Written By: advantage - Date published: 8:37 am, December 23rd, 2020 - 22 comments
January
Demonstrating that hydro electricity generation and the Department of Conservation can work well together, a small scale “run of river” 1.89 megawatt generator system on public conservation land in South Westland is approved. No dam, just smart thinking.
February
The Auditor General comes out with a really good report on freshwater, stormwater, and drinking water, and puts government, local government and the big users on notice: “Given the significance of water issues, what we expected to find: clear national strategies … coherent work programmes … robust systems … resourcing, planning and strategic risk management … and strong engagement models with communities and in particular Maori. We found that, although much good work was being done, all of these elements were not in place.”
Poor Knights snorkelling Northland is home to the country’s best snorkelling. The sub-tropical currents that pass the Poor Knights Islands mean you will be surrounded by thousands of fish, including colossal snapper and even kingfish. Get there on a day trip with Dive! Tutukaka, it’s an hour boat ride from the coastal village of Tutukaka.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
Monster Scooters Whangārei’s Headsup Adventures runs a New Zealand first: monster scooters. These two-wheel off-road buggies are powered by gravity; you’ll be shuttled to the top of a hill, before choosing one of eight tracks to race down with your friends and family.
Brook Sabin
Stuff has launched a new travel section, one that we hope will inspire Kiwis to see more of our beautiful backyard, and give them an easy way to plan and book their trip.
Being locked in to New Zealand hasn’t been a bad thing for the Stuff
Travel team. We’ve spent the past year furiously ferreting out Aotearoa’s amazing experiences. From hotels, bars and restaurants to road trips, national parks and hikes, here are some of our top picks to try in 2021.
NEW HOTEL: Park Hyatt
A view out to the waterfront from the Park Hyatt in Auckland.
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Glacier Explorers operate the only glacial boat tour in New Zealand. The tour starts at the Hermitage hotel(opens in new window) and begins with a 25 minute alpine walk to the lake front. You ll be surrounded by snow capped alps and the tour allows plenty of time for photos. Onboard the boat your expert driver will navigate you through icebergs and the Tasman Glacier wall. You ll be treated to 60 minutes of amazing scenery and time to get up close to huge icebergs!
Can t decide when to go? Tours run from September through to April or May - depending on when the lake starts to freeze over!
The cruises setting sail from New Zealand this summer
12 Dec, 2020 11:31 PM
5 minutes to read
Explore New Zealand s most remote places on a cruise this summer. Photo / T Kraakman
NZ Herald
By: Tiana Templeman
Small is beautiful when it comes to summer cruising in New Zealand, with boutique lines such as Affinity Cruises, Fiordland Discovery, and Heritage Expeditions offering Kiwi-only voyages for the 2020/21 season.
Heritage Expeditions Spirit of Enderby is the first (and so far only) international ship to arrive for the summer season and the company s directors Aaron and Nathan Russ are elated their vessel had once again returned to local waters.