Social Programmes
Zealong is New Zealand’s only tea plantation. It was started by Vincent Chen, who one day in conversation with his neighbour, asked how did he get his camellias to grow so well. The answer was – he did nothing – they just grew like that. Camelia’s and tea bushes are from the same genus, so Vincent – if camellias grow so well in New Zealand with little care – why not tea bushes. His story of how he visited Taiwan, made his case to the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, imported seedlings and develop the business that now sells high quality organically grown tea to China is part of the story of your visit to Zealong.
Zealong is now in the tourism industry, with plans for even bigger participation – so come and enjoy good food, an interesting story, the best tea that money can buy – and a pleasant location for getting to make new friends amongst our academic community.
The conference dinner is being held at Hobbiton, the film set used for the Peter Jackson trilogies The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit.
The set is a permanent arrangement of building and very different to what previously existed. The meal will be held at The Green Dragon Inn.
Raglan, famous for its surfing, music, artisans, life style and Maori roots – where life is indeed a beach!
This is where a couple of Californians, Charlie and Erin Young found the California of their youth! They came to New Zealand for a holiday, as keen surfers went to Raglan, never saw more of New Zealand on that holiday, and returned home only to finance their move to Raglan. They started the surfing school, run a backpackers, an electric bus and the Raglan Harbour Cruises. Every day is different they say as for the several hundredth time they take guests on their boat. A summer sunset cruise from the wharf side with the best fish and chips (an music) in the business is a memorable experience as evidenced from the photographs. It comes with just one warning – do not throw chips to the pursuing sea gulls!
Hobbiton will require little introduction to colleagues as it must be one of the more researched film induced tourism locations in the world. It is not only the location of the Sir Peter Jackson films but a venue for events, conferences, weddings and indeed other films.
You will be taken on an escorted tour by the staff from Hobbiton – so get your questions ready now – and get those cameras ready too. They prepare for a meal at the Green Dragon Inn, be prepared to quaff a mead or two, before wandering through the site at sunset.
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