With enough airpoints to join the Air New Zealand Koru Club for two years, but not really enough for a flight, my husband decided to use his airpoints to join the Koru Club.
We are very impressed with what we get by being members. Instead of waiting in the long and slow queues, we go to a totally separate section to check in. Once checked in,we can head for the comfortable lounge and enjoy a meal, with wine, tea and coffee, juice etc.The meals are excellent, the seating comfortable, and it is a very pleasant wait for the flight.
Our plane seats are always well forward, while luggage is taken off first at the other end, making for a quick get away. All round we feel it is excellent value, and was well worth joining. It does mean we are reluctant to use any other airlines! So will be keeping our eyes out for any good deals to destinations we hope to visit in the near future.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Why Visit Taupo?
Why visit Taupo a tourist might ask.The answer has to be......because it has so much to offer in the way of outdoor experiences. I have just done a page on http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/around-taupo.html on my website. It reminded me of just how many outdoor activities there are to choose from when you visit this lovely destination, located on the edge of Lake Taupo in the Central North Island of New Zealand.
Popular for conventions,as well as a major tourist destination........ the activities available cater for every taste from those who enjoy a more relaxing stay, to those who want to test their fitness levels with some demanding extreme adventure activities.
Around Taupo Township
In and around Taupo there are the Huka Falls, The Prawn Farm, De Bretts Thermal Pools,The Garden of Well Being, Boats Cruises to the Maori Carvings on cliff walls, golf, a winery and some very nice shopping.
The choice of outdoor activities includes water activities on the Lake,adventure activities, cultural activities,thermal pools and spas,trout fishing, and a little further afield activities on the mountains.
Adventure Activities
Lake Taupo creates a magnificent setting for this small town with its snow tipped mountains as a backdrop. The largest lake in the North Island this freshwater volcanic lake is popular for boating, fishing and adventure activities....... including parasailing, kayaking,and fishing.
Taupo has a popular bungy jump,tandem skydiving,jetboating, white water rafting, and freshwater kayaking.......that is the scary stuff down rapid flowing rivers and waterfalls!
A little further afield the mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, mountain climbing, wonderful hiking and tramping tracks all set in glorious scenery......including the site of Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings. The Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's most popular day walk is a huge attraction for people of all ages and from many countries.
Walks and Tramps
There are numerous bush walking tracks for people of all fitness levels to enjoy.My favourite is a two hour walk around Lake Pounamu.The Tongariro Crossing is also a very beautiful walk...........but you do need to heed the fitness directions, and note the requirements for a mountain walk.Weather forecasts are all important........so go to the Visitors Centre first to check for weather, and conditions.
You could spend several days in the area, and find plenty to do. I think I have given you an excellent number of reasons to visit Taupo. Enjoy your holiday!
Popular for conventions,as well as a major tourist destination........ the activities available cater for every taste from those who enjoy a more relaxing stay, to those who want to test their fitness levels with some demanding extreme adventure activities.
Around Taupo Township
In and around Taupo there are the Huka Falls, The Prawn Farm, De Bretts Thermal Pools,The Garden of Well Being, Boats Cruises to the Maori Carvings on cliff walls, golf, a winery and some very nice shopping.
The choice of outdoor activities includes water activities on the Lake,adventure activities, cultural activities,thermal pools and spas,trout fishing, and a little further afield activities on the mountains.
Adventure Activities
Lake Taupo creates a magnificent setting for this small town with its snow tipped mountains as a backdrop. The largest lake in the North Island this freshwater volcanic lake is popular for boating, fishing and adventure activities....... including parasailing, kayaking,and fishing.
Taupo has a popular bungy jump,tandem skydiving,jetboating, white water rafting, and freshwater kayaking.......that is the scary stuff down rapid flowing rivers and waterfalls!
A little further afield the mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, mountain climbing, wonderful hiking and tramping tracks all set in glorious scenery......including the site of Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings. The Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's most popular day walk is a huge attraction for people of all ages and from many countries.
Walks and Tramps
There are numerous bush walking tracks for people of all fitness levels to enjoy.My favourite is a two hour walk around Lake Pounamu.The Tongariro Crossing is also a very beautiful walk...........but you do need to heed the fitness directions, and note the requirements for a mountain walk.Weather forecasts are all important........so go to the Visitors Centre first to check for weather, and conditions.
You could spend several days in the area, and find plenty to do. I think I have given you an excellent number of reasons to visit Taupo. Enjoy your holiday!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Lord of the Rings Itinerary for Your New Zealand Holiday
New Zealand was really put on the map when Peter Jackson created the movies based on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Not only those who were followers of this series of books, which are almost of cult status, but the whole international community, were exposed to the stunning beauty of New Zealand.New Zealand landscapes and features were just perfect for this series.
Weta Studios..........winners of two Oscars, showed the creative skills of New Zealander's with their amazing animation and modelling for the trilogy. Put the two together and it was destined to be a winning series that has attracted attention to this country......... that was unprecedented.
It is possible to have a pretty good tour of New Zealand based on the Lord of the Rings. Have a look at this Lord of the Rings information and video.......to spark some inspiration.
I had a Japanese language student, who had one place she was determined to visit.......... Matamata. Now Matamata is a small country town where you may stop for a cup of coffee en route! I was at first really puzzled.............being rather ignorant at that time that this sleepy country town was the home of Hobbiton which explained why she was so keen to visit.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing alias Mt Doom has always been re-knowned as New Zealand's most popular one day walk. But Mt Doom has certainly ensured many more visit to do this magnificent walk.
You can plan a tour that takes you to Matamata, Wellington, Nelson and various locations around Queenstown. There is much more to do other than LOTR's tours along the way, but it will certainly give you an excellent New Zealand holiday.
You can also see an article with a Lord of the Rings Itinerary for Your New Zealand Holiday in this Ezine article. Go and have a read.
Weta Studios..........winners of two Oscars, showed the creative skills of New Zealander's with their amazing animation and modelling for the trilogy. Put the two together and it was destined to be a winning series that has attracted attention to this country......... that was unprecedented.
It is possible to have a pretty good tour of New Zealand based on the Lord of the Rings. Have a look at this Lord of the Rings information and video.......to spark some inspiration.
I had a Japanese language student, who had one place she was determined to visit.......... Matamata. Now Matamata is a small country town where you may stop for a cup of coffee en route! I was at first really puzzled.............being rather ignorant at that time that this sleepy country town was the home of Hobbiton which explained why she was so keen to visit.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing alias Mt Doom has always been re-knowned as New Zealand's most popular one day walk. But Mt Doom has certainly ensured many more visit to do this magnificent walk.
You can plan a tour that takes you to Matamata, Wellington, Nelson and various locations around Queenstown. There is much more to do other than LOTR's tours along the way, but it will certainly give you an excellent New Zealand holiday.
You can also see an article with a Lord of the Rings Itinerary for Your New Zealand Holiday in this Ezine article. Go and have a read.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Matakana - A Day Trip from Auckland
I have just finished putting the pics on my newest page http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/matakana.html This is an area about an hour from Auckland.
Not only is there a great little village with a Farmer's Market, Collectibles market, some very up market design and fashion shops, cafes , restaurants and even a wonderful little picture theatre where you relax in armchair comfort, with your glass of wine.
There are numerous wineries, many with their own restaurants, in the area. The stunningly beautiful coastline, with two surf beaches..........Omaha and Tawharanui is popular with Aucklander's, and there are many gorgeous little bays for family fun......... my favourite is Mathesons Bay.
This area..........once mostly popular as a beach area, now has so much to draw people with potteries, arts and crafts, The Sawmill where they hold concerts, and have a great restaurant, and much much more!
If you are visiting Auckland, it is a fantastic day trip, or even a place to holiday for a week or more.Warkworth is the main town, which is a lovely spot to explore on its own.
Not only is there a great little village with a Farmer's Market, Collectibles market, some very up market design and fashion shops, cafes , restaurants and even a wonderful little picture theatre where you relax in armchair comfort, with your glass of wine.
There are numerous wineries, many with their own restaurants, in the area. The stunningly beautiful coastline, with two surf beaches..........Omaha and Tawharanui is popular with Aucklander's, and there are many gorgeous little bays for family fun......... my favourite is Mathesons Bay.
This area..........once mostly popular as a beach area, now has so much to draw people with potteries, arts and crafts, The Sawmill where they hold concerts, and have a great restaurant, and much much more!
If you are visiting Auckland, it is a fantastic day trip, or even a place to holiday for a week or more.Warkworth is the main town, which is a lovely spot to explore on its own.
Monday, March 2, 2009
New Zealand is a great Adventure Travel Destination
New Zealand is a great adventure travel destination.............so those that love excitement and that adrenaline rush as part of their holiday, are coming to the right place for any number of activities to thrill.
While the very original bungy is actually a Vanuatu manhood rite, the bungy as we know it, was devised by a couple of New Zealander's. AJ Hackett recently bungee jumped off Auckland's Sky Tower to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first bungy. There are now over ten different bungy jumps around the country suitable for anything from beginners with a small jump, to those who want extreme action at the Nevis High Wire in Queenstown, which is also where the original bungy jump is found..off the Kawarau Bridge.You can get the detail at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/new-zealand-bungy-jumping.html
I'll be talking about some of the other adventure activities in my next few posts.If you can't wait you can always check them out at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com
While the very original bungy is actually a Vanuatu manhood rite, the bungy as we know it, was devised by a couple of New Zealander's. AJ Hackett recently bungee jumped off Auckland's Sky Tower to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first bungy. There are now over ten different bungy jumps around the country suitable for anything from beginners with a small jump, to those who want extreme action at the Nevis High Wire in Queenstown, which is also where the original bungy jump is found..off the Kawarau Bridge.You can get the detail at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/new-zealand-bungy-jumping.html
I'll be talking about some of the other adventure activities in my next few posts.If you can't wait you can always check them out at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Waiheke Island Wineries and Restaurants Auckland
Over the Christmas break we spent six days at Onetangi Apartments on Waiheke Island. Across the road fom the beach, these are an excellent location for a break away. Waiheke is a beautiful island in the Hauraki Gulf, very popular for weddings, tourists and holidaymakers.
Of course many people live there permanently these days, and commute to the city by Quick Cat ferry. The beaches are beautiful, and while there are still many baches,( holiday homes) there are some amazing houses on the island.
Wineries abound and we visited several over the six days. My favourite was probably Cable Bay Winery. With magnificent views back to the city, great food, and very reasonable wine tasting it was hard to beat. They also feature interesting art sculptures.The building itself would almost fall into this category, set low into the green hillside.
Many of these Waiheke wineries have restaurants attached , and you can have some great New Zealand cuisine. Te Whau Winery and restaurant is on a point, again with fabulous views, award winning wines, and wonderful food. We especially enjoyed eating out on the small semi circular deck, with the sea below. You feel like a bird perched on the edge of the cliff.
You can see my personal reviews of the wineries and restaurants we visited at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/waiheke-wineries-and-restaurants.html
More tomorrow................
Of course many people live there permanently these days, and commute to the city by Quick Cat ferry. The beaches are beautiful, and while there are still many baches,( holiday homes) there are some amazing houses on the island.
Wineries abound and we visited several over the six days. My favourite was probably Cable Bay Winery. With magnificent views back to the city, great food, and very reasonable wine tasting it was hard to beat. They also feature interesting art sculptures.The building itself would almost fall into this category, set low into the green hillside.
Many of these Waiheke wineries have restaurants attached , and you can have some great New Zealand cuisine. Te Whau Winery and restaurant is on a point, again with fabulous views, award winning wines, and wonderful food. We especially enjoyed eating out on the small semi circular deck, with the sea below. You feel like a bird perched on the edge of the cliff.
You can see my personal reviews of the wineries and restaurants we visited at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/waiheke-wineries-and-restaurants.html
More tomorrow................
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