Feast of Tabernacles 2008

New Zealand

Volcanically created Lake Taupo is the stunning backdrop for this year’s Feast in New Zealand. The beautiful resort town of Taupo is located on New Zealand’s North Island, just four hours’ drive south of Auckland International Airport. Taupo may be reached by rental car or bus, travelling through the green countryside of the lush Waikato farmland. Regular domestic air flights also service Taupo from Auckland and Wellington.

Taupo, population 30,000, is nestled on the northern end of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Lake Taupo is internationally famous for its rainbow trout and offers a wide range of chartered fishing boats for hire. Bungy jumping, Zorbing, skydiving and various adventure sports are attractions in this region.

Places of interest include the Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon boiling mud pools and the Wairakei Geothermal Project. Thermal hot pools are included in some accommodation units, as well as in inexpensive public facilities. Tourist information about many activities is provided on Taupo’s official website www.laketauponz.com and www.destination-nz.com

Within an hour’s drive of Taupo is the city of Rotorua, with its many Maori and thermal attractions. Close by are areas for fly fishing, hunting and bush walking. Taupo offers visitors a wide range of attractions making this a truly marvellous Feast site.

Mount Ruapehu is a two-hour drive south of Lake Taupo. The mountain, an active volcano, is known for its excellent snow skiing. The ski fields are normally operating during the Feast period.

Services will be held at the Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre www.suncourt.co.nz in central Taupo.

Taupo offers an excellent range of accommodation, including backpacker hostels, motels, lodges, holiday rental homes and 4-star hotels. Prices range from NZ$40 to over $200 per night. Useful New Zealand accommodation websites include www.aatravel.co.nz, www.jasons.com and www.holidayhomes.co.nz/ Current exchange rates are found on www.xe.com

Our Feast weather is normally temperate, with cooler nights and warm sunny days. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as it can be cool in the evenings.

The New Zealand brethren look forward to welcoming you and the many overseas visitors who visit us each year. Attendance is expected to be over 100 people this year.

Location of Services: Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre, 14 Northcroft St., Taupo, Ph. +64-7-3788265.

First Service: Monday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Reservations: Visitors wishing to attend the Taupo site, please contact Feast coordinator Jeff Caudle, P.O. Box 22, Shortland St., Auckland 1140, New Zealand; e-mail jeff_caudle@ucg.org; phone +64-9-817 5496.