Media release

31 August 2011

Tourist trail highlights the best of art and culture

Experience Auckland's warm hospitality with HeART of the Nation's unique cultural tourist trail, From the Waka to the Pah.

Span the contour of the land from the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre (the Waka), home of the Pou Kapua, to Auckland's new cultural destination, the award-winning TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre in the Pah Homestead (the Pah), which features work from some of New Zealand's best contemporary artists.

Experience the cultural diversity of a trail that includes history, art, retail destinations, wineries, fun parks and gardens as well as a host of other experiences.

You can cruise the trail with your loved ones in the family car or feel the wind in your face and hire a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson.

From the excitement of Rainbows End Fun Park, you can satisfy your appetite for history by visiting a range of historically and culturally significant locations including Otuataua Stonefields Historical Reserve, Te Puea Marae and St James Anglican Church, built by early settlers and local Maori.

Break your journey at Villa Maria Vineyard Café where you can share lunch and a glass of wine while overlooking the Ihumatao vineyard.

Continue following the tourist path to Auckland Botanic Gardens with its brilliant display of native and exotic fauna. Its 2km garden trail also hosts an exhibition of 21 large-scale sculptures by leading New Zealand artists.

Enjoy a spot of shopping at Mangere Bridge Village with its eclectic range of family owned shops or simply people watch and while away the day at one of the cafes.

At Ambury Regional Park you can experience a working Kiwi farm. An important educational centre and birdwatchers paradise, the farm hosts its annual family day on 16 October where a festival atmosphere is enjoyed by up to 50,000 visitors.

From the Waka to the Pah tourist trail is active from 1 September to 31 October.

For full programme details and to download a map go to www.heartofthenationco.nz. Alternatively, you can pick up a flyer from Auckland Council service centres and libraries in South Auckland, Auckland Botanic Gardens, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre or Villa Maria Winery.

HeART of the Nation

The HeART of the Nation programme is delivered by Auckland Council and its partners for the benefit of the community during the Rugby World Cup 2011. It is part of the larger, government funded REAL New Zealand Festival 2011.

HeART of the Nation celebrates our unique creative and sporting communities with a programme of events and activities across the south and east of Auckland during the tournament.

As well as a host of activities, local communities and visitors can get together to enjoy big screen entertainment and loads of festivities at three locations:

* Lloyd Elsmore Park at Pakuranga: 15, 16 and 23 October

* Massey Park Stadium, Papakura: Saturday, 8 October

* TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, Manurewa: 9 to 24 October.

Other HeART of the Nation activities include:

* The Whacky Flock - 22 giant brightly coloured, fibreglass sheep are turning up all over the city. Spot the elusive Black Sheep and you could be in to win a prize.

* Welcome Words - artistic word installations in the languages of the 20 visiting rugby teams will greet guests as they fly into Auckland.

* The Biggest Fan - Junior, a rugby playing character will be performing at festival sites.

* Kiwi Kids Just Kidding Around - enjoy the jokes created by our youngest comedians on the big screen at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre.

The REAL New Zealand Festival 2011 will showcase New Zealand's arts, food, wine, culture and lifestyle to the world.

Supported by NZ Lotteries grant funding, the programme has been designed as a festival of rugby for a stadium of four million people across the country.

For full programme details visit www.heartofthenation.co.nz.

Ends

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