Archive for the 'General Information' Category
Auckland Fast Facts
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 25, 2010 at 11:49 am
Since Auckland is the host city for TRENZ, and an amazing place, we thought we would bring you some fast – and I hope interesting – facts about Auckland, courtesy of Tourism Auckland.
- Auckland’s sparkling waters, varied landscapes and cosmopolitan city life combine to make it one of the most desirable places in the world to live or visit.
- The Sky Tower is the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere standing at 328 metres and is the 12th largest building in the world.
- On a clear day you can see approximately 82 km (51 miles) from the Sky Tower observation deck.
- Auckland’s landscape is dotted with 48 volcanic cones. The largest and most iconic is Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest volcano, which emerged from the water 600 years ago. The Auckland War Memorial stands at the domain’s highest point.
- Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” as the region is said to have the highest boat ownership per capita in the world. It is a true water lovers’ paradise.
- The Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland was formerly the home of Auckland’s fishing fleet and in the late 1990s it became the America’s Cup Village. Today it is full of fine dining restaurants and is a hub for Auckland nightlife.
- Auckland recently starred in the final two episodes of America’s Next Top Model.
I Heart New Zealand
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 23, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Full disclosure – it’s my job to promote New Zealand. So take this post with whatever grain of salt you need, but it’s a post from my heart.
Yesterday morning I got up early and looked out my window and saw a farmers’ market directly across from my hotel. I had planned to go to the City Market at Chaffers Marina, but hadn’t realized that I was staying so close.
I did a quick little tour and then headed to the coffee stand. As they made my flat white, the baristas asked me where I was from and we got to chatting. I got my coffee and prepared to head back around the market and one of the baristas asked, “Where are you going?”
I didn’t quite know what to say, so I laughed and said, “To the market.”
“Stay here and have your coffee with us.”
That’s why I love New Zealand. It was the two baristas, who then proceeded to introduce me to anyone who came for a coffee over the next five minutes so I’d “know a few people here.” It’s the people at the jam, jelly and cheese counter, who took the time to tell me about their small company and explained how they make their products. It’s the security guard who took the time to walk me over to the other part of the farmers’ market so I could find the City Market – which is a little bit more upscale. It’s the taxi driver who, when I arrived five minutes late to be picked up and taken to the train station, laughed off my apologies and said, “We’ve got a few extra minutes, do you want me to take you back to the market?”
There are a lot of great things to see and do in New Zealand, but none of them would be as exceptional if it wasn’t for the people. Kiwis are an incredible bunch and from North Island to South Island, coast-to-coast, they can be as different as they come, but they all have one thing in common – they are warm and friendly.
My Friend Ann
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 20, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Ann Parker
I used a photo for TRENZ last year that had me in a helicopter with a headset on. (It’s also the image on the Twitter account.) A few months later, I got an email from someone that said that her boss had pointed out the photo and thought we looked alike. After going back and forth for a bit, it turned out we have a fair amount in common. We’ve been friends on Facebook ever since.
Me
My Facebook friend, Ann Parker, and Dorien Vroom, her boss and the woman who started this whole process, came and met me for a drink last night. It was great fun. Ann works with Dorien, a partner in Volcanic Air Safaris, so we have tourism and a love of travel in common as well. It also means that I will get to see Ann and Dorien at TRENZ too, which gives us more time to catch up.
Ann is one of those people who come into your life and you feel like you have known them forever. One of the great things about travel is the people that you get to meet. Sometimes it might just be a brief exchange with people, others you might spend a bit of time with, and others become friends for life. I have a funny feeling that Ann is the later.
New Zealand is always full of surprises, amazing moments and new friends.
Quick Update
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 18, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I stayed at SKYCITY in Auckland last night and head out this morning with APT for two days checking out the convenience of a luxury coach tour. I will write more later.
Oh yeah, I drove on the other side of the road and arrived in once piece! Although my Flip Camera didn’t. It got wet kayaking and is currently out of service. Perhaps the hotel’s hairdryer can remedy the problem…
Driving On The Other Side Of The Road
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 17, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Yesterday, I played the “travelled all night” card and got off easy; Adriena did the driving. Here’s what it looks like.
Today, I am going to take my turn and drive completely opposite to what I am used to. It’s like mirror reflection world! Left is right and right is left! Everyone out there, please say a little prayer that I remember to stay to the left, no right, no left…dang it!…that I stay on the correct (notice I didn’t say right) side of the road and that I don’t frustrate the other drivers.
I am hoping Adriena videotapes my learning to drive lesson so I can share it with you, but only if I don’t look completely foolish!
Wish me luck!
