Mount Victoria – an amazing vantage point

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

The famous Mount Victoria is in fact a picturesque 196-m hill that overlooks the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. On its southern side you will see another hillock, Mount Albert, which is linked to the former by a connecting ridge. Mount Victoria is also known by its name in the Maori language, Tangi Te Keo. The local suburb consists of a combination of residential properties and commercial enterprises, which form a diverse but interlinked community. The hill is a popular recreational site which lures many sightseers, as the elevated vantage point provides sensational panoramic views of the city of Wellington, the local harbour and the shimmering ocean.

Interesting legends are associated with the hill in the mythology of the Maoris. According to tradition, the harbour of Wellington was once a lake surrounded by land, and the haunt of two immense and lively sea monsters, or taniwha. Seeking to escape their confinement, the creatures took separate paths in their quest for freedom. One chose to forge a channel to the sea, thereby creating the opening to the harbour. The other sea monster, whose name was Whataitai, attempted to create another path, but lost his way and died. The story goes that Tangi Te Keo was given its name in remembrance of the soul of the sea creature.

Today, Mount Victoria is an excellent place for jogging, walking or mountain biking. Near the end of the local road, at the summit of the hill, you will see a handsome memorial to the American aviator Richard Byrd. This pioneer is known for his daring expeditions to the Antarctic region via his headquarters in New Zealand. In the year 1929, he undertook his initial flight across the South Pole.

In more recent times, Mount Victoria has served as the backdrop of scenes from the acclaimed Lord of the Rings film trilogy, in one of which startled hobbits took cover from the dreaded Black Riders. Savour the scenic grandeur of the city by checking into one of the quality Wellington New Zealand hotels situated within panoramic surroundings, such as the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. This Wellington city hotel offers excellent accommodation and attentive hospitality.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Lakes District Museum – Journey into gold-mining New Zealand

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

Located in the charming and historical town of Arrowton is perhaps the best introduction to the area’s iconic god rush history, which you will find at the Lakes District Museum. This unique cultural chronicle is situated in one of the most scenic areas of the country that has retained its pristine nature despite almost a century and a half of European settlement. In the meantime, if you’re searching for quality Queenstown hotel accommodation to your stay, consider the elegant suites featured at the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview. Boasting a scenic location and luxury amenities, this New Zealand Queenstown hotel will provide a welcoming lodging experience. For an intriguing excursion into the area’s iconic gold-mining history, visit the Lakes District Museum that is appropriately set in the former gold hub of Arrowton. Here you will discover a hands-on and interactive introduction to gold mining, via an interesting array of exhibits that all aim to transport you to the heady days of the nineteenth century gold rush that spurred development in the area. It also provides a fascinating glimpse into the early period of Maori settlement in the country as well, with intriguing exhibits spanning two floors across three historic buildings, and the museum is now considered a leading cultural institution. There is also an art gallery, insightful archives and a bookstore located onsite where you can purchase a variety of gift cards, beautiful coffee table volumes featuring stunning photographs of the landscape and local culture, as well as a quirky souvenir offering. The museum also plays an important role in the preservation of the area’s cultural heritage and has been involved with a variety of restoration projects of the town. Aspiring gold miners can also try their luck in this valuable local enterprise. For NZD 3 and a $10 cover charge, you can rent a gold mining pan and spend the entire day panning the river for gold. Who knows; you might hit the jackpot!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Rotorua Museum – always a cultural highlight

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

The Rotorua Museum of Art and History is an outstanding art gallery and museum which is always fascinating to explore. This captivating institution is contained within an expansive building which was formerly known as the Bath House, a cultural attraction in its own right.
Many interesting artefacts and artworks may be seen at Rotorua Museum in a number of engrossing collections. The Fine Arts Collection contains a number of acclaimed images portraying New Zealand, contemporary as well as historical artworks, different sculptures, handicrafts and ceramics. Meanwhile, the Taonga Maori Collection displays valuable relics of the Arawa ethnic group, the native inhabitants of the region of Rotorua. On the other hand, the Social History Collection features artefacts relating to the period following settlement by Europeans, with a noteworthy collection of unique souvenirs. The Photographic Collection is another highlight, with more than 70,000 pictures of Rotorua’s vibrant past.

The museum features a number of attractive experiences which will appeal to the young as well as older visitors. Two enthralling cinematic presentations have been constructed to make the museum’s elements come to life, to make it an entertaining as well as educating experience for all guests. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Viewing Platform on the building’s rooftop. You will be able to see across Lake Rotorua, the Government Gardens and the Sulphur Bay, a truly memorable sight. You can also take a guided tour of the institution conducted by one of the museum’s entertaining and experienced guides, who will provide an informative tour of the establishment’s salient features. On the other hand, children can take part in the special kids’ activities such as the Discovery Trails where they can engage in an educational detective game.

Exploring the expansive Bath House Building is an activity in itself, as it consists of many different chambers and hallways. This edifice formerly served, as its name suggests, as a well-known spa which attracted patrons from around the world. If you would like to stay at a convenient Rotorua hotel you will find an excellent choice in the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This outstanding hotel in Rotorua provides quality accommodation and courteous hospitality.

Adam Art Gallery – Art comes alive!

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

If you fancy a foray into the latest art scene unfolding in New Zealand’s quaint little cultural enclave of Hobart, the Adam Art Gallery is where you need to be, with its spectacular collection of works meant to provoke more questions than answers. The city is full of such quirky little niches that afford a unique experience each time you visit, and one of the best Wellington New Zealand hotels on the market, such as the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. With spectacular views of the beach as well as easy access to the Oriental Bay boardwalk, this stylish hotel in Wellington will introduce you to a world-class selection of neat little coffee shops, stylish boutiques and priceless antique shops affording a range of treasures to discover. If you feel your arts antennae buzzing with a creative signal, it must be detecting the Adam Art Gallery, which is home to a stunning selection of creativity designed and specifically chosen to provoke conversation and spark debate. The exhibits span a range of themes across various media can include group or solo projects. Currently, the gallery is running a revealing joint collection of works from Leiko Shiga of Japan and Paul Johns of Christchurch who both survived the recently earthquakes in the two countries. Witness the provocative still-life captures of the survivors and the debris-strewn aftermath that raises important question of life, death, existentialism and spirituality. The exhibit will run until the 29^th of September and is worth a glimpse if you’re in the city at the time. From the 11^th of October to the 20^th of December, the gallery will feature the creations of John Panting, a talented young sculpture who died under tragic circumstances at the age of 34 in 1974. Emerging as a spark of creativity amidst a problematic modernist ethos, the spatial steel constructions are sure to lure arts appreciators of modernist reinvention. The same exhibition will also feature the works of New Zealand’s leading artist, Peter Robinson, who conducts unique forays into modernist sculpture via a range of materials such as piano wire, polystyrene, and felt. So drop by the Adams Art Gallery this year to witness one-of-a-kind journeys into human ingenuity and innovation.

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Marg Morrow Gallery Hokianga – Black and white come alive

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

Are you fascinated by the visual arts, of photography in particular? If so, head on down to the Marg Marrow Gallery, which presents a true treat for appreciators of the visual arts. Located in the middle of the historic town of Kohukohu, New Zealand is a splendid photographic gallery that sits alongside the Village Arts, overlooking the scenic Hokianga harbour.

The credit of opening this amazing art gallery goes to Marg Marrow. She is a black and white photography specialist who has produced mesmerising landscape photography, alternative media and darkroom processes. The gallery has successfully held several exhibitions that speak the true talent of artists. A few of these unique creations are classified under the titles of Houtupu, Maculare, The Shape of Water and Domestic Glimpses.

The Marg Marrow Gallery is famous among visitors as an outstanding white-wall gallery that showcases amazing creations of artists from around the country. One might think black and white photos are simple yet in reality it acts as a medium that speaks volumes to the discerning eye. If you visit this incredible gallery, you would discover how beautifully moments are captured in a photo. Although two-dimensional in actuality, the captures evoke a three-dimensional world of meaning and significance that is sure to ease and entrance the eye in one go.

Currently, the gallery features an exhibition under the intriguing title of “The Process of Forgetting”. The images that are showcase in this exhibition have strong visual references to the past. The content of the exhibition is based on personal memories of the artist that present a stunning glimpse into immensely intimate aspects of life. While you visit the Marg Morrow Gallery, do not forget to head to the Hokianga harbour that lies in front of the gallery, as it will present magnificent settings for photo opportunities captured through your own lens.

If you are looking for accommodation in this beautiful country the options are plenty. To enjoy an amazing holiday, choose one out of the hokianga hotels that is located near the habour with picturesque views. The Millennium and Copthorne Hotels NZ is a perfect choice if you are looking for true comfort and luxury. The stunning beachfront views coupled with gracious hospitality will make your vacation one of the most memorable on record at this 4 star hotel, which is is one of the best New Zealand hotels to host your stay.

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees – Journey into Buddhist spirituality

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Sumaira Narayan

Guangzhou, in southern China, is a thriving district where modernity, spirituality and nature provide a fusion of experiences to soothe the body, mind and soul. From scenic mountains to serene temples to breathtaking scenery, Guangzhou has it all. To explore all the area has to offer, you wouldn’t go wrong investing in one of fine service apartments in Guangzhou in the heart of the lively city. The Ascott Guangzhou is one option out of all the quality serviced apartments Guangzhou has to offer its visitors that features modern conveniences in a central location with easy transport links to all the city’s main attractions. Make sure you visit the history Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, which boasts an impressive history spanning 1,400 years. Built in 537, it has undergone several face-lifts and name changes, with the most recent one courtesy of the poet Su Dongpu, who enjoyed a visit at the temple so much, that when the abbot asked him to offer a name for the temple, he composed an inscription titled “Six Banyan Trees”, which eventually was adopted as the temple’s official moniker. The iconic Flower Pagoda was built in 1097 and so named because of its multi-hued exterior. The pagoda houses a range of Buddhist relics and a climb to the top will reveal a panoramic view of the cityscape. The Daxiong Baodian Hall, which is the temple’s main space, contains three large copper Buddha statues, the Amitabha, the Sakymuni and the Apothecary Buddha, which represent the past, present and future, respectively. Remember to light an incense stick when you’re there for luck, and it is a tradition practiced by the locals for the fulfillment of wishes. In addition, the temple’s close proximity to the international consulates has made it an important destination for families adopting children from China. A regular practice is to bless the new family additions in front of the Quan Yin statue, the goddess of infinite compassion in Chinese Buddhism.

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