Dear Art,
Here is my blog entry for Paihia and Taupo!
Sincerely,
Kristen Beebe
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
updated attractions
Trevor Anderson
Motuti Marae:
The Motuti Marae is located off the Hokianga Harbour in North Land, New Zealand. A marae is a sacred place that serves both religious and social purposes. The Catholic faith is still a large part of the culture and traditions of Maori in Hokianga, and the Motuti Marae experience is based on the "whanu" or family, which is the heart of Mouti and New Zealand Maori culture. Visitors are welcomed to become part of the whanu and learn traditional weaving, poi-making, "waiata" (songs), "haka" (traditional dance), "kemu" (stick games) and bone and wood carving. Carving is an important cultural tradition for Maori, as the carvings represent different ancestors and relate the history and stories of the Hokianga Harbour.
Known to by the Maori as Te Kohanga, the Hokianga Harbour is a long estuarine drowned valley located on the west coast in the northwest of the North Land. It extends 70 kilometers inland from the Tasman Sea, and has a low population, meaning there are plenty of open beaches. The climate is generally mild throughout the entire year, allowing gardens to grow well in this area, and the estuary consists of a tidal river system lined with mangroves, small harbourside towns and family farms.
Whakatane:
In the Eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand, right next to the Pacific Ocean, sits the town of Whakatane. One of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, its warm waters are world-famous for deep sea fishing and marine sports, and more yellow-fin tuna are caught here than anywhere else in the country. Here, one can relax on the sands of Ohope Beach, take a White Island live volcano tour, go whale watching and dolphin swimming, walk or run the Nga Tapuwae O Toi bush track, and watch rare sea birds at Ohiwa Harbour. Other Whakatane attractions include the museum, an observatory and Maori historical sites. There is plenty to do at Whakatane.
Whakatane is the gateway to White Island, which is one of the world's few accessible live volcanoes. Located 48 kilometers off the coast of Whakatane makes White Island easily accessible by boat or helicopter, and one could even take a scenic flight around the island. The acid lake in the island's depths offers an unforgettable insight into nature's primal creativity. White Island is also a great scuba diving destination as it provides a unique dive experience where one can explore the underwater steam vents or commune with large schools of fish.
http://www.motuti.co.nz/
http://www.motuti.co.nz/?q=gallery
Motuti Marae:
The Motuti Marae is located off the Hokianga Harbour in North Land, New Zealand. A marae is a sacred place that serves both religious and social purposes. The Catholic faith is still a large part of the culture and traditions of Maori in Hokianga, and the Motuti Marae experience is based on the "whanu" or family, which is the heart of Mouti and New Zealand Maori culture. Visitors are welcomed to become part of the whanu and learn traditional weaving, poi-making, "waiata" (songs), "haka" (traditional dance), "kemu" (stick games) and bone and wood carving. Carving is an important cultural tradition for Maori, as the carvings represent different ancestors and relate the history and stories of the Hokianga Harbour.
Known to by the Maori as Te Kohanga, the Hokianga Harbour is a long estuarine drowned valley located on the west coast in the northwest of the North Land. It extends 70 kilometers inland from the Tasman Sea, and has a low population, meaning there are plenty of open beaches. The climate is generally mild throughout the entire year, allowing gardens to grow well in this area, and the estuary consists of a tidal river system lined with mangroves, small harbourside towns and family farms.
Whakatane:
In the Eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand, right next to the Pacific Ocean, sits the town of Whakatane. One of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, its warm waters are world-famous for deep sea fishing and marine sports, and more yellow-fin tuna are caught here than anywhere else in the country. Here, one can relax on the sands of Ohope Beach, take a White Island live volcano tour, go whale watching and dolphin swimming, walk or run the Nga Tapuwae O Toi bush track, and watch rare sea birds at Ohiwa Harbour. Other Whakatane attractions include the museum, an observatory and Maori historical sites. There is plenty to do at Whakatane.
Whakatane is the gateway to White Island, which is one of the world's few accessible live volcanoes. Located 48 kilometers off the coast of Whakatane makes White Island easily accessible by boat or helicopter, and one could even take a scenic flight around the island. The acid lake in the island's depths offers an unforgettable insight into nature's primal creativity. White Island is also a great scuba diving destination as it provides a unique dive experience where one can explore the underwater steam vents or commune with large schools of fish.
http://www.motuti.co.nz/
http://www.motuti.co.nz/?q=gallery
Addison Reid
The first inhabitants of what is now known as Christchurch, New Zealand were moa-hunting tribes whom eventually hunted these flightless birds to extinction. These inhabitants were followed by the Waitaha tribe. Control of the Waitaha tribe and the Ngati Mamoe tribe was taken by the Ngai Tahu tribe until the settling of the European people. The first European settlers landed in Canterbury in 1815. By 1850 Europeans were operating whaling ships out of the Lyttelton Harbor, at about the same time a group of European settlers founded the city of Christchurch after arriving in Lyttelton Harbor. Christchurch became a city on July 31, 1856 by Royal Charter. Christchurch is officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
The geology of the Canterbury region of New Zealand, where the city of Christchurch is located, is very unique. The Southern Alps are seen clearly from anywhere in Christchurch. These mountains are composed of greywacke and were formed 230 to 170 million years ago. Present day mountains in this area began forming 26 million years ago and continue today. The Banks Peninsula is an important part of the geology of the Canterbury region. Over millions of years, two volcanoes have linked due to eruptions of basalt. In recent geological history, alluvial fans have linked this volcano to the Southern Island. Also, due to movement of faults in the Canterbury region, there has been a history of earthquakes. It is suspected that the movement of these faults will cause earthquake damage in the future.
In 2001, Christchurch had a population of 334,107 people. This is the most populated district of the Canterbury region. Although the region of Canterbury has the most people of European descent of the country, most of the Maori people of this area are centered on the city of Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is known as Garden city for all the amazing gardens throughout this area. Some of the many gardens include Mona Vale, Botanic Gardens and the Ilam Homestead. The people of Christchurch enjoy the mountains, beaches, lakes and parks that are all within close vicinity.
http://www.christchurch.org.nz/About/
http://eeg.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/1/4/427
http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/canterbury-region/2
White Island is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest volcanic structure in country with 70 percent of the volcano under the sea. The steam from the eruptions of this volcano can be seen 10km into the sky on a clear day. The upper slopes of this island were previously mined for sulfur in the early 1900's. In 1914 mining stopped after the collapse of a crater wall that killed 12 miners. The sulfur was used for fertilizers, the export of sulfur ore and the manufacturing of sulfuric acid. The Maori name for the island translates to "The Dramatic Volcano" and "that which can be made visible." In 1952, White Island became a private scenic reserve and until 1995 the public had free access to the island. The island is now under permit controlled access.
White Island has no vegetation and instead as you travel around the island you see that the ground is covered by sulfur crystals. In the waters surrounding the island there is marine life such as dolphins, and many bird species. There are large colonies of Gannets that nest on the island and you can see them clearly as you approach the island.
http://www.gns.cri.nz/what/earthact/volcanoes/nzvolcanoes/newwhitei.html
http://www.tourism.net.nz/nz-places/white-island-new-zealand.html
http://www.wi.co.nz/
The first inhabitants of what is now known as Christchurch, New Zealand were moa-hunting tribes whom eventually hunted these flightless birds to extinction. These inhabitants were followed by the Waitaha tribe. Control of the Waitaha tribe and the Ngati Mamoe tribe was taken by the Ngai Tahu tribe until the settling of the European people. The first European settlers landed in Canterbury in 1815. By 1850 Europeans were operating whaling ships out of the Lyttelton Harbor, at about the same time a group of European settlers founded the city of Christchurch after arriving in Lyttelton Harbor. Christchurch became a city on July 31, 1856 by Royal Charter. Christchurch is officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
The geology of the Canterbury region of New Zealand, where the city of Christchurch is located, is very unique. The Southern Alps are seen clearly from anywhere in Christchurch. These mountains are composed of greywacke and were formed 230 to 170 million years ago. Present day mountains in this area began forming 26 million years ago and continue today. The Banks Peninsula is an important part of the geology of the Canterbury region. Over millions of years, two volcanoes have linked due to eruptions of basalt. In recent geological history, alluvial fans have linked this volcano to the Southern Island. Also, due to movement of faults in the Canterbury region, there has been a history of earthquakes. It is suspected that the movement of these faults will cause earthquake damage in the future.
In 2001, Christchurch had a population of 334,107 people. This is the most populated district of the Canterbury region. Although the region of Canterbury has the most people of European descent of the country, most of the Maori people of this area are centered on the city of Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is known as Garden city for all the amazing gardens throughout this area. Some of the many gardens include Mona Vale, Botanic Gardens and the Ilam Homestead. The people of Christchurch enjoy the mountains, beaches, lakes and parks that are all within close vicinity.
http://www.christchurch.org.nz/About/
http://eeg.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/1/4/427
http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/canterbury-region/2
White Island is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest volcanic structure in country with 70 percent of the volcano under the sea. The steam from the eruptions of this volcano can be seen 10km into the sky on a clear day. The upper slopes of this island were previously mined for sulfur in the early 1900's. In 1914 mining stopped after the collapse of a crater wall that killed 12 miners. The sulfur was used for fertilizers, the export of sulfur ore and the manufacturing of sulfuric acid. The Maori name for the island translates to "The Dramatic Volcano" and "that which can be made visible." In 1952, White Island became a private scenic reserve and until 1995 the public had free access to the island. The island is now under permit controlled access.
White Island has no vegetation and instead as you travel around the island you see that the ground is covered by sulfur crystals. In the waters surrounding the island there is marine life such as dolphins, and many bird species. There are large colonies of Gannets that nest on the island and you can see them clearly as you approach the island.
http://www.gns.cri.nz/what/earthact/volcanoes/nzvolcanoes/newwhitei.html
http://www.tourism.net.nz/nz-places/white-island-new-zealand.html
http://www.wi.co.nz/
Rachel Schnaitman
Havelock
Havelock is a coastal village in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It sits at the head of Pelorus Sound, one of the Marlborough Sounds.
State Highway 6 from Nelson to Blenheim passes through the town. Queen Charlotte Drive, which provides a shorter but very tortuous road to Picton proceeds east along the edge of the Sounds. Looking at the street view on google earth I saw many winding roads, similar to Queen Charlotte drive, that pass by mountains and lush green vegetation.
Some interesting facts about the town are that Havelock is the centre for much of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel industry and Havelock means "sea-war." Similarly, Havelock was named after Sir Henry Havelock, known from the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
http://www.jefferswood.co.nz/images/photos/overlooking-havelock-and-marlborough-sounds.jpg
The Bay of Islands
http://darch.lenuh.si/Datoteke/Slike/Najlepse%20plaze%20sveta/Bay%20of%20Islands,%20New%20Zealand.jpg
The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its fishing and sailing and its gorgeous scenery.
The bay itself is an irregular 16 km-wide inlet in the north-eastern coast of the island. A natural harbour, it has several arms which extend into the land, notably Waikare Inlet in the south and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west. The Bay of Islands formed when the sea drowned a number of river valleys, creating an irregular and attractive coastline of more than 800 km. The area shows signs of volcanic activity, with many eruption outlets and lava flows. Its outer limits are marked by the headlands of Tokerau on the north and Rākaumangamanga on the south
The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. Interestingly, The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Whalers arrived towards the end of the 18th century, while the first missionaries settled in 1814.
The bay has many interesting historic towns including Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Kerikeri. Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and dates from the early 1800s. Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House, also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832.
While exploring google earth I found lots of really great pictures and I found several youtube videos. My favorite was a video that details some scenery and lots of marine mammals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf0fTdYw7rU&feature=player_embedded
Havelock
Havelock is a coastal village in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It sits at the head of Pelorus Sound, one of the Marlborough Sounds.
State Highway 6 from Nelson to Blenheim passes through the town. Queen Charlotte Drive, which provides a shorter but very tortuous road to Picton proceeds east along the edge of the Sounds. Looking at the street view on google earth I saw many winding roads, similar to Queen Charlotte drive, that pass by mountains and lush green vegetation.
Some interesting facts about the town are that Havelock is the centre for much of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel industry and Havelock means "sea-war." Similarly, Havelock was named after Sir Henry Havelock, known from the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
http://www.jefferswood.co.nz/images/photos/overlooking-havelock-and-marlborough-sounds.jpg
The Bay of Islands
http://darch.lenuh.si/Datoteke/Slike/Najlepse%20plaze%20sveta/Bay%20of%20Islands,%20New%20Zealand.jpg
The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its fishing and sailing and its gorgeous scenery.
The bay itself is an irregular 16 km-wide inlet in the north-eastern coast of the island. A natural harbour, it has several arms which extend into the land, notably Waikare Inlet in the south and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west. The Bay of Islands formed when the sea drowned a number of river valleys, creating an irregular and attractive coastline of more than 800 km. The area shows signs of volcanic activity, with many eruption outlets and lava flows. Its outer limits are marked by the headlands of Tokerau on the north and Rākaumangamanga on the south
The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. Interestingly, The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Whalers arrived towards the end of the 18th century, while the first missionaries settled in 1814.
The bay has many interesting historic towns including Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Kerikeri. Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and dates from the early 1800s. Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House, also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832.
While exploring google earth I found lots of really great pictures and I found several youtube videos. My favorite was a video that details some scenery and lots of marine mammals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf0fTdYw7rU&feature=player_embedded
Blog Entry
Locations: Mount Maunganui and Kaikoura
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is a town located on a peninsula in the Bay of Plenty, a popular coastal resort area. The town is overlooked by an extinct volcano of the same name (officially known by its Maori name, Mauao, and colloquially referred to as 'The Mount'). The town itself is situated on top of a sand bar that connects the volcano to the mainland (this structure type is known as a tombolo.)
According to Maori legend, Mauao was a once a nameless slave of a mountain called Otanewainuku. Mauao was in love with another hill, but was despaired to learn she had fallen for her captor. Deeply saddened, Mauao called upon the fairy people (Patupaiarehe) to help him drown into the sea. In the process, however, the fairy people were caught by the rising sun and forced to disappear. Therefore, the Maori name Mauao means 'caught by the dawn'.
Today, Mauao, 232 m high, attracts many to complete a thirty-minute hike to the summit. The 360 degree view on top is accompanied by possible sightings of several species of whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Surfing, volleyball, and diving are important recreations in this region. Mount Maunganui was once the site of a Maoria settlement (a pa) and its remains can still be seen. Mount Maunganui is also home to New Zealand's first artificial reef.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a town on the Kaikoura Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's southern island. The Kaikoura region is known for its unique combination of majestic, snowy mountain range (part of the Southern Alps) and its coast rich in marine life. The town itself is situated on a flat coastal plain that lies in between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains.
In Maori legend, Kaikoura is where Maui placed his foot when pulling up New Zealand's northern island from the sea. The name 'Kaikoura,' meaning meal of crayfish, comes from Tamaki-te-rangi, when he named it that after stopping there to eat when chasing his runaway wives. Crayfish remains an important part of the region's industry.
At several points along the coast, the mountain ranges drop right into the sea, a feature that has several implications for the aquatic environment found there. Because the Kaikoura Peninsula is an area of coastal upwelling, it boasts a great diversity of aquatic life. Of particular interest are several species that are brought up from the deep Hikurangi Trench as well as marine mammals such as Sperm Whales, Dusky Dolphins, and Southern Fur Seals. In addition, Kaikoura is one of the best places to observe sea birds such as albatrosses. Because of this, early European settlers used Kaikoura as a whaling station. Today, ecotourism is a major part of the region's economy.
Hamilton and Taupo
Alison Gutsche
(sorry this took so long! If you'd rather the word document, I attached that as well.
Hamilton:
Hamilton is a city located on the North Island of New Zealand and is part of the Waikato region. The University of Waikato is located in Hamilton and the city is known for its student population and its affect on the city. Hamilton is also home to the Waikato Museum (http://www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/page/pageid/2145842684/Home), which is known for its science exhibits and its exhibits on Maori culture. A major tourist attraction is the Hamilton Gardens (http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz/). It has numerous different collections, which are then split into different garden types. Also slightly outside of the city is the Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton is also home to the Waikato Stadium, where many rugby matches are played. It is not home to the most famous rugby team of New Zealand, the All Blacks, though. Seddon Park (http://hamilton.co.nz/images/701.jpg), also located in Hamilton, is the main arena for many cricket matches. Hamilton is one of the largest urban areas in New Zealand and has a plethora of different places to visit within the city.
Taupo:
Taupo is a town located in the center of the Northern Island and is in the southern part of the Waikato region. The town lies on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo (http://feodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lake-taupo-28761-lge.jpg). The lake was formed after a very large volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. The volcano has not erupted in a very long time and is considered dormant. The Huka Falls also are formed from the draining of Lake Taupo into the Waikato River. From the town, you can also see the Tongariro National Park across the lake. The town is well known for skydiving, bungee jumping, and different water sports. Many different interesting sporting events take place in Taupo including Ironman New Zealand (http://www.ironman.co.nz/) and the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which involves a bicycle race around the entire lake.
(sorry this took so long! If you'd rather the word document, I attached that as well.
Hamilton:
Hamilton is a city located on the North Island of New Zealand and is part of the Waikato region. The University of Waikato is located in Hamilton and the city is known for its student population and its affect on the city. Hamilton is also home to the Waikato Museum (http://www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/page/pageid/2145842684/Home), which is known for its science exhibits and its exhibits on Maori culture. A major tourist attraction is the Hamilton Gardens (http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz/). It has numerous different collections, which are then split into different garden types. Also slightly outside of the city is the Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton is also home to the Waikato Stadium, where many rugby matches are played. It is not home to the most famous rugby team of New Zealand, the All Blacks, though. Seddon Park (http://hamilton.co.nz/images/701.jpg), also located in Hamilton, is the main arena for many cricket matches. Hamilton is one of the largest urban areas in New Zealand and has a plethora of different places to visit within the city.
Taupo:
Taupo is a town located in the center of the Northern Island and is in the southern part of the Waikato region. The town lies on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo (http://feodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lake-taupo-28761-lge.jpg). The lake was formed after a very large volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. The volcano has not erupted in a very long time and is considered dormant. The Huka Falls also are formed from the draining of Lake Taupo into the Waikato River. From the town, you can also see the Tongariro National Park across the lake. The town is well known for skydiving, bungee jumping, and different water sports. Many different interesting sporting events take place in Taupo including Ironman New Zealand (http://www.ironman.co.nz/) and the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which involves a bicycle race around the entire lake.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
NZ Locations
Katherine Fochesto
1. Christchurch, New Zealand is located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Christchurch was founded by English colonists and was originally named Christ Church, after a college at Oxford University in England. It is has been abbreviated Christchurch since the 1880s and is now the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand and the second largest city in the entire country.
The city is filled with Gothic-style architecture and graystone buildings. Christchurch has been nicknamed "the Garden City" because of the many parks and gardens, such as Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens, that can be found throughout the city as well as the Avon River, which runs through Christchurch.
Cathedral Square is at the center of the city and surrounds Christ Church, the Anglican cathedral. The area around the square, including the four major avenues of Christchurch, is known as the central business district. This area of the city is also the cultural center where many festivals and cultural arts events take place. The Arts Center, former home of the University of Canterbury, now has many shops, studios and art galleries. The World Buskers Festival attracts thousands of people to the Arts Center every January. The World Buskers Festival is a festival in which 40 artists from around the world perform for the public.
An interesting area of Christchurch is Lyttleton. Lyttleton is located on a harbor and is connected to the center of Christchurch via tunnel. It was originally the port of call for Christchurch and was where the first British migrants landed. Lyttleton has a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants and a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.
http://www.christchurchnz.com/
http://www.christchurch.org.nz/
http://www.christchurch.nz.com/
http://www.christchurch.nz.com/lyttelton.aspx
http://www.christchurch.nz.com/arts-centre.aspx
2. Havelock, New Zealand is a small, coastal village on the South Island in the Marlborough region of NZ. It was named after Sir Henry Havelock during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The village is located near State Highway 6 between Nelson, NZ and Bleinhem, NZ. Havelock is often called "the Gateway to the Sounds" because it is located at the head of the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds and is close to the Queen Charlotte Sounds. Havelock is also called "The Green Mussel Capital of the World" because it is the world's leading supplier of Green Mussels.
The population of the village was estimated to be only 486 in the 2006 Census which makes it a great destination for those looking to get away from bigger cities. Many tourists visit Havelock for the Mussel Festival, usually held in March.
http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/havelock/
http://www.havelocknz.com/
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