January 19, 2007
NZ Holidaymaker -- Issue #012 -- January 2007
Table of contents
1 Watch NZ's night sky
2 Webcamplaza
3 Adopt your own NZ Sheep!
4 Pupu Springs closed
5 Pay in your own currency
6 Dolphin/Whale Spotting Tours
Watch NZ's night sky
If you happen to be in NZ at the moment, make sure you watch NZ's night sky from time to time. For the next couple of weeks you should be able to see a very bright comet in the southwest. The comet, which is known as Comet McNaught, was spotted for the first time last August, by an Australian astronomer. Back then it was just a faint fuzzy blob, but the comet has since brightened up and is now the brightest in more than 40 years; it may even become the brightest comet in centuries. Don't miss it!
Webcamplaza
Cannot wait to see New Zealand? Then visit webcamplaza.net which shows you (almost at the bottom of the page) a list of webcams located in New Zealand. Enjoy views of Auckland and Christchurch, the beaches of Mount Maunganui or watch the live geyser webcam from Rotorua. To be able to enjoy the live videos, make sure you watch during NZ daytime of course!
Adopt your own NZ Sheep!
Ever thought of adopting your own NZ sheep? Probably not, because who would think this to be possible? But actually, it is: a NZ farmer has put his whole sheep flock up for adoption on the internet! As an adoptive parent you can give your sheep a name, visit it from time to time, and soon even watch it on a webcam. There are several adoption options available. To see which sheep are up for adoption this very moment, visit: www.brightview.co.nz
The Ultimate New Zealand DVD3 Spectacular New Zealand Videos On 1 DVD:
Naturally Its New Zealand (30 min)
This video documentary takes the viewer on a journey from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to the majestic Milford Sound in the deep South.
Maori Culture,Traditions and History - (20 min)
Once in a lifetime footage of Maori traditions, including a traditional Marae welcome, the Maori Haka and action songs. This video covers the History of the Maori from the early migration to modern life today.
Great Walks of New Zealand - Abel Tasman National Park - (43 min)
The Abel Tasman Track is one of New Zealand's most popular walking tracks. This video follows a 5 day guided walk and showcases peaceful scenery, historic sites and beautiful golden sand beaches.
Pupu Springs closed
The famous Pupu Springs, a Golden Bay tourist spot that boasts some of the clearest water in the world, is currently under threat from didymo. Didymo is an algae that grows in warm and shallow water. If it overgrows, it can form large mats on the bottom of lakes, rivers and streams, and make recreational activities very unpleasant. The algae can be spread in just a single drop of water, so to make sure no one of the five hundred people that visit the springs everyday gets in the water and brings the dreaded algae with him, the Department of Conservation has put a full time ranger at the site.
Pay in your own currency
When travelling in foreign country, you also have to get used to that country's currency. In the beginning, you're constantly converting prices in your head (at least that's what we do): from the price of a cup of coffee to the price of an expensive sightseeing tour. But maybe you can soon stop doing that, because this month the Bank of New Zealand announced the launch of CurrencySelect EFTPOS. CurrencySelect EFTPOS is a foreign currency conversion facility that converts NZ dollar sale prices into your home currency at point of sale (i.e., when you're paying with a debit or credit card). As the cardholder you can choose in which currency you would like to pay your purchase.
Dolphin/Whale Spotting Tours
Looking forward to dolphin/whale watching on your next trip to New Zealand? If you begin your NZ holiday in Auckland, a dolphin/whale watching tour can actually be one of the very first trips you make, because Auckland is located on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, which is home to more than 22 species of dolphins and whales. Dolphin & Whale Safari, the only operator permitted to offer dolphin and whale watching tours in the Hauraki Gulf, offers daytime as well as sunset cruises. For more information, see www.dolphinsafari.co.nz
Happy travels
Boukeline & Rob
www.new-zealand-camper-van-adventures.com