Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the Monaco Yacht Show, will see the New Zealand representatives host a breakfast, showcasing the plethora of cruising options within this breath-taking island nation.
The breath-taking yacht charter destination - New Zealand
The Land of the Long White Cloud has always held a pull for master mariners. Discovered, so the legend goes, by the explorer Kupe, drawn down to this corner of the Pacific Ocean while chasing a fleeing octopus, suspected of stealing the bait from the hooks of his people.
Aotearoa, his wife, Hine-te-Aparangi, called it, or New Zealand as it’s known today.
The Land of the Long White Cloud, and its alternate translations of Land of the Abiding Day, or the Long Bright Land, remains a fitting name for the nation of sails. Tucked in its own corner of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand still holds sway over the adventurers, the explorers and the wanderers among us. For those with the need to know what’s over the horizon, this is the place.
Marlborough Vineyard
This Monaco Yacht Show, Tourism New Zealand, ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development) and Jeanette Tobin from Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand, would like to invite you to join them for a relaxed Kiwi breakfast while they walk you through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.
From subtropical sandy beaches in the north, over alps, past volcanic fields, through the sounds and fjords of the south and myriad other sights, you’ll be taken on a tour of the island nation with a continent’s worth of terrain.
The presentation, running from 8-9.45am, on Thursday 26 September in Virage Restaurant (just beside New Zealand Street) will take you through the adventures to be had, the deep green empty bays to discover and the practicalities of a Kiwi cruise.
McLennan - ATEED
Presented by Jeanette Tobin, and Jason Hill from ATEED, with representatives from Tourism New Zealand on hand, as well as captains who’ve cruised the island nation to pass on their expert advice, this is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone wanting to ramp up their charter appeal, cater to an owner with the need to explore, or see just how many landscapes can be reached within very small cruising distances.
Auckland, with its sheltered harbour peppered with islands that range from wine-producing cornucopias to dormant volcanoes and barren outcrops, perfectly sets the scene for the diverse cruising available in New Zealand.
Known to Maori as Tamaki Herenga Waka – the tying up place of the canoe – it makes as much sense today as a place to drop anchor and come ashore, as it has traditionally.
McLennan - Auckland
“Auckland has a proud marine history, having hosted numerous yachting events including America’s Cup events, the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland stopover. Auckland will host the stopover again in 2015,” says Jason Hill of ATEED.
For similarly-adventurous yachts, making the cruise south (albeit at a more relaxed pace), Auckland is often the first city they’ve seen in 12 months, says Tobin.
“They leave the Med and head to the Caribbean for six months, and then through the Panama Canal to the Pacific, which is another six months, before reaching New Zealand. The first stop’s usually Auckland, and luckily for them, we’re a global city set amongst a stunning natural playground.”
Lucky too, that once in New Zealand, long stretches underway aren’t an issue.
“For visitors who cruise here, they’re able to see a lot in a small amount of time and distance. New Zealand is dotted with small ports that can be used to berth while accessing beautiful spots.”
Spots which include the smouldering volcanic fields of Taupo and White Island; the world-beating wine country of Gisborne and Napier, then a quick visit to Wellington for bunkering and provisions before accessing the deep silent depths of the Malborough Sounds; the list goes on.
“In the space of 1200km of coastline you can enjoy subtropical beaches and fjords, with everything in between. Depending on the time of the year, you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon,” says Tourism New Zealand’s Chris Atkinson.
Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud, sits at one of the corners of our world. Still holding sway over those with a mariner’s outlook and exploration in the blood, still pulling them down to see the deep jade green of her waters, and experience the crispness of her light for themselves.
This one’s for the adventurers. Find out for yourself on Thursday 26 September.
