Travel Horizons: New Zealand

Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts

9.10.2020

travel souvenirs — part 13

pendant with Maori design from New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most gorgeous places on earth, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my two trips there. Like many of you, I'm always looking for something special to bring back when I travel. I remember looking for a gift for Claire all during my first trip but never found the perfect gift ... until my very last day. At the Queenstown airport, waiting for our flight to Auckland, I came across this pendant in the airport's gift shop.

Made of mother of pearl, this pendant is in the form of a koru. One of the basic symbols in Maori art, the koru is based on the shape of an unfurling silver fern frond. It symbolizes new life, growth, strength, and peace. It's also a beautiful piece of jewelry!

Known for its incredible scenery — from the southern alps of the Queenstown area to the northern beaches of the bay of islands — New Zealand offers its visitors fabulous food and wine, adventure sports from sailing to skiing to bungee jumping, and some of the most wonderful luxury lodges in the world.

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copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

7.29.2019

Eichardt's | lakeside luxury in Queenstown

Queenstown, a beautiful small town with less than 16,000 full-time residents, belongs on every itinerary to New Zealand. Its downtown wraps around the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, and former visitors will recognize this weeping willow tree — a favorite spot for couples to frame photos of their visit.

Queenstown abounds in possibilities for retail therapy (whether you want hand carved Maori jewelry or possum fur sweaters) and thrilling opportunities to engage in bungee-jumping, jet boat rides, or downhill skiing in the winter. It's also an ideal base for helicopter tours of majestic fjords (Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound) and glaciers.

If you want to stay downtown, Eichardt's Private Hotel is my first choice for five-star luxury accommodations. Located right on the lake, I was fortunate enough to have been blocked in one of Eichardt's apartments. Designed by Virginia Fischer, my second-floor living room area had a comfortable seating area with gas-burning fireplace and an unobstructed lake view.

A welcome and totally unexpected bonus was the apartment's washer dryer. I was able to leave Queenstown with enough clean laundry to finish out the trip. (Pro tip: if you wash out clothes in hotel sinks, keep a small plastic 8 oz. container of powdered laundry soap and a rubber sink stopper in your suitcase).

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

7.23.2019

Minaret Station | remote luxury

There are different kinds of luxury. One type of luxury is about exquisite hotel rooms with the most comfortable mattresses and linens; gorgeous drapes and furnishings; bathrooms with marble counters, deep soaking tubs, and pulsating rainshowers; and panoramic views of alpine mountains or uninterrupted coastlines.

Another vision of luxury eschews being up-to-date in order to offer its guests a full immersion in the history and culture of the place to which they've traveled.

And then there's Minaret Station — I've shown the wooden cabin where I spent one quite glorious day. This is the luxury of living in perfect comfort in a totally remote location entirely off the grid. A simple but comfortable cabin. Plain wooden floors. Spacious bedroom with views onto this mountain valley. A deck whose hot tub shared the same views. A living room with sofabed (if you bring your kids). A bathroom without a square inch of marble ... but dual vanities, a shower with plenty of hot water, and the best water pressure we experienced anywhere in New Zealand. Did I say we were off the grid? The resort generates its own hydroelectric power from a waterfall just behind where I was standing. Oh, and the food was wonderful!

I absolutely loved my much too-short one day at Minaret Station. Very remote, it's just a 45 minute helicopter ride from Queenstown, and getting there is half the fun. If you're an avid travel photographer, put this resort on your bucket list. Arriving at Minaret Station is like landing in a photographic paradise. See more photos in my two previous blog articles here and here.

7.16.2019

Queenstown | for scenery and adrenaline rushes

Queenstown is my favorite place in New Zealand... and I say that having never made it to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Inclement weather during two separate visits caused the cancelations of our helicopter flights through these breath-taking fjords. But even so, I love Queenstown.

If you want gorgeous scenery, nothing beats this town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A small resort town, it has everything a nature lover could want. I've always enjoyed the beautiful setting — the lake and the snow-capped restaurants — and Queenstown has great restaurants and many opportunities for productive retail therapy. Shop for possum wool sweaters (warm and so soft), and do drop into Waka Jewelers to browse the hand made carvings and jewelry. Walk upstairs to visit the small gallery and see the owner/artist at work.

Or if you're after an adrenaline rush, nothing is quite so exciting/terrifying than taking the plunge off the Kawarau Bridge. 43 meters above the water (141 feet), I've visited the bridge twice to take in the experience. No, I've never jumped — nor has has any of my fellow travelers, though one of our group was tempted to give it a try — but I was quite satisfied to experience vicariously the sheer terror of the experience. Or for more conventional thrills, there's downhill skiing during the winter months (summer in the Northern hemisphere).

Coming up in my next blogs, three fabulous (and so different) luxury lodges in and near Queenstown.

7.12.2019

visit Wellington, stay at Wharekauhau

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. Located at the southern end of the North Island, this small city (just over 400,000 residents) has a lot going for it. Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand,

offers an opportunity to view exhibits about the country's natural features, its history, and the culture of the original Maori people. Wellington is the nation's capital, and it's well worth taking a drive through the downtown and stopping at the Beehive (the Parliament building) to take selfies.

Where to stay? You can reach Wharekauhau Country Estate (pronounced far-he-ko-ho), very quickly by helicopter; it's just 15 miles from Wellington. Or you can make the drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We stopped for lunch at the Everest Bistro in Featherston and enjoyed a delicious and informal meal at a very local restaurant.

You'll definitely be wowed by Wharekauhau. Another luxury lodge designed by Virginia Fischer, it sits on a 50,000 acre working farm with a view of the sea. Its rooms were spacious, comfortable, and informally elegant (see below), and the food and wine were wonderful.

7.10.2019

Annandale | getting there was half the fun!

You can drive to Annandale, but transferring by helicopter transforms a long car ride into a quick and enthralling scenic flight from Christchurch to the resort.

This map shows what I mean. Annandale is quite close to Christchurch as the crow flies, but getting there by road means going the long way along the coast, then up and over some winding mountain roads until you finally arrive at your destination.

Our flight, on the hand, went by so quickly. The sights were so thrilling, such as this view of Diamond Harbour. We flew high above the white, fluffy clouds framing the cottages that dotted the hillside.

And when you get to Annandale, WOW! It's an expansive, 4000 acre working farm with thousands of sheep, five unique villas, and incredible dining. We stayed in The Homestead, a lovingly restored 1880 farmhouse that can accommodate a family of 12. Large groups or families might also choose Scrubby Bay, a contemporary villa on a private bay.

Couples who want their own private cottage can choose between Shepherd's Cottage or Seascape. Shepherd's Cottage is exactly what it sounds like, a rustic but luxurious old cottage set high on a hill overlooking the Pacific. Seascape is an ultra contemporary, ultra luxurious retreat with its own private beach. Each is so different but so delightfully wonderful. The pictures can speak for themselves.

Contact us to plan your own trip to New Zealand and Annandale.

7.09.2019

exploring Lake Taupo

Continuing my travelogue through New Zealand... following our lunch at Huka Lodge, we drove north to the Lake Taupo region of the north island. New Zealand's largest lake (238 square miles in area and up to 600 feet deep), Lake Taupo is within the caldera of an ancient volcano.

We enjoyed a cruise on the lake, took a look at the Maori carvings shown above, but the highlight of the cruise was the opportunity to fish for trout. They were certainly biting! We let most go but brought two freshly caught trout with us to Kinloch Manor where the chef prepared them for our dinner.

Kinloch Manor has an ideal setting overlooking the lake. Like all the New Zealand luxury lodges, breakfast and dinner are included. An especially good option for families, my "suite" was huge and could comfortably accommodate a family of at least four guests. With its own kitchen and (very pleasant surprise!) washing machine and dryer, I was able to wash and dry all of my dirty laundry from the first few days of the trip.

And if you love a challenging golf course, Jack Nicklaus designed the links style course pictured above. One of the Kinloch managers, an avid golfer himself, shared that Jack must have been in a bad mood the day he designed the course.

7.04.2019

Huka Lodge — just for lunch this time...

It wasn't that long ago that I was in New Zealand, and I'm continuing this series of blogs reminiscing about the ten busy days we spent exploring the destination. Our site inspection of Huka Lodge reminded me of just how special this place is.

Huka Lodge was the first design project undertaken by Virginia Fisher. 35 years ago, the owner of Huka Lodge had a vision of what he wanted to create, but he couldn't find the right individual who could bring his vision to reality. During a chance meeting in a totally non-business contest, he discussed his project with Virginia who offered to take it on. She was not a professional interior at the time, but he took a chance with her, and the rest is history.

It's all about the setting 300 meters above Huka Falls on the Waikato River... just gorgeous. Come here to relax, to fly fish, or simply to enjoy nature and the wonderful food and wine. We were treated to lunch, and I whole-heartedly recommend the Quinoa Salad.

The second picture (showing mist rising from the river at dawn) was taken during my first visit in 2009. Huka Lodge was every bit as gorgeous the second time around.

6.27.2019

late afternoon at Cape Kidnappers

I have a backlog of photos from New Zealand that I'd like to share, each photograph bringing back a wonderful memory. This moment represents one of the highlights of my stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

We flew from Kerikeri to Napier (with a connection in Auckland) and drove through the art deco town of Napier on our way to Elephant Hill. One of New Zealand's outstanding wineries, we enjoyed a wine tasting followed by an excellent light luncheon. I most remember the oysters! After lunch, we headed up the hill to Cape Kidnappers, the second of three Robertson Lodges that hosted us. We arrived in the afternoon and, after dropping our luggage off in our suites, we met at the main lodge for a site inspection, a tour of the farm, and a 4x4 ride out to the late afternoon setting pictured above.

The red glow of the setting sun beautifully illuminated the white walls of the Shark Tooth Cliffs, and we also observed the Gannet colony. Cape Kidnappers offers luxury accommodations in the Hawke's Bay region with great wine, superb food, and championship golf. If I could only have stayed for more than one night!

6.13.2019

dawn at Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs is a luxury lodge in the very north of New Zealand, part of Robertson Lodges. Like the other two members of the collection (Cape Kidnappers and Matakauri Lodge), Kauri Cliffs offers large, gorgeous suites with interiors designed by Virginia Fischer; full breakfast and full dinner daily; and Virtuoso amenities (a $100 spa credit and upgrade at check-in if available).

Located in the Bay of Islands region of New Zealand, Kauri Cliffs is an ideal place to begin your visit. Flights from the US arrive into Auckland too early (before 6 a.m.) to expect an early check-in anywhere ... so you may as well venture onwards upon arrival. We flew that morning to the Kerikeri airport where our driver transferred us to our first experience, a three hour cruise aboard the Cool Change Catamaran in the Bay of Islands — sailing by the many picturesque, craggy islands in the bay; following a pod of dolphins; and finally docking at a beach on Waewatorea Island and climbing a hill to take in the panoramic view from high up.

While at Kauri Cliffs, you can golf on its 18 hole championship seaside course; enjoy the fine cuisine; and go to Pink Beach to fish, swim, or have the famous BBQ (I believe every Friday evening). To learn about the history and culture of New Zealand, I do recommend you visit to the very interesting Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

6.10.2019

my New Zealand highlight

What's your favorite takeaway from a trip? For me, it's that one WOW photograph that I'm able to take during my trip (if I'm so lucky to find a composition, capture an image, and fall in love with it). Such photographs tell a story and help me remember a very special moment.

This image of a waterfall is my favorite takeaway from 10 days in New Zealand. We had helicoptered into Minaret Station, a remote retreat located in a mountain valley about 35 miles north of Queenstown. It had been raining, and the waterfalls were gushing water. On arrival, I borrowed the tripod from the lodge's living room (on which they normally keep a telescope), mounted my camera to it, and hiked with the rest of my group along the boardwalk to explore the valley. Because of the long 2.5 second exposure, you can sense the rapidly moving water in this stream at the foot of the waterfall.

I'll be posting more articles about the highlights of New Zealand. Click on the "subscribe to Travel Horizons" button on the right side of the screen to hear about it as soon as a new post goes up... and contact us if New Zealand is on your bucket list.

5.30.2019

postcard from New Zealand | Waiheke Island

I never knew about Waiheke Island, but that's where we spent yesterday. Described as the Hamptons of Auckland, the island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland harbour and central business district.

Why did we go there? To inspect Omaru Bay, a luxury villa that’s part of the collection of Virtuoso partner Touch of Spice; to enjoy a bespoke activity creating our own perfume and our own gin (for gin and tonic); to enjoy wine tasting; and to have a fabulous lunch at Poderi Crisci.

Now at the end of two great weeks in New Zealand, we fly home tonight. Thank you to Virtuoso, Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Tourism, and Southern World for making this all possible.

5.27.2019

postcard from Minaret Station

I took a short hike this morning before breakfast through the mountain valley in which Minaret Station is found. With just four cabins set in the midst of 60,000 acres, Minaret Station is both the largest and the smallest Virtuoso resort in the world. It is utter luxury to live in total comfort, enjoying meals, in the midst of such raw and natural beauty. So remote, we helicoptered in yesterday ... but so close, it's just 20 minutes from Queenstown.

Never knew about Minaret Station, but it's now on my radar as the best adventure travel resort in New Zealand ... and one of the most spectacular settings in the world. Thank you, Minaret Station, Southern World, Tourism New Zealand, and Virtuoso for making this visit possible.

5.26.2019

Maori crafts in Rotorua

Sometimes the best travel experiences happen purely by chance. When our Southern World host received a text that our flight from Rotorua to Wellington was delayed by 30 minutes, he got right on the phone to the sales manager at Te Puia, a centre for Maori culture located in Rotorua. He arranged a whirlwind tour of the school founded to teach Maori crafts, preserving those traditions for a new generation. In the mere 30 minutes available, we saw students practicing arts such as wood carving and weaving, passed through the Gallery at which visitors can purchase those crafts, and finished by viewing the geyser.

You don't need to spend hours to get value from a worthwhile attraction. If you only have time for a quick thirty minute tour, you can still have an informative visit if you've got a knowledgeable guide showing you the essentials.

This is day six of our ten day educational tour through New Zealand. We've seen some of the world's most wonderful luxury lodges and delighted in the natural beauty of this photogenic island nation.

5.24.2019

early morning light at Kinloch

In the midst of a trip to New Zealand, we've been so constantly on the move that I haven't had a chance to post. Ten hotels in ten nights is not a trip I'd recommend for leisure travelers, but it's an excellent if intense way to learn more about one of my favorite destinations in the world.

I captured the above image this morning at Kinloch Manor while walking back to my villa after breakfast. It would be an ideal accommodation for families or couples traveling together — two bedrooms, a large living room, and a kitchen. The villa was truly overkill for me as I was the only occupant in the room, but I truly appreciated having a washer and dryer! Being able to begin the second half of my educational tour with a clean set of laundry is pure luxury.

Tomorrow morning we check out of Wharekauhau and fly to Christchurch ... and on Sunday to Queenstown, home of New Zealand's most fabulous alpine scenery.

3.31.2018

New Zealand | don't know where to begin?

Sally Forth comic strip, March 31, 2018

Sally Forth is one of a handful of comic strips that I read regularly. In today's episode, Sally asks her family, "What is the one thing you'd like us to do together as a family?" After a moment's pause, Hillary answers, "New Zealand." Ted is immediately turned on by the idea of visiting the beautiful place where the three Hobbit movies (An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies) were filmed. Sally responds with two practical concerns, the cost of air and where to begin.

"I don't know where to begin" is not infrequently the first hurdle encountered when contemplating our bucket list. Start with Google? 46 million websites come up when searching New Zealand, 3.6 million responses for New Zealand travel, 2.68 million options for New Zealand tours, and 1.79 million answers for New Zealand tourism.

How can anyone evaluate so many options? My answer to the Forth family ... find a travel advisor with experience planning travel to New Zealand, who has relationships with multiple destination management companies there. Instead of starting with millions of choices, I'll begin planning your trip with a half dozen vendors curated in terms of their expertise and reliability. Once I know your budget and the kinds of experiences you want to have, I'll know exactly where to begin.

A knowledgable travel advisor will save you time and money. New Zealand has some of the most gorgeous lodges in the world, and you can benefit from Virtuoso amenities that will provide added value during your stay. Even if your budget is more modest, our on-the-ground partners will know the best moderately priced options for your stay — as well as providing assistance if needed with looking for "bulk" air.

New Zealand is one of the two most gorgeous places I've ever been, Norway being the other. To whet your appetite, here are some articles I wrote about my April/May 2009 trip with Swain Destinations.

Kauri Cliffs | New Zealand golf and beach luxury
what to do in Queenstown, New Zealand
Napier, New Zealand | the Art Deco city
morning mist at Huka Lodge
black sand beach near Auckland
New Zealand | incredible scenic beauty
Virginia Fischer | New Zealand luxury lodges
more New Zealand Luxury Lodges

copyright (c) 2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

7.29.2017

going back to Norway!

To say I enjoyed my first trip to Norway in May, 2010 would be an understatement. Norway is quite simply the most beautiful place I've ever been with New Zealand being a close second. The photograph above has been my favorite take-away from Norway. Our group was driving along the Geirangerfjord, and our driver/guide/leader Christine pulled off at a vista point overlooking Eagles Bend. That's where I captured this shot.

An opportunity for a return trip came up a bit more than a week ago, so I jumped at the chance. An entirely different itinerary, we start in Oslo, take the train up to Lillehammer, journey through the Gudbrandsdals Valley and visit the mountain village of Los, drive the mountain road to Loen, take the cable car to the top of the mountain (over 3000 feet elevation), and finish our trip in Bergen.

To make this work, I had to find reasonable air, and the Mileage Award gods were somehow on my side. I scored a one-way Saver Award fare going to Oslo on SAS business class (70,000 United miles). As hard as it is to actually spend airline miles, to get a sleeper seat for my exact date in October was a sign from heaven. (It appears I got the last saver award seat available). The reviews for SAS business class are quite positive, and I reserved an even numbered window seat (6A) which offers more privacy than the odd numbered seats.

There were no award flights for my return flight, but I've been curious about Norwegian Airlines. A low-priced international airline with a lot of flights from my hometown airport (Oakland, CA), they offer a very reasonably priced Premium Class. I'm going to try Norwegian Airlines Premium Class for my return from Bergen, connecting at London Gatwick, and flying nonstop to Oakland. Though it's not a lie-flat sleeper seat, it's a daytime flight. The seat looks to be spacious and comfortable with a lot of recline, significantly more spacious than domestic first class. Be watching for my review of Norwegian Premium Class after my return, mid-October.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

6.14.2017

one of the world's two most beautiful places

Travel writing is a funny thing... I typically lose interest in most articles a few paragraphs in, this perhaps being the reason these blog articles of mine are just a few paragraphs long. But I just read one of the best-written travel pieces I've ever come across. Alton Brown's account of his trip to New Zealand was so wonderfully told that it makes me want to go back. Incidentally, AFAR magazine has far more than its share of great travel writing, so if you're looking for a magazine to inspire some life-changing travel, you won't have to look afar (bad pun intended).

New Zealand is one of the two most beautiful places on earth. It is home to some of the most wonderful luxury lodges anywhere — Otahuna, Kauri Cliffs, Huka, and so many more. I'd go back in a second! Just the experience flying into Queenstown, down a mountain valley surrounded by ice-capped peaks, makes the entire trip worth it. (Be sure to select window seats, even if it means not sitting together).

Alton Brown's experiment was this: he would only eat at establishments recommended to him by total strangers. This forced him to interact with local New Zealanders (whom he found incredibly outgoing) and eat at some places you'd be unlikely to find in the usual tourist guide. Read the article for the full scoop.

If New Zealand is on your bucket list, we can help you plan a bespoke trip with our travel partners who truly know New Zealand and can take care of everything. Definitely visit both the north and south islands, and plan to see the mountains and fjords near Queenstown. Helicopter, anyone?

So what is the other most beautiful place? Be watching for an article, soon!

7.31.2013

New Zealand | 12 days of scenic beauty and luxurious lodges

beautiful view from Blanket Bay

The latest issue of Virtuoso Life included the itinerary of a heavenly two-week trip to New Zealand designed by Virtuoso onsite Southern Crossings. The article brought back some great memories of my visit a number of years ago. Thought I'd pass along the highlights of this suggested tour.

Bay of Islands — 3 days
fly from Auckland to Kerikeri with a three night stay at Eagles Nest

dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands or golfing at Kauri Cliffs

Taupo — 2 days
fly to Taupo, collect a rental car, and spend two nights at Huka Lodge

trout fishing, visit Rotorua's geothermal pockets, or soak in Taupo's hot springs

Hawke's Bay — 2 days
drive to the wine region of Hawke's Bay, and spend two nights at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

guided bike tour with stops in small towns, wine tasting at Mission Estate

Christchurch — 2 days
fly from Napier to Christchurch on the South Island, and enjoy two nights at Otahuna Lodge

enjoy downtime and enjoy Miles' and Hall's hospitality at what was once the country's largest private home

Queenstown — 3 days
finish your trip with three nights at the absolutely gorgeous Blanket Bay

helicopter sightseeing over the Southern Alps and Milford Sound

When you book any of these New Zealand luxury lodges through a Virtuoso travel consultant, the Virtuoso amenities bring you value-added perks, all for the same price you'd pay booking on the web.

New Zealand (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

9.02.2009

how much to tip?

It's a perennial question when we travel - how much to tip? Americans are pretty accustomed to leaving a tip, but practices in other countries are often different. Restaurants in France, for instance, will state service compris (service included) on the menu or on l'addition (the bill). What does this mean? Is the waiter's tip always included? Answer: by law, a 15% gratuity is always included in the price in France whenever you eat or drink.

During a recent trip to New Zealand, I was providing tips to drivers, waiters, and hotel personnel at my first destination, out of habit. When I offered a tip to my driver in my second destination, he informed me that "nobody tips" in New Zealand; service is included in the price. It was useful and timely information.

You may find the chart above to be a useful resource. You can double-click on it to print it out ... and keep it in your suitcase so it's always handy when you find yourself overseas.

how much to tip (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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