Three day stopover in Hong Kong, before returning home.
Stayed at the Cordis Hotel, Mongkok, Kowloon. This is a densely populated and extremely busy area! Excellent hotel with great views from the 34th floor!
Did a half day Island organised tour. Saw all the sights, including the Peak. The views were fantastic. We were last in Hong Kong about ten years ago. Went up to the Peak at night. Couldn’t see a thing due to thick fog! Our tour guide was friendly and chatty, although a bit repetitive.He was very informed on the price of everything! We were taken to a jewellery warehouse, but not many purchases were made.
The next day we walked from our hotel to the Kowloon Promenade, and caught the famous Star Ferry across the harbour to the Island. The island appears to be more “touristy”, with numerous hotels and shopping malls.
Back on the ferry and a further explore along the Promenade. We then began the trek back to the hotel, which was quite a battle as the footpaths were packed.
It was interesting to see a little bit of green, to enable cricket and bowls to be played in the heart of Kowloon.
Back at the hotel, we took in a walking tour of the local Mongkok area, lead by a hotel employee. Very informative.
Mongkok markets
Produce market
Flower market
Hong Kong is a very busy, bustling place, with poor air quality. However the people are friendly, and it’s a good place for a 2 or 3 day stopover.
To get to Les Arcs, we flew to Geneva. We had an overnight stay, before a train and taxi journey to our final destination.
Mid winter lake swim!
Festive lights
Lake Geneva
From Arc 1950, Les Arcs, French Alps
Happy New Year from Les Arcs, French Alps. A great way to see in 2019.
Grateful to be invited for 3 days of skiing with Shaun and Michelle, and also their friends Bob and Anna. The Les Arcs ski area is extensive, and we barely scratched the surface!
Whenever in Chard, a visit to Lyme Regis is compulsory (summer or winter).
A walk along the Cobb, lunch at the Bell Cliff cafe, and a couple of hours of harmless fun in the amusement arcade. The 2p “Tipping Point” game is addictive!
Our Bay of Islands/Far North tour began with a stopover at Waipu Cove. It is about 50 kms south of Whangarei, at the southern end of Bream Bay. The black is beautiful, and our accommodation at the Waipu Cove Resort, close by. That evening we wandered down to the Cove Cafe, which to our surprise, being a Monday night, was very busy. However, they found us some space and we dined well. Our accommodation was fine, and we set off for Russell the next morning.
On our way north, we stopped at Kawakawa. It has public rest rooms designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It is one of the few public toilet blocks seen as an international work of art, and a tourist attraction in its own right.
Onwards to Russell via the car ferry, which runs regularly throughout the day. The Bay of Islands has two main townships, Paihia and Russell. They are geographically close, separated by water. Which to choose?
Paihia is larger, with more accommodation and eating options, and is close to Waitangi. Russell is smaller, easily walkable with a lot of history and character. It has a nice beach and a number of bars and restaurants. We chose Russell.
Our accommodation was the Duke Motel, set in a quiet location with a nice swimming pool. An easy five minute to the Russell waterfront, and a ten minute stroll over the hill to the beach.
Russell was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. It was also the first capital from 1840-41, before Auckland took over. Pompallier Mission, the printing/ tannery/storehouse of the early Roman Catholic missionaries, can also boast to be the oldest surviving industrial building in the country. The town also holds Christ Church, NZ’s oldest surviving Anglican Church.
That evening we dined at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel on the waterfront. In their own words, “Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827.” The building has been lovingly restored, with verandah dining offering great views over the bay. The food and service were excellent, and reasonably priced.
The next day we caught the ferry from Russell across the bay to Paihia, a 15 minute ride. We then walked along the waterfront to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, an easy 30 minute walk. We purchased a day pass .. $25 for NZ residents and $50 for overseas guests. This proved great value, as it gave access to the grounds, museum plus guided tours and Maori cultural performances.
As you journey through the expansive grounds with spectacular views over the Bay of Islands, you walk in the footsteps of people who changed history. The museum was modern, and provides an excellent explanation of the Treaty through a fully interactive multimedia display. A place that all New Zealanders should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Waitangi Treaty House began life as British resident James Busby’s house. He was our first winemaker. Busby trained in Europe as a viticulturalist, and brought a collection of grapevines that helped to found the Australian wine industry. In the late 1830’s he established a vineyard at Waitangi.
Dinner that evening, back at Russell, was at the Gables. Possibly the oldest restaurant in NZ, the food was wonderful, although a little more expensive than the night before. The service at both of these restaurants was attentive and professional.
Our excursion for the following day was the popular boat trip to the “Hole in the Rock.” This is a hole in a small island at the end of Cape Brett, and takes an hour or so of motoring to reach, often accompanied by dolphins. With some skilful driving, the skipper was able to manoeuvre the boat through the narrow gap.
Our chosen excursion included a lunch stop on the homeward journey to Otehi Bay on Urupukapuka Island. After lunch, there was time to explore the island and take in the views, before returning to Russell. A great days trip, with quite a bit of time on the water. It can be choppy, as a warning to those who struggle with sea sickness.
Dinner was at Hone’s Garden. This pizza and casual dining place is tucked away in Russell, and a real delight. Mostly outdoor tables with parasols, but small areas under cover. Great food and service, and reasonably priced.
Our final day in the Bay of Islands is spent at the Waitangi golf course, which is near the Treaty grounds. Friends from Hamilton were holidaying in Paihia, and like us, golf enthusiasts. The course features a mix of holes that were sheltered and set amongst the bush, and others that were windy and exposed, but with fantastic sea views. The course was challenging and our scores not great, but the experience was enjoyed by all.
Loved the Bay of Islands! Now on to Coopers Beach and the Far North.
This was my first time to the Far North, but Sue had visited many years previous.
Our accommodation at Coopers Beach was a 2 bedroom cottage, in a Cove near the beach. We explored the nearby town of Manganui, and had fish and chips at the famous Manganui establishment.
The next day we booked a tour to Cape Reinga, returning down 90 mile beach. We were collected near our accommodation, in a 4 wheel drive bus.
After a couple of hours of motoring, we reached the northern most tip of New Zealand. There was plenty of time available to explore the lighthouse and surrounds. The views were spectacular, and we could make out where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea met.
After lunch at a nearby beach, we motored across to the beginning of 90 mile beach, via some large sand dunes.
With “Boogie Boards” provided, there was an opportunity for us tourists to climb up, then board down the dunes. Sue and others seized the opportunity, and loved it.
After driving down the road that is 90 mile beach, we were dropped off back to Coopers Beach. A really enjoyable day trip.
The next day was wet, but we still explored Mangonui and the Karikari Peninsula. The latter has one of NZ’s nicest beaches, Matai Bay. We also booked a round of golf for the next morning at the Carrington Resort golf course.
Heavy overnight rain meant the course was very wet, but we played regardless. The course was excellent. Very well maintained with many interesting and challenging holes. After the front nine, we took the opportunity to head up to the Cafe and Winery, for a half time coffee and muffin. We were the only players on the course, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The next destination on the tour was the Hokianga. A very natural and unspoilt corner of NZ, it is often overlooked by tourists. Our accommodation was at the Copthorne Hotel in Omapere. Nice place with great views across the Hokianga.
Just half an hours drive south from Omapere is the Waipoua Kauri Forest. This contains “Tane Mahuta”, NZ’s largest known living Kauri Tree. The forest contains many other giants, and is well worth a visit.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Hokianga, but our travels were coming to an end. Our next destination was the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. ( about half an hour from Dargaville). Thirty minutes before Dargaville is the Tronson Kauri Park. With an excellent DOC maintained track, it was another opportunity to view the giant Kauri.
The Kauri Museum tells the story of the mighty kauri tree, its fascinating gum and pioneering past. Stunning displays and informative imagery and scripts.
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Far North, and would recommend to tourists and kiwis.
With our sons living in the South Island, October seemed the ideal month to visit, and play some golf.
After a night in Wellington, we caught the ferry across to Picton. From there we drove to the picturesque North Canterbury town of Hanmer Springs. We played the local golf course, which was short and tight. It was very well maintained, and a good test of golf.
From Hanmer, it was south to Christchurch, via a Waipara winery!
Our son Scott lives in Christchurch, and it was nice to catch up with him and his girlfriend Eva, over dinner.
The next day we took advantage of our Hamilton golf club reciprocal rights, and played the Russley golf course. Situated near the airport, it is flat, but quite long and in excellent order. Recommended!
When booking our trip, we had decided to treat ourselves to a couple of nights at the Clearwater Resort, and play their golf course. Scott took a day of work and joined us. The first nine was almost links like, whereas the second nine followed its way around a lake. Superb course.
Leaving Christchurch, we motored to the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin. One of our favourite NZ cities, it has lovely established old buildings, with surrounding hills and a harbour. A classic student town, those who venture to Dunedin for their studies, embrace the lifestyle.
They also have a number of excellent golf courses. We thought we would try the Otago Golf Club, at Balmacewen. Close to the city amongst the hills, it is one of NZ’s oldest golf clubs.
A beautiful course, in superb condition with some great views. It was certainly good exercise as lots of up and down, with a tow rope providing assistance from the end of one hole to the next.
After spending the evening with son Andrew and his girlfriend Olivia, we headed north to Oamaru.
We had one night scheduled in Oamaru, and decided to play the North Otago Golf Club course, just out of town, near the coast. Another picturesque and hilly course, with the bonus of a number of holes following the coast.
Our next destination was Terrace Downs, near the Rakaia Gorge and at the base of the Southern Alps. We had a “play and stay” package. Upon our arrival we enquired as to whether we should play that afternoon, or the next morning?We were told to go now, as the wind was picking up, and the next day may well force a course closure.
So we quickly changed, loaded our clubs onto the cart, and away we went.
The course is beautifully manicured, and quite stunning with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. However, the wind gathered force as our round progressed, and by the end was extremely forceful!
Our accommodation, in a 2 bedroom townhouse was very comfortable, with amazing views. We dined that evening in the Terrace Downs restaurant. Very nice.
We enjoyed our golf and stay, but can see that the strong winds are a problem, and have perhaps stalled the success of the resort somewhat?
We motored to Christchurch for an overnight stay, then it was on to Carters Beach, Westport.
We decided to go via the scenic Arthur’s Pass. Leaving Christchurch it was 21 degrees. When we stopped in Arthur’s Pass for a coffee, it was 4 degrees and sleeting.
The trip was very scenic and well worth it, as was the coastal journey from Greymouth to Westport. We made the compulsory stop and visit at Punakaiki, to check out the pancake rocks and blowholes. Excellent!
We reached our destination in Westport, the Carters Beach Apartments. Great location, opposite the beach and next to a bar and restaurant.
We decided to explore the Cape Foulwind walk, which takes you out past the lighthouse, along the top of the Cape and ultimately to a seal colony. Great walk, make all the more interesting with a very strong wind.
Dined that evening at the restaurant next door. Very nice.
The plan the next day was to play golf at the course at Carters Beach, which was near the airport. However it was wet and windy, so abandoned that idea. Explored around Westport, and drove up to the old coal mining township of Denniston. The weather detracted from the view, but an interesting place nonetheless.
We left Westport and headed to our final South Island destination, Mapua, near Nelson. Our friends Cameron and Maria live in nearby Tasman village, so looking forward to seeing them.
After a pleasant evening with our friends, they suggested we should play the Motueka golf course. They weren’t golfers themselves, but had heard good reports. So we did, and it was excellent. Friendly locals, in great condition with an interesting layout and well established. A fitting end to the golfing part of the trip.
And with that, it was time to make our way back home to Hamilton. A very successful tour, and a reminder that golf fans who live in or visit NZ, are indeed spoilt for choice.
