Time to plan your next New Zealand Trip

Winter's on its way here and it's time to pack away the boardies and bring out the skis and snowboards. As the thermals come out our team have been keeping warm with the launch of a great new website, new brochures, a cool dvd and also making the finals of the New Zealand Tourism Awards!

This months ideas should get you hot under the collar with the lowdown on the North Island's ski fields, details on flying an acrobatic plane in the Abel Tasman and the chance to save up to 50% on next seasons Flying Kiwi trips.

We'd also like to give our congratulations to New Zealand (yes we are a bit biased) for being voted the 2nd most peaceful place to live. Second only to our distant Norwegian cousins its a great to see that the adventure capital is also very, very friendly! You can find out how the other countries stacked up here.

In this Issue

Snowboarding and skiing trips in New Zealand

Fly an acrobatic plane in the Abel Tasman

Early birds save 50% off next seasons trips

Flying Kiwi in the awards again

Hot Links - Cycling down ski jumps, our latest trip pics and more

Boarding and skiing in the North Island

As winter approaches New Zealand's many ski fields are gearing up for action. The season kicks off around late June and usually wraps up in late September. The South Islands boasts a great collection of fields but this month we are focusing on NZ's largest developed ski area - Whakapapa.

Whakapapa boasts all services and amenities that you would expect to find at any international ski area. Happy Valley is a complete learner's area that is separate to the main skiing area so beginner's can progress in a safe environment. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas which those with intermediate experience of skiing and snowboarding will love. As snowboarding and free skiing have literally reached new heights, there is a beginner and intermediate Terrain Park.

For non-skiers who don't want to miss out on playing in the snow there is a tobogganing and tubing area for your sliding pleasure! Turoa Ski Area offers an exciting snow experience for all the family with an excellent variety of terrain to suit all levels of skiers and boarders.

Turoa is the highest ski area in New Zealand with 9 lifts giving access to 500 hectares (about 12 00 acres) of patrolled terrain. If you want to get off the groomers, there are 3 main off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders will enjoy. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, there is a run that is 4kms long! Turoa also boasts Australasia's longest vertical at 722m! Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow), is separate to the main ski area so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren't neglected…there is a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs.

There are plenty of ways to get up the fields but a 4 wheel drive and chains are always advised. If your looking for an organised trip with a great crew then we recommend NZ Surf 'n' Snow Tours for skiers and boarders of all levels at reasonable prices. For more information check out

www.newzealandsnowtours.com - great tours to the fields

www.mtruapehu.com - details on the North Islands main fields

www.snow.co.nz - main New Zealand skiing and boarding site

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Get Acrobatic in the skies above the Abel Tasman

Most people imagine its out of their reach to pilot a plane, but in New Zealand there are plenty of options to take to take control and become a true "Flying Kiwi". Ask at many of the flying clubs and there will be plenty of chances to take to the skies at some of the most affordable rates Worldwide. Whilst starting to fancy yourself as the suave, sophisticated pilot you'll also enjoy awe inspiring vistas of mountains, national parks, coastlines and extinct volcanoes.

One of the most exciting options has to be U Fly Extreme in Motueka, right by the Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island. There are a few flying options but our favourite has to be the opportunity to fly and take the controls in an acrobatic, open seated double winger.

Flights last for around 15 minutes and your instructor/pilot takes time to ensure the flight matches your ability and expectation. Just a minute after take off and with the wind in your hair, you will start to steer and turn the plane with surprising ease and make your way along the Abel Tasman Coastline. As you build up your confidence and stomach muscles permitting you can then try a a few more ambitious maneuvers such as rolls, loops and even spins. If you have the "right stuff" and ask him nicely your instructor can also demonstrate some of the more crazy stunts the plane is capable of.

Whilst you might not make it as the next "Goose" or "Maverick" taking the controls and flying for yourself is truly a once in a lifetime experience we would recommend to everyone. This is available as an option on most Flying Kiwi trips that visit the South Island.

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Save 50% off next seasons trip

If you book one of our Ultimate Explorer , Grand Traverse or Reverse Traverse trips with a friend, partner or your latest travel companion then we will give you 50% off your trip fee. You can decide whether to share this with them or just go out and buy yourself a new IPOD!!! This could be a saving of up to $900 and means your trip around New Zealand would cost just $60 per day for food, accommodation and transport - we know you just cant beat that!

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Flying Kiwi named as Tourism New Zealand Finalist

Whilst it may not have the twinkle and glamour of the Golden Globes Flying Kiwi were announced as a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards. It is the first year the company has submitted an entry and following on from the recent environment and medium business awards drives home the highest levels of service kept by the team. The winners are to be announced later in the year so watch this space!

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Hot Links

• No need for snow. Who needs skis for ski jumps - check out this cycling nutter Play here.

• Check out the latest Flying Kiwi video on good ol You Tube

• Check out some pictures from a few of our latest trips here

• We are currently building up our photo collection so if you have any good pics from a recent trip then please feel free to email them through and enjoy your moment of web fame!

That's it for this month. We've had a great season and thanks to everyone for their support and great memories. We look forward to seeing many of you again over the next few years in NZ and beyond! If you have any feedback, questions or ideas for Kiwi News or Flying Kiwi, don't hesitate to contact us.

Safe Travels,

The Flying Kiwi Team

Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours

( +64 3 547 0171 (International)

( 0800 693 296 (NZ Free Phone)

( 1800 143 515 (AUS Free Phone)

PO Box 680. Nelson, New Zealand

info@flyingkiwi.com

www.flyingkiwi.com