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Winter Escapade in and around Hawke’s Bay

If you’ve heard tales of the magical scenery that awaits you in and around Hawke’s Bay during the summer, wait until you’ve experienced its beauty during the winter months. Now is the perfect time to steal a peace of heaven just for you and experience the magnificent winter escapade in and around Hawke’s Bay, from wine tastings and tours in Napier to staring down into the edge of the world from Portland Island.

A wine connoisseur’s safe haven

Firstly, I would recommend situating yourself in the most vibrant town in Hawke’s Bay, Napier. A coastal city that has kept its intimate charm and old-town appeal transforms from a tourist’s favourite summer vacation destination into a winter wonderland during the colder part of the year. The Town is situated between the world-renowned wine regions of Hawke’s Bay and it is a central stop for all wine lovers and thirsty travellers.

Wintertime in Napier is perfect for enjoying a long wine tasting tour. A six-hour event entailing tours of four Napier wineries, professional guidance through the vast assortment of white and red vintages, and a chef’s platter lunch create a unique and rewarding experience of taste, aroma, warmth and intimacy. If you decide on this mouth-watering feast, make sure to get some proper rest before continuing your journey.

A Countryside Museum Experience

Open year-round to visitors from all over the world is a modern museum called Birdwoods, built on the grounds of the original church hall from St Peter’s in Waipawa built in 1894. In the wintertime, the breathtaking scenery of the open sculpture garden is complemented with the warmth and hospitality of the Birdwoods café, where you will be able soak in the beautiful surrounding nature after a tour of the museum’s gallery.

A Bike Tour to Remember

Winter in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect opportunity to experience the open scenery of the region’s seaside by renting a bike at Napier City Bike Hires and going on self-guided scenic rides to and from the Coastal Wineries outside Napier. The path will take you down a beautiful off-road trail, following the magnificent Hawke’s Bay coastline. You will be given a map and a set of directions, and you can take the 26km long adventure from there on your own. Upon your arrival to your destination, you can enjoy wine tastings and have a shuttle take you back to Napier.

Climb Te Mata Peak

The Te Mata peak lies at the south of Hastings, easily reachable by a sealed road that will take you straight up to the popular 399m summit, overlooking the breathtaking countryside bellow. The peak is home to the Te Mata Park as well, where you will be able to set down for a mid-day picnic and go on walking trails around the park as well. For those looking for a kick of adrenaline, you will be able to on mountain biking tours and road cycling tours as well, while hang gliding and paragliding is reserved for true adventurers.

Head on to the Lake

Whether you decide to camp for the weekend or simply enjoy a picnic for a day, Lake Waikaremoana, is the perfect place to be. The popular trekking routes will take your through the lake’s lush forests, following lakeside view trails that will steal your heart and make you fall in love with this secluded peace of heaven. The entire Lake Waikaremoana region portrays a perfect setting for photographers looking to capture a piece of raw natural beauty, so don’t forget to bring your cameras!

Hawke’s Bay truly is a winter wonderland, with something beautiful to offer to everyone, from wine aficionados to adrenaline junkies. Knowing that now you can even get a free car transfer to make your journey as convenient and cost-effective as possible, you are bound to have an adventure of a lifetime in one of New Zealand’s most prominent travel destinations.

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Victoria: Roads Less Travelled

One day a few years back, I was visiting a friend up in Canberra. He told me he was going to take me out on a whole-day adventure. I assumed we were going to explore the town, eat out, you know, the regular stuff. Next thing I knew, we were miles away from the city, headed God knows where. Long story short, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

The outback bewildered me and the small towns made me fall in love with their charm. I decided I was going to discover all the beautiful gems that my own state had hidden from me all of those years – so I rented a free car and devoted the whole month exploring the Victoria’s hidden gems. Here’s what I discovered.

Kilcunda

Just a 25 to 30 minute drive from Cowes on Philip Island lies a beautiful town of Kilcunda. Actually, “town” is a strong word, better a road with a beautiful beach, several houses, shops and motels, and a sunset view to die for. This is a perfect place for a daily picnic and stroll down the beach, even spending the night, like me, at the delightful Kilcunda Cottage before you head out to another destination in the morning.

Bemm River

This one is a bit ways away but trust me, it’ll be worth it. I arrived early in the morning because I’ve read online about the wonders that surrounded the Bemm river – but nothing could have prepared me for the natural beauties that were waiting for me there. The resort had beautiful accommodation and I stayed for a whole week at one of bungalows at the Cosy Nook Flats. The place even had a caravan park, so I had a place to leave my ride.

I spent the week exploring my surroundings, always losing my way and stumbling upon little secluded oasis where I could just stay for hours on end, inhaling the ocean, listening to the nature. The river itself is mostly surrounded by meadows perfect if you have a dog to play with all day.

Snobs Creek Falls

The rushing waters of Snob Creek Falls are definitely going to mesmerize you as much as they are bound to frighten you. When you step onto the viewing platform, you are left at the the mercy of the water, which can be quite cathartic to a degree. This was a brief, but an unforgettable visit.

Kooyoora State Park

I went briefly to the Kooyoora State Park to try and see its numerous sites and natural wonders, such as the Melville Caves at Brenanah. You should definitely drive through the park at sunset, just before the full moon, when the animals start coming out and the path starts to get lit up by the surrounding nature.

Marlo

Just a 50 minute car ride from the Bemm River lies the beautiful town of Marlo. I actually had no idea what I was about to stumble upon, it could have been just a house and a dog for all I knew, but I decided I had to find that out for myself. Now, Marlo is something truly different. It does have a lot to offer despite its size, and once you see the beauties that lie ahead when approaching the town, you’ll know it will take several days to explore it properly, so you better book yourself a budget accommodation in time.

These are the places I visited on my autumn adventure, with plenty more to be discovered soon. And I can’t wait! With all of the amazing sightseeing opportunities and accommodations that Victoria has to offer, why not grab yourself a free rental car as well and start your autumn adventure of a lifetime?

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Heading the Savannah Way

The spectacular drive between Darwin and Broome, also known as the Savannah Way, imposes itself as one of the best outback road trip adventures in Down Under. From crocs sunbathing in gorges and palm trees sprouting from red cliffs, to canoeing down the Ord River and endless bird-watching opportunities, this route will offer a plentitude of memorable moments.

Kununurra

Darwin to Katherine
The journey starts with a half-day drive along the Stuart Highway from Darwin to the outback gem of Katherine. You’ll get a chance to feast your eyes on the rugged landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and lush green gorges of Nitmiluk National Park. You should definitely take a boat or canoe tour through Katherine Gorge or fly above the stunning series of gorges in a helicopter.

If you are interested in Aboriginal culture, travelling south to Manyallaluk and spending some time with the locals is a must, stopping by to marvel at limestone Cutta Cutta Caves. When it comes to accommodation, you can stay overnight in the township of Katherine or even camp at the very gorge if you are a more adventurous type.

Katherine to Timber Creek

Driving down the Victoria Highway, you should turn off for the spectacular Flora River Nature Park, where you can canoe past tufa dams and lush vegetation, in addition to walking down savannah woodland and floodplain. Further down the same highway you should check out the immense Gregory National Park for stunning views during the Escarpment Lookout Walk or some fine examples of rock art offered by Joe Creek Walk.

Cruising down the Victoria River at sunset will allow you to spot countless boab trees and saltwater crocodiles. If you want to see hundreds of these amazing reptiles up close, pay a visit to the Coolibah Crocodile Farm. In the southern part of this amazing park, you can drive the rugged Bullita Stock Route (about 90 km) or walk to the Limestone Gorge. You can sleep at Timber Creek or camp at the Bullita Homestead.

Timber Creek to Kununurra

Continuing your journey to Kununurra, after many kilometers of boab trees, you’ll find the Bullo River Station, spreading on roughly half million acres, where you can muster cattle, fish or simply rest for a while. Keep River National Park will welcome you just before crossing the Western Australia border. Here you can see the Rainbow Serpent on rock at Nganalam and Aboriginal rock art at the Keep River Gorge.

On the other side of the border, you’ll hit Kununurra, where you should cruise the Ord River and huge artificial Lake Argyle, or fly over the vast Argle Diamond Mine, beehive-like mounds of the Bungle Bungles or splendid Mitchell Falls. Discover fabulous scenic walking tracks in the Mirima National Park and enjoy a bird-watching feast at Lily Creek Lagoon.

Kununurra to Halls Creek

Heading towards Halls Creek, you can detour either through Wyndham, the northernmost town in Western Australia, or the El Questro Station. Further down south in Bungle you’ll arrive at the Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage site, as well as the Bungle Range with its towering striped rocks.

Following the Domes Walk will lead you to Cathedral Gorge, in the park’s southern part, while you hike your way to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge in the north. Halls Creek, an old gold prospecting town, is also an interesting stop, as here you can swim in springs and gorges, and also pay a visit to Wolfe Creek Crater, left by a meteorite, nearly 50 m deep and 1 km wide.

Halls Creek to Broome

On the last leg of your journey, Fitzroy Crossing is a good starting point for cruising Geikie Gorge, accompanied by Bunuba Aboriginal guides, or burrowing through the mystic underground passage of Tunnel Creek. Going to Derby, you’ll inevitably pass the Boab Prison Tree, reportedly used as a prisoner lock-up in the past. On the Derby’s town wharf, you can see tides as high as 10 metres or fly over the famous horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay.

Crossing the Fitzroy River will get you into Broome, where you can visit Chinatown to explore its exotic pearling heritage or take a relaxing sunset camelback ride down Cable Beach. Lighthouse-tipped Cape Leveque awaits you further north, but make sure you stop at the Beagle Bay Aboriginal community to see the Sacred Heart Church with its mother-of-pearl altar. Finally, Roebuck Bay is where you’ll find the world famous Broome Bird Observatory for the ultimate bird-watching experience.

Exploring the Savannah Way offers you a unique chance to see many natural beauties that the outback has to offer. With this in mind, how about getting a free transfer car and setting off on a truly fascinating spring road trip?

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Katherine Gorge

Gregory National Park

7 Ways to Experience Sydney Like a Local

The city of bridges, most awe-inspiring skyline and a melting pot of tourist activities. Ask any Sydney-sider and he will proudly say he lives in the most beautiful city in the entire world. Splashed by the great Pacific Ocean on the right and fenced with a massive Blue Mountains range on the left, this place truly has it all, and is as such on everyone’s bucket list.

While this is something you could read in any other tourist guide, we’re here to take you on a walkabout and show you some of the more and less mainstream places us locals really hand out at on a regular day off.

Head Straight to the Beach

You didn’t travel all that way not to walk barefoot on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world – but careful now, Bondi beach is not just about lying in the sun, working on your tan. Oh no, if you want a true Down Under experience, you have to dip your toes into the fresh ocean water. And not just to swim, but fight the big waves that come crashing into the shore. Still, if you’re looking for a secluded corner to gather your thoughts, there’s no better place than Milk Beach, right above the Hermit Point.

Climb the Tower Eye

Maybe walking through the overcrowded streets can make you feel like this is just another jam-packed American-like city; that’s why every local will send you straight to the Observation Deck at the Sydney Tower Eye, as it gives you a bird’s eye view of the place. Standing exactly 268 meters above the ground will make you feel like you have Sydney right there, at the palm of your hand. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to book a table at a 360 Bar and Dining, restaurant known for its spectacular view of… well, everything.

Keep Your Feet Firm on the Ground

If heights are not your cup of tea, Sydney boasts a number of exciting walking tours along the harbor. You can start from Potts Point, stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a heaven for city wildlife. Then move on to The Rocks, this city’s oldest neighbourhoods, and continue on to Tumbalong Park. Yet, you will need to refresh yourself in a modern Blackbird cafe, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Australian dishes (and the best Oreo cheesecake ever!).

Take a Ferry Boat Ride

After this little break, walk to Darling Harbour and hop on a ferry ride which enables you to see the harbour from a completely different perspective. From Sydney Theatre Company, Opera House and Harbour Bridge, straight to the famous Taronga Zoo. This harbour-side flora and fauna attraction represents a home to 340 animal species and endless photo opportunities.

Go Out in Style

Admiring the Opera House architecture from the quay or a cruise ship is one thing, but getting the tickets to a live show would be an out-of-this-world experience. There’s always something interesting on the repertoire, no matter the genre you prefer.

However, as we understand you cannot forget about the price tag, instead of the Opera House, we could direct you towards the Museum of Sydney on Bridge Street – a modern building preserving some of the most ancient archaeological findings of the continent.

Stay Out in the Fresh Air

Although Sydney’s wining and dining scene should not be missed out on, every local will recommend taking an afternoon off to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Escape the sound of a busy restaurant and hectic traffic, pack up a picnic basket, a couple of tuna fish sandwiches and a bottle of wine; place your plaid blanket on the grass and enjoy, jet again, an outstanding view of the harbor. You know what else Sydney-siders do when they come here? Play a little count the weddings game, because that’s how many happy couples you’ll see passing by.

Be Young and Wild and Free

Certainly, Sydney is one of the most sophisticated places in the world, but it doesn’t mean you can’t loosen up a bit, go out and have the night of your life. What locals do is start with drinks in Darlinghurst and head to one of the night clubs in George Street. From the 80 Proof on the south, to Star Bar at the corner of Wilmot Street, you can dance the night away with the music of your choice – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

So… What’s it going to be first?

Peter Minkoff is a travel writer at VoiceBoks and MediaPA magazine from NZ. Beside writing he worked as a travel journalist for many publications around UK & AU. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.

7 Secrets for Planning a Truly Amazing Picnic

There are few people who don’t like picnics, especially when the weather is nice. Not many things are better than enjoying nature in company of those you love, with fine and carefully prepared food and drinks.

Unlike those from the past, present-day picnics don’t feature furniture, silver cutlery and servants running around in an attempt to please their masters. Everything is less formal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s less enjoyable. Even if you don’t have much time to organise every single detail, you can still have a great time.

Several things can turn a picnic into a memorable event and here are some tips you might want to consider when planning your own picnic.

Choose location and company

Two of the three most important elements of every picnic (the third one being food and drinks) are most definitely the venue and people you’re planning to invite. You need to start from choosing a suitable, if not perfect, location and those you’d like to keep you company. Your choice when it comes to these two element has profound implications on the food and drinks you’ll be preparing.

As we said, most people simply love picnics, which means that you’re not likely to have your invitation turned down by anyone, especially friends. Now, when it comes to location, you can choose anything from your not-so-inspiring backyard or a slightly-more-inviting local park to the-most-popular beach or a mountain campsite.

Depending on your company, certain solutions might be preferable to others. For example, if you’re planning to have a lot of young kids, you need to find a place with enough toilets or secluded places where they can do their business. Some people insist on having running water in the vicinity of their picnic spot, which really narrows down the options.

Carefully choose the time

Depending on the time of the day you choose, you’ll need to bring different clothes and some other gear. For example, if you want to have breakfast, you can count on a chilly morning, but you can expect the temperature to rise. On the other hand, if you start in the afternoon and plan to continue late into the evening, you might need to light a fire or grill to warm up or prepare some camping food for everyone.

Try to please you guests

Your guests are likely to be happy to have been invited, but their delight doesn’t have to end there. Namely, if you take their needs or penchants into account, you may pack various things to help them enjoy the event even more. For instance, an elderly guest is likely to appreciate a folding chair, while kids can never have enough of various balls, hoops, or almost any toys for that matter.

Sitting is important

A lot of time is spent sitting during a picnic, which is why you need to bring a beach towel, old tablecloth, mat or blanket. A woven mat is particularly convenient if you’re picnicking on a beach, since it keeps the sand out of the food. Of course, if your car is big enough, folding chairs are an excellent option, too. If you are looking for other seating options, check out this interesting piece.

Food

The number of people and their preferences are the most important factors influencing the decision regarding the food you’ll bring. Generally speaking, you need some food that you can easily eat from a plate you’re keeping on your lap or out of a wrapper.

Desserts are usually not a problem, especially if you choose pies or tarts from a bakery or homemade cookies. Sandwiches are another popular option, but their popularity is contested by the increasing popularity of salads. Whatever you choose, you don’t need to complicate too much.

Drinks

This is an extremely important thing to get right, since if you are somewhere far from any store, you might have problems if people don’t have enough of their favourite drink. And in case you feel like experimenting, you can even throw a genuine cocktail party. Here are some picnic-friendly mixes to tickle your fancy.

What you mustn’t forget to pack, though, is water. Bottled water is getting more expensive, and since you’d be needing plenty of it, using a good water filter and filling your water bottles is not only more convenient, but also much cheaper and earth-friendly than buying bottled water.

Other things to pack

Since you’ll be spending time in nature, you need some sort of insect repellent, sunscreen, napkins, matches and hand sanitisers, to mention just a few items. Those more prepared also pack a first-aid kit with bandages and plasters.

Also, you need to collect all leftovers, paper or plastic plates and cups, since you don’t want to leave any food behind. For that purpose, you need to bring enough plastic bags and aluminium foil or containers with lids. Wet wipes are useful for cleaning hands, while garbage bags help you clean the whole place up and leave no mess behind.

So, if you follow these tips, you’re likely to have an amazing time. Sure, there might be some insects attracted by your food, annoying passers-by inspecting the content of your basket, or Frisbees ending up in food after they knock over several bottles or cups, but, on the other hand, there might be none of that, but just a group of loving people, enjoying their time together.

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New Zealand’s Secret Havens for Dreamy Summer Getaways

This time of year is perfect for exploring the scenic landscapes of New Zealand, the land of majestic mountains and sandy beaches. Whether you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, or you just want to unwind on a secluded beach, New Zealand certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Here are some truly amazing off-the-beaten track destinations to help you in your summer quest.

Earnslaw Burn

Although this alpine region is among the most popular destinations in New Zealand, you can still get off the beaten track and enjoy it in solitude. Located on the Glenorchy, 40 kilometres from Queensland, Earnslaw Burn is a glacier and one of the locations where The Hobbit was filmed.

After a challenging hike of four to six hours, you’ll have an opportunity to admire beautiful waterfalls that the glacier has created and retrace the footsteps of Bilbo and his company. In addition, there’s a variety of activities that you can try, including horse-riding through river crossings and unspoiled beach forests, paragliding in the Glenorchy area, and kayaking in some of the most beautiful waters of New Zealand.

Himatangi

The coastal climate providing plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, beautiful sun-drenched sandy beaches, and almost no rain will welcome you to Himatangi. You can get to know the small local community, learn how to surf among the waves and explore the coastline that was once a Maori gathering place.

The Maori used to catch fish and shellfish there, and then they would leave the shells in piles known as middens, thus creating the archaeological record of the place. If you head inland, you’ll come across a series of lagoons and the oldest middens in the area. Other activities that you can participate in are hiking, fishing, whitebaiting, bowling, golfing, camping or just relaxing and sleeping.

Mokoia Island

The Mokoia Island, which is just 1.35 square kilometres large, is located in Lake Rotorua, on the North Island. You can access the Island only by joining a small boat tour group, since it’s considered sacred by the locals. The Mokoia Island has the reputation of the location where the most famous love stories have taken place.

This area is also renowned for its many natural wonders, including the eruption of a rhyolite lava dome approximately 200,000 years ago and many geothermal springs, one of them being the famous Hinemoa pool or Waikimihia, as the locals call it. You can go on a cruise around the island, soak in the Waikimihia pool and find out more about the Maori history.

Mount Hikurangi

Mount Hikurangi is located southwest of the East Cape, on the North Island and it’s the area of the highest non-volcanic peak of New Zealand. If you’re ready for an adventure, you can hike for seven hours following the Mt Hikurangi Track and reach its peak. However, keep in mind that this is quite an endeavour, so make sure to be fit and prepared for undertaking it.

Mount Hikurangi is considered sacred by Ngati Porou Maori, since they believe that it’s the resting place of Maui’s waka (canoe). While you’re in Eastland, you can explore the wild Urewera national park, known for many lakes and unspoiled forests, or enjoy panoramic views from the East Cape Lighthouse.

Waipu Caves

If you’re ready to try something daring, then exploring the Waipu Caves is right up your street. Since there aren’t paths and tracks in the cave that you can follow, you’ll have to go through water, mud, and narrow passages. Don’t worry about getting a bit dirty – there’s a cold shower waiting for you outside the cave. If you ever imagined what a cave would look like, the Waipu Caves will be just like that – stalactites hanging from the ceiling, bones of birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians lying around and pitch dark.

After exploring the caves, you can go bird, dolphin and whale-watching. Make sure to include a decent camera in your equipment to take some truly memorable pictures of the local flora and fauna at its finest. You should also take some time to visit the nearby Waipu town and discover the Waipu history at the local museum.

Rere Falls

Down the Wharekopae River you’ll come across the beautiful Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide, one of the main attractions in the area. The running water of the Wharekopae River has smoothed the rocks, thus providing tourists with the opportunity to slide on boogie boards and inflatable mattresses.

The picturesque Rere Falls are on the other side of the river and you can walk behind its cascading water. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the view by having a picnic next to the Rere Falls. While in the area, you should visit the New Zealand’s National Arboretum Eastwoodhill, where you can take a look at both the exotic and native trees, shrubs and other plants.

Summertime is the perfect period to pack your bags, get your free transfer car, and explore the secret natural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. This land of countless breath-taking sites won’t make it easy for you to choose some of them, but whatever choice you make, you won’t regret it. On the contrary.

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