Category Archives: New Zealand

Enjoy New Zealand Holidays during the Famous Matariki Festival in July!

New Zealand Dance by New Zealand Dance/ CC BY

New Zealand Dance by New Zealand Dance/ CC BY

Holidays to the thrilling holiday destination, New Zealand is suddenly getting popular and hotter than ever before. And the entire credit goes to the fast approaching Matariki Festival. This amazing international festival is already underway from 28th June 2014 but travellers are still scrambling for deals on flight tickets to New Zealand to at least enjoy the final part of it that takes place in July end. This much renowned event of New Zealand is celebrated with utmost excitement and zeal as it marks the beginning of Māori New Year. The distinct belief behind this extravagant gala event is that during this time of the year the star cluster Matariki, better known as the Pleiades, appears in the dawn sky above Aotearoa New Zealand. However, Matarik has now revived as a celebration of culture, people, language, history and spirituality.

The theme for this year’s edition is ‘kaitiakitanga’ (guardianship), which gives the visitors an amazing opportunity to think about their individual roles. The Matariki Festival, often famed as one of the best cultural festivals of New Zealand, will see the city come alive with some incredible live music performances, poetry, family events, Kapa Haka, theatre, dance and art. All these events are sure to leave holidaymakers gloating over their decision to grab air tickets aboard flights to be in New Zealand just in time. Moreover, the celebrations of this festival are not only restricted to just one region or city rather it is celebrated throughout kiwi land with same enthusiasm. Wellington’s famous museum, Te Papa hosts Matariki celebrations, featuring 25-day programme that includes talks, astronomy sessions and concerts.

The Puaka Matariki Festival, a prominent carnival of the South Island is held in Dunedin in the month of July. The fest witnesses many spellbinding celebrations and events that include storytelling, lantern parades, contemporary dance, whānau ‘have a go’ sessions and a midwinter carnival. Other renowned performances that promise to keep the visitors entertained are Matariki on The Move, He Wai, Tree Planting, Mana Wahine, Vessels of New Life, Hike Bike Auto and Mata Ariki. Matariki is all about exhibiting your best and getting involved!!

A Peek into the Beautiful and Picturesque Hagley Park, Christchurch

The beautiful country of New Zealand, adorned with the bounties of nature, also has its fair share of man-made attractions and thereby entices tourists to book tickets for this destination. One such place is Hagley Park, which was created by the government with a view to entertain and engage many people for ages. This park is situated in Christchurch and its premises are graced by the beautiful Avon River.

Exotic Flora

Tourists arriving on flights to New Zealand make it a point to include Hagley Park in their itineraries. The park teems with a profusion of exotic blooms and the garden path is laced with many such patches. The park is also adorned with the delicate blooms of the cherry trees in the spring season.

Boat Rides

The Antigua Boat Shed lets tourist hire boats and cruise through the calm waters of the Avon. These boat rides are much coveted by the tourists who book tickets to visit the park with their friends and families and who wish to experience the serenity that surrounds the park.

Man-Made Wonders

The park also houses some amazing man-made attractions like the World Peace Bell and the Peacock Fountain. The beauty of these artefacts is enhanced by the scenic beauty of the park. Tourists take delight in the incredible combination of the natural and the artificial as they find the experience worth the money spent on flights.

Events and Festivals

Hagley Park at Christchurch hosts a number of events and festivals which are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Owing to the large size of the park, and its pristine scenic beauty, Hagley Park is considered to be a suitable place for a large congregation of people. The merry-making and inclusion of one and all can be seen in festivals like the World Buskers Festival. Many performers from varied parts of the world come to New Zealand to enliven the spectators at Hagley Park with their creative, innovative and hilarious acts and shows.

Sports

The park, which also happens to be one of the largest in the country, is also favoured by the sporty kinds. The park has a golf club and long stretches of cycling tracks which is bound to gladden the hearts of tourists.

The beauty of Hagley Park is too valuable and exclusive to be missed.

Top 3 Places First Time Travellers Must Not Miss in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is blessed with an ever charming natural beauty. From its breathtakingly beautiful views of snow-capped mountains to serene lakes and lush green parks, the city never fails to draw the attention of the visitors who book tickets to New Zealand for a perfect holiday. There are a number of places to watch in this wonderful city but if you are first time traveller and not sure where to head first, start with these.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

If a garden is more than 140 years old, it is obvious that it has a lot to offer. It all started by planting an oak tree somewhere in 1863. The garden has been adding number of plants species from all around the world ever since. Today, Christchurch Botanic Garden takes pride in having one of the finest collections of exotic as well as native plants in New Zealand. Do not forget to visit the potager and herb garden.

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki - New Zealand

Lake Pukaki – New Zealand

The crystal clear turquoise blue waters and the snow tipped mountains of Mount Cook National Park is enough to give visitors a view that will make them forget everything else! Just a 45 minutes drive from Mount Cook Village takes you here. Lake Pukaki is one of the three alpine lake that flow north-south, it is the largest among them. The picturesque view of the lake and the lush greenery around is a must-enjoy for anyone who is in Christchurch for first time!

Banks Peninsula

A place of volcanic origin, Banks Peninsula is one of the most scenic places in New Zealand. Those who are booking tickets on flights to Christchurch for the first time should certainly visit this place. Spectacular views of bays and beaches, rich birdlife and many other charms make this place simply magnificent. There are some really great beaches that are perfect for picnicking in this area.

ChristchurchBest Time to Visit Christchurch

Christchurch is perfect for touring all year round but it still doesn’t hurt if anyone devotes time for understanding New Zealand climate. It is cold in June, July and August but not too cold to ruin the vacation. It totally depends on your preference whether it is summer that excites you or you like winter more. Every season, the city shows a different colour.

Auckland to Host New Zealand International Film Festival from July

Auckland-to-Host-New-Zealand-International-Film-Festival

New Zealand has always been a notable choice for snowy adventures and breathtaking landscapes. But did you know that Kiwi also adore cinema to the core and host a grand New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) every year? Held across the country during the second half the year, it is one of the most sought after film festivals in Oceania and make for a great time for beholding the passion of Kiwis for cinema.

Auckland is the key destination for the Film Festival and attracts a slew of tourists during this time. If you are also planning a visit between July and August then do partake in this glorious event. It is scheduled to take place from 17th July to 03rd August, 2014 at The Civic Theatre at Corner Queen Street and Wellesley Street in Auckland. Other theatres to enjoy the screenings of some of the best creations in various languages are SKYCITY Theatre, Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Event Cinemas and Academy Cinema. The opening ceremony will start at 1900 hrs and movies will be featured till midnight.

If you are an avid filmmaker and looking for inspiration, there are numerous titles to buy tickets for. Although, NZIFF Auckland is majorly a non-competitive festival, NZ’s Best is one category where winner takes away the grand cash prize. NZ’s Best is a competition of short films where six titles have already been selected. These six titles are Cold Snap, Eleven, Over The Moon, Ross &Beth, School Night and U.F.O. Movie freaks boarding flights to Auckland to be a part of this film festival can like their Facebook page and follow their Twitter to keep up with the latest updates related to this gala event. For more information on New Zealand International Film Festival, browse through the official website of the event www.nziff.co.nz/2014/auckland/.

Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival – Enjoy a Chocolaty Winter in New Zealand!

Winters in New Zealand mean fiestas and celebrations. The kiwi nation is enjoying winter breeze right now even as Britons are looking for a cool escapade from the summer heat. Owing to its geographical location in Southern Hemisphere, winters in NZ are stretched from June to September. Travellers who have already planned a holiday to the country for July, their itineraries should contain Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, scheduled from July 12th-18th 2014. If you are a chocolate lover, check out deals for flights to Dunedin and be a part of this spectacular event, which is one of the most popular winter festivals in New Zealand.

This 7-day gala event starts off with grand opening on 12th July with Cadbury Chocolate Fun Day, Choco-Art Crossword and Cadbury World Adventure Quest as the main highlights on its menu. Next day, one can burn calories while being a part of 10kms/5kms Cadbury Fun Run. The following days keep adding more fun, zeal and enthusiasm to your visit to Dunedin! If you are booking flights with your kids to enjoy the effervescence of this event, contemplate enrolling for chocolate painting class which is open for all ages. Cadbury Magician is another highlight whereas soft toy lovers can dress their teddy bears creatively with Cadbury wrappers. Epicureans investing in air tickets to fly to New Zealand for this event can ill afford to miss out on dining at Chocolate, Jazz and Shiraz.

Cadbury Jaffa Race is the main highlight of this event. 18th July, the last day of the event is booked for this race and tickets can be purchased at Cadbury World reception. This is the world’s only race where giant chocolate balls compete for the first place!! Jaffa Races will be held at Baldwin Street, which is the world’s steepest street. From the pavilion, you can see 25,000 Jaffas rolling down the street and feel the excitement when kids as well as adults cheer loud. The race is scheduled to start at 1230 hrs. Catch a free shuttle available from Dunedin iSite to reach the Baldwin Street!

Delight Your Culinary Senses at Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival

World’s only ‘Garden City’ and New Zealand second largest city, Christchurch is a premier travel destination that ranks high on the travel itineraries of global holidaymakers. The metropolis is bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean stretching till the Southern Alps. The city has an amazing collection of international events throughout the year with varied festivals and exhibitions which have led to a steep rise in the sale of air tickets to Christchurch. Here’s a quick check at the Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival, a popular upcoming event luring holidaymakers to grab flights New Zealand.

A tantalizing treat for true foodies, Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival is a popular food festival of New Zealand that is scheduled from Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 June from 10 am to 6 pm. This brand new event will be taking place in the open grounds of Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate. This exciting promises a packed full of fun and frolic for the whole family as it offers an amazing selection of tastes, colours and experiences. This two-day long carnival is going to feature over 50 traders selling an incredible assortment of chilli-based food and products from all over the globe. Also a part of the festival are yummy local and regional cheeses, lip-smacking food stalls to eat and take home and great live music that is sure to leave guests spoilt for choices.

Delight-Your-Culinary-Senses-at-Christchurch-Cheese-&-Chilli-FestivalMoreover, become a free member of the Wine Master Class and learn much more about the wide array of cheeses, chillies, and cheese and beer combinations and grab a chance to win the distinct Chilli Eating Competition. The event will also offer real fun for the kids too with a monster Bubble Football, Inflatable Slide and Fun Fair. They may enjoy and partake in Face Painting, Balloon Building and Magic Shows. The entry tickets are £5 per adult and free admissions for children.

Queen’s Birthday in New Zealand – June 2014 Gets a Regal Beginning!

The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated with great fanfare in New Zealand, one of the largest of Commonwealth Realms within the Commonwealth of Nations. New Zealand celebrates Queen’s Birthday (Queen Elizabeth II) on the first Monday of June each year. It is a public holiday and schools, banks and government offices are closed. The Queen’s birthday is actually on 21st April but the celebration dates across the commonwealth countries differ in order to fit into each nation’s spread of public holidays.

One of the most significant relevance of the day is the release of the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List where appointments are made to the Order of New Zealand, which includes Orders, Orders of Merit, Dames, Knights, Companions, Officers, etc. An individual’s service to the society and nation, at large, are the basis of these appointments.

What’s on offer in 2014!!

An extended weekend in June brings a great deal of good cheer to New Zealanders. A lot is on offer during Queen’s Birthday Weekend, including the Steampunk Festival in Oamuru, Resene’s Architecture and Design Festival in Wellington, Out Takes Film Festival in Auckland and Wellington, and the Tauranga Readers and Writers Festival. Travellers, who are keen to explore the myriad offerings, germinating out of the celebratory cause of the Queen’s Birthday, can find great deals with Travel Trolley, which offers comprehensive holiday packages to New Zealand. Queens Birthday on Queens Wharf (Auckland), Armageddon Expo (Wellington), Special Queen’s Birthday Craft Market (Auckland) and Scape Sculpture Park Exhibition (Wellington) are few other attractions that have been created or modified to celebrate Queen’s Birthday in New Zealand.

The day also marks the official opening of the ski season in New Zealand. Skiing is a big crowd puller in the country. Along from locals, a number of foreign tourists always seem keen to explore this great thrilling pursuit. The ski fields in New Zealand are popular because of their impressive terrains, remarkable scenery, wide-ranging snow trails and top class resorts. Travel Trolley, again, is a reliable partner for creating a holiday itinerary including visits to top ski resorts of New Zealand.

Volcano Climbing is the Most Distinctive Activity to Enjoy in Auckland

Volcano-Climbing-Enjoy-in-Auckland

Auckland is sure to leave you with jitters of adventurous fancies with skywalking, sea diving, kayaking and several other thrilling activities. But one activity that sets this Kiwi city apart from other destinations that are said to be the Mecca for adrenaline junkies is Volcano climbing. Every year numerous hikers and climbers buy tickets aboard Auckland bound flights to indulge in this activity. Auckland is home to some of the most popular volcanoes in the world. Here’s a list of a few that you can contemplate on climbing.

Rangitoto

This is the youngest of all the volcanoes in Auckland and this fact makes it a must visit spot for thrill seekers boarding flights to enjoy volcano climbing in New Zealand. You just need to buy tickets for ferry to reach here from Auckland Downtown and admire one of the most iconic geological formations in the city. While climbing up you would come across lava caves, various species of native trees and orchids. There are vantage points that offer scintillating views of the surrounding lush greenery.

One Tree Hill

As the name suggests, this volcano features a pine tree at its top. This is the largest in Auckland and is a must visit site for culture vultures investing pounds on tickets to visit this Kiwi city especially to explore the dazzles of Maori culture. This hill boasts terraces around fortifications known as Maori Pa. Cornwall Park is located at its base and is a sought after picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. Once you reach at the top, you would not only find the pine tree but also the grave of the city’s founder, Sir John Logan Campbell.

Mount Eden

Strategically located in Maungawhau, this is Auckland’s highest volcano and has emerged as one of the most preferred attraction for adventure lovers netting tickets to board flights landing at Auckland International Airport. Be a part of guided tour and know about the Maori historical legends while admiring the surrounding natural enchantments such as occupation terraces and lush parkland.

Best Family Holiday Destinations in New Zealand that are Worth Visiting

Whether it is their iconic Kiwis or the breathtaking natural beauty, New Zealand has always been one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. When it comes to family holidays, New Zealand offers a really big list of things to do and see. There is absolutely no shortage of family fun here. Here are just three of the top family friendly destinations that are not only pleasant to visit, but live up to every penny families invest on tickets to New Zealand.

Queenstown

queenstownTickets to New Zealand remain highly revered commodity. Thanks to the very enthusiasm and extraordinarily thrilling adventure of Queenstown that can make even the most jaded soul turn into a cheering spirit. Beautiful lake and alpine areas bless this place with some of the most spectacular views. Swimming, rides, rafting and countless other things make Queenstown a fitting place for family holidays. Every site, every activity and every experience in Queenstown leave families gloating over their decision of booking those flight tickets to New Zealand. Take the famous bungy jumping and experience the thrilling rush of adrenaline as you watch the breathtaking views of the town from above.  Join the countless water sport activities or simply take your kids to Vortex Cinema – the list is endless.

Christchurch

christnchurchRenowned for its botanical gardens, Christchurch is a perfect place to spend time with your family. Picturesque picnic spots, adventure filled places, family friendly hotels and many other charms make this place a must visit for those who have a family with diverse interests. Whether you are an adventure lover who wants to feel the rush or a nature lover who simply wants to enjoy the jaw dropping views of nature, Christchurch will not disappoint. Take a tour to Lake Pukaki where nature is at its best. The fascinating tranquillity of this place is intoxicating. Visiting the famous botanic gardens with a family is a must do as it is the most sought after charm of this city and you really don’t want to miss it.

Auckland

aucklandIf you have kids, you should really buy tickets to Auckland. The place is simply a heaven for children as it offers a myriad of fun activities. Water world, zoo, observatory and lot more, sometimes it is just so confusing what to choose. Visit the famous Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World where the penguins are the prime attractions, take a tour to the Auckland Sky Tower where you can enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding and if your kids are big enough, they can take a sky walk here. Auckland has lots of family friendly hotels available so getting accommodation is always a pleasant experience here.

World’s Best Mountain Biking Trails That Fascinate Bikers!

World's-Best-Mountain-Biking-Trails-That-Fascinate-Bikers!

A breathtaking view of nature and an eventful excursion through winding trails – get both these thrilling pursuits in one platter with Mountain Biking! There are numerous destinations across the globe that entice hordes of mountain bikers to satiate their appetite for adventure. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s best mountain biking trails.

Whistler, Canada

True mountain bikers know the real essence of Whistler and that’s the reason they book tickets aboard flights landing at British Columbia to enjoy a ride through these enthralling trails. This outing allows you to get introduced to the captivating natural beauty of Canada. Trails here are stretched for miles and many of these offer chair lift accessibility. Lift tickets for winters as well as summers are available online. With varied difficulty levels, Whistler features a trail for every biker. If you are a novice, enrol with any coaching course to brush up your skills and know about the trails you are planning to excurse through!

Rotorua, New Zealand

This region tops the list of avid bikers as well as professionals. It served as the venue for 2006 World Championships and has been adjudged as one of the best trails in the world by several magazines and game experts. You can be a part of the riding tours from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs. If you are booking tickets to New Zealand for Rotorua to enjoy mountain biking, bringing your bike along is not necessary as you can hire one from the venue. WAIPA Café is another highlight of this area. Here one can gorge on cakes and sandwiches and have espresso.

Park City, Utah

USA is a vast country but when it comes to mountain biking, Utah is the place you should book tickets to. Located by Rocky Mountains, Park City is a vantage point to admire scenic beauty of the unspoiled surroundings. Its high altitude gives another reason to adrenaline junkies to choose Park City as their next pit stop to check their biking skills. In case you are grabbing tickets to visit Utah in winters, best places to enjoy this sport are Antelope Island, Logan River Trail, Five-Mile Pass, Yellow Fork, Lambert Park and Bonneville Shoreline.