Archive for the 'Bay of Islands' Category
Adventurers Will Love Explore NZ
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 10, 2012 at 8:39 pm
It was great to hear from Explore NZ. They had lots to talk about at TRENZ this year.
Explore NZ is a multi-award-winning, dynamic and sustainable company, providing the ultimate range of excursions on land and water in Auckland and the Bay of Islands.
In Auckland’s playground, the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, you can spot whales and dolphins, race an original America’s Cup yacht or have dinner onboard a harbour sailing cruise.
Three hours north of Auckland, in New Zealand’s largest maritime park, the Bay of Islands, you can discover the bay and the iconic “Hole in the Rock,” swim with the dolphins or explore the Far North and Cape Reinga on their Dune Rider tour.
At TRENZ, Explore NZ showcased two new adventures.
Visitors to the Bay of Islands can experience modern Maori life in a unique and natural environment with authentic hosts and families. This full-day excursion takes you to the shores of Te Rawhiti, where you can immerse yourself in the small community’s modern Maori lifestyle. The trip includes a transfer to Te Rawhiti via Otehei Bay, a formal Maori welcome, and activities including food gathering, homemade lunch, learning traditional Maori cultural practices and a visit to the local marae. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience how Maori live today, incorporating their culture into modern life.
In Auckland, visitors can climb aboard the Lady Gay – a 47-foot classic motor launch and the latest addition to their Exclusively Auckland Experience portfolio. Lady Gay is a unique piece of New Zealand’s maritime history. Built as a gentleman’s luxury launch in 1935, and used as a coastal patrol vessel in WWII, she has recently been restored to outstanding condition for private charter use. Boasting a classic, fully enclosed cockpit, the vessel offers comfortable seating, panoramic views and a truly unique cruise experience. Lady Gay is available for exclusive charter for customers wanting a luxury cruise on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
Explore NZ acknowledges that the environment is a key aspect to their business, and that for continued sustainability of the business they must do everything they can to protect the environment they work in. They invite you to visit this website to see what they are doing.
Scenic Hotel Group Offers True Kiwi Hospitality
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm
I heard from the Scenic Hotel Group at TRENZ. They updated me on what they have been doing at their hotel chain.
Scenic Hotel Group is the only 100% New Zealand owned hotel chain and takes great pride in offering true Kiwi hospitality at all 16 hotels.
The Group is made up of three brands – Heartland Hotels, Scenic Hotels and Suites, and Te Waonui Forest Retreat – each offering distinct levels of value, comfort, quality and luxury.
Scenic Hotel Group caters to a cross-section of markets including a large proportion of international visitors, NZ leisure and corporate guests. Each hotel has a unique style, reflecting the charm and atmosphere of each location.
The Group has properties in the three major business centres of Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Regional properties span from Paihia in the Bay of Islands to Queenstown and Gore, and to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the most recent addition to the group, which opened in September 2009, and is the West Coast’s first and only five-star hotel. I actually was one of the first guests to stay at this hotel. They let me stay there several years ago – before the hotel was actually opened. I was the only one in the building and it was spectacular. Although I do have to admit to scaring myself a little bit as I wandered the halls late into the night and sitting in the lobby all by myself at 2 a.m. I was a bit worried that I would channel Jack Nicolson in The Shining, but all that happened was this peaceful, calm feeling because it really feels like you are a part of the forest when you are in this hotel.
Architecturally designed and constructed to the highest environmentally respectful standards, Te Waonui sits lightly on the land. With dedicated recycling and waste minimization practices throughout the Group, Te Waonui leads the way in sustainable, clean tourism. The hotel was awarded a Qualmark Enviro Gold award this year, and has been recognized by the Department of Conservation for its efforts in helping the recovery of the Rowi Kiwi population. It is one of the most amazing places I have ever stayed.
At TRENZ, Scenic Hotel Group is pleased to announce that stage one of the refurbishment of Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, located in the Glacier Region of the South Island, has been completed. The refurbishment has brought this property up to a 4.5-star level. This means Scenic Hotel Group now offers five hotels on the West Coast providing true three, four and five-star quality.
Continuous improvement is a core part of the Scenic Hotel Group ethos. The Group invested over $10 million in the refurbishment or redevelopment of five properties in 2011, with seven hotels earmarked for 2012. Scenic Hotel Group is dedicated to maintaining all of its properties to the highest of accommodation standards in New Zealand. And they are committed to sourcing and using only New Zealand made products, keeping the money earned by the hotels within the local economy and providing jobs for New Zealanders.
Please click here to see additional images.
Winging Our Way Across New Zealand
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 4, 2012 at 11:24 pm
We got to the Kerikeri Airport a bit early for our flight (we’re always early, it’s one of the personality quirks of being in public relations) and we had a few minutes to sit and chat with the lovely woman who runs the coffee shop there. We had a coffee and a chat, and then it was time to check in for our flight. The lovely Robyn from Air New Zealand was there to check us in – and we learned it was her birthday. So there were birthday greetings all around.
The ease of flying in New Zealand sometimes comes as a bit of a surprise to international visitors – especially those from big countries that deal with a great deal of security and process in their own airports. In New Zealand, while it is completely safe and secure, it’s also a little more laid-back. On our flight from Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands to Queenstown, the co-pilot actually stood outside the plane and welcomed us.
We’re big fans of Air New Zealand for many reasons. From their cheeky ads and safety videos to the amazing service that they consistently provide – from international to domestic flights – Air New Zealand is another example of Kiwi awesomeness.
Click here to see additional images.
A Personal Chef in Paradise
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 4, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Chef Michael arrived at our beautiful villa at Eagles Nest ready to create a lovely dinner for us. The villas at Eagles Nest are fabulous and having a personal chef in the kitchen was exceptional.
Paul and I sat at the kitchen island while Michael worked his magic. We started with canapés of truffle mascarpone with rare roast beef and avocado, finished with a little avocado oil. We also had smoked mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar.
For dinner we had: fillet mignon on a potato rosti; marinated fish (ceviche) served with mango salsa; seared scallops; calamari and prosciutto; grilled prawns served with a citrus and rocket salad; a broccoli salad with bacon, pine and cashews nuts, orange segments and dressed with peanut oil; and a green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes and dressed with lemon infused avocado oil.
Talk about fabulous.
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A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 3, 2012 at 11:19 am
There are times in one’s life when you can’t believe what is happening. I have to say, walking into our villa at Eagles Nest was one of those times. Eagles Nest is a piece of heaven on earth. There is no other way to describe the beauty and style that is infused into everything.
The five luxurious villas here nestle into an extravagantly beautiful island-like peninsula along a ridgeline that drops into a valley – reminiscent of a huge nest. Ancient eagles once soared in these pristine skies. And in a quiet moment (and there are many here), you can look up and feel their spirits still soaring above. This accommodation is nothing short of magnificent; and along with the natural, architectural and interior design beauty – gracious, unobtrusive, yet attentive Kiwi staff cater to your every whim.
We stayed in First Light. This villa grows out of the hillside, overlooking the breathtaking land and seascapes. The mezzanine bedroom is surrounded by spectacular views. It also has a floor-to-ceiling glass shower – which is an incredible luxury (and takes a little time to get used to, I have to say). As most of the rest of the villa is glass, it’s like showering in the outdoors, surrounded by the most breathtaking view. It might be the most fabulous shower I have ever taken.
The main floor has indoor and outdoor fireplaces and walls of glass that fully open out onto a stunning balcony on three sides. It has a full gourmet kitchen. We had a hot tub and access to a beautiful swimming pool. The villa is a piece of paradise in paradise.
We were taken on a tour of Rahimoana (Sun God Over the Ocean – Maori translation) by William, who spent summers in the area since before he was even one-year-old. He knew a lot about the area and about Eagles Nest. Drenched in all-day sun, Rahimoana is a stunning villa that sits on a private 44 acres with panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. It has a private beach and a 25-meter infinity pool overlooking the beach. This is one of those places that you dream of, that you will compare everything else to, that will make you think about how to get back to stay here. I know as soon as I win the lottery, this is where I am coming. However, William also explained that Eagles Nest has some new options in place that would allow for those of us who dream of staying here to actually be able to do it. There are a range of options that go from the full-on luxury, which includes the use of a Porsche Cayenne, staff and other special amenities, to a more pared-down package, that creates a surprisingly reasonable option for luxury. I have to say, as soon as William explained it, my little brain started working out how I could come back here on holidays with some friends.
The design of the villas is incredible. And the interior décor is stylish, yet comfortable. You feel like you are at home in a really, really, really amazing version of home. It’s laid-back and easy – and oh so luxurious.
For those staying here who might not want to cook, there are incredible culinary resources, including fabulous resident chefs, a superb wine cellar and fresh locally sourced foods, to create memorable dining experiences in your own villa. And Russell – and its fabulous restaurants like The Duke of Marlborough are a two-minute drive away. It is the kind of vacation that foodie dreams are made of.
More on dining here in the next post.
Click here to see some images of Eagles Nest.
