After selling our business in September 2016, it was finally time for the holiday we had promised our sons and their girlfriends. The chosen destination .. Fiji.
The first three days were at the Westin Hotel on Denerau, near Nadi. Son Andrew and girlfriend Olivia were unable to join us for those days, due to exam commitments. Therefore it was left to Sue, Blair, Scott and Eva to enjoy the pleasures of Denerau.
Room with a view
Bula
Happy hour
The Westin is a nicely set out hotel, hugging the Denerau shoreline. It is not really a swim beach, but there are a number of swimming pools to cool down.
Dining at the hotel was quite expensive, so the first night we found a restaurant at Port Denerau. This is quite a large development with a number of shops and restaurants. We did dine at the hotel the next night, as there was a local performance to watch.
“Adults only” pool
Happy hour .. again!
Playing with fire.
The next day, Scott and Eva did a day boat trip, and Blair and Sue tackled the Denerau Golf Course. With hire clubs strapped on to their golf cart, and plenty of golf balls, they were away. However, at the halfway stage, a replenishment of golf balls was required. Their is a stream meandering it’s way around the course, often directly in front of the ladies tee block. Say no more. Aside from the watery challenges, the course was in good condition, and sparsely populated. A cold drink in the 19th didn’t touch the sides!
Fore!
Another fairway split
Is there water down there?
After 3 enjoyable and relaxing days on Denerau, it was time to catch the boat to Paradise Cove. The resort is in the Yasawa Island Group, and we will be joined by Andrew and Olivia. They have now both completed their studies at Otago University.
“Open air” shower
Villa 25
We now have 5 days of rest and relaxation at this very impressive resort. The staff and facilities are excellent, and the food sensational. The meals are pre paid, with breakfast and lunch menus, and 5 course dinners. Dinner is accompanied by live music and continuous Kava!
Kava time
Andrew and Olivia
Staff entertain us
The surrounding waters are very clear and warm, so snorkeling is a popular option. Each day there are a number of organised activities, including snorkeling in a channel area popular with Manta Rays.
Paddle boarding
Kayaking
Sunset
Sadly, the 5 days race by, and it’s time to head home. Paradise Cove Resort has been wonderful, and we would have no hesitation in returning.Our final treat was a helicopter ride from the resort back to Nadi Airport. At 20 minutes and with incredible views, this was way better than the boat!
A trip to the South Island is not complete without visiting Christchurch, particularly as eldest son Scott and his girlfriend Eva live there!
It has been several months since our last visit, and the central city is slowly but surely coming back to life. The absence of orange cones on the roads was pleasing.
The Tannery, Woolston
Convention Centre
Town Hall
Dinner the first evening with Scott and Eva was at Trenches restaurant, in the RSA. This is next door to our accommodation on Armagh Street. The club was rebuilt after the earthquakes, and is modern and reasonably priced.
The next day we visited the Tannery Boutique shopping centre, in the unlikely location of Woolston. If in Christchurch, well worth a visit. The day was pleasant, so after some shopping at Ballantynes in the city, a walk through Hagley Park was ideal. Before returning to our room, we had a wander through the Art Gallery. Once again, well worth a visit.
Hagley Park
Hagley Park
Sculpture,Hagley Park
Dined that evening at the Market Place restaurant in the Crowne Plaza hotel. Very good, but noticed the prices are starting to creep up.
Feeling energetic, the next day the four of us walked the Rapaki Track in the Port Hills. It starts at Rapaki Road in Hillsborough, and takes you to the Summit Road. There are spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch and the plains. A round trip is about an hour and a half.
We were hungry after all that exercise, and had lunch at Little Poms on Fitzgerald Avenue. A busy spot with excellent food! After some down time back at our digs, we decided to try the phenomenon that is the Lime Scooter. Great fun!
Dinner for our final night in Christchurch was Valentinos. A busy Italian restaurant in St Asaph Street, it was a fitting finale to our South Island sojourn.
With younger son Andrew soon to finish his studies at Otago University, we thought it a good excuse to visit!
Andrew’s flat
Nearby Olveston House.
The flat (near Otago Boys High)
The first evening Andrew, his girlfriend Olivia and us dined at Luna restaurant. Great food and views over Dunedin.
The next day we visited the historic Olveston House. Built in the early 1900’s by the wealthy Theoman family, mainly for entertaining!
Gifted to the city in 1966, the guided tour is very interesting.
In the afternoon, the four of us travelled to the end of the Otago Peninsula. Near the harbour entrance is the Royal Albatross Centre. The tour includes a video on the breeding and migratory habits of the bird, followed by viewing the chicks from a discreet observatory. With a wingspan of 3 metres, the Albatross is an impressive sight in the air. Once the young Albatross finally leaves the nest, it will spend five years at sea before returning.
Dinner that evening was at Ironic Cafe, near the Railway Station. Excellent! There are no shortages of cafes and restaurants in Dunedin. Opposite our central city accommodation is the Good Oil cafe. A top spot for breakfast and lunch.
The next day we continued our exploring, with a visit to Aromoana, via Port Chalmers. It is at the entrance of the harbour, opposite the Royal Albatross colony. There is a long breakwater, or “Mole”, which you can walk to the end of. Although windy, it is well worth it, and also there are a number of fur seals near the end.
We also explored the beaches, and followed a boardwalk which took you through a salt marsh area.
Hard to believe this quiet area was the scene of one of New Zealand’s worst mass murders.
Lunch was at the historic Carey Bay Hotel, near Port Chalmers. Very nice.
We wandered around the city in the afternoon, marvelling at the University campus, and also Dunedin’s excellent sporting facilities, including NZ’s only covered rugby and multi purpose stadium.
For our final evening in Dunedin, Andrew and Olivia suggested the Etrusco at the Savoy. An Italian restaurant, the food was great as was the ambiance. A worthy end to a most enjoyable stay in one of NZ’s great cities!
With the glorious summer weather extending into March, it was time to reacquaint ourselves with Whangamata.
We are fortunate to co-own a house in this Coromandel township, and a visit was overdue.
Less than two hours from Hamilton, at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamata is a great place to holiday or visit. A wonderful beach, harbour, golf courses, shops, cafes and restaurants, there is something for everyone.
A classic “ road trip”, beginning at Ohope Beach. Wonderful long beach,with a challenging golf course at the eastern end. It is a classic links course, with lots of thick rough, undulations and dog legs. Fortunately not too windy, but a very good test of golf!
We then drove through Opotiki, and followed the coastal road to our destination, Hicks Bay. We stopped for lunch at the picturesque Waihau Bay.
It was then back on the road and onwards to our accommodation at the Hicks Bay motel. The motel unit was “rustic”, but adequate. The motel had a restaurant attached, which was fortunate as there were not many dining options in the area.
A visit out to the East Cape lighthouse was compulsory, via Te Aroroa and a gravel road. The views were worth it.
Down to Tokomaru Bay, and golf at a deserted nearby Te Puia Springs golf course.For a country course, it was in excellent condition and very scenic.An overnight stay in the picturesque and tranquil Anaura Bay. Our accommodation here was superb. Great views over the bay, and an extensive breakfast the next morning.
Down to Tolaga Bay and the old wharf and Cooks Cove walk. Both well worth it. Interesting to think this was where Cook and party first set foot on New Zealand.
Two nights in Gisborne, staying near the river and town central, at the Senator Motor Inn. We played at the Poverty Bay golf club in Gisborne. This is a highly rated course, and it didn’t disappoint. After golf, it was lunchtime, so we headed to the Matawhero winery. A platter and local wine hit the spot. The afternoon was spent at the centrally located Waikanae Beach.
It appeared to be busy in Gisborne whilst we were there. A couple of restaurant attempts were unsuccessful as they were full. However, the first night we dined at the “Works” and the second at “Ussco”. Both very good and happy to recommend.
Onto Napier via Wairoa for lunch. Staying with old friend and pharmacy colleague Mayor Peter Robertson, his partner Deb and son Hammond. Wonderful hosts in sunny Hawkes Bay. Pete took us to his golf course, Maraenui for 9 holes. Good fun.
Next stop Martinborough, via Masterton and lunch with my Uncle And Aunt, Rick and Marion. Then on to our destination Martinborough a quaint little town, full of cafes, restaurants, women’s boutiques and wine shops. Formerly a small rural village, the grape has transformed it!
Golf was at the Martinborough golf club. An excellent course, and fairly deserted. Also top of the list when in Martinborough is wine tasting. With twenty something wineries, this is very easy! Purchases were made!
Cousin Wendy lives in nearby Greytown, so drove over to visit her and her classic old wooden bungalow. Over coffee and cheese scones, she proudly showed us her home, which she has renovated to a very high standard. With no previous experience, she has done an amazing job!
That afternoon, we headed out to Cape Palliser. Very scenic, with the lighthouse and a fur seal colony to explore. Then it was back to the Putangirua Pinnacles scenic reserve. We chose the walk which followed the dry stream bed. A gradual climb to begin, and then steeper at the end. A couple of hours return walk. Well worth it. It was then on to the Lake Ferry Hotel, for a well deserved cold beer!
There are plenty of dining options in Martinborough. We dined at the bistro in the Peppers Martinborough Hotel one evening. Excellent!
Big fans of Martinborough and the Wairarapa. We will be back!
Home via Masterton and another rellie catch-up. Overnight stay at the Hilton, Taupo. We were upgraded to a one bedroom apartment. Dined that evening in the Hilton restaurant. A great finish to a most enjoyable road trip!
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.
