Latest news with #NewZealandInternationalScienceFestival
NZ Herald
17-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Travel Alerts: Pasta masterclasses, stargazing journeys, luxury resorts and helicopter rides
Hop aboard Dunedin Railways' Stargazer Train for a celestial winter journey timed with Matariki and the New Zealand International Science Festival. This unique experience takes passengers from Dunedin to the remote Taieri Gorge, far from city lights and perfect for stargazing. Onboard, science communicators from Tūhura Otago Museum share stories of the Matariki star cluster, offer astronomy insights, and guide guests through stargazing stations under the night sky. It's a magical blend of science, culture and nature, offering a rare chance to connect with the cosmos. Luxury in the Bahamas Aman brings its legendary luxury to the Bahamas with Amancaya, a new ultra-private retreat in the heart of Exuma. Set across two secluded cays with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Amancaya will offer 36 elegant hotel pavilions and a limited collection of Aman residences. Guests will enjoy signature Aman experiences, from serene wellness at the Aman Spa to vibrant dining, a beach club, and a private marina. Partnering with Dona Bertarelli, Aman aims to create a sustainable sanctuary honouring local culture and nature. New Caledonia welcomes Kiwis back New Caledonia is ready to welcome back Kiwi visitors after New Zealand's official travel advisory website, SafeTravel, downgraded its advisory to the South Pacific destination. Australia downgraded its advisory earlier this year. The advisory was lowered to Level 2, meaning travellers can visit as long as they 'exercise increased caution', placing it alongside destinations such as the US, India and Morocco. This follows a period of civil unrest in May 2024, which temporarily paused tourism. Since then, curfews were lifted in December 2024, and Aircalin increased its flight capacity between Auckland and Noumea in March 2025. In early 2025, New Caledonia Tourism launched a new campaign, New Caledonia, a New Chapter Awaits, showcasing the island's readiness to offer safe, memorable, and meaningful travel experiences for Kiwis. Reach for the skies Take to the skies for a breathtaking helicopter ride over Marlborough Sounds and land on Arapawa Island, home to a rare blue pearl farm, with Helicopters Nelson. After learning the story behind these beautiful gems, set off on a relaxing cruise with Beachcomber Cruises. As you glide through the waters, enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch prepared by a private chef, paired perfectly with Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Your day concludes with a scenic helicopter flight back to Nelson, offering a final breathtaking view of the Marlborough Sounds.
Otago Daily Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Activities await at science fest
The New Zealand International Science Festival returns next month, offering more than 100 talks, tours, workshops and experiences. The festival team is putting the finishing touches to the programme before its release on May 21. Director Jerome Cousins said there was a wide range of activities designed to inspire young and old. This year is the Unesco International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and several events will explore the theme. The University of Otago Department of Physics will run a show titled What Is Quantum Technology? and Rachel Rayner's Atomically Correct comedy will offer a chance to learn and laugh. The sun's 11-year peak in solar activity is forecast for June and July and several events are planned to mark it. A hands-on workshop with artist Jess Nicholson (Kāi Tahu) will allow children to craft clay tile art while exploring the science and pūrākau (mythology) of auroras. The southern night sky will be explored at the Beverly-Begg Observatory. This year's special guest is former Nasa assistant director for science communication Dr Michelle Thaller, who recently retired after a 28-year career at the agency. ''She is going to come and share with us all things inspirational about space, all the space stories.'' A well-known face in space communication, including multiple TEDx talks, she will take part in several events, including school sessions on space careers and a women-in-space talk. An expanded hub in the former Smiths City premises at Meridian Mall will be the festival's biggest yet. ''People did really resonate well with a hub location, so we have expanded that.'' As well as drop-in stalls and activities, seminars will be held at the hub for the first time. A parent could attend an adult-focused talk while children and parents enjoy the Imagination Playground or explore other hub activities, Mr Cousins said. The festival was held every two years, which could feel a long time in science. ''The festival is definitely a time-and-place curation and that is what is so exciting for us to put together.'' The programme, inserted in the Otago Daily Times on Wednesday, May 21, will also be available at libraries and businesses after that date as well as published online, tickets going on sale the same day. The festival will run from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. @
