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Prajnaparamita in New Zealand 1st February -2nd March 2010
Aotearoa land of the long white cloud Prajnaparamita visits New Zealand 2010 Feburary 1st-March 2nd
Come embark on a mystical and magical four week journey. An awe inspiring spontaneous adventure of the North and South Island.
Information and registration: nzeeland2010@gmail.com All sangha members need to be settled in Auckland by 1st Feb 2010. Please arrive a few days before this date in order to get over the jet-lag Unfortunately booking as a group does not give us a significant discount, so please make your own individual booking. Prajnaparamita has the final say on who can and cannot come on the trip. Everyone joining the trip to New Zealand does so at his of her own risk and liability. It is strongly advised to take a good travel and cancellation insurance.
You can find more information and contact with other people who go to New Zealand on facebook:
Travelling Schedule February 1-3 AUCKLAND (Three days) Embrace the natural spirit and energy of Aotearoa- experience a Maori welcome Explore dense rainforests, thermal springs and deserted beaches within an hours drive from the heart of the city. Two evening satsangs in the "City of Sails". Possiblity of daily satsang in nature. February 4 (35 min ferry to Waiheke Island) February 4-7 WAIHEKE ISLAND (Four days) Emerald waters lap at rocky bays. Experince the rich beauty of this stunning island. Celebrate Waitangi Day 6th february- The nations birthday, marking the coming together of indigenous Maori and Pakeha (white people) Be part of maori ritual, ceremony, dance and song. Cycle Waiheke's arts trail, encompassing 26 authentic galleries. Rest in two public evening satsangs with possibility of daily satsang. Possiblility to be welcomed onto the local marae (an indigenous meeting house, which often embodies an ancestor, a sacred place where issues are discussed, milestones celebrated and the dead fare welled On the 6th of feburary- We are invited to attend waitangi day celebrations held on the local Marae; a celebration of Maori spirit. The day commences with a tradditional maori welcome (powhiri) followed by powerful ceremony, dance and song.
February 8 (Ferry back to Auckland) Drive to Coromandel Kilometres= 168 km Hours = 2.5 hrs February 8- 11 (Coromandel ) Four days In splendid isolation, receive natural blessings on the spectacular shores of this area. Sitting on the beach of this enchanted coastline, satsang willl be offered. Lose yourself along large tracks of untamed native bush, rich in birdlife. Take a swim in crystal clear wates. Explore deep coves. Visit the Mahamudra centre, a serene tibetan buddhist haven. Experience authentic local music in remote rural cafes where large selections of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, organic and fair trade delights await. February 12 (Drive to east Coast of Nth Island) Te Urewera National Park Kilometres= 374 km Hours= 5 hrs February 12-15 Te Urewera National Park (Four days) Stroll along the shores of alluring Lake Waikaremoana, shrouded in mist. Absorb profound silence, resonating deep within sacred virgin forests. A primal wild area - rich in maori history. Possibility to dissolve into the wisdom of a powerful elder, leader and healer - the sharmanic guardian of this mystical area. February 16-17 Drive to Wellington kilometes= 506 Km Hours = 7 hrs On route, experience New Zealand's wild central plateau. Three sacred, active volcanoes : Mt Tongariro,Mt Ngarahoe,and Mt Ruapehu tower before you. Stay in Jerusalem , a village on the shores of the Whanganui river, a historical ecclesiastical hot-spot . Many come here on pilgrimage. February 18 -21 Wellington (Four days) New Zealands vibrant capital - a free moving, aristic central hub. Experience New Zealads festival of the arts; an alive bohemia. Explore low key beach villages , less than an hour away, or the wild and remote west coasat. Three public evening satsangs with possibility of daily satsang. February 22 Ferry crossing to South Island Duration: 3 hrs February 22 From Ferry in Picton to Abel Tasman National Park Kilometres= 110 km Hours= 1 hr 35 mins February 22-25 Abel Tasman National Park (Four days) Surrounded by native bush, overlooking golden sandy beaches, satsang will be offered. Kayak the coast alongside dolphins and seals. February 26-01 March Explore the remote west coast, or be amongst the deep waters of Fiordland national Park Five days for travel Possibility for daily satsang Also... Be with local Iwi (tribe) Drive on surf -battered coastal highways Navigate coastal hamlets Imagine glacial sculptured canyons Jaggared misty peaks Limestone caverns and lagoons Deep glistening fiords End our journey in deep rest and silence, fully disolved in the sublime beauty of this diverse land. March 02 Queenstown Return rental vehicles
The last night of accomodation in Aotearoa will be the 2nd of March. Flying out of Queenstown on the 3rd.
Fly from Queenstown to Auckland . Auckland International to Home country
Very special information:
On the first of February we will receive a Powhiri from Ruth Makuini Tai. Ruth is a peace ambassador of Aotearoa (Aotearoa also means eternal light). Modern language scholar, Writer and Key note speaker. A powhiri is a ceremony of welcome extended to visitors by Maori, The Indigenous people of New Zealand. Powhiri provides an insight into the unique and Spiritual world of the Maori. Which is as important today as in the past. The Various elements of the Powhiri serve to ward of evil spirits and unite both visitor and host in an environment of freedom and peace. The word Powhiri encapsulates two important concepts to Maori. PO can be translated as an adventure into the unknown or a new experience while WHIRI experience of exchanging information or knowledge. Ruth is passionate about nature humanity and The Maori Language. Ruth will share (Tohuna) insights and peace teachngs of the Maori. On the 6th of February we are incredibly fortunate.
We have been invited by Puawa Ormsby to spend the day on Piritahi Marae Waiheke Island. We will be part of another Powhiri followed by Rich Maori cultural expereience. It will be Waitangi Day 2010. This will be a day where one can join in all things Maori. Weaving, Waka Ama, Kapa Haka and Hangi. WAKA AMA- Racing of Ancient tribal Maori water craft/canoe. KAPA HAKA-Maori Performing arts or the cultural dance of the Maori people. KAPA HAKA is an avenue for Maori people to express their heritage and cultural identity through dance and song. Dates back to pre european times. Presented in a synchronisation of action, timing, posture, footwork and sound. HANGI-traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Marae is a sacred place (wahi -Tapu) where culture can be celebrated. Maori language is spoken, Intertribal obligations can be met, where customs are explored and debated, Family occasions such as weddings and birthdays are held. Important ceremonies such as welcoming visitors or fare welling the dead can be performed. Waitangi Day is a significant day in the history of Aotearoa. It is a public holiday. It celebrates the signing of the treaty of Waitangi, New Zealands founding document signed in 1840. The Treaty made New Zealand part of the british empire guaranteeing Maori rights to their land and gave Maori the rights of British citizenship. Around the 12th and 15th February we will travel over to the Te Urewera National park. There is a possibility to spend time with a Maori Leader, Elder, and powerful Shaman- Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere. A formidable Maori Leader and Ambassador for Maori. Dr Rangimarie is strongly influenced by Maori teachings that go back over 12,000 years. Dr Rangimarie holds the energy of the Kahukura-The violent flame and Nga Waiahuruhuru -The cherishing waters to help transmute Negative energy to help protect the balance between Mother and Father energies. Dr Rangimarie will share ancient teachings. She is a Tohuna(Wisdom keeper)born into the ancient birthing nest.
On the 14th of February( During our stay in Lake Waikaremoana) we will be visiting Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere. This will begin with a traditional Maori welcome at 10 am on the Marae of Dr Rangimarie. This will be followed by a three hour kura(Offering of ancient Maori wisdom) followed and concluded with a meal at 1pm. Generally Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere only links in with her students from her Kura Huna in her own home but has agreed to have us visit. Dr Rangimarie is a Tohuna(Wisdom keeper)A priestess who is a sower of the sacred seeds of Knowledge. Dr Rangimarie comes from the Kura huna The Mystery school of the ancient people of Aotearoa. Dr Rangimarie can trace her ancestry back over 12,000 years. Cost for the morning(10-1pm) including shared Vegetarian Lunch £20 each. www.youtube.com type in Dr Rangimarie Rose Pere or Rose Pere for more of an introduction if you would like.
Public Satsangs
February 1st: Powhiri from Ruth Makuini Tai (more: very special information)
Auckland-Wellpark college(school of Natural therapies) Grey Lynn 6 francis street Auckland Tuesday 2nd Feburary 6pm-8pm Wednesday 3rd Feburary 6pm-8pm Waiheke Island-Omiha memorial hall(Rocky Bay hall) 2 glenbrooke road Omiha Waiheke Island Friday 5th Feburary 6pm-8pm On the 6th of February Piritahi Marae Waiheke Island. Powhiri followed by Rich Maori cultural expereience. It will be Waitangi Day 2010. (more: very special information) Waiheke Island-Omiha memorial hall Sunday 7th of Feburary 6pm-8pm On the 14th of February( During our stay in Lake Waikaremoana) we will be visiting Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere. (more: very special information) Wellington-Wellington central library Mezzanine room level one Victoria street Wellington Friday 19th feburary 6pm-8pm Saturday 20th feburary 1pm-3pm Sunday 21st feburary 1:30pm-3:30p
Practicalities AIRFARES (current lowest price) RTNDepart 28th January London Heathrow to Auckland Intl Airport Return 03 March London Heathrow www.airnewzealand Air NZ £809.80 www.netflights.com Royal Brunei £752.50
-Please be careful when you want to bring your drum, a sacred pipe, or instrument to New Zealand. It could be a problem with the doane, because it contains animal skin. We advise to contact the ambassady of New Zealand and your travel company about this issues. -When you want to bring medication in your hand luggage, ask for a medication passport (your doctor or the hospital can make it).
You can find more information on restrictions in import and export on facebook
VEHICLE RENTALS (Based on 30 day hire)Hire Car with own tent www.gorentals.co.nz "Super Cheapie" £8 p/day Total = £240 Pick up Auckland airport Drop off in Queenstown www.jucy.co.nz £12.85 p/day Total = £384 Upgrade to a "crib" - mattress in back of car, with utensils and bedding included £17.30 p/day Total= £516 Pick up Auckland Airpot Drop off Queenstown Airport Fee for drop off to Queenstown £60-80 www.rentalar.co.nz 4WD (large vehicle) £22.50 p/day Total = £672 SLEEPERVANS
Like a campervan, but more compact in size. Space in back for double mattress. Utensils, gas stove and linen usually provided in total price www.sleepervans.co.nz £27.70 -36.00 p/day Total = £930 ...if shared with 2 people, price reduced to £465 each www.zorbsleepervans.co.nz ...similar company, check out website CAMPERVANS www.freedomcampers.co.nz "Pathfinder" 2/3 berth HI- TOP (Comfortably sleeps 2 adults/1 child) Total (1 person ) = £1272 ...if shared with 2 poeple, total = £ 636 each Other websites to checkout: www.bedmobils.com www.drivenz.co.nzwww.jucy.co.nz www.campervans.co.nz
ORGANIC NEW ZEALAND DIRECTORY
This site is excellent for all your organic (biological) requirements .
A few recommendations:
Auckland ** Harvest Whole Foods
Huckleberry Farms
403-407 Richmond Road
Grey Lyn (Satsang area)
**Earth Seed Organics
1 Glen Road
Glen Eden
Ph) 0064 9 818 0411 **East-West Organics
273 West Coast Rd
Glen Eden
Ph)0064 9 818 9524
Waiheke Island **Ostend Markets (every saturdays)
Time: 0800 -1200 hrs
Fresh Organic fruit and vegies
Ostend Rd Waiheke
20 Tahi Rd Ostend
Waiheke Island
Coromandel (on route) ** Thames Organic supermarket
736 Pollen Street ** Whitianga 1 Monk Street
Monk St markets
Rotorua - on the way to Waikaremoana **Back to Eden Organics
1155 Puketua St
Rotorua
Taupo - on route to Wellington ** Earths Way
14 Tuwharetoa St
Taupo ( town centre)
Wellington **Commonsense Organics
260 Wakefield St
Te Aro
Ph) 0064 +4 384 3314
Nelson **Organic Supermarket
69 Collingwood Street
Nelson
Takaka **Golden Bay Organics
47 Commercial St
Takaka VISA REQUIREMENTS Visitors from the Netherlands may visit for up to three months without requirement for visa/visitor permit. Visitors from Britain/British passport may vsit for up to six months without requirement for visa/visa permit. SATSANG COSTS: Will follow shortly ACCOMODATION/CAMPSITE INFORMATION
It is recommanded to start booking your campsite in Auckland due to this being the last weekend of the school holidays (29-31st Jan) and also Waiheke Island, (being waitangi weekend) This means that it is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY...which means children and lots of people who will want accomodation in Auckland, and in Waiheke Island. Auckland:
You will need to book for the Muriwai campground (Auckland) when you can. This site has powered and unpowered sites . Details: www.muriwaimotorcamp.co.nz Powered sites: $25.00 for 2 people Tent sites: $12.00 per adult email: info@muriwaimotorcamp.co.nz Also, this site is very close to where Prajnaparamita is staying, and is 35 min away from downtown Auckland. There are other camp sites, or you can choose to "freedom camp" ....as you like. This site is chosen for the proximity to Prajnaparamita.
WAIHEKE ISLAND INFO: Waiheke Island is a very popular place for people in Auckland to get away during the busy summer holidays, and peak events, such as Waitangi day, as mentioned briefly above. Prajnaparamita will be staying in Rocky Bay. The Whakanewha Regional park is also in Rocky Bay. Whakanewha Regional Park has about 60 TENT ONLY sites...with the possibility of staying there for 7 nights. Here , you can just tun up, and the wardens will come around and collect the fee. You can reserve a spot in the campground (including campervan) for our entire stay. You have to provide credit card details over the phone, in order to confirm reservation here.The otherway is to pay by check . (not ideal) The site has cold showers, flushed toiles and drinking water available
Regaring the campsite in Rocky bay. Google; whakanewha reg park nz (Click on whakanewha at the top) alot of information is given about the park that could be very useful. Analternitive option could be to freedom camp somewhere lovely /idyllic on the island and just ROAM !!! ...or there is a possiblity of booking two nights accomodation of your choice. Here, you will need to book soon for these two nights if you choose to stay in hotel/backpackers. The rest of the campsite options throughout the rest of our journey,(located in close proximity to Prajnaparamita) will be posted to the website in the next two weeks.
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