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New Zealand tops rugby legend Andrew Mehrtens’ travel list

Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager for South and South East Asia, Mr Steven Dixon, said that Mehrtens’ experiences relate greatly to how Singaporean travellers feel about New Zealand as the ideal holiday destination.

SINGAPORE – After travelling the world throughout his professional rugby career, All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens still hails New Zealand as his top destination for its exciting range of travel and leisure experiences. The 70-test All Black was a keynote speaker at an event held at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence yesterday evening.
 
Hosted by Tourism New Zealand and luxury travel agency Lightfoot Travel, the event took place after the Singapore Sevens over the weekend, and welcomed an audience of over 80 local premium travellers and rugby fans, including local media. Mehrtens shared his thoughts on the global game and stories from his career, as well as his favourite New Zealand travel experiences.
 
Mehrtens was one of the most influential players of the professional era, with a tactical ability recognised as the driving force behind many famous All Blacks, Crusaders, and Canterbury victories.
 
The rugby great spoke about New Zealand as a fantastic destination with a full calendar of high profile sporting events that can be incorporated into a premium travel itinerary.
 
Speaking to the group, Mehrtens said, “I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world and I can tell you, nothing compares to New Zealand. New Zealand is more than just host to some of the world’s most highly-anticipated sporting events. The landscapes, the activities, the wine and food, and most importantly, the people and the warm welcome – it really has it all.
 
Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager for South and South East Asia, Mr Steven Dixon, said that Mehrtens’ experiences relate greatly to how Singaporean travellers feel about New Zealand as the ideal holiday destination.
 
New Zealand offers a huge range of travel experiences – from learning about Maori culture, getting up close to stunning landscapes on a walk, ride or cruise, going on gourmet food tours or visiting the filming locations of popular movies, there is something for every Singaporean traveller to revel in.”
 
The availability of activities in close proximity to each other, as well as the different seasonal experiences also set New Zealand apart as a unique destination,” said Mr Dixon.
 
For those considering a trip to New Zealand, here are five of Mehrtens’ top places to visit:

1.Queenstown
Being an avid golfer, Queenstown has a special place in his heart. The Jack’s Point course is well regarded by golfers all over the world, and not to mention the Remarkables Mountain range playing an amazing backdrop, as well as overlooking Lake Wakatipu. There is also a skydiving operations next door, so look out for some colourful parachutes as they come in for landing on the airstrip next door! Queenstown is also known for some great wineries – Two Paddocks and Amisfield are a couple of his favourites.

2.Lake Taupo
Just a three-hour drive south of Auckland, the region is great for fishing, skiing Mount Ruapehu and exploring the local geothermal phenomena. The region has some of the North Island’s most impressive landscapes right on its doorstep, and is perfect for outdoor adventures.

3.Northland and the Bay of Islands
If Andrew is looking for some sun, sand and sea, the Northland and Bay of Islands area is the place to be – golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours and warm waters. Sandy Bay is famous for its world-class surfing. It’s also New Zealand’s diving playground. You’ll get to see penguins, dolphins, and whales! The Doubtless Bay area also has beaches of every description.

4.Marlborough
The Marlborough Sounds alone offers countless ways to explore – organise your mates or family and hire a yacht or launch – bareboat or skippered, and sail or cruise through this scenic playground. The region is also great for you to find that perfect wine – there’s over 30 cellar doors to explore. If you are just looking for a cold beer, Marlborough has got you covered as well, with the local Renaissance and Moa craft breweries producing quality brews.

5.Fiordland
For Andrew, Fiordland is the place for hiking – Fiordland National Park has three of New Zealand’s ‘great walks’, the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks. If you want to take things slow instead, enjoy the great beauty of the Milford Sounds on a scenic flight, or even kayak into the quietest corners of the sounds, and see rare wildlife up close.
 
 
Photo caption: Will Skinner, Andrew Mehrtens and James Forrester

 

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Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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