up the drunks, leave them to contemplate the grim bare walls of a jail cell over night and release them in the morning, thus leaving the law-abiding citizenry free to enjoy the finest fruits of ocean and vine amid the splendour of the Wakatipu landscape. <br /><br />
The present rules are lazy law and even lazier policing. </div>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-83330308299315767642012-06-21T17:50:00.001-07:002012-06-21T17:50:27.832-07:00Queenstown Is A Bargain<div style="color: black;">
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<em style="font-style: normal;"><b>HOT DEAL:</b> </em></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><em style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Right now Queenstown is a red-hot raving bargain. You can get return
flights ex-Auckland with either carrier for around $330. A
more-than-reasonable motel - Colonial Village - can he had for $90 a night or
Rydges Lakeland Hotel, a 3-Star Plus property, for the same money. The Millenium, a 4-Star Plus hotel, is $105 a night. And this is Winter Festival week.</span>
</span></em></div>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-14512927473750095832012-06-04T23:03:00.004-07:002012-06-04T23:12:30.290-07:00Southland's Wild, Bootleg Past<div style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<b>The Golden Guitar awards have just finished in Gore, New Zealand, but the town has another claim to fame. Sly grog!</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
hill country near Gore is called the Hokonui Hills and while many NZers may not
know of their existence or their location, nevertheless they've heard of Hokonui.
It is the name for moonshine, bootleg hooch . . illicit whisky that used to be
brewed in them thar hills.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CfqG-16bdPz3mAptXHFbfR-wk4xwd2LYDy6Xbd9PRWsvbruQb_SYzzgDEDxa3OmhjmPVVCPR1Cw-rQsZ1gxqL1iIoI0Xet1fHdbYy3BQ0drBDTJVbr99q5884hMZt6caYL4Y_lXZBXt-/s1600/Hokonui+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CfqG-16bdPz3mAptXHFbfR-wk4xwd2LYDy6Xbd9PRWsvbruQb_SYzzgDEDxa3OmhjmPVVCPR1Cw-rQsZ1gxqL1iIoI0Xet1fHdbYy3BQ0drBDTJVbr99q5884hMZt6caYL4Y_lXZBXt-/s1600/Hokonui+label.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: small;">In 1903 the area around the region voted to "go dry" - in other words prohibition
of the sale of alcohol. That no-licence prohibition continued until 1954. But
the the stills in the hills of Hokonui passed into the nation's folklore
as they turned out a whisky to quench the thirst of a waiting and welcoming
market.<br />
<br />
Along with other facets of the Highland heritage the early settlers brought
with them a knowledge of whisky distilling. Though they were otherwise upright,
god-fearing, law-abiding men, the prohibition against the distilling and selling
of whisky was something they just could not, in all conscience, see as
applicable to their particular situation. It was a curse visited upon them by a bunch of
holier-than-thou, misguided sassenachs.<br />
<br />
The original Hokonui is said to have been of the highest quality, but later
brews were made more with an eye for a fast buck than a pride in producing a
fine wee dram.<br />
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The distillers went to inordinate lengths to hide the location of the stills.
These were heated by burning manuka, a scrubby tree with wood that burns with a
hot, aromatic flame. To hide the tell-tale columns of smoke literally miles of
pipes were laid underground through the bush to duct the smoke away from the
still site. Often when the authorities found the suspicious smoke<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP8l2UJbEEgcyMFiQQ2vLHYxO-hG0kmERo4uafl0mWz0poUCNx2kVUesu0iL6UYITEiQrCNUu_f6FRffZjrY7KaUhdDMmdwt3jiS_hGjNy4QTJX2RLlDc_ipL_40bt-YL3vcU-mXsW94b/s1600/Hokonui+still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP8l2UJbEEgcyMFiQQ2vLHYxO-hG0kmERo4uafl0mWz0poUCNx2kVUesu0iL6UYITEiQrCNUu_f6FRffZjrY7KaUhdDMmdwt3jiS_hGjNy4QTJX2RLlDc_ipL_40bt-YL3vcU-mXsW94b/s1600/Hokonui+still.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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As early as 1924 the aeroplane was being used to hunt the stills -
reminiscent of the use of aerial hunts today for marijuana growers. Planes were
used to overcome the sophisticated lookout systems used by the distillers which
enabled them to escape - sometimes just in the nick of time, leaving behind
still warm fire-beds for the police to find.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
There is a genuine Hokonui still preserved in the museum. It took quite a
scrap with the authorities to get it there. The police claimed it was
required for tuition purposes at the Police Training School. Finally the
government agreed that it all sounded like bureaucratic humbug and it was
handed over to the Southland Museum.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Editorialising on the occasion, the local paper, the Mataura Ensign, said "This
noble symbol testifying to the initiative and enterprise of our forefathers,
with implications of freedom and good cheer, has finally come home.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
It is now on loan to the Hokonui Moonshine Museum where you can catch up with
some of Southland's rollicking past,. </span><br />
</span>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-35062641765811781412012-04-30T04:11:00.002-07:002012-04-30T04:11:52.454-07:00Overdue Overhaul for the OverlanderKiwirail has announced that it is going to give the Auckland/Wellington Overlander train service a complete makeover. Not before time.<br />
<br />
In theory this train journey should be one of the world's great train trips, if for no other reason that the engineering marvels needed to build it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTci0aXMxtxO9KQJTpXOTZ1OVD_puhhSoX35opRIlgSRUqiKQn3C_2xypxfhTrAfnc8_sVskgu9T1brbKtLhsOGg6BIdkf60dOafL5_yEl1xtw_qygPhHSrZDbYH8uyxqTQLy__fBn2RVH/s1600/overlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTci0aXMxtxO9KQJTpXOTZ1OVD_puhhSoX35opRIlgSRUqiKQn3C_2xypxfhTrAfnc8_sVskgu9T1brbKtLhsOGg6BIdkf60dOafL5_yEl1xtw_qygPhHSrZDbYH8uyxqTQLy__fBn2RVH/s1600/overlander.jpg" /></a></div>
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The massive viaducts necessary to bridge the central North Island's hill country for example. And the famous Raurimu Spiral . . . it was a world first in railway engineering, creating a track layout that literally crossed its own tracks.<br />
<br />
<br />
The service has suffered from dodgy old carriages, some of them over 60 years old that have been given once -over-lightly refurbishment - and that some years ago,.<br />
<br />
The new carriages are being poached from the Coastal Pacific route between Picton and Christchurch. They have large viewing windows for a better customer experience. The onboard crew will have new uniforms, there'll be a new menu and the journey will be faster because they have reduced the number of stops.<br />
<br />
Let's face it with air fares AKL/WLG as cheap as $39 nobody is going to use the train as a way of getting from A to B. It's only future is as a tourist attraction and that means ramping up the whole experience package.<br />
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Got to say, on past performance, I don't hold out much hope, but, hey, these are new days, new management, and hopefully a more creative approach to creating great new product. <br />
<br />
It starts a three-time a week run in each direction from June 25. <br />
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<br />David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-13365418862893009752012-04-24T01:13:00.001-07:002012-04-24T01:21:51.547-07:00Christchurch Eateries Decimated<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I can not believe how many restaurants and cafes Christchurch has lost. I knew it was bad but until today I had no idea just how bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If a Roman legion failed to perform in battle the officers would execute every tenth man . . . thus the term decimated. That's at least what has happened to a city that used to have an excellent dining environment. In the central city I would guess that nine out of ten eateries have closed permanently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Right now I'm writing the Christchurch page of my extended Travelguide to New Zealand and I'm slogging through all the restaurant options to select the best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Time after time when I look up an entry I'm told that the building has been condemned and the restaurant will not re-open. There seem to be literally dozens and dozens of eateries - including some of the city's best - that have disappeared never to return. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
Sadly some of my favourite watering holes now lie in ruins in the red
zone and the promenade of eateries fronting the river along Oxford St are
similarly momentarily unavailable, but there are still some posh nosh spots to
be savoured.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.spagalimis.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Spagalimis</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">,
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.thegeorge.com/restaurants.htm" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">50 On The Park</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
at the George Hotel, Cathays at Hornby for cheap Chinese, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.chinwageathai.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Chinwag Eathai
Victoria</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">,
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.cooknwithgas.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Cook.n With Gas</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">,
Corianders for Indian, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.edesia.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Edesia</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
out at Addington, JC’s Place Chinese restaurant at Riccarton, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.jdv.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">JDV</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
at Merivale, and if you’re out that way and prefer Thai try Merry Thai,
Nobanno in Colombo St, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.thegeorge.com/restaurants.htm" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Pescatore</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
another highly rated George Hotel option, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.rotherhamsofriccarton.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rotherhams of
Riccarton</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">,
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://www.sevantis.co.nz/" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Servantis</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">
in Burnside<i>. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Read more about Christchurch at </i></span><i><a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Canterbury-New-Zealand.htm">A New Zealand Travel Guide</a></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">
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<br />David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-3893724992064135382012-04-18T04:24:00.003-07:002012-04-18T04:31:23.891-07:00Not All Motels Are Suffering The Honesty Attack<p>Some motels are so blatant it borders on dishonesty. <a href="http://www.strathern.co.nz/">Strathern Motor Lodge</a> is one. On the AA website they list their prices as from $90 - $280. On their home page, however, they show studios at "From" $79. '</p><p>Yeah, right. Do these guys write Tui billboards in their spare time?<br /></p><p>When you click on Book Now and get taken to the reservations site they list those same units as having a "Full Price" of $140 which they then generously discount to $115 for a three night stay. </p> <p>Click through to dates in June and the rate is, sure enough, $140. <br /></p><p>$140 minus $79 . . . is there a discrepancy here? Let me think?</p> <p> Hello Commerce Commission - here I come. </p><p> </p>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-62781243292791435772012-04-13T15:18:00.002-07:002012-04-13T15:22:27.146-07:00New Zealand motels having and attack of honesty?<span style="font-family: arial;">Are me beady old eyes deceiving me . . . or has the New Zealand motel industry had an attack of honesty?</span><br style="font-family: arial;"> <br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> In the course of checking out motel prices in Blenheim and Kaikoura as I write the State Highway 1 material for my Travel Guide I have noticed a phenomenon not previously seen: Motels actually offering rates below their advertised rate on the AA Travel website. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"> <br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> I have been a trenchant critic of the mot</span><span style="font-family: arial;" class="text_exposed_show">el industry using bait advertising. Rates shown on widely used sites such as Jasons and AA often have no relation to reality. <br /><br /> But in these two towns things have changed - or maybe it's just that things are tough and there's a bit of discounting. Either way, in Kaikoura, for instance, 12 out of 20 motels surveyed were showing low season rates that were equal to or below their AA rate and another couple were only $2 a night dearer than advertised.<br /><br />One, however, Beachcomber Motel, was a full $20 above their advertised rate. That's dishonesty by any measure.<br /><br />In Blenhein four out of 13 were offering units at the promoted rate. <br /><br /> It may be that the now widespread availability of online booking engines means that the punters can check out rates instantly . . . thus removing the incentive to use bait advertising. It's not a good look to be caught lying about tariffs. Might lead to instant use of the back button.<br /><br />For more on New Zealand accommodation go to http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/accomm.htm<br /></span>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-5284642545943323932012-04-12T17:04:00.005-07:002012-04-12T17:54:46.418-07:00Hobbit Movie Filmset A Big Attraction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRj7kn2ehvsetIHK6xE6KiDUDzODzv1l0h0GHi8YoXHGtFBddJonom_E_mB5m9C7e5ieG8RNYkWsFiHn3kpjrdeNYaKOHEGfijdI1ihSychdJqov-TXKfBCF9Ry-2PnZCYbjuDvgdzV-v/s1600/Hobitt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRj7kn2ehvsetIHK6xE6KiDUDzODzv1l0h0GHi8YoXHGtFBddJonom_E_mB5m9C7e5ieG8RNYkWsFiHn3kpjrdeNYaKOHEGfijdI1ihSychdJqov-TXKfBCF9Ry-2PnZCYbjuDvgdzV-v/s320/Hobitt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730681992274289778" border="0" /></a><br /><h5 align="left"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Hobiton movie set near Matamata has seen a huge boost in tourism numbers this year as a result of filming the latest Peter Jackson trilogy. </span></span></h5> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Must say I wonder how they are going to stretch a fairly slim book intro two full-length movies . . . Lord of the Rings, yes, because it was three full-length books. But I read The Hobbit to my kids in the course of about a week of bedtime stories. </span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Never mind, I'm sure we will just love what the Jackson-Weta team do with the story. </span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> In the meantime the rebuilt Hobbiton is pulling in the crowds. Over the past 12 months it has attracted 266,000 visitors, a 60% increase on the previous year. The Matamata business community must be happiness-filled. </span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> When it was originally constructed for Lord Of The Rings in 1999 it was temporary and was to be bulldozed when filming finished. Problem was that more and more Ringies kept turning up at the gate of farmer Russell Alexander and asking to wander over his paddocks to see it. Initially his deal with the film company was that no commercial use was to be made of the abandoned set, but the sheer numbers of fans arriving caused a change of game plan and a formal tour was set up. </span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> This time the 44 hobbit holes have been built of permanent materials with the intention of making it a major tourist attraction. Can you hear the ker-chang of the cash registers? </span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> You can learn more about Hobbiton Tours at <a href="http://www.hobbitontours.com/">http://www.hobbitontours.com</a>.</span></p> <p align="left" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And learn more about attractions in the Waikato region at <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Waikato-New-Zealand.htm"> http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Waikato-New-Zealand.htm</a>.</span></p>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-15032475384290640222012-04-11T01:10:00.004-07:002012-04-11T02:35:39.222-07:00Ride The Rails 21st Century Style Near Rotorua<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sJ2uhrpAyV6AEROPS4kl-CYPDUf1t9BiuasFwJCO7eXJ8eRnID1s0Gp0FXWhC4zLq4QG9lW9fTsewRQFiMR3Z9-2quzou4v96W9iyqL25umgkCVP3mvFGE9eMj7e3BDCSRUKkbpjCT2z/s1600/railcar.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sJ2uhrpAyV6AEROPS4kl-CYPDUf1t9BiuasFwJCO7eXJ8eRnID1s0Gp0FXWhC4zLq4QG9lW9fTsewRQFiMR3Z9-2quzou4v96W9iyqL25umgkCVP3mvFGE9eMj7e3BDCSRUKkbpjCT2z/s320/railcar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730056967636623346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Fancy taking a ride in your own railcar? </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"> </span><b style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://railcruising.com/">Mamaku Express</a></span></b><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > will put you in the cab and on the rails. </span> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">They have taken a lease on a chunk of the old Putaruru - Rotorua railway line, the 20km bit between Mamaku and Turekenga, and developed a world-first hybrid petrol / electric rail-car to ride the rails. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">The 4-seater cars are fully automated - you just sit back and enjoy the view as you rumble along at 20kmh. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">In so doing you ride the North Island's steepest gradient at 3.5:1 through the rain forest in the Dansey Scenic Reserve and enjoy 360 degree views over rolling hills and Lake Rotorua. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">It carries with it the heritage of past generations who built and lived their lives on the commerce of the rail: tourist operators; loggers; haulers; millers and foresters of all sorts. The railway was the heart of a forestry industry that thrived in Mamaku for many years around the 1940's. It is this heritage and stunning scenery in addition to its reach into the local tourist centre of Rotorua that made the Rotorua Railway the perfect place to offer a new and entirely unique rail experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">You'll find Mamaku Express at the<b> </b>Mamaku Railway Station on the top of the Mamaku Ranges just off State Highway 5 between Tirau and Rotorua. </span></p> <p> <b> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://railcruising.com/">Mamaku Express</a>: </span> </b> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">11 Kaponga St <b> <strong class="small_text">Ph </strong></b> 0800-724-574 (0800-RAILRIDERS) <b>Email</b> <a href="mailto:info@railcruising.com">info@railcruising.com</a>.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">You can read more about Rotorua's attractions </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Rotorua page of my <b><a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/Rotorua-New-Zealand.htm">New Zealand Travel Guide</a></b></span></p>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-85455411308182351802010-02-12T00:50:00.001-08:002012-04-06T04:55:03.463-07:00Arrowtown's Autumn Festival is a must if you are travelling New Zealand<p align="left"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#D5115A;">If you are on a New Zealand travel adventure, arrange your schedule to be in Arrowtown, Central Otago, on tbetween April 20 - 29. It's the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival and it is days of history, fun, music, food and all round good times.</span></b></p> <p align="left"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#AE0057;"><img src="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/IMAGES/arrowtownfest1.jpg" border="0" height="186" hspace="5" width="278" align="left" /></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">That time in April is when the Central Otago foliage is at its glorious finest. Like any climate which has hard winters, the summer foliage in Central turns to fiery displays of colour in autumn. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Arrowtown, 20km from Queenstown, is at the very heart of that autumnal finery . . . and the good folk of the town celebrate it in down home country style. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Let's put it this way: I am specially arranging my travel affairs to be there again. It's that good. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em><b><img src="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/IMAGES/arrowtownfest3.jpg" border="0" height="173" hspace="5" width="251" align="right" /></b></em>Proceedings kick off on Friday night, April 20, with an art exhibition at the Lakes District Museum. Given that Central is home to some of NZ's finest artists this will be a good night out even if you "don't know much about art, but know what you like". Entry is a miserable $5 . . . and that includes your first drink. What's more you can have a wander around one of the best small museums in the country. How good is that!!</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">And, just as an extra sweetener, there's $5500 in prize-money up for grabs. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Saturday is market day, family day and a parade. <span>A village wide market experience with over 120 stalls selling some of the best NZ made products ranging from arts and crafts, to farmers and artisan food. Set amongst the canopy of autumn trees, this vibrant market is full of atmosphere and with live entertainment throughout the day. It's on the village green and admission is a gold coin donation. Priceless! </span></span></p> <p align="left"><span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><img src="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/IMAGES/Arrowtowntest2.jpg" border="0" height="168" hspace="5" width="221" align="left" />Jazz bands, international street performers, aerobatic displays - you can even go gold panning to see if you make your fortune. (Don't bet the ranch on it). And that night is the 70s Disco Inferno at the Athenaeum Hall. $30 gets you in, cash bar and a light supper served. Heartland fun at its best. </span></span></p> <p align="left"><span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">I've been to this festival before. Take it from me it really is a great day out. For the traveller it's something you'll fondly remember for the rest of your days. </span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">You can get more information and tickets from the <a href="http://arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz/"><b>Arrowtown Autumn Festival Website. </b></a></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">For more on Central Otago attractions go to the <b><a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/queenstown.htm">Queenstown and </a></b></span><b><a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/queenstown.htm"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Central Otago page</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">.</span></b></p>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-33643173901155816602010-02-05T16:51:00.000-08:002010-02-10T14:11:24.030-08:00Winery Tour a feast of New Zealand music - travellers should catch it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdV6iXtx4X1oVDdyYMJ6pU_PurpQkqXuKQwqPBkLzLayW_aW8Xreh4bKbs5-SK5gKm3uOblUUEP7aQ7QwMKNrNT_aB-IrgLMbiLJhhUByaYLeRH6GRQOVWtsm-YmHnhtQm0hk4ViMB-QW/s1600-h/winerytour.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdV6iXtx4X1oVDdyYMJ6pU_PurpQkqXuKQwqPBkLzLayW_aW8Xreh4bKbs5-SK5gKm3uOblUUEP7aQ7QwMKNrNT_aB-IrgLMbiLJhhUByaYLeRH6GRQOVWtsm-YmHnhtQm0hk4ViMB-QW/s320/winerytour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434928526813481474" /></a><br />If you are travelling New Zealand on holiday try to catch the More-FM Winery Concert Tours somewhere along its way. It's a feast of world-class New Zealand music. <br /><br />At Ascension Vineyard, between Warkworth and Matakana last night a crowd of 4000 sat under the setting sun enjoyed the venue's fine wine products, supped up on picnic hampers and were treated to a pot-pourri of classics from Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbin. <br /><br />The warm-up set was done by Runga's younger sister, Boh Runga, along with major hip-hop star, Supergroove front-man Che Fu - and they alone would have been feast enough to justify the entrance money. They were on stage for well over an hour.<br /><br />The three main players reprised a tour they did together 10 years ago, and time has not wearied them. They gave us all the hits we wanted to hear with Finn reaching back to the days of Split Enz , Crowded house and his own solo career. We got Weather, I See Red with it's high energy and discordant piano riffs, Six Months in A Leaky Boat. Bic Runga's hits Sway and Driver were there and Dobbin served up Wailing, Loyal - anthem of New Zealand's America's Cup bid a few years back - and You Oughta Be in Love, the theme from the film Footrot Flats. <br /><br />Not surprisingly, given the career paths of the performers, the age range of the audience was wide, very wide. At least three if not four generations. The middle age moshers down front had their kids, and grandkids, boppin' to the beats. <br /><br />The show covers 18 shows at 16 venues from as far north as Tutukaka to Millbrook at Queenstown. <br /><br />Seriously, if you are here on holiday this is your chance to sample the best of Kiwi music. <br /><br />Get more from the tour website www.winerytour.co.nz.<br /><br />For more on what to see and what to do in New Zealand go to http://New-Zealand-Travel-Guide.comDavid Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-31506669377579659202010-01-31T01:39:00.000-08:002010-02-05T17:58:13.860-08:00Jazz on the Auckland, New Zealand, waterfront<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hDdLluSH8dqCTThXSyY0PgOuxBbtpF2fUD9-HzrsRDb9J9ZBe73p4ExakUABhefB37Cl8zrcyEop8zdc0I9XecZ558qXLugxe0v4fM2EqpcEF-qhQniC6W3KneTmdQUQYwl2-P3NbDKr/s1600-h/missionbayfest.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hDdLluSH8dqCTThXSyY0PgOuxBbtpF2fUD9-HzrsRDb9J9ZBe73p4ExakUABhefB37Cl8zrcyEop8zdc0I9XecZ558qXLugxe0v4fM2EqpcEF-qhQniC6W3KneTmdQUQYwl2-P3NbDKr/s320/missionbayfest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432841301010386514" border="0" /></a><br />The Mission Bay Jazz and Blues festival has become one of those very Auckland things to do each year . . . like Christmas In The Park, barbecues and picnics on the beach. Any beach. We got hundreds of them.<br /><br />Mission Bay is one of my favourite beaches. When I was rich and famous . . . well, maybe not famous, more infamous probably - I used to live in Mission Bay and sail my little 12ft Z-class sailboat there. Loved going to the restaurants and cafes that had started to spring up along the waterfront.<br /><br />But that was years ago and today the seafront is alive with cafes, bars and shops.<br /><br />On 27 Feb this year the whole beachfront will light up with the sound of music when the Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its tenth iteration, starts.<br /><br />They actually close off Tamaki Drive, one of the main thoroughfares in the city, to allow bands to play on the street itself and thousands of music lovers to enjoy an event with friendly atmosphere, dining, dancing and festivity.<br /><br />Fans can enjoy over 20 New Zealand bands and international acts made up of over 180 musicians who will entertain spectators from 6-11pm. Continuous concerts on various stages located within the venue, including beach front and fountain stages, ensure a night of non-stop entertainment.<br /><br />For more - and to buy tickets - go to http://www.jazzandbluesstreetfest.com/<br /><br />For more on what to see and what to do in Auckland go to http://New-Zealand-Travel-Guide.com/auckland.htmDavid Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-1229831769225334562009-05-11T14:17:00.000-07:002009-05-11T15:11:30.981-07:00Huge Early Snow Falls in New Zealand Are Great News For Ski TravellersThe amount of snow falling in New Zealand means international ski travel should be high on the overseas skiers' agenda. And for the local skiers, too, for that matter. <br /><br />Snow storms looming up from sub-antarctic lattitudes have given huge early dumps on most of the South island ski fields. <br /><br />Mt Hutt has had 170cm of snow and now has a 110cm base . . . in mid-May?! I'll bet the snow-making machines have been notably silent by night. The locals are saying it's the biggest early snow they've seen in decades.<br /><br />The Remarkables and Coronet Peak near Queenstown have already got solid bases - 45cm at the Remarkables, 15cm at Coronet. <br /><br />Even North Island ski fields Turoa and Whakapapa - the largest field in the country - have received 60cm and 45cm respectively. You can have a look at them at http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/webcams/ <br /><br />Sure, the old saying is that snow in May doesn't stay, but the falls this year are so heavy it's hard to see them disappearing in any hurry.<br /><br />In fact, Manganui Ski Area on Mt Egmont in Taranaki is opening tomorrow, such is the ski base they have. Find out more at http://www.skitaranaki.co.nz/<br /><br />Other useful ski and travel websites:<br />http://www.nzski.com/<br />http://www.0800snow.co.nz/<br />http://New-Zealand-Travel.comDavid Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-81202058081923128452008-11-05T20:36:00.000-08:002008-11-05T21:50:01.602-08:00Buying A Car To Travel New Zealand<span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >A cautionary tale by David Morris.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The best way to tour New Zealand is by car. With your own set of wheels you travel when you want, go where you want, and stop when you want. Coach options don’t allow that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you're travelling New Zealand for two months or more, buying a car can be an economical option. Cars are relatively cheap here because we import tens of thousands of used Japanese cars every year. You can buy a reasonable runner from about $1000 upwards. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The problem is selling it again when you are about to leave. If you don't get a sale by departure date you can end up nearly - or actually - giving it away. Be especially careful if your plans involve departing around late March or later. By then there are hordes of backpacker hopefuls trying to sell off their old cars, station wagons and vans. It's a murderous buyers market from then on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Auckland airport’s car park regularly clears away vehicles abandoned by departing travellers because they were unable to sell them in time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If I were a rich man (if only) I would buy cars at that time of year and sell them again as the summer heats up and the visitors arrive. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One way to avoid the problem is to buy with a guaranteed buy-back. Strictly speaking it should be called buy and sell-back. Under this arrangement you buy a car from an operator who gives you a guaranteed price at which they will buy the vehicle back when you've finished with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Other options are to buy the car either privately (directly from the owner) from a car dealer or through the auction system. While you can pay under $1000 for car - easily - don't expect such a vehicle to perform well or be reliable. They are, almost without exception, rubbish.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Private purchase</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Best hunting ground is the car fairs which are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings Or through a newspaper called <a href="http://te.co.nz/"><strong>Trade and Exchange</strong></a> which is published every Thursday. Another option is <a href="http://trademe.co.nz/" target="_blank">TradeMe,</a>, an online auction. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The car fairs are, however, the stalking ground of the unlicensed and illegal dealers. They are there in droves looking to snare the unwary traveller. As soon as you have driven the car out the gate they are gone and there's no way of ever tracking them down. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One safeguard when buying is to ask how long they have owned the car. Ask to see the registration papers. Ask if they are the current registered owner. If they aren't then be suspicious. Be Very Suspicious. In many cases they are dodgy old bombs that have been given a quick-fix on any obvious problems. You'll be lucky to make it half way down the island in them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In my considerable experience, privately owned cars - especially older ones - are often in poor repair and readiness. Remember, you are going to ask this vehicle to run steadily for several hours at a time on a round trip of 6000-8000kms. Most privately owned cars haven't had proper tuning and maintenance for years. Expect to spend money - $150 to $300 - on them before starting out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are now a couple of places where backpackers can take their car/vans to display for sale. <a href="http://http//www.backpackerscarmarket.co.nz/"><b>Backpackers Car Market</b></a>, 33 Battersea St, Christchurch or 20 East St, Auckland. From my own observations prices are not cheap - probably because the sellers are trying to turn a profit on the vehicle in order to finance the next stage of their trip. You may, however, be able to squeeze a deal if their departure day is looming. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You’ll also find lots of vehicles offered for sale on the noticeboards of backpacker hostels. Again, I urge caution. These vehicles have already done one long, hard run around NZ – and often more than one. The current owners (and probably earlier owners too) have no incentive to spend any more on the vehicle than absolutely necessary. They often fail to even do that. If they do have to pay for repairs they usually get the cheapest, dirtiest quick-fix possible. So you will buy their leavings and once they’ve sold the vehicle they’re usually on the next plane outa here – you’ll have absolutely no come-back against them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you know nothing about cars, either get it checked by a qualified mechanic or give it a miss. If you are starting from Auckland, go see my mate, Glen Stewart of South Pacific Autos. Ph 636-3364. He will give you an honest appraisal and won’t charge you a fortune for it. (See below under Car Dealers for more information about him).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Alternatively, if you want a full-on inspection the AA does that at a cost of $165. Be aware, however, that any car under $5000 (and a lot of cars over that) is going to have faults. Don’t let a list of minor problems put you off. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Auctions. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Auction is a wholesale market. You'll buy cheaper here than anywhere. But it is also totally a "buyer-beware" market. There are some hideous things lurking inside cars at auction. Trust me - I've been caught with 'em from time to time. For cars over $3000 best option is <a href="http://www.turners.co.nz/turners_car_auctions.htm"><strong>Turners Car Auction.</strong></a>. There are few cars offered for under that price.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Sale And Guaranteed Buy-Back Operators.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These are professional car dealers or rental car operators. In general terms you will pay more but get a safer, more reliable car from them The only buy back operator I know of in Auckland is <a href="http://new-zealand-rental-cars.com/"><b>Downtown Rentals.</b></a> - my own family's business. 31 Neilson St, Onehunga, Auckland. (Call first - don't just go there - I'm not always on site). Cars from $990. Station-wagons from $1590. Fully equipped SleeperVans from $2490. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These are vehicles that have been used in our rental car fleet - thus we know their history and we know that they have been well maintained during that time. The cars are tuned and serviced before delivery. They are road-ready to run with a recent Warrant of Fitness - a legally required safety check that must be done every six months. We also offer a warranty against major breakdowns.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The buyback price is half the purchase price, with a minimum deduction of $900. Thus, for instance, a $1500 car will have a buyback [price of $600. It is not compulsory to sell it back to us . . . if you can get a better price, take it, but at least you have the certainty of a minimum cash-back on the day you leave. (We’ll even give you a free lift to the airport).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Car Dealers</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Car dealers in this country must be licensed. If you are buying from a dealer of some sort check that they are licensed. In general, dealers don't sell cars less than $3-4000 or so - it's just not worth their while. But if you are looking for a better class of car then they are a safe and reliable bet. They will also usually re-purchase the car when you've finished with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For cheaper cars try a mate of mine, Glen Stewart of South Pacific Automotive. He's a mechanic (does a lot of work on my cars) and a car dealer. He won't put you crook. (That's a Kiwism for “won't cheat you”). He's wanted by the authorities in 25 countries (according to the tales he tells) - but he's as honest as the day is long. His phone number in Auckland is 636-3364. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Again, look in Trade and Exchange for screeds of offerings from dealers.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Transfer of ownership </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Our system of registering ownership is so simple it often causes a look of disbelief in the eyes of a traveller when I explain it to them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first thing to realise is that the "ownership papers" are not proof of ownership. They are merely a record of the persons who are registered as owners - or put another way, a register of people who claim to be owners.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You can, literally, walk into any Post Shop in the country and on proof of your identity, register yourself as the owner of any vehicle in the country. But the fact that you have registered yourself as the owner doesn't make you the owner. To be the true owner you have to have bought it off the previous owner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thus, whether the "registered owner" is, in fact, the legal owner is a matter of contract law not of mere registration.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you buy a car from someone who is not the legal owner then you have no legal title to the car. The true owner can reclaim it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you are buying from a private person you must therefore be careful - ask them for their address and phone number. Check out whether they are listed in the phone book at that address. Don't accept just a mobile number - get a landline number.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If the vehicle has only recently been put into their name be particularly wary. Ask why. To be honest, in that situation I'd give the vehicle a miss unless you have a good and certain address for them - like, you've been to their house and met them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had a van stolen from me a while back - a little toe-rag working for me as a mechanic "sold" it to someone who walked in off the street. He just failed to either check with me first, or to hand over the money. Within 24 hours it was on-sold to a well-known dealer who is always at car fairs selling vans to tourists. Two innocent visitors bought it off him and had absolutely no idea that the vehicle they bought was nicked. They were stopped when they tried to cross Cook Strait on the ferry. $2400 down the drain. “Not my problem,” says I when I re-possessed the vehicle. I felt sorry for them – but it was either them or me that took the hit. I preferred it to be them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To transfer a car into your name is easy: Go to a Post Shop and fill out a form. It'll cost you $9.25 and take about five minutes. You'll need proof of identity - a passport or driver's license and a local address. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Safety checks, registration and Road User Charges</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For a car to be legally on the road it must have a Warrant of Fitness (usually called a WoF), must be registered (i.e. the tax must be paid) and if it is a diesel-powered vehicle the Road User Charges must be paid up to date. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The WoF sticker should be at the top right corner of the windscreen. It will have the expiry date printed on it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If a car does not have a current WoF don’t buy it. Under any circumstances. The risks are just too great. Make sure that the warrant will be valid for at least the length of your stay here. When you come to sell it again you may have to get a new warrant check . . . at that time you may well discover a lot of unexpected costs in order to have the vehicle brought up to standard. WoF checks can only be carried out by Government licensed testers. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the lower left corner of the windscreen, is a label with a date on it. The tax on the vehicle has been paid up to that date. It costs about $20 a month to register. In order to register any vehicle it must first have a current WoF. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Road User Charges are levied on diesel vehicles at a rate of 3.8c per km for cars and vans. They must be paid in advance and you must have a sticker on the windscreen giving details of the mileage purchased. If you are not up to date the penalty is three times the amount of RUC owing, thus if you are in breach it can be very, very expensive. Before buying a diesel car make sure the RUCs are up to date. If not, demand that the owner purchase enough RUC to make it legal because you, as the new owner, become liable for any unpaid charges. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-family:arial;" >Insurance</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Insurance is not compulsory in this country – and the sad fact is that the drivers most likely to hit you are the least likely to be insured. You don’t have to worry about personal accident insurance – that’s included as part of the registration cost of the car and is provided by the government operated Accident Compensation Commission.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You can get short term third party vehicle insurance from the <a href="http://natauto.co.nz/">National Auto Club</a>. Many of the backpacker hostels also offer car insurance packages.</span>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-53528937622237149362008-10-24T01:21:00.000-07:002008-10-24T02:44:56.910-07:00The Temperance in Wellington, New Zealand, Is Such Sweet RevengeThere is a delectable irony about Wellington’s newest bar complex, The Temperance. <br /> <br />It’s in a 100 year-old heritage building that was originally the headquarters of the New Zealand Temperance Union - a bunch of wowsers who fought to bring prohibition to this country. <br /> <br />Fortunately they were thwarted – the votes of tens of thousands of New Zealand soldiers overseas in the First World War scuppered that mad notion. <br /> <br />Today the building has had a $4 million refit to create four floors of pub and club entertainment. <br /> <br />Isn’t that sweet retribution? So go to hell, you killjoys. You who would presume to know better how the rest of us should find our pleasures. <br /> <br />Mark you, the busybodies are still at it today. They’ll tell you what sort of shower you’ll take, what light bulb you’ll read by, what foods are good for you. But that’s not important right now . . . though it might be on Election Day. <br /> <br />On the ground floor of the building is The Atrium . . . a fairly standard up-market Wellington watering hole. <br /> <br />But on the first floor is Madame Jo Jo’s. When I saw the name on the directory in the foyer I sez to meself, I sez “Ullo. ‘ullo. Wot’s this then? Madame Jo Jo’s? Sounds like . . . you know . . . nudge, nudge, wink, wink . . . know wot I mean, know wot I mean?" <br /> <br />So I pushed button one and was swiftly transported to a world of soft lights and dark shadows and the silhouettes of three young women artistically displayed – not real women, dopey – just cut-outs on the wall. But it did give one cause to pause and wonder what earthly delights, what heavenly transportations lay beyond the curtains. <br /> <br />Whereupon, the mental picture of my darling wife and children, weeping as they watched the impending moral despoliation of their beloved husband and father, flashed upon the inner eye. <br /> <br />So I pushed button four and went up to The Millard. <br /> <br />Now anyone who knows anything about rugby in this country immediately knows what that means. The Millard Stand was the main grandstand at Athletic Park, home of Wellington rugby for many, many decades until they shifted to the very flash, very poshe new Caketin, or whatever expensively sponsored naming they have given it. <br /> <br />There’s an irony in a minor key here. If for nothing else, the Millard Stand was notorious for its precipitous, nay dizzying, steepness. From the heights of the higher rows one looked way, way down onto the verdant sward below which, from that altitude, seemed more like a postage stamp issued in memory of the Green Party. <br /> <br />From those heights, nose bleeds were a hazard. Oxygen may have been called for, even by front row props or hookers (are we back at Madame Jo Jo’s?). Strong young lads may have contemplated whether one could paraglide away from it all . . . or even bungy straight down into the middle of the affray below. <br /> <br />But, I digress. <br /> <br />This Millard, appropriately on the top floor of the Temperance, is the official bar of the Wellington Rugby Union and is equally appropriately decorated with all sorts of rugby memorabilia. A theme bar, no less. <br /> <br />But what of the desirable, the alluring, the temptational Madame Jo Jo’s? Well, no, it’s not a place in which young (and not so young) men may find solace in the arms(?) of gorgeous young temptresses. It’s an up-market night club. Mind you, said young temptresses may still be found there . . . and be on for no more than the cost of a night’s cocktails. <br /> <br />Thinking about that, though, the professional option may be cheaper. <br /> <br />So back to The Atrium bar on the ground floor in search of food and drink. How mundane after the momentary promises of sporting delights, of the field rugby and sofa rugby variety. <br /> <br />Pleasant enough bar, as bars go. Huge screens carrying a couple of sports channels, though given that it was the Time Of The Chattering Heads – Deaker on Sport et al – there wasn’t a lot of point since the sound was off. <br /> <br />If one is hungry do try the leek and pork sausages – a Welsh version, perhaps, of the much-loved bangers and mash. Three substantial sossies, served on a bed of mashed taties. Not bad value at $17 given the congenial surrounds. <br /> <br />So here’s a toast to The Temperance, and Madame Jo Jo whoever she may be, and may the ghosts of the Temperance Union ladies fly screaming into the dark night of their own open-all-hours licensed hell.<br /><br />For more on Wellington's attractions have a look at http://New-Zealand-Travel-Guide.com/wellington.htmDavid Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729213665696827172.post-27359167285742579222008-07-30T22:15:00.000-07:002008-07-30T22:40:18.189-07:00Famous fighter planes stars of New Zealand museum<span style="font-family:Arial;"><br />Picture the scene:<span style=""> </span>The famous World War I fighter ace, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, a.k.a. the Red Baron, has just crashed his equally famous dreidekker (triple-winged) red Fokker Dr1 aeroplane. <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/David/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" title="baron"> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gqKJvqP6l3qKiPTMmjgtRcMpI_x3kPSILnLXD951rJ6vXB0xiLbXh4MXsQa0dPoXUjpIl2Udz2-3_hw6XYbGyEogScnrJRZWSM91IaNFDOrNp8z_IxPXty5i8bHwghzOMaE8oQwJMSgb/s1600-h/baron.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gqKJvqP6l3qKiPTMmjgtRcMpI_x3kPSILnLXD951rJ6vXB0xiLbXh4MXsQa0dPoXUjpIl2Udz2-3_hw6XYbGyEogScnrJRZWSM91IaNFDOrNp8z_IxPXty5i8bHwghzOMaE8oQwJMSgb/s320/baron.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229044262886128914" border="0" /></a><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Arial;">He lies dead alongside the wreck. Aussie soldiers gather around it and start ripping souvenirs from it.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">You don’t have to imagine:<span style=""> </span>You can see it, just as it really was on 21 April, 1918, in a dramatic diorama at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, about 5 minutes from the centre of Blenheim in Marlborough, New Zealand. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The museum, opened in 2006 by a couple of aircraft enthusiasts, Jane and Graham Orphan, has 21 World War I fighters on display. Some of them are replicas built for various movies, others are original and include some that are the last remaining examples of their type in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">They are on loan from film director Peter Jackson's own air armada - believed to be the largest private collection in the world. He chairs the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust that manages the collection.<span style=""> </span>His team of set-builders, who were responsible for Academy-award<span style=""> </span>winning films Lord of the Rings and King Kong, built dramatic museum dioramas so realistic you expect to see the figures move at any moment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">It’s not just the aircraft that are on show.<span style=""> </span>Among other treasures is a cloth cross cut from the starboard (right) side of von Richthofen’s plane by those same scavenging Aussies, a napkin ring made from fuel intake pipes on his plane and silver trophies he kept as souvenirs of his 80 kills. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Many of the aircraft at the museum are in flying condition and are the stars of the Classic Fighters airshow set for Easter Weekend 2009, April 10-12.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Learn more about the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum at <a href="http://www.omaka.org.nz/">http://www.omaka.org.nz/</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">For more information on Blenheim and Marlborough go to <a href="http://new-zealand-travel-guide.com/marlborough.htm">http://New-Zealand-Travel-Guide.com/marlborough.htm</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>David Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11890042606053397881noreply@blogger.com0