Category: Sights & Attractions

Stay Golden: San Francisco’s Incredible Golden Gate Bridge

There aren’t many man-made structures in the world that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge. This feat of engineering was constructed over a mere four years from January 5, 1933 to the date of its opening: May 28th, 1937, but the dream of spanning the massive Golden Gate Strait had been long on the minds of men in San Francisco for well over a century they say. Good on ya, boys! However, with big dreams come even bigger consequences: Eleven men died during the construction of this thirty-five million dollar bridge. The cost to construct a new Golden Gate Bridge in this day and age would be approximately $1.2 billion dollars. Well, that’s just kind of insane.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge used to be the longest span in the world at 4,200 feet until New York’s Verrazano Narrows Bridge came along in 1964 and stole GGB’s thunder. Not cool, NY! We’re coming for you! The Verrazano is only sixty feet longer, but it too got over-shadowed by another great bridge, the Humber Bridge, in the UK. Reap what you sow my friends. Reap what you sow…

But hey! This isn’t some kind of wacky bridge competition! Everyone knows that size doesn’t really matter, amiright? So, let’s have a look at what makes the Golden Gate Bridge so darn awesome. Sure it’s iconic, but what else do we know about this guy?

The Golden Gate Low-Down

Fun fact: The Golden Gate Bridge is not just a bridge. There’s something for everyone here! For instance, The Bridge Pavilion has a wonder shop with all kinds of bridge-related paraphernalia and historical information of the construction of this beaut. Open from 9-6 everyday, the Pavilion is the first on-site centre that is dedicated to telling the riveting stories of the Gold Gate Bridge. Speaking of riveting, did you know that each tower has 600,000 rivets holding the structure together?! If that’s not riveting, I don’t know what is. But I digress.

Exhibitionists Welcome

Well, more historical exhibitions that is. The rest of you can go to the local nude beaches. With the incredible outdoor exhibits, visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge can learn more about the history, science and the mastery of engineering of the Bridge’s construction through both interactive and stationery exhibits.

Walk Like a San Franciscan

If you’re truly interested in the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, there are free walking Bridge tours offered twice-weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization associated with the San Francisco Public Library. Keep in mind that roller skates, skateboards, electric scooters and wheelbarrows are NOT allowed on the Bridge sidewalks. You just leave that wheelbarrow at home now, Mister.

YUMS

What would a great bridge be without an even better café? Head on into the Bridge Café if you’re looking for a delicious and casual snack that won’t break the bank.

Be an Exploradora

Did you know that both ends of the Bridge touch the Golden Gate National Parks? Picturesque trail and vista points await you and your digital cameras. This is one of the world’s largest national parks located in an urban area. This is not to be missed! And once you’re sick of all the nature head into the San Fran centre for some craft beer and music.

Now it’s time for some super fun Bridge Facts:

  1. The Golden Gate Bridge is NOT made from Gold. Nor is it painted a gold colour. It is the bright hue of “International Orange”. Initially the military wanted it be painted in stripes. That’s right. Stripes. This was due to the fear that Navy ships could get trapped in San Fran if the bridge was bombed or collapsed. The Navy pressed for the bridge to be painted in black and yellow stripes. The Army wants a festive hue of red and white. Thankfully neither of them had a say in the outcome! Orange you happy?
  2. And speaking of orange the colour of the bridge wasn’t meant to be permanent. Irving Morrow, the consulting architect preferred the vivid hue of burnt red and orange to the more conventional paint choices. That’s just so bad-ass. The perks to the orange are that it’s highly visible in the fog and it complements the natural topography of the surrounding hills. Nice work, Morrow.
  3. Chief engineer Joseph Strauss produced the bridge’s original design in 1921. Apparently it was a bit of a mess; a hybrid, quote-unquote upside-down rat trap and Strauss eventually agreed to scrap the design. While it was functional, nothing about “rat-trap” says “stylish” so he swallowed his pride and brought rival engineers onto the project in order to produce a beautiful suspension bridge design.
  4. And last, but certainly not least, the Golden Gate Bridge remains the top suicide location in the world. The first of this kind of thing happened in August 1937 and there have been a total of 1500 people who have leapt from this bridge. Surprisingly, more than thirty people have survived the fall. There are currently eleven crisis telephones on the bridge and plans are in the works to build a net under the span to serve as a deterrent.

And there you have it, heaps of wonderful reasons to visit this iconic bridge, except for that last fun fact thank you very much. If you’re looking for a cheap way to get to San Francisco to check this bridge out with your own eyes, get in touch with us and we can hook you up with a free rental car. That’s a feat in itself, don’t you think? Register today and pick up your free rental tomorrow.

 

Stay Golden: San Francisco’s Incredible Golden Gate Bridge

There aren’t many man-made structures in the world that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge. This feat of engineering was constructed over a mere four years from January 5, 1933 to the date of its opening: May 28th, 1937, but the dream of spanning the massive Golden Gate Strait had been long on the minds of men in San Francisco for well over a century they say. Good on ya, boys! However, with big dreams come even bigger consequences: Eleven men died during the construction of this thirty-five million dollar bridge. The cost to construct a new Golden Gate Bridge in this day and age would be approximately $1.2 billion dollars. Well, that’s just kind of insane.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge used to be the longest span in the world at 4,200 feet until New York’s Verrazano Narrows Bridge came along in 1964 and stole GGB’s thunder. Not cool, NY! We’re coming for you! The Verrazano is only sixty feet longer, but it too got over-shadowed by another great bridge, the Humber Bridge, in the UK. Reap what you sow my friends. Reap what you sow…

But hey! This isn’t some kind of wacky bridge competition! Everyone knows that size doesn’t really matter, amiright? So, let’s have a look at what makes the Golden Gate Bridge so darn awesome. Sure it’s iconic, but what else do we know about this guy?

The Golden Gate Low-Down

Fun fact: The Golden Gate Bridge is not just a bridge. There’s something for everyone here! For instance, The Bridge Pavilion has a wonder shop with all kinds of bridge-related paraphernalia and historical information of the construction of this beaut. Open from 9-6 everyday, the Pavilion is the first on-site centre that is dedicated to telling the riveting stories of the Gold Gate Bridge. Speaking of riveting, did you know that each tower has 600,000 rivets holding the structure together?! If that’s not riveting, I don’t know what is. But I digress.

Exhibitionists Welcome

Well, more historical exhibitions that is. The rest of you can go to the local nude beaches. With the incredible outdoor exhibits, visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge can learn more about the history, science and the mastery of engineering of the Bridge’s construction through both interactive and stationery exhibits.

Walk Like a San Franciscan

If you’re truly interested in the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, there are free walking Bridge tours offered twice-weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization associated with the San Francisco Public Library. Keep in mind that roller skates, skateboards, electric scooters and wheelbarrows are NOT allowed on the Bridge sidewalks. You just leave that wheelbarrow at home now, Mister.

YUMS

What would a great bridge be without an even better café? Head on into the Bridge Café if you’re looking for a delicious and casual snack that won’t break the bank.

Be an Exploradora

Did you know that both ends of the Bridge touch the Golden Gate National Parks? Picturesque trail and vista points await you and your digital cameras. This is one of the world’s largest national parks located in an urban area. This is not to be missed! And once you’re sick of all the nature head into the San Fran centre for some craft beer and music.

Now it’s time for some super fun Bridge Facts:

  1. The Golden Gate Bridge is NOT made from Gold. Nor is it painted a gold colour. It is the bright hue of “International Orange”. Initially the military wanted it be painted in stripes. That’s right. Stripes. This was due to the fear that Navy ships could get trapped in San Fran if the bridge was bombed or collapsed. The Navy pressed for the bridge to be painted in black and yellow stripes. The Army wants a festive hue of red and white. Thankfully neither of them had a say in the outcome! Orange you happy?
  2. And speaking of orange the colour of the bridge wasn’t meant to be permanent. Irving Morrow, the consulting architect preferred the vivid hue of burnt red and orange to the more conventional paint choices. That’s just so bad-ass. The perks to the orange are that it’s highly visible in the fog and it complements the natural topography of the surrounding hills. Nice work, Morrow.
  3. Chief engineer Joseph Strauss produced the bridge’s original design in 1921. Apparently it was a bit of a mess; a hybrid, quote-unquote upside-down rat trap and Strauss eventually agreed to scrap the design. While it was functional, nothing about “rat-trap” says “stylish” so he swallowed his pride and brought rival engineers onto the project in order to produce a beautiful suspension bridge design.
  4. And last, but certainly not least, the Golden Gate Bridge remains the top suicide location in the world. The first of this kind of thing happened in August 1937 and there have been a total of 1500 people who have leapt from this bridge. Surprisingly, more than thirty people have survived the fall. There are currently eleven crisis telephones on the bridge and plans are in the works to build a net under the span to serve as a deterrent.

And there you have it, heaps of wonderful reasons to visit this iconic bridge, except for that last fun fact thank you very much. If you’re looking for a cheap way to get to San Francisco to check this bridge out with your own eyes, get in touch with us and we can hook you up with a free rental car. That’s a feat in itself, don’t you think? Register today and pick up your free rental tomorrow.

Northland New Zealand Roadtrip

My finger traces the map, following Northlands Twin Coast Discovery route in New Zealand. It’s been fun planning this trip to the ‘far north’ and now, behind the wheel of my rental, I’m off – first stop the coastal village of Tutukaka.

Checking into the elegant hotel I’m soon relaxing on my room’s balcony which overlooks the marina.  Tomorrow I’ll be off on one of those boats to explore the waters around the Poor Knights Island, a 25-year old marine reserve that has warm currents from the Coral Sea and the world’s largest sea cave.

Sleeping with the curtains open, I wake to the sunrise, have a relaxing breakfast in the hotel then wander around the waterfront. By mid-morning I’m checking into A Perfect Day, next door to the fabulous restaurant I’d eaten at the night before, and soon I’m on board with snorkel, fins and wetsuit. People from around the world, including a young family, are doing the same, all of us anticipating a great day. The sun is shining, the sea calm and before long we are anchoring at the islands, helping zip each other’s wetsuits, then slipping into the water off the platform on the back of the boat.

I gasp as I hit the water, but the views above and below the water are breathtaking. I ooh and ahh as schools of fish divide as they pass me, briefly merging me into their school before moving on. Others carry on feeding on the food they have trapped up against the islands volcanic cliffs which continue straight down to the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Once we’re all checked back on board and wetsuits rinsed, we explore the huge and beautiful sea-cave Riko Riko and other islands which are part of the reserve. Watching the gannets diving for food helped make this, for me, a ‘perfect day’ just as the company is called.

Back on the road I’m soon in the Bay of Islands and checking into the hotel where I have a panoramic view over the bay that will feature over the in next few days. First though, I visit the birthplace of New Zealand – the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It’s not only historic and beautiful but also set in lush native bush and has guided tours and cultural performances night and day – I took advantage of the entry ticket being valid for two days to ensure I saw it all.

Next I challenge my fear of heights by soaring skywards with the Flying Kiwi’s parasail: New Zealand’s’ highest.  Adrenaline was flowing before we left Paihia dock! The website said the take-off and landing was smooth and gentle and that’s true – I just hadn’t factored in the height in the middle and I was flying single, not tandem or triple. It was not long before I was at the height of Auckland’s Sky Tower above the water. Although fearful, during the ten minutes I did take some photos of the fantastic scenery and the boat pulling me. It seemed like a little dot, sometimes going in a different direction to me and the colourful parachute that floated above.  This is a must-do for fabulous views of the bay and some of its 144 islands.  Adventurers, and wimps like me, love to say “I did New Zealand’s highest parasail”.

Still in the bay, next it’s dolphin watching. As we searched in and around the islands and bays I realised why the first European to visit the area, Captain James Cook, named it The Bay of Islands.  Unusually there were no dolphins on my trip (another trip is offered when this happens) but we did see a pod of Orca, killer whales, feeding – no wonder the dolphins where hiding!  However, it seems their genetic warning system about this top-of-the-food-chain mammal, has not caught up with the fact that, in New Zealand, orcas prefer sting-rays for dinner.

This was the first area settled by Europeans. Whalers had arrived at the end of the 18th century, while missionaries arrived in 1814, and Russell is the centre of this history.   Going there by one of the little ferries that leave Paihia wharf regularly and soon I’m enjoying a delicious lunch at ‘The Duke’. As I eat, I’m planning on sleeping in one of the rooms in this elegantly restored hotel next time I visit: they say they’ve been ‘refreshing rascals and reprobates’ for years and I’m sure I’d fit in!  Granted the first liquor licence in New Zealand, it’s certainly grown from ‘Johnny Johnsons Grog Shop’ and the drunken sailors that Darwin hated, to this stylish Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

My days fly and with a I-must-come-back- and-do list, I set my GPS for Kerikeri where I stay in eco-cottages nestled in the award-winning Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens.  As well as visiting more historical sites here, I also had lunch and dinner at Wharepuke – I see why they have just received ‘The Best Cafe in Northland 2011’ award.

The ‘winterless north’ is the cradle of New Zealand history, and my next stop is no different.

Mangonui advertises itself not only for its historical walk but for the ‘worlds’ best fish shop’ so check that out and judge for yourself!  This whole area has picturesque, mostly white sand beaches and the views from any hill top are magical. Doubtless Bay was a perfect place to enjoy this area and also handy to be able enjoy the country’s most northern vineyard and cellar door on Karikari peninsula.

The trip to Cape Reinga was up 90 Mile Beach by bus.  Most, if not all, car rental companies do not insure their vehicles on this official ‘road’ as each year vehicles come to a sticky end here and I didn’t want to be one of them.  For most Kiwi, (as we New Zealanders call ourselves) Cape Reinga, called Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori, is a special place, culturally and ecologically, and many visitors from around the world reduce their carbon footprint by planting a native tree there.

Heading back down the well-signposted twin-coast highway my next stop was at a Hokianga hotel (and the hub of local social life too) which is right on the waterfront and within sight of the heads that the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe, sailed through many generations ago. If the Bay of Islands is the cradle of Pakeha history, this whole area is the cradle of Maori history; in particular the nine main local iwi (tribes).

Two of the activities I did here celebrated both nature and Maori culture.  Footprints Twilight Encounter was very special and even Lonely Planet have rated it highly (Code Green Experience of a Lifetime).  One evening I joined one of Kupe’s  descendants, and six other travellers,  on a guided walk to the two largest kauri trees in the world. Being in the forest at night was very special for sounds and sights.  The next day I was in a totally different environment.

Another of Kupe’s descendants stood with me on top of the giant sand dunes on the opposite side of the Hokianga Harbour regaling me with stories of the past with its intrigues, wars, deception and fun.  Interestingly, one of my guide’s ancestors, Atama Paparangi, had his portrait painted seven times by C F Goldie. One of the other great things about this trip, in a dune buggy, is that it’s pretty exclusive – after all, only three people can do it at a time.

Further south on State Highway 12 is the Kauri Museum.  This had been given such great press by travellers I’d met along the way that it had a lot to live up to. While in the Waipoua Forest a Canadian told me she thought it rivalled the Smithsonian – a tall order.

One of the amazing things I find about this world-class, award winning, museum is that it is administered by a charitable trust. Showcasing the very best of the Kauri Coast, it not only has amazing pieces of Kauri gum arts and crafts but also magnificent antique furniture and working machinery.

Better than the Smithsonian?  I don’t know: what I do know is, whatever your interests, social history, art, nature, science, furniture, jewellery, machinery, culture, the Kauri Museum and its history of the beautiful golden amber gum will keep you occupied for hours. Tell them I sent you!

Guest post by Heather Hapeta- If this sort of road trip sounds like you, check out our free rental cars and campervans that can take you there!

 

Cruzing in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is known for its delectable moderate climate, the natural beauty of its pristine coastline, gargantuan redwood forests, and alternative community lifestyles. If you happen to pass by this city with your Transfercar free rental, be sure to stop in and take advantage of all it has to offer!

Beach it like a Whale

With 29 miles of sun heavy coastline, Santa Cruz offers some of California’s best beaches. These white sanded beauties offer up the perfect waves for surfing or the softest spot for beach volleyball.  Beaches like Manresa, Mitchell’s Cove and the mysteriously alluring Pleasure Point await you in Santa Cruz. But, if you’re not a sun worshipper, then visit a museum or art gallery, ride a steam train, or hit the wine tours, boozey! You know how they say that the best things in life are free? I’m pretty sure they were referring to the fun things to see and do here in Santa Cruz. And rental cars.  They were definitely talking about Transfercar rental cars.

Boardwalk Empire

Santa Cruz boasts the best Boardwalk in the US. Year-round events at the Boardwalk include summertime Friday night bands on the beach, movie nights, Clam Chowder Cook-Offs, and Chili Cook-Offs. Is that your stomach growling? No, it’s mine… The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features the world famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster (which I don’t actually recommend riding after the chowder and the chilli FYI), and the historic 1911 Looff Carousel for the kiddies. A perfect spot for the young and the old, the boardwalk has something to offer everyone. Riding the rides does cost money but walking around and soaking up the atmosphere are completely free. Be sure to check out the Laffing Sal automaton: you can hear her creepy cackle for free, but the ensuing nightmares will cost you. You’ve been warned.

Have a Beer on the Pier

The Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden pier in California at 2,745 feet and one of the oldest in the state, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. But, it’s not just about the wood. Lined with groovy shops and restaurants offering up an array of cuisines, it’s a great place to stroll and take in the spectacular views of the bay. If you fancy some sea life, walk to the end of the pier and look down to the lower decks to spy on sea lions basking naked in the sun. Cheeky sea lions! Have you no shame?!

Just Eat It

You won’t find fresher local produce, sustainable seafood and award-winning California wines anywhere else than on the Santa Cruz County restaurant menus. Organic and locally-grown choices offer a unique dining experience. From hip bistros serving modern California cuisine, to neighbourhood cafés loved by locals, there are a number of ways to satisfy your cravings in Santa Cruz.

Are you convinced yet? Well then grab your surfboard and start surfing the Transfercar website to find the best free relocation deal for you. We’ve got you covered, sugar!

 

Kicking Back in Kaikoura

The natural wonders in Kaikoura are simply unbeatable here in New Zealand. This seaside settlement is a winding 2.5 hour drive from Christchurch, 1.5 hours from Blenheim and only 2 hours from Picton. With your free Transfercar rental, getting here is literally a breeze! No longer just a pit stop for peeps travelling between CHCH and Picton, Kaikoura is a top destination for international visitors. Let me tell you why…

New Zealand’s Sea World

Kaikoura is infamous for its wealth of marine activities. From stalking whales to swimming with dolphins, we’ve got all the sea creatures you need and more!  Hey tough guy, why not try catching your own dinner with one of the local fishing tours? Or try scuba diving mad reefs with local dive operators, some of the best and most experienced in the country? If you’re fit enough, kayak out and enjoy the exquisite beauty of our Peninsula or hit the waves on your surfboard. But, if you’re more comfortable on solid ground, there’s plenty to do on land.

Take a Hike

If you want to see the amazing snow dusted Kaikoura Ranges, walk the shore or get lost in the native bush, you can take leisurely thirty minute strolls or half day hikes with the local tour operators. That big mountain range you saw looming in the background while you were flirting with whales has an overnight hut. That is if you’re feeling adventurous enough to climb Aconcagua, one of the largest and most beautiful mountains of the country! The beach walks can take you to NZ Fur Seal colonies but don’t touch! This isn’t a Disney movie! They bite! Also on offer is quad biking and horse trekking. It’s all here in Kaikoura.

Kai in Kaikoura

It’s no accident that the Maori word for food ‘kai’ is found in the name of this delicious city. Your New Zealand cuisine experience is incomplete without enjoying iconic seafood dishes such as grouper, cod, mussels, paua and the God of the Sea: Crayfish! All hail the mighty Cray! Kaikoura’s restaurants have oysters, scallops and whitebait available in season for your belly. On the first Saturday of October since 1995, Kaikoura holds a seafood festival called Seafest, a taste, sight and sound extravaganza for those who enjoy great food and a good time! If you’re not into seafood or you’re deathly allergic to it, Kaikoura has options. From cheap and cheerful takeaways to upmarket restaurants, there’s a wide range of meal choices to cater to any palette. Bon Appetite!

Tree Huggers

You’ll find the most unique accommodation at Hapuku Lodge. Remember the tree houses of your youth? Well, forget them, because you ain’t never seen a tree house like this before! Nested at 30 feet above the ground in the canopy of native Manuka grove, each of these spectacular Tree Houses has mind-blowing views of Kaikoura’s dramatic mountains and Pacific coastline. These trees come in one bedroom or family size and are favourites for honeymooners, couples and families looking for an unforgettable tree top stay.

Get in touch with Transfercar today to get to Kaikoura for free!

The Perfect Getaway in Byron Bay

Located on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay is quite the destination!  Numerous beaches, untouched surroundings, and the ultimate in relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination. With average summer temperatures of 21C – 28C, and average winter temperatures of 15C – 21C, locals and visitors are able to take advantage of the various outdoor activities and party the night away at the many festivals throughout the year! Life’s a Beach Byron’s beaches are like a dream come true, which sounds cheesy unless you actually experience them! Look, Australia is known for the beach scene, but Byron’s are some of the best on offer. Stretching between the headlands of the northern New South Wales coast, many of these pristine beaches are sheltered from ghastly southerlies and offer the best waves if you’re a surfer dude. Clean, white fine sand that stretches for over 30km and clear turquoise-blue water that ranges in temperature from 18°C in the winter to 26°C in the summer, Byron’s beaches invite luxurious sunbathing and swimming all year around. Get your bathers! Call me Ishmael Get your Moby Dick on and head to Cape Byron for one of the best vantage points for whale-watching. From the June to August, these huge mammals migrate northwards to calve in the warm northern waters. Then, in September and October, they return with their new babies (cute!), sometimes stopping in the Bay for some whale parties and to teach their pups the laws of the whale. Most whale sightings are of humpbacks, with their distinct spinal shape, but it’s also possible to see other species. You can catch rays, turtles and dolphins, too. It’s like freakin’ Sea World out here! To market, to market! The Byron area is famous for its range of markets filled with produce, new age garb, great food and laid back atmosphere. The Channon and Bangalow have the biggest and best markets on the first, second and fourth Sundays of each month respectively. Beautiful things made by local people using unusual natural materials nestle amongst colourful imports from Africa and Asia. If arty-farty isn’t your thang, fill your bags with freshly-harvested and home-made produce. Food stalls and food trucks offer up a lavish range of goodies for chowing down on site or to take home and enjoy later. Spaaaaaaah! After taking in the surf and sand, the sea creatures and shopping, it’s time to give your aching body the attention it needs. Indulge in a full massage, have your neck and shoulders treated, or go the hippie path with some reflexology. The award winning Byron Spa and Wellness Centre exists solely to pamper YOU.  With its six treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, steam room, spas and relaxation areas, this Spa has earned an international reputation as one of the world’s finest. Sit back and relax… Do Byron on the cheap with a Transfercar free rental car. Get in touch and find your relocation car now!