Comings and Goings in New Zealand

As 'Happy Feet' - the wayward emperor penguin that turned up on a New Zealand beach a couple of months ago following a malfunction in his navigational skills - bids farewell to New Zealand's shores, England's World Cup winning rugby team (see what I did there?) arrive.

With only 8 days to go (or 7 days, 10 hours 05 minutes and 17, er 16, 15, 14 seconds) until the World Cup begins, our boys are enjoying Kiwi hospitality in Auckland where they are putting the finishing touches to their training prior to heading down to Dunedin for their opening match against Argentina on Saturday 10 September.

While it's entirely possible that he might have other things on their mind, I wonder if Martin Johnson will give them time off to visit Waiheke Island. Renowed for its glorious vineyards and relaxing ambience, this is my idea of the perfect 'training' venue. Only a short ferry ride from the city (around 40 minutes), Waiheke is one of my top tips for where to spend you first days in 'the land of the long white cloud'.

Though September is a little too early for the eye-catching pohukukawa tree to be in bloom - try November to January for the best displays of vibrant red flowers - the island's gentle landscapes offer the perfect place to kick back discovering arts and crafts, exploring the quiet beaches and coves or simply taking a long lunch at a winery.

So, will the England team take my advice and head over to Waiheke for some R&R? Probably not, but if we don't win the world cup, we'll know the reason why.

 
 

A magical escape to Middle-earth

The summer months mean crowds of people following the sun and waiting in long queues for the attraction that EVERYBODY wants to visit too. Sound like your typical break? Well you should think about escaping to New Zealand during their wintertime. Winter I hear you say? Yes winter – it is a magical time to visit and you can take advantage of the great value airfares on offer too.

Picture snow-capped mountains and green rolling hills, roaring waves crashing along heart-stirring coastlines. Welcome to a country of dense rainforests, lakes and wild rivers teeming with fish. You can take a helicopter flight over mountain ranges or better yet ski these breath-taking slopes. Hike up and around glaciers or take a cruise throughout fjords – there is something for everyone, even ice-skating and curling in some places! To top off your active days, settle in by the fire of your cosy lodge accommodation with a glass Pinot Noir or have a soak in one of the many thermal pools!  

If you are looking for a bit of fun, you can not beat the Queenstown Winter Festival – it is one of the hottest tickets and events on the New Zealand Calendar, with many Kiwis' (the people not the birds!) congregating in the resort town during 24 June - 3 July.

If you are interested in learning more, get started with our Winter Wonderland.

Sweet Taste of Success

It's officially a Kiwi dish according to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Pavlova is in my opinion one of the finest desserts on the planet - meringue, cream and sugared fruit - and for almost a century the Aussie's and the Kiwi's have been claiming it as their own.

Well according to an article read in the Independent online this morning, the latest online edition of OED notes that the first recorded recipe for 'pav' appeared in a New Zealand publication in 1927, which would be 8 years prior to when the Aussies claim it was first invented. Both NZ and Australia agree on the origin of the dish as being in honour of an Antipodean tour by the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Well, I'm glad that's cleared up then.

I'm quite happy that both the Aussies and the Kiwis have taken this dessert to their hearts, since frankly there can never be too much pavlova!

Breakfast New Zealand style

Following my gym visit this morning, I decided to reward myself with a relaxing breakie in a local cafe - one large latte and a very tasty bacon and egg sandwich later, I started to think another gym visit was in order, but I also began to reminise about the pleasure of breakfasting on holiday and specifically, on holiday in New Zealand!

Nothing makes me feel like I'm on holiday more than being able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, especially when the locale is somewhat more inspiring than the average UK high street. The Viaduct Harbour in Auckland for one, with its array of cafes and restaurants and cosmopolitan atmosphere, conjurs up wonderfully indulgent memories as do thoughts of watching the morning sun wash over Mecury Bay in Whitianga on the Coromandel. Sun rise and breakfast al fresco are a great combination and one of the many benefits of travelling the east coast of New Zealand.

From Whakatane to Gisborne to Napier, Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, where the River Avon makes a charming substitute for the ocean views, hot cakes (the most delectable pancakes covered in fruits and cream freche and honey/maple syrup and all other delicious things) and a flat white are my recommendation for enjoying your kiwi breakfast to the full!

Check out this blog for a great hot cake recipe.

Winning Ways

If you happen to be passing the Matterhorn in downtown Wellington (the website alone is beyond average) it might be worth your while stopping in for a bite. Wellington's popular bar on Cuba Street has just been voted best restaurant in the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards. So will the award go to their head making the bar too exclusive? It's unlikely, since it was also awarded Best Casual Dining - Metropolitan.

Another Wellington restaurant claimed the title last year, so I think its fair to say that fine dining is a given amongst Wellington's considerable list of attributes.

Speaking of winning - awards are being handed out aplenty in China's capital this month. Well, we weren't really going to get through August without me mentioning the Olympics at least once!

I think the 29th Olympiad has maintained the event's status as the 'greatest show on earth'. As GB  celebrates its greatest medal haul in the modern era (I don't think the 1908 tally really offers fair comparison), the Kiwis are also celebrating a stellar performance with 9 medals collected so far (three golds, one silver and five bronze) and there's still 2 days to go... For a small nation, that's not bad.

Roll on 2012. And for anyone not infused with enthusiasm for the London games, just think - what a perfect time to take a holiday to New Zealand!

Go Nuts on the Coromandel

They are tasty, they make lovely gifts ideas for returning travellers and to my mind they say New Zealand almost as much as Pineapple Chunks.

Macadamia nuts are predominantly grown in the southern hemisphere, with Australia the largest producer. New Zealand's production is smaller, but the quality is superb and for my interesting fact, contain no cholesterol.

Macadamias can be readily purchased in supermarkets and confectionists throughout the country, but for a new experience why not visit Cathedral Cove Macadamias on the Coromandel. This working orchard has always had an excellent reputation amongst food lovers and now the team are setting up regular tours of the orchard and their operation. And if you need more convincing, check out the recipes on their website, such as avacado/macadamia dip and the sumptuous looking macadamia crumbed scallops.

Sensational South Island

Lauren, one of our New Zealand experts has just come back from the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' and judging by the permanent grin attached to her face, returning to NZ was as exciting and wonderful as ever. I'll let her tell you why...

"I couldn’t possibly pick only one thing that made my holiday so special, but I'll try to pick out just a few highlights. My Mt Cook experience was absolutely fantastic. We took a ski plane over the mountain and landed on the snow as it glistened in the sunshine – a wonderful memory that will stay with me for many years! And waking up to the spectacular views of Mt Cook the following morning was simply amazing!!

I was particularly impressed by Wanaka (aptly translating as ‘rejuvenation of the soul’); such a beautiful little town. A lake cruise is the perfect way to see it with the spectacular backdrop of mountains and autumn trees reflected in the water.

We were so spoilt in Queenstown – I felt like royalty! After a lovely breakfast at Three Sixty restaurant we went on the Shotover Jet – very thrilling (and wet for that matter) as we zoomed through the canyons – it feels like you are able to touch the mountains they are so close. We then enjoyed an incredible helicopter ride to Cecil Peak Ledge. After we landed we were treated to a surprise champagne toast over-looking Queenstown. The views are absolutely amazing – priceless! Then… just to top it off I para-glided off the summit of Bobs Peak – near the skyline restaurant – floating down into the heart of Queenstown. All memories that I will cherish forever and yearn to experience again!

I can’t wait to get back out there!"

Neither can I!

Weird & Wonderful in Wanaka

Sometimes it's rather nice amidst a brilliant, but full-on holiday, to throw something normal into the mix - like going to the cinema perhaps. Well, in NZ there's nowhere quite like Wanaka for adding a different twist to a regular outing.

Cinema Paridiso, as it's delightfully named, is a small but very charming theatre in the heart of the picturesque Southern Lakes region. OK, so being in such glorious surroundings you may think going to the cinema is a waste of time, but this is no ordinary cinema. What's special about Paradiso apart from the very chilled out atmosphere is the quirky seating. Not only can sink into a sofa and munch on a slice of pizza and beer, but a you can also opt to watch your chosen film from the 'comfort' of a Morris Minor. You can't deny it's different.

Located on Ardmore Street in downtown Wanaka, with hot meals available before, during or after the movie plus homemade icecream and hot cookies for the intermission, if you have the time, check this place out.

Personally, I think they do cinemas rather well in New Zealand. It was particularly taken by the comfort of Reading Cinemas Regency Cinelounge in Wellington (and all over NZ). Laz-e-boy reclining armchairs and food delivered to your seat made for a more satisfactory experience than at my local Odeon. I've also a soft spot for the Regent on Worcester in Christchurch - a great place to catch the latest New Zealand releases.

Ben Fogle in New Zealand

In February this year we sent Ben Fogle to New Zealand to check out some of the glorious sights and fun activities on offer. Not only did he have perfect weather during his 9 days, but he also managed to pack in some fantastic experiences.

From kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman and whale watching in Kaikoura to a heli-flight over Milford Sound and a climb up Single Cone in the Remarkables. He also went kiwi spotting on Stewart Island, sand-boarded down huge dunes in Hokianga and ate fresh crayfish al fresco.

Watch Ben's video diary at Tourism New Zealand.

Wishing for a warm Christmas

I have yet to experience Christmas in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere, although to do so is firmly in my plans for the future. I mean, there are just so many options...

If you've family or friends to visit you may simply be able to enjoy a traditional roast turkey will all the trimmings followed by the unusual bonus of a post-lunch swim in the sea or spot of sunbathing. The meal may take on more of a kiwi slant with a BBQ on the beach or cold meats accompanying pavlova on the terrace. If the sun is shining, who needs Christmas pud?!

For independent travellers, Christmas is really the perfect excuse to stay in one of New Zealand's idyllic lodges and really relax. Amidst a gloriously scenic setting, let someone else prepare an 'out of this world' dining experience as you simply chill out and indulge.

Of course, you could choose to treat the day like any other day and let the magnificence of the New Zealand scenery transport you into a world far from sleigh bells and tinsel. On a self drive holiday you can head off to find a quiet spot and many activities and attractions are open even on Christmas day. 

Finally, it's not such a bad time of year to actually set off on your New Zealand adventure, especially if the idea of repeating the same old Christmas arrangements just doesn't appeal. Embarking on overseas travel really does have a way of kicking off the new year well. A couple of years ago I travelled to NZ on New Year's Day and I can sincerely say that it was the best start to a year imaginable.

If you plan to visit New Zealand next Christmas, take a tip and book early to make sure you get exactly what you want. It'll be worth it!

So whether it is white or warm, I wish you all a very a merry Christmas.