Tags

Feeds / Bluebridge news

This feed is published by Bluebridge ferry.

This feed is read by this Whakaoko subscription

Added on 9 Dec 2011. Last read 6 minutes ago.

To subscribe to this feed, enter the following location into your feed reader.

This feed currently contains the following newsitems (total count 91):

    • Run or walk the bays!
      • Over 14,000 people are expected to find their spot on the start line at Frank Kitts Park on Sunday 22 February. With three great distances to choose from, you can take part in the 6.5km Fun Run and Walk, Snapper 10km or challenge yourself to tackle the picturesque Cigna Achilles Half Marathon, there truly is something for everyone. Cigna Round the Bays is all about getting people active. With on course performances from Strike Percussion, to the Kio Bay Fun Zone through to the ever popular Kilbirnie Park Festival, this family friendly, enjoyable day puts the fun into fun run! For the first time ever, Sport Wellington and Bluebridge have teamed up to help South Islanders heading North attend the event. So if you're competing and are travelling from the South Island to the event you and your supporters will receive 50% off Bluebridge's Flexi Sail Fares for travel between 16 February and 25 February 2015. So there really is no excuse to ‘come on over’ and take part in New Zealand’s third largest participation event! To be eligible for the discount you will need to enter Cigna Wellington Round the Bays here and once your entry has been confirmed you will receive a special promo code to book your discounted ferry crossing.  Keep an eye out on the Cigna Round the Bays Facebook page and website for other promotions, running and nutrition tips and more information on this iconic event.   Win tickets to the event!  Simply fill out the entry form below for a chance to win two tickets to any race distance of your choice for Cigna Wellington Round the Bays on Sunday 22 February 2015.  The competition closes on Friday 30 January at 4pm (NZST) so be sure to get in quick!   Terms and conditions apply.

    • Classic Fighters 2015
      • Already the grandstand has taken shape and the volunteers have been busy hammering in fence posts and straining wire to create the public space on what is usually a huge open square of grass. The marquees have gone up and this view of mine is really transforming into a festival site. The buzz is certainly building with aeroplanes arriving and teams working on putting the finishing touches to displays of all sorts, including pre-WW1 aircraft through to jets. I even glimpsed a ‘secret weapon’ lurking in the main hangar. A Fokker Triplane is out there right now, undergoing a compass swing as part of its maintenance check. The sun is reflecting off the red wings with their black crosses edged in white, identifying this Fokker as the Red Baron’s. It will be one of eight that will take to the skies this Easter as part of the Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow. Earlier today a Sopwith Pup and Nieuport 11 were flying overhead for a photo shoot, with a Tiger Moth as camera ship.  I could hear the Pup’s Rotary engine well before I saw the aircraft, as it blipped on and off in that unnerving way those WW1 rotary engines have. As well as display aircraft from the early 1900s through to the 1950s, Classic Fighters also attracts military vehicles, tanks, weapons and period dressed re-enactors, set to take part in the ground theatre scenarios.  Several tanks arrived earlier this week in Picton on board the Bluebridge ferry with some re-enactors accompanying them – in full uniform of course! These guys are so committed to what they do, that they will be setting up a ‘living history’ encampment and staying in character for the duration of the show. That’s dedication! Another type of re-enacting group will be joining us for the first time. They will be setting up a Victorian cycle camp and giving lessons in how to ride a Penny Farthing! We have invited them to Classic Fighters to be part of the Renaissance Pioneer Race.  This will be the opening act on both main show days and will involve multiple forms of pre-WW1 transport. I am sure this will prove a favourite with the crowd, as there is plenty of room for mishap and comedy. The growl of the WW2 fighters will soon dispel the Victorian romance and from then on there will be non-stop flying action, battle scenes and pyrotechnic. Which reminds me. You can’t miss the Friday night fireworks! And if we have another of these glorious golden late afternoons, the flying through until twilight will be just spectacular! I can’t wait.  Bluebridge is proud to be a principal sponsor of the event and supports it in a number of ways – including bringing Sir Peter Jackson’s private collection and other aircraft across Cook Strait. Talk about precious cargo!   Taking the Bluebridge ferry to Picton for Classic Fighters is all part of the fun.  This year’s event will kick off with a twilight show on Easter Friday (April 3). Saturday and Sunday are the main show days with over 70 aircraft, ground theatre, music, pyrotechnics, stalls, a kid’s zone and classic cars - and of course Marlborough wine and food. It all adds up to a major fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. At the event keep your eyes out for the Bluebridge tent where you can grab some great goodies and enter a special competition! 

    • The Summer Road Trip
      • 1. Have a plan Get together with your travelling companions and work out a plan of action. Decide what type of holiday you are after, whether it’s a sporting holiday, relaxing holiday or packed full of adventure! It’s always good to plan and do your homework, read reviews, ask friends and go to your local I-Site as you don’t want to miss out on any hidden gems! If you still need some inspiration for your holiday take a look at these great itineraries.  2. Get the motor running Always check your vehicle before leaving for your trip. Ensure that it has an up to date warrant of fitness and registration plus don’t forget to check the water, oil and tyres! 3. Counting Down Tell your friends or family your travel plans and even give them a copy of your itinerary so they know where to find you if necessary. 4. Hitting the Road Travelling in the holiday periods can be more risky because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments. Being courteous, remembering to share the road with others and scheduling frequent breaks can help you keep your cool when driving during these high-pressure periods. 5. And Most of all....  Take care out there and have a fantastic time! 

    • The Essence of New Zealand
      • We’re working with the North & South Magazine to put together a spectacular calendar for 2015 showcasing the essence of New Zealand and we need your help to capture New Zealand on camera.  It might be the place you’re in right now or your favourite escape. It might be somewhere you passed through, where you reached for your camera to grab that moment and take the memory home. It might be the people as much as the place that resonates for you as essentially Kiwi. We're not looking for ‘chocolate-box’ scenery. Landscapes, of course, but surprise us! Above all, we’d like to see pictures that capture an element of New Zealand life in an original way. You’ll need to show some technical skills, too, so think about the lightening in your image, sharpness and composition. The winning photograph will win a return trip for two adults and a car on the Bluebridge ferry across the Cook Strait, valued at $450, plus $400 cash from North & South. Two runners-up will each receive $150. The best entries will be chosen to feature in a special North & South- Bluebridge calendar. Competition rules: This competition is run by the North & South Magazine and entries close October 6 2014. The location of your photo must be recorded with your entry, and captions/title should be included if possible. SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO: photography@bauermedia.co.nz. Include your full name and address, contact phone numbers and email address. Entrants’ photographs must be the entrants’ own work and must not have been published previously in any media. By entering the North & South Photography Competition, you grant to Bauer Media Group (NZ) LP a perpetual, royalty-free licence to publish and use the photograph in any media. Your (emailed) photos (colour or black and white) should not be larger than 1 MB, saved at 72 DPI. But for winning images, photographers will need to supply an electronic copy (TIFF, high-quality JPEG, RAW etc) of the image upon request. This must be at least 5” X 7” at 300 DPI, which is equivalent to 1500 X 2100 pixel dimensions or a photo taken with a 3.2 megapixel camera at the largest image setting. iPhone photographs are acceptable, saved at the largest setting. The winning entry will receive a return trip for two adults and a car on the Bluebridge ferry valued at $450 (for use in 2015, conditions apply); plus $400 cash from North & South. Two runners-up will each receive $150. Photos will be published in the December 2014 issue of North & South. The judges’ decisions are final. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and Twitter.

    • The Nelson Arts Festival
      • This year the festival celebrates 20 years and features a spectacular programme with over 150 artists from around New Zealand and across the globe. The venues and streets of Nelson will come alive with a line-up of theatre, music, dance, comedy, writers’ talks and free events so be sure to keep your diary free from 16-27 October as you’ll be in for a real treat! The famous Nelson Masked Parade and Carnival will take to the streets on Friday 17 October from 5.30pm with an explosion of colour, music and performance in line with this year’s theme being Earth, Wind and Fire! If you are creative at heart this is the perfect opportunity to show your creative flair with the best individual winning a return ferry crossing with Bluebridge! Bluebridge are proud to be silver sponsors of this event and are supporting it in a number of ways – including transport across the Cook Strait, sponsorship of the shows ‘Ivy’ and ‘The Road that Wasn’t There’ as well as offering a prize for the masked parade.    To view the programme for the festival take a look here: http://www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz/programme

    • Boredom busters for the school holidays!
      • #1 - The Ultimate Pirate Hat You aren’t a real pirate until you have a fancy pirate hat. Get creative with the kids and create the ultimate pirate hat that will make the neighbours kids jealous! To help you get started we have put together some instructions, take a look here.   #2 - Help Colour Captain Bluebeard Captain Bluebeard lost his colour at sea and he needs help to get back to health. Be careful though, if the kids make one wrong step they could be walking the plank! Download Captain Bluebeard here. #3 - Word Find Word finds are a must for any school holiday and are a great educational tool for children. Click here to download the word find.  #4 - The Treasure Chest Every little pirate needs a chest to store all their treasure so get creative with the kids and build a treasure chest together. Treasure chests are great for storing toys, clothing and pocket money! Whether it’s large or small, wooden or cardboard it’s a great way to keep busy and will provide entertainment for hours!  #5 - Travelling with Bluebridge If you are travelling with us these school holidays your children will receive a free piratical activity pack which includes a 16 page activity booklet full of games, craft, stickers and colouring pencils plus an actual on board treasure hunt for children to complete with their parents or caregivers. But wait it gets better, all our pirate goodies come housed in a special Captain Bluebeard bag that fits nicely over most car head rests so your little ones can continue their pirate adventure on the remaining road trip! Find out more here.  #6 - Photo Competition Have you travelled with us and captured some great photos on board with your kids? If yes, we would love to see them! In fact we are giving away two $50 vouchers for the two best photos we receive. To enter please fill in the form below. The competition will be drawn on 31 July and the winner will be contacted within 7 days. The winning photos will be published online. 

    • Let’s run… and run!
      • More than 5000 runners and walkers line up for this great annual event – people of all shapes, sizes and ages. If the full marathon seems a bit over the top then you can opt to do a half marathon or a decidedly more doable 10km route. There’s even a kids’ Magic Mile. The 2014 marathon is coming up on Sunday 22 June. So if you haven’t been preparing it’s time to dust off the trainers. There are some handy hints and tips on the Armstrong Group Wellington Marathon website, including nutrition, injury prevention and suggested training routes. Bluebridge is proud to support the Wellington Marathon by offering an incentive to southern competitors. That’s right - if you live in the South Island we’ll give you a 50% discount off our flexi sail fares on your Cook Strait ferry travel to the marathon. The discount applies to the runner, their vehicle and even their supporters! To be eligible for the ferry discount you first need to register your entry on the Wellington Marathon website

    • New menus for Cook Strait travellers
      • The new menus have you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So just drive aboard, take a seat, and treat your taste buds while you take in the spectacular views. On the Santa Regina your new lunch and dinner menu includes soup of the day, nachos, lamb and coconut curry, crumbed fish and winter salad, and teriyaki salmon. All day offerings include the classic toastie, pancake stack and Greek salad. And you can top it all off with a delicious gelato from Wellington’s original Carrello del Gelato or a fresh barista coffee. If this all sounds a bit flash and you’re more of a pie and chips person, worry not. We’re still serving those Kiwi classics too. 

    • Get your jets on
      • In the early 1950s Sir William Hamilton pulled off a Kiwi Ingenuity master stroke when he developed the world’s first waterjet engine. Faced with the challenge of navigating shallow New Zealand rivers at speed, he designed a boat with no propeller to get stuck on the rocks. Half a century later jet boating is a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide - and a favourite activity for adrenalin-hungry travellers visiting the home of the waterjet engine. Even William and Kate had a go on the Shotover Jet during the recent royal tour. Shotover Jet, Queenstown The Shotover Jet has been taking keen punters on the wildest ride of their lives since 1970. The iconic big red boat shoots passengers through the narrow gorges of the spectacular Shotover River near Queenstown. It’s earned a reputation as ‘the world’s most exciting jet boat ride’ – check out the videos on their website and you’ll see why. Shotover Jet website Mack Attack, Bay of Islands The fastest and most thrilling way to see the famous Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett is to climb aboard the Mack Attack. And why stick with just seeing the famous Cathedral Cave from the outside? The Mack Attack will take you right through it. Check out the scenic splendour of the Bay of Islands from the open-topped boat - and the speed of the journey will spice up the whole ‘sightseeing’ experience. Mack Attack website If you’d rather watch other people risking their lives in jet boats than climb in one yourself, then keep an eye out for the NZ Jetsprint Championship - a series of high-octane races that happens in the summer months. More on that soon!

    • Kite surfing safari
      • Essentially, the kiteboarder harnesses wind power with a large kite to propel themselves across water (and through the air), often at incredible speeds. The world’s best kiteboarders can reach speeds of over 50kts! That’s probably a tad extreme if you’re just starting out. So the best bet is to start steady and slow with a good instructor. Kite Auckland The world’s best kiteboarders can reach speeds of over 50kts! From their base at Orewa on Auckland’s picturesque Hibiscus Coast, Kite Auckland offers lessons for kitesurfers of all skill levels – from beginner courses for the novice to trick tweaking for the advanced rider. They’re IKO (International Kiteboard Organisation) affiliated so you can count on their instructors to have your safety as priority one. Giving you one heck of a buzz probably comes in at priority two. Kite Auckland website Kite Sports Christchurch You’ll need a bit more rubber on to enjoy kite surfing in the South Island, but the crew at Kite Sports will sort you out with all you need for protection from the southern chill. The team has a strong focus on kite flying as its own discipline so much of your beginner training takes place on land, learning the ropes (or strings). Their website has some really helpful tips on wind awareness and safety basics that are well worth reading before booking your lesson. Kite Sports website If you’ve already kite surfed in New Zealand – we want to hear your tales!

    • Celebrating the classics
      • Car and motorbike clubs are a feature of most Kiwi communities, with convoys of the same vehicles (or different vehicles of the same vintage or country of origin) a common sight on our highways. Bluebridge ferries provide a vital link between clubs north and south. Because no amount of excess baggage will get your car on the plane! American Car Club (Canterbury) Formed in the 1970s, the ACCC is a coming together of lovers of the types of vehicles you used to see on Happy Days. Or the movie Grease. Chevys, GMs and Fords are the name of the game here. The club holds regular rallies and events which takes their ‘yank tanks’ all over the South Island and beyond. Every car buff needs a good shed and their regular ‘Shed and Burgers’ event gives members a chance to check out someone else’s shed. And eat burgers. Vroom! American Car Club website Ulysses Club The Ulysses Club is a worldwide network of motorcycle loving older people. Their club motto is ‘Grow old disgracefully’ and the club certainly shatters the stereotype of frail old folk carefully guiding their mobility scooter along the pavement. With 29 branches spread throughout New Zealand, this club for bike lovers over 40 holds regular rallies and interclub meets. If you’re more comfortable in leathers than a cardy and slippers, check them out. Ulysses Club website Auckland Mini Car Club Not all auto clubs are about size, grunt and speed – Mini clubs are more for appreciators of the cute and compact. The Auckland Mini Car Club is one of about a dozen in New Zealand dedicated to the iconic Mini. They hold inter-club sprints, rallies and their event calendar culminates with the National Mini Meet at Labour weekend. You can even use their website to book Minis for your wedding transport. Cute! Auckland Mini Car Club website   Do you belong to a club that needs more members? Give it a plug it here!

    • Full of beans
      • Kiwi café culture really took off in the early 1990s when the first espresso bars opened in Auckland and Wellington. Auckland’s DKD in its upstairs/round-the-back location off Queen Street was a rite of passage for Auckland teenagers, who had to get their heads around the new and intriguing language of ordering good coffee. Flat whites, lattes and short blacks were new concepts back then. ‘there are 68 beans in a double shot of espresso’ In Wellington places like Midnight Espresso (still going strong) became centres for lovers of the black stuff who would flock there at all hours for their energy fix. These days boutique coffee roasters have popped up all over New Zealand, churning out their own fiercely guarded secret recipe roasts. Here are just a few: Raglan Roast Roasted and delivered from their whole-in-the-wall roastery in the heart of Raglan, this coffee company provides the fuel for surfers tackling New Zealand’s best left-hand reef break. Started in the back of a wind surfing shop a dozen years ago, Raglan Roast now has four outlets (Raglan, Te Uku, Wellington, Nelson) and sends their beans nationwide online. Raglanroast.co.nz Far East Far East, as the name suggests, is based in New Zealand’s eastern-most city Gisborne. Established in 2014, Far East is new to the scene but staffed by a couple who once worked for one of New Zealand’s largest coffee companies. So they know their stuff! Far East has a firm focus on the local market – Gisborne/East Coast – but they will deliver to wherever coffee fiends happen to dwell. It took them a year to work out the perfect blend, sourcing beans from throughout the world. And boy, have they nailed it. Rich, delicious, chocolatey and packing a big yet soft punch. Far East on Facebook The Strictly Coffee Company As morning temperatures drop Southland locals really need that extra oomph to get their days started. TSCC has been blending and roasting great coffee for over 15 years and now supplies over 300 cafes throughout the South Island and beyond. Their Bath Street café is a Dunedin institution. Visit their website for fascinating coffee facts, such as ‘there are 68 beans in a double shot of espresso’. Interestingly, legend has it that Voltaire would always have exactly 50 beans in his cup. Whatever works! strictlycoffee.co.nz And when you’re crossing Cook Strait, you can enjoy top notch espresso made with beans from Wellington’s longest running roaster, Café L’affarre.

    • Happy travellers-doggy tips
      • Check out these tips for keeping your pup happy and healthy on long car trips. 1 Buy a dog safety seat Most dog owners will know what it’s like to have your pet flying into the front seat when you are forced to stop suddenly. You might even have experienced your dog knocking your car out of gear in this situation. Not ideal! Just like babies and toddlers, if you’re serious about keeping your dog safe you should consider buying a dog safety seat or belt. 2 Take Rover’s bed If you can fit it in the car, take your dog’s bed or at least the blanket from it. A lot of dogs find sleeping a good way to cope with motion sickness and the stress of travelling and there’s nothing like familiar bedding to encourage a good sleep. Start by letting your puppy wander around the car with the motor off... 3 Introduce your puppy to travel gradually Start by letting your puppy wander around the car with the motor off. Then start with short trips, gradually increasing the distance, so your dog can get used to the experience of car travel. 4 Don’t feed your dog immediately before travelling Leaving a few hours between feeding and travelling will reduce the chance of travel sickness. 5 Chew toys to relieve boredom and stress Not all dogs enjoy chew toys, but if yours does then take one or two with you on your journey. 7 Avoid leaving your dog in a parked car This is especially important in warm weather when the risk of heat stroke is high. If you can’t avoid it, make sure you park in the shade, leave windows down, and leave a good supply of water. 8 Stop for regular walks Every hour or so you should stop to give your dog a toilet stop and a quick walk. So don’t forget your lead! 9 Make the first few car trips to somewhere fun! This will help your dog associated car travel with places he or she enjoys. So they’ll be keen to jump in the car whenever asked to. 10 Get a vet’s help for hyperactivity If your dog is prone to hyperactivity, talk to your vet about whether a mild sedative might help. But at the end of the day every dog is different. If you’ve got a top travel tip share it for your pet’s fellow pooches!

    • Aotearoa Surf Film Festival
      • Surfing is one of the best documented sports and lifestyles on the planet – acrobatic manoeuvres performed on horrifying waves in exotic locations = riveting viewing. It helps, but you don’t need to be a surfer to appreciate the aesthetic awesomeness of wave riding. The crystal clear oceans, blue skies and deserted coves combine to pack quite the nature buzz in amongst the surfing heroics.   The O'Neill Aotearoa Surf Film Festival is the first dedicated surf film competition in New Zealand held in March 2014. Coming into its second year ASFF will run in true kiwi style, taking a curated selection of international surf feature films, documentaries and short films on a summer roadtrip to coastal towns celebrating the best of surf culture, surf cinema and our connection with the environment. For many surfers their hunger for perfect waves (and dislike of crowds) feeds a lifelong search that takes them to the world’s most remote beaches and communities have flourished around surfbreaks in places you didn’t know existed. This festival takes us to the UK, US, Australia, Italy, Chile, Venezuela and Japan. Serendipity looks at the incredible story of Australian Anthony Hussein Hinde who found himself living the ultimate surfing fantasy after a shipwreck had him stumbling upon the surfing paradise of the Maldives. He spent the next 15 years surfing alone apart from the occasional visit from a couple of friends who were sworn to silence. In Good Morning Myazaki we meet the surf hungry people who chase typhoon swells around this unique little corner of Japan. And it’s made by a couple of Canadian imports, giving the whole experience a unique perspective. The Salt Trail riffs on the idea that the journey is the destination. This UK film sets out to prove that there’s more to the surfer’s story than simply the quest for the perfect wave, “it’s about the people you meet and what you find along the way and how these experiences change you deep within.” The festival is touring New Zealand this autumn, proudly supported by Bluebridge. You can watch trailers and book tickets on the festival website. 

    • Autumn Awesomeness
      • Autumn is a time to take stock and slow down – and to enjoy the last of the sun while there’s still a remnant of tan beneath those shorts! And where better to see autumn in all its fiery glory than New Zealand’s own arboretum, Eastwood Hill, a half hour drive from Gisborne.  An arboretum is, essentially, a tree park. A quiet place to go for lovers of trees and layers of leaves. enjoy the last of the sun while there’s still a remnant of tan beneath those shorts! William Douglas Cook –Eastwood Hill’s founder, was injured at Gallipoli and, on returning home to his family farm shortly after WWI, started planting trees on the family farm at Ngatapa. He wanted to replicate the idyllic English landscapes he had seen while recuperating from his war injuries. Today, Eastwood Hill holds over 4,000 different trees, shrubs and climbers and is the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees in the Southern Hemisphere. Autumn is without doubt the best time to go, with hundreds of maples, liquidambars, and red and scarlet oaks out in full effect. There is no equivalent of equal scale that we know of in the south, but you could say that many parts of the south island resemble an arboretum at this time of year. So if you’re travelling through the South Island this month, why not take the scenic route? Arrowtown, Glendhu Bay Wanaka, and Central Otago offer stunning autumn backdrops and you can’t beat the Clyde Dam lookout for an autumnal vista overlooking Clyde and Alexandra. Ahh, autumn. Can’t beat it!

    • The 2014 Graperide
      • The 101km main course has been described by one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded sportsman, Mark Inglis, as one best rides in the world! We had such a fun day and caught up with heaps of friends we haven't seen in a while from other parts of the country! -Sarah This years event sees the addition of an MTB Enduro (4hr and 8hr) on Sunday the 30th of March, a three stage bike at your own pace gourmet experience ride on Thursday the 3rd of April,  a special celebratory dinner with past and present cycling stars on Saturday the 5th of April and then Sunday the 6th is full on street sprints and crit racing in the middle of the Blenheim CBD. There is just so much happening! It's no wonder this year's event is already 70% full. Find out more and register at www.graperide.co.nz  Bluebridge is helping many of the riders who live in the North Island make the annual pilgrimage! The offer of a 50% discount* from the family owned Cook Strait ferry service makes the trip over the ditch all the more worth while! Cheers Bluebridge!  *terms and conditions apply How to book your ferry travel?  Book on this website by entering the promo code that you will receive on your email confirmation once you have entered the event. Alternatively give Bluebridge a call on 0800 844 844 and quote that same special promo code to a crew member (correct spelling matters so make sure you get this right).

    • Drive you crazy
      • Holding your breath over bridges This classic car game is popular with lots of Kiwi families and it’s super simple. Every time you cross a bridge everyone in the car has to hold their breath until you reach the other side. Things get really interesting when driving over the epic bridges of the Canterbury Plains. The adventurous and healthy-lunged among you may find yourselves in a breath-holding battle that lasts a long way past the end of the bridge – sometimes until the next town! Needless to say, breath holding until you start seeing stars is not recommended for drivers. The animal game This might have an official name, but no one we spoke to knows it. So we’re calling it the animal game. If you know its correct title, please post a comment! This game can involve everyone in the car, including the driver, and all you need is a sharp pair of eyes. In a nutshell – everyone’s on the lookout for animals, be they sheep, goats, horses or birds. The first person to spot a sheep, say, is scoring on sheep. Every time they see another sheep they score a point. Until someone else in the car spots a sheep before the person who is scoring on sheep. When that happens, sheep are ‘dead’, and no one can score on sheep. It gets fun when different people are scoring on different animals – so you’re all trying to score on ‘your’ animals while ‘killing’ the other people’s scoring potential by spotting their animal first. The game ends when everyone’s sick of it and the person with the most points wins. Kiwi Holiday Parks Road Trip Bingo Tui!  Volcano! Bluebridge Ferry! Bingo!! Enjoy the scenery and keep everyone entertained with some good old kiwi inspired road trip bingo created by our good friends at Kiwi Holiday Parks. Download and print off here before you leave home or let a member of our friendly crew know how many you would like when you check-in with us. Sing alongs In an age of media saturation and endless streaming of the latest pop tunes straight into our homes, workplaces and cars – even the term ‘sing along’ looks archaic. Like something from another age. But anyone who grew up in the 70s (or any time before) will remember the AM radio in Dad’s Holden (or Falcon) cutting out on long drives. And when the radio cut out there was only one thing for it – a good old family sing along. Any parent with half a clue will have kept the tradition alive and have a grab-bag of classic tunes, mixed up with a few Wiggles numbers, to keep the troops entertained. To join in on a sing along you need one of two things: a good singing voice or the ability to laugh at yourself. With either of these attributes you’ll have a great time. When you’ve got a few tunes under your belt and are looking for an extra challenge, introduce the kids to the rare satisfaction of singing in rounds. Row, Row, Row Your Boat is a good one to get you started with singing rounds. What’s your favourite way to kill time in the car? I spy with my little eye, perhaps? Points will be deducted for saying ‘putting the portable DVD player on’!

    • Fest foot forward
      • Whatever your preference for summer festival fun, now’s the time to start planning your travels. Bluebridge is a great way to get you, your friends and all your gear across Cook Strait. Rhythm and Vines, 29-31 December, Gisborne Now into its eleventh year, R&V has become the measure to judge all new years’ eve parties by. Set amongst the grape vines on the Waiohika Estate, this year Gizzy will rock to hip-hop star Wiz Kahlifa, Australian alt-funksters Empire of the Sun and a DJ set by Rudimental, among many, many others. R&V website Rhythm and the Alps, 30-31 December, Cardrona Rhythm and Alps is the only two-day music festival in the South Island, and due to popular demand, will run at the same time as world class juggernaut Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne. New festival dates 30-31 December ensure South Islander’s have a festival to see in the new year with music and style! R&A website Big Day Out, 17 January, Auckland The granddaddy of the New Zealand festival circuit returns after a two year hiatus – this time to the far cooler venue of Western Springs. Grunge rock titans Pearl Jam and seminal Brit-poppers Blur headline this year, appearing alongside Arcade Fire, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, Major Lazer and Tame Impala. Big Day Out website Laneway Festival, 27 Jan, Auckland Here’s one for student radio lovers – you only need to look at the band’s names to know you’re in for a festival of all things hip.  Headliners include Glaswegian alt-popsters Chvrches (not a misprint), star rapper Earl Sweatshirt and all-girl American punk-pop trio Haim. Can’t afford to get the Pitchfork festival in the US? This is a pretty solid local alternative. Laneway Festival website Rippon Festival, 1 Feb, Wanaka February is a great time to party – you’ve had time to recover from the silly season and the weather is generally mint. And what better place to party than the shores of Lake Wanaka? February will see Rippon celebrating its 10th year, so there’s another reason to get along. The line-up is a who’s who of Kiwi music talent, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Phoenix Foundation and Ladi 6. Rippon Festival website Avoid being stuck on the wharf as a fully loaded ferry pulls away without you, book your travel now!

    • The Coppermine Epic
      • Are you over riding in the rain and wind? We can change all that , come and ride the Coppermine -nothing but sunshine on hot dry single tracks with cold S&F beer to finish! The Coppermine mountain bike event offers a chance for you to ride some of Nelson's best trails and traverse the spectacular Coppermine mineral belt. There are three courses to cater for different riding abilities. This was truly an epic event. Well organised and immensely enjoyable. Keep up the great work! (Andrew, CHC) If you are ready to ride on dry tracks in the sun, Nelson is the place! Our event is on Saturday the 15th of February 2014 and all registration info can be found here on our website: www.copermine.co.nz Cook Strait Ferry travel offer As proud partners of the event, Bluebridge are keen to help those in the North head South to attend the 2014 Coppermine Epic so they’re giving all event competitors, supporters and their vehicles 50% off travel across Cook Strait* OFFER TERMS & CONDITIONS: This offer is only available to competitors attending the event and their supporters (a supporter must be travelling on the same sailing as the competitor to be eligible for the discount too). You must present your registration confirmation email upon check-in as proof of entitlement. Failure to present valid proof of registration will result in the fare difference being required to be paid prior to boarding. Travel must take place between 6 – 10 February 2014. Booking cancellations are 100% refundable up until 24 hours before travel. Cancellations within 24 hours of travel are non-refundable. Transferring to a sailing outside of the applicable travel period may result in a fare difference being required to be paid. Discounted savings are based on Bluebridge Flexi Sail fares only. Other ticket terms and conditions can be viewed here.  HOW TO BOOK: Book online at www.bluebridge.co.nz by entering the promo code that you will receive on your email confirmation once you have entered the event. Alternatively give Bluebridge a call on 0800 844 844 and quote that same special promo code to a crew member (correct spelling matters so make sure you get this right).

    • Non couch-potato?
      • 9th November 2013 Do you dream of running on a trail through heartland Queen Charlotte Sound Country, having been delivered to the starting line by boat? (13kms) Pedalling along one of the most scenic rides known to kiwi homosapeans, past the little holiday communities of Linkwater, Momorangi and Ngakuta Bays, your bike journey heads to the seaside village of Picton and its waterfront coffee houses… does that appeal? (40kms) Pedalling along one of the most scenic rides known to kiwi homosapeans Paddling on the blue waters of the inner Sounds, possibly passing a sunbathing seal, or catching a glimpse of a frolicking dolphin off the bow of your kayak…sound cool? (8kms) And after the day’s action a prize giving never to forget, in the ambience of the Allan Scott Family Winemakers cellar door establishment, with more spot prizes than you could have imagined. Want to just Run? Running a course from Lochmara Lodge on the Queen Charlotte track, taking you trail running through the bush to Anakiwa, is a run that compares with the toughest of half marathons. Though a smidgen shorter than a half marathon the climb out of Lochmara Lodge, after the starters’ gun fires, will challenge you like no normal half marathon will ever do (though the song of Bellbirds and Tuis will help you forget the pain!). You finish the 20kms at Anakiwa and we will not only drop you over to the start by Beachcomber Cruises but will pick you up at the finish (conditions apply). Live in the North Island? As proud long-time supporters, Bluebridge are keen to help North Islanders head South to attend the 2013 Queen Charlotte Classic so they’re giving all event competitors, supporters and their vehicles 50% off travel across Cook Strait.  Terms and conditions apply. Contact the event organisers on: 035735432 for the promotional code instructions so you can make your discounted online booking with Bluebridge once you have registered for the race. For more info or to enter online, please visit: www.queencharlotteclassic.co.nz  

    • Pack your skater
      • Bluebridge ferry passengers can indulge their skate addiction at both ends of their Cook Strait crossing – although skating isn’t allowed on board for obvious reasons! The Waitangi Skate Park on Wellington’s waterfront features bowls, half pipes and various things to grind, slide and roll along. It’s an easy skate along smooth asphalt from the Bluebridge terminal and right on the edge of the Wellington CBD. The downside of it being so handy is that it can get very crowded. Show respect and wait your turn, watch out for kids, and everybody’s happy.  On the other side of Cook Strait is the slightly less impressive Picton Skatepark. While not as feature-rich as parks in the big city, it offers enough fun and challenges to make it a great place to pass the time while you wait for your ferry to depart. If your travels take you to Auckland – and let’s face it, they probably will – you’ll discover the city’s best skatepark simply by driving along the motorway. Victoria Skatepark is a relatively recent addition to the skateable landscape of Auckland. It replaced a dilapidated old collection of ramps that used to be there, when the new Victoria Tunnel was constructed. For the best example of skatepark excellence cropping up in our rural backblocks, you can’t go past the town of Reefton These days it’s a state of the art network of bowls, ramps, pipes and boxes. Like its Wellington innercity counterpart, crowds are its main downside. But choose your time wisely and you’ll find a park that’s well worth planning a day in Auckland around. For an overview of other Auckland skateparks check out this recent NZ Herald article. For the best example of skatepark excellence cropping up in our rural backblocks, you can’t go past the town of Reefton. A historic gold-mining town of around 1000 people, Reefton is the first town you hit as you approach the West Coast from Lewis Pass. It’s known for being the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to offer public electricity – before London and New York! But among the skating community it’s better known for having the best small-town skatepark anyone’s ever seen. Anywhere. Featuring a full Hollywood bowl and a dazzling arrangement of ramps, pipes, rails and boxes, it’s like something you’d expect to find in a big city with a huge skating population. As it stands, you’re more likely to find yourself sharing the park with a couple of young scooter rats. And rather than urban jungle, you’ll look out on actual jungle – well, West Coast rainforest. There’s even a beautiful river alongside the park for keeping fresh between hot summer skate sessions. To plan your New Zealand travels around skatepark visits, check out skateparkhunter.com

    • Kapiti Coast Forest Hideaway
      • Te Nikau Forest Retreat provides a quintessential New Zealand experience, cocooned in native forest offering total self-contained privacy.   "The setting reminded us of Tolkein's books, and at night reading by the fire we felt magically taken away to a distant and fantastic place." Unwind in front of an open fire and relax in the treehouse spa pool surrounded by dawn to dusk native birdsong.  And when you feel ready to explore a little, the many attractions of the Kapiti region are right on your doorstep. The house features a spacious king-sized bedroom with private balcony and one single bedroom, comfortably accommodating three. The tree house spa pool is shrouded by forest, overlooking a private mountain stream and is an indulgent place to relax and unwind in. Other features include: Sky TV, bathroom, laundry facilities, WiFi broadband, large open fire, private parking, TV & DVD player, CD player with stereo, coffee & selection of teas. We've teamed up with Te Nikau Forest Retreat to bring Bluebridge customers a very special package. Available year-round from just $420pp* Package inclusions: One-way Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry journey including private vehicle Complimentary private twin cabin on board the ferry*  2 nights’ accommodation at Te Nikau Forest Retreat Complimentary generous continental breakfast Complimentary bottle of local award winning Ohau Gravels wine FREE late checkout of 12pm A $100 Seasons At Country Life restaurant dinner voucher.  The menu at Seasons reflects the wonderful array of local produce and flavours available on the Kapiti Coast.  Optional extras: Add a visit to the park-like grounds of beautiful Nga Manu Nature Reserve for an additional $30 per couple. Add a full day class at the fabulous Ruth Pretty Cooking School, or visit her Kitchen Shop and cafe. Add a day visit to Kapiti Island with Kapiti Marine Charter for an additional $190 per couple. Add a return Cook Strait journey for an additional $220 per couple. Add a third night at Te Nikau Forest Retreat for an additional $195 per couple (usually $295). Terms & conditions: *This price is per person based on twin share. Private cabin accommodation on board the ferry is only available on board the Straitsman vessel. This package is subject to availability and is non-transferrable. Book now! Please email tenikauforestretreat@xtra.co.nz or phone (+64) 21 0222 0217 to book now.

    • Cool Campers
      • Travelling in your own camper van has a lot of advantages – you have the freedom to stay in a place as long (or as short) as you like because your bed’s in the back. So you’ll never have to move out to make way for the next booking. Best of all, you can drive your mobile home onto a Bluebridge ferry and take it across Cook Strait to continue your adventure. Here are two of the best known providers of painted campervan rentals: Escape Campervans The Escape fleet is decorated by some of this country’s best graffiti artists. So if aesthetics is a big driver (excuse the pun) in your decision, go with these guys. Each van is a work of art – featuring everything from native flora and fauna to international pop culture icons. A click through their website is like visiting an online art gallery. So their claim of offering “the world’s coolest campers” might well be true. Escape website Wicked Campers Wicked’s artwork has a slightly edgier vibe. You can choose a van emblazoned with your favourite rock star – be it Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin or Alice Cooper. They really capture the hippie road trip thing by offering a free extra day’s rental to anyone who sends them a pic of themselves posing naked next to their van. Check out their website for proof (if you’re game). Wicked website If you’re travelling in a painted campervan and taking it across Cook Strait on a Bluebridge ferry, post a pic on our Facebook page (not naked, please, this is a family show) and we’ll make it worth your while. How does $30 worth of GrabOne credit sound? Terms & Conditions of giveaway: You must post at least one photograph to the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Facebook page timeline of you and your painted camper together.  Only those participants who hold a valid non-redeemed Bluebridge ticket are eligible to recieve a voucher. A $30 GrabOne evoucher will be sent to eligible participants once we have confirmed a valid email address.  

    • Bike the Queen Charlotte Track - Marlborough NZ
      • The 71km Queen Charlotte track has been purposely built to cater to both walkers and bikers. It is the longest piece of continuous single track in the country and while it suits novice riders it’s still challenging enough for the experienced mountain biker. Most riders need two days to complete the track comfortably, and outside peak walking season the entire track is open for biking - woo-hoo! Day 1: Your adventure begins in downtown Wellington at night.  Report to our terminal before 11pm so we can get you on board and into your very own private cabin before midnight.  The ship will depart in the night while you are sleeping! Day 2: Awake refreshed in Picton at 6am and ready to begin the unforgettable adventure ahead. You have a wee bit of free time up your sleeve before you need to report for an 8am briefing at Wilderness Guides HQ (insert map link here) so why not fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Next up is your water taxi to Camp Bay (estimated time of arrival at Camp Bay is 10am). Mountain Bike from Camp Bay to Torea Saddle / The Portage (approx 4-5 hours / 22.5km) - a challenging but very rewarding bike ride on the ridgeline between Punga Cove and Torea Saddle near Portage. Day 3: Mountain bike from Portage Resort to Anakiwa (approx 4-5 hours / 22km). Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section make a fitting finale to finish your ride. Today you join Beachcomber Cruises at the Outward Bound Wharf for a ride back to Picton departing at 3.30pm. You have a bit of free time before you need to check in for your return Bluebridge sailing so why not grab a pizza at Café Cortado or a beer with the locals to celebrate a great weekend’s riding! Inclusions: Return journey with Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry as a walk-on passenger Private cabin accommodation on board the WLG-PIC sailing 1 night’s accommodation at Debretts Backpackers at Portage Bay 2 day bike hire Water transport to and from the track Luggage transfers Complimentary transfers to and from water taxi Information pack incl. track guide Optional extras: Upgrade to stay at Peppers Portage for an additional $50 Travelling alone? No worries, simply add an additional $135 To book this package, talk to our friends at Wilderness Guides Terms & conditions: This package and all of its contents are subject to availability and non-transferrable. Prices quoted above are per person, based on a minimum of two people travelling together. But packages can be organised for singles. Refer to optional extras above for details. Breakfasts, lunch and dinners are not included in this package but can be arranged at the various lodges along the track. Book now! Please email info@wildernessguidesnz.com or freephone (NZ only) 0800 266 266 to book now. If walking is more your bag, check out our Queen Charlotte Track walking package. Find out more about the Track on the Department of Conservation website. 

    • Holiday Planner
      • Planning ahead is the key to avoid the kind of holiday where the whole family’s stuck at home getting bored and restless. In other words, the kind of holiday that you need a holiday to recover from! We’ve put together a few easy - and free - holiday ideas to help you plan the perfect spring family getaway.  Rotorua South Islanders heading north simply must have a visit to Rotorua on their itinerary. It’s a Kiwi rite of passage – the first time your young nostrils take in the heady sulphuric atmosphere of the North Island’s number one tourist destination. One of the great things about Rotorua is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. Bring your own bikes and you can spend days exploring the world-renowned mountain bike tracks snaking through the Redwoods Mountain Bike Park in the Whakarewarewa Forest.  At Kuirau Park you can sample the thermal activity – steaming lakes and boiling mud – that made Rotorua famous. There are even baths where you can soak your feet in nature-heated water, and it’s all free. The Blue and Green Lakes are a short drive from town. A short walk to the lookout on a fine day and you can clearly see these vibrantly coloured lakes showing their true colours. A network of walking tracks, play equipment and beautiful picnic spots offer a great day out for budget holidaymakers. At Kerosene Creek you can soak your travel-weary bones au naturel! This wonder of nature must be tried to be believed. Directions: about 30km south of Rotorua on the road to Taupo, pass the turnoff to Murupara on your left and a lake on your right, then take the next left turn, just past a small bridge (about 500m from the Murupara turnoff). About 2.2km down the road  pull over to the grass verge on the right. Follow the path down about 200m beside the stream to the pool itself. Note – don’t leave valuables in the car as unfortunately the area is prone to break-ins.   Christchurch Hey North Islanders! If you haven’t heard, Christchurch is bouncing back from its recent run in with the forces of nature and is well and truly open for business. And it’s a great place for a spring family holiday. Free family attractions abound in the Garden City and the best place to start is Hagley Park. It’s a 165 hectare oasis of green fields and huge trees right on the edge of the city centre and it’s crisscrossed with a network of walking and cycle tracks that the kids will love exploring. The Botanic Gardens took a bit of a pounding in the earthquakes but staff have worked hard to restore them to their former glory and now only a couple of buildings are off limits. Of course, spring is the best time to enjoy the colours and smells of this historic park, especially while punting along the Avon River. At the Air Force Museum you can check out the national collection of the NZAF. Historic aircraft, engines, art and wartime memorabilia – not to mention free entry – make this a great outing for the family. Riccarton House and Bush offer a fascinating insight into how well-heeled Cantabrians of the 19th Century lived. Riccarton House, built for the pioneering Deans family between 1856 and 1900, is decorated with period furnishings. Guided tours are available. Riccarton Bush is the last remnant of the ancient kahikatea forest that once covered the Canterbury Plains. It features trees over 600 years old. Eco tours are a great way to learn about this slice of natural history on the edge of the city. These are just a few ideas to get your holiday plans started. Or maybe you’ve made plans already.

    • The winter that was
      • So how was your 2013 winter? What did you do to beat the blues? Maybe you carved some fresh powder. Or discovered one of New Zealand’s many natural hot springs. Or maybe you hosted the greatest mid-winter Christmas party of all time. Or perhaps you cheated and snuck away to the tropics to drink cocktails by the pool! Post a picture of your best winter memory to our Facebook page Post a picture of your best winter memory to our Facebook page, we may just give you a little something to help you enjoy the coming summer… 

    • Travelling smorgasbord of film
      • So why not adopt the travelling road show approach to film festival viewing? You see the best thing about the New Zealand International Film Festival is that it happens over a couple of months, in cities and towns throughout the country. Over 150 features are presented in Auckland and Wellington and a smaller programme then travels to twelve smaller centres. If programme clashes (and life commitments) prevent you from seeing your top picks in your home town, simply jump in the car or board a Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry, and follow the action as it travels north to south. Theoretically, your screen obsession could take you from Auckland, where the festival kicked off on 28 July, all the way south to Gore and all the way back to New Plymouth, where it finally winds up in November. Since launching in the cultural wasteland that was Auckland in 1969... Since launching in the cultural wasteland that was Auckland in 1969, the New Zealand International Film Festival has grown into a mainstay of the arts calendar. Tens of thousands of people now flock to see the latest in cutting edge cinema. So study the programme and book now, while you can still get a ticket. For full programme details and booking information see the NZIFF website.

    • Let the Winter Games begin!
      • One of the top five events on the international winter sports circuit, it features six World Cup events over the 11-day programme. Best of all, it’s free to watch! See Olympic and Paralympic medallists, past, current and future, compete in Snowboard Slopestyle, Snowboard Halfpipe, Freestyle Ski Halfpipe and Freestyle Ski Slopestyle at Cardrona Alpine Resort, plus the IPC Alpine Adaptive Slalom World Cups at Coronet Peak. Snow Farm will host the world’s top cross-country skiers while Coronet Peak will see the superstars of alpine skiing compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom. Naseby’s Maniototo International Curling Rink will once again witness the tension and drama of curling as teams fight it out ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Winter Games NZ 2013 will feature adaptive athletes racing alongside their able bodied counterparts in cross-country and alpine skiing as they prepare for the 2014 Paralympics. The Games also includes an off-snow festival bringing the action off the mountain in a series of downtown extravaganzas in both Queenstown and Lake Wanaka including the Adventure Film Festival presented by Auckland Airport, medal ceremonies, live music and entertainment. Find out everything you need to know on the Winter Games website and enjoy the show! 

    • Luxurious Marlborough Winter Escape
      • Indulge yourself and a friend at the 5 star Chateau Marlborough Hotel. Travel from downtown Wellington to Picton return on a Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry and prepare to kick back! Your package includes: Return journey with Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry as a walk-on passenger Your very own private transfer to and from the ferry terminal in Picton to your hotel in Blenheim Two night's accommodation in a deluxe studio suite with super king size bed and all the desirable features you would expect of a 5-star property Daily breakfast in Quench Restaurant A half-day wine tour with Bubbly Grape Tours visiting several wineries in New Zealand’s premier wine region  1 x $50 Quench Restaurant voucher to wine and dine at your leisure. Optional extras: Upgrade to a Grande Studio for an additional $200 Add an extra night at $155 in a Deluxe Studio Suite or $295 in a Grande Studio Suite Upgrade to a private twin cabin on board the ferry for an additional $40 per crossing (only available on the M.V Straitsman). Available 1 June – 30 September 2013 from $399.50pp This price is per person, based on twin share. This package is subject to availability and is non transferrable. Please email chateau@marlboroughnz.co.nz or freephone 0800 75 22 75 to book now. Check out the full range of Bluebridge getaways here.

    • Food glorious food
      • The Food Show is underway in Auckland right now and you have until Sunday to enjoy the fantastic range of flavours on offer. Featuring the latest foodie trends and treats – the Food Show also brings together a mouth-watering selection of wine and beer. Celebrity chefs give live demonstrations and share hot tips and special recipes with thousands of hungry fans keen to learn as well as taste. The Masterclass Series will feature top chefs Peter Gordon, Sean Connolly and Simon Gault in a series of intimate classes for the lucky few. Later in the month it’s Wellingtonian’s turn to turn on the taste buds when Visa Wellington on a Plate hits town from 9 - 25 August. This is New Zealand’s largest food festival and it’s back  for its fifth season with a menu of food-themed events inspired by some of the country’s most respected chefs. The festival is based around DINE Wellington, a fortnight in which 110 of the region's finest eateries offer lunchtime set menus and delectable dinner deals. It’s also become a Mecca for craft beer aficionados who flock to the Beervana beer fest. Wellington's best also take part in the battle of the burger Wellington's best also take part in the battle of the burger with Burger Wellington, bakeoff honours in the Wellington Bake Club, or the supreme award for the menu best reflecting the capital’s flavour. Not far from Wellington is the fabulous Ruth Pretty Cooking School.  Book our Kapiti Coast Forest Hideaway package and opt to experience one of the full day cooking classes or visit her kitchen shop and cafe. So August is definitely not the month for resorting to beans on toast. Get out and broaden your palette, and if you discover a new and amazing delicacy on your travels, we want to hear about it here! 

Updated Feeds

Recently updated feeds from local organisations.