Comment

Comment by Iris on November 3, 2011 at 5:53pm

Ed....I wonder if you are travelling south, if so you must drive 5 from Taupo over one of our outstanding scenic drives to the East Coast to Napier - World's Art Deco Capital' and to explore this beautiful voluptuous landscape known as Hawke's Bay. Over 70 vineyards, many with world-class wines, where the best reds in NZ are grown. Fabulous beaches, largest mainland gannet colony in the world - a breath-taking journey. Fabulous restaurants using the best of fresh produce grown locally - a true wine and food destination. A must do is to drive to the summit of Te Mata Peak, situated behind Havelock North, an utterly charming village known as 'The jewell in the Crown'. Beautiful Bed and Breakfasts in this area, including ours - www.hawkesbayhomestay.co.nz :-) although closed from Nov 7 - Dec 10. If you love Waiheke, you will adore Hawke's Bay!!

Comment by Donna Hamilton on November 3, 2011 at 5:48pm

...any chance of you experiencing our unique-to-Auckland tour??...you are very close.

Comment by Ed Wetschler on November 3, 2011 at 5:41pm

Good advice, Donna. Keither, I'm already planning to visit Waiheke on Saturday. Many thanks to you both.

Comment by Donna Hamilton on November 3, 2011 at 3:48pm

NO don't imagine it !! :) And looking over (slightly) in the distance, the long row of dark green hills is the Waitakere Ranges...Auckland's "rainforest". It's unbelievably no more than 40 minutes drive away. Ideal for a Shore Excursion tour for Cruise Boat passengers as you'll get out into the countryside to see the real New Zealand (while still being cosy-close to your ship!!). There are some wonderful Bed & Breakfast accommodations there too should anyone wish to stay longer.

 

Comment by Keith Bishop on November 3, 2011 at 2:49pm

Pleased you are enjoying the view. Do try and make time to get out the harbour. The ferry ride over to Waiheke is a good way of seeing it.

 

Comment by Ed Wetschler on November 3, 2011 at 2:43pm

I'm in Auckland now, where the view from 1,070-ft Sky Tower in Auckland is one of islands, more islands, and deep water. Is this the best natural harbor in the world, or am I just imagining things? #satwnz

Comment by Cara Bertoia on September 9, 2011 at 2:54pm

Hi eveyone,

 

Please everyone take a look, tweet and follow.

 

This week I am happy to present Marita Hansen, and her highly praised novel set in New Zealand. In my years on cruise ships I visited New Zealand many times, a chapter in my novel is even set there. It is a beautiful country filled with the friendliest people I have ever met. Many times the casino staff doubled as tour guides, giving me the chance to visit the Maori community in Rotorua, so I was aware of the social tensions that exist in New Zealand. Like Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby or Push by Sapphire, this novel is a graphic look at the life in Claydon a suburb of Auckland. The novel vividly describes the life led by a group of young adults. In her post Marita tell you how this novel came to life.  Follow this link to my blog: http://thebesttravelnovels.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much,

Cara Bertoia

Comment by Pam Wigmore on September 8, 2011 at 8:00pm

I totally agree with you Donna.  Couples would be our biggest market, followed by 3 adults travelling together.  (cheaper to use a 2 bedroom facility than 2 separate suites.  Honeymooners of all ages plus groups of 'single' adults all stay with us and 'families' with small children are a very small part of our business but families need somewhere to stay and we have the facilities so why not.  Not all places are suitable for children and as you say, some people 'look' for a place that doesn't host families.  Our beautiful location has much to offer. There are lots of  parents, travelling with an adult child who is studying/working in NZ and they have come to visit 'their child'. Our facilites are all very separate with the family cottage and Bougainvillea suite having their own private entrance and private outdoor patios / balcony.

Ferry Landing Lodge has over 90 positve reviews (80 Excellent, 5/5 stars) on tripadvisor.com with most of the comments coming from couples and only a few from families.

 

Donna, your comment is valid though but I would be interested to know if anyone  staying in a 'child friendly' B&B have found children to 'spoil' their stay.

 

Comment by Donna Hamilton on September 8, 2011 at 6:19pm

Re children at B&B's etc. It's great that Pam Wigmore's establishment provides such a great venue for children, and that the hosts are comfortable and able to have them to stay. I do know that a lot of B&B's advertise "not suitable for small children". I suppose many travelers are away on "holiday" and want a break from the norms associated with children (not inferring that all children are the same!!). Many B&B's host honeymooners, or the older person, so that is probably the reason. Some tour itineraries (like our own) are also not [that] suited to small children, and parent's really need to understand that, especially when an operator "suggests" that the tour is not really suited to kids.

 

 

Comment by Ed Wetschler on September 8, 2011 at 5:56pm

Gladly, Paul. Are the videos here on Tripatini?

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• …
• 9
• Next ›
• Page