3 December 2012

Eco-tourism experience takes Waiheke Island to new heights

Auckland Mayor Len Brown became one of the first to enjoy a high flying environmental experience at Waiheke Island’s new EcoZip Adventures today.

The activity – the only one of its kind in Auckland – combines spectacular vistas with adventure and education. Visitors ride on three 200 metre ziplines over a vineyard and mature tree canopy and finish with a guided walk through 300-year-old pristine native bush.

The Mayor flew down the first zipline and was impressed with the experience, saying it exemplifies what is so special about Auckland as a destination.

“It’s an absolute blast! It makes the most of our amazing natural setting, with the bush, harbour and city in the distance. The zipline really shows off everything Auckland has to offer,” he says.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Acting General Manager Destination, Jason Hill, says the new eco-tourism venture is a welcome addition to the popular visitor destination of Waiheke Island, which is renowned for its excellent vineyards.

“It’s great to see this unique activity launch on Waiheke to complement the island’s outstanding food and wine offering. EcoZip’s combination of fun, adventure and nature is something that will resonate with many visitors from our key markets of Australia, China, North America and the United Kingdom,” he says.

“We are working to encourage both domestic and international visitors to stay longer in the Auckland region and new tourism activities help add to our destination’s appeal.”

Since opening in November, EcoZip Adventures has attracted people of all ages from around New Zealand and offshore.

EcoZip Adventures Managing Director Gavin Oliver says the experience is more an environmental adventure than a thrill seekers’ ride.

“There are countless exhilarating adventure activities around New Zealand. What EcoZip has created is a chance for people to experience and learn about our native bush – to literally see it from new angles,” he says.

Waiheke Island is located 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Known as the ‘island of wine’ for its 30 boutique vineyards, Waiheke also attracts visitors for its olive groves, sandy beaches and thriving arts scene.

ATEED works to help drive Auckland’s visitor economy and contribute to making Auckland the world’s most liveable city.

www.ecozipadventures.co.nz

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>