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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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Capturing the Beauty of NZ’s Landscapes: A Photographer’s Guide

A photographer never stops searching for inspiration in every corner of the world – this is something I’ve been telling myself ever since I’ve picked up my first camera more than a decade ago. I was a city kid, too used to the concrete jungle, and I’ve never had that much of a deep connection with nature.

Until one day my friends and I decided to do our damned best to make some different and exciting memories. I’ve never stopped exploring the beauties of our landscapes since then. I fell in love, determined to capture every piece of breathtaking scenery that New Zealand had to offer. Armed with my trusted and all-to-powerful hand-held Nikon D800 DSLR, with Nikkor 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR and 16-35 f/4 VR lenses, I set off on this spectacular eye feast. Here’s what I saw.

Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei)

One of the first and dearest destinations to my heart that I’ve discovered early on, and the one I’m still coming back to, is Cathedral cove. I’ve actually asked the love of my life to marry me on the beach right next to the cove itself. So I might be a bit biased here, but the fact is that this place stands as a true testament to the power of nature. The view is breathtaking and you can even go inside the cove.

Glenorchy

Wanting to explore the southern region of the country, I decided on Queenstown as the starting point. Nothing could have prepared me for the charm and beauty of the small town of Glenorchy, where I stayed at the Glenorchy Lake House. The valleys and mountain peaks surrounding a town that seems to be stuck in some other time and place in this world will make you want to stay in its fairy-tale forever.

Lake Tekapo

You’ve probably heard of the famous Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo that has become popular among tourists in the past few years, and although it’s constantly surrounded by curious travelers, you shouldn’t miss your chance to experience the beauty of the church and its surrounding nature. Pro tip: make sure you get there at sunrise, when people are few and unforgettable moments are many.

Nugget Point

Want to feel like you’re standing on the edge of the Earth itself? No problem, just go to the Nugget Point at the Catlins. The truly breathtaking scenery will leave you standing there for hours, watching the waves hit the shore and listening to the cry of local seals and the song of the birds coming from every direction. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in relative isolation, as crowds aren’t common here.

Milford Sound

If enchanting forests, various wildlife, waterfalls and mountains that rise from the sea are your cup of tea, then this must be the place that will steals your heart. It’s best to go there by car, as the drive itself is breathtaking and also make sure to catch the magnificent view at sunset.

Purakaunui and Mclean Falls

Back to the Catlins again, the lush and remote forests seem to be secluded from the rest of the world, as if they were created by some powerful and generous force, just for your, in that very moment. I stayed two days at the Kaka Point Camping Ground from where I was able to explore the beautiful Purakaunui and Mclean waterfalls.

New Zealand has so many wonders to offer that I don’t think I’ll be able to experience them all in this lifetime, but I am going to try. If you are ready to capture the mesmerising beauty of this spectacular country, you’d be best advised to get a free rental car 🙂

Text by Lillian Connors.

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Winter adrenaline feast in Wanaka

Winter is here to stay, and if I could give one piece of advice to you adrenaline junkies out there, that’s to go to Lake Wanaka for your winter escape. Seriously, I had no idea that winter activities could be so exciting and bit frightening at the same time before I hit the slopes at Lake Wanaka

Whether you’re going with your significant other, your crazy friends, or you’re taking your family for some rest and relaxation, this Kiwi gem has something to offer to everyone. So here are my top picks for an unforgettable winter experience.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

One of the best and most thrilling alpine resorts for me was definitely the Cardrona Alpine Resort. The resort is one of the biggest in the country, and hosts an international snow sports school, a kid’s centre (for those family travellers among you), a myriad of cafes and restaurants along with the most extensive terrain parks and pipes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Treble Cone Ski Area

The largest ski area in the South Island famous for its long runs and views of Lake Wanaka is the Treble Cone ski area. Treble Cone seems to have something for everyone – kids and adults, novices and elite skiers. You can find everything from comfortable runs to massive 700 metre vertical groomed trails. For those advanced skiers among you, there’s the Saddle Basin, Summit Slopes and Motatapu Chutes that offer fun and scary drops, open powder faces, and natural half pipes.

Snow Farm

Probably one of the most exciting winter resorts is the Snow Farm, the only Nordic Ski area in New Zealand. This resort offers just about any activity you can imagine and is perfect for individual and family trips alike. You can enjoy dog sledding, leave the kids at the fun zone, go either classic or ski skating, snow shoeing, ski touring and ride the fat bikes – there is no shortage of adrenaline here.

Heli Skiing

If you’re looking for a true adrenaline rush to spice up your winter trip, then look no further, because if anything says adrenaline, it’s the fact that my girlfriend had to push me out of the helicopter, because I wouldn’t budge!

In case you want to follow in our footsteps, you should go with the Southern Lakes Heliski, they have a lot of experience, and although I peed a bit my pants several times, I’ve never felt safer in my life than with those guys.

Backcountry Skiing

Again, for those of you somewhat more experienced than the rest, diving into the wild regions of the backcountry of Wanaka will be an adventure of a lifetime. Backcountry skiing offers plenty for those with a passion and a flair for the extreme, with its ice-climbing, heli-skiing and extreme mountaineering.

This was definitely one of the most exciting experiences of my life, not so much because it was frightening, but because I got to see the raw side of nature. We went on a winter mountaineering course at Adventure Consultants, because I had no prior experience, and before I knew it I was climbing the icy mountainside.

Family Skiing and First Timers

Now, if there is something Lake Wanaka has to offer, it’s a memorable family experience. Not only can you leave the little critters somewhere while you take your significant other skiing or dogsledding, you can also give the kids the chance to roll around in the snow and actually learn how to ski from trained professionals.

You can get some of the best instructors at Wanaka Ski Guides to teach you the basics if you’re a beginner, or even the elite moves if you’re an experienced skier. After you’ve mastered the moves, the guides can take you on runs and trails to test out your skills.

As you can see, Lake Wanaka has plenty to offer, and now you can even get a free rental car to move quickly and conveniently from one destination to another.

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Cardrona

Treble Cone

How to Plan a Relaxing Weekend in Melbourne

Although the first association that comes to mind when you think of Melbourne probably isn’t relaxation, this glorious city hides a whole range of Zen-boosting events and experiences for any avid traveller as well as its charming residents. Then again, even if you’re a local whose hectic life rarely allows you to rest and recuperate, perhaps a chilled weekend is exactly what you need.

Here’s a foolproof weekend itinerary for every Melbourne lover out there, to make the most of your brief chunk of time dedicated only to blissful unwinding and pampering Aussies are famous for.

The nature buzz

Located in the appropriately named Birdwood Avenue in Melbourne, the Royal Botanical Gardens are a perfect soothing oasis that will keep you far from the concrete rush and sweltering heat. If you’re a true foodie, then you can set up a picnic and spend an entire afternoon in the shade of a tree or next to the Ornamental Lake, surrounded by your favourite munchies and refreshments.

An outdoors yoga or Tai-chi session, a stroll around the park or just a few hours of reading in the presence of cheerful bird chirps and the friendly Aussies mingling and giggling, and your depleted energy will be replenished as if you spent a whole month in an exotic retreat.

Float your worries away

Ever heard of the gravity-free flotation method? Well, it’s high time you gave it a go! Once you step inside the floating pod and immerse yourself into the healing Epsom salts, the weightless state of silence and serenity will cleanse your entire being.

The Gravity Floatation Centre offers a unique relaxing experience of sensory deprivation that helps distance yourself from the constant overload of input from the outside world. All the noises, tactile sensations and the feeling of weight will dissolve as you spend some time in the restorative essential minerals that will help your body and your mind restore their natural balance.

The wonders of a massage

You need a pampering, healing session, but you simply have no energy to get out of your home or your hotel? Create a perfect little indoor Eden with the help of soothing fragrances, dimmed lights and comfortable clothes. To top everything off, scheduling a home massage in Melbourne is just a few clicks away.

This way, you can stay in the comfort of your own home and bring the luxurious pampering treatment to your doorstep – from Swedish relaxation methods, deep tissue massage, and all the way to pregnancy-friendly techniques, feel free to take your pick. You can also get a Daiwa legacy massage chair to relax in. They are all designed to keep you relaxed, stress-free and happy, as if you had a week-long spa vacation in Bali.

A culture boost

annie-spratt-253796 After you’ve had your dosage of pampering and relaxing, you can continue your slow-paced weekend by visiting the Centre for Contemporary Photography in George Street, and spend a few hours in quiet contemplation while admiring its versatile exhibition.

The four galleries will give you a history lesson, fun facts on the art of photography, some interesting photography courses, and a unique insight into the contemporary Australian as well as international works of art that have found their place in the Centre. The fifth gallery, the Night Projection Window, is dedicated to evening viewing of both new and established photographers’ works.

Make the most of your limited weekend time to recover from your weekly rush and sneak a peek into some of Melbourne’s most Zen corners that will completely restore your energy and help you prepare for the next round of challenges!

The best travel videos of New Zealand

New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful country, so you may think everybody knows that… The truth is some people don’t! That’s why Tourism New Zealand and others are producing amazing videos to showcase the beauty of our country. Here’s our selection.

Obviously Tourism New Zealand has a huge budget for this, and it shows. Their latest campaign is one of the best they’ve ever made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWOwe_n-2Gw

Tourism New Zealand has just produced amazing 360 degrees videos! Use your mouse to move the image around! Here’s the one from Doubtful Sound:

Here’s the 360 video showcasing how fun Auckland can be:

Air New Zealand is equally or even more famous for producing fantastic safety videos that showcase the country… Our favourite is the one of Middle Earth!

Producing great videos isn’t just limited to the professionals! There are tons of young people out there who film their holidays with their GoPro. We particularly liked that one:

To finish, it’s easy to find videos of timelapses in ultra high quality (4K) on Youtube, check out this one for instance: