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White Out
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Issue 27 – Winter 2006
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(New Zealand in Winter)
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IN THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD, GREAT SNOW MEANS MORE SENSATIONAL WAYS TO ENJOY YOURSELF. HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND’S COLD WEATHER WINNERS.
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HELICOPTER HIGH
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Mt Hutt Helicopters are located at the base of the spectacular Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand, only 20 minutes flying time from Christchurch International Airport. There is a range of experiences on offer from heli-skiing, heli-boarding and heli-hiking to mountaintop picnics, and fabulous scenic flights. This is the most exhilarating way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Soar high above alpine lakes and river systems, while taking stunning views that stretch from the snowcapped mountains to the sea. www.mthutthelicopters.co.nz
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SNOW HIKE
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The walk to Crater Lake in the crater of the North Island’s Ruapehu takes about seven hours return (four hours up, three hours down). It’s definitely not an easy stroll and the track isn’t marked. Even in summer there may be ice and snow. Boots, sunglasses and wind-proofs are always essential, while ice-axes and crampons may be needed. A great way to experience the Ruapehu crater walk is to join a guided tour, which leaves from the Whakapapa ski-field. From the ‘Top o’ the Bruce’ you can use chair lifts to give you a head start. Then there's a one-hour hike to the Dome Shelter for incredible views of the crater. www.newzealand.com
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HOT SPRING, COLD DAY
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Situated only 90 minutes drive from Christchurch or Kaikoura, Hammer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is an extensive thermal complex in an alpine environment, with large native gardens. The reserve offers thermal mineral, sulphur and freshwater pools, as well as a large children's activity area. Private thermal pools, Scandinavian sauna and steam rooms are available, with a licensed café on site also. To gain extra benefit from the thermal waters and really pamper yourself, visit Health, Body & Mind for a variety of beauty and massage treatments – (Winner in the 2005 and 2004 New Zealand Tourism Awards for the Best Visitor Attraction). www.hanmersprings.co.nz
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SNOWMOBILE ADVENTURE
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Nevis Snowmobile Adventure is a unique helicopter/snowmobile self-drive, guided, wilderness adventure. The trip commences from Queenstown where you are picked up from your accommodation and delivered to the airport. The 12-minute helicopter trip to the base is a scenic flight over the Remarkable Mountains and Nevis Valley. At the base you are provided with thermal snowmobile suits, helmets, boots and gloves and instruction in the use of snowmobiles. Then your ‘alpine wilderness adventure’ begins. Trip duration from Queenstown and return is three hours. Tours operate from late June through to early October depending on snow cover. www.snowmobilenz.com
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CURLING ON ICE
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The South Island’s Maniototo is the home of curling in New Zealand. Maniototo has approximately 17 clubs, one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand being the Mt Ida Curling Club, headquartered in Naseby. New Zealand is the only country in the world to still play the traditional game, as most other countries now play a version of curling known as hack curling. At the last Winter Olympics, hack curling was introduced for the first time. The Maniotot International Curling Rink is an outdoor artificial ice rink available for teams and groups or individuals with curling coaching available. You can hire ice skates, curling stones and brooms. Warm clothing is advised. The rink is operational from June to August. www.nasebyicesports.co.nz
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CRISP CRUISING
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Re-live the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Watch the stokers fuel the fireboxes, feel the heat from the boilers, and hear the steam engines working as ‘the Lady’ takes you across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. As you relax on board, enjoy a delicious meal or snack from the Promenade Café or a drink from the bar and view the magnificent snow-capped mountains all around. There's plenty of time to explore and you can even join in a sing-a-long around the piano. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You have the choice of a cruise by itself (duration one hour 30 mins), or it can be combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm, for a guided farm visit, horse trek, barbecue lunch or evening buffet dining. www.realjourneys.co.nz
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SKI AWAY
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Air New Zealand Holidays has launched its 2006 ski programme to capture the growing trend of Australians heading to the New Zealand slopes for ski breaks. The focus is on winter breaks as well as full ski packages. “The growth is definitely in the ‘soft ski’ market, being travellers looking for a winter experience that incorporates ski as just one of a range of activities,” says Rohan Moss General Manager of Air New Zealand Holidays. Air New Zealand has increased direct capacity into Queenstown from Australia by 47 per cent for the popular ski season. The airline will operate six direct flights into Queenstown from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from July until the end of September. www.airnewzealand.com.au
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