Most luxurious stays in New Zealand (price per night):
Eric Watson’s Westbury Estate, Auckland: $2250 per bedroom / $6000 for house.
Eagles Nest, Russell, Bay of Islands: $900 to $12,000.
Blanket Bay, Queenstown: from $1290.
Kauri Cliffs, Northland: from $640.
Wharekauhau Lodge, Palliser Bay, Wellington: from $795 to $5775.
Huka Lodge, Taupo: from $860.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Speaking Kiwi
Seems that many visitors to New Zealand have difficulty understanding our version of the English language. Overheard at the local pub - “There’s big bickies renting out the bach complete with bomb and barbie’ which left a couple of American tourists scratching their heads. If you don't know what they meant, check out the Kiwi/American dictionary at NZ.com.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Why are there (almost) no Maori Restaurants
Food and travel go hand in hand for most travellers. Seeking out traditional and indigenous foods is part of the whole travel experience. But finding out about traditional maori foods appears to be difficult. And finding places to try maori cusine seems to be limited. My searches so far have uncovered that the traditional Maori hangi can be experienced as part of the Marae visit. But as for actual restaurants that serve up Maori cuisine, have only found one so far - Kai on the Bay in Wellington. But the search will continue - stay turned.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Island for sale
New Zealand got a mention in a recent Forbes article Most Expensive Private Islands 2006. Pakatoa Island in the Hauraki Gulf is 30 minutes from Auckland and is accessible by boat or plane. Asking price $35 million. Want to know more, check out Vladi Private Islands or Luxury Real Estate.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Movie Review: No.2
Went to see No.2 the other day. Written and directed by award-winning New Zealand playwright Toa Fraser, No.2 was winner of this year’s audience award at the Sundance Film Festival.
If people go to see No.2 for more amazing New Zealand scenery, they will be disappointed. The Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill does not have the same stunning landscape as, say, The Lord of the Rings. But what it does have is heart and plenty of it.
No. 2 features Ruby Dee as an elderly Fijian matriarch who demands that her grandchildren create a feast where she will name her successor. Full of drama, humour, and love, the film looks at what it takes to bring a broken family together.
The heat and vibrancy of the South Pacific are interspersed with the starkness of the city suburb as Nana’s family try to please an old woman’s crazy idea.
It might be small budget, but it is definitely worth seeing.
For up-to-date information on the New Zealand movie scene, check out the film commission's website.
If people go to see No.2 for more amazing New Zealand scenery, they will be disappointed. The Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill does not have the same stunning landscape as, say, The Lord of the Rings. But what it does have is heart and plenty of it.
No. 2 features Ruby Dee as an elderly Fijian matriarch who demands that her grandchildren create a feast where she will name her successor. Full of drama, humour, and love, the film looks at what it takes to bring a broken family together.
The heat and vibrancy of the South Pacific are interspersed with the starkness of the city suburb as Nana’s family try to please an old woman’s crazy idea.
It might be small budget, but it is definitely worth seeing.
For up-to-date information on the New Zealand movie scene, check out the film commission's website.
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