Travel Wires

Slainte, here’s to our new friend

It seems only last week we were marking the beginning of the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism (Yes. It was — Travel Editor). This week it’s a deeper, warmer, more caring relationship with the island of Ireland. Under the Good Friday agreement, Tourism Ireland is a joint venture covering both sides of the border and brought companies here to brief Kiwis on delights from the Titanic to — yep — Guinness and whiskey. We’re appointing our first-ever ambassadors — theirs, Peter Ryan, is already here; Winston Peters is opening the Aotearoa Embassy in Dublin next week, which just happens to coincide with a footie game.

Big water adventure for littlies

Rafting NZ is promoting its new Waikato Thermal Float Rafting Adventure as suitable for children as young as 3. Managing director Luke Boddington says the 60-90-minute trip is a safe and exciting way to show children a unique side of New Zealand and teach them awareness of our rivers. “We take families along the calmer stretches of water for a gentle introduction to the adventure of rafting.” The voyage floats from Lake Taupo, past ancient volcanic cliffs and along the Waikato’s clear waters, hearing myths and legends, soaking in the heated stream and swimming in the river.

Way to go, Nebraska! Talk yourself up

When Nebraska checked in as the US’s 50th most popular state to visit — out of 50 — its tourism commission surveyed locals, residents of neighbouring states and visitors (if they could find any), who said, “There’s nothing to do here.” Undaunted, the state has just launched a campaign to lure tourists. The slogan? “Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” Ads show Nebraska’s waterfalls, rock formations and other natural features with captions like the aforementioned: “There’s nothing to do here” and “Famous for our flat, boring landscape”. They’ll be hoping to crack No 49 next year.

Eew! that’s disgusting

Malmo’s new Disgusting Food Museum pop-up showcases some of the most polarising foods: Vegemite and witchetty grubs (Australia), bull penis (China), Twinkies (US), haggis (Scotland), boiled duck egg with fetus (Philippines) and casu marzu (maggot-infested cheese, Sardinia). The biggest loser: Iceland’s hakarl, made by burying toxic shark meat then hanging it to dry. Curator Samuel West says: “It tastes like death mixed with ammonia. Anthony Bourdain described it as the single most disgusting thing he’s ever eaten, and I can only agree.” Travel Wires reckons promoters missed a local candidate: swedes.