Travel to New Zealand with Noble Journeys
New Zealand has long been in the forefront of weaving and spinning, with a history of master craftspeople weaving as an essential art in ancient times – for clothing, nets, shoes, mats, bags, many beautiful as well as practical. Ceremonial capes combined flax and bird feathers.
We'll enjoy a five day retreat at the famed Ashford Looms with workshops on nuno felting, silk and wool, novelty spinning, fleece and so much more, while staying in comfortable farmhouse accommodations on the South Island. We go on to Rotorua, on the North Island, to visit the Majacraft Loom Factory, meeting master weavers. Flax was, and still is, an important medium and we'll learn how the fibers are formed, and learn to weave a flax flower from the native plant.
On the North Island, we are in the center of the ancient Maori culture, and have a chance to experience their hospitality and unique culture, still vibrant today. The scenery is breathtaking, the cuisine tasty from locally-grown produce. Friendly people and fascinating activities make this a terrific trip!
The combination of craft and culture is always the keynote of my specially-designed tours, and New Zealand certainly will introduce us to theirs! For more information, see our New Zealand Travel Tips -- coming soon!
Join us on this unique spinning and weaving tour as we travel through New Zealand.
Highlights:
- Workshops
- Private tours of Ashford and Majacraft loom companies
- Meet with master weavers and spinners
- Visit North and South Islands
- Comfortable farmstay
- Unique Maori in-depth cultural experiences
Your Tour Manager:
Joan Noble has been traveling the world for over 35 years and brings her curiosity, sense of humor and people skills with her wherever she goes. Her experience goes back many years, researching and planning programs, and accompanying groups from Massachusetts Audubon Society, Harvard Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado and special interest groups to countries around the world. She previously worked, and lived for many years, as a graphic designer in New York, Milan, Paris and London and brings her artistic sensitivities to each of her trips, along with her excellent organizational skills. Her recent journeys have taken her to Mongolia and Antarctica.
For more information about what to expect on a New Zealand vacation, see our New Zealand Travel Tips.
Noble Journeys' pre-planned tours are limited to 14 people. We can arrange individual itineraries and larger groups by special arrangement.
Current Trip Offered:
A Fiber Indulgence: New Zealand Itinerary