Matariki - Maori Culture set to come alive in this year's Maori New Year celebrations

This year's Matariki celebrations are set to be one of the largest the country has ever witnessed. 

The following information is straight from Tourism New Zealand and details all you need to know to get some great story ideas. At the end of the post, I have suggested a selection of itineraries perfect for experiencing the planned events and regions involved in the celebrations:

Hundreds of events are being planned around the country and the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council says it's a sure sign of New Zealand's increasing awareness of its unique culture and place in the world.

Matariki is a cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters.  For Maori, the stars' appearance in the skies above Aotearoa signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another. This year the Maori New Year officially begins on 16 June 2007. 

Traditionally, Matariki (translated as tiny eyes or eyes of God) occurred at the end of harvest and it was a time to celebrate, prepare the land for planting, renew associations with whanau (family) and friends, reflect on the past and set goals for the future. 

"Today Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate who we are and what we have achieved together," says Johnny Edmonds, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council.

The revival of Matariki has been gathering momentum for the past few years. This year will see regions all over the country participating in Matariki with their own unique activities. "It's fantastic to see so many people embracing Matariki," says Edmonds. "While it may be of Maori origins, Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate their identity and look towards the future."

Matariki is also a time of year to learn about New Zealand's indigenous Maori culture. "It gives people, especially those visitors from overseas, a chance to engage with Maori and see what it is that makes Maori unique," says Edmonds.

Some of the highlights of Matariki 2007 include two weeks of celebrations at Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington, including concerts, seminars, shows, workshops and a Matariki Gala.

In Northland more than 80 events are scheduled throughout the month long celebrations. 

"The renaissance of this significant Maori celebration is a great opportunity for all New Zealanders to remind ourselves of what we have achieved together and of our special place in the world," says Edmonds.
Further information:
www.tepapa.co.nz/matariki / www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki / www.puanga.org.nz / www.matarikifestival.co.nz

SUITABLE ITINERARIES FROM DISCOVER THE WORLD:

• Let's face it, if you're going all that way, you might aswell do as much of the country as possible. For this very reason, our North & South Island self drive itinerary (14 days) is one of our most popular and takes in all the best bits of the country including Wellington (home of Te Papa museum, focus for the above Matariki events). Prices in June start from £804 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
• Our 15 day Simply the Best itinerary is another gem that takes-in both islands with more of the south Island's west coast, as well as visiting NZ's southernmost city, Invercargill. Prices in June start from £972 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
• If time is short then our Northern Discovery will take you to the city at the heart of the Maori culture, Rotorua, as well as Auckland and of course the capital, Wellington, with its huge selection of cafes, bars and of course home to the National Museum, Te Papa. Prices in June start from £457 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
  
  * Flights are not included and are available through Discover the World from around £1100 inc taxes per person with Air New Zealand. 

CONTACT DETAILS
Discover the World, recently voted NZ Travel Specialist of the year 2007 by Tourism New Zealand, offer a substantial range of New Zealand holidays, including a wide selection of self drive holidays. For enquiries, a brochure or to make a booking, please call 0870 060 3288 or visit the comprehensive website www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand 

PRESS:
If you need any images or further info, then call me (Alexis) on 01737 214 294 or email alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk - thanks!!

May Bank holiday ideas - unique ideas from the Iceland specialists

We have some great short breaks for all preferences that will make for some great & unique listings in any Bank Holiday round-ups you have planned, including:

• Superjeeps for the adrenalin junkies out there
• A romantic cracker for any of your readers looking to spice up their relationship
• Family fun on a great value holiday based in Reykjavik
• Nature lovers will go crazy over Iceland's natural offerings, from huge waterfalls in the south to stunning spouting geysers and tectonic plate rifts close to the capital

Please just call me on 01737 214 294 for more details including prices etc.

IMAGES - what would an Icelandic listing be without a superb image to go with it. We have probably the most Icelandic images of any operator and they are all free to use!

Thanks
Alexis

Feature ideas - Discover the World - Lapland, Iceland, Greenland and beyond...

Here are a few different story angles across a selection of our destinations. If you need images or further information then let me know (01737 214 294 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk):

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The Icehotel with a wildlife twist... Icehotel & Orca safari – Swedish & Norwegian Lapland (5 nights) – a short break that (probably) can’t be rivalled for sheer excitement. This escorted two-centre trip combines an amazing wildlife experience – swimming with orca whales as they feed on the shoals of herring - amidst breathtaking scenery on Norway’s stunning coastline with a stay at the Swedish Icehotel®, one of the world’s most unusual hotels. Needless to say, an array of snowy activities are available.

Prices start from £1262 per person which includes flights, accommodation and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Husky mushing in its true form (

Greenland

)

With departures between March & April 2007, the chance to learn about a way of life unique to the Arctic region is what our Greenland Husky Safari is all about. Explore the frozen wilderness of East Greenland by husky sledge and visit a traditional Greenlandic community amongst other activities on this 5, 6 or 9 night adventure that includes at least 1 night in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik at either end of the trip.

Prices start from £1214 per person based on 2 sharing and includes flights, accommodation and husky sledge tours as described in the itinerary and all other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Pure nature and total indulgence

Aurora spa break – Finnish Lapland (4 nights) - The fell area of northern Finland with its never ending pristine and glittering landscape, is perfect for all types of adventure (including husky sledging and snowmobiling) for the boys, whilst the ladies can pamper themselves with two superb spa treatments, leaving everyone involved exhilarated and/or relaxed. A taste of

Lapland

quite unlike anything else in our brochure...

Prices start from £1038 per person based on 2 people sharing and full board basis (drinks not included) and include flights, two spa treatments and other activities which can be seen on our website.

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Pristine snow cloaked log cabins (as well as huge amounts of adventure!)

Kakslauttanen Cabins and igloos – Finnish Lapland (3 nights) - Authentic Finnish log cabins with their own private sauna, ice igloos, glass igloos, northern lights (possibly!), pristine snow-cloaked forests...the list of unique attractions goes on!

In addition to the numerous excursions (reindeer sledging, husky sledging, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, etc), this short 3 night break is an ideal surprise getaway, romantic escape or even a family break. This is an unforgettable long weekend with a choice of accommodation – various log  cabins, glass igloos or ice rooms

Prices start from £695 including flights, accommodation and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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Romance is in the (purest) air (in the world):

A new break for the winter time and a perfect break for the festive and/or valentine romantics, our Iceland based Romantic Winter Retreat self drive visits Reykjavik as well as the stunning Hotel Budir, located on the beautiful Snaefellsness peninsula in Iceland’s west. The 5-night holiday finds just the right balance between long cosy nights spent in romantic hotels and days out exploring

Iceland

’s spectacular and peaceful countryside.

Prices start from £552 per person including flights, accommodation, car hire and other inclusions which can be seen on our website.

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thanks and happy christmas!

Alaska food and drink - the best food and drink in downtown Anchorage!

We offer one of the UK's most comprehensive Alaska holiday programmes of any UK operator according to Tourism Alaska and with it we like to give our clients just that little bit of insight to help ensure their holiday goes off to a Tee.

After a delay due to various factors, our man in Alaska - David Howe - is back on track with a plethora of recommendations for anyone visiting the state. In his first return instalment, the setting is Anchorage and he goes into crucial detail about the essential component of any holiday - food and drink.

All the details are available on Discover the World's Alaska Blog - www.alaskablog.co.uk

We offer a great selection of holidays in the 49th State including fly-drives, bear watching, small vessel cruising and motor, coach & rail experiences. Prices start from approximately £500 per person excluding flights which can of course be booked through us from approximately £800 per person. For more information on our web-based Alaska programme, please visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/alaska.

Thanks. Alexis

BBC Galapagos series - a success by all accounts

The Executive Director of the Galapagos Conservation Trust was interviewed on BBC breakfast recently and he talked about the best way to see the islands.  He mentioned that it is best to travel with a tour operator offering small vessels (minimum impact on environment) - which is what Discover the World do - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/galapagos   

As for the Galapagos Conservation Trust, they were delighted to have the core team from the BBC - who were responsible for the filming and production of the series - as speakers to their 'Galapagos Day' last a week or two back.  Led by Producer Patrick Morris, the team told about the making of the series and the GCT were privileged to see clips from the film as well as some of the sounds and sights that didn't make it into the final series!

If your readership is likely to enjoy the opportunity to explore the islands on an intimate and small vessel, then look no furhter. We offer several of these trips so get in touch by calling me (Alexis) on 01737 214 294 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/galapagos . Thanks 

6 seat cessna airplane - Iceland from a different perspective

Been to Iceland? Already written about Reykjavik's nightlife or the blue lagoon? Looking for something a little special for that next round-up?

How about giving your readership something really different - introduce them to the possibility of scenic flights over the 'Land of Fire & Ice'...something they will never forget or regret!

"As the city (Reykjavik) grew distant, the countryside opened up in front of us, summerhouses looking like insignificant specks, dwarfed by the huge green landscape. We circled patiently above Geysir and its more active neighbour, Strokkur, until the latter obligingly spouted sulphurous hot water. We rose above the clouds to get a glimpse of the legendary Mount Hekla, and dipped lower to see the various shades of pink in the hills around Landmannalaugar and the delicate fingers of the Mýrdalsjokull glacier slowly creeping towards Thorsmörk...." (read more at Iceland Review)

Let me know if you need any further details for upcoming features or round up ideas - whether it's inclusive packages to Iceland including scenic flights  or something tailored to experience the best Iceland has to offer - 01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk

If it can be done in Iceland, we can do it!

thanks. Alexis.

Landsmót - for the horse lovers out there

As www.landsmot.is/english reports "...Landsmót is the Icelandic name for the biannual National  Horse Show of Iceland, a unique and unforgettable happening - the biggest event involving Icelandic horses in the world.

At Landsmót you will see all the best horses in Iceland, in different types of competition, the classic Icelandic Gæðingakeppni, tölt competition, racing and breeding shows. Nowhere else can you meet such a group of Icelandic horse enthusiasts."

Discover the World offer a huge variety of horse riding options where you can experience the unique qualities of the Icelandic Horse (please see press release section of this Media Room for more details of these qualities).

All of our Icelandic horse riding options can be seen here - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/horseriding. For more info and story ideas, please call me (Alexis) on 01737 214 294.

I actually experienced the Iceladic Horse Round Up last year and it was incredible...2500 horses being driven down from the highlands in one herd. A fantastic experience, even if you aren't a horsey person!

Fun for the family just got better in Reykjavik

Reykjavík municipal authorities yesterday signed an agreement for the restructuring and development of the popular Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo in the Laugardalur area of the city. Under the new agreement, the park will be developed into a so-called “cultural amusement park” and will include a science museum, an aquarium, an IMAX cinema, auditoriums for children’s cinema and performances, an educational facility, exhibition halls, facilities for animals, and more.

See Iceland review for more details