Graham Henry's New Zealand
The vision of All Black coach Graham Henry relaxing on the beach or fishing at one of his favourite island haunts is hard to imagine - given the pressure on him this year with Rugby World Cup 2011.
But the man with the weight of the rugby-strong New Zealand nation on his shoulders is a true Kiwi who loves nothing better than getting together with his family while enjoying his country’s great outdoors.
When he’s not calling the shots at a rigorous All Blacks’ training session or fully immersed in the agonising moments of a major match on the international circuit, and dealing with the constant demands of media, Henry escapes to an island paradise, a 35-minute ferry ride from New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland.
Waiheke Island
Graham and Raewyn Henry have recently bought a property on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf - an easy hop from their Auckland home and the constant pressure associated with the huge responsibility of caretaking the nation’s most high profile sports team.
Waiheke Island is celebrated for its beaches, artists, award-winning wines and olive oil, and is a popular tourist destination as well as a favourite holiday spot for Kiwi families - the Henrys included.
"It’s convenient for the family - we’ve got four grandchildren, another on the way and three kids of our own. Waiheke’s a beautiful little island - well not so little - with great wineries, top fishing and is very relaxing," says Henry.
Like many of his favoured New Zealand haunts, the coach reckons Waiheke is the perfect place for Rugby World Cup visitors to go to get a taste of the New Zealand way of life.
Extra ferries are scheduled during RWC 2011 and, as well as Waiheke being a popular day trip for visitors, it is thought many will stay on the island during the tournament - possibly renting holiday homes and baches.
Bay of Islands
Russell and Paihia in the Bay of Islands also feature on Henry’s list of favourite holiday places and, given their ease of access from Auckland, the well-known Northland holiday spots are also likely to be targeted by RWC fans and visitors.
"Amazing scenery, really lovely people, great fishing - it’s pretty special up there. The Bay of Islands is somewhere that the Rugby World Cup tourists need to go to - it’s a very special part of New Zealand," says Henry.
The high profile coach, nicknamed ‘Ted’ or ‘Super Ted’, was born in Christchurch in 1946 into a family of what he calls "rugby fanatics". His mother was very good at netball and tennis, and both his grandfathers played and coached rugby.
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Childhood family holidays were spent at Wainui Bay and Akaroa - the French-founded settlement on Banks Peninsula, in Canterbury.
An easy drive from Christchurch city, the area is still a popular holiday spot and tourist destination famed for its unique history, natural beauty and rare wildlife.
The peninsula is home to populations of endangered penguin and dolphin species, and is a stopping-off point for whales and other large marine mammals cruising the New Zealand coast.
Henry continues to strongly support his home region and with Akaroa another of his favourite New Zealand holiday spots, he suggests it is another great destination for visitors.
Canterbury is considered the heart of New Zealand rugby, and Henry says he’ll be spending time in the region with the All Blacks during RWC 2011.
Central Otago wine
Otago is also a region with strong significance for Henry. Apart from gaining his Diploma of Physical Education at Otago University, he also met his wife Raewyn while studying there.
The region also appeals to Henry’s palate as a wine connoisseur. Central Otago produces his favourite pinot noir - one of the many velvety, distinctly flavoured wines that have won a string of international medals.
Central Otago’s continental climate and terrain makes it an ideal wine growing region, and about 70% of the vineyards grow pinot noir.
Wine tours and trails take visitors throughout what is one of New Zealand’s most scenic wine regions - another likely hot spot for Rugby World Cup 2011 visitors.
Friendly Kiwis
Asked what rugby visitors will notice most about New Zealand and what might make their visit to the country memorable, Henry says it will be the people.
"It’ll be because of the four and a half million Kiwis - New Zealand is special because of the people.
"It was proved during the Lions Tour. What visitors loved about New Zealand was the contact with New Zealand people - the camaraderie. A bit of banter went down very well and of course so did the scenery - which is the best in the world - from the Bay of Islands in the north to Fiordland in the south.
"I think visitors will be blown away by the friendliness of the people in this country because that is something very special. And I think Kiwis will reach out and make sure the visitors feel comfortable in our country," says Henry.
The All Black coach says he also hopes people make the most of New Zealand’s restaurants and as well as enjoying the scenery, the people, the festival atmosphere and the whole event, he has one more thing on his wish list for visitors during RWC 2011.
"I hope the weather is good!"
More information
Rugby World Cup
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| Bay of Islands - sailing with dolphins |
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| Waiheke Island - walking coastal tracks |
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| Akaroa Harbour lies inside the crater of an extinct volcano |
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| Cyclists looking over Lake Dunstan, in Central Otago |
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