NZ Engine

Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and Adventure South NZ launch exclusive cycling and walking tour partnership

AA Traveller is thrilled to announce a new partnership with New Zealand’s leading cycling and walking tour operator, Adventure South NZ.

The three-year partnership offers the AA’s 1.8 million Members an exclusive 10% discount on selected guided and self-guided walking and hiking tours, guided cycling tours, hike and bike tours, plus other special interest tours throughout the country.

AA Traveller General Manager, Greig Leighton, said the tours add to the extensive portfolio of travel and tourism products which AA Members can now take advantage of, including accommodation, car rental, campervan and motorhome hire, Scenic Trains, and Interislander ferry services.

“AA Traveller already has a strong presence in the walking and cycling segments in New Zealand, publishing the annual Must Do’s Cycling Guide, and Must Do’s Walking Guide, and this new partnership with Adventure South further cements AA’s strong position in both these two hugely popular tourism segments within New Zealand,” he said.

“The devastating impact of Covid-19 has been felt strongly across the tourism sector over the past 18 months, and with international borders closed, this new partnership between AA Traveller and Adventure South NZ, will offer first class guided touring products right on our own backdoor step,“ Greig said.

General Manager, Adventure South, Philip Wyndham, said he is looking forward to providing exclusive offers to AA Members.

“We expect our national range of cycling and hiking holidays, operated by Adventure South NZ and Great Walks of New Zealand, to have broad appeal to AA Members from across the country,” he said.

“I’m delighted that the announcement comes on the eve of our 30th anniversary, and we look forward to having AA Members join one of our active guided and supported cycling adventures or one of our self-guided walks.”

For more information about the partnership and for the Adventure South NZ guided tours and Great Walks of New Zealand experiences covered go to:
https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/member-deals/adventure-south-nz/ or
https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/Deals or
https://www.greatwalksofnewzealand.co.nz/deals

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller shines a light on Kiwi Gems

AA Traveller is encouraging Kiwis to take the road less travelled this summer with the unveiling of a new list of Kiwi Gems.

AA Travel and Tourism General Manager Greig Leighton says the new campaign celebrates fresh ideas and lesser-known spots that make our country really special, as well as new ways of approaching travel to familiar places.

Kiwis can also test their knowledge of New Zealand and be into win one of 48 individual travel prizes, and three prize packs*, by taking part in a Kiwi Gems Quiz at aatraveller.co.nz.

“We’ve called the campaign – We Love You New Zealand! – as we hope to inspire Kiwis to fall even more in love with this great place we call home,” Greig says.

“From helping deliver mail in Pelorus Sound or finding archaeological relics at Rotorua’s Buried Village, to swimming at the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool in Dunedin or trying cable wakeboarding in Central Hawke’s Bay, our country has so many unique and interesting experiences to offer.”

Greig says AA Traveller worked closely with Tourism New Zealand, as well as Regional Tourism Organisations and local operators to pinpoint Kiwi Gems throughout the country.

GM of Domestic at Tourism New Zealand, Bjoern Spreitzer says, “We are excited to see how this campaign gets Kiwis to discover new regions or experiences that they haven’t done before. With the summer holidays ahead of us, there is no better time to do something new in New Zealand!”   

AA Members can make the most of summer road trips to discover our Kiwi Gems with an extra 10% off selected accommodation with AA Traveller, an exclusive 15% off the best rate of the day with Hertz car rentals, plus a 5 cents per litre AA Smartfuel discount on up to 50 litres on New Zealand rentals, and an exclusive AA Member all-inclusive rental package from Go Rentals. In addition, AA Members can receive 10% off the best daily rate on Maui, Britz and Mighty Campervans, the Interislander, Scenic Trains, and 10% off AA Travel Insurance policies.^

*For the the Kiwi Gems Quiz Terms and Conditions, see aatraveller.co.nz/we-love-you-new-zealand-terms-and-conditions

^Terms and conditions apply to all AA Traveller Member Benefits. See aatraveller.co.nz for full details. AA Smartfuel terms and conditions apply.

Notes to Editor:

Head to aatraveller.co.nz/we-love-you-new-zealand to see the full list of Kiwi Gems.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and Tourism NZ join forces to take Kiwis on a journey

AA Traveller and Tourism New Zealand are excited to launch a major new partnership aimed at getting Kiwis out and about to explore their own backyard.

The new three-year partnership will see AA Traveller, which has been providing New Zealand travel inspiration for more than 90 years, and world class Tourism New Zealand, join forces to support domestic tourism and local operators.

AA Travel and Tourism General Manager Greig Leighton says it’s an exciting opportunity.

“84% of AA Members’ domestic trips are by car, and self-drive tourism has never been more relevant in New Zealand. While we’re all looking for ways to buy and support local, we know that our Members also want to take the opportunity to get into some of those less well-known attractions in surrounding regions.

“We’re determined to help Kiwis out by providing our expert local advice on great things to see and do throughout New Zealand.”

Greig says AA Traveller works closely with the country’s Regional Tourism Organisations and local operators to pinpoint the coolest experiences people can do in each area.

“Every time we publish lists like our 101-Must Do’s we always get loads of people, including the locals in a lot of instances, saying ‘wow, that was amazing – I had no idea that even existed!’

“We have been involved with local operators for many years now, and we are happy to continue to support them and domestic tourism much like they have supported us in the past.”

GM of Domestic at Tourism New Zealand, Bjoern Spreitzer says, “We want New Zealanders to get out and do something new in Aotearoa – be it visiting a new corner of the country, a new experience or even a new place to stay the night. We are excited to partner with AA Traveller to inspire Kiwis to explore the amazing things we have in our own backyard.”

The first campaign swings fully into action from September, and while AA Traveller won’t give away all the details, it will showcase the many things to see and do around the country that make New Zealand really special.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and DOC release walking guide to suit all fitness levels

AA Traveller and the Department of Conservation have released a first-of-its-kind joint walking guide packed full of information on Short Walks, Day Hikes and Great Walks from the top to bottom of New Zealand. 

While some Kiwi favourites are covered, Walking in New Zealand – from 30 minutes to multi-day also highlights beautiful less-frequented walks, as well as Landmarks Whenua Tohunga walks which showcase Aoteroa’s rich cultural heritage.

Safety is a key component of the guide, with details such as terrain, fitness level required and best times to walk covered. The guide features maps, track overviews, local tips and highlights, and information on places to stay.

AA Traveller Managing Editor Kath Webster says the guide has something for everyone from gentle strolls the whole family can do through to more challenging treks across valleys and through beech forests, following streams and climbing ridges.

“We’re expecting Walking in New Zealand to be hugely popular with both Kiwis and overseas visitors,” Ms Webster says.

“Through our partnership with DOC we’ve been able to produce a top quality guide with all the information people need before they put their walking shoes on and venture into our stunning natural environment.”

Department of Conservation Customer Engagement Director Heather Peacocke says DOC manages more than 14,500kms of track throughout our country to ensure all New Zealanders and visitors can enjoy walking in nature no matter what their ability.

“We know that spending time in nature makes us happier and helps improve our health and wellbeing,” she says.

“We are so pleased to work with AA Traveller to promote these walks and get people out there connecting with our spectacular scenery and unique wildlife.”

Walking in New Zealand is available free at AA Centres, DOC Visitor Centres, i-SITEs, airports and many accommodation, attraction and tour operators. An electronic version is also available at aatraveller.co.nz.

The guide follows AA Traveller’s highly successful New Zealand Cycle Trail Guide which is now in its fifth edition.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller congratulates Manawatu holiday park voted NZ’s best

AA Travel and Tourism General Manager Greig Leighton has tonight presented Himatangi Beach Holiday Park in the Manawatu the supreme award of New Zealand’s Best Holiday Park.

The AA Traveller Spirit of Hospitality Award for 2018, presented at a gala dinner in Hamilton, recognises the holiday park that excels in providing an outstanding visitor experience. It is the sector’s premier award.

Greig Leighton said this year was incredibly competitive with five impeccable finalists.

“All the finalists demonstrated consistently high levels of service, with equally high levels of customer satisfaction. They all showed a willingness to go above and beyond in order to provide holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

“We were incredibly impressed with Himatangi Beach Holiday Park. The quality of experience they are offering is outstanding,” Greig said.

Himatangi Beach Holiday Park is on the west coast, 30 minutes from Palmerston North. Park owners Alice and Rueben Ebrey said their mantra is to provide the highest level of service every day of the year, and analyse guest feedback to ensure they’re at the top of their game.

“We make it a family rule that when we step out of our house, we have a positive outlook so our ‘positive vibes’ can be felt by customers. We always take the time to engage, even when we are busy.”

The Judges said the park’s reviews tell a compelling story with guests raving about the customer service.

“Wow. Best camp site in New Zealand. Great owners, friendly and wonderful location.”

“Facilities are spotlessly clean and staff very friendly and helpful. Loved being able to have our dog with us for the night too.”

“Stayed twice here in the last month in my campervan. Owners are very helpful and site has fantastic clean facilities.”

Notes to Editor:

Winner: Himatangi Beach Holiday Park, Manawatu

Finalists:

All Seasons Holiday Park, Rotorua (Award winner 2017)

Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park, Bay of Plenty

Miranda Holiday Park, Coromandel

Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park, Bay of Islands

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Kiwis prefer trainers to TVs in winter

More than half of us think of ourselves as home-bodies over winter, according to a new AA Traveller survey, but we’re a lot more active than we give ourselves credit for.

The survey asked AA Members whether they identify as “indoor warriors” or “outdoor explorers” and what they prefer to do during the cold season.

“We thought, given that more than half identified as ‘indoor warriors’, that watching TV shows, Netflix or movies would be the nation’s most popular activity – but that wasn’t the case,” says AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James.

Instead, walking was the most common winter pastime followed by reading a book. Kiwis also don’t mind heading out into the cold to spend time with family and friends, or getting social over food and drink.

“There’s a perception that most of us would rather hibernate at home than go out, but that’s definitely not what we’ve found,” says Rhys.

“Hitting the snow, playing sport, and getting out sightseeing or exploring new places were all mentioned strongly in the survey – even amongst those who identified as ‘indoor warriors’.”

As for indoor activities, arts and crafts – particularly knitting – proved popular.  

“Knitting has been making a comeback across a lot of generations, and that’s one of the most commonly mentioned crafts we spotted through the survey,” says Rhys.  

As for some, they prefer to escape winter altogether and plan holidays away to warmer climates.

“A fair few Members are planning to avoid winter by going to places like the Islands or Brisbane or the Gold Coast, which are often on sale leading into and during the season.”

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year. It also provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings with more than 1500 properties on aatraveller.co.nz or at any AA Centre.

AA Member’s winter favourites:

• Walking and hiking
• Reading
• Watching TV shows or a movie
• Getting social with family or friends
• Hitting the snow
• Arts and crafts
• Wining and dining
• Puzzles, cards and board games
• Playing and watching sports
• Sightseeing and exploring 

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller’s favourite family beaches

Packing the car full of kids, stuff and maybe the dog can be an ordeal, but the hardest part is finding somewhere everyone actually wants to go.

Thankfully New Zealand is full of family-friendly beaches that offer more than just the surf and sand, but also capture the wider interests of people of all ages.

AA Traveller narrowed down a list from throughout the country to help families pick a new spot to explore this summer.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says a lot of what makes a beach popular with parents is about what else is available in and around where they’re spending their day.

“They’re looking for a beach that offers safe swimming, but beyond that they also want good facilities including barbeques and playgrounds, walking and cycling tracks and places to eat nearby so they can really make a day of it,” he says.

“A beach like Caroline Bay in Timaru is not only considered one of the country’s safest swimming beaches, but it also has plenty of other attractions like the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, a maze, mini golf, a paddling pool and a playground which makes it a popular spot and keeps families coming back.

“It’s places like these that appeal and the good thing is you can find them throughout the country,” he says.

Family favourites include:

• Te Tii Bay, Paihia
• Matapouri Bay, Northland
• Cheltenham Beach, Auckland
• Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland
• Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington
• Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson/Tasman
• Rabbit Island, Nelson
• Caroline Bay, Canterbury
• Sumner, Christchurch
• St Clair Beach, Otago

Rhys says having something for everyone is one of the many reasons why heading to the beach is a summer staple and why so many families have that particular beach they always go back to.

“They’ve found a place that works for everyone, but we wanted to show Kiwis that there are plenty out there to choose from, so don’t be afraid to head to a new place this summer.”

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information including 101 Must-Do’s to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1500 properties on aatraveller.co.nz or at any AA Centre.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Kiwis identify the best spots for when you’ve just got to go

Convenience and character – turns out that’s what we look for in a public loo.

Fresh cut flowers, the existence of toilet paper (as opposed to none), art, architecture, music and even attendants also make for a memorable pitstop.

Public toilets often get a bad rap, a few deservedly so. However, rather than name and shame the less than salubrious throne homes, the team at AA Traveller decided to find out which were the best and why.

While myriad reasons for the thumbs up were stated, unsurprisingly, cleanliness topped the chart of why any specific public loo was good throughout the country in rural locations, small towns and in cities.

However, the AA Member survey revealed a handful of top locations, from the Bay of Islands in the north right through to the deep south, that stood out – with one of them particularly unique, the award-winning, Friedensreich Hundertwasser-designed toilet in Kawakawa.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says he’s not surprised the Hundertwasser facility in Kawakawa continues to make a mark – 17 years after it was opened.

“When we travel, we don’t really think about loos until we actually need them and then they become really important. When we’re in unfamiliar territory the challenge is to find one in time, especially when the kids are in the back seat getting vocal about their needs.

“The Hundertwasser toilets, while essentially just being a practical facility to take care of urgent needs, are probably the only loos in the country that truly become part of the journey. No one really expects art in a public toilet, but Kawakawa has that and then takes it to the next level with the entire building fitted out like a giant installation in a gallery.”

The Hundertwasser facility also has a page on Wikipedia – likely a global rarity for a specific toilet – and is on many global lists as one of the best.

Another award winner that features strongly in the AA Member survey is the Taupo Superloo.

While it’s only open from 8am till 5pm and requires a small fee to access, its central location and the fact it’s serviced has created many happy travelling fans from throughout the country. And, if you really need it, there’s a free wifi signal beaming in from nearby.

The Taupo Superloo was one of the first user-pays facilities created for travellers. The 50 cent entry fee provides access to standard and squat toilets along with a bidet. For a little extra, there are showers, lockers and even towels for hire.
“Kiwis aren’t that easily impressed, so when people mention a public toilet as decent, it’s fair to assume they mean it,” Rhys says.

While facilities in many places were noted in the survey, other standouts are in:
· Ashburton
· Cambridge
· Cheviot
· Geraldine
· Gordonton
· Kaikoura
· Matamata
· Picton
· Piopio
· Taihape
· Tirau
· Waiouru

The added touch of fresh flowers, good mobility access, lighting, well-stocked with paper and soap, music and good parking were noted in many locations as why a toilet was good.

“A good public toilet that travellers can find easily is likely to help form opinions about a place and also drive custom for those businesses located nearby. While we weren’t asking about poor-quality toilets, the more than 2000 responses we had on the best demonstrates that travellers are well catered for pretty much wherever they go in New Zealand.”

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1800 properties at AA Traveller or at any AA Centre.

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Source: The heroes of Tāmaki Makaurau’s stormwater system – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: A summer of Must Do’s for Kiwi travellers

Just in time for summer, AA Traveller has presented a freshly collated, vibrant collection of absolute Must-Do’s for Kiwi holidaymakers.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the original 101 Must Do’s – a list compiled after a large public vote and published in what became a popular book.

This year, AA Traveller is presenting a new list of Must Do’s designed to excite Kiwis about exploring their country and becoming more engaged with is expansive natural heritage, history and adventures.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Rhys James says the list this year was compiled by three editors who applied the original selection criteria requiring inspiring places, activities or events along with an additional filter.

“This year the emphasis on the new Must Do’s list is on encouraging people to get out there and start exploring right now,” Rhys says.

“We want people to be inspired to visit these places now, not some time in the future.”

Rhys says that in a country as diverse as New Zealand, keeping the list to just 101 places and activities is challenging.

“Being selective is extremely difficult and there are loads of extremely worthy places and activities not on this year’s list. We wanted a good balance between what people would expect to see on the list and some off the beaten track, right across the country.”

The Must Do’s list includes easy walks and days-long tramps, scenic drives with places to stop and specific destinations that cover a mix of family-oriented activities and some for the more adventurous.

“There’s a little of something from every region in the Must Do’s from the Te Paki sand dunes and Cape Reinga in the north through to Stewart Island and the Catlins in the south. Whether you prefer being active or just finding some place to chill out, we’ve got it covered with plenty of options.”

Summer activities also make the latest list. Held at Lake Taupo, Wanderlust is a four-day celebration of mindful living with music, meditation, yoga, hiking and workshops. It will be held from February 2-5 at the Wairakei Tourist Park.

The Marlborough Food and Wine Festival will take place on February 11 – New Zealand’s longest running festival and features wine tasting, great food and a range of entertainment.

For the complete list, visit the AA Traveller website.  

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1800 properties on the AA Traveller website or at any AA Centre.

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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  16 April 2025

MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to Cyclone Tam. The cyclone is expected to dump up to 250 mm of rain on the peninsula and pack winds of up to 140 kmh – resulting in a Wind Warning from the forecaster. MetService’s warnings are in effect from 12 am Thursday 18 April to 12 pm Friday 19 April. 

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Matt Flynn says it’s prudent to close tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove given the cyclone’s expected impact.

“As well as the wind and rain forecast, swells up to 4 m are predicted, meaning the waves are likely to reach the cliffs behind the cove’s beach.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove over the next few days – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Matt says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure will come into effect from 5 pm on Wednesday 16 April, and be in place until at least midday Saturday 19 April – when staff will carry out a site inspection and make further decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, land around the cove is known to be potentially unstable with a noted geological and landslide risk after heavy rain events.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

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