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Scenic helicopter operator/air ambulance among New Zealand tourism award winners stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Many finalists have been recognised for the positive impact they have had on their communities, especially throughout Covid-19. Canterbury-based GCH Helicopters continued to offer their air rescue and Flying Doctor services during lockdown, while Carino Wildlife Cruises used the downturn in visitors as an opportunity to focus on their local community, hosting children who had not experienced what it was like to be on the water. Others have been commended for their focus on sustainability, like Ruapehu's Nightsky Cottage, which encourages guests to immerse themselves in zero-waste living. Brook Sabin/Stuff Nightsky Cottage is a retreat surrounded by native bush.
Mike Yardley: A perfect day on Waiheke Island Mike Yardley: A perfect day on Waiheke Island Wed, 7 Apr 2021, 2:39PM Awakening to a picture-perfect autumn day on the Auckland waterfront, the Waitematā Harbour’s glossy turquoise sheen gleamed in the soft, sun-kissed morning calm. I had a hot date with the crowning jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. A full day’s adventures awaited me on Waiheke Island, a blissed-out beach and bush bolt-hole, where beauty and bounty abound. It’s an island cohabited by unlikely bedpals, where seasoned bohemians reside cheek by jowl with the moneyed of Auckland. Needless to say, Waiheke’s local showdowns are legendary.
RICKY WILSON/STUFF American Magic and Luna Rossa duel in practice, with some of their moves looking like ballet on water. Drones are brilliant, but there’s nothing like being there yourself. If you take a flight with Waiheke Wings on an America’s Cup race day, or even just when they’re out practising, you’ll circle around the action about four times. Pamela Wade Team New Zealand's boat is easy to spot, even from 1200 feet. That not only gets you a literal bird’s-eye view of the yachts doing their spectacular thing in front of all their nautical hangers-on, but also allows you to enjoy the wider view of their glorious surrounds in the Hauraki Gulf.