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Taranaki Garden Festival 2016; North Island garden tour New Zealand
Topic Started: Oct 21 2016, 10:35 PM (692 Views)
sooty
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Heading off on Monday to Auckland and the start of a garden tour in the North Island of New Zealand. It's really next years tour budget wise but I saw a promo early in February and fell in love with the photos. They also match me to another traveller so no single supplement. I will meet our fearless leader and his spouse in Wellington at the end. Unless he's been eaten by a Tasmanian Devil!
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FuzzyO
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Sounds very pleasant!
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agate
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http://www.gardenfestnz.co.nz/

Wow that looks like it will be a spectacular tour...wish I was there, enjoy
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erka
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Wish I could join you too. It looks spectacular. Looking forward to your travelogue.
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sooty
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Day one Garden Tour
Adelaide to Auckland. Air New Zealand a much smaller aircraft , last row 28 and guess where I was sitting. Pleasant staff, no spirits so no G and T but the sparking white was winner. TV series and movies hard to navigate and I felt a bit disappointed with the selection. Watched The Who's 50 year concert from Hyde Park twice. Obviously I love the group and the songs but there wasn't much else. Excellent vegetarian meal. The best DVD on aircraft safety that I have ever seen and would have enjoyed replaying it again and again. Those Kiwis have a great sense of fun. About 4.5 hour flight but, of course, you have to get to the airport 2 hours earlier and then lose 2.5 hours in time zones on arrival.
Customs, immigration prompt and no finger printing! This coach holiday has the bonus of free airport transport even if you are adding extra days. We came in over water and driving to the CBD seemed to have water on both sides, possibly a peninsula. Grey cloudy skies but not cold.
Hotel swish, free wifi in lobby, NO AIR CONDITIONING in my room. Pleased I have summer pjs. Also no ice in the fridge. Looked at indoor pool, clean lines but strong chlorine fragrance. I don't know if I want that perfume as it always clings.
Found that Sky Tower closes at 8.30 pm so although I walked down to see it it wasn't worth $22 for 30 minutes. Good shot against a deep blue night sky. Maybe tomorrow night I'll venture up earlier. A few homeless begging and as it was now dark I chose to have convenience store crisps and a Diet Coke for a TV dinner. Had looked at several menus but either too pricey or too doubtful hygiene and clientele. Enjoyed an episode of Myth Busters that I hadn't seen. Am watching Andrew Bolt on Sky, for those further afield, he makes Trump look liberal. I "love" his articles in our newspapers. He doesn't take any prisoners. Alarm set for early start to the Ferry Terminal.
Costs : airport taxi $31A ; breakfast muffin and coffee $6A
Crisps and Diet Coke $6 NZ
You will get the whole lot, warts and all.
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sooty
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Day two Garden tour: free day in Auckland.
I have to confess that at 12.15 am I was starving, those crisps did not sustain me so I bought nuts from the mini bar, $6 for 50 g!!!!
Woke about 7.00 am to find it was raining but not super cold. Walked down Albert Street to the Harbour. Some attractive older buildings and a lot of redevelopment. A number of the pedestrian crossings go four ways at once across the intersection. A trap for beginners. Ours at home are few and signed as such. Came to the Ferry Building, red brick and mustard coloured plaster in Edwardian style. It was still imposing but before the high rise development it would have been a very stylish welcome to the Harbour. Which harbour? Don't know but will check the map. Waitemata, I think.
At Pier One I caught the ferry to Devonport. Approaching, you could see the foreshore lined with villas and older style homes. Closer, the coloured glass , old style and also the fretwork on the verandahs and eaves made it a pretty scene. My guess is that it's expensive to live there. Mainly timber and a mixture of single and two storey homes. Breakfast at Java House, tasty , wholesome eggs, wheat toast and coffee. Eat your heart out , Sarah, perfect coffee! The rain was constant now but I had set the goal of Mt Victoria for the lookout. What happened next?
Of course I did the walk. Covered the back pack with a clean elastic kitty litter liner, extended the poles for support and regretfully packed the umbrella. You can't handle an umbrella and two walking poles. I certainly needed them for the slope. Part was grassed track and part bitumen but achieved the summit. All New Zealanders are laughing their heads off as it is not that high, but it was steep for me. Superb views of Auckland through rain and cloud, no photos.
Coming down was a bit hairy but I did a bit of zigging and zagging to reduce the slope. Back down Victoria Road, bookshops, cafes, art galleries and my level of spending, browsing in two charity shops. The hospice one was excellent, the Anglican one needed a spring clean.
Walked along King Edward Parade past some huge Moreton Bay fig trees with clivias , both yellow and orange flowers at their base. Skirting the water I reached the NZ Navy Museum at Torpedo Bay. Very well done. I had never realised that NZ Navy were at the Battle of Jutland WW 1 but it made sense. They were also bound by ties to Great Britain as was Australia. You heard a moving account of the battle from one of the gunners, who survived.
The memorial there to the fallen is also very striking , a Jacobs ladder based in water and reaching through a glass ceiling. At the junction of the glass there is water dripping down , symbolising tears. Got a bit carried away with postcards and souvenirs.
Returning to Victoria Road I found the Post Office for stamps, a supermarket for cheaper food and, can I add , a bakery for a delicious meat pie and a wholesome vegan muffin! The rain had cleared so at the ferry I got some great views of Auckland when crossing back to the city side; the docks, the sky tower and the backdrop of the city. There were a few pleasure craft out, small sailing vessels and I could imagine the harbour on a summer weekend. Thank you to the NZ Alan who recommended Devonport.
City side I walked down to Princes Wharf for the Maritime Museum and spent an enjoyable few hours. It started with the Maori arrival in 1300s and extended to the European explorers , then European settlement, immigration , lighthouses, coastal traders and merchant shipping and finished with a gallery to one of their famous yachtsmen.
Attention Dave , I think I saw a photo of your cadet ship. And for Anna, I saw a model of the clipper Pamir of "The Last Grain Race" fame.
Heavy rain had set in again. Auckland was certainly four seasons in one day. I headed back to the hotel about 5.00 pm and changed to dry clothes. Then enjoyed a Drambuie on ice ( duty free) and what was left of the muffin. Saw a beautiful rainbow from my window when the sun tried to come out through the clouds and rain.
Budget: Return fare to Devonport 11.00
Java House breakfast 11.50. Bakery 9.50 Navy Museum 39.00 card
Post Office 46.20 card Supermarket 18.60 Maritime Museum 17.00
Expenses a little over budget and I forgot a coffee and a Diet Coke 9.00 somewhere.
25,900 steps on fit bit, very tender soles. Now for 21 postcards, which were done and dusted at 8.20pm. My feet feel more comfortable and rested now.
Home made ham roll for dinner so I won't be tempted by those nuts in the minibar. Even bought some apples for a nutritious snack.
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agate
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Very descriptive sooty...can almost see it all in my mind.
Sounds like things are expensive over there.
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sooty
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Yes, Agate, pricier than I planned. It may also be the major CBD.
Day three Garden tour.
A sunny muggy day and overcast. Headed out to the Auckland Domain following my trusty photocopied map. Only had to ask two people for help (at this stage). It was great to have blue skies and I got some views of the Town Hall and Sky Tower before passing the University. Crossed the motorway and headed down Lower Domain Road. Was tempted by a Forrest Walk to Parnell (first destination) and as there were a few people about walking dogs etc, I took the track. Tall green trees and palms with dense undergrowth. Lovely birdsong and a medium sized black and iridescent green bird with white wattles swooped past. I'll have to wait on the resident NZ ornithologist's opinion. Came to an unmarked junction, don't you just hate them , and went left. Further on a dog walker assured me I would exit at Parnell Rise with an underpass and steep steps. Had several rests on the steps and eventually held onto someone's picket fence posts during the final stages. I now confronted two streets not on the map so another request , this time to joggers running up the steps! Parnell Road was just over one street away. A well earned breakfast at Cafe Verve, eggs on toast with a tasty tomato salsa and coffee $13. I have found prices more than expected but then I'm a Burger King breakfast girl. Walked up Parnell Road, think Toorak Road in Melbourne, lovely window displays and of course no prices.
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was a magnificent modern structure with stained glass windows telling the story of Christ's life on one side and the other, various Maori art designs. The front window, Christ in a Maori chieftain's cloak, is the largest stained glass expanse in the Southern Hemisphere . Lovely light coloured wooden rafters forming the ceiling. Next door was the historic St Mary's Church, kauri timber, stained glass old style. I got to preach! No,they weren't that desperate but just to hold the lectern and feel the carved mouse just under the edge. It was a signature of the craftsman who did the carving. Above on one of the beams was a carved owl, another craftsman's mark. The welcomer was very informative but they didn't have a booklet for my reference now.
Back into the Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Set on a hill , commanding views of the city and harbour. Minor niggle was an entry fee. I had misread my travel book but they gave me a discount. $20 instead of $25, then $1.00 for the locker. It was worth every cent but at the time I was miffed, my bad not reading the book clearly. The ground floor was dedicated to the Maori settlement , historic and also current issues with land rights. I had no idea that there were issues in this regard and protests and evictions, now under mediation.
I moved onto a child's history in New Zealand and can imagine this hall would be a hit with the young and young at heart. Needed sustenance so purchased a date scone from the cafe $4, possibly I should have had it heated as rather dry and crumbly.
Back into the museum, Pacific Lifeways had exhibits from the surrounding islands of the Pacific and showed the travel routes taken by the islanders to trade over centuries.
On the second level I focused on Maori Natural history, stories of the stars and the seasons, the early animals and birds. There was a lot more but I really wanted time for the third floor, the Halls of Memories for both world wars and other conflicts, internal Maori wars, Boer war and peacekeeping for the UN. The names of all the dead are recorded in the marble panelling . I had a tear in my heart for a final section of the marble wall that read "may these (panels) never be used".
Out into the Domain I walked down to the Winter Garden. There were two huge glass structures, one cold house and the other a heated structure. They were full of colour, orchids in one and the other , lots that I knew but couldn't name. Between these glass houses was a fernery on three levels. It was almost like a natural grotto, no hand rail to the lower depths so I just walked the upper, ground level.
Walking back in the park I chose the Millennium track and didn't get lost this time. Reached the cherry grove, flowers almost finished, to link up with my starting point from this morning. Across the motorway and into the CBD, the final stretch seemed to be all up hill but eventually I reached the hotel and collapsed! A few peaceful hours, a foot bath and that scotch on the rocks and I was ready for the group dinner and welcome.
Met some of our group, most meals now included as tour starts this evening. Sharing with J from Tamworth, the country music capital. Good meal but late finish considering an alarm call for 6.00 am tomorrow.
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agate
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Wow that sounds like a lot of climbing you did.
You deserved that scotch.
Hope you had a good tour with the group.
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Durgan
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I spent many a day at the Domain. I lived on Madeira Lane. 1972
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sooty
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Durgan, you must have been really fit roaming over all that territory. The tracks and attractions are numerous and great for getting fit or enjoying family time.
Edited by sooty, Oct 27 2016, 05:55 PM.
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Durgan
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I considered the Auckland Domain and the surrounding dead volcanoes a wonderful place to hike around, I visited them all fairly often. One Tree Hill and Mount Eden still stick. I spent many a day in the Auckland Museum. The encased Moa always fascinated me. We called it the Big Chicken.
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swing
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swing
Durgan you are well travelled, with your job I assume?
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Durgan
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Job made many opportunities to a large degree. When doing a job, I always worked in some sight seeing. Often read up on an area before hand when visiting for the first time. Took many trips with family, often by car where you see more. Also usually avoid he typical crowd entertainments, which allows time for other things. Probably can't rest in one place for too long. Soon wont be my choice.
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sooty
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Day four Garden Tour.
Auckland sights tour, two gardens and cruise to Waiheke Island, three wineries and an olive farm. Writing this summary with another scotch in hand despite only 7000 steps.
Wake up call at 6.00 am, full breakfast! This hotel caters for the Asian and European market so I could have had Miso, noodles etc or smoked salmon, cold meats and cheeses. I was very modest with eggs, mushroom, tomato, fruit and a solitary croissant .
Ben is our driver, a Maori New Zealander who greeted us with ceremonial words of welcome. We did a short orientation drive of the city with highlights, mainly for the members who just flew in last night. He was a wealth of local knowledge. First stop was back at the Domain and the Winter Garden (just as good a second time). Then a trip down Paritai Drive, Beverley Hills type homes looking onto the Harbour. He pointed out one home sold for $30,000,000. But I said there was no public transport and a long walk to the shops, so it wasn't suitable for a retiree. Next were the formal gardens, dedicated to Michael Joseph Savage, a former PM. The land being given by the Maori to honour him. Lavender, daisy, and some unknown native hedging , with other beds about to be planted with seasonal annuals. A lovely view of the sea and a Maori fortress on the hill above to protect the area.
Now we headed to the Quay to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island, 40 minutes of beautiful scenery, sunny skies, fair winds. Arriving at Matiatia we were collected by our island driver, Tracey. She was a hoot, full of jokes, stories and anecdotes of the Island. The peace was maintained between us Aussies and our NZ driver by not mentioning cricket or rugby! We discovered that NZ have no snakes, poisonous spiders and crocodiles. So this beautiful island covered in native bush, farms, holiday homes and vineyards was safe to explore. Well, safe if you discount the wineries!
First stop was the Mudbrick vineyard and winery. Just to say any proposals require my wedding to be held on the outdoor patio here and also I must have the associated helicopter flight from Auckland. The wines tasted, a white, a rose and a syrah, in the French Style.
Lunch was at the Stoneyridge winery. A perfect setting under pergolas and excellent local produce. Chicken, beef, fish and superb vegies. You could taste the freshness. Afterwards we had a tasting of a red and a white. This small valley was sheltered and the wines had a softer taste. They also grew olives and an attempt at cork trees. These had not been a success with the high humidity.
The next stop was Rangihoua olives. A tasting of various olive oils, I think they grow about twelve varieties. They spoke about the descriptors of olive oil and how to tell a good one, extra virgin and how to store it. Again a lovely setting with bird of paradise plants, including yellow one that I had never seen, and a screening of purple sandpaper vine, vivid in colour. I met a friend, Ollie, a ginger Burmese, who consented to a chin rub.
Touring the island new vistas appeared around every corner, even the narrow ones where close encounters with other vehicles took your breath away. Lots of little bays and other islands in distance, large and small. With the sun shining the sea had that turquoise colour.
The final winery ,Te Whau, was on a hill , oval shaped and built into the hillside. The processing etc was on the lower floors. It's all organic. The owner was a bit over the top as to why his method of wine making, natural, handmade was so necessary for fine wines. Handpicked, hand sorted, natural yeast, no clarifying agents. On occasion this Aussie is not too proud to drink cask wine. Not the place to state this out aloud!
Back at Matiatia we caught the ferry back to Auckland . The wind had increased with choppy waves. Lots of small yachts on the waters.
At the group dinner we talked about the day. Everyone thought Waiheke Island had been a wonderful place to visit and the wine wasn't half bad!
Tired out but only 7000 steps, may be the sun and sea air.

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