Kiwi Vacations

Napier might be the Art Deco capital, but the tiny town of Tirau, in New Zealand’s North Island, is the self-proclaimed ‘corrugated iron capital of the world’. It’s a big claim for a little town – population 700 – but for this once blink-and-you-might-miss-it town on State Highway One, between Hamilton and Rotorua, it’s reason to stop and take in this quirky country village with great shopping.

I’ve always loved corrugated iron, the relatively inexpensive building material used, and reused, for farm sheds and shanty towns. From shiny, shimmering virgin silver to rust-ridden russet tones, its undulating surface catches light and shadow for dramatic effect.

It’s had a renaissance of sorts recently as a trendy building material, holding up bars, lining restaurants and bathrooms, and as an art surface for painters and photographers.

But in Tirau, it’s been given a new lease of life, sculptured into quirky shop signs, unusual statues and animal-shaped buildings.

It all started in 1998 with a wool shop built from corrugated iron in the shape of a sheep. When the town needed a new building for a visitor information centre, the community decided to build it in the shape of a sheepdog, adjacent to the sheep, and the rest, they say, is history.

Local shopkeepers and business have joined in the fun with cute colourful signs. Even the local church has a corrugated iron Good Sheppard out the front.

Tirau means ‘the place of many cabbage trees’ and the town logo looks gorgeous rendered in corrugated iron.

This has meant plenty of work for local corrugated artist, Stephen Clothier, of Corrugated Creations, which is located just outside Tirau. The ‘mechanic-turned-handyman’ was initially reluctant to take on the sheepdog project, but once finished he was inundated with orders for signs, garden features and letter boxes.

Each artwork is individually designed for the location and handmade, including the frame. 

With galleries, art and craft stores, coffee shops and more, Tirau makes a great place for picking up some unique NZ gifts or souvenirs. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check them all out, or buy my own corrugated souvenir. But I’ll be sure to stop off next time I’m in New Zealand.

The vehicle industry is very competitive particularly in Australia where you can pick out a very nice car or go with a campervan hire.  To around the city with a handful of companions, you can be comfortable enough in an SUV.  You do have to think about other factors when you’re travelling in Australia.  Aside from the space, you need something that’s comfortable, has the ability for off road and outback driving and has the necessary safety features.

You wouldn’t go wrong with campervan hire.  Think about this vehicle as your home on wheels.  It’s got everything from bedrooms to bathroom facilities to cooking facilities.  If you ever want to camp out in a certain location in Australia, you’ll have everything that you need in terms of the camping gear in this vehicle.  You wouldn’t really have to rough it out when you’re in a campervan but you’ll still get that outback camping experience.  Most especially if you’ve got a number of days planned travelling around Australia; this vehicle is going to be a wonderful choice.  Besides having everything you need, it’s also the most reasonably priced option and clearly the most cost-effective one.

Try renting out a regular car and juggling your budget with accommodation, flights and all that.  You’ll be raking in the bill in no time.  When you choose a campervan to get around, you’ll mostly be spending more quality time with your loved ones – and not money.  Indeed, it can spawn a lot of catching up with one another. Drive through from one city to the other and get to the outback and enjoy the sights of the place. Enjoy the comforts of your home while enjoying different landscape each time you glance at the window. It’s the best way to spend time with your family while not spending so much money through the use of campervan hire.

In a recent online story Angela Saurine reports Australians are cancelling holidays in the wake of natural disasters, particularly to Queensland, but I suspect to areas surrounding Christchurch too.

The damage caused by floods and Cyclone Yasi in Queensland is perceived to be more widespread than it actually is. While there is significant damage to Mission Beach, and Bedarra, Dunk and Hayman Islands are closed temporarily, most of the rest of Queensland is open for business, and desperate for visitors.

A Hidden Valley cabin

We can show our support for Queenslanders by taking a holiday in the Whitsundays, Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast.  Or go bush on a Dreamtime Journey with Kookaburra Tours in Far North Queensland where you can also stay in Australia’s first carbon neutral bush retreat, Hidden Valley Cabins which only sustained some vegetation damage in the cyclone.

The Charlotte Jane Hotel

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism is also urging visitors to return to the region. The beautiful 5 star Charlotte Jane Hotel opened its doors again this week and is eager to welcome visitors back to the hotel and restaurant.

Akaroa Harbour

Head inland from Christchurch to the thermal pools and spa at Hamner Springs or travel seaward to the picturesque harbour-side village of Akaroa, where it is business as usual. A local tells me you might feel a few mild aftershocks, but that would make a memorable holiday anecdote.