Complete Program – Meet the locals as the Overlander travels around New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s top tourist destinations with the locals.
Stories include:
In Auckland, I took a ‘favorite five’ tour with Dr Maya, checking out the Mt Eden lookout, the Parnell French Market, Mt Eden shopping village, Piha Beach and finally fish and chips at Mission Bay.
The Bay of islands is a aquatic paradise made up of some 150 islands. I take to the water, going on a fishing trip and swimming with Dolphins. I also learn about Maori culture, getting an insight into why the Waitangi Heritage site is afraid of the scourge of Tourism, and what Maori Tattoos and the Hongi Greeting represent.
Local gym owner Belinda Bennett takes me to a secret location, but insists on blindfolding me, handcuffing me and locking me in the boot of her car, in order to keep the spot under wraps. I interviewed Maori Masseuse Wiki about Maori healing techniques, such as romiromi massage and the use of healing plants like Kawakawa. I then visit Te Puia National Maori Carving School where I interview Cori Marsters about this ancient art.
Film in Cuba Street, asking people what they liked about Wellington. Met some amazing people and as one person said, ‘There is always a secret doorway in Wellington’ where you may find a bar, an art gallery or musicians performing.
I interview Maverick businessman, Peter Yealands who runs Yealands Estate, a 1,000 Hectare winery that has been hailed the most sustainable winery in the world. Yealands has introduced some innovative sustainable practices in their vineyard, such as grazing miniature ‘babydoll’ sheep, instead of using mowing equipment, and developing a biodegradable plastic bottle.
Hitchhike from Nelson to Takaka, and then onto Abel Tasman National Park. I learn about how the hippies moved into the Takaka region in the 1970′s, and how even today the area is made up of lifestylers trying to live off the land.
If Queenstown was a person, it would be a teenager.
So the best way to appreciate Queenstown is to act like a teenager;
do things for the first time, like skydiving or bungy,
stay up and party all night,
and then laze about in a spa the next day.
I was in Christchurch on a Wednesday night and wanted to check out the nightlife.
I happened to find a venue that was running a Burlesque competition.
Being a bit cheeky, I thought what better way to explore a city founded on puritan religious values, than to feature tassles and lingerie.
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