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Sounds good Sounds Air In-flight Magazine
AU T U M N 2 0 1 9 N I G H T N O O D L E M A R K E T | A fusion of Eastern flavours and Chinese lanterns become the ultimate Asian pop-up market experience.  T H E R E T U R N T O B A Y O F M A N Y M E M O R I E S | The blue of the sea and sky, with the green of the bush provided a charming contrast to the city we had just left. A D V E N T U R E A T H L E T E T A K E S O N N E W C H A L L E N G E | We think it’s really important to help tell the stories of the area.
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CHRISTCHURCH to BLENHEIM in less than an HOUR. see you there.
soundsair.com
Lavericks Bay
Lavericks Bay
A p r i l 1 9 TH - 2 1 ST - E A S T E R W E E K E N D - M a r l b o r o u g h N Z - w w w. c l a s s i c f i g h t e r s . c o. n z
Lavericks Bay
Take your camping to a new level of luxury. Read more on page 24
CONTENTS 11 | C E O W E LC O M E
GUIDES
14 Night Noodle Markets
12 What’s On
1 6 The Taupō Baches to Beautiful Homes Tour
20 For You
24 Glamping it up on the Banks Peninsula
22 For Home
28 When Art and Nature Combine 30 The Return to Bay of Many Memories
62 | T E A M S O U N D S A I R
36 Adventure Athlete Takes on New Challenge
COVER IMAGE Feast Marlborough | page 50
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Waikawa Boating Club
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Equestrian Royalty Coming to Hawke’s Bay
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Eat. Drink. Share.
46 Canterbury Gears up for GODZone 48 A Celebration of Seafood 50
John Stace
I N - F L I G H T I N F O R M AT I O N 64
Route Map
65
Terminal Locations
66 | K I D S C O R N E R
Feast Marlborough
54 An Underworld Wonderland
70 | C O M M U N I T Y PA RT N E R S H I P S
60 What’s that Noise?
Zonta Marlborough
Bay of Many Coves
Teppan Yaki Japanese Restaurant
FERRYMEAD 2 Waterman Place Ferrymead, Christchurch Phone (03) 348 5644
Delicious, fresh, seasonal Japanese cuisine.
teppanyaki.co.nz
Exclusive locations, local culinary talent, celebrity chefs at Feast Marlborough. Read more on page 50
PUBLISHING DETAILS
Publisher Buutveld Carter buutveldcarter.com Editor Juliet Calder juliet@caldercommunications.co.nz Art Director Hannah Buutveld hannah@buutveldcarter.com Graphic Designer Bhavika Ganda bhavika@buutveldcarter.com Advertising Production Emma Dyer emma@buutveldcarter.com Advertising Enquiries Anthony Li anthony@buutveldcarter.com Print Ovato | Christchurch ovato.co.nz
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions are solely those of the contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by Sounds Air.
Contributors Andrew Crawford, Jessamy Baldwin, Wilhelmus Luke Buutveld, George Berry, Duncan Mackenzie
Feast Marlborough
Dine in the vines at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen
A unique vineyard setting with stunning views provides a superb location for this award-winning winery to showcase their wines and provide a truly memorable Marlborough dining experience. OPENING HOURS 9:00am to 5:00pm (1 November to 30 April) 11:00am to 4:00pm (1 May to 31 October) Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, 13 Selmes Rd Rapaura Freephone 0800 317 319 www.saintclair.co.nz
Christchurch’s original seafood experience Pescatore continues to earn its position as one of New Zealand’s best contemporary dining experiences. The space is luxurious and modern, offering a minimalist approach to formal dining that is thoughtfully comfortable and uncluttered.
50 Pa rk Te rrace, Chr is t c hur c h | phone 03 371 0 2 5 7 | e m a i l p e s c a t o r e @ t h e g e o r g e . c o m | t h e g e o rg e . c o m
Bay of Many Coves
Unwind and relax at the peaceful Bay of Many Coves. Read more on page 30
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to Sounds Good, the magazine of Sounds Air. At Sounds Air we are lucky enough to fly to some of the most beautiful regions in the world. From picturesque Taupo, to the stunning wine regions of Hawkes Bay and Marlborough, our cultural capital city of Wellington, the rugged West Coast of the South Island, and the ever evolving Christchurch city – plus plenty more in between. Allow Sounds Good to take you for a journey through these regions and learn some of the secrets that they have to offer. In this issue we explore a variety of accomodation options, from glamping in the Banks Peninsula, to a luxury lodge in the Marlborough Sounds, and a peek inside some of the stunning homes and baches that Taupō has to offer. We seek adventure in Nelson’s Cable Bay and in the underground wonderland of the West Coast, and we check out foodie delights in Wellington, Kapiti and Marlborough. Read on, and then start planning your next getaway with Sounds Air.
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Building a Business is a Team Effort.
Get in touch with our Marlborough team Mark Terry
mobile 027 572 2559
Sophie Greer
mobile 021 204 9858
PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd Real Estate Agent, REAA 2008
pggwre.co.nz
CEO WELCOME Andrew Crawford, Managing Director, Sounds Air.
Welcome on board this Sounds Air flight. Whether you are travelling for business or personal reasons today, you can guarantee you are heading to an incredible destination.
country, often in remote areas where traditional accommodation offerings aren’t available. We profile a site on a sheep and beef farm in a quiet bay on the Banks Peninsula on page 24.
That is one of the things I love about this airline – every region we fly to is amazing in its own unique way. We are so spoilt for choice in this country and, no matter how much you travel, there will always be new gems to discover. We launched this Sounds Good magazine in December 2017, with the aim of helping you to discover some of those treasures. I am a regular traveller around the Sounds Air regions but enjoy the fact that I learn about something new in every issue.
If it’s a five-star luxury resort you are after, we’ve got that option covered in this issue too. The Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds offers the kind of indulgence that is reserved for special occasions with special people. For our Art Director and her husband, their honeymoon and more recently their nine year wedding anniversary were the perfect occasions. They share their most recent return to the Bay of Many Coves with us on page 30.
In this issue, our Editor was lucky enough to discover a hidden slice of the West Coast. Beyond the rugged coastline and lush rainforests that we associate with this stretch of the South Island, are some equally exquisite scenes deep within the limestone cliffs. Read more about this ‘Underworld Adventure’ on page 54, and then add it to your ‘to-do’ list like I have. The latest trend in the accommodation market offers a great way to experience some of those more hidden and off-the-beaten-track spots. Glamping sites are popping up all over the
Whether camping, glamping or living it up in a luxury lodge, I hope that you have enjoyed some equally amazing holidays over Summer, and I hope that this issue of Sounds Good inspires you to seek out more adventures this Autumn. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, we hope you enjoy your flight. Andrew Crawford, Managing Director, Sounds Air.
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PARAPARAUMU
JEWELS IN THE CROWN 10 March 2019, Kapiti Coast Take this chance to experience all that Queen Elizabeth Park has to offer. Grab a ‘Parksport’ and get stamps at all the sites you explore. Queen Elizabeth Park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horseriding and picnics. Visit the Kapiti Stables; see the aero modellers annual rally; surf life savers using their inflatable rescue boats and take part in a treasure hunt. The park is steeped in history too, including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach. There will be events throughout the day, so bring a picnic and come down to explore. More information at gw.govt.nz/getoutdoors/
WELLINGTON
JIM BEAM HOMEGROWN 23 March 2019, Wellington Kiwi music’s biggest party will celebrate its 12th year on March 23rd. Jim Beam Homegrown will see the Wellington Waterfront come alive with carnival rides, markets, 5 stages and 42 of NZ’s favourite acts. Incredible Kiwi talent such as Shapeshifter, Dave Dobbyn, Blindspott, Broods, Stan Walker, Sons Of Zion, Opshop, Kora, and The Black Seeds are just some of the mega line-up in 2019.
Brady Dyer
WHAT’S ON
Autumn 2019
For the first time, Jim Beam Homegrown is extending the good times in Wellington with the addition of the Jim Beam Homegrown Pre-Party on Friday 22nd March. The pre-party will be headlined by pioneers of Aotearoa’s Dub n Bass, Salmonella Dub feat. Tiki Taane – alongside Katchafire, L.A.B and Soulware. More information at homegrown.net.nz
BLENHEIM
FORREST GRAPERIDE 30 March 2019, Marlborough The Forrest Graperide is the biggest one-day cycle event in the South Island. With beautiful scenery, outstanding company, fantastic food, quality wine and a cracker of a bike ride, what is there not to like? The award winning ride takes you from the vines of the Wairau plain to the picturesque port of Picton then through 40km of incredible Marlborough Sounds scenery to the greenlip mussel capital of Havelock and home to Forrest Estate Winery where the fun and relaxation awaits. If one lap isn’t enough, take on the ‘Magnum’, which is two laps of the course. Or if you’re starting out or just bringing the mountain bike then the Taster at 42km is a great ride alongside the beautiful Wairau river. More information at graperide.co.nz
CHRISTCHURCH THE FOOD SHOW
5 - 7 April 2019, Christchurch The 2019 Food Show at Horncastle Arena is set to expand your taste buds and reinvigorate your passion for food. Sample new flavours from over 120 exhibitors and grab show-only deals you can’t get anywhere else. Learn from impressive roster of top celebrity chefs and local stars including Annabel Langbein, Luke Hines, Jax Hamilton, Annabelle White and Guilio Sturla, all included free with your ticket. Or take a walk down the newest and craftiest area at The Food Show, ‘Brewers Lane’, where you can sample craft beer from the best breweries in Canterbury. Join the annual foodie pilgrimage at The Food Show to stock your pantry full with the biggest, broadest, and most downright delicious selection of food, drink and kitchen equipment. More information and tickets at foodshow.co.nz
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NAPIER
HOT POTATO BAND STITCH UP TOUR 21 March 2019, Napier Live music venue, The Cabana, will host 10 piece Sydney band ‘Hot Potato Band’ for one night this March. This band of enthusiastic musicians began their journey at a winery on the NSW south coast in June 2009 when leader Simon Ghali gathered a handful of his musician friends to perform (what he thought was) a one off gig. Simon was asked to create a lively outfit that required no power, and so the idea of Hot Potato Band’s roving/acoustic performance was born. Although difficult to describe their genre, HPB continues to compile their arsenal of songs inspired by Pop, Funk, Ska, Reggae and bound by the classic sounds of New Orleans brass bands. The band’s unique sound is built on the backs of three drummers and a sousaphone, along with an array of horns covering catchy chorus lines and providing a layered harmonic cloud for Ben the vocalist to float above. Catch this unique sound on their Stitch Up Tour of New Zealand. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite
NELSON
CITY2SAXTON 10KM FUN RUN/WALK 7 April 2019, Nelson Sign up now to take part in one of Nelson’s most enjoyable mass-participation events. Walk, run or wheel your way along 10km of Nelson’s famous bike paths and celebrate your achievement at Saxton Fields!
WHAT’S ON
Autumn 2019
This is a 10km fun run/walk course from Victory Community Centre to Saxton Field on smooth walkways. Run it, walk it, scooter, skateboard, wheelchair or push a pram (just no bikes except for children under 6 years who are with an adult). Enjoy a fun family day out, and raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Tasman while you are at it. Run, Roll, Stroll Slow or fast you’ll have a blast! More information at sporttasman.org.nz
TAUPO
TAUPO FASHION SHOW 15 May 2019, Taupo The Taupo Fashion Show is a charitable event, born out of an idea to bring the community together and showcase local and national talents in a fun and supportive environment. The event launched in 2016 at the Taupo Golf Club and was a sell-out success. 17 designer creations in year one increased to 28 local and national designers the following year. This will be the third Show, once again at the Taupo Golf Club and this year’s charity is the Anamata CAFE, which provides free health care to local youth. More information at taupofashionshow.co.nz
WESTPORT
THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT 24 May 2019, Westport Prepare to be inspired! The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission sharing the best cycling short films from around the world with you, and is bringing its latest collection to the NBS Theatre in Westport this May. The 2019 collection includes an icy playground providing a visual journey as never seen before by bike; five friends with disabilities attempt a world first human powered ride from Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre 2150km to Mount Kosciuszko in Australia; a New Zealander with a two wheel love story to share; a documentary about a ‘community mother’ who runs a bicycle training program for migrant and refugee women in Amsterdam; a fixie rider who commits a crime of passion; and two pioneering mountain bikers undertaking an adventure in wild and unknown landscapes, riding only horse trails, in heartland Africa.
Book tickets from NBS Theatre ph. 03 789 4219, or bookmyshow.co.nz
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I M A G E S | STUFF Media
NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS
Get excited noodle lovers because the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are returning to Wellington from Friday 5th - Sunday 14th April. Prepare your senses as a fusion of Eastern flavours and Chinese lanterns will transform Basin Reserve into the ultimate Asian pop-up market experience.  The Wellington Night Noodle Markets follow on from the success of the recent Auckland and Christchurch events. With 10 nights of authentic family-friendly entertainment, cuisine from top notch international and local vendors, and a fully licenced bar, the Night Noodle Markets will be the place to be in Wellington. The event is free to enter and cashless (all vendors have EFTPOS and Paywave, so there is no need for cash and you can spend less time queuing and more time eating).
D A T E S 5th-14th April (10 nights) T R A D I N G H O U R S 4pm-10pm Daily (Closes early at 9pm Sunday 14th) L O C A T I O N Basin Reserve, Mount Cook, Wellington
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THE TAUPŌ BACHES TO BEAUTIFUL HOMES TOUR words J E S S A M Y B A L D W I N
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Have you ever strolled, cycled or even sailed past the beautiful homes along Lake Taupō and pondered: “I wonder what it’s like inside? How does the water look from there? Is that an infinity pool I spot?” Not just me then. I have fond memories of imagining life within the walls of the many stunning lake houses when I lived nearby. The good news is that the Taupō “Baches to Beautiful Homes Tour” allows imaginative souls like us the chance to indulge our curiosity, for one day only. On Saturday March 23, from 10am-4pm an exclusive tour will take you to 10 of the most exclusive addresses in the area. Taking in stunning Taupō scenery as you go, the event will conclude with a fabulous drinks party from 5-6.30pm at trendy Vine Eatery and Bar on Tūwharetoa Street. For those interested in stand-out decor, impressive architecture and home innovation, this event is a great chance to gain inspiration and meet like-minded design enthusiasts. For those with a penchant for gardening, the tours will also include the opportunity to explore the impressive landscaped gardens attached to each property.
Whether you’re looking to meet new faces, get together a group of friends or simply searching for an excuse to plan a weekend away from the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect, relaxing day out by the lake - with a twist. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Taupō Violence Intervention Network – part of the national “It’s Not OK” campaign, so you’ll be positively contributing towards helping the local community. The community education arm of Central Plateau REAP is the other recipient, specifically Wā Hine Ora (an anti- violence programme for women, promoting positive behaviour and wellness) and Tāne Ora (an anti-violence programme for men promoting the same values). Linda Moss, REAP’s adult community education coordinator, said: “We have selected the ten homes for their unique qualities and ability to inspire visitors. Each captures a specific architectural style and design concept, so you will not be disappointed. Travelling has been kept to a minimum so you’ll have time to enjoy the homes as well as a leisurely lunch at one of the many supporting cafés on route.” Established in 2012, the tour has raised over $100,000 to date. “The number of people attending is steadily growing which is fantastic,” added Linda. “The money we have raised is huge for us in the social service sector.
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“Interior designers Antoinette Beck and Trace BeaumontOrr are currently responsible for sourcing homes. We also have around 100 volunteers who provide security for our homeowners on the day and help to check off tickets so it’s a wonderful community centred event.” Linda was inspired to set up the tours after hearing of the many successful and similar home tour style events going on across New Zealand. “I wanted to go on a tour and couldn’t find anyone available to go with me so decided - why don’t we have a tour here? I was responsible for fundraising for Taupō Violence Intervention Network at the time, as well as my main role at REAP. I asked my boss at REAP if I could set up a tour and he said absolutely! “It’s set to be a great day out for all. We hope you’ll come away feeling inspired, refreshed and full of new ideas that you can recreate in your own home.” Tickets cost $75 and include the tour, entry to the celebratory soirée in the evening and entry into the draw for a mystery prize worth $200. More information at www. bachestobeautifulhomestourTaupo.org. The event is sponsored by Black and White real estate.
Go on an exclusive journey and feel inspired.
FOR YOU • AW19
A B O V E | Sportscraft LSR Mclure Shirt $114.99 | O P P O S I T E P A G E - C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T | Sportscraft Long Sleeve Tapered Glenayr Shirt $109.99 | Veja Esplar Leather Sneaker $189.95 | Country Road Button Detail Tank $109.00 | Country Road Linen Wrap Skirt $144.95 | SABA Clifford Mercerised Polo $82.00 | MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick $40.00 | Country Road Skinny Stretch Chino $109.00 | Country Road Zip Canvas Logo Tote $79.90 | SABA Thomas Chino Short $109.00. All care has been taken to ensure pricing is correct however variation may occur. 20
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FOR HOME • AW19
A B O V E | IN BED 100% Linen Napkin $41.95 | O P P O S I T E P A G E - C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T | Country Road Nomi Large Plant Stand $169.00 | Country Road Kye Soap Pump $39.90 | Barefoot Gypsy Knitted Throw Alka $156.95 | Studio Enti Medium Bowl $46.95 | Mocka Leni Bentwood Stool $39.95 | IN BED Organic Cotton Cushion $83.95 | IN BED Cashmere Throw Rug $394.95 | Zafferano Tue Plates $92.95 | Mocka Watson Buffet $229.95. All care has been taken to ensure pricing is correct however variation may occur. 22
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Glamping it up on the Banks Peninsula words J U L I E T C A L D E R
Camping is as much a part of the quintessential Kiwi summer as sandy fish‘n’chips and broken jandals. We are bred to be resourceful, hardy, outdoorsy types who love nothing more than a night out in nature. That, of course, is a sweeping generalisation. In fact there are many Kiwis – myself included – who prefer their holiday lodgings to have solid walls than canvas ones. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of camping. It’s the reality that puts me off. Rather than evoking fantasies of blissful family time and relaxation set in stunning natural surrounds, camping for me conjures images of weta-filled shared bathrooms, airbeds that deflate by morning, sunshine-enforced 5am wake-ups and hordes of over-tired, hyped-up children on the loose. It probably doesn’t help that our only tenting experience since becoming a family of four took place during an unseasonable torrential downpour that did not let up for the entire 2 days that we attempted to enjoy ourselves. But despite all of these camping prejudices, when an advertisement for Canopy Camping appeared on my Facebook feed, I couldn’t resist finding out more. The images of sturdy, spacious canvas tents with luxuries such as proper beds (with sheets!) and wood burners inside were enough to pique my interest, and once I realised the idyllic scene I was looking at was a mere 90 minute drive away on the Banks Peninsula, I was sold. Three nights in Lavericks Bay over summer, booked. The Lavericks Bay camping site is one of over 50 sites around New Zealand under the Canopy Camping banner. The idea, says co-founder Liz Henderson, is to provide unique sites that are off the beaten track and surrounded by nature, but that still provide creature comforts to make camping an easy and enjoyable experience for anyone.
“Canopy Camping Escapes has gradually curated a collection of special places of the glamping kind. Our collection includes beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely and utterly unique. Our places range from super luxurious - to simple and rustic. In every case, they have a little bit of magic, a certain charm and an unsurpassed connection to nature.” The Lavericks Bay site certainly has all of that and more. Set up by Harriet and Lloyd Chapman in 2014, the campsite is situated on the 1000 hectare sheep and beef farm that has been in Harriet’s family since the 1850s. As we drop into Lavericks Bay on the drive over from Le Bons Bay, we see the rugged, hilly farmland dip dramatically into the vivid turquoise water below and we get our first glimpse of what will be our own private beach for the next three days. Nestled further into the valley we spot the campsite and we drive across the farm to reach it. Unlike every fast food burger you’ve ever bought, the reality of the site completely lives up to the pictures we have seen. The two luxury tents are furnished to be both stylish and welcoming and our children squeal with delight when they discover that they will have one tent all to themselves. Between the tents is the camp kitchen and bathroom – I feel like squealing with delight myself when I spot the pristine flush toilet and hot shower. The kitchen is equipped with everything you should need to prepare some glamping-worthy feasts; all you need to bring is the food.
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The Chapman family set up this Canopy Camping site on their family farm in 2014.
Once the car is unloaded and the drinks are in the chilly bin, it is time to get a closer look at the beach we had spotted from above. It is a short trek or a few minutes drive through the farm to get there and there is no other access to this bay other than by boat, so you can pretty much guarantee you will have the beach to yourself. In our busy lives, where our smartphones make us permanently available and our to-do lists are never-ending, we do not often find genuine peace or pleasant solitude. So there is something incredibly soothing about standing on a secluded beach with your toes sunk in the sand, the vast sea stretching ahead of you and the hills on either side creating a literal wall between you and the nearest neighbours. The holiday ‘wind-down’ that can sometimes take days to achieve happened almost instantly for me as I stood on that beach. (The fact that there is no wifi, no cellphone reception and no power here certainly helps too!)
games; toasted marshmallows around the campfire on the beach; and star-gazing in the hot tub. Without all of life’s usual distractions and rush, it feels like we have had so much more than just three days here, but only in the most positive way. As Harriet says, the focus here is on the quality of time rather than the quantity: “This is a basic way of holidaying that allows guests to enjoy the simple things in life, like preparing a barbeque together, listening to the birds, walking, swimming and exploring. There are no distractions such as television so people leave feeling like they have spent some quality time with their friends or family, which is not such a common occurrence these days. “What’s more, there is none of the hard work involved with camping, so families can still experience sleeping in a tent, but it’s also relaxing for parents.”
The kids were less interested in switching off and more occupied with stripping off so that they could get straight into those enticing waves. The Pacific Ocean is not at its most balmy around these Banks Peninsula bays, but the knowledge that you have the option of a hot shower, outdoor bath or hot tub back at the campsite makes a chilly ocean dip that much more bearable.
Admittedly, there was still sunshine and noise to contend with in the tents, and it turns out that sandflies find glampers every bit as tasty as campers. But this is certainly no camping ground. There was not an air mattress or sleeping bag in sight, the bathroom and all of the facilities were entirely ours, and the only hyped-up kids I had to contend with were my own.
The following few days for us are filled with the types of wholesome activities childhood memories are made of: adventures up the hills; rolling down the hills; family board
Remember that camping fantasy I mentioned earlier, of blissful family time and relaxation set in stunning natural surrounds? For me, this luxury camping experience nailed it.
WHEN ART AND NATURE COMBINE Whether you are an art lover or garden enthusiast; and seeking relaxation or inspiration, a visit to the Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden will deliver. The Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden is an evolving sculpture garden and native regeneration project, with a mission to support contemporary sculpture practice in New Zealand and to enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch, once immersed in the garden you will feel a world away. The Garden’s major event of the year is the Annual Autumn Exhibition, held over the first three weekends in March. The inaugural outdoor exhibition was held in March 2014, with work by five sculptors. This year there will be over 60 artworks for sale and visitors will also enjoy the growing permanent collection featuring works by some of the stalwarts of New Zealand sculpture. Celebrated artists including Graham Bennett, Bing Dawe, Neil Dawson, Andrew Drummond,
Alison Erickson, Ben Foster, Max Patté, Llew Summers, Marté Szirmay and Olivia Webb will have sculptures on display during the Autumn exhibition, each an entirely unique creation, from local stone to iron, bronze, steel, flax, timber and ceramic, from the tangible to the ephemeral with works in light and sound, and on a small and large scale. The Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden is a native restoration project as much as it is an outdoor art gallery. Since 2010 the property owners have planted over 8,000 natives and created three ponds in what was a barren pony paddock, creating a sanctuary for native birds and a serene spot for visitors to soak up the beauty around them, both natural and man-made.
The Annual Autumn Exhibition will take place from 11am - 3pm on March 2/3, 9/10 and 16/17. For more information visit taitapusculpturegarden.co.nz
A B O V E - C L O C K W I S E F R O M L E F T | Alison Erickson | Graham Bennett (Centre & Right) | O P P O S I T E P A G E - T O P Max Patte | B E L O W Neil Dawson. 29
The return to bay of many memories w o rd s W I L H E L M U S LU K E B U U T V E L D
Our first experience of Bay of Many Coves Resort was in 2010 when my wife and I arrived on the second part of our honeymoon and we were drawn to its freshness, quiet, its sheltered and peaceful feel. From the moment we landed we were made to feel so welcome. The service, the natural beauty and the high standard of the accommodation left quite an impression. Our time together there holds a special place in our memory and is etched into the history and evolution of our relationship. As MV Mantra gently comes alongside the jetty we felt the same connection we did nine years earlier. While very much the same the resort is not unchanged by time. It is still sheltered, immaculately presented and nestled in the beauty of the bush, but feels more mature. Indeed, the bush has had years to grow and now encloses the lodge with its lush greenery. Our experience had begun a few hours earlier in Picton. The Seafood Odyssey Tour with the Marlborough Tour Company seemed to us to be the perfect way to begin our weekend in the Marlborough Sounds. With no office at the commercial wharf we were unsure of where to meet. We needn’t have worried. Bay of Many Coves host Michelle met us at the wharf with a friendly smile and guided us to the boat. Brought onto the resort staff by managers Graeme and Kim, Michelle’s role fills a gap that they saw in visitors’ experiences. She is on hand to meet guests from their connecting flight, ship or vehicle and make their journey to the resort as stress free as possible. From parking cars, meeting ferries or providing transfers her goal is to ensure that guests begin their experience as comfortably and relaxed as possible. We were introduced to Matt and the crew before being fare-welled as we climbed aboard.
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The MV Mantra is an impressive catamaran with large deck areas for viewing the Sounds. As the boat got underway we settled into chairs at the stern. The week’s stresses started to wear off with the warm sun on our backs and the fresh breeze in our faces. After a brief look in to Curious Cove for a passenger with a decade’s long history to the bay we stopped at a mussel farm in Tory Channel. Matt explained how the mussels are farmed and the industry’s long history with the Marlborough region. As thoughts turned to tasting the delicacy we found a chilled glass of sauvignon close at hand. Moments later bowls of fresh steaming hot mussels and clams in the shell, along with an array of condiments were laid out on the table. The wine perfectly complemented the seafood, offering a refreshing fruity contrast to the flavour of the shellfish. Having gorged ourselves we sat back as we stopped a short distance away at a local salmon farm. Matt again took time to explain how the fish are farmed. As he was explaining the challenges posed by predators, a curious seal slid by through the clear water. It looked us over before deciding to dive down to harass the fish. All too soon the Mantra pointed her bows west and we made our way towards Bay of Many Coves. No trip named Seafood Odyssey would be complete without sampling the salmon farmed in the region. It arrived hot, with caramelised brown sugar, sea salt and lemon. The fish melted exquisitely in the mouth. Savouring the tastes as we took in the beauty of the sounds, the trip was a great showcase for the local wine and cuisine. The blue of the sea and sky, with the green of the bush provided a charming contrast to the city we had just left. Musing over this, we eased quietly into the bay.
The blue of the sea and sky, with the green of the bush provided a charming contrast to the city we had just left.
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With the light fading from the sky, replaced by myriad stars, we made our way down to the Foredeck restaurant.
Stepping onto the jetty we were met with a familiar and friendly welcome from staff. They greeted us directly from the boat and immediately arranged to deliver our bags to our suite. We were struck by the juxtaposition of the quiet of the bush surrounding the lodge and the volume of the birdsong that comes with mature native New Zealand fauna. Tui, titapu (bellbird), keruru, weka, as well as the usual seabirds were all heard within our first few moments of arrival. As we made our way up the path to our chalet we were more and more taken with the bush which has grown in and encloses the whole facility. The resort is predominantly timber which gives warmth and a natural feel to the suites within the natural setting. On entry everything was as we expected from a luxury lodge. Wooden shutters and large bay windows opened the room to the sunshine, breeze and birdsong. Standing on the balcony overlooking the bay it seemed that time was simply measured differently here. Time was stretched even further when we ascended the stairs to the Miritu day spa and were greeted by Kana Sato, the resort’s Japanese spa therapist. There the full range of massages and beauty treatments awaited. Opting for deep relaxation massages in keeping with the aim of our visit soon, the knots that we didn’t know had been present were soon eased away. Visiting the spa was the best start to our visit and a perfect way to acclimatise to a new heartbeat.
With the light fading from the sky, replaced by myriad stars, we made our way down to the Foredeck restaurant. Overlooking the bay, with the shutters open it allows sweeping views across the water. The menu offers the very best in fine dining, with local produce and seafood matched by an equally prestigious wine list. The very best gourmet food and wine from the Marlborough region is showcased. After the taster onboard Mantra, we couldn’t resist the freshly-sourced salmon with roasted potato accompanied by a local sauvignon. Our dinner was amongst couples ranging from honeymooners, middle-aged couples seeking time away together and older couples enjoying the fruits of their labours together. The echoes to our own experience, as honeymooners through to our now ninth year together, was not lost on us. The relationship with the comfort and distinction of the resort in which we again found ourselves also resonated deeply. The peace and quiet of the evening descended on the bay and it’s not hard to see why some people prefer winter at the lodge. The weather, more stable with sunny days and less wind is quieter. Bay of Many Coves Resort is the definition of escape from the winter gloom, enjoying world class food and wine in a beautiful environment, looked after by friendly and gracious hosts. A soak under the stars in the cedar hot tub completes our restful evening.
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The morning sun came into our room through the open bi-fold windows. We woke to the native birdsong of the dawn chorus that the bush around the resort has encouraged.
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The morning sun came into our room through the open bi-fold windows. We woke to the native birdsong of the dawn chorus that the bush around the resort has encouraged. After breakfast and fresh coffee in the Kumatage guest lounge we sat and spoke with hosts Graeme and Kim Smith.
link to the famed Queen Charlotte Track is in the planning. With dinghies, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available to enable you to make the most of being right on the water. The resort has close relationships with charter operators if guests want to explore the Sounds further.
Their enthusiasm and passion for delivering guests a welcoming, memorable and luxurious experience comes across as we discuss everything that the resort has to offer. Bay of Many Coves boasts a full range of activities for guests. For those who want to explore, trails wind their way through 52 hectares of private bush surrounding the resort. A waterfall and stunning views of the Sounds can be found on the trails. A rejuvinated
Graeme explained with some excitement the burgeoning relationship the resort has with Craggy Range wines in the Hawkes Bay. Linking two regions renowned for their wine and food, the two have an exciting collaboration planned for this coming winter. For locals and those from farther afield, Bay of Many Coves stands in stark contrast to the
hectic lives we lead and is a great place for couples to reconnect with each other, with friends and with nature. It offers a luxurious but environmentally connected break in a beautiful natural setting. Whether watching stars or sitting in the sunshine, it is a million miles from everywhere, but to get there is just hours away from anywhere in New Zealand. As Graeme and Kim farewell us from the jetty we reflect on our trip back to Bay of Many Coves. Our bond with the resort and its relationship to the milestones in our own, holds a special significance for us both. Its tranquility, natural setting and warm welcome is interwoven with our relationship and we look forward to our next visit together.
bayofmanycoves.co.nz
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ADVENTURE ATHLETE TAKES ON NEW CHALLENGE As an elite level multisport athlete Richard Ussher has spent the better part of the past 25 years chasing adventure all over the world. w o rd s G E O RG E B E R RY
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As an elite level multisport athlete Richard Ussher has spent the better part of the past 25 years chasing adventure all over the world.
Ships, those looking for something extra to do while in town or, as the locals are quickly coming to realise, an evening mountain biking after work or a solid day on the weekend.
So, when an adventure park came on the market near his home town of Nelson, it’s no surprise that he and wife Elina eventually emerged as the new owners. Although the five-time Kathmandu Coast to Coast champion admits that, prior to looking into the business, he had been unaware the business even existed, despite passing the front gate countless times on his way to Cable Bay.
Drawing on the sort of fun and excitement he’s experienced at places around the world, Ussher is keen to start extending the trail network and will be opening the mountain bikes trails for free.
“I’ve been riding up and down Cable Bay road for about the last 13 or so years, training for Coast to Coast and various Ironman and Adventure Races and I never really knew what lay behind the old wooden buildings and a sign that used to read Happy Valley Adventures,” said Ussher.
“We have some amazing views on the tops, looking down into Delaware Bay, the trails you can explore at the moment are pretty cool even though most are not dedicated MTB trails just yet we’re keen to develop a place where people can come and explore what really is an amazing property and will only get better as we develop the full trail system.
“It had grown over 25 years from a farm to incorporate some relatively major tourism activities, but the scope to further grow the business and proximity to Nelson was just so appealing,” he added.
“We’re utilising the existing infrastructure, which includes about 30 kilometres of 4x4 and bridle trails, with the first dedicated trails having just opened (a grade 5 trail off the top of the property and a grade 3 trail due to open by the end of February) and then on-going development to build another great mountain bike resource for Nelson.”
In comparison to the many activities on offer in the Abel Tasman region, which can be up to 1.5 hours’ drive in the peak of summer, Cable Bay Adventure Park is just 15 minutes from the heart of Nelson, making it an ideal spot for Cruise
The plan is to ensure there’s some level of riding for everyone, as Ussher looks to position Cable Bay Adventure Park as part of Nelson’s transformation into a world class mountain biking destination.
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“We plan to have a pump track out the front of the café up, trails on the flat down by the river that people can cruise along and maybe have a picnic. Then grade 2, 3 and 4 type trails, right up to as hard as you can get. “In order to make Nelson a really global biking destination I really believe there’s got to be a wide range of places that people can come and ride that are suitable for people at each level. Most people who are travelling with the purpose of mountain biking are likely to be the mid to upper skill level anyway, so including the Adventure park also have options like the Old Ghost Road, the Gorge, Nelson’s Codgers Trail network and Kaiteriteri, all within about one hundred kilometres of each other, and I think that’s awesome for Nelson.” In between runs, the world’s longest flying fox known as the Skywire awaits anyone looking for something different. Ussher credits the previous owners for having the foresight to build one of the Parks fastest attractions. “It’s not a skydive or a bungy jump type experience, it does go pretty fast, but, for large parts of the ride it’s like a scenic chairlift ride. Most people, even if they’re a little scared of heights, get off saying how fun it was.” Travelling for 1.6kms across the valley before returning, the Skywire experience can reach up to 100 kilometres per hour. And as long as you’re more than 1.2 meters tall it’s something nearly the whole family can enjoy.
“We think it’s really important to help tell the stories of the area and also to ensure we are getting the basics right - like pronunciation and ensuring historical and cultural references are accurate.”
While others are buzzing above the trees, for those that like a little more hands-on adventure, paintball shooting and archery are now available too. Aside from the traditional longbow style, the new fantasy type experience teleports you into another world, full of dragons and goblins. Once you’ve emerged from the forest, an Argo amphibious vehicle, quad biking and horse treks are all other ways to absorb the excitement the Park has to offer, along with the stunning views out into the Tasman sea. Part of Ussher’s vision for Cable Bay Adventure Park is to enhance the collective approach and turn the place into a community asset. Already employing 14-16 people this summer and stocking local food and beverages in the Café, as well as looking to incorporate local Maori culture into the Park’s practices. “We’ve had some really positive initial conversations with members from the local iwi, about how we provide a really authentic experience here for our customers and how we incorporate local Maori culture into what we do and the property.
While it all sounds like a massive undertaking, Ussher says his years as an athlete couldn’t have set him up any better. “I think one of the things elite level sport is so good for is you have to put yourself so far out there and you have to be able to have total faith and trust in your abilities to get the job done. “When you’re racing, especially as an individual, there’s no hiding. It’s not like you’re a manager at a desk and you have a big team of people that all sort of filters out, so if there’s a collective failure people can sometimes hide a little bit. In sport, if you’re not prepared or doing what needs to be done, it’s pretty obvious. “I think one of my strengths is to have a vision, turn it into a plan and processes and go about achieving something. “We aren’t going to change this place overnight, but I’m really proud of what we’ve done in less than a year and what we have planned for the future too.”
“We think it’s really important to help tell the stories of the area and also to ensure we are getting the basics right - like pronunciation and ensuring historical and cultural references are accurate.”
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WAIKAWA BOATING CLUB At the top of the South Island, a few kilometres from Sounds Air’s Koromiko facility, sits New Zealand’s largest marina south of Auckland. wo rd s D U N C A N M AC K E N Z I E
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Currently offering 600 berths from 8m to 20m,Waikawa Marina is set to expand by a further 240 berths to accommodate the growing pleasure craft fleet enjoying the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound and further afield. Also housed at Waikawa Marina is the Waikawa Boating Club. Focussed on cruising (both motor and sail) and yacht racing, the club boasts over 600 members. A major resource for club members is the 100+ club moorings throughout Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. Set in a number of locations to ensure sheltered anchorage in almost all conditions, the moorings are very popular throughout the year. Boat owners from around the country berth their vessels at Waikawa to take advantage of the magnificent aquatic environment on offer. The club operates a substantial yacht racing calendar throughout the year featuring short course ‘round the cans’ racing in the Lawson’s Dry Hills New Year regatta (one of the country’s largest keelboat regattas). Another major event is the Mud House Women’s regatta which is now the second largest women’s keelboat event nationally, surpassed only by the National Women’s Keelboat championships. Feature offshore races include the WineWorks Wine race, a cross Cook Strait race with boats carrying the latest release Marlborough wines to Wellington and the Hurricane Rigging/Oddies Marine short-handed race to Tarakohe.
Administering such a wide range of events and resources falls to a single employee and a volunteer executive comprising a number of enthusiastic members who bring their specific skillsets to the table. Led by the Commodore, the executive covers areas from hospitality (house committee), to moorings, cruising, boating education and safety and racing. The lure of the great boating to be enjoyed in the Sounds means a number of people are attracted to the area, contributing their skills and experience to the club and its activities. Taking time out from her duties as Operations Manager at Sounds Air, one of those volunteers is Anna Gibbs. Anna enjoys the cut and thrust of yacht racing and after having served as Rear Commodore – Sailing she now fills the role of Offshore Racing Coordinator. A sailor (and Marlborough resident) for most of her life, Anna enjoys the camaraderie of sailing and the satisfaction of seeing a well organised event completed. She has recently been seconded to a national sub-committee within Yachting NZ with specific responsibility for offshore racing in New Zealand. With a growing fleet of cruisers and racers keen to spend their leisure time exploring the Sounds and an increasing inflow of people looking to reside in Marlborough, the future looks bright for the Waikawa Boating Club.
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EQUESTRIAN ROYALTY COMING TO HAWKE’S BAY Some of the hottest names in world eventing will descend on the Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds for The Land Rover Horse of the Year Show 2019
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New Zealand’s premier equestrian showpiece, the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, is set to host its biggest line-up ever this March. Some of the hottest names in world eventing will descend on the Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds for the event, including ‘power couple’ Tim and Jonelle Price - current Land Rover Burleigh Horse Trials and Badminton title holders - and four-time Olympian Blyth Tait. The Land Rover Horse of the Year Show attracts over 50,000 spectators each year to Hawke’s Bay and, with over 1600 riders and 1800 horses competing for lucrative titles and prize money, this is a ‘must see’ on any event-goer’s calendar. Over 200 retail and trade sites, wine and food villages and a salivating assortment of hospitality experiences alongside top level equestrian competition makes this six day spectacle an event like no other. The 2019 cross country course promises to be the most challenging in the event’s history.
K E Y DAT E S
Friday March 15 Hastings Heart of Hawke’s Bay Friday Night Extravaganza Saturday March 16 Burghley Day Presented by Höpt Soda Saturday March 16 G.H. Mumm Cross Country Champagne Lunch Sunday March 17 Olympic Cup Day
Visit hoy.kiwi for more information
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EAT. DRINK. SHARE. Delicious food, great coffee and friendly service – these are the three essential ingredients for a successful café experience. Marine Parade Eatery on the Kapiti Coast delivers all three, with a serving of good scenery thrown in for good measure. The funky food and welcoming atmosphere at Marine Parade Eatery have been consciously created by three local Kapiti women. Fiona is a trained chef who had been working at The Front Room in Waikanae, while Kelly and Rebecca brought the business experience from their shared time running the Beach Road Deli in Paekakariki. With their experience and passion for the hospitality industry combined, the Marine Parade Eatery was born. And the fact that all three of them also have little people at home to look after only served to increase their motivation to make this business work.
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“We are raising kids that see first hand they can do anything, no matter the circumstances. Mum doing what she loves,” says Kelly. The kids also bring much needed balance to their lives, adds Rebecca: “Having a little person reminds you that, although you are a hard working business woman with time constraints and a sky high to-do list, when your child is smiling everything else that has happened in a day can stand still for a time. Family can sometimes be a struggle, but alternatively is can help you stop and appreciate the world.” Seems that there are few better places to stop and appreciate the world than within this very café, with its views of the coast and Kapiti Island, coupled with nourishing and delicious food to savour.
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CANTERBURY GEARS UP FOR GODZONE
Touted as the biggest adventure race in the world, GODZone is not for the faint-hearted. Competitors navigate, trek, mountain bike, kayak, canoe and raft across a vast array of landscapes over the course of a week, severely testing both their physical and mental endurance. Part of the appeal of the expedition adventure, which attracts competitors from around the world, is the stunning New Zealand locations in which it is set. In 2019 Canterbury will host GODZone’s eighth installment for the first time. “Canterbury changes things up for GODZone, offering teams a massively unique landscape to adventure through,” says GODZone Race Director Warren Bates. “Each year we seek out a location that will provide racers will an array of different environments to experience, and Canterbury offers that and so much more.” Pre and post-race activities will be focused around the beautiful coastal township of Akaroa, which will also play host to the event finish line. In true GODZone style, the location of the start line will remain secret until just before the race kicks off. The only hint given is that the start location will be a long way from Akaroa!
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Event Patron and nine-times Coast to Coast Winner, Steve Gurney, says his home province is the perfect place for adventure of all kinds: “The landscape is dramatic and will be a big draw card. There are areas up in those mountain valleys that have seldom been seen by anyone and the water catchments are huge. “The beauty of Canterbury is everything is within short access from the high mountains to the coast. The nooks and crannies of the mountains and valleys are immense, the rivers iconic – it’s going to be one heck of a race.”
GODZone Chapter 8 will take place from 10 - 17 March. For more information visit godzoneadventure.com
The nooks and crannies of the mountains and valleys are immense, the rivers iconic - it’s going to be one heck of a race.
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A CELEBRATION OF SEAFOOD It calls itself the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World, and Hastings will celebrate that status with the largest festival on its annual calendar this March.
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With a great line up of live music and entertainment, delicious food, fine local beer and wine and seafood, summer in Marlborough wouldn’t be complete without the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival. This quintessentially Marlburian event has been Servin’ up a Whole Ocean of Fun for 15 years, and 2019 promises to be the best one yet! Aotearoa reggae – rock legends Katchafire will headline the entertainment line-up this year, supported by Marlborough’s own Aminor Thing and Nelson kings of swing Sun City Soul. To tantalise your taste-buds, TV chef Annabel Langbein will be joining the Festival for the first time, along with Festival favourites Chris Fortune and Paulie Hooton. The Festival will also include cooking demonstrations, market stalls, industry displays, a KidsZone, and the annual Guinness World Record attempt for mussel opening (Blenheim local Angela Fredericks broke the mussel shucking world record for a fourth time in 2018!)
More information and tickets at havelockmusselfestival.co.nz
The event has raised more than $200,000 for the Marlborough community since 2006, so get along for a day of family fun and a good cause this Saturday 16 March.
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FEAST MARLBOROUGH Exclusive locations, local culinary talent, celebrity chefs and the best local produce: Feast Marlborough has something for everyone.
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“This year’s diverse mix of events is testament to the outstanding food, wine and culinary talent we have across our region. Feast is set to be an exceptional long weekend of wining and dining here in Marlborough.”
A four day food extravaganza kicks off on Thursday May 9, when Feast Marlborough brings the region’s best produce and culinary talent together, to share with food-loving visitors and locals. The celebration kicks off with the WK Gala Feast, hosted by the talented Arbour team, and festivities continue the following night at the Bayleys Friday Night Feast street party in central Blenheim. On Saturday and Sunday, the Marlborough Underground programme will allow you to dig up some of the hidden gems of Marlborough’s buzzing foodie scene with a series of exclusive culinary experiences in unique locations. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that there is something for everyone. The Marlborough Underground programme ranges in price from $15 to $195 and includes everything from street parties, brunch and BBQ banquets to wild game and foraged feasts and indulgent long lunches in the Marlborough Sounds,” says Feast Marlborough organiser Chris Shaw.
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The programme includes four of New Zealand’s top chefs; Sid Sahrawat, Ben Bayly, Mark Southon and Shaun Clouston, alongside local producer and culinary stars.
Cloudy Bay Vineyard’s Treehouse will host a sumptuous sixcourse menu featuring Ora King Salmon and cooked by Chef Shaun Clouston.
Sid Sahrawat will bring his award-winning Indian restaurant Cassia to Scotch Wine Bar in central Blenheim and prepare an extraordinary Indian fusion meal featuring lamb from Marlborough’s own Flaxbourne Pure.
“This year’s diverse mix of events is testament to the outstanding food, wine and culinary talent we have across our region. Feast is set to be an exceptional long weekend of wining and dining here in Marlborough,” says Chris.
Cruise the Queen Charlotte Sound before enjoying a four course lunch created by visiting Chef Ben Bayly, featuring decadent Black Garlic from Marlborough Garlic. This long lunch is hosted at Waterfall Bay and matched with organic and biodynamic wines from Seresin Estate. Chef Mark Southon will collaborate with local chef Bradley Hornby at Arbour on a menu of foraged ingredients and wild game from Premium Game.
Kick up your feet and ‘Dine and Jive’ at Le Café in Picton, enjoy the seaside charms of Havelock with a Mills Bay Mussels Sunday street festival, and in Blenheim feast on beer and BBQ at 5 Tapped or revel in a whistle-stop tour of Marlborough wines at the Wine Station. Omaka Marae will offer a unique take on modern Maori cuisine, and in wine country celebrate Marlborough produce with Allan Scott Wines or treat mum at The Vines Village Mother’s Day event.
For the full programme visit feastmarlborough.nz
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AN UNDERWORLD WONDERLAND The West Coast is renowned for its spectacular scenery and untamed natural wilderness, but concealed beneath its forested surface is a land beyond, deep below, silent, timeless, ancient, dark and breathtakingly beautiful. With the help of ‘Underworld Adventures’ you can explore this incredible subterranean world for yourself. words JULIET CALDER
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Charleston is a small town with a huge history. It is hard to believe that what is now home to less than 70 permanent residents was once one of New Zealand’s foremost economic hubs. When gold was discovered here in 1866, the biggest goldrush the West Coast had seen ensued. Remnants of these glory days are still visible throughout the town, however I am here to discover a different sort of treasure altogether. As I drive into Charleston early on a Saturday morning and pull into the ‘Underworld Adventures’ headquarters, my tired brain finds it impossible to reconstruct scenes of the1860s and ‘70s, when there were reportedly more than 70 hotels in this small town as well as schools, dance halls, breweries and banks – a thriving economy gilded in gold. What is much easier to imagine, particularly as the first part of our adventure takes us on a train ride through the Nile Valley, is a time long before miners - or any people at all - had set foot in this stunning terrain. It feels like the deeper into the lush rainforest we go, the further back in time we go, and it is not images of gold panners lining the Nile River that my imagination conjures up, but scenes from a prehistoric era. It turns out that the only part of the adventure ahead that momentarily shakes that feeling that I have stepped way back in time to the age of dinosaurs, is when we reach the end of our train ride to discover a camera crew has set up camp. Word is they are here to film a documentary about dinosaurs - go figure. The next leg of our journey is by foot through the Paparoa National Park and up 131 stairs to reach the entrance of the Ananui Cave system. Only discovered in the 1960s, this cave is about as untouched as any accessible cave system in the world. Our group is carefully briefed before we enter about the importance of keeping hands to ourselves in order to keep it that way, then we switch on our headlamps and venture in. What we discover within the limestone cliffs is an underworld wonderland, created by the forces of nature over the last 200,000 years, artfully carved into rock and beautifully decorated over time; a land varying from tiny passages to boundary-less chambers; either abandoned, filled or overflown by water. As we weave our way through the limestone maze
and gradually descend through three levels of the cave system, our guide steers our attention towards some of the more impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and fossils that have been here for as many as 25,000 years. These are timespans and natural phenomena of a mind-blowing scale. There is more magic to be found once we reach the lower levels – with headlamps switched off, the cave’s natural lighting system takes over. The walls and ceiling of the cave become illuminated by glow worms, and it is more beautiful than any man-made light show I have witnessed. This is where the full body wetsuits and inflated rubber tyres we have been carrying come into play. An underground river weaves through the lower level of the cave and our guide assists us in lying back on our tyres in the water and form a floating human chain, each of us holding the feet of the person behind us. We slowly float through the cave like this, each one of us spellbound by the galaxy of glow worms above. I have seen glow worms before, and they are pretty cool little creatures, however this was a glow worm experience unlike any other; magical, almost supernatural, confirmation of Mother Nature’s genius. Eventually the first rays of sunlight that we have seen in a couple of hours peak into the cave. The river guides us to the cave’s exit and we emerge into another stunning West Coast vista. Once instructions for handling the rapids ahead and advice to keep bottoms well raised are issued, we head off on our tubes for the fun river ride back. Exciting enough, while being far from frightening, this is the kind of river ride that nearly anyone can enjoy (just don’t forget that advice to keep bottoms up!). Arriving back in Charleston, hot showers await and the tranquility of this untouched world stays behind. Photo cards are issued (all part of the package), however we all know that photos will never do this experience justice. This is a sight you need to see with your own eyes, an experience that will stir the imagination, and a fascinating insight into a miraculous world beyond our daily reality. The Underworld Rafting Tour is one of four experiences run by ‘Underworld Adventures’.
For more information and to book your own adventure visit caverafting.com
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In the 1860s -70s, Charleston reportedly had more than 70 hotels in this small town as well as schools, dance halls, breweries and banks - a thriving economy gilded in gold.
ForFor simply simply thethe best best UnderWorld UnderWorld Adventures. Adventures. UnderWorld UnderWorld Rafting Rafting GlowGlow Worm Worm CaveCave TourTour Adventure Adventure Caving Caving Nile Nile RiverRiver Rainforest Rainforest TrainTrain
caverafting.com caverafting.com 03 788 03 8168 788 8168 Charleston Charleston NewNew Zealand Zealand
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GET SEA-LEGS FOR ALL TYPES OF TRAVEL SICKNESS! AVAILABLE AT YOUR PHARMACY Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. May cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol and driving. Radiant Health Ltd, Auckland. TAPS PP1692. LOTJ 2017-12-048
WHAT’S THAT NOISE? A N E X P L A N AT I O N O F UNUSUAL SOUNDS DURING Y O U R F L I G H T. words R I C H A R D K E N N A R D | S O U N D S A I R P I L O T
Have you ever sat in a plane and heard strange noises other than the engine? Did you wonder if those noises were normal? Flying is a fairly noisy experience, and it can be stressful for some more so than others.
Separator will usually be in the closed position as this allows ram air to be forced into the engine increasing power and efficiency however the pilot may operate the inertial separator during the cruise depending on atmospheric conditions.
Defying gravity at 30,000 feet is not a natural phenomenon for humans; nor is it something we have evolved to do, hence we have had to create aircraft. These creations have evolved too, which now means we can travel long distances much quicker, while comfortably sitting in a tin can far above the world. Views, vibrations, movements, pressure changes, and of course noises, form the experience of every flight.
BEEPING AND HORNS
Whether you fly with us frequently or it is your first time, an explanation of the noises you may hear while travelling on board Sounds Air could help you learn a little more about flying, and put your mind at ease. T H E I N E RT I A L S E PA R ATO R
What does it sound like? In the cabin as the pilot opens or closes the Inertial Separator it can make a clunk or banging noise. Sometimes this is louder than other times, and the reason for this is the air can be passing through the mechanism at speeds in excess of 300 kph. What does it do? The Inertial Separator is exactly what the name suggests - it separates air flow based on inertia (mass and velocity). Basically anything that weighs more than air, for example: water, ice, dust, stones etc will be separated out and dumped overboard leaving only fresh air to enter the engine. Both the Cessna Caravan and Pilatus PC12 have this device. The PC12 is an electric switch activated system and generally silent, whereas the Caravan is lever activated and linked to the mechanism thus you may hear its operation as the pilot operates the lever. When is it used? The Inertial Separator is used during start up, taxi, take-off and landing. It is normally closed shortly after take-off and reopened on approach to land. This is when you will most likely hear its operation. During the cruise the
There are many different beeps designed to draw the pilot’s attention to a particular condition. Here are some of the most common normal alerts you may hear. A LT I T U D E A L E R T E R
This is a device designed to alert the pilot when the aircraft is getting close to a selected altitude (either in climb or descent), and to remind the pilot to monitor the level out at the designated altitude. There are slight variations in the avionics in our fleet and this noise can vary slightly from 3 fairly rapid beeps to a one second constant tone. All commercial aircraft have these fitted, and therefore is a very common sound occurring several times on each flight. AUTOPILOT DISCONNECT
When the pilot disconnects the autopilot to begin hand flying this will make an aural alert to draw the pilot’s attention to this condition. It ensures the pilot is aware that the autopilot has disconnected and that they now have control of the aircraft. Depending on the aircraft, this normally sounds like 5 semi rapid beeps or about a 1.5 second constant tone. B E F O R E STA RT I N G T H E E N G I N E
On particular flights the pilot will test the aural and visual alerts. This will light up the crew alerting and warning panel and play the certain beeps and tones. So next time you fly with us, listen out for these noises. Hopefully it will give you some more understanding of the aircraft systems, and help you rest easy now that you know a little more about what they are and what they do. Relax and enjoy your Sounds Air flight.
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TEAM SOUNDS AIR John Stace CHAIRMAN
John built a career in the financial services sector in London, including as Deputy Chairman of Lloyd’s. Returning to New Zealand in 2005, John has also served on the Board of Genesis Energy, Edward Lumley Holdings, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Equestrian Sports New Zealand. He has contributed his wealth of knowledge and experience to Sounds Air as Board Chairman since 2016. W H AT AT T R AC T E D YO U TO A GOVERNANCE ROLE WITH SOUNDS AIR?
When I first met Andrew Crawford and Steve Handyside it became apparent to me that Sounds Air was excelling as a regional airline, punching above its weight in many areas and delivering an outstanding product to the travelling public, but for understandable reasons its interest in a regulatory structure supporting the practical capabilities that already existed, were probably seen as being of limited interest and value. My background of founding a quoted
company listed on the London Stock Exchange and from Directorships I have held both in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand, suggested to me that Sounds Air required a transformational change in the way they corporately managed their thriving business. I am a stickler for good governance, board accountability and corporate transparency. What has been so pleasing is the way that senior management at Sounds Air have responded to a Board insistence of a tighter and more accountable governance structure. I believe we are now “governance leaders” in our industry with our regulators enthusiastically supporting the many good governance and safety measures we are putting in place. I N YO U R V I E W W H AT M A K E S S O U N D S A I R S P E C I A L?
A question I have no trouble in answering. Since the day I was invited by Andrew and Steve to join the Board and become Chairman it has been, without doubt, the most exciting
and interesting appointment I have taken on. Every day is different, opportunities abound and literally “reaching for the stars” propels me forward. Whether I am in New Zealand or travelling abroad, there is always interest in aviation and when one raises the history and pedigree of Sounds Air with total strangers, you suddenly realise you are a part of a remarkable success story. I admire the way Andrew Crawford runs the company, his relationship with all our colleagues and his tenacity in shepherding this thriving company through a maze of regulatory and corporate governance requirements. I recall last year meeting Gary Chapman, a New Zealander who is President of Group Services & Dnata at Emirates Airlines. He joined Emirates 29 years ago when Emirates owned just three aeroplanes. As we each recalled our first roles in the aviation industry (Gary’s much more serious than mine) I couldn’t help but speculate at what might be the future of Sounds Air, a very special airline.
YOU & US
@grazihernz
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@marlborough_aero_club
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A collection of photos by You of Us. Share your photos using #soundsair for your chance to be featured next issue. @juliagoessi
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SOUNDS AIR ROUTE MAP + AIRPORT GUIDE
ALL LOCATIONS Check-in opens ONE HOUR PRIOR to departure.
BLENHEIM
NELSON
TAUPO
(NZWB / BHE)
(NZNS/ NSN)
(NZAP/ TUO)
MARLBOROUGH AIRPORT
NELSON AIRPORT
TAUPO AIRPORT
Tancred Cres, Springlands, Woodbourne
Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, Nelson
1105 Anzac Memorial Dr Wharewaka, Taupo
CHECK-IN
CHECK-IN
CHECK-IN
CHRISTCHURCH
PARAPARAUMU
WELLINGTON
(NZCH/ CHC)
(NZPP/ PPQ)
(NZWN/ WLG)
CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
KAPITI COAST AIRPORT
WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Main Terminal Building
30 Durey Rd Christchurch
CHECK-IN
Main Terminal Building
60 Toru Rd, Paraparaumu Beach (To get to Toru Rd, go through Ocean Rd and then Bluegum Rd)
Main Airport Building
Stewart Duff Drive Rongotai, Wellington Airport, Wellington
CHECK-IN
Ground floor, Main Check-In Area
CHECK-IN
Main Airport Building
Level One, Domestic Terminal, Main Check-In Area
NAPIER
PICTON
WESTPORT
(NZNR/ NPE)
(NZPN/ PCN)
(WSZ)
HAWKES BAY AIRPORT
PICTON AIRPORT
WESTPORT AIRPORT
State Highway 1 Koromiko, Marlborough (8 km south of Picton)
CHECK-IN
Main North Rd, Hawkes Bay Airport, Napier
CHECK-IN
Main Airport Building
Tiphead Rd, Carters Beach Main Airport Building
CHECK-IN
Main Terminal Building
For flight schedules and more information visit
soundsair.com
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Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre Picton Foreshore 1 Auckland St Ph 03 573 6868 info@edwinfoxship.nz Explore the decks and depths and discover the fascinating stories! An all weather, family friendly activity. Open everyday from 9am to 5 pm (closed Christmas day).
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r mu HEADING OUT FROM WESTPORT? We’ve got a fantastic range of rental vehicles from just $50 per day. Book now on our website or give the friendly team a call. Call us +64 27 432 9839 4 Adderley Street, Westport rimumotors.co.nz
WORD FIND Sounds Air Blenheim Westport Taupo
Napier Nelson Paraparaumu Christchurch
DISCOVER MARLBOROUGH with the region’s leading provider of quality tours from daily options to private tours. Wine tours. Fishing Charters. Bespoke & Scenic Tours. Cruise Ship Excursions.
94 Wellington Street, Picton phone +64 3 5738843 reservations 0800PICTON (NZ only) email tours@soundsconnection.com
www.soundsconnection.com
SOUNDS AIR
ANIMAL ALPHABET CHALLENGE Can you name a animal for each letter of the alphabet? WRITE THEM DOWN HERE
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
WELCOME. DISCOVER. EXPLORE.
Sounds good Your Complimentary Copy
Open daily 10 - 4 Brayshaw Heritage Park 26 Arthur Baker Place, Blenheim Phone: 5781712 info@marlboroughmuseum.org.nz Facebook.com/marlboroughmuseum
OUR ROOMS Courtyard Queen Studio Courtyard Twin Studio Family Studio Unit 207 Palmerston Street, Westport Telephone: +64 3 789 7889 Email: reception@thewestport.co.nz
www.westportmotorhotel.co.nz
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25 sections SOLD
Live where the grass is greener Only steps from the heart of the leafy historic town of Lincoln, Verdeco Park is an exclusive residential offering that has been purposefully designed to magnify the connection between nature and healthy living by providing a framework that empowers residents to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Build a better lifestyle
A healthier future
Community orchard
Electric car station
Native plantings
Verdeco Park features generous sections ranging from 640m²-6,000m²
Embracing eco-design innovations that enable you to live sustainably
Communal orchard and garden areas designed to bring residents and community together
Open walk ways and cycle ways, plus centrally located electric car charging stations
Native trees and plantings throughout Verdeco Park have been cleverly chosen
Proud supporters of the Verdeco Park Tai Tapu Run Festival.
Mick Sidey
Sally Hargreaves
Ben Harris
027 229 8888
021 125 1545
021 995 596
mick.sidey@bayleys.co.nz
sally.hargreaves@bayleys.co.nz
ben.harris@bayleys.co.nz
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Zonta Marlborough Zonta International is a global organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Founded in 1919 in the USA, Zonta International has 30,000 members in 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries. In New Zealand Zonta has been active for 50 years, and has 28 clubs across the country. The inaugural meeting of the Marlborough chapter was held at the Picton Motor Lodge on 23 June 1973, and a new Marlborough Club (the current one) was formed in 1994. Members volunteer their time, talents and money to support women and girls in their local communities, run projects in many parts of the world to improve the lives of women, and advocate on women’s issues at all levels of society. There are scholarship and award programmes for furthering women’s education and also youth leadership development through Z Clubs and Golden Z Clubs. 70
Zonta Marlborough has supported and fundraised for various causes that assist women in the region. For example, it has provided neo-natal foetal monitors and purpose-built chairs for breast-feeding to go in the maternity wing at Wairau Hospital; supported the 125 years of women’s suffrage by planting five “Kate Sheppard” white camellias in Pollard Park; supported the ‘Women Standing Tall’ project with the Marlborough Museum; awarded the Amelia Earhart Flying Scholarship in partnership with the Marlborough Aero Club; and have currently initiated a Zonta Women in Aviation Scholarship to assist talented women avionics engineers to transition from RNZAF into private practice. The next big event for Zonta Marlborough is a breakfast celebrating International Women’s Day to be held at the Marlborough Convention Centre on Friday 8 March, with proceeds from the event going to UN Women’s projects in the Pacific and other Zonta causes.
S O U N D S A I R I S A P R O U D LY R E G I O N A L A N D S T A U N C H LY C O M M U N I T Y- M I N D E D A I R L I N E . WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THE SUPPORT O F T H E R E G I O N S T H AT W E SERVICE, AND SO WE ARE COMMITTED TO GIVING BACK TO THOSE COMMUNITIES IN VA R I O U S WAYS . S O U N D S A I R IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND PA R T N E R W I T H A VA R I E T Y O F COMMUNITY GROUPS AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE C O U N T R Y.
ARE YOU ACHIEVING YOUR MARKETING GOALS? It might be a simple question but it can make many business owners and managers nervous because this important part of business is often left to luck. If setting goals with measurable, achievable, specific outcomes doesn’t happen then you’re left wondering what happened to all that money in the marketing budget. Worse still, you shortchange your business because it could have used those resources to grow and develop.
amplify your brand.
WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT? Start by talking to your team. Find out what the customer service team is hearing most often. Listen carefully. Look closely at what issues your accountant is concerned about. Check in on your competitors, are they doing something that you think you should be? Be broad minded and put aside any personal biases you may have about what your brand does or does not do. Then talk to experts who have an outside perspective and can see your challenges and opportunities with a clean slate. T H A T ’S W H E R E W E C O M E I N . Buutveld Carter is an agency that values people and ethics over quick fixes. We want to work with good people to do good business. We will become invested in your business. But we will still retain enough distance to see the whole forest, not just the trees. Traditional agencies will help you with your look. They might help you with your advertising or digital strategies. Some manage your social media or email marketing. We do that too. But we don’t stop there. We go deeper. We go wider. Marketing. Design. Digital. Websites. Events. But this isn’t about us. It’s about you. It’s about cleverly constructed strategies. It’s implementation of plans that will see your business succeed. It’s building brands that stand the test of time. It’s seeing your financial goals met. It’s marketing budgets that don’t feel like a money pit. It’s about time to take action. But there is a catch (isn’t there always). You have to let us help you. But it isn’t hard. We’re easy to get, all you have to do is call. Or text. Or e-mail. Anthony Li +64 22 088 2908 anthony@buutveldcarter.com
buutveldcarter.com
hello@buutveldcarter.com
½ TRUTH: ENOUGH SPACE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE FULL TRUTH: AND YOUR MATES’ The world’s first Super Versatile Jet takes off! No other business jet features an enormous cargo door integral to its design, which is exactly why Pilatus made it standard in the new PC-24. Whether it’s a bulky prototype to show your top client or your favourite mountain bike, we just removed the words “it won’t fit” from your pilot’s vocabulary. Load whatever you want and fly PC-24 – contact us now! Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd • Adelaide • +61 8 8238 1600 • www.pilatus-aircraft.com