Definitives Tour.
These two issues are included in the Scenic Definitive section of Campbell Patterson's Catalogue but to me they seem like they should be separate. They were put like that in the catalogue because they appear as a similar design to the definitives around that time, but I think that the fact they are marketed and named as stamps celebrating New Zealand Tourism means they should be treated as being different.
So what I have decided to do is to include them in my Scenic Definitive Series but place them both in their own post. In this way I think I've covered both options.
2004 Tourism Issue.
Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand. I lot of money and effort is spent promoting this country as a tourist destination. Doing a set of stamps helps too, particularly when the stamps are sent overseas. This is the first of two issues, each showing six different scenes of tourist locations around New Zealand.
Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand. I lot of money and effort is spent promoting this country as a tourist destination. Doing a set of stamps helps too, particularly when the stamps are sent overseas. This is the first of two issues, each showing six different scenes of tourist locations around New Zealand.
$1.50 - Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.
For the purest, bluest waters in the world, you can't go past Lake Wakatipu - mountain water at its superb best. On its shores is Queenstown, New Zealand's premier alpine and lake resort offering superb visitor experiences all year round. Named because "it was fit for Queen Victoria", Queenstown continues to live up to its regal status, with world-class adventure and leisure activities.
The boat is the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 Edwardian vintage twin screw steamer. She is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Central Otago, and believed to be the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere. Built by John McGregor and Co shipbuilders of Dunedin, she was designed by naval architect Hugh McRae.
The Earnslaw has a steel hull design and Kauri for the decking. Propulsion was provided by twin coal fired triple expansion, jet condensing, vertically inclined engines. The keel was laid on 4 July 1911. Once construction was completed she was dismantled. All the quarter inch steel hull plates were numbered for reconstruction much like a jig-saw puzzle. Then the parts were loaded on to a goods trains and transported across the South Island from Dunedin to Kingston at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.
Six months later, after being rebuilt, on 24 February 1912, the TSS Earnslaw was launched and fired up for her maiden voyage to Queenstown.
$1.50 - Kaikoura.
Located halfway between Christchurch and Picton on the South Island's east coast, the settlement of Kaikoura nestles between snow-capped majestic mountains and the awesome forces of the Pacific Ocean. This unique environmental combination has led to a host of eco-tourism activities such as whale watching and dolphin and seal swimming at sea, and bird watching, four-wheel motor biking, horse trekking and hunting on land.
Located halfway between Christchurch and Picton on the South Island's east coast, the settlement of Kaikoura nestles between snow-capped majestic mountains and the awesome forces of the Pacific Ocean. This unique environmental combination has led to a host of eco-tourism activities such as whale watching and dolphin and seal swimming at sea, and bird watching, four-wheel motor biking, horse trekking and hunting on land.
Whales travel along the west coast of the South Island as they migrate from season to season. Kaikoura is located in an ideal location to view this. Whale watching has become an major industry of the town with boat loads of tourists going out daily to view these massive sea mammals.
The photo on the stamp shows the large tail fins as the whale dives deeper under the water. Sometime later it will re-surface letting go stale air as it does. Amazing creatures, well worth taking a boat trip to view them.
$1.50 - The Bath House, Rotorua.
Travel to Rotorua and you'll hit thermal springs country - and The Bath House, opened in 1908 as a spa offering therapeutic bathing, mud and massage treatments to people 'taking the cure'. International visitors of the era included Crown Princess Louise of Sweden, George Bernard Shaw, Prime Minister Stephen Ward, Clive Hulme VC and the Duke of Bedford. Today, the Bath House is home to the Rotorua Museum of Art and History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.
Travel to Rotorua and you'll hit thermal springs country - and The Bath House, opened in 1908 as a spa offering therapeutic bathing, mud and massage treatments to people 'taking the cure'. International visitors of the era included Crown Princess Louise of Sweden, George Bernard Shaw, Prime Minister Stephen Ward, Clive Hulme VC and the Duke of Bedford. Today, the Bath House is home to the Rotorua Museum of Art and History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.
It is rather surprising that with all the times I have been in Rotorua that I have never been inside this building. Maybe next time I'm down that way I better take a look.
$1.50 - Hawke's Bay.
If you're looking for a Mediterranean climate, a landscape that spans dramatic sea cliffs and golden sand beaches, fertile plains and crystal-clear rivers, and a food, wine and lifestyle experience second to none, you'll find it in Hawke's Bay. This holiday destination, where the sun seems to forever shine, also hosts a number of icon events through the year, including Napier's Art Deco Weekend and the annual wine festival, Harvest Hawke's Bay.
If you're looking for a Mediterranean climate, a landscape that spans dramatic sea cliffs and golden sand beaches, fertile plains and crystal-clear rivers, and a food, wine and lifestyle experience second to none, you'll find it in Hawke's Bay. This holiday destination, where the sun seems to forever shine, also hosts a number of icon events through the year, including Napier's Art Deco Weekend and the annual wine festival, Harvest Hawke's Bay.
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest wine producing area and is the country's second largest wine production region. The premiere area for Bordeaux blend reds in New Zealand and the region is rapidly developing a reputation for quality Syrah. Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc are produced and lately Viognier. Specialist high quality small producers include Bilancia and Bridge Pa. Other well-known producers include Brookfields Estate, Clearview Estate, Esk Valley, Villa Maria, Vidal, Trinity Hill, Craggy Range, Newton Forrest Estate, Te Mata Estate, Moana Park Estate, Mission Estate, Sileni, Sacred Hill, CJ Pask, and Babich.
$1.50 - Mitre Peak, Milford Sound.
Milford Sound is the most famous and road-accessible of Fiordland's magnificent glacier-carved fiords - and Mitre Peak soars an almost vertical 1500 metres from its waters. Maori attribute the fiords' creation to Tute Rakiwhanoa, who legend says hewed their steep-sided valleys with keen-edged adzes. Whatever the truth of the tale, the result is a spectacular natural environment of deep waters, cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest, towering mountains and fascinating wildlife.
Milford Sound is the most famous and road-accessible of Fiordland's magnificent glacier-carved fiords - and Mitre Peak soars an almost vertical 1500 metres from its waters. Maori attribute the fiords' creation to Tute Rakiwhanoa, who legend says hewed their steep-sided valleys with keen-edged adzes. Whatever the truth of the tale, the result is a spectacular natural environment of deep waters, cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest, towering mountains and fascinating wildlife.
Recently one of the team behind this blog did a post on Mitre Peak, searching out all the stamps that depicted it. Mitre Peak, Milford Sound. Standing opposite the main tourist area, any visitor to Milford Sound can not help but notice this peak, rising out of dark waters of the Sound.
$1.50 - Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua.
Rotorua is renowned for its distinctively sulphuric geothermal hotspots, with their spouting geysers, bubbling and boiling mud pools and multi-coloured ponds. None, though, matches Pohotu Geyser - the most spectacular at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. Pohutu (the Maori word for 'big splash' or 'explosion') erupts every hour, shooting hot water about 20 metres into the air.
Rotorua is renowned for its distinctively sulphuric geothermal hotspots, with their spouting geysers, bubbling and boiling mud pools and multi-coloured ponds. None, though, matches Pohotu Geyser - the most spectacular at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. Pohutu (the Maori word for 'big splash' or 'explosion') erupts every hour, shooting hot water about 20 metres into the air.
Only yesterday I was asked by an American visitor to New Zealand which was the best attraction to visit in Rotorua. My reply was Whakarewarewa. It has more than one attraction, the village and cultural shows, the kiwi house and the thermal attractions too. Back up at the main centre there is also the school of carving too.
2006 Tourism Issue
The second Tourism Issue in 2006 was much the same as the first had been. Again there were six scenes show six popular tourist spots.
1.50 - Lake Wanaka.
Overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka, this stamp shows one of the historical vineyards as the forefront to dramatic scenery and a climate that varies from snow, to Mediterranean sun - a relaxing spot to take a tour through the cellar doors or indulge in a glass of chilled Chardonnay and look out over these fertile plains.
Overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka, this stamp shows one of the historical vineyards as the forefront to dramatic scenery and a climate that varies from snow, to Mediterranean sun - a relaxing spot to take a tour through the cellar doors or indulge in a glass of chilled Chardonnay and look out over these fertile plains.
Wanaka is also famous for an air show that held every other year and features many older, even vintage aircraft. It is also a tourist stop-over for those travelling over the Haast Pass to the West Coast.
$1.50 - Mount Taranaki.
Also known as Mount Egmont, this breathtaking snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding landscape. the mountain provides fantastic climbing, tramping and skiing for visitors and as a source of more than 50 rivers and streams, is botanically unique. Vegetation ranges from sub-tropical, semi-coastal forests in the Kaitake Ranges through to sub-alpine herb fields at 1,800 metres, attracting visitors all year round.
Also known as Mount Egmont, this breathtaking snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding landscape. the mountain provides fantastic climbing, tramping and skiing for visitors and as a source of more than 50 rivers and streams, is botanically unique. Vegetation ranges from sub-tropical, semi-coastal forests in the Kaitake Ranges through to sub-alpine herb fields at 1,800 metres, attracting visitors all year round.
Been to the top of this one. Quite a climb but on a fine, clear day, the views are worth it. The only problem is finding a clear day as clouds often hang around the peak.
$1.50 - Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island.
With a population of only 390, this remote island is accessible by a short plane ride or boat journey. Kayakers are attracted to the sheltered waterways and peaceful beaches, whilst others take the opportunity to search for the iconic kiwi bird. A population of more than 20, 000 kiwi is estimated to be living in the island's 180, 000 hectares and locals will tell you, "If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege.
With a population of only 390, this remote island is accessible by a short plane ride or boat journey. Kayakers are attracted to the sheltered waterways and peaceful beaches, whilst others take the opportunity to search for the iconic kiwi bird. A population of more than 20, 000 kiwi is estimated to be living in the island's 180, 000 hectares and locals will tell you, "If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege.
I have a friend who once worked on Stewart Island as a DOC Ranger (Department of Conversation). He said the people were all friendly, a close group and the scenery was amazing. The thing that he hated was the cold which is why he moved up here to Auckland.
$1.50 - Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast.
Nestled in the Westland National Park this spectacular piece of world heritage is still moving towards sea level. The glacier is totally unique, with a temperate rainforest of ancient podocarp trees and other evergreen species providing an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. Every day guides direct visitors to see vertical icefalls and walk through errie crevasses, whether these are reached by helicopter ride to the top or a day's hike through this remarkable landscape.
Nestled in the Westland National Park this spectacular piece of world heritage is still moving towards sea level. The glacier is totally unique, with a temperate rainforest of ancient podocarp trees and other evergreen species providing an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. Every day guides direct visitors to see vertical icefalls and walk through errie crevasses, whether these are reached by helicopter ride to the top or a day's hike through this remarkable landscape.
I've done both the helicopter ride and the glacier walk. The helicopter flight was spectacular, well worth the money but also I strongly recommend you do the walk. You really get to see the glacier close up that way. It an unusual feeling to stand on that ice and realise it is moving. Coming from rains a long time ago its 'flowing' down the mountainside to end up in the lake at the bottom.
$1.50 - Huka Falls, Taupo.
Huka Falls are New Zealand's most frequented natural attraction. Situated just north of Taupo where the Waikato river meets Lake Taupo, 220,000 litres of water cascade over these falls every second through a narrow 100-metre gully. With accessible, superb vantage points, scenic walks alongside the Waikato River, and jet boat rides, this attraction is the 'jewel in the crown' of the North Island.
Huka Falls are New Zealand's most frequented natural attraction. Situated just north of Taupo where the Waikato river meets Lake Taupo, 220,000 litres of water cascade over these falls every second through a narrow 100-metre gully. With accessible, superb vantage points, scenic walks alongside the Waikato River, and jet boat rides, this attraction is the 'jewel in the crown' of the North Island.
An inspiring sight, the whole river squeezing through that narrow gap then plunging out into the pool below. If you are in the area, don't miss it.
$1.50 - Cathedral Cove, Coromandel.
Travel along the winding coastal road of the Coromandel and you'll reach Hahei Beach. A short walk along the sandy beach and white cliffs culminates in this cathedral-shaped cavern, completing the beauty of this coastline. Officially named Te Whanga a Hei, Cathedral Cove is also the sixth official marine reserve, home to protected reefs, and has an abundance of marine life.
Travel along the winding coastal road of the Coromandel and you'll reach Hahei Beach. A short walk along the sandy beach and white cliffs culminates in this cathedral-shaped cavern, completing the beauty of this coastline. Officially named Te Whanga a Hei, Cathedral Cove is also the sixth official marine reserve, home to protected reefs, and has an abundance of marine life.
Not a bod walk to get into this place or the bay can be approached via a small boat. When I was last there they were recommending that people do not walk through the cave due to the risk of falling rocks. Sort of spoils it if you can't walk through.
Technical information 2004.
Date of Issue:
| 1 September 2004 |
|---|---|
Stamp Designer:
| Comm Arts Design , Wellington, New Zealand |
Printers:
| Southern Colour Print, Dunedin, New Zealand |
Stamp Size:
| 30mm x 25mm |
Sheet Size:
| 50 |
| Paper Type: | Tullis Russell 104g Red Phosphor |
Perforation:
| 13.5 x 13.25 |
Technical information 2006.
Date of Issue:
| 1 March 2006 |
|---|---|
Designer:
| CommArts Design, Wellington |
Printer:
| Southern Colour Print, Dunedin |
Process:
| Lithography |
Stamp Size:
| 25mm x 30mm |
Sheet Size:
| 50 |
Paper Type:
| Tullis Russell 104g Red Phosphor |
Perforation:
| 13.5 x 13.25 |
Some of the images in this post were used with permission from the illustrated catalogue of StampsNZ
You can visit their web site and On-line Catalogue at, http://stampsnz.com/
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