RECOGNITION ON THE TRAIL
Tri Nations Wine Challenge Results, Sept 2009
There may be a few sour grapes after New Zealand wiped the floor with Australia and South Africa in the annual Tri Nations Wine Challenge in Sydney.
The kiwis romped home with eight trophies, 11 double gold medals and 10 gold medals, and New Zealand was named top overall country, leaving its rivals punch drunk.Vintners along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail are celebrating, with wineries the length and breadth of the Trail bringing home trophies.Marlborough trophy winners were Deutz Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay 2006 (Sparkling), Saint Clair Pioneer Block 18 Snap Block SB 2008 (Sauvignon Blanc), and Framingham Auslese #3 Riesling 2008 (Dessert Wine).At the other end of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Hawke’s Bay held its own with trophies being awarded to Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2007 (Merlot), and Craggy Range The Quarry Cab Sauv Merlot 2007 (Bordeaux Blends).Not to be out done by the other CNZWT regions, the Wairarapa also brought home a trophy for Martinborough Pinot Noir 2007 (Pinot Noir)."The quality of New Zealand wines entered this year really demonstrates the ongoing evolution of wine quality in New Zealand," said competition judge and wine buff Bob Campbell, of New Zealand.
"The results reflect the continuing strength of New Zealand sauvignon blanc in spite of a challenging 2008 vintage, and the quality of our pinot noir, syrah and merlot.
NEW EXPERIENCE
New market for Culinary Capital - Wellington
opens 14 June 2009
Visitors and locals wanting a literal taste of Wellington will be left absolutely positively salivating by the latest addition to the capitals culinary scene. The City Market opens Sunday June 14 in the Chaffers Dock Function Centre Atrium. Situation alongside the existing Waitangi outdoor market. City Market is championed by awar-winning chef Martin Bosley and Rachel Taulelei of Yellow Brick Road. The market will feature a stellar line-up of local artisan food and beverage prodcuers and also feature wine tastings, event previews, chef demonstrations and entertainment.
The City Market will run every Sunday between 8.30am and 12.30pm
NEW EXPERIENCE
Te Papa - The Colossal Squid on display December
The colossal squid has caught the world's attention, and no wonder – since 1925, only two of nine adult specimens reported have been complete. Come face to face with Te Papa's colossal squid: 4.2m long and weighing 495 kg - nearly half a tonne! Then explore the life of a squid through computer interactives and 3-D animation. Now on permanent display Level 2 of Te Papa, Wellington.
RECOGNITION ON THE WINE TRAIL
Wines on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail dominate in Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2008
With almost 100 cellar doors to explore along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. Here is an idea. With 16 of the 18 trophys awarded in the 2008 Air New Zealand Wine Awards to wines from along the Classic New Zeland Wine Trail you are bound to find a few new favourites.
For a full list of results visit www.airnzwineawards.co.nz
NEW EXPERIENCE
Unbelievable Times, Motorbike and Scooter Hire, November 2008
A central Wellington business is helping locals and visitors to see the city more cheaply and quickly than any other mode of transport.
Unbelievable Times has been operating motorbike and scooter hire for over a year, and in that time the business has grown exponentially.
From their original offering of scooters and sport bikes, the business now offers 18 types of bikes ranging from 250cc to 1340cc. Customers can choose from tourer, sport bikes, motards or a range of scooters. His most recent, and bound to be sought-after, rental is the luxury MV Agusta.
Basically if you want to ride on-road or off – Unbelievable Times have got something in stock!
Frank Lawton, owner/operator of the business says “International visitors can get the flexibility to explore the city at their own pace and it’s a great alternative to a car,” he says. “It’s cheaper to run, easier to park and generally a lot more fun!” His business is the only company in New Zealand who will hire out motorbikes on a daily basis.
“As a mode of transport, it is unsurpassed,” he says, “and I think it is a brilliant way to show off Wellington’s best assets – the waterfront and shore line and clients also often go to Martinborough for the day. My clients say they have had a great experience and feel like they have really got ‘out into the real Wellington’.”
RECOGNITION ON THE WINE TRAIL
Wellington Bar Designs Tops, November 2008
Wellington’s reputation for quality nightlife has been reinforced by three of Wellington’s finest and funkiest nightspots winning major awards at the New Zealand BeST Design Awards. Good Luck Bar received a Gold Award, Matterhorn a Silver Award and Mighty Mighty picked up a Bronze Award. This follows Matterhorn taking out the Best Casual Dining (Metropolitan) and the Supreme title in the Cuisine awards in August.
RECOGNITION ON THE WINE TRAIL
Wairarapa Garden Awarded "International Significance" status, October 2008
Richmond Garden, Carterton, Wairarapa, has been recognised as a ‘Garden of International Significance’ by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
Richmond Garden is private, formal garden, reminiscent of 16th and 17th century Italian gardens. It is unique in New Zealand and is the only garden of its type in the southern hemisphere.
Passionate gardener, and buxus specialist Melanie Greenwood and husband John established Richmond Gardens fifteen years ago. The garden is structured along straight lines and uses, mass plantings, symmetry and water to create a place of tranquillity.
Richmond Garden can be viewed by appointment at a cost of $10 per adult, accompanying children can visit for free. Groups of over 15 visitors are guided, the tour takes one and a half hours.
Richmond Garden can also be viewed as part of the new Tranzit Coachlines’ daily, year round tour: ‘Wairarapa Gourmet Garden Escape’.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Wellington - Te Papa's "Our Space"
It’s here – Te Papa’s exciting new Our Space interactive experience. The multimedia adventure opened on 27 September, and is already proving popular.
Our Space replaces the TimeWarp experience on Level 2, one of the main attractions in the museum for the past 10 years. It’s about embracing technology in innovative ways, to tell of the stories of this nation.
Visitors are first met by The Map, a 14 metre long luminous satellite map of New Zealand. Hidden sensored tiles in The Map trigger waves of images on the media walls, particular to the region you are standing on.
Then there is The Wall. Measuring 18 metres long and 2 metres high, it is a massive canvas onto which visitors can create their own expressions of New Zealand, using media selected from thousands of images and sound in a database.
The first of the two new motion simulator rides is the rollercoaster adventure of the The High Ride. An adrenalin-filled ride for all the family, it’s a visual journey through New Zealand where you are literally part of the action.
The second ride is The Deep Ride, and is a gentler option than The High Ride. It takes you to the Brothers volcano on the Kermadec Arc, northeast of New Zealand.
Our Space took more than four years to develop, cost $6 million and will be the icing on Te Papa’s 10th birthday cake.
Tranzit Coachlines now have a new all inclusive Wairarapa Garden .
WINE & FOOD NEWS
Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards 2008
Wellington "local" picked as New Zealand's best restaurant in 2008.
A Wellington institution that left judges “begging for more” has taken the title of New Zealand’s best restaurant in the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards 2008, in association with Mercedes-Benz.
Wellington’s Matterhorn is more popularly known as the favoured local bar for Wellington’s chic crowd. Yet it is the cuisine that wowed the judges, who awarded Matterhorn the Supreme Winner as well as Best Casual Dining – Metropolitan in this year’s competition, announced in the latest issue of the magazine.
Across the board, Matterhorn impressed judges with every aspect of the dining experience, from decor to the extensive 321-strong wine list to the casual yet knowledgeable trainer wearing staff and serving style.
This is the second year in a row that a Wellington restaurant has taken the supreme title in the annual Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year competition. Last year’s winner was Wellington’s Martin Bosley’s at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club.
Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year 2008 Supreme and Category Winners from along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
Supreme Winner and Best Casual Dining – Metropolitan
Matterhorn, Cuba St, Wellington
Runner-Up Best Smart Dining
Martin Bosley’s, Oriental Parade, Wellington
Supreme Winner 2007
Best Casual Dining – Regional
Wendy Campbell’s French Bistro, Kitchener St, Martinborough
Runner-Up Best Winery Restaurant
Terrôir at Craggy Range, Waimarama Rd, Havelock North
Winners from the 2007 Awards on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail:
Supreme Winner and Best Fine Dining
Martin Bosley’s, Wellington
Best Casual Dining – Metropolitan
Pravda Café, Wellington
Best Casual Dining – Regional
The Martinborough at Peppers Martinborough Hotel, Wairarapa
.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Wairarapa Garden Gourmet Escape, August 2008
Tranzit Coachlines now have a new all inclusive Wairarapa Garden Gourmet Escape featuring two stunning gardens, the very formal Richmond Garden and the non traditional garden of Assisi.
You can start the tour from Wellington travelling aboard the train through to the Wairarapa where other passengers staying in the Wairarapa will join. Along with the visit to these two stunning gardens enjoy lunch at the historic Gladtstone Inn followed by a wine tasting at one of Gladstone's local vineyards before returning to local accommodation or boarding the train at the historic Woodside Station to travel back to Wellington city.
NEW EXPERIENCE – Flat Earth introduces new Weta Cave and Rings Tour, September 2008
Weta Cave is Wellington's newest Lord of the Rings venue. Flat Earth now offers a guided to this great little place in Mirimar. On the way to the Weta Cave visit Mt Victoria and the site where filming first began of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. At the Weta Cave view a DVD in a specially built theatrette getting a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. Get an exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta.
Weta related movie and TV merchandise is available for purchase.
You won’t believe who else visits the Weta Cave.
Come and see what international movie stars and celebrities are saying!
Tours depart daily from these Wellington City locations Te Papa Museum
Wellington Railway Station
Wellington i-Site Visitor Centre
Tour times are:
November through April tours depart daily 9.00am and 12.30pm
May through October tours depart Tuesday to Saturday 12.30pm
$65 per adult, $40 per child 12 years and under
Families – 2 adults and 2 children $180 Children under 3 free
WINE & FOOD NEWS
Martinborough Pinot Noir Scores Hat Trick at London's 2008 International Wine Challenge
Martinborough has pulled of an extraordinary trio of gold medals at the fiercely contested International Wine Challenge in London - the largest blind tasting competition in the world.
After an exhausting two-week judging process involving 400 judges, Martinborough has emerged with three gold medals for outstanding Pinot Noir.
The gold medal winning Martinborough Wines are:
Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
Kusada Pinot Noir 2006
Voss Estate Pinot Noir 2006
New Zealand's top wine critic Bob Campbell, MW, who was appointed as the competition's first International Guest Chairman, describes the Martinborough success as "outstanding"
Janine Tulloch, Wines from Martinborough Chair and General Manager of Martinborough Vineyard comments: "This is an astonishing performance for a tiny region such as ours. Martinborough's reputation as a world class producer of Pinot Noir will be ramped up even further through this performance which will be noted in wine circles all around the world."
"Coming on the heels of a superb 2008 vintage, it's a golden run for the winemakers of Martinborough".
RECOGNITION ON THE WINE TRAIL
Ship Cove features in 2008 Lonely Planet Bluelist
Marlborough’s Wine Trail in Blenheim is featured as one of the Top Ten Free Things to Do in New Zealand as recommended on Lonely Planet’s Blue List. Described as The pristine Wairau Plains house New Zealand’s largest winegrowing region.
WINE & FOOD NEWS
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Wharekauhau Country Estate has been awarded the 2008 New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence by the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Marketing Bureau. The ‘Hallmark’ acknowledges leading establishments that have consistently presented the highest standards of beef and lamb cuisine in the country.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Boutique Ohtel opens in Downtown Wellington
Ohtel, the hippest boutique hotel in Wellington, has literally just opened its doors. Located on Wellington’s Oriental Bay, Ohtel offers 10 spacious suites over three floors, many with private balconies overlooking the Wellington Harbour, the marina and parks. It caters to both the corporate and leisure markets, and boasts an eclectic mid-20th century design and contemporary New Zealand artworks.
RECOGNITION ON THE WINE TRAIL
Major Hollywood Producer Loves Wellington
Wellington has been privileged to be a temporary home for Avatar producer Jon Landau, whose credits include a Best Picture Oscar for Titanic. We got to catch up with him in the final days of filming, and get his thoughts on Wellington.
Highlights of his time here? “What I’ve enjoyed most is actually the people. People bring a passion to their work that elevates the artistic endeavour.”
NEW EXPERIENCE
FIBRE – unique NZ wool rugs designed
in Greytown
Fledgling enterprise Fibre is producing bespoke, premium quality, handmade rugs from a small retail outlet in Greytown, Wairarapa. Customers develop their own design, choosing size, shape, colour and adding images or words. A manufacturer in Nepal, chosen for its consistently high quality output and sustainable work practices, weaves the rugs. ‘Fibre’ rugs are Fair and Care certified* by Confidence in Textiles.
NEW EXPERIENCE
Vintners Choice Martinborough,
wine journey and interactive tasting opened
April 2008
‘Vintners Choice Martinborough ’is an exciting new product for the Wairarapa wine-growing region. Participants taste six local wines during the course of a forty-five minute film, gaining an appreciation of local wines and an insight into the region and its winemakers.
WINE & FOOD NEWS
Tirohana Cellars new vineyard café
Tirohana Cellars at Tirohana Estate, Martinborough, Wairarapa is a new vineyard restaurant that opened on 5 April 2008. The restaurant has been built in a colonial style, reflecting adjacent buildings, and will offer a wine-matched menu featuring dishes using Wairarapa produce and a selection from around the world. Tirohana Cellars welcome celebrity and guest chefs each season and host special events and cooking demonstrations. The restaurant will open daily, year round.
WINE TRAIL DINING OPTIONS FEATURE IN LATEST CUISINE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Phenomenal dining experiences abound along the Wine Trail, with restaurants from the Trail’s regions dominating the 2009 Cuisine New Zealand Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Wellington’s Logan Brown is New Zealand’s best, being named the Supreme Winner. No surprise really, given that it exhibits the best of New Zealand Produce in dishes that are always outstanding and never fussy.
The Wairarapa winemaking community’s favourite choice, Wendy Campbell’s French Bistro, was named runner-up in the Best Casual Dining Regional section. It’s a must visit for those who like great food matched with convivial company - the maître d’ who does the rounds of the tables chats to the customers as if they were old friends.
For smart dining at its best Napier’s Pacifica is hard to beat. It was the runner-up in the Best Smart Dining Regional category. The daily-changing menu concentrates on seafood and local organic produce. Wine buffs will be impressed by its wine list, featuring wines from heavyweight producers around the country.
New Zealand’s Best Winery Restaurant was jointly awarded to Craggy Range’s Terrôir restaurant. Located near Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay, it offers modern, fresh cuisine matched with wines from a list that includes national and international treasures.
For those wanting to experience the best in New Zealand dining, it makes sense to go slow and savour all that the Wine Trail has to offer.
ZEALANDIA™is the new face of Wellington’s award-winning conservation attraction Karori Sanctuary and is set to be an increasingly popular stop-off for New Zealanders and international tourists.
The ZEALANDIA™ name and imagery, which will combine with and complement the Sanctuary’s original brand reflects a complete visitor experience: telling the New Zealand conservation story as well as the Karori Sanctuary story.
Work is now well underway on the new world-class Visitor and Education Centre. The Centre, which is due to open Autumn 2010, is the biggest tourism initiative of its kind currently under development in New Zealand and is set to be the country's flagship environmental education and eco-tourism facility.
Through state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions the Centre will tell the story of New Zealand’s unique natural history from ‘the day before humans arrived’ through to the groundbreaking conservation techniques of today. It will also provide a much needed all-weather facility for the Sanctuary, a shop and café.
The new Centre is by far the most significant development the Sanctuary has undertaken since its inception, and the biggest project of its kind in Wellington since Te Papa opened 10 years ago.
Through interactive exhibitions the Centre will engage visitors in the uniqueness and vulnerability of New Zealand’s native wildlife and ecosystems and inspire them to help make a positive change.
For more information visit www.visitzealandia.com
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