Once again we celebrated New Zealand's overwhelming scenery, from the gushing waters of Huka Falls to snow-capped Mount Taranaki - it's no wonder tourists from around the world can't wait to spend their holidays in Aotearoa.
Issue information
Visitors from all over the globe are arriving to New Zealand in the thousands. In 2005, visitor spending reached $621 million, a nine percent increase in numbers compared with 2004. International tourism boosts the New Zealand economy and is one of the major export earners.
The reason for their arrival is understandable, and this issue boasted some of the most popular tourist destinations, revealing New Zealand's outstanding natural beauty and reasons why people escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In 2006, Huka Falls and Lake Wanaka were among the most frequently visited scenic locations for both international and 'Kiwi' visitors. This year's six $1.50 postcard rate stamps displayed these popular tourist destinations, from the clear blue waters of Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island to the white cliffs and sandy beaches of the Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Pensula in the North Island.
A National Tour
The Tourism 2006 first day cover took you on a journey to all six stamp locations, from the powerful waters of Huka Falls to the relaxing vineyards of Wanaka. It featured an image of the South Island’s Moeraki Boulders south of Oamaru. These ‘septarian concretions’ formed in ancient sea floor sediments and are now exposed to the windswept coastline. These strange geological phenomena attract visitors on their route through the South Island.
Product Listing for Tourism 2006
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Lake Wanaka' gummed stamp. Overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka, this stamp shows one of the historical vineyards as the forefront to dramatic scenery and a climate that varies from snow, to Mediterranean sun - a relaxing spot to take a tour through the cellar doors or indulge in a glass of chilled Chardonnay and look out over these fertile plains. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Mount Taranaki' gummed stamp. Also known as Mount Egmont, this breathtaking snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding landscape. The mountain provides fantastic climbing, tramping and skiing for visitors and as a source of more than 50 rivers and streams, is botanically unique. Vegetation ranges from sub-tropical, semi-coastal forests in the Kaitake Ranges through to sub-alpine herb fields at 1,800 metres, attracting visitors all year round |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island' gummed stamp. With a population of only 390, this remote island is accessible by a short plane ride or boat journey. Kayakers are attracted to the sheltered waterways and peaceful beaches, whilst others take the opportunity to search for the iconic kiwi bird. A population of more than 20, 000 kiwi is estimated to be living in the island's 180, 000 hectares and locals will tell you, "If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast' gummed stamp. Nestled in the Westland National Park this spectacular piece of world heritage is still moving towards sea level. The glacier is totally unique, with a temperate rainforest of ancient podocarp trees and other evergreen species providing an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. Every day guides direct visitors to see vertical icefalls and walk through errie crevasses, whether these are reached by helicopter ride to the top or a day's hike through this remarkable landscape. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Huka Falls, Taupo' gummed stamp. Huka Falls are New Zealand's most frequented natural attraction. Situated just north of Taupo where the Waikato river meets Lake Taupo, 220,000 litres of water cascade over these falls every second through a narrow 100-metre gully. With accessible, superb vantage points, scenic walks alongside the Waikato River, and jet boat rides, this attraction is the 'jewel in the crown' of the North Island. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Cathedral Cove, Coromandel' gummed stamp. Travel along the winding coastal road of the Coromandel and you'll reach Hahei Beach. A short walk along the sandy beach and white cliffs culminates in this cathedral-shaped cavern, completing the beauty of this coastline. Officially named Te Whanga a Hei, Cathedral Cove is also the sixth official marine reserve, home to protected reefs, and has an abundance of marine life. |
$1.50 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $9.50 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 1 March 2006 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six gummed |
| Denominations and designs: | $1.50 Lake Wanaka, Mount Taranaki, Halfmoon Bay Stewart Island, Franz Josef Glacier West Coast, Huka Falls Taupo, Cathedral Cove Coromandel |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | CommArts Design, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 25mm x 30mm |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104g red phosphor |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.5 x 13.25 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imrpint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least four stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value block and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 28 February 2007. |