Archive for the 'Wellington' Category
Zest Food Tour – Wellington
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 22, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Thank goodness the Zest Food Tour has you walking around Wellington…otherwise, I think I would have gained ten pounds on this tour!
Wellington is such a compact city, it lends itself to walking. In fact, Wellingtonians are some of the fittest New Zealanders, with 11 percent walking to work.
Our group was made up of our exceptional tour guide Manfred Berthold, Carolyn Galloway – a young woman from Australia, Joanne Gourley of Tourism New Zealand Auckland, Makiko Ehara of Sunnyside Up – the agency that provides public relations for Tourism New Zealand in Japan, and Makiko’s colleague Akiko Takahashi.
We started at the Hill Street Farmers’ Market. This is a fairly new market in the city, but if the choice and quality of the offerings are any indication, it will be growing. The vendors were so friendly. As we were leaving a guy selling fish literally chased us down the street so he could give Manfred a big piece of smoked fish. That is a visual I will have for sometime, this big man running down a city street waving a large chunk of smoked fish over his head!
We then went for coffee at Mojos, which I was very grateful for. I love coffee, and so do Kiwis. New Zealander’s take their coffee very seriously and it never fails that when I ask them about it, a lively conversation of what makes good coffee ensues. I have heard several people who have visited tell me that outside of Italy, New Zealand has the best coffee in the world.
We then went to a grocery store. Really? A grocery store on a tour? Moore Wilson Fresh is fantastic. Perhaps it is because they have different things from what I would find in a gourmet grocery store at home. We had a great cheese tasting here.
We then headed over to Kura Gallery for a honey tasting. The art gallery was amazing. I saw a piece in there that will stay in my dreams for quite a while. (I wonder what it would cost to ship it home?)
Then we went to Ciocco Chocolaterie and Espresso Bar for a chocolate tasting. That was so much fun. The chocolate artist infuses chocolate with lavender, strawberries, black pepper, Earl Grey tea, and many other interesting ingredients.
Then it was off to Floriditas Café and Restaurant for lunch and, of course, wine. We started with a La Strada Rose from Marlborough, which was lovely, light and perfect for the moment. With our main course (see why we need to walk!) we had a Love Point Chardonnay from Martinborough. I had to sneak out a bit early as I was due at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, so I missed the next course, which I think was dessert. Like I needed to eat any more…
I saw a sign on my way out that I thought was worth sharing. “Feeling stressed…that’s just desserts spelled backwards – get a piece of cake, you’ll feel better.”
I have to say, the Zest Food Tour was excellent. Manfred is knowledgeable and friendly and he brought Wellington to life for me.
Click here to see more yummy images!
Getting To Know (And Love) Wellington
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 22, 2010 at 4:36 pm
It happens to all travelers, you arrive somewhere and it feels “right.” That’s how I feel about Wellington. It’s a fabulous city with a range of things to do, great restaurants, interesting exhibits and art galleries. And you don’t have to go far to connect with nature.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand with a population of 386,000. The number of great restaurants, cafes, exhibits and activities seem to be larger than expected for a city this size. It has the best of both worlds – great variety and quality with a small town feel.
Wellington is a spectacular city. I wish I had more time here. It has very friendly people, even by Kiwi standards. Wellington has an interesting history and is connected to the Maori culture.
Matterhorn
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 21, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I had dinner with the lovely Jo Heaton from Positively Wellington Tourism last night. Jo picked me up at the amazing Museum Hotel, where I am staying until Monday. As soon as I arrived in Wellington, I knew I loved the place. The same can be said about the Museum Hotel. I will do a blog post later on the hotel.
Jo took me to Matterhorn, a local icon.
Choosing wine for me
Matterhorn is a busy, bustling place. And I have to say, all of the staff looked like supermodels. For such a popular place, everyone at Matterhorn was so down to earth. I have to admit, that took me by surprise. It shouldn’t, the place is full of Kiwis – the most down to earth people in the world!
I’ve been to some nice places and had the experience ruined because of pretentious staff, not at Matterhorn. It was like I had walked into a place that was full of friends.
Our server was exceptional (and shame on me for not getting his name!). I think I was too busy admiring his model good looks to think straight…
I can’t say enough about this restaurant – great wine list, great food, staff that knows their stuff and they make you feel taken care of and welcome. Amazing.
Matterhorn is just one reason to come to Wellington. I bet I find more today!
