Good news for tourism in the North with Rugby World Cup

Less than 60 days remain before the first Rugby World Cup team arrives in the Far North!

Mayor Wayne Brown says the Far North is privileged to have won the right to host the teams. “Foreign teams visiting our part of the country are fairly rare.”

The district’s second largest industry could get a boost during September and October if the 14,500 overseas visitors expected to visit Northland during the tournament venture to the Far North.

“It’s good news for tourism. It’s coming at a time of the year when it’s a bit empty.” He asks people to think about what they can do to be good hosts.

“We want them to leave with a good impression so they come back and tell their mates to come and enjoy a summer here.”

Bay of Islands Motel Association chairwoman Suzi Jones says few motels in the bay are fully booked during the world cup. But she is confident that business will pick up nearer to the tournament. “These days, bookings are a lot more last minute with the internet. We’re positive that it is going to happen.”

Motels are getting behind the Paint it Red campaign and are looking forward to the world cup 2011 roadshow which visits Paihia on July 28.

Kiwi rockers The Feelers will up the town’s tempo when they headline at the “it!” Bay of Islands Festival the day before the cup final on October 23.

(Source: Article courtesy of stuff.co.nz)

The Next Top Model cycle 3 journey begins at the Birthplace of a Nation…Waitangi

Episode 1: The Journey Begins in the Bay of Islands

After an extensive nationwide search, just 33 young hopefuls from all over the country have been invited to the beautiful Bay of Islands. It’s here at our country’s birthplace in Waitangi that the exciting journey also begins on the third cycle of New Zealand’s Next Top Model.

The models are surprised when they are greeted by Cycle two winner Dannielle Hayes and are welcomed by an inspirational speech from host, Sara Tetro.

After spending some time talking and getting to know each other, the girls are given swimwear and asked to ‘strike a pose’ on the magnificent yacht ‘Lion New Zealand’ in the middle of the Bay of Islands in front of their coach, Colin Mathura-Jeffree and internationally successful kiwi model, Teresa Moore. Some manage to impress, but for most, nerves get the better of them and they fail to deliver.

At judging panel, the girls try to impress the judges with some resorting to hula-hoops, gymnastics and even a “hoe-down, showdown” in an effort to stay in the competition.

When the girls are ferried (literally) on a car ferry to a tannery in Russell they are given a demonstration on the process of making leather.

However tensions rise when the girls are informed that only 13 of the girls will be going back to the house and the rest of them will be eliminated. After a tearful separation from those who don’t make it through to the next round, the remaining 13 girls are treated to a special dinner where they are given charm bracelets as a gift from Pascoes.

Source: TV3 - New Zealand’s Next Top Model

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The Bay of Islands is one NZ’s “top tourist drawcards,” according to Lonely Planet.

With its scenic rocky coastline and sandy inlets, the Bay of Islands is one New Zealand’s “top tourist drawcards,” according to Lonely Planet. The Bay of Islands is in the far north of New Zealand’s North Island, 140 miles from Auckland, in the Northland region. You’ll spend most of your time on the mainland because the Bay’s collection of 150 islands is largely uninhabited. Swim with dolphins, sail, snorkel, dive and hike on your visit to this tourist attraction on the Pacific Ocean.

Read the rest of the article from USA Today - Travel tips

Northland’s best fish & chip shop?

Mangonui Fish & chip shop: This could get ugly, as another chippie probably won the title, but like a de facto couple…we don’t need the bit of paper. The Mangōnui fish and chip shop provide what some say as ‘some of the best fish and chips you’ll find.’ Straight out of the sea and cooked anyway you like, it’s fresh! A visit to this quaint seaside town without stopping at this chippie shop is like going to the Louvre and bypassing the Mona Lisa.

Fish & chips, in Northland, we make some of the best! On the list are:

• Mangonui fish and chips
• Coopers Beach
• Thomas’ in Kaikohe
• Harbourside Takeaways in Mangonui
• The Paua shop in Kaitaia
• Awanui Dairy

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Which Northland business has the best hospitality?

Ok, so forget about the price of the meal, crappy location, lipstick marks on the glass…we want to hear about who has the best hospitality. Countries like America usually have great service, but then you’d want to be friendly when you survive on tipping.

I have been known to personally black-list a restaurant or cafe because of poor service, even though the food is good. We’d love to hear about people in the hospitality industry that go the extra mile to make your experience an enjoyable one.

There are awards for best coffee, best new business, but what about best manners? So tell us about ‘the people that maketh the place‘…

It’s Hokianga Time: Tane’s been there 2000 years!

Magical place…From giant kauri trees to sand dune surfing, the Hokianga is the place to enjoy a range of unique adventures and experiences.

(Source: newzealand.com)

TV3 show filming in Rawene

Meet Julie Le Clerc: One of NZ’s best-loved cooks and food writers.
Audience welcome at the Boatshed Cafe on Saturday 7th May from 7:30am to 12pm. Come along and watch this exciting new cookery show which will air on TV3.

Julie Le Clerc is an imaginative chef, cookbook author, food and travel writer and food stylist. Julie works internationally from her base in Auckland, New Zealand’s sparkling ‘city of sails’.