Rated among the world’s best scenic train journeys, the TranzAlpine train makes its way from Christchurch, on the East Coast of the South Island, across the beautiful, remote New Zealand countryside to the sea-side town of Greymouth on the West Coast. What To Expect From the comfort of your viewing-enhanced rail carriage you can fully […]
The TranzAlpine Train To Greymouth Read More »
It’s 1.20pm, and a catamaran idles with a baritone murmur at the wharf. On neighbouring jetties water taxis tug nonchalantly at their lines, a giant cruise ship towers over Waitohi wharf, and Picton harbour glitters in the pale afternoon sun. With cartons of groceries and canvas bags of mail safely stowed, a gaggle of eager sightseers are
The Mail Boat Tour From Picton Read More »
Last week I wrote a post about “visible shipwrecks” of the North Island coastline, wrecks that you can visit on foot. Our fascination with these rust-ridden hulks comes partly from our simultaneous love/fear of the sea, and partly the fading link they provide to New Zealand’s past. You can read part one here. Sadly, they are
The Vanishing Fleet – Part II Read More »
Shipwrecks have a special lure, don’t they? The spectre of tragedy that surrounds them, the resonance of loss, and a reminder of the ocean’s uncompromising power. More than most historical artefacts – restored cars, preserved buildings, antique furniture; embalmed in modern veneer; enshrined in modern surroundings – a dead ship feels like the past reaching
The Vanishing Fleet Read More »
In this installment of our movie location series, we take a break from the artistic and economic gravity of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and reach for some light relief in the form of Without a Paddle. This featherweight male-bonding adventure-comedy was shot in NZ in 2004, using North Island locations exclusively for its
Shot in NZ – Part III: Without a Paddle Read More »
A contender for our “Shot in New Zealand” movie location series, except that Kingdom Come, a $180 million epic based on the life of Christ, was never actually filmed due to funding tribulations. And if you struggle to reconcile all that filthy Hollywood cash, tainted by sex, drugs, and Hangover sequels, with the sanctity of the
Kingdom Come, Kingdom Go Read More »
Railways were once the heart of a country. Both socially and commercially they were vital links, often the only links. In 19th century New Zealand thousands of settlers laboured for years, even decades on a single route, chiseling through horribly uneven terrain and dense native bush with picks, shovels, and an occasional blast of TNT.
New Zealand’s cinematic output has been a mixed bag. After all, we’re a long way from Hollywood – geographically, socially, financially, you name the yardstick. In spite of this, we do have a history of making mostly good, sometimes excellent movies. My take is that all those degrees of separation from the showbiz capital
Shot In NZ – Part II: Lord Of The Rings Read More »
Dolphins are perhaps the most loved and respected creatures in the sea. Considered by marine biologists to be highly intelligent, they have a brain-to-body mass ratio second only to humans. They are also very sociable mammals, and almost always swim in pods, or groups. Lone dolphins are extremely rare and most likely orphaned, and of
Dolphins We Have Loved Read More »
Part one in our series on movies filmed here in NZ. This time last year filming was underway on a new Disney movie, Pete’s Dragon, at Stone Street Studios in Wellington. It’s one of the latest in a long procession of major overseas productions filmed here in NZ, and happily, these movies have drawn
Shot in New Zealand – Part I Read More »
Locations
Useful Links
Contact
If you have any questions or need help or advice about rental cars or your New Zealand travel plans we’re here to help you. Please contact us
New Zealand Free Phone: 0800 800 956
Australian Free Phone: 1800 771 302
Other international enquiries. Find your nearest New Zealand rental cars branch.
Locations
Useful Links
Contact
If you have any questions or need help or advice about rental cars or your New Zealand travel plans we’re here to help you. Please contact us
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New Zealand Free Phone: 0800 800 956
Australian Free Phone: 1800 771 302
Other international enquiries. Find your nearest New Zealand rental cars branch.
