I love the kea. This parrot, the only alpine parrot in the world, is cheeky and intelligent. They wreak mischevious havoc in the Southern Alps, having been known to completely strip the rubber off left vehicles. Now they’ve been found to be able to plan their moves ahead of time, especially when it comes to acquiring food. A researcher at Japan’s Kyoto University presented some birds with boxes of food secured with up to three bolts. The bird managed to handily unlock all of them. To complicate the task, the researcher arranged the locks so one need to be opened before the second would release. He found that the birds could solve this challenge faster if they could see and study the arrangement before being allowed to tackle it. He said this suggested they are able to plan their movs, rather than grappling with problems in a haphazard fashion as was earlier believed. Personally, I think the nickname for the people of New Zealand should be changed from the shy and nocturnal Kiwi bird, to the impish and always entertaining Kea.

Napier, home of the most complete Art Deco city in the world, is also part of the Hawke’s Bay region, well known for wonderful wines. It’s also home to the famous luxury lodge, the Farm, Cape Kidnappers. The Farm has won numerous awards, including one of the top 50 hotels in the world through Travel & Leisure in the Jan. 2010 edition. The golf course has been ranked #4 by Golf Magazine of the world’s best golf courses. A trip to the Hawkes Bay region is one of the best reasons for going to New Zealand, and most especially if you love wine and golf.  www.capekidnappers.com

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail extends from Hawke’s Bay on the North Island, across the Cook Strait, to the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island. It starts in Napier, the most perfectly preserved Art Deco city in the world. Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in Art Deco style and that style has persevered. A wonderful way to see the Art Deco buildings is to take a walking tour. The day I took the tour we had a girl from Amsterdam, a couple from South Africa and a couple of Brits. As we were walking, the tour guide just casually mentioned that one of the All Blacks had just opened a sandwich shop for his mum in Napier and he was there that day making sandwiches! Needless to say, that’s where I had my sandwich that day, courtesy of Tane Randall! Cape Kidnappers, the wonderful resort and golf course is also in this area. You can fly to Napier and they will pick you up at the airport. Driving from Auckland to Cape Kidnappers is about 6 hours. You can also take a helicopter from their sister property Kauri Cliffs in just under 3 hours. This is one of the best golf courses in the world! …to be continued…much more on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Check it out at www.classicwinetrail.co.nz

Described by National Geographic as a world in miniature, New Zealand is a land of rare natural beauty and breathtaking contrasts.

From extreme sports like bungee jumping and jet-boating, to wine tasting tours and stays at New Zealand’s luxury lodges, a New Zealand vacation will give you as much action and adventure as you like - as well as time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
With so much to choose from, the services of Tucson-based Kiwi Specialist Nancy Purdin will ensure you get the most out of your trip. A frequent visitor to New Zealand, Nancy can make your New Zealand travel reservations and guide you to some lesser-known travel treasures such as Doubtful Sound and Kaikoura whale watching, or advise you when to catch New Zealand’s famous rugby season.