A Genuine Kiwi Rail Experience

All excited about the newest scenic journey that'll take me down to the capital , I made my way into the Britomart station eager to fulfill this one of a kind experience. I quickly realised how fortunate I was to travel on this special journey far from this hustle & bustle, as many Aucklander's dared Monday Blues.

The first impression I got as I walked into the carriages was it's been designed ensuring comfort and enjoyment of travellers as good as it can possibly get. 2Seat - Aisle - 2 Seat (reclining forward facing seats), skylight roof windows, great menu on offer I was certain this would be memorable in every way. Kiwi Rail have excellent arrangements in place with Table Group, a nice way with 4 people around a table allowing for great views through panaromic side and roof windows.

The train has a cafe carriage which serves a range of alcoholic and non - alcoholic drinks, snacks, delicious meals that makes up for a beautiful journey.

 

As we made our way through different suburbs in Auckland we were entertained by commentary of passionate Kiwi Rail crew. On our journey we saw fantastic farmland, picturesque landscapes, viaduct, river gorges.

One can enjoy the open air viewing carriage of the Northern Explorer and see the world famous Raurimu spiral, an'engineering masterpiece' along with other beautiful sights througout the trip.

As they say every good thing comes to an end, and this experience on the all new Northern Explorer was no different.
   
   4Sightseeing is an agent for Kiwi Rail and would be glad to make bookings on any of their journeys along with rail passes.

   Many thanks to Blue for showing me where to go

Best Wishes,
Yogi

ECOZIP ADVENTURES - WAIHEKE ISLAND

It had been on the agenda way before it opened. The thought of flying above the trees! Ecozip Adventures made it possible for our team!

Despite the horrible weather that day, we were unperturbed in our excitement to visit the beautiful island of Waiheke, a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and take part in the brand new adrenaline experience that is Ecozip.

We were warmly greeted at Matiatia Harbour by our driver-guide Jeremy who took time to tell us about the history and geography of Waiheke on our way to reach Trig Hill (Ecozip HQ), notably on it's booming wine industry and  soaring property prices - perhaps making it the city's most-sought tropical suburb.

Palm Beach - Waiheke Island

After a quick disclosure form, weight check and reminder to hit the gym, we get greared up with friendly Ecozip staff. Lockers are available for storage and your harness even has a sealed pouch for your camera. We then proceeded to launching ourselves off a platform at a good speed and enjoy the wonderful scenery around us. There are 3 x 200m ziplines, of all which can support a weight of a ton!

1st zipline - The Vineyard

The highest is Kurinui (Big Dog), 60m above the ground. Have a look at Nancy's video and Watch us fly! After all this excitement, it's time to wind down and explore the bush with a 1.5km interpretive bush walk with our guide. Don't worry, the walk is easy, and you can take your time along the way. The rain helped to give the forest a sweet smell, and the sound of it falling on leaves made the place even more magical. We learnt about different native trees and their uses in Maori culture and health practices.

Deep in the bush

Sadly and before we knew it, we were back at HQ and unzipping our gear. Complimentary drop-off is available back to Matiatia Harbour and a number of other locations if you fancy extending your stay on the Island with a coffee, a meal or a glass of wine!

The Ecozip Experience truly is adventure tourism at its best and for every nature-lover to enjoy! Thanks to Jeremy and all his team :-)

Kurinui

Ecozip Adventures is available as part of Blue's Summer Specials - Adventure Mix! Come and make your bookings at 172 Quay St.

GO EXPLORE!

Steph

WINE TASTING WITH NZWINEPRO

**This trip was taken in May 2012**

On a one fine afternoon, Stephanie & I are heading to Auckland Northwestern Wine Region. For a wine tasting experience with NZWINEPRO.

After about 20 minutes drive from Auckland CBD, we arrived in Kumeu Wine Country. This part of Auckland had started its wineries back in 1940s, when families from Croatia arrived & set up wine-making, just like what they had back in their home countries. (Source: Kumeu Wine Country website)

We had our 1st stop at Kumeu River Wines on State Highway 16. John, the owner of NZWINEPRO and our guide for the day, took us around the production areas of the winery. This was to give us a good knowledge about wine-making process.

John explained how wines are made.

These barrels are imported from France

After the walk around & a better understanding about wines, we started our 1st wine tasting of the day with 5 wine varieties produced at Kumeu River Wines; Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot & Pinot Noir. The 2010 Pinot Gris was Steph's & my favourite.

Wine tasting at Kumeu River

Next stop is, Nobilo Winery, a much larger scale production compared to Kumue River. Nobilo also has vineyards in other regions around New Zealand eg. Gisborne in Lower East Coast of North Island & Marlborough at the top of South Island. (Source: Nobilo Winery website)

Entrance to Nobilo Wine Cellar

My favourite at Nobilo was Selaks Gewurztraminer Riesling. Did I mention that this is one of my favourite wine varieties? I know it's a very sweet wine. The reason I like this variety is that, it goes very well with spicy Thai food that I love.

FYI: Nobilo Vintners purchased Selaks Wines which in turn, was purchased by leading global wine company, BRL Hardy of Australia in mid-2000. (Source: Selaks Winery website)

Wine tasting at Nobilo Winery

We have our lunch at BeesOnline Cafe. BeesOnline is an artisan honey producer, famous for its New Zealand monofloral honeys eg. Manuka & Rata, and other culinary honey products.(Source: BeesOnline website)

Lunch at BeesOnline Cafe

(L-R, T-B)

- The front door

-Steph's Lunch: Duck Confit 
- The cafe

- My Lunch: Pan-fried Hapuka

After our stomachs are full with delicious lunch at BeesOnline. We were heading out to Muriwai Beach, one of the famous Auckland West Coast Black sand Beaches.

Muriwai, with its rugged coastline, is one of the popular surfing beaches in this area. It's also a home to a large gannet colony. There were none of gannets to be seen when we were there. As they usually arrive in this area for nesting between August to March. 

The third wine tasting was at Matua Valley Wines in Waimauku, still in Kumeu Wine Country. Here, we have an impressive selection of wines for our wine tasting. There was 1 of Sparkling, 4 of Whites, and 5 of reds to choose from. We could try all 10 or select any from the list we wanted to taste. I went for 3 Whites & 3 Reds. 

After Matua Valley, John suggested that we should visit another stop, which he usually go to when Matua Valley closes for a private function. We were then driven to West Brook Winery, which was a short drive from Matua Valley.

 

We only had a brief stop here as it was an additional stop from our original plan. We tastes a few wines and enjoyed a very beautiful surrounding landscape. West Brook Winery is also a perfect place for family picnic or a barbeque. The area is set like a park so there's always something for everyone here.

 

Our wine tasting trip finished here. It was an amazing way to spend our afternoon. The trip was very informative and John is a man with extensive knowledge about wines, both locally & internationally. You wouldn't want to go on a wine tasting experience with someone who isn't passionate about wines, would you? John's love of wines has translated into a well-planned trip, which gives every aspects of this trip to be a memorable experience.

Cin Cin to John & NZWINEPRO for a great trip!



Posted by

Nancy


For more info about this trip:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/foursightseeing-auckland/vineyards-honey-black-sand-beaches-half-day-afternoon-tour/471529666199589

Or email us at Blue@4sightseeing.info 

Russell Mini Tour and Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise

It is not hard to fall in love with Russell, a quaint little sea-side town. But it is hard to imagine it as once the 'Hell hole of the Pacific', a reputation acquired through the many sailors and convicts enjoying the alcohol and women. As part of our Bay of Islands famil with Great Sights, we were treated to discover the town with Russell Mini Tours (http://www.russellminitours.com/index.htm). This company was established in 1975 and our knowledgeable guide knew how to bring the town to life with his explanations, which focused on revealing this part of New Zealand's early European History.

Russell Mini Tours' blue and white van

                                                 

We were driven and guided to see sights such as the Giant Sundial, Long Beach, Queen's View, Tapeka Point and the Flagstaff on Maiki Hill with stunning 360 views!

Beautiful views from Maiki Hill

                                                          

The Flagstaff War – also known as Hone Heke's Rebellion, the Northern War and the First Māori War, is a conflict best remembered for the actions of Hone Heke who challenged the authority of the British by cutting down the flagstaff, on numerous occasions and which had been a gift from Hone Heke to James Busby, the first British Resident.

After the tour, we took time to visit the Church, where bullet holes can still be witnessed in its facade after the battle of the 11th of March 1845.

Christ Church, Russell town centre

                                                                   

After an allegedly 'world-famous' seafood chowder for lunch at Sally's restaurant, it was time to board our cruise to see the magnificent Hole in the Rock in Cape Brett. On the way, we were greeted by playful dolphins who put on quite a show for us!

Bottlenose dolphin

     

Hole in the Rock, a barren rock also known as Piercy Island, and was named so by Captain Cook. The 60-foot (18 m) hole at sea level was created over centuries by wind and waves making it one of the most naturally beautiful sites in New Zealand. It is home to gannets and other bird life. Being a popular tourist destination, if the waters are calm and the tide is right the boats will go right through the hole. We were not fortunate enough to do so, but photo opportunities did not go amiss. 

Hole in the Rock

             

What a wonderful day! Upon our return to Paihia, we boarded our Intercity coach Auckland bound, our heads full of Great Sights ;-) A big thank you goes to Amy for the organisation of this trip.

ROTORUA & WAITOMO CAVES WITH FLEXITOURSNZ

 

Stephanie and I went on Rotorua and Waitomo Cave 1day trip with FlexiToursNZ on 11th August Saturday. Tour began 06:40am (picked up from Auckland City Centre) and then we were driven to Matamata for a morning tea stop. Our driver-guide for the day was Andy,  he was very friendly and knowledgeable.

We did not choose this option but you can choose Hobbiton Movie Set options.

After a short morning break, we were driven to Rotorua.

Our first stop in Rotorua was Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs. We could see several kiwis in nocturnal house closely, they were digging for food and so cute!!!

Rainbow Springs is a great place to learn about New Zealand's native wildlife and plants, too.

Trouts in the crystal-clear pool

Moa in the native bursh

Rainbow Springs is great fun for kids too. You can feed fish and there is a good play ground for them.

After Rainbow Springs, we visited Te Puia. This thermal reserve is also known as the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

 

I had a Hangi Lunch (Traditional Maori food) there, but  other choices are available, such as Fish and chips or Bacon & Egg Pie, etc. Chicken was so tender and vegetables were so sweet!!! You won't be hungry afterwards that's for sure!

Maori Cultural  Performance at Te Puia

Welcome ceremony in front of a Marae (Maori Metting House)

 

The world famous Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Themal Reserve.

After the Te Puia, We were driven to Waitomo Cave to see Glowworms. It was so beautiful and looked like stars in the sky.

This tour is a fantastic option if you have only limited time in New Zealand.


Posted by

Emi
Travel Consultant