What do you consider a perfect accommodation? Surely, everyone’s opinion is bound to be subjective. But I like fancy places with atmosphere and character. Places, which are located perfectly and where I can sleep, hence, which are calm at night. Places, which are fun to spend rainy days at and make you wish to come …
It is raining as we leave Wellington in direction of Napier. The Easter holidays are over and we are glad we managed the short skip to the North Island. There are only four days left until our flight to Hong Kong will leave and still another 730 km to drive up to Auckland. And pretty …
Enlarge map …
This time we only stayed for one night in Wellington before heading to the South Island. Yet it wasn’t really by our own choise, rather because we faced again a very busy place and time. Furthermore the weather forecast was definitely better for the South Island (Tasman Bay) than here in Wellington. But it’s only …
After a couple of days in Taranaki, we trully felt more than comfortable in our little town New Plymouth. The weather was great, the beaches were on their best behaviour and we enjoyed visiting all the coffees in turn. Yet there are other great places waiting to be discovered so we moved on to Wellington. …
Enlarge map …
It’s a cosy pace in New Plymouth, although shortly before 9 am there are some “nearly hectical” activities sensible; pupils stroll towards schools, cars find their ways to offices and the coffees are wrapped up in business! And that’s my favourite coffee hour: busy, laughing, discussing people all over, the flavour of fresh croissants, omelettes …
Actually we wanted to stay in one of the typical Beach Bach Villas here in New Plymouth, alongside the famous Surf Highway 45. Hence we checked a couple of them, such as the Ahu Ahu Beach Villas in Oakura, the Wai Iti Beach Retreat in Urenui and the Chalets at Okurukuru Winery, but we haven’t …
We asked ourselves again: Why are we here, in New Plymouth? There are no spectacular wineries and not too many, recommended restaurants (yet a couple of fancy cafes!) but there is a gorgeous scenery. Not only because of the great Mt. Taranaki (2518 m), but the hilly, beautiful hinterland. Whethe you explore the Forgotten Highway …
Our first address was the Old Oak Boutique Hotel in Mangonui, but unfortunately the rooms we were looking for were fully booked, and the last available suite upstairs simply has too low ceilings for my little claustrophobia. Hence we spent our time in Cable Bay at the Doubtless Bay Villas. And I have to say, …
Enlarge map …