2014 Scenic Definitives

Five of New Zealand’s breathtaking natural wonders are on display for this stunning new stamp issue – Franz Josef Glacier, the Moeraki Boulders, Mount Taranaki, Pancake Rocks and the Waikato River. These stamps are a new addition to the existing Scenic Definitives range, and the five new denominations have been created to accommodate the upcoming changes in postage rates.

60c - Franz Josef Glacier (gummed)

One of the main tourist attractions of the West Coast, this stunning glacier offers a rare opportunity for people to experience a dynamic glacial environment. Between 1985 and 2006, the glacier was generally advancing and thickening before entering a stage of massive retreat in 2008. The face of this glacier is just 300 metres above sea level and it is one of the few to be so close to the coastline.

$1.60 - Moeraki Boulders (gummed) 

Around 60 million years ago, the Moeraki Boulders started forming on the ocean floor into the unusual spherical shapes we know today. The largest of these boulders is more than two metres in diameter, while the smallest is barely larger than a football. Māori legend states that they are eel baskets, fishing nets and calabashes (also known as ‘opo gourds’) that washed ashore from the large waka Āraiteuru and turned to stone.

$2.00 - Mount Taranaki (self-adhesive)

Also known as Mount Egmont, Mount Taranaki is an active volcano in the Taranaki region. Both names of the mountain are official and are considered equal. This volcano stands at an impressive height of 2,518 meters tall and it is New Zealand’s second highest peak after Mount Ruapehu (in the North Island). The last time the volcano erupted was back in 1860, with its last major eruption in 1655. This volcano is active, and although it is currently ‘sleeping’, it is likely to erupt again.

$2.50 - Pancake Rocks (gummed and self-adhesive) 

Formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of plant and marine creatures, these limestone rocks were raised up by seismic action and are named for their distinctive visible layers. Wind, rain and seawater have gradually eroded and sculpted the rocks into the unique formations we see today. During high tides the sea bursts through the gaps in the rocks, creating vertical ‘blowholes’.

$3.60 - Waikato River (gummed) 

The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river at 425 kilometres, starting in Mount Ruapehu and emptying into Lake Taupo. The word ‘Waikato’ in Māori translates to ‘flowing water’ and the river is a source of mana (pride) for many local tribes. As well as having spiritual significance, the river has many practical uses relating to hydro-electricity. The Waikato region and Waikato Plains are named after the river.

Celebrate New Zealand’s Natural Wonders with the First Day Cover

With four gummed and two self-adhesive stamps presented together on the first day cover, this is the perfect stamp collectable to enjoy New Zealand’s natural attractions. This first day cover features a stunning image of Mount Aspiring National Park in Queenstown.

Perfect for Postage

The $2.00 and $2.50 stamps are also available in self-adhesive booklets of five, perfect for taking home or keeping handy when you have mail you need to send.

Extend your Scenic Definitives collection with the Limited Edition

For the first time, we’re issuing a limited edition alongside a Scenic Definitives stamp issue. This premium product contains exclusive products not available anywhere else. It’s the only way to collect the gummed $2.00 Mount Taranaki stamp, which is contained within a unique numbered miniature sheet. This special product has been produced in limited numbers and contains a booklet with in-depth information about each of the locations on the stamps, as well as plate blocks of each of the four gummed stamps. Also included in the limited edition is a unique first day cover signed by the designer, a complete set of stamps and colour separations of the $3.60 stamp.