|
|
|
|
|
|
| Greetings! |
August 2012, Issue 99
Welcome to the latest issue of Tuatara Tours' monthly newsletter, where we offer a brief summary of what's going on in New Zealand - and what's coming up.
|
|
New Website Launched!
| Have a look!
www.tuataratours.co.nzLike us on Facebook and be first to hear of any tour specials and updates.  Share your Tuatara Tours photos with us and go in the draw to win a set of walking poles.
|
NEW! - The Molesworth Cycle Trail....
|
Join us on the 4 - Day Molesworth Cycle Trail for diverse biking, from coastal vineyards to alpine lakes to thermal springs!
Linking it all: New Zealand's largest farm: the 180,000 ha Molesworth Station, a wildly beautiful area that is also of conservation importance.
It's one of New Zealand's first farms, and is steeped in history and tales of survival against the odds.
We'll follow sun-baked river valleys, admire sparkling waterfalls, and stay with farming families with rich stories to share about their lives and land.
The biking is graded moderate. Any aching muscles can be soothed in a thermal pool at Hanmer Springs, or a spa at the alpine lake village of St Arnaud.
Visit: www.tuataratours.co.nz for more details
or call Nicky on our Freephone:
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
|
|
|
|
Up and Coming Events Around New Zealand
|
August 2012 - Outstanding Young Musicians - Hilary Hayes (violin) and Bryony Gibson-Cornish (viola), 3 Aug, Christchurch
- One Night of Queen - 5 Aug, New Plymouth
- Ladies Adventure Weekend, 11-12 Aug, National Park
- Coromandel Classic, 24-26 Aug, Thames
- International Film Festival, various locations around New Zealand
September 2012 - Feast of Canterbury 2012, 01 Sep 2012 - 16 Sep 2012, Christchurch
- Mizuno Kinloch Offroad Challenge, 01 Sep, Lake Taupo
- Fine Art - British and French Modernism, 03 Sep - 30 Nov, Auckland
- Malt Whisky Tasting, 08 Sep, Taupo
- Great Sumner Picnic, 22 Sep, Christchurch
- NZ Ice Festival, 14 Sep to 14 Oct, Christchurch
October 2012 - The Kavalliers - A Rocking Great Band, 06 Oct 2012, Auckland
- Do or Di? fun-filled musical event, 05 Oct 2012, Wellington
- Hamilton Half Marathon, 07 Oct 2012, Hamilton
- Top Shop 2012 Gala Dinner best retailers of 2012, 15,16 Oct 2012, Hamilton
- Griffin Shield- Volleyball, 16 Oct 2012 - 20 Nov 2012, Palmerston North
|
|
How much does the world weigh?....
|
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine using UN data and estimates of global weight from the World Health Organisation, have come up with a calculator that not only gives your own BMI (body mass index) but can indicate where you fit in with the rest of your own country and on a global scale for your age and height.
According to researchers, the adult human population has a combined weight of 287,000,000 tonnes. Increasing obesity could have the same impact on global resources as an extra billion people, they believe.
Try the calculator here
|
| Strike it rich on the West Coast ... | |
 The French Gold Panning champion of 1997, Gerard Bardel, has recently applied to the Conservation Department for a permit to teach gold panning techniques to groups of visitors to the West Coast. The West Coast was the scene for gold rush fever between 1864 and 1867 and was the second richest gold bearing area after Otago, also claiming fame to being the location for New Zealand's biggest find, a 2.807kg nugget unearthed in the township of Ross in 1909. Today the region offers several free fossicking areas and alluvial gold has been found in the streams and rivers, typically in lower concentrations although Asia Pacific Gold producer OceanaGold produced a record 85,843 ounces of gold in 2010 from their plant in Reefton. Come and try for your fortune on our West Coast Trail and Franz Josef Trail tours.
For more details:
or call Nicky on our Freephone:
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
|
From The Mountains To The Sea....
|
Explore the new Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which makes some of the South Island's most dramatic scenery accessible to cyclists.
There's nearly 300 km of cycling from the tussocky alpine Mackenzie Country with its turquoise lakes, through rural towns to the Pacific Ocean in historic Oamaru.
Your fully guided tour starts and ends in the South Island's largest city: Christchurch, with all accomodation, meals, and support vehicles provided.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail was created as part of a government-led initiative: Nga Harenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail developing New Zealand's best cycle tracks. Tuatara Tours is an official partner.
Join Tuatara Tours on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and be one of the first to enjoy this new and exciting experience.
For more details:
or call Nicky on our Freephone:
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
|
|
What's in a walking pole?....
| |
We are often asked if poles are necessary on a walk. We find walking with poles provides stability on uneven ground and can be handy as energy and concentration levels flag when tired. They can reduce impact on joints and can help if you are carrying a pack to spread the weight being carried. They can provide extra propulsion and help increase your stride length and walking speed, especially when used in Nordic Walking. If you are travelling over relatively easy terrain one pole may be sufficient, if you are carrying a pack, on uneven ground or know you have balance issues you may need the extra support of two poles. When buying a pole you may want to consider: - adjustable vs single length poles - an adjustable pole is easier to pack away when travelling or when not required and the height can be adjusted
- anti-shock - a spring inside the pole can operate as a shock absorber, making walking more comfortable and taking pressure off joints
- the tip - some have a rubber tip for walking on asphalt, usually this comes off and reveals a hard tip for grip when on the trail
- the grip - some grips are hard and can get wet and slippery, pick one that is comfortable for your hand
Remember all poles need a regular wipe down to remove dirt and dust that may stop them functioning properly. Share your Tuatara Tours photos with us on Facebook and go in the draw to win a set of walking poles.
|
| How green is your garden?.... | |
We enjoy seeing native birds and wildlife when out exploring the countryside, can we provide a welcoming environment for them in our own back yards?
Take this simple quiz provided by the Department of Conservation and learn how green your garden is. Step outside your house and look around your garden. Give yourself one point for each item from the checklist below that you find in your garden.
- Mulch or leaf litter on the garden where insects, spiders and other invertebrates like to live.
- Lots of friendly creepy crawlies like spiders, moths, beetles, earthworms and stick insects.
- Places for invertebrates to hide or live in such as rotting woodpiles, cracks and holes, old concrete or low thick growing plants like coprosmas where lizards can hide.
- Lots of worms in the soil.
- Spiders' webs.
- Water for birds in places that are safe from cats.
- Plants like flax and kowhai with nectar that birds love.
- Plants like wineberry and karamu with fruit that birds love.
- Bigger trees for birds to sit and nest in.
- Plants that birds like to feed on, growing in places where the cat can't get them!
Tally up your total score and check it below. - 1 - 3 point(s): Light green The bugs and beetles will visit but consider plantings and composting if you want more to stay.
- 4 - 7 points: Medium green Insects and birds will like your backyard. Little things like woodpiles will bring in even more.
- 8 - 10 points: Dark green Wow! Your backyard is an amazing place for birds and invertebrates
|
| Tuatara Tours now fully endorsed by Qualmark NZ |
|
|
Keep Well and Happy Travelling!
|
|
Tuatara Tours
Email: info@tuataratours.co.nz
New Zealand Freephone: 0800 377 378
Australia Freephone: 1800 044 633
Web: www.tuataratours.co.nz |
|
|
|
|
