While driving several hours towards Auckland we again started to talk about Napier and suddenly became aware of our very special relationship we maintain with that region. As a matter of fact, it’s our fifth trip to New Zealand and our fifth visit to Hawkes Bay. We started to ponder: Really? Shall Napier truly be …
After five sunny days in Whitianga we set out for Hawkes Bay / Napier, our “Christmas destination” for this year. The weather forecast is rather underwhelming and we face 425 km on the road inclusive the uncertainty to find an accommodation on site. As we arrive in Napier by early evening we take our chance …
The weather forecast for Coromandel promised a wonderful clear sky influenced by a steady high – yet also predicted a rather murky outlook for the upcoming Christmas days. Hence we adjusted our travel plans at once and swapped “drinking wine in Martinborough” for “enjoying sunshine in Whitianga”. Another gain was: no 400 km drive while …
Leaving Matakana there is – what we call – ‘perfect travel-weather’: heavy clouds and light showers escort us throughout the whole day, until we arrive in Coromandel-Town. We move in into the ‘upper studio’ of the Indigo Bush Lodge and are excited about the first – and the last – rays of sunshine which get …
We were fancy a steak, a big steak and were more than happy that Matakana has got its own pub, a real good pub, insiders and locals simply call it The Matakana. Arriving late we grabbed a table inside, actually the last available table, Kelvin from Riverside Matakana organised for us. We ordered beer, a …
It is our fifth trip within 10 years to New Zealand, and you could call it almost travel-routine. Yet that’s not the case. The arrival at “the other end of the world” remains a special event: it’s the hazy feeling of “farer-away-is-not-possible”, which is surely known to each European traveller visiting New Zealand. It’s slowly …
Granted. By the time we got back to Auckland Downtown I was tired, a little flabby and wet as we just returned from our roundtrip. I was hungry but too tired as well…I am sure you know what I mean. We strolled around Sky Tower, Downtown, looking for a great place to stop by, hang …
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 …
Marlborough is very well known for its dry climate, the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, and Sauvignon blanc wine. Unfortunately we were running out of time and accordingly short was our stay in Blenheim, much too short. At least we could visit the Brancott Estate for a nice Lunch as well as the Herzog Winery. Fancy that, …
Admitted, Kaikoura is not directly the stronghold for foodies, but there are a view good places to dine out. The Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar offers great food, like Muzzle Station merino roasted lamb stuffed with garlic rosemary and sundried tomatoes, served with a minted pea puree and cabernet jus. The atmosphere is relaxed and …