Experience New Zealand like never before on an escorted literary tour for seniors! Enjoy authentic experiences while discovering its gorgeous landscapes – including an unobstructed view of Mount Cook!
On this 12-day New Zealand Highlights tour, nature and culture combine seamlessly. From dramatic fjords to geothermal pools, New Zealand will unveil otherworldly marvels on this epic journey.
1. Auckland Library
Island Bay Library boasts a comprehensive catalogue, and when you become a member you can take advantage of their programs such as Tech Hour (where children learn computer coding). There’s also the Knit and Knatter program, perfect for anyone interested in knitting. Plus there are meeting rooms and an on-site Justice of the Peace!
Research and heritage collections at Auckland Libraries focus on Auckland, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and include items listed on UNESCO Memory of the World Register as well as Sir George Grey Special Collections at Central City Library – such as Ko te Katihama III (first work printed in New Zealand), the Yate family collection and Church Mission Society documents.
Massey University Library supports teaching, learning and research at its Albany, Palmerston North, Wellington and Tepoti campuses through extensive e-resources and books in English, French and Maori – in addition to having an outstanding collection of rare or out-of-print titles.
2. Wellington Library
Wellington’s epic battle over whether or not to sell off office space at their flagship library demonstrated how libraries have become not only bastions of public space but also embody distinct city identities. Anxieties regarding both public space and infrastructural investment collided during this heated debate, writes Salene Schloffel-Armstrong.
But this polarisation is an indication of all of the roles librarians are expected to fulfill; from hosting book club events and author Q &A’s, hosting movement classes for seniors, computer tuition services for kids as well as school holiday programmes, librarians have become event planners with no one asking what exactly their duties will be.
Glen Innes branch in Glen Innes village is a bright, cheerful, and cozy hub where people come to read, photocopy documents, attend community events, listen to poetry readings and enjoy afternoon tea. Three days each week students can receive homework assistance while there’s Wriggle and Rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers taking place each week and free Internet access in its network room – where you’ll find anything from Hollywood blockbusters to Spanish novels!
3. Rotorua Library
One of New Zealand’s most beautiful libraries lies tucked into West Auckland suburb Piha and boasts beautiful beachside surroundings. A beloved institution in its community, Piha Library provides reading materials and DVD selection.
Jean Batten settled into her community in 1911 and quickly devoured up to 10 books per week plus magazines. With her eyesight gradually diminishing over time, for the past 11 years Jean has relied on Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s library service to supply talking books that could assist her reading habits.
Since 1913, when it first opened its doors, the library has undergone substantial renovations. It boasts an impressive collection of rare items like diaries from city founders and Captain James Cook’s folios; there is even a dedicated chess room stocked with tables and materials designed to encourage studying this fascinating game.
Rotorua’s Te Aka Mauri Library has made waves by dropping fines for late books to prioritize literacy enactment rather than enforcement, mirroring Auckland Library’s decision and becoming one of many libraries nationwide to make such changes.
4. Christchurch Library
Christchurch Library librarians spend much of their free time not reading best sellers but instead organizing book discussion groups through Book Discussion Society (BDS). BDS lends books and professionally prepared discussion notes for book discussions throughout New Zealand in an effort to foster lifelong learning while providing readers a platform to share their passion for reading with one another.
BDS provides seniors with a valuable way to connect with others who share similar reading tastes, while engaging in stimulating discussions about books they love. BDS can also serve as a fantastic resource for individuals interested in social justice or democracy, or looking to take continuing education courses at local community colleges.
Europe, Asia and Africa all boast spectacular libraries; now it’s Australia and New Zealand’s turn. Within Auckland’s western coast town of Piha lies one of the world’s most breathtaking libraries – set against some of its most stunning scenery.
5. Queenstown Library
Queenstown Library is an idyllic and timeless building that has withstood the test of time, serving both locals and visitors as a place to call home and meet. Modernised over time but maintaining its serenity and comfort. Also offering access to Digital NZ Index New Zealand PapersPast in one search platform via EPIC Discovery.
Piha Library is an invaluable community asset to Piha, Karekare and Anawhata communities located on the West Coast. At just 21 metres squared in size and boasting some of the West Coast’s most breathtaking beaches nearby, this little treasure serves to bring people together in Piha.
Greymouth Library stands out as an extraordinary achievement because its construction was entirely completed without assistance from Andrew Carnegie. While Carnegie provided capital, he expected its community to furnish it with books; here in Greymouth this responsibility fell on ratepayers who made sure nothing in its shelves would corrupt local morals, and their selection proved them right.