Supporting Local Tourism

Canterbury Earthquake The whole of NZ has been devastated to hear about the situation following last weeks earthquake. The impact will undoubtedly be felt for many years not just in the lives of those directly affected, but by the entire community. Brief discussions that we have had with friends and clients in the Christchurch area have given us an even more vivid idea of the plight in which people find themselves – much more so than can be understood from media news bulletins. We have decided to use this newsletter as a way of passing on useful information as well as suggestions for assistance. Of our own clients, (click on their name to view more detail) Piko Wholefoods Co-op,  Liberty Market and Lyttelton based Lyttel Piko Wholefoods Co-op  are currently closed, from what we understand no one was hurt and they will be reopening once the clean-up has taken place. The All-Organic Grocer shop located in Beckenham is open albeit with a reduced shop s pace, but a good supply of all produce. They are doing a brisk trade, additionally supplying customers who would normally be shopping at two neighbouring supermarkets that are both closed. The Breadman Organic Bakery re-opened yesterday. Tel: 03 365 0990) or email them and order if you have specific bread you would like and they will bake it for you. We have no information about Eternal Delight Café, we understand no one was hurt at She Chocolaterie and Café but it is closed until further notice. Of the accommodation businesses we have listed, Matua Gardens Retreat are offering space for people needing shelter. At Okuti Gardens everyone is well, they have their own water and waste system so they are independent and operational. They have places available for refugees. Accommodation includes 1 yurt, 2 tipis, tent and camping spaces, All services at Okuti are available and there is no charge for people from the central city who need help. Governors Bay B&B  is fully operati onal with toilets, hot water and all services working. At Manaaki Eco Farmstay every one is safe, they have a full complement of family, friends and refugees staying with them. Cynthia from Harbour Shakti Homestay is safe but closed for business. She has no water, no sewage system, but she does have power. She is very active in the community organising and distributing rescue resources. Anybody who can contribute food or other necessities please contact her. (Click to view listing) It is doubtful that her business will resume for some considerable time. Stephanie from Christchurch Bike Tours told us they are all safe, their house is livable, but the business will not be running for the foreseeable future. No message from Wish B&B,  or Ananda Cottage and Spa. Apart from injuries and fatalities the earthquake has left many businesses in ruins. For those wishing to make a financial contribution to support the people of Canterbury there is the Red Cross earthquake appeal.  www.redcross.org.nz Farmers Markets New Zealand are also taking donations that will be pooled and used to specifically help Canterbury members markets' and their food producers. http://fmnz.blogspot.com/p/canterbury-earthquake-donations.html Additionally for those of our clients living close but outside the Christchurch area who may be able to take in refugees it may be worth considering offering opportunities for Wwoofing. Go to the website www.wwoof.co.nz Several of our clients have specifically mentioned the need to support Hans and Janice Schaper of Avoka Valley Gardens who have been a major influence in the organic movement in the Christchurch area, they are currently unable to access their property and may enjoy an opportunity to get away for a while. www. heathcotevalley.communityspot.org.nz FARMERS MARKETS Canterbury Farmers' Market to open Despite the Earthquake the Canterbury Farmers' Market will be trading this weekend, this is an opportunity to meet with friends and family while supporting local food producers. Hours: Saturday 9 am to 12 noon. It will be held outside Riccarton House. For more info please contact 03 348 6190 Lyttelton Farmers' Market closed but ….. It will re-open as soon as possible. It will be announcing its re-opening in the coming weeks and our thoughts are with all of the the Lyttlelton food producers and consumers who support this hugely successful farmers' market. AN URGENT REQUEST This is an urgent request from The Earth Building Assoc of NZ Committee. The Earth Building Assoc of NZ (EBANZ) is (again) funding a team of University Professors, Engineers and/or Architects to travel to Canterbury and compile a detailed report on earth buildings including any/all natural buildings  – straw bale, light earth, wattle & daub (etc) affected by the Canterbury earthquake.  (Yes, they did this in October 2010 following the first large quake in Canterbury) This exercise will again give them valuable, specific information on the performance of earthen/natural structures during seismic activity.  The results of this study will help EBANZ, the international community and future generations understand earth building design more fully and will certainly promote "the art and science of earth/natural building" The date of this trip is being confirmed but will probably be in mid March. The Request: If you own an earth/natural building and felt the shake, please email graeme@ecodesign.co.nz PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL  BUSINESSES Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Tim Hunter says it is important that tourism businesses outside of the affected areas continued welcoming visitors. “It’s really important that people don’t look at New Zealand as being totally damaged. The quake has done considerable damage to Christchurch city and Lyttelton, but tourism infrastructure in the rest of the Canterbury province, as well as the rest of the South Island and the North Island, is operating normally.” Cantabrian and Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan in an interview with the New Zealand Herald on Sunday put it very clearly “The worst thing that can happen is that people stop visiting. No matter what fundraising people do, it's a drop in the bucket compared to tourism." NEW LISTINGS ON ORGANIC EXPLORER Earthbush Bed and Breakfast Luxury Rammed Earth Home on the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Click to view The Herbal Dispensary A retail shop on the wild west coast at Raglan, who try to source all their food as locally as possible. They also have a great range of fresh organic fruit and veg. Click to view Kaikoura Wilderness Walks Experience the Wilderness Walk of a Lifetime. A 2 or 3 day Private Guided Walk through Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve, Kaikoura. Click to view Top 10 Eco-Lodge Shearwater Lodge has recently been named one of the top 10 eco-lodges in the latest issue of Australia & NZ magazine. Kaikoura Wilderness Walks owns the lodge which has its own hydro electric system to generate the lodge power.   The team at Shearwater Lodge which is situated in the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve, an area of International Signgificance are also involved in the protection the Huttons Shearwater birds who nest in their backyard at 1800 metres above the sea. Guests on the exclusive guided walk are treated to luxurious accommodation at the eco friendly lodge in its alpine environment (1000m). For more information on the walks, wilderness and accommodation  see: www.kaikourawilderness.co.nz MARCH EVENTS Seaweek February 26 – 6 March 2011 Seaweek is an annual event run by the NZ Association for Environmental Education that allows New Zealanders to come together and, celebrate the sea. It provides a wide range of opportunities for people to learn about our fantastic marine environment and share their experiences of the sea. www.seaweek.org.nz Autumn Migration Day Miranda Firth of Thames March 6th (Sun) 2011 9am Guest Speaker: Mark Bellingham – 'State of the Firth of Thames'. High tide 08:30am so birdwatching first then talk at 11am, birding afterwards. See Arctic birds at their best as they get themselves ready for migration. All welcome! www.miranda-shorebird.org.nz Insight Dialogue and the Path of Peace Coromandel Peninsula 7 Day Retreat 11th-19th March 2011 Venue: Te Moata retreat centre, Coromandel Peninsula Email: info@temoata.org www.temoata.org SPECIALS The Tree House Hokianga, Northland An owner-built wooden lodge, cabins and tent sites in 6 hectares of native forest, subtropical gardens and woodland near the Hokianga Harbour ferry. Singles Special- Tranquil retreat for single travellers for stays of 2 or more nights. Single room in cabin $60 per night, includes all bedding and towel. Cook your own food in fully equipped shared kitchen or eat at local cafes. Only valid to 21-Apr-2011 Click to view Paihia Cottage Northland Central Paihia 100 metres from waterfront chemical free, naturopath, massage clinic also organic wheatgrass and juicing. Free 15 minute or 25% off full hour massage, for any two or more nights booking with Paihia Cottage. Valid  to 08-Apr-2011 Click to view THINGS I LIKE Kaiwaka Organics Kaiwaka Organics Heritage Garden Centre has just released its winter catalogue. If you live in the North Island, now is the time to place an order for a stunning variety of heritage fruit stock. Enjoy your own heritage varieties of fruit AND growing them yourself in your own back yard. Download the Catalogue  click here Email Romi to get your copy shop@kaiwakaorganics.co.nz Raw Hearts Chocolate OMG I have just tried this incredible chocolate. It comprises only raw ingredients and is hugely expensive for a small bar, but its sensational. It tastes the way you always imagine chocolate is going to taste – but never quite does. It’s a revelation. Try even just a little bit. Available in health stores around the country, or on-line. http://rawhearts.com/ Marama Organics Delicious organically farmed, gluten-free and preservative free sausages, awarded a special mention in the recent Cuisine Artisan Awards. Buy direct from www.maramaorganics.co.nz Or to look at their website for the list of selected retailers throughout NZ. Please email your news and events notices to leonie@organicexplorer.com for entry in the next newsletter. Organic Explorer – Connecting you to a growing network of tourism across New Zealand committed to organics, supporting local community and conservation.

This e-mail was sent to you only because your e-mail address, post@posterous.com is on the Organic Explorer mailing list. We strive to only send e-mail to those who want to receive it. If you would not like to receive future e-mails from us, click here to unsubscribe or reply to this email with the subject line “Unsubscribe” This is an email from Organic Explorer, P.O.Box 514, , Whakatane New Zealand. If you have any questions, please email leonie@organicexplorer.com or call Copyright © 2007 -Organic Explorer, All Rights Reserved

Our summer harvest

NEW LISTINGS ON ORGANIC EXPLORER Marama Organic Farmstay Sunflower Cottage is a rural farmstay escape on our 3000 acre organic farm in South Otago. Click to view Catlins Horse Riding Experience the coastal Catlins on horseback, located on a 660 hectare certified organic sheep and beef farm in South Otago. Click to view Breadman Organic Bakery Fabulous fresh organic breads and crackers, made by artisan bakers in the heart of Christchurch. Click to view Ohui Retreat Centre A yoga retreat located by a beautiful white-sand beach two hours from Auckland. Click to view Santa Gardens Sunflower/vegetable/fruit/herb community garden in Invercargill. Click to view SPECIAL OFFER Joya Garden and Villa Studios & Organic B&B 10% discount for bookings during February. Plus a FREE organic breakfast, when staying longer than 2 days. Click to view FEBRUARY EVENTS Fall in love with responsible tourism I met Ron Mader the founder of Planeta.com at an Ecotourism Conference in 2007. One of his current projects is the next Responsible Tourism Week – an unconventional, online un-conference that takes place Feb 14-18, 2011. Responsible Tourism Week is a fun mash-up exploring down to earth applications of noble concepts including responsible tourism, the local travel movement and ecotourism with practical and inexpensive Web 2.0 technologies. Come take a look and participate – www.planeta.com/planeta/11/1101rtweek.html Bike to the Market – Timaru Start: 13 Feb 2011 9:30am Location / Venue: Scenic Reserve (Claremont Road entrance) Timaru Join a fun, family-friendly, and almost entirely off-road 14km group bike ride through the Scenic Reserve to the Timaru Farmers Market. Start 9.30 am from the carpark at the Claremont Road entrance to the Scenic Reserve. Arriving at Timaru Farmers Market approx 11am. Free berry sundae and fruit drink for all riders. Children's spot prizes. For more on this and numerous other cycle activities around NZ see: www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz Prana Eco-Retreat – ELEMENTAL @ PRANA Fri 18 Feb – Mon 21 Feb (Full Moon) Opoutere, Coromandel A new fresh event for people who are young at heart and need a getaway weekend this Summer in gorgeous coastal Opoutere (2 hours south of Auckland). Cost: Adult 16+ Pre-Sale $65. (Gate-Sale $95). – Child/Youth 5-15yrs Pre-Sale $30. Family Package (2 Adults with 2 Child/Youth) Pre-Sale $145. (Gate-Sale $205). This ticket provides: Access to all music, beach and all other programme activities Car-parking at tent site Free choice of all Campsites 4 Days and 3 Nights camping 742 Ohui Rd, Ohui, Opoutere Tel: 07 865 7620 info@prana.co.nz www.prana.co.nz/Festivals/program.htm Yoga Ecology Retreat Friday 25th – Sunday 27th February Anahata Yoga Retreat Takaka, Golden Bay You are invited to explore the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether through an interactive yoga ecology retreat. This is an opportunity to connect with the micro and macro cosmos through postures, meditation, eco-walks and karma yoga in the kitchen and garden. Anahata Yoga retreat has solar power, earth buildings and organic gardens. Join Swami Karma Karuna and retreat residents in living a simple, healthy lifestyle in and with nature. Fees: NZ$295 (2 Night Retreat with shared accommodation) Earlybird Discount NZ$265 if paid in full by 31st January 2011. Non-refundable deposit of NZ$100 required to hold your place. Camping & other accommodation options also available please enquire. Tel: 03 525-9887 yoga@anahata-retreat.org.nz www.anahata-retreat.org.nz Lifestyle Journey's Retreat 26 -27 February 2011 Riverslea Retreat Otaki, Lower North Island Learn new skills to create abundance, Balance and direction in your life. Workshops will cover: Feng Shui and Space Clearing An Introduction to Astrology Living With Contentment The Art of Reading for People with Cards and Psychometry The Benefits of Eating a Raw/Live Food Diet Investment: $ 300.00 per person Contact 04 802 5066 / 021 1088598, sharon@lifestylejourneys.co.nz www.lifestylejourneys.co.nz COMING UP TreeDimensions Orchard Apple Tasting Day Easter Saturday 23, April 2011 10am – 6pm, Motueka After close to 30 years of trialing a range of initially 225 apple varieties this privately funded research project is being drawn to a conclusion. As a dedicated biodynamic/organic grower, Dieter Proebst was motivated by the search for particularly disease resistant fruit varieties. Naturally several other criteria are relevant for successful cropping. Last time they opened their gates for such an event (2003) they had over 100 apple varieties on hand for sampling. Once again Dieter will start the day with an introductory talk and orchard walk. After some refreshments you will proceed to test and taste the apple varieties on hand. They are looking forward to the lively discussion and appraisal by those attending the event. Treedimensions Nursery has been closed since the year 2000. As orchardists they do propagate their own replacement trees and some will be available for sale in winter 2011 and 2012. It is important to book in for the day as soon as possible (limited numbers). The entry fee is $25 per person. Treedimensions Orchard 58 Shaggery Road, Westbank, Motueka Phone 03/528 8718 Fax 03/528 8454 Email orchard@treedimensions.co.nz www.treedimensions.co.nz LIVE THE GOOD LIFE The Artists House Whitianga, Coromandel A unique opportunity has arisen to experience living in a unique artisan retreat in the glorious Coromandel. Julie Burns-Nevin and Gary Nevin who spent many years creating their two-storey stabilised adobe home, gallery and organic orchard have decided to do a bit of travelling and are looking to rent their amazing creation to like minded people who might want to experience living the eco-lifestyle. The dates of availability are from the 3rd May until September. (This might become a yearly activity). Email Gary for more info: artistshouse@hotmail.com Phone: 07 866 3331 www.dreamland.co.nz/artistshouse For a full list of Organic Explorer events and activities please visit our Events page. Please email your news and events notices to leonie@organicexplorer.com for entry in the next newsletter. Organic Explorer – Connecting you to a growing network of tourism across New Zealand committed to organics, supporting local community and conservation.

This e-mail was sent to you only because your e-mail address, post@posterous.com is on the Organic Explorer mailing list. We strive to only send e-mail to those who want to receive it. If you would not like to receive future e-mails from us, click here to unsubscribe or reply to this email with the subject line “Unsubscribe” This is an email from Organic Explorer, P.O.Box 514, , Whakatane New Zealand. If you have any questions, please email leonie@organicexplorer.com or call Copyright © 2007 -Organic Explorer, All Rights Reserved

Summer Events

NEW LISTINGS ON ORGANIC EXPLORER All-Organic Grocer Fruit and vegetables at affordable prices. Bread and baked goods, dairy and soy products and more, located in Beckenham, Christchurch. Click to view JANUARY EVENTS Sculpture at Miranda Exhibition opening 3pm Saturday January 8th 2011 Show continues until January 31, 1107 Miranda Road, Firth of Thames. Set in an organic orchard and garden and includes some of NZ's finest artists. For more info: www.sculpture@miranda.com SPECIAL OFFER When visiting the Sculpture at Miranda, why not take a couple of extra days and stay close by at: Tikapa Moana Organic Health Retreat Offering a COUPLES GETAWAY for $695 Includes … Two nights’ luxury accommodation, farm fresh organic breakfasts, 2 therapeutic treatments (watsu or massage), use of far infrared sauna & hydrotherapeutic spa pool (Add-on: 3rd night for extra $140). See: http://www.tikapamoana.com/ Summer Do! 8-15 January 2011, Whangarei The annual “Summer Do” is held in the beautiful and inspiriational environment at the Quarry Arts Centre. It is the longest running mixed media summer school in NZ (currently in its 24th year) and a highlight of the Northland Arts Calendar. The Quarry is the perfect place to immerse oneself into their intensive 7, half or 3 day courses designed to be stimulating, inclusive, intensive and fun. The “Do” also includes informal talks by participating tutors and fun evening events. For more info see: http://quarryarts.org/summer_do/ Luminate Festival 27th January – 1st February 2011, Canaan Downs, Takaka Hill Luminate is an earth friendly festival of music, art, dance, creativity and sustainability. Rejuvenate at Luminate: a place to re-energise on the dancefloor, participate in workshops, be inspired about living sustainably, receive a massage, join in drumming around the fire, relax with a warm chai, watch an enlightening movie, be in harmony with nature, and celebrate a sense of conscious community. This family friendly event is becoming a highlight of the Tasman summer, where people can escape from the busyness of their everyday lives, and enjoy an affordable fun packed holiday with their friends and family in a beautiful natural setting. See: www.luminatefestival.co.nz International Permaculture Design Course With Darren Doherty 1-15 February, 2011, Rainbow Valley Farm, Matakana This course enables participants to gain a permaculture design certificate (PDC) while studying on a working permaculture farm. This is an intensive 14-day course. Where you have the chance to get fully immersed in the permaculture way of thinking and acting. Darren Doherty is an Australian who has been teaching permaculture for 16 years in Australia, NZ, USA, Argentina, Spain and Vietnam. He is an experienced and sought after designer with more than 1200 designs to his name. Price: $1650 – $2210 depending on accommodation needs. They offer a range of options on or off Rainbow Valley Farm. For more info contact: officerainbowvalleyfarm@gmail.com BUSINESS FOR SALE Arcadia Organics Shop and Café Peter and Linda Woodgate have decided to sell their well-known Shop and Café of seven years, Arcadia Organics, located in Motueka township. They are going to concentrate on developing their natural and holistic practitioner business and run workshops throughout NZ. However, they would love the shop to continue and be taken to the next level of service to the community by someone with fresh energy and input. For more info see www.arcadiaorganics.co.nz Please email your news and events notices to leonie@organicexplorer.com for entry in the next newsletter. Organic Explorer – Connecting you to a growing network of tourism across New Zealand committed to organics, supporting local community and conservation.

This e-mail was sent to you only because your e-mail address, post@posterous.com is on the Organic Explorer mailing list. We strive to only send e-mail to those who want to receive it. If you would not like to receive future e-mails from us, click here to unsubscribe or reply to this email with the subject line “Unsubscribe” This is an email from Organic Explorer, P.O.Box 514, , Whakatane New Zealand. If you have any questions, please email leonie@organicexplorer.com or call Copyright © 2007 -Organic Explorer, All Rights Reserved

Christmas with Organic Explorer

NEW LISTINGS ON ORGANIC EXPLORER The Tree House The Tree House is an owner-built wooden lodge, cabins and tent sites in 6 hectares of native forest, subtropical gardens and woodland near the Hokianga Harbour ferry. Click to view Escape Adventures Are a small New Zealand based company who are passionate about riding bikes. Offering personalised biking holidays, single day mountain biking trips, bike hire and transport, Escape Adventures is based in beautiful Golden Bay. Click to view The Stone Straw Homestay This owner-built rustic home in the heart of central Hawkes Bay offers a truly unique accommodation experience. Click to view 2 WINERY SPECIALS Wrights Wines Christmas Gift Boxes Wrights Wines of Gisborne have some lovely wooden gift box packages. The deal is $50 – you get to choose any bottle of wine (apart from their reserve, add $10 for this wine), their Olive Oil and their Dukkah for $50. This gift is great for special clients, family or friends. If you would like to go the non-alcoholic approach, swap the wine for two bottles of their Verjuice. Great Deal, Great Gift! If you are interested email info@wrightswines.co.nz, or call (06) 868 0967 or order online at their website www.wrightsvineyard.co.nz Richmond Plains Certified Organic & Biodynamic Wine Specials Cellar club white Christmas special To order simply click on this link http://www.richmondplains.co.nz/rpXmas10.pdf to access an order form and have a look at the special priced Whites. If you are not sure which White wine to choose or you are also interested in red wines, you can browse through the tasting notes on their website: www.richmondplains.co.nz You can also give them a call on (03) 544 7585 or, if you are in the neighbourhood, visit them at their cellar door at 108 McShane Road, Richmond – they will be happy to see you (open daily 10.30 – 4.30 – though we will be closed Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day). Sam & Lars Jensen Ph/Fx: + 64 (0)3 544 7585 SPECIAL OFFER Waipiata Luxury Lodge Waipiata is an Enviro-Gold awarded, 5 star secluded coastal luxury lodge 30 minutes north of Auckland. All reservations made before 31 December 2010 for bookings prior to 31 March 2011 will receive a voucher for $120 off a minimum two night stay. Please mention Organic Explorer when booking. Only valid until 18-Dec-2010. 657 Pukapuka Road, Mahurangi, Auckland Tel: 64 (0)9 422 0156 waipiata.co.nz LAST MINUTE If you’re like me and leaving your Christmas shopping until the last minute, remember that Kaiwaka Organics Heritage Garden Centre can provide Gift Vouchers of any denomination for the gardeners in your life. Telephone Romi on 09 431 2732 email: shop@kaiwakaorganics.co.nz or visit their website www.kaiwakaorganics.co.nz The Enriching Day Spa for men and women in central Nelson are offering a December Special Package: Deluxe Couples Treat: Spa, 60min massage, Antipodes rejuvenator facial plus a fruit platter. Relax in the private garden spa, then a massage in the same room side-by-side, followed by a rejuvenating facial. Take time to integrate and relax with a fruit platter. Allow 3 hrs for $360 per couple save $55 114 Milton St, Nelson, Tel: 03 539 4482 Email: info@enriching.co.nz www.enriching.co.nz Please email your news and events notices to leonie@organicexplorer.com for entry in the next newsletter. Organic Explorer – Connecting you to a growing network of tourism across New Zealand committed to organics, supporting local community and conservation.

This e-mail was sent to you only because your e-mail address, post@posterous.com is on the Organic Explorer mailing list. We strive to only send e-mail to those who want to receive it. If you would not like to receive future e-mails from us, click here to unsubscribe or reply to this email with the subject line “Unsubscribe” This is an email from Organic Explorer, P.O.Box 514, , Whakatane New Zealand. If you have any questions, please email leonie@organicexplorer.com or call Copyright © 2007 -Organic Explorer, All Rights Reserved

New Listing

Escape Adventures
We are a small New Zealand based company who are passionate about riding bikes.

Summer Festivals and Retreats

It’s the summer season again, why not look at getting away, see things from a different angle – and spend some time with others who share your interests?

Tauhara Christmas and New Year Gathering – ChrissieFest!
Dec 23 – Jan 3
Tauhara Centre, 60 Acacia Heights Drive, Taupo
The festival is a unique, 10-day community experience blending the traditional Christmas and New Year festivities with a universal spiritual approach. Families and single people, young and old welcome.
More info phone: (07) 378 7507
e-mail:tauhara@tauharacentre.org.nz
www.tauharacentre.org.nz/events.html

Anahatha Yoga Retreat
Date: Fri 31 Dec 2010 at 11:00 am to Sun 2 Jan 2011 at 02:00 pm
New Years Eve, Weekend Retreat, 3 Days – Golden Bay
With Swami Muktidharma & Swami Karma Karuna
Connect to living earth Gaia and the subtle energies beneath our feet.
For more details please phone: 03 525 9887
email: yoga@anahata-retreat.org.nz
www.anahata-retreat.org.nz

Prana New Year Festival 2011

30 Dec 2010 – 3 Jan 2011 – Bay of Plenty
For an uplifting 4 day & 4 night festival with more than 100 workshops, music, art, dance, and the pristine Opoutere beach for lazing on, swimming and long walks.
Buy tickets now: www.prana.co.nz

Luminate Festival
27th January – 1st February 2011,
Canaan Downs, Takaka Hill, New Zealand.
Luminate is an earth friendly festival of music, art, dance, creativity and sustainability.
More information on the festival can be found at the website:
www.luminatefestival.co.nz

Conscious Living Retreats
December 2010-April 2011 – Nelson Region
Combining 1-1 transformational program with Rose Diamond with a unique eco-living accommodation (see Natura Eco Homestay),
Organic Meals, in stunningly beautiful Nelson region.
7 and 4 night retreats
For info contact: rose@awholenewworld.net

Marine Life Tours entering 2010 National Geographic Geotourism Challenge

This years National Geographic Geotourism Challenge is aimed at organisations in the tourism industry who are working towards saving coastal and fresh water destinations.

NZ’s only entry to this international competition is Lloyd Hosken of Marine Life Tours in Opotiki whose innovative project marries tourism with the creation of a community fishing reef.

As Lloyd points out in his entry, “Despite one of the largest territorial seabed area of any country in the world, New Zealand has no Government direction nor sustained program of seabed enhancement.
While not seen as a panacea for all fisheries ills, we see reef initiation as a useful additional fisheries tool that is worthy of proper investigation and funding. Currently without any major sponsors on board, the project is in danger of coming to a grinding halt.”

Read more about the Marine Life Tours entry and support Lloyd by adding to the on-line discussion and spreading his story.