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!!

Survival in a New Zealand heaven - Not a bad job for the Castaway team

The castaways of Taransay must be kicking themselves. They were sent up to the cold 'north' whilst the new participants probably still can't believe their luck as they travel far far south to the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.

Indeed, the new series of Castaway launches on BBC1 tomorrow, March 9th at 9pm.  Once again a group of strangers will be left on a deserted island to fend for themselves, as part of a social experiment in self-sufficiency. 

Over the course of 3 months the castaways will have to build their own homes and learn how to use the island’s natural provisions to feed themselves.  There won’t be much time to sit back and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, rich snorkeling opportunities or lush green hills, as this will be a case of working to survive!

If you want to be a Castaway in style you can stay on Great Barrier Island at the luxurious Earthsong Lodge.  A 2 night package starts at GBP 892.00 for 2 people sharing.  This price includes air transfers from Auckland, double room accommodation with sumptuous dinners and breakfasts, and a guided visit to Glenfern Sanctuary.  Further details can be found by visiting www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand

Click here for some more info on the series - www.bbc.co.uk/castaway

'Discover the World' named Travel Specialist of the Year in New Zealand Tourism Awards 2007

Not only did we manage a top 10 'Tour Operator' placing in Wanderlust's anual reader awards, presented by Lyn Hughes at Destinations London last week, but on Tuesday night Tourism New Zealand & Air New Zealand and their panel of judges voted us 'Travel Specialist of the Year 2007' and we won the 'Best On-line Content 2007' award - both relating to our New Zealand holiday programme...obviously.

We also gained a Highly Commended award for both the following:
> Best New Zealand Marketing/Promotional Campaign
> Best New Zealand Consumer Publication

For more information, please click on the Press Releases link above.

As always, if you need any information and some great rights free images across all of our New Zealand holidays then do let me know by phone or email (01737 214 294 / alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk)

New Zealand feature ideas - media/press

If you're in search of some New Zealand feature ideas focussing on the capital, Wellington, then look no further than the following document - Download wellington_story_ideas_discover_the_world.doc

Discover the World offer a huge array of year-round tailored fly  drive holidays in New Zealand. Take a look at our comprehensive, award winning, website - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand or email me - alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk - for our latest brochure which arrived just last week!

Thanks. Alexis.

Air New Zealand's inaugural flight around the world departs this weekend

As per Tourism New Zealand's latest newsletter, "Air New Zealand flight NZ 38 takes off on its maiden flight between London and Hong Kong this Sunday 29 October at 9.15pm." "The new Asian route means that Air New Zealand will have the distinction of being the only airline to offer a round the world service out of the UK (London - Hong Kong - Auckland - Los Angeles - London, or vice versa). The new flight is in addition to the airline's existing daily service to Auckland via Los Angeles and gives one main advantage to the UK traveller. They can choose to fly around the world with stopovers in either direction - East and West, for the price of a UK to New Zealand return trip. Prices start from just £801 inclusive of taxes in economy class and include stopovers in Los Angeles, Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and Hong Kong." Discover the World are obviously embracing this unique service and can offer a whole host of stop-over options as part of our New Zealand Programme. Please visit www.discover-new-zealand.co.uk for more details or call me on 01737 214 294 to discuss possible angles. We have loads of images available as well. Thanks. Alexis

East Antarctica Voyage - unique and adventurous

Our East Antarctica Voyage visits various areas of the continent from New Zealand, including those of the Ross Sea and the areas home to some lesser-known Antarctic huts such as (Doug) Mawson's hut and Dumont D'Urville's hut. You'll even visit Terra Adelie where 'March of the Penguins' was filmed.

This is a great opportunity to visit Antarctica's less accessible areas but also remains the perfect trip for anyone who has already visited the Peninsula but can't resist a look at the 'other side'!

Please visit out Antarctic blog - www.antarcticblog.com - to view more details or if you need prices, information and images, then call me on 01737 214 294.

Naked Bungy - whatch where you dangle!

Next month (7th October) sees AJ Hackett's Bungy Nude Day in New Zealand. With plenty of bare flesh on show, this event is sure to attract a curious and 'hardy' audience, but the naked escapades will also no doubt induce plenty of tutting from the less approving public. Either way, if its entertainment you need then look no further!

Whether your audience is interested in the stunning natural beauty of NZ, or the less delectable naked 'displays' of the natives, a holiday to the 'land of the long white cloud' is a real adventure.

Whatever the motives of your readership or audience, take a look at our NZ escorted and independent itineraries that may prove a great inclusion in your next round up, feature, or might simply inspire future story ideas.

In the meantime, let's hope for no rope burns or elastic induced emergencies!

The Queen approves New Zealand Antarctic medal

New Zealanders and other nationals who have made an outstanding contribution to Antarctica could be in line to receive a New Zealand-specific medal, equivalent to the Queen's Service Medal.

With its first recipients to be announced in the 2007 New Year's Honours List, the Queen has approved this medal (equivalent to the British Polar Medal) for New Zealand and other nationals involved in the NZ Antarctic programme who have made a significant contribution to the protection and knowledge of Antarctica.

As award-winning New Zealand news and information website www.stuff.co.nz reports, the "...medal could be awarded to New Zealanders and others who...have made an outstanding contribution to either exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection or knowledge of the Antarctic region"

Please visit the British Antarctic Survey website for a history of the prestigious British Polar Medal medal, instituted in 1904 for members of Captain Scott's first expedition to the Antarctic aboard Discovery.

Please also visit our dedicated Antarctic Voyages website, which includes details of all our small-vessel explorations of the great white continent, upon which Scott and his men undertook one of the greatest - if not the - greatest 'earthly' journeys known to man.

For your chance to visit the historical places that Scott and his fellow explorers first discovered, our Great Explorers' Voyage (departs 12th December 2006) is the perfect option and is the last of its kind planned, at least until 2008 (and even this is not guaranteed due to ice breaker availability). You will visit Cape Evans (Scott's 'Hut Point'), Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds and even attempt the 'farthest south by ship' record by visiting the Bay of Whales, where Amundsen was based for his successful south pole expedition.

With the upcoming International Polar Year 2007/2008, Polar education is once again on the agenda and this initiative will be fundamental in helping today's world community to better understand just how much the cold ends of the sphere we all live on really do influence us. If you need further details on our educational small-vessel expeditions then please call me or visit our Antarctic Voyages website.

Thanks. Alexis - 01737 214 294

NZ's World of Wearable Arts - an international affair

TVNZ.co.uk reports that "The organisers of New Zealand's Wearable Arts Awards say a high level of interest from international designers is recognition of its growing prestige as a major fashion event. The first round of entries for this year's show has attracted 380 designers from countries such as India, Iceland, Germany, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates."

The festival has now moved to the NZ capital of Wellington - www.worldofwearableart.com - and will take place in September & October this year.

Discover the World have a selection of itineraries that encompass Wellington, alloing you to visit the WOW awards/festival. How about our 14-day Whale Rider Country, or if the fantastic wine of NZ is your main priority, our 8-day New Zealand Wine Trail is perfect for sampling the best wine on offer in the Land of the Long White Cloud.   

Garden yourself silly in New Zealand

Looking for that excuse to go abroad this winter?

Did the Chelsea show just not satisfy you?

Having caught the bug at Chelsea, why not let your passion take you to some gardening wonders abroad. If the Silver Award winning 100% Pure New Zealand Garden captured your imagination for the country then we have a perfect 17-day itinerary 'down south' to experience Auckland's Ellerslie Flower Show - www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz - as well as a fine selection of NZ's gardens and some of the country's real highlights. 

Here's our Premier Garden Tour itinerary - www.discover-new-zealand.co.uk/coachrail1/index.htm

Any questions..please just get in touch - 01737 214 294. Thanks. Alexis