This is the Maori Kapa Haka, Festival of New Zealand. This Kapa Haka, warrior dance competition attracts thousands and remains the finest cultural bonanza of New Zealand. Images
Tag Archives: New Zealand
Te Matatini: New Zealand’s Maori Kapa Haka Festival
This biennial fest is a mix of enormous power, beauty and intensity. Te Matatini, a three day Maori cultural festival is a platform for different groups to perform their own type of Haka dance, with awesome music to compliment the dance. It tries to give New Zealanders a sense of pride in their ancient historical roots. As a cultural festival, it includes flax weaving, art works, stalls selling Maori food and Maori arts and crafts, special events for old Maoris and even a special area where Maori kids can play and entertain themselves. Today Te Matatini is an enchanting mix of the traditional/contemporary performance of song,dance, poi within Maori culture which expresses love, passion, defience, pride and many more emotions. The subjects are diverse from political, social, enviromental, to anything life can throw at one, good or bad The main incentive for the haka dance competitors remains an overseas trip for all the forty winning group members. Groups from all over the country have competed in regional finals and the thirty groups which have won their regional competitions come to Te Matatini to compete against each other for the prize of Best National Kapa Haka group. A Kapa Haka comprises a number of songs and dances performed over a space of 25 minutes( flexible). The performance will include a haka, a dance with poi (the coloured balls on strings), as well as a song that has a contemporary theme. These 25 minute performances, each with the same structure but with different songs and dances, continue from 10.00am until 8.00pm for two days. At the end of those two days the panel of judges chooses six groups to compete, on the third day, in the final. Kapa Haka removes the battlefields of Maori ancestors with inherent competitiveness now taking place on stage. Kapa Haka recgonises the strength of diversity among Maori tribes, iwi, hapu, whanau, while equally encouraging all of them to come together and celebrate as one. The New Zealand national football team, the All Blacks have used the blood-curdling roar of the haka which is accompanied by thigh slapping and foot stomping to put fear in the minds of there opponents before a game. The haka they perform is just a glimpse of the real thing. To experience it in essence and in a magical way you must come to Te Matatini, Maori Kapa Haka Festival. Source: The Age
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country: An Ideal holiday destination
Image credit Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, where the sun shines forever, can certainly prove to be your next ultimate holiday destination. So, if you are the one who avoid chilling winter trips, you don’t have to fret. Also known as the food and wine destination of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is the place where a variety of events run throughout the year, including the Harvest Hawke’s Bay fest to celebrate the region’s wine and food, Blues, Brews and BBQ’s festival, and the WETA Wine and Food Festival. All in all, it’s a place for foodies who wish to get entertained in all sorts of ways. Image Credit The region has a diverse range of things to see and do and hosts a number of icon events throughout the year. One of the most spectacular events held in hawke’s bay is the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend where you will find the glamour, glitz and style of the 1930s come alive. Vintage cars, jazz concerts, dancing, wining and dining, the costumes, and the enthralling surroundings will enrich you with such a fabulous experience, which you will find no where else in New Zealand. Image credit Hawke’s Bay has lots in store for the families also. There are golden sand beaches, the Splash Planet water theme park, public swimming pools and crystal clear rivers. You can swim with dolphins and visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Thrill seekers can enjoy hot air ballooning, surfing, caving and paragliding to sailing and windsurfing. Day walks, hunting or fishing and golf are popular past times too. Hawke’s Bay has everything to lure you. The snow-clad mountains, golden sand beaches, water theme parks, serene rivers, and a range of camping options are sure to make your vacation worthwhile. No matter what time of year you visit, there is plenty to see and do in Hawke’s Bay. Source: Stuff
Rejuvenate your self at Cardrona Terrace Estate
Nestled at the base of the Cardrona Valley on the outskirts of Lake Wanaka is Cardrona Terrace Estate, one of the most unique and amazing lodges in New Zealand. It’s a luxury retreat ideally suited to business or pleasure and is an ideal base to explore the Wanaka region. Created by Dunedin-raised Sharon and Aucklander Kevin Alderson, Cardrona Terrace Estate is a dream house. It’s an Italian-style house set on a 20-hectare property above the Cardona River with views up the Matukituki Valley. The five-star accommodation lodge is designed with eco-friendly thermopanel, which keeps it warm in winter and cool in summer. It has been designed to reflect the changing colors, the moods and the light of the Central Otago landscape. Set in a working vineyard planted in pinot noir and Riesling, the lodge has a special ambience of its own. Clean mountain air, breathtaking scenery, the tranquility of the surrounds make this lodge an ideal retreat for those who want to take time out and relax or participate in the numerous outdoor activities Wanaka has to offer. From outdoor heated spa pool, restaurant, private parking area to beauty therapy and aromatherapy massage, all facilities are available at Cardrona Terrace Estate. Take the time out away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life to witness the awe-inspiring scenery and rejuvenate your spirit and soul while you stay at the lodge. Location: 84 Morris Rd, Wanaka Charges: Including breakfast, the rooms are available at $495-$895 double a night. Click here to get more information about the lodge. Scroll down for more pictures of the lodge. Images Source: Stuff
Eye-catching South Island!
Image Credit Every traveler marvels at the natural beauty of New Zealand. The clear skies, snowy Alps, green pastures, rolling hills and lots more! It’s a country of rare beauty where glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep lakes and hissing geysers abound. Two well known islands of New Zealand are North and South island. Often we see people raving about the South Island. One may think why people are biased about their opinions when they make comparison between the North and the South. You need to visit this wonderful island to get the answer of this question. Well-known for its natural beauty, the South Island is a place blessed with tranquil lakes, massive glaciers, bizarre landscapes, rugged mountains, wild rivers and lush forest. All these are the treasures of South island. Image Credit Nelson Lakes, Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Fiordland, Mount Hutt, Buller, Catlins, Central Otago, Kahurangi National Park, Kaikoura, Arthur’s Pass, Westland Mount Aspiring and Mckenzie Country are few such places that are worth visit while on trip to South Island. It’s a long list of places which have majestic wilderness and wonderful landscapes. The island has such beautiful landscapes you can hike them, jump off them or just stare at them with your mouth open. You’ll be rewarded with is the spectacular panorama. A visit to South Island is sure to make your New Zealand trip worthwhile. Have a look the stunning pictures of South Island. Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Source: USA Today
Sydney Opera House wins World Heritage status
Australian tourism industry has added another feather in its cap with Sydney Opera House been declared as a World Heritage site and a masterpiece of the 20th century architecture. It joins Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef on the World Heritage list. Other famous sites around the world include the Acropolis in Athens, the historic centre of Prague and the Taj Mahal. The decision was made in Christchurch, New Zealand, at a meeting of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Committee. The others added to the list were the Red Fort complex in New Delhi, India, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Japan and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa in Turkmenistan. The Opera house is the youngest building to be included on the World Heritage list and only the second by a living architect. It became the 17th Australian site to be included on the 800-strong World Heritage List when it won the approval of delegates at a meeting in New Zealand. Image Source: News.Com
Exquisite Wanaka Lake!
Image Credit If you love to be in the laps of the Mother Nature Wanaka is just the right place. Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand is the ideal place to take a deep breath and relax. It’s a hidden paradise that is protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains. The crystal-clear water of Lake Wanaka reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Lake Wanaka lies in a u-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. In a parallel valley carved by a neighboring glacier eight km to the east lies Lake Hawea which is another wonderful lake. At their closest points, the lakes are only 1,000 meters apart. In the southern end of the lake are numerous small islands. Rabbit Island, Stevensons Island and Harwich Island are the notable islands that are now serving as ecological sanctuaries. The lake is a popular resort much used in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The nearby mountains and fast-flowing rivers allow for adventure tourism year-round. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon you can go for mountain biking, tramping and climbing. Wanaka is also one of New Zealand’s top ski destinations, with four ski and snowboarding areas close by. When viewed, it looks as if the Lake is a picture and the mountains are the frame. Believe me, it’s one of the most scenic places in New Zealand. Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Image Credit Source: nzonline