TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE TE PAPA, COOK STRAIGHT AND MARLBOROUGH

Words. Joan Gestro Photos. Courtesy of NZ Winegrowers

Fly into Wellington visit Te Papa and take the Interislander to Picton, a gateway to the South Island and from there it’s a short hop to the Marlborough Wine Country, well known as the home of the world acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. Our mission; connecting with vineyard management and owners, strolling through vineyards and tasting wines.

We visited Hunter’s Wines; a family owned vineyard, and met with the owner, Jane Hunter, a gracious lady, gave up her time to meet with us. Jane is known around the world as ‘the first lady of New Zealand wine’.

Jane and her team are looking forward to, once again, greet old and new friends through their Cellar Door to enjoy a glass of wine and a light lunch. The Cellar Door opened on the 2nd of September. The property, with its lovely native gardens, is impressive indeed, leaving one with a sense of permanence. We recommend a visit.

Hunter’s Wines (NZ) Ltd 603 Rapaura Road, Blenheim wine@hunter’s.co.nz Ph: +64 3572 8489

Where, What, How, around Marlborough Scenic Group Hotel Blenheim, A New Zealand owned and operated hotel. Blenheim Scenic Hotel Marlborough is committed to providing exceptional service, much appreciated having arrived fairly late from Tauranga, via Auckland, the helpful and friendly staff helped us settle and relax. This is a 4 star plus hotel of contemporary design, located in the heart of sunny Blenheim. It offers comfortable rooms, super king beds on request. The spa and sauna complex, a welcome option after a long trip. One can dine in the hotel’s restaurant and have a drink in their bar. It also has a Wedding Venue, a Conference Centre, with a complementary Event Planning Service. Happy to recommend this hotel.

Scenic Hotel Blenheim. 65 Albert Street, Blenheim marlborough@scenichotels.co.nz www.scwnichotelgroup.co.nz Ph: 03 520 6187

Blenheim Restaurant We recommend Gramados’s Restaurant and Bar if you are looking for delicious food, with a twist. The restaurant not only offers an exceptional menu and Wine List, but also provides live entertainment by Saulo. Our host with the most, took his time, regaled us with stories of his native Brazil, presenting us with several bottles of wine, tasting and matching before buying.

But wait, there was more; to end our evening, Saulo came out with a complementary liqueur, made in his native country, Brazil. He warned us, describing the taste as not for the faint hearted. “Some enjoy it, but very few”. Saulo says with a grin. We sampled it as a dare.

It was a cross between Sichuan Pepper, cough mixture and a ninevolt battery held on your tongue as a finish. It was a fun and an unexpected finish. Our server, an attentive and delightful girl, Monica Shallcrass, welcomed us in for the evening’s dining and entertainment. A must to experience but bookings are essential.

74 Main Street, Blenheim gramadosrestaurant@gmail.com Ph: 0210 413 113

Marlborough Wine Tours Phil, our Tour Director, having lived and worked for 30 years in the area, had us entertained and informed with a running commentary.

Our visit to Clos Henri Vineyard, organically run by the famous Sancerre family, proudly revealing the depth and elegance of terroir for 10 generations. The quaint old church brought into the vineyard is a charming setting for the Wine Tastings.

Framingham Vineyard, offer gluten free platters, cheeses and crackers, cater for concerts and weddings in beautiful surroundings.

We lunched at WAIRAU River Winery, Restaurant, log fires welcomed us from the chilly mountain wind. Besides the comprehensive menu there also is a very generous Platter for two. My homemade heart-warming chowder, loaded with seafood, very creamy and delicious. Colin’s lamb burger was amazing with fresh salad. the battered fries; a first for us, why not as great crunchy treat, yum!

Fromm Vineyard. The owners of this completely organic vineyard originally came from Switzerland. The vines here are very happy

Scenic Route

MARLBOROUGH WINE TOURS COMFORTABLE TRANSPORT.

JANE HUNTER CNZM,OBE.

sharing their ground with weeds. Our charming host and owner, Stefan, took us through the winery filled with barrels from France, painted in red; the reason, Stephan explained, to stop the dribbles staining the barrels and looking unsightly, hence they are painted in red wine. We so enjoyed our wine tasting hosted by Stefan, and looking forward to return for more.

We happily recommend this tour with Phil, who is very knowledgeable and has a passion for this area, as all Tour leaders have a connection to this region. Thanks Phil and Jess, who is the business owner, it was a great experience.

See more on the region in this issue of the Magazine.

Marlborough Wine Tours marlboroughwinetours.co.nz Ph: 03 574 2889

The Marlborough region; Driving through this part of New Zealand Wine Region is an unforgettable experience. We felt privileged to be able to do this at this point in time for obvious reasons. And just 20 minutes south, you’ll be in the Awatere Valley, where we were gob-

ENJOY MANY OF THE CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCES. smacked at the extensive planting of vines as far as the eye could see and beyond, with plantings on flat ground extending up the valleys and beyond, a massive area, vines for ever! a truly awesome sight to behold.

We travelled independently and have put forward unbiased recommendations for our readers. 

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO TE PAPA

ROGER Gascoigne loves to tell a story, and for the last fifteen years he’s been telling the stories of Te Papa to people from across the world.

Roger says he believes that there’s a sense of childlike wonderment that comes from visiting the museum, where waves of nostalgia bury you in the history of our country immediately you’re drawn to touch the granite ball in the entryway, “Yes sir you’re allowed to touch the water ball,” he says, “Oh can I!” they reply, creating an immediate sense of fun.

He feels that being a tour guide requires a zest for storytelling. When he joined the museum his broadcasting expertise proved beneficial in presenting tours to groups of people. Everyone who listens, thinks “go on, inform me and make it entertaining,” he said.

The Gallipoli: The Scale of our War exhibition is “The most extraordinary thing we’ve ever had here,” says Roger. With over 3 million people going through the exhibition since it opened in 2015, it hasn’t lost its attraction or demand with people who are still queueing and travelling to come see it.

He believes the genius is in the way that Weta Workshop created larger-than-life sculptures based on real people. In their stillness they “challenge you to deal with what you’re looking at, and try to understand the horror of those 8 months in 1915.”

Roger added that “There was a lovely old kuia who came in one day and she said with a sharp intake of breath “Oh! There’s my childhood, because that’s how big my grandad was.” It’s a lovely way of looking at it.”

Roger adores the Toi art gallery for his grandchildren. He believes that Te Papa provides “a safe haven where learning can be wonderful,” as he recalls his grandchildren romping around in the Total Internal Reflection by Tiffany Singh, a kaleidoscopic room that changes colour. At the Toa Tamariki store on level two, children’s learning can also be found within the pages of colourful books. In Te Taiao, the new nature exhibition Roger enjoys the mauri interactive, where both children and adults are invited to put their hands on the koru in the wood as they watch the scenery in front of them change. Suddenly birds are in the bush, and you can hear their birdsong, but when their hands are lifted, the mauri or lifeforce dissipates. It has such a simple message, “that we have to be hands on, because if we take our hands off it all disappears, and there’s the metaphor,” Roger says.

According to him, “You can never take this place in one hit.” A tour is the best way to absorb the thousands of years of culture here at the museum, and perhaps finish it with a flat white at one of the cafés. 

EVERY JOURNEY HAS A STORY. START YOURS.

YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE BEST OF NEW ZEALAND UNTIL YOU’VE CROSSED COOK STRAIT

INTERISLANDER is an iconic Kiwi symbol, moving passengers between Wellington and Picton for over 60 years. Quite simply, you haven’t seen the best of New Zealand until you’ve crossed Cook Strait with Interislander!

Your holiday starts the moment you step aboard. If you’re arriving by campervan or car, our friendly crew will direct you to the dedicated parking area. Once you lock up, make your way upstairs and enjoy the next three and a half hours. Arriving on foot? Check in at the Passenger Terminal, where you can also check in your luggage, and then head up via a gangway to board. Once onboard, sit back and enjoy one of many facilities available on Interislander. Interislander Plus lounge is the perfect way to get the most out of your Cook Strait journey. Restricted to passengers 18 years and older, spoil yourself with the luxuries of a complimentary bar, buffet and reserved seating. If you’re travelling as a family, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained; movie cinema, play area, special school holiday entertainers.

If you are travelling from Wellington, Interislander journey begins with a tour around Wellington Harbour, before crossing the narrow channel between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Named after Captain Cook, the English explorer who first mapped it. There are no roads or homes within kilometres of the northern coastline and the hills are as wild and rugged as they were when Captain Cook first sailed through. There is also a good chance that you will see dolphins following the ship at some point during the crossing. Other animals you might spot include whales, seals, penguins and albatross. Around 300 humpbacks migrate through the Cook Strait during winter, how great would it be to spot one on your holiday? Having crossed the Cook Strait, the final stretch of the ferry journey is through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Finding yourself a position on one of the outdoor viewing decks is highly recommended. This sheltered stretch of water is spectacularly scenic and has inspired many to name the Interislander as “one of the most scenic ferry rides in the world”. It is this hour-long cruise through the Marlborough Sounds that makes the sailing a must-do experience.

Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand, which also includes three scenic trains; Northern Explorer, which journeys through the heart of the North Island, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine which cover breath-taking parts of South Island. And now your journey can be even more enjoyable with Scenic Plus - bringing guests local delicacies, regional wines and captivating commentary. This service is now available to book on TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific journeys. Scenic Class experience is still on offer, with the same great views, comfortable seating, location-triggered headphone commentary, and a range of food and drink available from the café carriage. 

50+ & MATURE TRAVELLERS - NO HIDDEN COSTS! FREE HOME PICKUP - ALL DINNERS & COOKED BREAKFASTS SOUTH ISLAND GRAND TOUR 14 DAYS - $4999

14 Days EX: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Napier + MORE (enquire if your area is not listed) 12 Days - $4599 EX: Wellington, Kapiti, Nelson, Blenheim + MORE (Start Day 3, includes return home to departure location) 10 Days - $3999 EX: Christchurch (Start Day 5, home return Christchurch) UPGRADED HOTELS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS: 3 & 4 Star Hotels (85% of tour nights 4 star or higher!) SPECIAL DINNERS: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Dinner + Larnach Castle Dinner* * Exclusive to Gold Club Tours only LUXURY TOURING COACH: Air Conditioning, WiFi , Toilet, Coaches Never Full (49 seater coach - max 42 guests - at least 15% empty seats)

HIGHLIGHTS: TE PAPA + GALLIPOLI, FOX GLACIER, QUEENSTOWN, TSS EARNSLAW CRUISE & WALTER PEAK DINNER, MILFORD SOUND, BLUFF, CATLINS, OLVESTON HOUSE, LARNACH CASTLE DINNER, MT COOK Dates: 19 Oct 2020 SORRY FULL! 26 Oct 2020 SORRY FULL! 23 Nov 2020 SORRY FULL! 13 Feb 2021 HURRY! 22 Feb 2021 LAST 8 SEATS! 27 Feb 2021, 6 Mar 2021, 15 Mar 2021, 22 Mar 2021, 10 Apr 2021, 17 Apr 2021. Day 1: Home/Hotel pickup, join luxury touring coach for journey to Wellington via Taupo. (optional: Northern Explorer Train - $178 or Fly to Wellington $POA), Wellington (2 nts Rydges Hotel). 2: Te Papa “Galipoli - The Scale of War” Exhibit. 3: Cruise Queen Charlotte Sounds to Picton, then continue along SouthSouth Island’s east coast via Kaikoura to Christchurch (optional: Coastal Pacific Train - $138). (2 nts Pavilions Hotel). 4: CHC at Leisure. 5: Arthurs Pass, (optional: Tranz Alpine Train - $196), Greymouth, Shanty Town - pan for gold, ride Steam Train (1 nt Kingsgate Hotel). 6: Fox & Franz Josef Glacier (1 nt Bella Vista Fox Glacier). 7: via Haast Pass, Wanaka to Queenstown (2 nts Heritage Hotel). 8: Tour Arrowtown. Evening cruise Lake Wakatipu on TSS Earnslaw, Dinner & Show Walter Peak. 9: Scenic Cruise Milford Sound, Te Anau. (1 nt Distinction Luxmore). 10: Invercargill, Bluff,Bluff, Optional: Stewart Island. (1 nt Ascot Park Hotel) 11: The Catlins, Dunedin. (2 nts Distinction Hotel). 12: Olveston House, Larnach Castle & Dinner (Exclusive to Gold Club Tours only!) 13: Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Omarama (1 nt Heritage Gateway). 14: To Christchurch, join return flight (inc), met & returned home. * Please note, train operations not yet confirmed by operators on all dates. NORTHLAND COASTS & CAPE 7 DAYS - $2499

3 & 4 Star Hotels, 2 Nt Opononi, 2 Nt Doubtless Bay, 2 Nt Russell at iconic DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH HOTEL!

HIGHLIGHTS: HOKIANGA, NINETY MILE BEACH, CAPE REINGA, KERIKERI, BAY OF ISLANDS DINNER CRUISE, KAWITI GLOW WORM CAVES

EX: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua + MORE. EX: Welington, Christchurch + MORE - add $199pp Day 1: Home Pickup, Fly Auckland. Day 7: Fly home, dropoff. Dates: 18 Oct 2020 SORRY FULL!! 21 Nov 2020 LAST SEATS! Christmas 24 Dec 2020 LAST SEATS! 05 Feb 2021 EXTRA DATE! 18 Feb 2021 SORRY FULL!! 20 Feb 2021 EXTRA DATE! 11 Mar 2021 SORRY FULL!! 25 Mar 2021 EXTRA DATE! 15 Apr 2021 Day 1: Home Pickup, Matakohe Kauri Museum, Lamb on Spit Dinner (+ non-lamb / vege options), Opononi (2 nt Opononi Hotel). 2: Tane Mahuta Giant Kauri & Footprints Waipoua Experience. 3: Rawene, Clendon House & Old Jail, Taipa (2 nt Ramada Taipa). 4: Tour Ninety Mile Beach on the beach inc Te Paki Stream & Giant Sand Dunes, Cape Reigna. 5: Kerikeri, Stone Store & Kemp House, Makana Chocolates, Te Waimate Mission House, Haruru Falls, Paihia (2 nt Duke of Marlborogh Hotel) 6: Russell Visit, Evening Dinner Cruise. 7: Kawakawa, Hundertwasser Toilets, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Returned Home from Auckland. *Christmas Dinner served Midday - Lamb on a Spit. EAST CAPE & ART DECO NAPIER 7 DAYS - $2499

3 & 4 Star Hotels, Rotorua, 2 Nt Napier, Gisborne, East Cape, Te Kaha, Tauranga. HIGHLIGHTS: TE PUIA GEOTHERMAL PARK, ROTORUA GONDOLA DINNER, NAPIER ART DECO TOUR BY CLASSIC CAR! CAPE KIDNAPPERS GANNET SAFARI, LAKE WAIKAREMOANA, EAST CAPE, GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY, WAIHI GOLDMINE TOUR

EX: Auckland + MORE. (6 Day Option from Rotorua, Tauranga + MORE). EX: Wellington, Christchurch + MORE : add $199pp Day 1 Home Pickup, Fly AKL. Day 7 Fly Home, home return

Departs: 22 Nov 2020, Christmas 24 Dec 2020 *Christmas Tour itinerary reversed, 14 Feb 2021, 14 Mar 2021, 11 Apr 2021.

DayDay 1: Home pickup, Hamilton Gardens, Te Puia (geysers & mud pools), Special Dinner at Gondola, Rotorua (1 nt) Day 2: Taupo, Huka Falls, Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Colony Tour, Napier (2 nt). Day 3: Art Deco City Tour by Classic Car, Winery visit & tasting. Day 4: Lake Waikaremoana, Gisborne (1 nt). Day 5: Tolaga Bay, East Cape, Te Kaha (1 nt). Day 6: View White Island (weather permitting), Whakatane, Elms Mission House, Tauranga (1 nt). Day 7: Waihi Goldmine Tour, Goldfields Railway, home return.