Logo.png

 

03 379 5033

office@rubyhousing.co.nz  


News

Akaroa is open for business

The Canterbury region still has some great options for visitors. While the Christchurch CBD may be out of action for a while, the surrounding area still has plenty to offer. The French inspired village of Akaroa offers great cafes,relaxing restaurants, sailing, cruising on the harbour and swimming with the rare Hector dolphins.

It's possible that some travellers may think all of the South Island is quake damaged, when infact the situation is localised and doesn't even affect all of Christchurch city.

Travelling from Australia? Check out the new video from Canterbury Tourism.
 http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/christchurch-wants-to-pinch-our-big-pineapple/story-e6frfq80-1226482224853

 

 

Looking for your favourite cafe , retail store or childrens playground? We all know plenty of places have moved, but there is a new site to search for all the special places you miss.Check out www.findchch.com

Canterbury Location Now International Dark Sky Reserve, World Heritage status may be next

 The South Island's Tekapo-Aoraki night sky has been approved to go to the next stage of being declared a World Heritage reserve site.  June 2012 saw the area take the next step to becoming obtaining World Heritage Status. Previously the United NationsEducational, Cultural and Scientific Organization had held a meeting in the Canary Islands where the bid by New Zealand was one of five to be accepted.  The other four bids to be accepted were from Austria, Spain, Chile and Hawaii.  The five bids will go through theprocess for the final stage of approval athe a world heritage meeting in Brazil next year.

 The area around Tekapo, in the South Island is well known for its dark unspoiled skies with one of the most accessible observatories in the world located on Mt John.

 

New Zealand Tourism Operator Wins International Award

Whale Watch Kaikoura was awarded the supreme award at the responsible tourism awards in London on 11 November.  After picking up the award for being the winner of the "best in a marine environment" category, the Kaikoura company won the overall award at the VirginHolidays Responsible Tourism Awards.  The awards are part of World Reponsible Tourism Day at the World Travel Market.  Whale Watch Kaikoura provides their services to over 100,000 visitors per year and as well as whales, the tours also frequently get to encounter furseals, dusky dolphins and albatross'.
 
 

Worst Kept Secret: New Zealand voted Top Long Haul Destination

Once again New Zealand has been voted by readers of The Guardian, The Observer, and guardian.co.uk, as the favourite long-haul destination for travellers. Travellers choice of New Zealand as their favourite destination, is prompted by an advertisementcurrently running on UK television, "What Do You Say UK?", featuring real British traveller's talking about their travel experiences. Travellers highlight all the fun activities available in the Youngest Country on Earth.
 
 

"Thanks a Million Oz"


Fancy a Millionaire's Holiday in New Zealand?

Tourism New Zealand found a way to say Thank You to Australia for the one million visitors who visit New Zealand every year.

Participants had 25 words or less to describe New Zealand, and Shannyn Gourley from Victoria chose poetry to describe her thoughts about New Zealand;  

"Spirits depleted, Boredom Chronic. New Zealand adventure, perfect tonic! Mixing one part adrenaline, scenery for good measure, stir in adventure, pour out PLEASURE!"

 
 

1 Million Australian Visitors Come to New Zealand

In the 12 months to May 2009, over 1 million (1,001,880) Australians have arrived in New Zealand.  On June 22, the New Zealand Tourism Board began the 'Thanks a Million' campaign, in which Australian visitors go in the draw to win a 'millionairesholiday' in New Zealand.  Since 1999, the number of visitors from Australia has doubled, up from just over half a million then.