2016 Scenic Definitives

Definitive Tour.

       New Zealand is famous for its beautiful and diverse scenery. From the wildness of rugged coastline to snow-capped mountain peaks, there is always a view to be seen and enjoyed.  This is the second issue of the new format where the details and Maori design have been moved to the left-hand side. There are 8 stamps featuring 6 different scenes (2 stamps being issued in an adhesive format as well for stamp books.)
       The purpose of this issue is, of course, definitive stamps, on sale until further notice. These stamps are an addition to the existing Scenic Definitives range and are designed to accommodate the changes in postage rates from 1 July 2016.
              

40c - Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
(gummed)
Built on the shores of Lake Tekapo in 1935, the Church of the Good Shepherd is an iconic New Zealand location. This interdenominational church is a popular tourist destination, with people travelling from all over New Zealand and abroad to see the stunning views from within the church and to get married against the idyllic backdrop.



80c - Chatham Islands
(gummed)
The Chatham Islands sit around 840 kilometres east of Christchurch and are home to incredibly rare flora and fauna. They’re an archipelago of 11 islands with a population of approximately 600, but only Chatham Island and Pitt Island are inhabited.
See our post, Chatham Islands.


$2.20 - Awaroa Bay, Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve.
(gummed and self-adhesive)
Awaroa Bay recently made headlines for being the subject of a national crowdfunding campaign. Situated in the Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve, this area offers sunshine, crystal-clear waters and access to some of the best hiking in the country.


$2.70 - Marlborough
(gummed and self-adhesive)
The picturesque region of Marlborough is best known for its wine, specifically its sauvignon blanc. With world-class food and wine and beautiful scenic walks and hikes, Marlborough attracts tourists from home and abroad year-round.
Wine is becoming an important export industry with the Marlborough region leading the way. Many New Zealand wines are considered world-class, taking out top awards in many overseas wine contests.


$3.30 - Dunedin Railway Station (gummed)
(See our Dunedin Railway Station Collection.)

Designed by Sir George Troup, this visually striking building was opened in 1906 and is designed in the Flemish Renaissance style. Troup was nicknamed ‘Gingerbread George’ for the eclectic and unusual architectural style of the station. At the height of the station’s popularity, it was handling up to 100 trains per day.
This has been one of the most popular buildings in New Zealand to appear on postage stamps.


$3.80 - Te Mata Peak, Hawke’s Bay
(gummed)
Loved by tourists and locals alike, Te Mata Peak offers a view of Hawke’s Bay like no other. Sitting at nearly 400 metres above sea level, the peak is named after a legend about a giant named Te Mata and is referred to by the locals as ‘the giant amongst us’.
There is a sealed road that leads in from Havelock North, climbing up and running along the crest of this ridge to a scenic viewing area at the summit. From the top, its even move spectacular than it is from below. Looking over the edge you look straight down to sheep grazing on the pasture a hundred meters below you.

           
  
The $2.20 and $2.70 stamps are also issued in self-adhesive booklets of five stamps. They’re perfect for keeping at home or with you in your wallet when you have mail to send.


First Day Cover showing the Blue Lake of Mount Tongariro in the Tongariro National Park. The higher cone behind is Mount Ngauruhoe with Mount Ruapehu partly hidden behind. 

Technical information

Date of Issue:18 May 2016
Number of stamps:Six gummed and two self-adhesive stamps
Denominations:Geummed: 40c, 80c, $2.20, $2.70 $3.30, $3.80. Self-adhesive: $2.00, $2.70
Designer:Richard Payne, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer and Process:Southern Colour Print Ltd, by offset lithography
Number of colours:Four process colours 
Paper Type:Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper.  Booklets:Tulluis Russell 210gsm red phosphor PSA stamp paper.
Stamp Size:30mm x 25mm (horizontal)
Sheet Size:100 (40c stamp sheet) 50 (80c, $2.20, $2.70 $3.30 & $3.80 stamp sheet)
Perforation Gauge:Gummed: 13.33 x 13.60 Self-adhesive: die cut
Period of sale:Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until further notice.  The first-day cover will remain on sale until 17 July 2016