We’re riding high in Aotearoa
In the depths of a pandemic, when tourist dollars are hard to come by, you would think exciting new attractions would be on the backburner. But no. The pandemic may have some operators on their knees, but in New Zealand, they are coming up with some pretty exciting ventures.
We love treehouses, and a spectacular new accommodation experience, Nest Tree Houses, has just opened in Waitaki. And Kiwis are so obsessed with the luge, Skyline in Queenstown has introduced unlimited gondola and luge rides for $89.
The Central Otago Touring Route has opened, which is essentially a car version of the Otago Central Rail Trail. The signposted road trip weaves from the Dunedin coast to Cromwell’s snowy peaks, passing a series of picturesque mining towns.
A new adults-only retreat called Pipinui has opened in Wellington, with a bathtub that has views of the South Island. And in Wairarapa, a hilltop suite called Moonlight Peak has had hundreds of bookings since opening this year.
Then there are people such as Jolanda and Richard Foale. The couple operates a scenic helicopter company in Cromwell, which is heavily reliant on overseas tourists. So they desperately looked for a new venture – one that Kiwis would love. The answer was on their doorstep: the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail, which has just opened.
This cycle and walking trail links Cromwell and Clyde through an enormous gorge, and I’ve no doubt it will soon be recognised as one of the country’s best bike rides.
The Foales knew there was no shortage of bike operators, so they would need to think of something else. How about a cafe on the trail?
But, how do you create a coffee shop in the mountains, without power, on the side of a cliff just narrow enough for a bike trail? The answer is pretty spectacular. You’ll have to turn to pages 34-35 to find out.
I’ve just cycled the trail and, of all the things that have opened in the past year, I think Kiwis should be most excited about this. But you don’t need to believe me; I met a cyclist who is usually in Europe at this time of year, and has biked through more countries than she could count.
When I asked her how this new trail stacks up, the answer was emphatic: ‘‘It doesn’t get any better.’’
In the middle of a pandemic, we’re pretty lucky to have a series of new world-class attractions on offer.
And, aside from the occasional Aussie, we still have them all to ourselves. Let’s make the most of it.