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Mt Hutt Ski Area soon to open!

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 +1200

After severe weather delivered 230mm of near-freezing rain falling in the base area in just 48 hours, temperatures at Mt Hutt plummeted last night (Wednesday) and rain turned to snow with 20cms of the white stuff falling on the existing 15cm base.

Assistant Ski Area Manager, James McKenzie, said the conditions were as severe as any staff had seen in many years but the resulting snow was very welcome in the lead up to the ski season.

“The base had taken a real hammering from rain but there is a real buzz amongst the Mt Hutt staff because the snow has just transformed the conditions,” he said. “We have yet to venture out past the top of the Exhibition Quad chair due to low visibility and deep snow drifts – there’s a good chance that its been snowing at the top of the mountain over the last few days - we can’t wait to see how things are looking up there.”

Heavy snow is forecast for the Canterbury ski area over the next three days and the mountain staff are looking at their options to ensure that preparations for opening continue to plan.

“We’ve transported our team to the base area on snow cats this morning and made sure they’ve packed their bags for a couple of nights up on the mountain.”

Mt Hutt opens on the 12th June with numerous summer improvements ranging from new mountain signage, a state-of-the-art lift access/pass system, Magic Carpet tunnel in the learners’ area and a café refit.

“It’s a very exciting time for our crew with all of our summer projects nearing completion and the arrival of great snow – the scene is set for another epic start to the winter snowsports season at Mt Hutt.”

Brancott Estate Official Sponsors of the Rugby World Cup

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:51:00 +1200

Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has signed a deal with leading wine and spirits producer Pernod Ricard New Zealand for the premium wine brand Brancott Estate to become an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Brancott Estate, the new name for New Zealand's leading Montana wine range, is a key brand in the Pernod Ricard global portfolio and the partnership with the world's third largest single sport event will provide the perfect platform to drive global awareness for the premium wine brand.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said "We are delighted to be welcoming Brancott Estate as an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand."

"The appointment of a leading New Zealand wine brand as an Official Sponsor gives a significant boost to a tournament which continues to attract major multi-nationals to a strong portfolio of Worldwide Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers."

"We look forward to working with Brancott Estate to further the promotion of the Game as the global Rugby community looks ahead to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and a tournament that looks set to write another memorable chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story."

Rugby World Cup is a perfect fit for Brancott Estate, whose brand values are closely aligned to those of Rugby's showcase tournament.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand Managing Director, Fabian Partigliani said:"The sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2011, one of the greatest sports events in the world, provides the perfect platform to drive global awareness of Brancott Estate as a leading New Zealand wine brand, particularly in key markets such as the UK and Australia and, of course, our home market of New Zealand."

The announcement of Brancott Estate as an Official Sponsor follows the appointment of Emirates Airline, MasterCard, Heineken and ANZ as Rugby World Cup 2011 Worldwide Partners, Licensing in Motion and RTH as Master Licencees, Canterbury as Official Sportswear Supplier, Gilbert Rugby as the Official Ball Supplier, Russell McVeagh as Official Law Firm and KPMG as Official Tournament Supplier of accounting and tax advisory services.

Hockey Tournament

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +1200

The Hockey season is in full swing here in Marlborough, and the 12month old turf is getting some great usage.
This weekend its the Under 13 Boys Hatch Cup tournament between Wellington, Wairarapa, Nelson and Marlborough.
Followed next weekend by the Womens A and B, and Mens meet with Nelson. There is always some rivalry there...come down and see Marlborough come out on top.

Ruapehu Cycleway Opens

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:40:00 +1200

The Prime Minister officially opened the first stage of the 200-kilometre Ruapehu to Whanganui New Zealand Cycle Trail project at Old Coach Road, Ohakune today.

The Old Coach Road segment of the Ruapehu to Whanganui Ngā Ara Tūhono trail is the beginning of a network of inter-connected trails which will pass through some of the country’s most spectacular and historically-significant scenery.

The Nga Ara Tuhono Cycleway will pass through the stunning scenery of Tongariro and Wanganui National Parks, include the iconic Bridge to Nowhere and Hapuawhenua Viaduct, and pass by the many marae along the Wanganui River Road.

Also opening today as part of the first stage of the trail is a route through the Mangapurua Valley in the Whanganui National Park.
John Key called the trail – when finished – a fantastic four-to six-day cycle tour, and one that will open up a stunning part of the country to tourists. The support of the Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils, iwi and local community groups has helped to drive this project forward and they, along with the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Tourism, can be proud of what has been achieved so far,” says Mr Key.

It is estimated the Ruapehu to Whanganui trail will bring in up to $3 million per year for the local economy through tourism.

This trail is one of seven Quick Start projects for the New Zealand Cycle Trail, and will be one of the first to have significant portions of it open to cyclists.

The trail is one of the three in which the Department of Conservation is developing in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism.A section of the 200km cycleway trail from Ohakune to Wanganui has been opened.

The Greens cycling MP Kevin Hague calls it a hint of what’s to come — a network of cycle trails that will connect some of our most picturesque countryside to our towns and cities. The Green Party is working jointly with the Government to realise a shared vision for a national cycle network.

“The long-term vision for this project is for a network of cycling routes and tracks throughout the country that can be used by tourists and recreational riders, but eventually by people also riding to work or the supermarket, and kids riding to school,” said Mr Hague.

“The Prime Minister and I have previously acknowledged that quiet, back-country links into and around towns and cities will need to be part of the network. These links also have the potential to add thousands of additional kilometres and substantial benefits to Nga Haerenga with relatively little extra cost,” Mr Hague said.

Brancott Estate Offical Sponsors of the Rugby World Cup

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1200

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said "We are delighted to be welcoming Brancott Estate as an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand."

Rugby World Cup is a perfect fit for Brancott Estate, whose brand values are closely aligned to those of Rugby's showcase tournament.

Fans apply for over 600,000 RWC 2011 tickets

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:53:00 +1200

• 165,000 applications for ticket packs
• Eden Park Packs oversubscribed
• Fans to find out success by early July

Fans from around the world have applied for more than 600,000 tickets during the first of three major ticketing sales phases for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"This is a great start and is clear evidence that both New Zealand and overseas fans will strongly support this Tournament," said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).

Applications for Venue and Team Pool Packs, which closed on May 21, totalled 125,000. In addition, 40,000 applications were received for the Quarter-final Weekend Packs in Wellington and Christchurch and the Bronze Final.

"Fans are realising how special this Tournament will be in New Zealand and this bodes well for future ticketing phases and for the event itself."

Overseas demand has been strong with the most popular Team Pool Packs (aside from New Zealand), being England, Ireland, France, South Africa and Australia.

"There has also been strong demand for Quarter-final Weekends Packs in both Wellington and Christchurch. Demand for tickets at venues aside from Eden Park, has been solid and in line with expectations.

"There has been oversubscription for the Eden Park Venue Packs and also the New Zealand Team Pack. As well, there has been some specific seating category oversubscription within some other Venue and Team Packs."

RNZ 2011 is currently processing applications.

In cases where demand exceeds availability, a randomisation process will determine success.

Successful applicants will have credit card payments deducted over the next month. All applicants successful or otherwise will, by early July, have received written advice as to the outcome of their respective applications.

"It will not be possible to satisfy demand from all fans who applied in Phase 1," said Martin Snedden.

"Unfortunately some people will be unsuccessful and, no doubt, will be disappointed. Where possible we will be going back to unsuccessful applicants with second chance pack offers."

The second phase of RWC 2011 ticketing, involving the sale of individual match tickets (excluding semi-finals and the Final) will most likely begin in September. Details of this phase will to be confirmed in July. The third phase - a ballot for tickets to the semi-finals and the Final - will take place in early 2011.

Visit the Official Rugby World Cup 2011 Website for futher infomation - www.rugbyworldcup.com

Ski the Canterbury Club Fields

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:00:00 +1200

The Canterbury "Club Fields" are ski areas operated by small ski clubs for their members, however anyone is welcome.

The club ski areas weren't intended for the weak hearted as some effort is involved, chairlifts are something you will never see and the access roads will humble any city driver.

The majority of the ski fields have no grooming, and lift access is by rope tows accompanied by a "nutcracker". Some of the fields also involve a walk even to get to the lifts. On mountain facilities range from rustic to comfortably basic. Sounds challenging? It can be!

But the rewards for a bit of effort can be amazing. Deep untracked winter powder that lasts for days, wide open bowls, steep challenging chutes, easy hiking access to extensive out of bounds bowls, peaks and ridges. A relaxed atmosphere and lifts that run late into the afternoon make for sensational spring skiing.

Crowds are rare and the fast moving rope tows ensure you'll hardly ever have to wait. The friendly staff and locals have some great yarns and will often happily share their favourite lines. Vehicle access is on scenic alpine tracks often through dense native Beech Forest.

The club fields open their doors in July and shut them by early October.

The best months are usually August and September. Mountain accommodation is limited during these months so an early booking is recommended.

Did you know...

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:18:00 +1200

Tickets for the Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show are selling fast? Have you booked yet?

Trout Fishing at Rotorua.

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:00:00 +1200

Autumn is approaching and Rotorua mornings are beginning to get a little chilly, but by lunch time we are currently enjoying beautiful clear skies, little wind and temperatures around 20 degrees. As darkness approaches it begins to get chilly again. So if you are planning a visit to our lovely city bring a pullover or jacket. It’s this wide variance in temperatures that makes Rotorua a wonderful place to live and play in.
Colder days are cooling our lakes which is good news for trout fishers. The streams are beginning to see new runs of large browns – average 4.5 kgs and rainbows heading upstream to spawn. The lake edges of Lakes Okataina, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Rerewhakaaitu and Okareka are all starting to fire with rainbows of around 3 to 3.5kg’s being caught after dark using a lumo and black fly in tandem. However in my opinion best fly fishing is yet to come, following the frosts that inevitably occur in an area situated 300 meters above sea level. Late May and June, looking back over past records, appears to be best time to fish our lake shores. However apart from stream mouths you can fish most of our lakes from the shore all year round usually with good success.
And with the twice weekly flights between Sydney and Rotorua now bedded in and operating a treat it has never been easier to enjoy what this region has to offer. Please feel free to call me if planning to visit this area and want a little insight into fishing opportunities. I’ll do my best to assist and of course recommend the best hire car to gain access to our premium spots.
For expert advice we recommend O’Keefe’s Fishing Specialists email at debug@xtra.co.nz or website www.okeefesfishing.co.nz or telephone or call in and talk to Aussie Doug

Hamilton Conservation

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:31:00 +1300

Hi to all our customers who are thinking of visiting Hamilton.

Being from Auckland, and being responsible for the management of the Hamilton website, I like to get down to Hamilton every couple of months and see what is happening. Being an animal lover, I am always pleased to see the conservation efforts that Hamilton puts in to their city.

In updating events and news, I find it really interesting that the local news website www.infonews.co.nz, 'News' section is very conservation focused. Of the 6 top stories, 4 are headed Conservation, and the News section has news on the latest monkeys born at Hamilton Zoo! On the home page, one of the top six stories is conservation focused, "Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival concert to benefit frog conservation"

So for those of you visiting us this month, who are into conservation and animals, stay a little longer and check out what else there is to see and do in this area.

Hamilton Zoo, and see the new baby Capuchin monkey, baby Zebra or Kea (that's a bird) chicks http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz
Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival concert to benefit frog conservation http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz
The Hamilton Halo project which aims to bring native birds, starting with Tui (another bird) back into Hamilton city http://www.ew.govt.nz/Projects/Hamilton-Halo

So with this in mind, we at Pegasus Rentals for every time you hire a car for 4 days or more, through 'Buy One Give One' and 'Rainforest Rescue', we will plant 5acres of forest in Indonesia. Over the past 11 years Rainforest Rescue has : bought and protected forever 11 Daintree properties; planted over 140000 trees in The Daintree, Byron Shire and Sri Lanka.

So what you will do by hiring from us is help the Indonesian project protect the habitat for the endangered orangutan in Sumatra by preventing illegal logging and clearing. The projects employs staff to patrol National Park boundaries and supports local communities in developing a livelihood that benefits from conservation.

We look forward to meeting our conservation minded friends

Nelson is NZ's Sunshine Capital for 2009

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:33:00 +1300

Nelsonians have good reason to celebrate – the region is the country's sunshine capital for 2009. Nelson clocked up 2544.8 sunshine hours for the year, 18 hours ahead of Tauranga's 2526.8 hours. Nelson beats last year's winner, arch-rival Blenheim, which this year had 2444.3 hours.

Nelson Tasman Tourism international marketing manager Astrid Fisher said Nelson's win was great news.
"It means we were able to provide visitors to Nelson with more sunny weather than any other region in New Zealand, contributing to a better holiday experience. It also means that we can confidently continue to claim the most sunshine hours in New Zealand when marketing the region."
To make the very most of its newly legitimised claim to being the sunniest region of New Zealand, Nelson Tasman Tourism has produced a logo to proclaim themselves as such!

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall was also thrilled.
"We've re-entered our rightful place as the sunniest place in New Zealand. There's never been any doubt, but occasionally we share it around the odd other centre around the country," he said today.
"People always talk about 'sunny Nelson'. We're the solar city, and this just endorses the fact that it's the best place."

Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer, from Upper Moutere, said it showed that Nelson was a good place to live and a great place to grow fruit. Nelson and Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers had a bit of rivalry, so Nelson growers were pleased to be ahead of Tauranga.

The Braziers Property Girls On Bikes

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:16:00 +1300

The Brazier Properties Girls on Bikes is a women's only road cycling event. Set in the iconic Canterbury township of Methven the options of a 37km or 76km course will cater for every level of cycling from the absolute beginner right through to the elite athlete with recreational and registered rider categories.

The post event celebrations will begin with the "Girls on Bikes Life Guard Competition" followed by prize giving where loads of fantastic prizes will be given away along with acknowledgement of the place getters.

The evening extravaganza is "The Outrageous Night Out with Robyn Malcolm" features wine and cheese tasting, fashion show, wine making guru Jules Taylor and of course a catch-up with one of New Zealand's top actresses Robyn Malcolm.
The following day Methven puts on one of its famous "Methven Market Day's "

The Braziers Property Girls On Bikes

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:11:00 +1300

The Great Hamilton Toy Trade Fair

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:16:54 +1300

Kids make some pocket money at the citys first Toy Trade Fair in Garden Place next Sunday (24 January). The fair is for children to sell or trade toys no longer in use, anything from dolls and books, to video games and trading cards. The fair is part of the Summer in Garden Place line up of activities in the city centre this summer. The idea was raised by Councillor Peter Bos, who chanced upon a successful toy trade when visiting his brother in the Dutch town of Oirschot. We walked into this village green and I said "what is this?" There were hundreds of kids with their mums and dads and grandparents swapping and selling toys. Kids were getting excited and prepare for weeks for this. It is a huge family day. Councillor Bos said children learned about basic economics through the experience. It teaches kids the value of money, they buy and sell, they bank the money. These sorts of skills should be encouraged. Businesses around Garden Place are supporting the idea, including ANZ Bank which is opening its Victoria St branch on the day especially for children to change or bank money, and open bank accounts. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the Toy Trade Fair, 10-1pm on January 24. To get an information pack, contact Suzanne at Council, on 07 838 6799.

Hamilton Zoo tiger siblings to celebrate their 10th birthday

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:15:33 +1300

Hamilton Zoo's sibling Sumatran tigers, Jaka and Mencari, will be celebrating their 10th birthday this Sunday [10 January] with a special 'jungle party'. Held between 12pm-2.30pm, the party will include 'meet the keeper' tiger talks, a performance by musician/entertainer Simon McReesh and a singalong session featuring a song written especially for Mencari and Jaka. There will also be Face2Face encounters with Mencari and Jaka (normal fees apply), lollipop giveaways and a best dressed competition where the public are invited to dress up as a tiger for their chance to win a free Eye2Eye encounter valued at $300. Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said Mencari and Jaka's 10th birthday is an exciting milestone for the zoo, which has been made even more special by the fact that according to the Chinese zodiac, 2010 is also the 'Year of the Tiger'. "Mencari and Jaka are a favourite amongst our visitors so when we came to the realisation that the brother/sister pair would be turning 10 on the 10th January 2010 and during the Year of the Tiger no less we knew we had to celebrate this special occasion," he said. "We invite everyone to come along to our 'jungle party' and help celebrate with Jaka and Mencari." Sumatran tigers live to be around 15 years old in the wild and 20 years old in captivity. Listed as critically endangered, wild populations of Sumatran tigers number less than 400 in the wild and continue to decline, primarily due to habitat loss with prime areas now being converted to oil palm plantations. Captive zoo populations are managed in an attempt to prevent this species from becoming extinct. Mencari and Jaka were born at Wellington Zoo and relocated to Hamilton Zoo in early 2001.

Rotorua goes international!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +1300

Rotorua is hosting it's first international flight on Saturday 12 December 2009. This flight to and from Sydney opens Rotorua to the world. You can now fly direct into Rotorua making your journey easier and faster. The Pegasus team here in Rotorua will meet you at the airport, sending you on your way in no time. Find out more at www.letsgorotorua.co.nz

Get set for the Sevens!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:32:00 +1300

Are you going to the NZI Sevens in February 2010? Wellington’s Westpac Stadium is going to be packed to bursting for two days of rugby, costumes and great entertainment. You won’t want to miss it! Plan ahead and get your transport sorted – call the Pegasus team on 0800 35 45 07 now.

Alex has joined our team

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:28:00 +1300

We are delighted to welcome Alex to Pegasus Rental Cars Wellington – with his friendly manner and great customer service he will fit right in!

Vision for Paihia's future

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:11:00 +1300

After five months of development, Focus on Paihia has launched a vision for its future.

With an emphasis on nature, humanity and tourism co-existing harmoniously, the vision lays out a foundation for moving forward in a more cohesive fashion.

"The process has been great," says co-ordinator Tania McInnes. "We have had plenty of input from different community members and the four focus groups did an excellent job in researching and defining where Paihia needs to be.

"Our working party put in lots of effort to ensure that the final vision incorporated the majority views and believe that they have produced something that should see Paihia develop into an exceptional place to live, work and experience."

The vision is supported by seven key objectives, which include better recognition of history and developing a more people-friendly waterfront, while protecting the natural environment. Community pride, safety and exceptional visitor experiences also feature. A further seven key goals bring the vision together.

"This is really exciting. The Paihia community have taken responsibility for their town and where they want to go," says Tania.

"We are all very proud to have been involved in this exercise and look forward to getting under way with stage two in the middle of next year."

Stage two will look at how best to move forward and start implementing the vision. This will include looking at governance, strategic planning and securing funds.

For the full vision, key objectives and key goals visit www.paihianz.co.nz or email focusonpaihia@xtra.co.nz.

Ellerslie International Flower Show

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:17:00 +1300

Elite Experience
Tours available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
How would you like to enjoy an exclusive and unique visit to this years Ellerslie International Flower Show? Does the idea of avoiding the queues and crowds to view the outstanding and award winning gardens appeal to you. Would you like to meet the garden designers who make the show happen and mingle with others who share your passion for plants, gardens and outdoor living?

The Ellerslie International Flower Show Elite Experience. The package includes:

Early entry into the show, you will be the first people to see the show on the day.
VIP parking, close to the entrance of the show
Welcome from the EIFS senior management
Tea/Coffee and fresh muffins in the Corporate Village
A EIFS brief and outline by the management team
A chance to meet some of the winning garden designers
A guided tour of this years show highlights
A guided tour of the Hort Galore Marquee
Gourmet Lunch in the Corporate Marquee with refreshments
Free time to enjoy the rest of the show at your leisure
A Goodie bag filled with show memorabilia
Limited to 40 people