Links

NZ Ultimate
www.ultimate.org.nz

Beach Ultimate Lovers Association
www.beachultimate.org

Discraft
www.discraft.com

mini ultimate game
www.newyorkultimate.com/mini.cfm

Ocean Beach tournament, Whangarei
www.whereishayden.org/temp/oceanbeach/2008

Boutique Beach tournament, Napier
www.hbultimate.org.nz

Tides and fate have brought all NZ’s beach tournaments together this year into a Super Series starting beginning of February, with 4 beach tournaments in 5 weeks!

Geographically, they start in the centre, at Wellington; then move, week at a time, north to beautiful Hawkes Bay; then to Whangarei and the good weather north of Auckland; then after a two week break for sightseeing travel, to the South Island’s premiere beach area, Nelson.

Wellington (Wgtn) is the “eventful capital”, world capital of mountain biking, and is full of things to do, with the famous Courtenay Place entertainment strip, funky Cuba St, the best coffee in NZ, amazing wind-surfing in the beautiful harbour, and the gateway north or south. You can even still climb aboard Peter Jackson’s King Kong ship “Venture” moored in Miramar (just don’t let anyone see you)!

Take the Napier-Taupo road inland to visit Lake Taupo and the central mountains, amongst NZ’s most picturesque visitor areas; or travel north along the scenic coast to Gisborne, and then either inland to the Bay of Plenty; or even around the isolated East Cape for some real kiwi heartland!

Ocean Beach has won many NZ tournament awards. Apparently I’ve been there but don’t remember much so it must be good. Another beautiful location, another great party (I think…).

Whangarei is a city north of Auckland, in the province of Northland. This part of NZ includes the historic and beautiful boaties’ paradise of Bay of Islands, strips of exquisite and isolated beach so long one that is even called 90 Mile Beach, forests of tall ancient NZ kauri, and the northern heads of Cape Reinga where the Tasman and Pacific Oceans meet. Check out the Conservation Department camp grounds for more authentic experiences.

You can drive in one (long) day from Auckland to Wgtn; or fly cheaply if you book in advance. You can fly from Wgtn to Nelson beach and right to the Flat Out on the Beach Tournament; or you should take the Cook Strait ferry, for a really beautiful journey between the islands – especially the sunset crossing on the way back! (ps they have bars on board.)

The South Island has NZ’s most majestic scenery and is a must-see. Queenstown and the Lakes District; Central Otago; the Southern Alps; Golden Bay and Tasman National Park; the West Coast; and the many beautiful tramping tracks kept well-maintained by the Conservation Department. Nelson is at the top, northern end of the South Island. Do find the time to see some of the rest of the Island!

Nelson itself is a relaxed city in a really beautiful part of NZ. Many immigrants including a lot of northern Europeans have chosen it as their home, enjoying the beautiful natural environment, the craft and organic orientation, and the great lifestyle.

Kiwis are friendly, mostly honest, and welcoming. The climate is temperate, and during summer it is unlikely to be cold anywhere (but if you are in the great outdoors, always prepare wisely. For most of us this summer, that’ll mean lots of sunblock, water, and a hat!) Holidays here are affordable for most currencies. Around the country there are plenty of backpackers; Holiday Park campgrounds if you like some comfort; and Conservation Dept campgrounds near many natural attractions for a more authentic experience. Some tournaments include accommodation.

Wellington Open Day:
Check out some photos from the Wellington Open Day held at Oriental Bay Beach, Sat 19 January 2008.

Disc Sales:
Check out this awesome NZ souvenir disc design by lafisal. Newly designed for 2008 with more white showing on the rim! Ultrastar 175gm Supercolour, full colour over the whole top of the disc.
$20 each. Courier fee $5 per disc in NZ. Enquire here to buy, or available at Wgtn Wild Wind.