Orchids have driven rational people to crazy extremes for centuries. What makes this flower so irresistible? That’s exactly the question explored by Auckland Museum’s multi-sensory exhibition Wonderland: The Mystery of the Orchid.
Opening in the Special Exhibitions Hall on 3 July, Wonderland embraces cutting-edge technology to bring stories of the orchid to life in vivid detail. Innovations include the latest in multi-touch panels, as well as scent stations, soundscape posts and stereographic 3D goggles.
These innovations are fused with the artistic vision of leading exhibition designer Marion Lyonnais, who created the popular Secrets Revealed.
The concept development for Wonderland was a collaborative effort involving Auckland Museum’s exhibition developers and writers, botany staff and orchid experts from New Zealand and around the world. In the exhibition Susan Orleans, author of The Orchid Thief – which provided the basis for award winning film Adaptation – provides her thoughts on the lure of orchids, while local orchidophiles talk about their obsession. As well as examining the orchid’s inspiration on culture, Wonderland explores the flower’s remarkable science. There are around 22,500 species of orchid, which thrive in almost every habitat on earth.
The exhibition also features a unique retail experience that continues the storytelling and sensory journey, featuring a wide range of gifts visitor can take home.
The Mystery of the Orchid is the first chapter in a two-part exhibition exploring stories of the world’s most popular flowers. The second chapter, Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose, opens in October.
What: Wonderland: The Mystery of the Orchid
When: Opens Friday, 3 July
Where: Special Exhibitions Hall, Auckland Museum
Cost: Adults $8, Members and Concession $6, Children FREE
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
2 night NZ Indulgence Heliski Package Only $3712
Combine ultimate indulgence with thrilling skiing!
The luxury Otahuna Lodge in New Zealand has released a 2 night indulgence heliski package for just $3712 per person, including all meals, wines and a thrilling day in Canterbury’s Southern Alps – among the best heliskiing in the Southern Hemisphere!
Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most impressive luxury venues, built in 1895 and reopened under new owners on 1 May 2007 after a NZ$4 million renovation. The Lodge is just 20 minutes from Christchurch International Airport and a helicopter from the Lodge’s lawn can transport you to the slopes in under an hour, taking in spectacular coastlines, mountain passes, ice-blue rivers and snow-capped peaks.
HELiPRO-Southern Alps will take you on five thrilling runs (average 19,000 feet vertical per day!), then return you to cosy Otahuna Lodge to thaw, with its 14 open fireplaces and nightly five-course degustation après-ski dinners with matching wines and liqueurs.
The peaks of Two Thumb and Cloudy Peak ranges, near Mt Cook, allow access to long runs and fantastic snow quality. The highest peak is more than 2.5km and the longest run an awesome 3.16km. Snowfall averages an impressive 4.8m per season.
This package includes breakfasts, mountain-top lunch and ski guide, après-ski canapés and drinks, five-course dinners with wines and use of the Lodge’s heated pool and Jacuzzi. Equipment hire is not included and conditions apply.
Bookings: Phone Otahuna Lodge +64 3 329 6333 or visit www.otahuna.co.nz
The luxury Otahuna Lodge in New Zealand has released a 2 night indulgence heliski package for just $3712 per person, including all meals, wines and a thrilling day in Canterbury’s Southern Alps – among the best heliskiing in the Southern Hemisphere!
Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most impressive luxury venues, built in 1895 and reopened under new owners on 1 May 2007 after a NZ$4 million renovation. The Lodge is just 20 minutes from Christchurch International Airport and a helicopter from the Lodge’s lawn can transport you to the slopes in under an hour, taking in spectacular coastlines, mountain passes, ice-blue rivers and snow-capped peaks.
HELiPRO-Southern Alps will take you on five thrilling runs (average 19,000 feet vertical per day!), then return you to cosy Otahuna Lodge to thaw, with its 14 open fireplaces and nightly five-course degustation après-ski dinners with matching wines and liqueurs.
The peaks of Two Thumb and Cloudy Peak ranges, near Mt Cook, allow access to long runs and fantastic snow quality. The highest peak is more than 2.5km and the longest run an awesome 3.16km. Snowfall averages an impressive 4.8m per season.
This package includes breakfasts, mountain-top lunch and ski guide, après-ski canapés and drinks, five-course dinners with wines and use of the Lodge’s heated pool and Jacuzzi. Equipment hire is not included and conditions apply.
Bookings: Phone Otahuna Lodge +64 3 329 6333 or visit www.otahuna.co.nz
The Langham, Melbourne Enchants with Winter Hideaway Packages for 2009
Southbank’s enchanting five-star hotel, The Langham, Melbourne has created the perfect winter destination with the launch of its new Enchanted Winter Hideaway packages, designed to keep guests warm and cozy. Offered as two, three and four night package options, the hotel’s Enchanted Winter Hideaway provides guests with luxurious opportunities to escape from the cold and hideaway in an indulgent and irresistible setting.
The packages combine the finest of The Langham, Melbourne’s experiences, showcasing the hotel as the perfect winter haven. With stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline, the Yarra River and Federation Square, guests can enjoy the beauty of the vibrant city whilst staying wrapped in the warmth of their Langham blissful bed.
With beautiful breakfasts for two from the hotel’s interactive cooking stations at Melba restaurant, access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre and incredible value on rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Chuan Spa, The Langham, Melbourne packages offer a range of enchanting experiences for guests. An added bonus for those who book their Enchanted Winter Hideaway online at www.langhamhotels.com is the inclusion of complimentary valet parking for the duration of their stay.
Enchanted Winter Hideaway
Two Nights
-Two nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from AUD$485
River View Room from AUD$565
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
Three Nights
-Three nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from AUD$695
River View Room from AUD$815
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
Four Nights
-Four nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from $825
River View Room from $985
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
* No access to the pool between 13 July and 18 August 2009 due to renovations.
** Those who book their Enchanted Winter Hideaway online at www.langhamhotels.com will receive complimentary value parking for the duration of their stay
For all Langham experiences, packages and gifts, call 1800 858 662
For more information on Langham Enchanted Winter Hideaway packages, visit melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au
The packages combine the finest of The Langham, Melbourne’s experiences, showcasing the hotel as the perfect winter haven. With stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline, the Yarra River and Federation Square, guests can enjoy the beauty of the vibrant city whilst staying wrapped in the warmth of their Langham blissful bed.
With beautiful breakfasts for two from the hotel’s interactive cooking stations at Melba restaurant, access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre and incredible value on rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Chuan Spa, The Langham, Melbourne packages offer a range of enchanting experiences for guests. An added bonus for those who book their Enchanted Winter Hideaway online at www.langhamhotels.com is the inclusion of complimentary valet parking for the duration of their stay.
Enchanted Winter Hideaway
Two Nights
-Two nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from AUD$485
River View Room from AUD$565
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
Three Nights
-Three nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from AUD$695
River View Room from AUD$815
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
Four Nights
-Four nights accommodation for two
-Breakfast for two in Melba restaurant
-20% discount on one hour Chuan Spa treatments*
-Access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre including use of the gymnasium, conservatory covered pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, signature scented colour therapy steam rooms and therapeutic rain showers*
-Complimentary valet parking **
Package price: Classic Room from $825
River View Room from $985
Valid: from 01 June 2009 until 31 August 2009 (subject to availability)
* No access to the pool between 13 July and 18 August 2009 due to renovations.
** Those who book their Enchanted Winter Hideaway online at www.langhamhotels.com will receive complimentary value parking for the duration of their stay
For all Langham experiences, packages and gifts, call 1800 858 662
For more information on Langham Enchanted Winter Hideaway packages, visit melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)