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Hawke’s Bay Uncorked: A Guide for Wine Aficionados

On the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find the spectacular Hawke’s Bay, the oldest wine region in the country and the second largest after Marlborough. Charming Napier, located close to Hastings, is a great central and coastal hub from which to explore the region. The area was once leveled by an earthquake in 1931, but the town was rebuilt with the style of the day in mind: Art Deco, leading to the highest concentration of this architectural style in the world. Before you start exploring Hawke’s Bay, make sure you rent a free car to explore the are properly and at your convenience.

Introduction

Different varieties of grape thrive along this stretch of coast thanks to a year-round mild climate. Although unusually difficult to find in Australia, Hawke’s Bay wines are renowned globally, even more so over the last 20 years, surpassing Australian shiraz at prestigious events. New Zealander’s use the French term ‘syrah’ to distinguish their blend of full-bodied red wines, the cultivation of which was shaped by another natural disaster, a flood that exposed a large area of new land in 1867 which later became used as plots for winemaking in the 1980s.

The region is made beautiful by the varying landscapes, from ocean to coast, luscious countryside, hills, mountains, the 5 major rivers that flow through the region, the 200 km of cycling tracks, and of course the vineyards and wineries, of which there are over 70 in the region. With so many options on the table of where to sample and experience great wine and hospitality, it’s best to narrow it down to a handful of the very best cellar doors.

Mission Estate

This spectacular cellar door was established by French missionaries in 1851 making it the oldest winery in New Zealand and as a result, is somewhat of a living museum, with the added bonus of stunning views of the coast, and incredible wines. Mission Estate stays true to its heritage, implementing viticulture and winemaking skills directly from the Brothers of the Order in France, and keeping a row of muscat grapes growing in the front garden from the original clusters bought to Hawke’s Bay. This place also offers accommodation and award-winning cuisine at its restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner every day.

Elephant Hill

This residence is a real architectural masterpiece, it is stunning, and state of the art, complete with ocean views, an amazing restaurant, and topnotch wines which are elegant and balanced in flavour. The wines are full of complexity and character and the grapes that make them have been hand-picked in order to carefully select only the best fruits.

The food here is also spectacular, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner through the seasons. You can also stay at Elephant Hill Lodge which, like the rest of the architecture, is super modern, comforting and in balance with the surrounding nature.

Church Road

Tours of the fascinating underground museum and cellar door wine tastings are held daily, and being paired with splendid food and top wines means that Church Road is an essential place to visit. A lot of thought and expertise has been put into matching the dishes on their restaurant’s menu which is all sourced from the local area and is available 7 days a week.

Not only does the museum hold the oldest wine-making relics in the country, but the ‘behind the scenes’ wine tasting tour will be accompanied by food matching to give the complete wine and food experience.

Trinity Hill

The concept of this Hawke’s Bay winery that produces world-class wines was born in London in 1987 between two restaurateurs who saw great potential and opportunity in the land. A collection of traditional Hawke’s Bay and European varieties were planted and gained critical acclaim with the first release of chardonnays, merlots, and cabernets in 1998.

The warm atmosphere of the cellar door will allow for maximum comfort during your wide selection of beverages, and in the summer months, a picnic can be enjoyed on the expansive lawn.

Apart from the award-winning wine, a local hill also resides in the Guinness Book of Records, who’s 90 character name will not be presented here, but makes for good further reading material for the curious. You can also reach this spot in a free one-way rental car to get more mileage out of your trip, just make sure you’ve had plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.

Photo: Millar Road

A Spectacular Autumn in New Zealand

A particularly awesome time to explore New Zealand is during the autumn, as the magnificent nature really bursts into deep shades of red and shimmering gold, and the calmer, cooler, and dryer weather allows for more heart-racing goings-on.

Both the North and South Islands have a lot to offer in terms of unique and varied activities, and wondrous sites to behold. New Zealand is a large country and the optimal way for explorers to get around is with a free transfer car or campervan. Here are some cool reasons as to why autumn is a striking season.

Bungee jumping for the bold

High above the Kawarau River stands a walkway bridge, and upon the bridge stand the brave, the bold, and the adrenaline junkies. As they teeter on the edge, heart racing, anticipating one of the most exciting experiences of a lifetime, they’ll be thinking whether to ramp up the thrill and choose to be able to touch the water or even get dunked in it on their way down. The professional staff here will have you in good hands should you choose to try the experience yourself, or simply have a great time watching your friends in admiration.

Smooth sailing and incredible scenery

Autumn allows for predictably calm waters which enable even the most timid of would-be sailors a chance to relax and see some spectacular sites up close and personal. Milford Sound is a remarkable area and the icon of the South Island. Full day excursions allow you to get deep into the heart of the sunken valleys and soak up the sites of many natural wonders such as Stirling Falls and rainforests that cling to the mountainsides.

Darting Jet Boats in the wilderness

Over at Mount Aspiring National Park which is a world heritage site, you can explore the Dart River Valley by dashing around in a jet boat that gets you to places that you could not normally reach. You will be immersed in the lush scenery as you take an exhilarating ride down the weaving river and will get the chance to learn about innumerable Maori Legends and the area’s rich history. You’ll even get to spend a bit of time in the ancient atmospheric forests where you will witness an abundance of birdlife.

Rejuvenating mud bathing

Towards the centre of the North Island on routes between Auckland and Wellington, you’ll find Rotorua and Taupo, concentrated areas of geothermal activity which are a hotspot for mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. The area attracts visitors all year round but is perfect for taking warm, healing, mud baths in autumn as the surrounding temperature drops slightly.

Over on the South Island, the ominously named ‘Hell’s Gate’ waits for you, but don’t worry – the term comes from the many natural attractions such as mud volcanoes and hot waterfalls.

The night skies are out of this world

As the autumnal nights roll in, clouds dissipate leaving the night sky a deep canvas speckled with glittering stars and planets which you can easily enjoy with the naked eye, or if you prefer an even closer look, with a visit to one of the many observatories.

There’s nothing quite like a proper stargazing adventure far from civilization. One such place is the south side of Lake Tekapo, which is a great spot due to low light pollution and Cowan’s Observatory which will allow you to see the Milky Way through very powerful telescopes.

Amazing seasonal landscapes

In New Zealand, there are many precious locations that offer impressive views. The aforementioned Lake Tekapo which the daytime reveals is a magnificent expanse that combines deep blue waters that contrast blazing, rusty trees, clasped by snow-capped peaks. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most snapped areas in the country. Not far to the southeast, you’ll find Mount Cook, the highest peak in Australasia It’s really a sight to behold and the breathtaking surroundings will beg you to hike across the land.

There is so much to see and do all around New Zealand, from the activities that are thrilling and breathtaking, to those relaxing and pampering, so what are you waiting for? Take advantage of a free campervan rental and properly experience New Zealand this autumn.I I

10 Tips for Taking Perfect Travel Photos for Instagram

Travelling the world, whether it is for business or pleasure, is an exhilarating experience that many travellers share through their travel blogs. However, a picture is worth a thousand words, you if you are a striving blogger, then you are going to need an equally thrilling Instagram feed to impress your flowers. We are not all good with social media, so it is useful to have a short guide on how to present yourself, and the places you visit along the way. I felt that it’s also be worthwhile mentioning that I sometimes buy views and likes from The Marketing Heaven.

1. Curate the imagery

One of the biggest mistakes bloggers make due to inexperience is posting immediately after they arrive at a location, fascinated by its beauty. Such images are often hastily posted, so our album might even feature a blurred image, not to mention ones that are plainly dull. This is why you need to take as many photos as possible and then later that day when you are in the comfort of your hotel room.

2. Keep it simple

Another common issue with novice travellers is that they are over-hesitant when it comes to taking out their camera, constantly waiting (and often overwriting) for the perfect photo opportunity. As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, do not deliberate too much and take very change you get to snap a photo.

3. The perfect travel flat-lay

Apart from selfies and landscape photos, another kind of photographs that you can post on Instagram are flat-lays. In terms of travel, you first need to select a highlight piece that will reflect the activities for that day. For instance, if you are going hiking, then boots will be in the centre of the picture or more common if you’re flying someplace, the passport will be the highlight piece.

4. Dress for travel

We all dress differently when travelling, i.e. we use fewer colours. This is ideal for sightseeing and walking around because we should aim to match the colour of our garment with the hues present in the background. Furthermore, by choosing the least amount of pieces of clothing, we are ensuring that we travel light and remain fashionable.

5. Come with a plan

Best shots are made when you are in the right place at the right time but this will not happen every day or even week. That is why you should draft a rough plan for each new destination of the shots you want to make. For instance, a short hop to Tasmania will probably include cliffs and nature, not suburban settlement off Hobart.

6. Dogs as models

There is nothing more adorable than your dog at some exotic beach at sundown. Such Instagram images are both warm in nature and they have the travel element reflected in the breathtaking scenery. Dogs are usually best models, but sometimes they are hard to work with. Food always helps to bring more happiness to these photos, but you can also get inspired by famous Instagram accounts that use pets as a magnet for likes and shares. While doing this, try to stay true to yourself, and write about your pet in the caption, because people love those stories.

7. The rule of thirds

Photography is an artistic expression that comes with rules of its own. You have probably learned a thing or two about perspective and proportion in art classes at school but it’s always good to remember the basic rule of thirds. Don’t aim your objective straight at the scene you want to capture but the object you wish to photograph will be a third way into the shot. This rule goes for capturing images of people (and canines) as well as landscape shots.

8. Seeking the right angle

You know how people tend to walk around a statue in a museum or a temple because they want to see it from all angles? Well, you should apply the exact same principle when looking for the right angle of your Instagrammable photo. In order to capture the ideal photo, you need to keep reframing it by changing your position by walking, stooping and even crouching if necessary.

9. No zooming in!

People are often tempted to use their camera’s zoom when they reach a vantage point. However, this is the wrong way to go, as zooming in messes up the sharpness and focus of the image to the point that is no longer suitable for sharing on social media. If you find yourself on top of a mountain, don’t be tempted to click the “plus” sign, as a wide-angle panoramic picture is impressive enough on its own.

10. Don’t shy away from photo editing apps

Don’t think as subsequent photo editing as cheating because you are not portraying fantasy photos but real places you visited. Cropping an age or adding a photoshop texture only enhances the impression you wish to make. By no means does photo editing count as altering reality, as this process is on its own a fort of art and a craft that requires time to master.

These 10 simple tricks for taking travel photos will help you generate traffic on Instagram and reaffirm your place in travel blogger’s stardom. All you have to do now is choose an exciting destination and charge your camera!

Travelling the world, whether it is for business or pleasure, is an exhilarating experience that many travellers share through their travel blogs. However, a picture is worth a thousand words, you if you are a striving blogger, then you are going to need an equally thrilling Instagram feed to impress your flowers. We are not all good with social media, so it is useful to have a short guide on how to present yourself, the places you visit, and why not, your dog as well, to your Instagram followers.

Secret Island Havens to Discover in New Zealand

Most people will know of New Zealand’s North and South Islands but perhaps not of the many smaller islands surrounding them. Each one offers pristine, secluded beaches which are a great escape from the world, thriving wildlife, and a rich history. These islands lay in wait to be discovered, so why don’t you get a free car rental to help you get from the tip of the North to the very bottom of the South?

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Despite being New Zealand’s third biggest island, it’s still viable as a getaway spot, seeing as the very welcoming local population of 381 people mostly reside in Orban to the northeast. Found 1-hour by boat from the South Island, 85% of Stuart Island has been given over to lush green Rakiura National Park. As you can imagine, the scenery is wonderful here and there is plenty of space to get that sense of complete freedom. In addition, you can engage in hunting, fishing and diving activities.

D’Urville Island

A medium sized island sitting amongst a huge cluster of sea-drowned valleys known as The Marlborough Sounds, at first glance is reminiscent of Scandinavian Fjords in the peak of summer. Located on the South Island and named after the French explorer who discovered it, D’Urville offers astonishing views from its peaks and is a great place to hike or even take out a kayak in search of dolphins and seals.

Kapiti Island

Heading over to The North Island you’ll find the much smaller Kapiti Island to the north of Wellington, the country’s capital city. By obtaining a permit to stay overnight, you’ll get the rare opportunity to sight the elusive kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, which is nocturnal. Many endangered species of bird call this island home, including a few that are extinct elsewhere in the country.

Whakaari/ White Island

To the northeast of Tauranga is the secluded White Island which you can visit via boat or seaplane, the latter of which allows for a fantastic aerial perspective. The island is a 200,000 year old active marine volcano which will give you an experience of a lifetime. Upon arrival, you’ll be issued with a gas mask and hard hat so that you can marvel at the mysterious scenery for a day, listening to the hiss of steam and sulphur as they emanate from the earth’s core.

Great Barrier Island

Slightly larger than D’Urville and located off the east coast of Auckland, with no electricity apart from solar power or the odd generator here and there, is The Great Barrier Island. You can spend a week here in one of the cosy beach houses, giving you the freedom to hit the surf from your very own beach and to then take a timeout in the relaxing hot springs to soothe and rejuvenate you for the next wave.

Kawau Island

Smaller than the Great Barrier Island and closer to the mainland, you’ll discover Kawau Island, the centrepiece of the magnificent Kawau Bay, which you can reach from Sandspit by ferry, located 1-hour drive north from Auckland. Here you’ll encounter native birds, exotic plants, and plenty of wallabies; the smaller, cuter, friendlier member of the kangaroo family which was introduced to the island by Sir George Grey, an early New Zealand statesmen. You can also visit a 19^th-century mansion that he renovated, complete with enormous, outstanding gardens which give a glimpse in to the colonial past.

Urupukapuka

Sitting in the aptly named Bay of Islands alongside 143 others, Urupukapuka relishes in the country’s sub-tropical climate. Both experienced sailors and more casual boat lovers enjoy this area for the bright sunshine and pristine cerulean blue waters. The island is the biggest in the group but is predominantly undeveloped with the exception of a few simple campsites and basic amenities. You’ll also get to meet native birds such as the kiwi and dotterel, and can explore the island fully on foot via the numerous walking tracks, and by taking a kayak out from the untouched beaches.

You can get around to seeing all of these lovely locations with ease with the help of free transfer cars or campervans close to your destination. Don’t miss out on a chance to get away from it all and make your very own adventure.

A Summer Vacation to Remember in Mount Aspiring National Park

With the nice summer we’re having, we must assume that your wanderlust is reaching peak levels. The countless natural wonders of New Zealand are beckoning, and few are louder than the Mount Aspiring National Park.

This sprawling national park on New Zealand’s South Island is a part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and offers an endless array of activities for the outdoorsy type. From hiking to mountain climbing, fishing, or simply driving around, the summer in the Mount Aspiring National Park offers an abundance of activities and sights to explore and experience.

How to get there

Located in the southern corner of the Southern Alps, running alongside the Fiordland National Park, the Mount Aspiring National Park is reached by SH6 by car. There are several towns serving as hubs for further exploration of the national park, most notably Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka and Glenorchy. Queenstown has a major international airport, while Wanaka has a smaller airport that serves domestic flights.

There are also smaller settlements serving as access points for a number of attractive hiking routes. Check the local tourist info offices for additional information on those, since some of the nicest tracks are hidden out of reach of the main roads.

What to do once you’re there

The filming location for The Lord of the Rings’ Isengard, the Mount Aspiring National Park holds 100 permanent glaciers, including the three biggest ones in the region flanking Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake.

Mountain climbing: At 3,033 meters, the mountain itself is second only to Aoraki/Mount Cook in all of New Zealand, providing wonderful opportunities for skiing and mountain climbing. There are various guided climbing tours offered by local organizations, from day-trips to week-long expeditions. While the degree of difficulty varies depending on the location and the duration of the trip, it is generally recommended for experienced climbers who can handle the strain of more demanding climbs..

Hiking: with some of the most idyllic scenery, featuring everything from dramatic mountain peaks, sprawling green valleys and imposing glaciers, the Mount Aspiring National Park is an absolute must for all fans of hiking. The park is best experienced through a multi-day hiking trip, with three phenomenal routes to choose from: the Routeburn Track cutting through the park all the way to Fiordland, the Greenstone & Caples Track following the traditional Maori road between the West Coast and Otago, or the Rees-Dart Track that follows the Rees and Dart rivers all the way to the Dart Glacier. Of course, if time and fitness are short, there are a few excellent day-hikes, such as the Rob Roy Glacier track or the Haast Pass Walks.

Driving: The national park and its surroundings provide a number of scenic driving routes that are so captivating they make it difficult for drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead. The main roads connecting Queenstown with both Wanaka and Glenorchy are renowned for their surrounding scenery, but the main prize is the Haast Pass drive through the national park, with its mountainous and glacial surroundings. Just make sure you’ve got a reliable vehicle, because the terrain will surely put it to the test.

Where to stay

There is a variety of accommodations in and around the Mount Aspiring National Park. As the regional tourist center, Wanaka certainly offers the most diverse accommodations, ranging from hotels and winter resorts to private lodgings. Probably the most popular sleeping facilities are the huts located inside the park, as they place you right at the centre of the untouched natural magic.

Additionally, perhaps the best way to experience the Mount Aspiring National Park is to find a free campervan and take your lodgings with you, allowing you to explore the park in all of its variety.

If you have even the slightest inclination towards the outdoors, Mount Aspiring will provide a bundle of challenging and rewarding activities and more stunning scenery than you can fit on your camera.

Best Places for Pure Outdoor Fun in New Zealand

There is no wrong time of the year to travel across and explore New Zealand, but the summer is when almost all options are open and you’re free to pick your favorite spot or activity without any limitations. The persistent sun and the booming nature simply beckon us to venture out and make good use of our limbs.

Whether it’s hiking, swimming, sailing or surfing, New Zealand has us covered. Before you start packing for a summer road trip to remember, here’s a short list of our favorite NZ spots for various outdoor activities. And if you’d like to save a pretty penny and travel in style, remember to rent a free campervan or a transfer car to your favorite outdoor destination.

Chilling at the Maruia Hot Springs

We will ease into our selection with what is technically the opposite of activity. The Maruia Hot Springs experience is designed for absolute calmness, relaxation, and tranquility. The hedonistic cluster of natural geothermal springs is located at the Lewis Pass, only a two-hour drive away from Christchurch. The water temperature is always between 36 and 42 degrees, and there are 19 wellness stations to choose from in your quest for the state of Zen. The view at the surrounding Southern Alps from a hot spring is better experienced rather than described, and The Lewis Pass itself represents one of the finest scenic drives in all of New Zealand, making for a road trip of pure joy and pleasure.

Surfing at Raglan

A charming little beach town that doubles as a surfing hotspot, Raglan sits only a two-hour drive outside of Auckland. The town has carried its old-timey relaxed surf town vibe deep into the 21st century, and it still has some of the best surfing spots in all of New Zealand, including the iconic Manu Bay, immortalized in the classic film “Endless Summer”. Surfing is an absolute must here, and even if your foot has never touched the board the local surfing schools will ensure that you’re riding a wave in no time. And if you’d still like to keep it super chill, the town is also known for its gorgeous black sand beaches. Win-win!

Cruising the Milford Sound

The weather conditions in the Milford Sound can be treacherous even in summer months, so it hardly qualifies as a typical summer destination, but the glory of gliding through the glacial majesty of the fiord is well worth the extra clothes. The glorious imposing vistas lurking behind virtually every bend around the towering cliffs will fill you with wonder and amazement at the natural forces that have shaped the terrain ever so dramatically. The drive towards the Sound, two-ish hours from Te Anau and twice as much from Queenstown, is a perfect appetizer for what lies ahead with its everwinding serpentines and views that make it difficult to keep the eyes on the road ahead.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

An Unesco World Heritage area set in the heart of the North Island, only a 4-hour drive away from both Wellington and Auckland, the Tongariro National Park has some of the most otherworldly scenery across its vast territory. It contains a number of extraordinary hiking routes, but the most popular and the most rewarding one has to be the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The track takes you through diverse and dramatic volcanic terrain, complete with an active crater, lava flows and steam vents set amidst the backdrop of blue-green mountain lakes and shrubbery. The daily hike is a bit challenging, but rewards the effort with a visual experience unlike any other.

Exploring the Great Barrier Island

Despite the fact that it lies less than 100 km away from the Auckland city center, Great Barrier Island is delightfully wild, nearly uninhabited, free of the majority of modern-day infrastructure, and packing more visual delights than you would expect from a 15×30 km island. The fourth biggest island is an easily accessible off-the-grid destination perfect for campers, backpackers, surfers and lovers of nature. From challenging hikes across mountainous terrain, to peaceful lagoons, and all the way to great surfing spots and vast water spaces for kayaking and diving, the island has it all in its ancient untouched form.

We hope this quick overview has fired up your wanderlust and set you planning. Wherever you choose to venture out you will not go wrong, since New Zealand hides wonderful surprises begging to be explored.