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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.
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The West Coast Is Rated In Lonely Planet's Top Ten Regions Of The World....
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Coming in at eighth, the West Coast joins such beautiful regions as the Victoria Falls and the Spanish port town of Mallorca in the list of places with cultural beauty and natural riches.
The writers waxed lyrical about the national parks, cycling tracks, walkways, lakes and glaciers which cover the West Coast landscape.
"Those who think they've seen it all should prepare for some enlivening surprises."
"Hemmed in by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, the South Island's remote and sparsely populated West Coast lays claim to three national parks and large tracts of three more, encompassed within a conservation estate covering nearly 90% of its land area."
"In 2014, the Department of Conservation will open two major cycling and hiking trails in
co-operation with local partners, as part of the newly established New Zealand Cycle Trail network.
"The Cape Foulwind seal colony can be visited on a revitalised walkway, as can the mesmerising mirror lake of Matheson and Hokitika Gorge, a hidden jewel. New paths deftly cut through ancient forest link the villages of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers to their glacier trailheads."
The complete list:
1. Sikkim, India, 2. The Kimberley, Australia, 3. Yorkshire, England, 4. Hokuriku, Japan,
5. Texas, USA, 6. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia, 7. Mallorca, Spain,
8. West Coast, New Zealand, 9. Hunan, China, 10. Ha'apai, Tonga
For more information on these tours please call
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
or email:[email protected]
Nicky is also available during office hours for "live web chat", click the red box at the bottom of any page on our website to get Nicky's instant response to your questions.
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Rebrand for Kaikoura
KAIKOURA, famous for its snow-capped mountains and dramatic coastal scenery, marine wildlife, sustainability and strong Maori heritage, has been re-branded Kaikoura Te Tutakitanga (The Meeting Place).
It was launched at the Kaikoura i-SITE, home to Kaikoura Information and Tourism Inc. (KITI), which commissioned the rebranding.
"The new brand refers to a place where ideas, resources and people come together," says newly appointed KITI manager Glenn Ormsby. "It also reflects other unique features of the area such as the meeting of mountains and sea."
The green, blue and white graphic is in the shape of a Maori cloak, or "Mother Nature's cloak" as it has been named. Its three contributing design elements depict local features such as the peninsula and town, mountains, native bush and wilderness; the sea, its marine life - such as whales, dolphins and seals - and distinctive birdlife and Kaikoura's culture and ecology.
Tuatara Tours are proud to offer a biking and walking tour in this iconic region of the South Island of New Zealand.
Kaikoura Cyclists Said....
"Value for money, Tuatara delivers a level of comfort and support that is well within the average budget" "Our group was small but that was nice and allowed us to get to know the others"
Dianne and Kevin, Auckland , March 2013
"Would definitely recommend and will be back for more. Felt very comfortable doing the trip as a "solo" on this occasion"
Merran , Auckland , March 2013
"Enjoyed the mix of walking and biking, every day was different. Would recommend this tour to friends"
Ainsley, Auckland , March 2013
For more information on this tour please call
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
or email: [email protected]
Nicky is also available during office hours for "live web chat", click the red box at the bottom of any page on our website to get Nicky's instant response to your questions.
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Bike Brakes: How to Check
Your brakes are without a doubt one of the most important parts of your bike. They must be clean, in good condition, and properly adjusted before every ride.
Before riding always check brake levers, brake pads and brake assemblies
Give your brakes an overall check before every ride. Make sure your brake components are properly positioned and in good working order.
Have your brakes inspected and serviced regularly by an experienced mechanic. Every 6 months or so should be fine for occasional cyclists.
To check your brake levers: simply squeeze them. When your levers are fully engaged, there should be approximately one inch of space between the inside edge of each lever and your handlebars. The levers should be mounted firmly on your handlebars.
To check the condition of brake pads: check to see if your pads are glazed, cracked, or significantly worn.
Always check the position of your brake assemblies: visually inspect both the front and the rear systems and make sure they're centered around each wheel with the brake pads equidistant from the two rim surfaces.
Inspect the brake cables: check them for visible frays, rust, or signs of wear during all major brake overhauls and maintenance checks. Cables should move freely through all cable housings and the guides that hold them in place.
If your brakes still grip poorly after you've checked your levers and assemblies, your brake system may need professional adjustment.
You should clean your brakes any time performance drops or a pre-ride inspection uncovers dirt or grime in the system. Frequent cleaning is especially important for your brake pads.
For more information on these tours please call
NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633
or email: [email protected]
Nicky is also available during office hours for "live web chat", click the red box at the bottom of any page on our website to get Nicky's instant response to your questions.
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Coromandel Kauri Need Your Help
Kauri dieback is killing kauri on Great Barrier Island, and throughout Northland and Auckland. There is no cure, and the disease kills kauri of all ages, from seedlings through to ancient forest giants.
The Coromandel Peninsula has the largest population of kauri outside of Northland. The good news is, so far Coromandel's kauri forests are still free of kauri dieback disease.
Anyone who has visited kauri forests anywhere in Northland, Auckland or Great Barrier Island is a high risk of bringing kauri dieback here, and the influx of summer visitors increases the risk exponentially.
If you have visited kauri forests anywhere in the North Island, remember to clean your gear before and after you enjoy the bush here. In particular, don't use any footwear, poles, mountain bikes etc on the Coromandel Peninsula that have been used in infected areas unless you're absolutely sure the gear has been thoroughly cleaned. That also applies to anyone who has landed from Great Barrier Island.
Remember the 3 S's:, SCRUB your gear - remove all soil, SPRAY with disinfectant, STAY on the track and off kauri roots
Before and after every forest visit, use hot soapy water to scrub away all traces of soil, then rinse or spray with household disinfectant to kill any remaining spores. Use disinfectant stations as well if these are provided. Symptoms of kauri dieback include yellowing leaves, loss of foliage, dead branches, and bleeding gum at ground level and up the foot of the tree. Come with us on the Coromandel Explorer Tour and see these magnificent trees for yourself.
For more information on these tours please call NZ: 0800 377 378 or Australia: 1800 044 633 or email:[email protected] Nicky is also available during office hours for "live web chat", click the red box at the bottom of any page on our website to get Nicky's instant response to your questions.
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It's Official: New Zealand Names Main Islands
New Zealand has officially named its two main islands, and recognised the original Māori names.
Although the names of the two main islands which make up New Zealand - the North Island and South Island - appear on maps, charts and official publications, the names of the two islands were never officially recorded and had no formal standing.
The North Island will now also be referred to as Te Ika-a-Māui - Fish of Maui. This name refers to the ancient Māori legend of Maui and his brothers who were said to have fished up the North Island of New Zealand from their canoe.
The South Island will now also be known as Te Waipounamu - meaning the place of greenstone.
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Gaiters: How to Choose...
The right pair of gaiters depends on the kinds of trips you have planned and the conditions you expect.
Low gaiters are ankle high. These are best for less-than-extreme conditions when you just need to keep debris and rain out of your boots. Regular gaiters are calf high. These are designed for rugged conditions such as hiking through deep snow, wet bush or in bad weather.
Gaiters are usually opened and secured by front velcro fasteners, although a few models feature a sturdy zippered entry.
Top closures: Basic gaiters are typically cinched with toggles and elasticized drawcords; some models are a bit fancier and feature a dedicated top strap with cam buckle.
Instep straps: These secure the lower edge of your gaiters around your boots' insteps. Basic gaiters come with simple lace straps. Premium gaiters feature beefier leather/synthetic straps for extra durability.
Lace hooks: Offered on some styles, these let you attach your boot laces
to your gaiters for added security.
Get a snug fit: Most gaiter styles come in sizes, which are aligned with a range of boot sizes. When you try on gaiters, adjust the straps to make sure the fit is snug. Your goal is to achieve the best possible seal around your boots. Wear low gaiters under your rain pants: This creates the most waterproof seal. |
Mainland islands aim to protect and restore habitats on the mainland of New Zealand through intensive management of introduced pests. They are called mainland "islands" because they are defined areas that are isolated by fencing, geographical features or, more commonly, intensive management of pests.
There are five major mainland islands that are managed by DOC. All have uniquely different ecosystems.
Mainland island habitats (mainland islands) are a relatively new and exciting area of conservation management, the aim of which is to protect and restore habitats on the mainland through intensive management of introduced pests. They are referred to as mainland "island" habitats because they are manageable areas, isolated by means of fencing, geographical features or more commonly, intensive management.
Introduced pests have had a devastating impact on a range of unique habitat types on the New Zealand mainland. Many native and endemic species are now extinct, some have been shifted to predator-free islands for a chance of survival, while others are still trying to hold on in their modified environment.
The potential benefits of mainland islands are enormous for habitats and their unique ecosystem processes, for the survival of individual species (flora and fauna) on the mainland, and for New Zealanders in being able to experience first-hand a unique New Zealand habitat containing a diverse range of native and endemic flora and fauna.
Tuatara Tours is a major concessionaire to the Department of Conservation and contributes to the funding of conservation such as the Mainland Islands project.
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December Competition Winner!!!
Congratulations to Jenny Jennings
You are the lucky winner of the FREE Mesopotamia High Country Tour.
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Quote of the month
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Live Help!
Nicky - now online
If you are visiting our website and need some help or questions answered please use our Live Help Button and Nicky will chat with you.
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The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
Saint Augustine
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Qualmark
Tuatara Tours now fully endorsed by Qualmark NZ
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Up and Coming Events Around New Zealand
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January 2014
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February 2014
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The First Big Brunch, Wed 1 Jan, Soundshell and Village Green, Rotorua
Hive - Home Innovation Village, Wed 1 Jan, Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch City
Centre for Fine Woodworking - 2014 Summer School, Sat 11 Jan, Centre for Fine Woodworking, Nelson
Ironman Asia Pacific Championhsip Auckland, Sun 19 Jan, Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland
Jimmy Carr, Sat 25 Jan, The Opera House, Wellington
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Hyundai A-League Football - Wgtn Phoenix v Adelaide Utd, Sat 1 Feb
Eden Park, Auckland
Avice Hill Arts and Crafts Festival 2014, Sun 9 Feb,
Avice Hill Art & Craft Centre, Christchurch City
The Yard Men,Sat 15 Feb,
Pog Mahones Irish Pub, Queenstown
Charles Bradley, Sat 22 Feb,
James Cabaret, Wellington
Auckland Cup Carnival, Fri 28 Feb, Alexandra Park Raceway, Auckland
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School Principals Challenge/Stock Car Tea - Baypark Speedway, Sat 1 Mar , ASB Stadium, Mt Maunganui
GKR Karate - Self Defence for All Ages, Tue 4 Mar, Isleworth School, Christchurch City
WOMAD 2014, Sat 15 Mar, TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth
Cancer Society Relay For Life, Sat 22 Mar, Riccarton High School, Christchurch City
The County Road Manawatu Cycle Classic, Sat 22 Mar, Memorial Park, Palmerston North
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Safe Travelling and a Happy New Year.
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Copyright � Tuatara Tours. All Rights Reserved.
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