City Tour – Auckland, NZ – The City of Sails
November 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourists Attractions
By Roy Witman
Similar in many respects to Hawaii; Auckland, New Zealand is an absolute paradise waiting to be explored. Named the “City of Sails,” Auckland consists of over 50 islands and is surrounded by water. Here you’ll find Polynesian culture, exciting water sports, dormant volcanoes, rainforests and a thrill a minute!
Floating amid the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is surrounded by three harbors: Waitemata, Manukau and Kaipara. With inhabitants originating from Europe, China, Pacific Islands and India, this city is a melting pot of culture and cuisine just waiting to be explored.
The Great Outdoors
Just as in Hawaii, this entire region is dotted with volcanic cones, which offer beautiful scenery and a chance for adventure. Travel with a tour guide across the desert as you make your way to scale the side of a massive volcano. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views as well as an exploration opportunity that few people have.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll also find rainforests in Auckland. Bush walks are plentiful in the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, a large part of which is protected regional park area. Take part in professionally led, scenic treks that intertwine through some of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.
World-Class Sailing
If you prefer sea to shore, you’re in good company! Head out sailing on your own or hop aboard an actual America’s Cup Grand Prix racer as a crewmember. You’ll compete against others in a mini-race designed to be similar to the legendary America’s Cup.
Rather sit back and take it easy? Set sail on a dolphin and whale safari where you’ll encounter some of the 22 species of dolphins in this area in their natural habitat. Spot enormous whales at sea, feel the wind in your face and take photos that are sure to impress your friends back home.
Other water tours take you on volcano explorations, vineyard discoveries and harbor cruises just to name a few.
Rainbow’s End
It’s nonstop action for kids of all ages! Rainbow’s End is Auckland’s premier theme park featuring excitement at every turn. You’ll encounter over 23 acres of roller coasters and rides including Fear Fall that lifts you 18-storeys high then plummets you to the ground at a speed of almost 50 miles per hour (80 kph)! You’ll also find water rides, a log flume and lots of refreshments that are perfect for hot, sunny days. There’s even a mini-park for the tiny tikes so they can join in the fun.
Electric Nightlife
If nightlife is what excites you, Auckland won’t disappoint. Head out to Prince’s Wharf and the ever-popular Minus 5. This ice bar is completely frozen! Tables, chairs, glasses… everything is made of ice. If you seek something you can warm up to, visit Karangahape Road (known as K Road) where the city’s only casino can be found. You’ll also discover live entertainment and other excitement.
With so much to do, including the Botanic Gardens, Sky City bungee jump, Auckland bridge walk and more, you’ll wish you’d planned a longer stay. Ask your travel agent for details about exciting Auckland, New Zealand tours and cruises that you and your family will love.
Popular Indoor Ski Areas
November 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
Indoor ski areas have become popular for both novice and advanced skiers to be able to learn and practice on without the challenges of severe weather conditions.
Have you ever wondered what the popular indoor ski areas around the world are? These areas tend to be in countries that already have outdoor skiing facilities, and are more common in Europe that in other areas. But that isn’t always the case. These can be found in Germany, Switzerland, England, Netherlands, Japan, China and Australia. In one unusual location – Ras Al-Khaimah, a part of the United Arab Emirates, construction has begun on a 2,000 meter indoor ski area.
So here are some places you might want to make part of your travel plans:
United Arab Emirates
* Dubai is truly a ski facility in the desert. It has 5 different runs that are designed for beginning to advanced skiers and snowboarders. There is a full 3000 square meters contained in this indoor snow park. All equipment needed is available on site. Numerous restaurants, gift shops and other venues provide visitors with lots to do and see.
United Kingdom
* The Snowdome in Tamworth is one of the post popular indoor ski areas. It has a 170-meter slope with year round real snow. The Snowdome provides lessons at all levels for both skiers and snowboarders. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing is also available at the facility.
* Xscape, located in Castleford, features skiing, snowboarding as well as tobogganing and ice walls. These ice walls are built by hand to simulate conditions of rock climbing, only on ice.
Australia and New Zealand
* Mt. Thebarton in Adelaide, Australia was the first built and is still a popular indoor ski area. The facility includes skating rinks, restaraunts and bars, video arcades and other attractions.
* Snowplanet in Auckland, New Zealand offers a full compliment of snowsport activities 365 days a year. It features three lifts and a separate terrain area for snowboarders. A chalet style restaruant opens overlooking the snow park allowing a relaxing atmosphere.
Germany
* Germany feature several popular indoor ski areas. The Alpincenter, Jever Skihalle and Snowtropolis all offer great indoor skiing opportunities among other features. Apres ski activities are given special detail at these locations.
Details About New Zealand’s Beautiful North Island
New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. The island’s more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.
A Maori myth tells the tale of Ma-ui, the demi-god responsible for the creation of the North and South Islands. According to the myth, the South Island was the Ma-ui’s canoe. One day, Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing when he pulled an enormous fish from the sea. His brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. When Ma-ui saw what they had done, he flung it back into the sea and it became the North Island, and their hack marks became the mountains and valleys. The Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Ma-ui, or, The Fish of Ma-ui.
The mountains and valleys are only part of the lush locales you will encounter on North Island. From the rolling farmlands of Waikato to the rugged mountain ranges of Coromandel, from the lush, sub-tropical forests and picturesque lakes of the island’s center to the beautiful, fruitful vineyards of the east coast, North Island offers something for everyone.
Regional Highlights
There are many different regions on the North Island, ranging from the busy cities of Auckland and Wellington to the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Ruapehu’s national parks. Each region has highlights that make it worth visiting, and make it difficult to choose only one or two places to visit on a trip through the beautiful island.
1. Northland
Northland is a subtropical paradise of unspoiled beaches. Native culture is alive and thriving in the northern reaches of the island, where you will find stunning beaches, beautiful bays and islands. Northland is a favorite destination for those who love extreme water sports, surfing, sailing, game fishing, boating and diving are all favored pastimes in the northern island. One of the main centers for tourism in the Northland is the Bay of Islands.
2. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands, in the Northland, is a stunning vista of sand and rock coastline that encircles a bay set with 150 islands. Islands, beaches, boats and the ocean are ever-present and offer a mind-boggling array of activities to keep any visitor entertained and busy. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the many inlets, or board a chartered ferry or yacht for a trip to swim with dolphins. When you tire of the sea, there are historical and romantic sites aplenty to explore and enjoy.
3. Auckland
Auckland, with a population of 1.2 million, is home to nearly one-third the island’s population. It’s a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan city and marine harbor. Enjoy fine dining, sparkling nightlife and all the pleasures of being in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most popular and active cities.
4. Coromandel
Located just east of Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s favorite holiday destinations. The land is rustic and unspoiled, with stunning vistas of volcanic peaks and valleys. The rugged volcanic hills are carpeted with lush, subtropical forests while the stunning beaches are dusted with glistening sand and sparkling water. Both bush and ocean are within the boundaries of Coromandel.
5. Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty has long been a tourist destination famed for its long white beaches and easy-going lifestyle. These days, visitors also have discovered the cosmopolitan flavor of its major city, Tauranga, where they can enjoy fine dining and the best wines of the East Coast vineyards in the many cafes and restaurants.
6. Waikato
Waikato features two stunning landscapes, one above ground and one below. On the surface, the rolling farmlands offer any visitor the serenity of a bucolic land. Beneath, you will find a veritable labyrinth of caves and cave formations to explore and enjoy.
7. Rotorua
Some of the highlights of the Rotorua district include trout fishing in the volcanic lakes and relaxing in the healing waters of the seething hot springs. Volcanoes and geysers make this district a marvelous wonderland of natural beauty.
8. Eastland
Be the first on Earth to greet the new day in Eastland, the first mainland place to be touched by the rising sun. Enjoy national parks with hiking and nature trails, and relax with the sophistication of the world’s first cultivated black truffles, fine cheeses and the finest Chardonnay.
9. Taupo
Visit beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, or hike through the island’s oldest national park. Stunning scenery, volcanoes, trout fishing and unusual and rare wild life all combine to make Taupo a must-visit site.
10. Wellington
Beautiful Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Located between a picturesque harbor and majestic hills, the city offers vibrant night life and fascinating cultural experiences alongside gourmet dining and a distinctly unique urban experience unlike any other in the entire world.
