Tourism New Zealand has launched a Spotify channel, the second ever from a tourism board. The album is called ‘Mindful Journeys’ and features four meditative audio tracks (two with narration and two without).
While international visitors cannot visit New Zealand right now, the album has been carefully designed to transport listeners virtually to New Zealand, helping them arrive at a place of calm, disconnect from their stresses, and calm their minds. Through the soundscapes, listeners will journey through the North and South Islands, being calmed through sounds unique to New Zealand including native birds, bubbling geothermal mud pools and the gentle sound of the breeze moving through the forest.
Lisa Gardiner, Global Manager Business Events, Tourism New Zealand, says:
“In New Zealand we are lucky to have nature at our doorstep and given the noise of the world at the moment, we wanted to share a piece of that calm and serenity. Take a moment to soak up some inspiration for your next business event.
“We saw the launch of this new channel and the release of our first album as a simple way to share a small experience of New Zealand with the world, while the world can’t visit us. A gift from our backyard to yours.”
Key Messages:
Tourism New Zealand has launched a Spotify channel, the second ever from a tourism board
They have released their very first album to the channel, as artist 100% Pure New Zealand
The album is called ‘Mindful Journeys’ and features four meditative audio tracks (two with narration and two without)
While international visitors cannot visit New Zealand right now, the album has been carefully designed to transport listeners virtually to New Zealand, helping them arrive at a place of calm, disconnect from their stresses, and calm their minds
Through the soundscapes, listeners will journey through the North and South Islands, being calmed through sounds unique to New Zealand including native birds, bubbling geothermal mud pools and the gentle sound of the breeze moving through the forest
With plenty more unique, relaxing and natural sounds to tap into in New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand will release more tracks in the future
What is on the album?
1: North Island – Far North to Rotorua (x1 narrated in English, x1 non-narrated):
Begin your journey on the iconic beaches of the upper North Island, listening to the gentle sounds of surf and seabirds. With the breeze move into our forests, hearing the native birds and insects as well as the soft noises of the forest floor. Travelling through the earthy sounds of the bush, emerge in the geothermal area of Rotorua. Steaming water, bubbling mud pools and the distinctive rush of the natural geysers can be heard.
2: South Island – Marlborough Sounds to the Canterbury Plains (x1 narrated in English, x1 non-narrated):
Start off in the gentle lapping waters of the Marlborough sounds, then head down the rugged beaches of New Zealand’s West Coast. Stop off at the Punakaiki Rocks, with their distinctive sounding blow holes. Move inland, briefly travelling through the foothills, up into the Southern Alps where we are in mountainous air, wind whips and distant keas call. Then head down the other side via one of the many rivers that is fed by the mountain range. End up in the peace of a Central Otago valley, with regional birds and insects keeping things rich and textured.
How can I listen?
Suggested quote:
Tourism New Zealand:
“In New Zealand we are lucky to have nature at our doorstep and given the noise of the world at the moment, we wanted to share a piece of that calm and serenity. Take a moment to soak up some inspiration for your next business event.
We saw the launch of this new channel and the release of our first album as a simple way to share a small experience of New Zealand with the world, while the world can’t visit us. A gift from our backyard to yours.”
Lisa Gardiner, Global Manager Business Events, Tourism New Zealand
Interesting stats and information:
The sound of nature is proven to help us relax; physically changing our mind and bodily systems. Playing ‘natural sounds’ affects the systems that control our flight or fright nervous system with associated effects in the resting activity of the brain. It provides scientific research between naturalistic sounds and ‘green’ environments and promoting relaxation and wellbeing, confirming the idea that we feel relaxed and switched off after a walk in the countryside.
As little as 10 minutes a day of mindfulness practice can produce tangible benefits for professionals across a company, according to research; with an increase in their ability to focus, regulate emotions, empathize and adapt to changing circumstances. They become better able to collaborate with others, more resilient and able to handle complex and uncertain conditions at work.
What is mindfulness? There are many definitions of mindfulness, but it can be thought of as an awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. An awareness of the present moment, with an attitude of kindness and acceptance. To define by what it isn’t; running on autopilot. It is being called an evidence-based superpower, training the mind for increased attention, focus, prioritization capability, creativity and innovation.
Unique sounds that can be heard in New Zealand:
The call of the kiwi bird at night
The song of the tui bird while they feed on nectar
The sound of the Pacific Ocean colliding with the Tasman Sea at Cape Reinga
Bubbling geothermal mud pools and the Pōhutu geyser at Te Puia
The rush of waterfalls in Milford Sounds
The sound of snow falling on the top of the highest mountain range in Australasia
The quiet sound of stargazing in one of New Zealand’s International Dark Sky Reserves
The quiet solitude of watching the sunrise from atop Maunga Hikurangi – one of the first places to see the sun in the world
The chinking of jugs of Southfarthing Sackville Cider and Frogmorton Ginger Beer at Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton
Where to experience mindfulness in New Zealand:
Forest bathe and breathe deep in nature at Whirinaki Rainforest
Forest therapy walk and sensory experience on Waiheke with forest therapy guide
Sail through Doubtful Sound, also known as the Sound of Silence
Take a kayak or SUP on the water in Abel Tasman
Hire a mountain or e-bike and head out onto the thousands of kilometres of bike trails for active mindfulness
Rest your head under the stars at unique accommodation like PurePod or SkyScape
Where to stay for a mindful experience in New Zealand:
Split Apple Retreat: An ultra-luxury wellness retreat on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park with expansive views out to sea. Each suite is designed to give a feeling of restful calm, and the menu is designed to positively impact health and wellness from the inside.
Aro Hā Wellness Retreat: Aro Hā is a purpose-built wellness retreat, a first in New Zealand, designed to refresh, rejuvenate and reignite from its spectacular alpine location. Combining nutrition, exercise, adventure, alternative health and self-development and some of the most jaw dropping scenery New Zealand has to offer to transform and re-centre.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses: Nestled 30 feet in the air in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, these tree houses sit amongst native Kanuka Grove and underneath the majestic Kaikoura mountains. With wild deer, an olive grove and a vineyard, this 5-star eco-retreat offers fresh, organic local produce and mountain or ocean views from every window.
Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge: Set amongst 50 acres of tranquil wilderness alive with birdsong in the Nelson region, Resurgence eco-lodge offers kayaking, hiking, cycling as well as art and wine trails. Farm to table dining enjoyed immersed in your bush suite, or a range of therapeutic treatments available for ultimate absorption in relaxation.
The Landing: A unique heritage and conservation property, The Landing is a thousand acres of beaches, vines, rolling hills and wildlife sanctuaries. A sacred coastal setting in the far north, the beauty of the land is celebrated through the variety of experiences on offer; from paddle boarding to wine tasting and garden to plate dining.
Tips and tricks for being more mindful:
Consider carving out 10 minutes first thing in the morning for a mindful activity such as listening to music, this encourages natural habit development, and starts your day off mindfully before the activity and distractions of the day begins Listen to one of Tourism New Zealand’s audio tracks on their Mindful Journeys album during your work commute, focus on your breath and awareness at the start or end of your day Don’t be frustrated if your thoughts wander as you listen, be curious about where your thinking goes, allow yourself to drift off before bringing your focus back to your breath
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