Sideline Action

With all eyes on Australasia for the Rugby World Cup, an Observer travel feature looks at new attractions on offer in the region. Included is the West Coast’s Wave Watchers Retreat (“a romantic bolthole with great views of the spectacular coastline”) and the Tsunami sail adventure in the Bay of Islands (a tour aboard the world’s fastest commercial catamaran kicking off in December). The article also recommends booking a room at the soon-to-open White Swan Country Hotel. The Times offers a must-see NZ itinerary, encompassing Auckland city, Devonport, Waiheke Island, the Coromandel, Napier, Wellington, Marlborough, Dunedin and Fiordland: “The key to enjoying a holiday in New Zealand is not to try to cram everything in.” In a separate feature, the  Times focuses on Whangara – the setting for hit film Whale Rider: “The joy for Whale Rider fans visiting New Zealand’s east coast is the chance to witness the beautiful bays and coves as they change in mood and colour with the weather and to experience the mesmerising sound of the pounding surf.”