Ballet and the Arts in New Zealand
Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua - Napier - Wellington
Looking for a ‘ballet break’ close to home? Then join Sue Sweetland across the Tasman for the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s premiere production of 2010, combined with performances by the NBR New Zealand Opera and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Start in Auckland and a visit to Waiheke Island, a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Departing Auckland travel south and see some of the best the North Island has to offer. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, the geothermal city of Rotorua, the Art Deco city of Napier and finish in the capital, Wellington.
Marvel at the stunning scenery and enjoy superb New Zealand hospitality, cuisine and wines throughout.
RZNB artists in Don Quixote. Photo: Maarten Holl
ITINERARY:
Friday 04 June 2010 SYD / MEL - Auckland
Arrive Auckland and check-in to the hotel. Auckland, also known as ‘The City of Sails’, sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage.
Tonight, join Sue Sweetland and fellow ballet lovers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Saturday 05 June Auckland
Excursion to Waiheke Island. Located twelve miles from the bustling centre of Auckland City lies the beautiful, tranquil island of Waiheke. The name means "cascading waters" in Maori - waters which fostered a land of plenty for the original inhabitants. Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. On a tour of the island, marvel at its natural beauty, visit an art galley and enjoy lunch and wine-tasting at a vineyard. Afternoon return to Auckland by ferry. Tonight attend a performance by the NBR New Zealand Opera of The Marriage of Figaro at the Aotea Centre. (BL)
THE NBR NEW ZEALAND OPERA
The NBR New Zealand Opera is New Zealand's largest professional opera company. The company was formed in 2000 when the Wellington City Opera (1892-1999) and Auckland Opera (1970-2000) companies decided to merge into one organization for financial reasons. The company produces three fully staged operas each year during an annual season.
For further information, visit www.nzopera.com
Sunday 06 June Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula
After breakfast, depart Auckland and travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle and hype of city life and is home to many arts and crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony before crossing the divide to the eastern side of the peninsula for our overnight stay in Pauanui. (BD)
Monday 07 June Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua
Journey along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Tauranga and Mt Maunganui before heading inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en-route. Rotorua’s raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. This evening, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural thermal springs of Manupirua Pools. (BD)
Tuesday 08 June Rotorua
Today experience the scenic beauty of Rotorua's lakes and learn about the history and culture of Rotorua and the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. See five of Rotorua's surrounding lakes including a view to Mount Tarawera across Lake Tarawera. Wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. Finish wtih a guided tour through the award winning Rotorua Museum. View fascinating exhibits showcasing Rotorua's vibrant volcanic and cultural history included in a short film of the history of Rotorua. Afternoon at leisure (B)
Wednesday 09 June Rotorua - Lake Taupo - Napier
This morning, visit Wai-O-Tapu (meaning ‘Sacred Waters’), a wonderland of geothermal activity. Marvel at the reserve's unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming ground and sinter terrace formations. On the way to Lake Taupo, itself a gigantic volcanic crater following an enormous explosion in AD183, stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal Project and take time to walk around this popular lakeside resort. Journey on to Napier, widely regarded as the ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’, the result of a thorough rebuilding after a massive earthquake in 1931. Nowhere else can you see as wide a variety of 1930’s-style buildings in such a concentrated area, including Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and above all, Art Deco. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on a guided walk around the town this afternoon. (BD)
Thursday 10 June Napier - Wellington
Today travel to the capital of New Zealand. Stop in the quaint Greytown, a living historical village with many boutique stores and galleries, before continuing to Martinborough. The area around the village of Martinborough is now a grape-growing and wine-making region, producing a high quality range of wines, particularly Pinot Noir. On a tour of Martinborough’s celebrated wine region, see behind the scenes, meeting the wine and boutique food producers and finishing with a ‘tasting’ lunch. Arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. (BL)
Friday 11 June Wellington
Embark on a ‘Day with the Royal New Zealand Ballet’. In the morning visit the New Zealand School of Dance followed by lunch. In the afternoon discover the St James Theatre on a backstage tour before watching company class. Finish with a visit to the costume department and afternoon tea. In the evening see the Royal New Zealand Ballet in their 2010 blockbuster production of Carmen. (BL)
THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET
The Royal New Zealand Ballet was formed in 1953 by Danish Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Poul Gnatt. The company's early days of touring embodied the New Zealand pioneering spirit. Performing night in night out, company members unloaded and repacked the set, rigged the lights and ironed the costumes, with local community members providing accommodation.
The spirit of those days survives, and the support of the New Zealand public remains. The Royal New Zealand Ballet is seen as an intrinsic part of the country's national heritage, and has the largest following of all New Zealand performing arts companies.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet today has developed a reputation for strong characterisation in the staging of full-length dramatic works, which became a hallmark in the 1980s. To this base have been added the masterworks and major ballets of the 20th century, such as Balanchine's works and the Stravinsky ballets.
The dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet possess a unique physical strength and versatility, and a well developed sense of individuality. New international and New Zealand choreography expresses these qualities and features prominently in the company's repertoire.
In January 1998, the Royal New Zealand Ballet moved to its first ever permanent purpose built premises at Wellington's Westpac St James Theatre (now the St James Theatre).
For further information, visit www.nzballet.org.nz
Saturday 12 June Wellington
Morning exploration of New Zealand’s nature, art, history, and cultural heritage on a guided tour of Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Enjoy a farewell lunch with Sue Sweetland. Afternoon at leisure before a concert by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the Michael Fowler Centre. (BL)
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1946, is the country’s leading professional orchestra. It has an establishment of 90 players and performs over 100 concerts annually. Touring within
In August 2008 the Orchestra travelled to
In 2005 the NZSO undertook a highly successful tour that included performances at the BBC Proms,
Pietari Inkinen was appointed the NZSO’s Music Director from January 2008. He succeeds James Judd who held the position from 1999 to 2007 and is now Music Director Emeritus.
For further information, visit www.nzso.co.nz
Sunday 13 June Depart Wellington
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. (B)
YOUR HOTELS ****
Auckland – Rendez-Vous Hotel
Coromandel Peninsula – Grand Mercure Puka Park
Rotorua – Duxton Okawa Bay Resort
Napier – The Crown Hotel
Wellington – Museum Hotel
NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
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