TRAVEL

CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY WITH GRANDKIDS

Words. Tiana Templeman

EVERY holiday destination has them and New Zealand has more than most: popular tourist attractions that have grandparents wondering whether they’re worth the money while their grandchildren beg to try them out. From jetboating down the Dart River, to riding a vintage tram at MOTAT in Auckland, revisiting farming days gone by in Queenstown, and visiting Weta Workshops in Wellington, this story celebrates the joy of a ‘classic NZ holiday’ with grandchildren. Even better, the activities below offer value for money and enjoyment for everyone, not just the kids.

Wine tasting on a four person bike in Martinborough Haven’t ridden a bike since you were a kid? No problem. Green Jersey Explorer Tours offer a choice of bikes ranging from retro cruisers and electric bicycles to four seaters or a cycle rickshaw pedalled by a guide. Hire a bike and go as you please along Martinborough’s wide country roads or take a kid-friendly tour around the vineyards. More than 20 family-friendly wineries are within easy cycling distance of Martinborough so you won’t have to go far to enjoy a glass of New Zealand’s best pinot noir or a refreshing cold drink and a snack. Book a farm tour at Martinborough Manor and your grandkids will get to meet the animals and also feed them before you head back to the hotel.

greenjersey.co.nz

Jet boating in Queenstown The Shotover Jet is arguably Queenstown’s most iconic and wildest jetboat. However, if you would prefer a little less excitement, the Wilderness Jet offers a more leisurely ride along the Dart River through the stunning Te Waipounamu World Heritage area. The drivers are still keen to prove jet boats can travel in 10 centimetres of water and there are plenty of squeal-inducing spins but beautiful scenery instead of a rocky canyon wall rushes past everyone on this trip. A stroll through ancient beech forests gives you time to catch your breath before an exhilarating ride back to the jet boat wharf. Return transfers from Queenstown to Glenorchy are included in the trip.

queenstownnz.co.nz

Weta Workshop tour in Wellington You don’t need to be a fan of Middle Earth to enjoy Weta Workshops. If you’ve ever seen a movie and wondered ‘How do they do that?’ the Weta Cave Workshop Tour answers all your questions and more. From how to make realistic looking armour and chain mail (it’s harder than you think) to creating creepy creatures with moving eyes and faces, this entertaining tour is packed with movie magic. There is also a Miniature Effects Tour which celebrates the original Thunderbirds are Go and shows how the recent remake of this classic series was created using monumental miniatures.

wetaworkshop.com

WELLINGTON CABLE CAR.

Visit a high country farm by ship in Queenstown The TSS Earnslaw, a historic coal-fired steamship based in Queenstown, was built to serve the remote farming communities around Lake Wakatipu. The ship carried up to 1500 sheep on her wooden decks in the early 1900s when she was known as the ‘Lady of the Lake’. These days she works up to 14 hours a day taking tourists on scenic cruises. Not bad for a ‘Lady’ who is more than 100 years old. If you can tear your eyes away from the scenery, head inside and watch the burly engineers shovelling coal to power the boilers in the engine room. If you book the barbeque lunch cruise, you’ll enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration and a superb meal overlooking the mountains. Whether you’re travelling with tots or teens, this entertaining half-day tour is a hit.

realjourneys.co.nz

Ride a vintage tram at MOTAT in Auckland Auckland’s Museum of Transport, Aviation and Technology – better known as MOTAT - covers 40 acres and is spread across two sites. Highlights include an aviation hall packed with historic aircraft, a fully operational circa 1877 pumphouse, and a retro gaming area where you can introduce your grandchildren to Pacman and Galaga. The Kiwi sense of humour throughout this museum is an added highlight. Entry includes a ride from one site to the other on one of MOTAT’s heritage trams which comes complete with a dapper conductor and stamped souvenir ticket.

motat.nz

TSS ERNSLAW ON LAKE WAKATIPU.

Swoop in Rotorua Daredevils of any age can experience the Swoop, a 40 metre high swing that sends up to three people flying through the air, provided they’re at least one metre tall. Each rider is suspended in a full body sling which makes this ride less scary than other adventure activities. Anticipation builds during the slow winch to the top, especially if you’re not the one holding the release cord. Swooping is a great choice for adventurous youngsters who don’t meet the height and/or weight requirements for other adrenalin activities. If you want to give your grandkids the ultimate thrill, put them in charge of pulling the rip cord.

velocityvalley.co.nz

Ride the Wellington Cable Car Wellington Cable Car has been operating for more than 100 years and travels from the CBD to the Wellington Botanic Gardens with views over the harbour and beyond. This trip is best enjoyed when the weather is good so you can make the most of the views and walk back to the CBD via the gardens which are filled with gracious old trees and pretty flower gardens. When you get off the cable car, don’t miss the excellent children’s play area on your left near the hydrangeas, half-way down the walking path which leads back to the city.

wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

AS I write this article, New Zealand is at various Covid alert levels. However, I have no doubt that by the time you are reading these words things will have evolved again.

I am very pleased to say that we are seeing good growth in our Fund as investors, existing and new, continue to place their trust in our product. Interest in our loans and investment product remains high, which means we can continue to perform positively in this low-interestrate environment. Our recent pretax quarterly distribution rate of 4.50%* is still competitive when compared to many high street banks.

Some economists have stated that although the global economy is slowing down there are many positive factors to consider. People are spending their hard-earned cash; they are not travelling overseas but they are travelling domestically, supporting local businesses, and seeking investment opportunities.

As the dominance of Covid-19 remains, we continue to be cautious with our lending strategy. At Midlands we continue to fund various property-orientated growth activities throughout the country and currently hold 20% of the Fund in cash as we look to grow our lending portfolio.

In summary, Midlands is looking positively to the future. We have seen a continued trend of people investing with us who are looking for reliable returns over and above bank deposit rates.

If you’d like to discuss investing with Midlands Mortgage Trust please call me on 0800 870 326. 

Elliott Jackson is Investment Manager at Fund Managers Central Limited, the issuer of the Midlands Mortgage Trust. A product disclosure statement for the Midlands Mortgage Trust is available at www.midlandsmortgagetrust.co.nz Fund Managers Central Limited is not a registered bank.

*ANNUALISED PRE-TAX QUARTERLY RETURN TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2020. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. **WRITTEN 1ST OCTOBER 2020

SIT BACK AND RELAX WITH A RECLINER

In 2020 many of us have found ourselves spending more and more time at home. Because of this, there’s never been a better time to make sure you are making the most of the home you have. Turning your space into a sanctuary where you can feel your most comfortable is more important than ever. One way to add that extra comfort element is to add a recliner to your home.

RECLINERS come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Choose a recliner that suits your home, from the traditional, yet classic fabric recliner chairs, to more modern and sleek leather recliner suites. Recliners also vary in their functionality - there are standard manual recliners, but there are also more advanced recliners that are equipped with powered controls, ensuring you have ultimate comfort in all seating positions with just the push of a button.

No matter what recliner you opt for, a recliner allows you to correct your posture through multiple seating positions. You can put your feet up and recline to read a book or watch TV, then when you get tired, you can lie back with your legs up and have a rest without moving from your seat at all.

Recliners feature a quiet, smooth and easy operation, making some of life’s more difficult tasks, simple and easy. Some modern designs also combine extra features such as USB ports, cup holders and adjustable headrests, meaning you can create the ultimate lounging experience in your own home.

Explore an extensive range of recliner sofas and chairs at your local Harvey Norman Store today. The team at Harvey Norman can assess your needs and help you select the perfect recliner so you can start living life with ease.

Shop in store at one of our 27 Furniture and Bedding stores nationwide or head online to harveynorman.co.nz 

Buying a new bed is an important decision and not one that should be rushed. These days there are so many options and helpful advice from a bedding specialist can make this decision easy. An adjustable bed is a great solution. With an adjustable bed you can move the bed to your desired sleeping position and there’s added benefits such as being able to raise your head to read. When you buy an adjustable bed, you’re buying a bed that can be altered to exactly what you want.

ADJUSTABLE BEDS – EASE AND COMFORT AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

Features and Benefits • Being able to adjust your bed can help with health issues such as poor circulation, heart burn and breathing problems. • If you and your partner prefer to sleep in different positions you can choose a split model. With a split bed base, each side of the bed can be independently moved - one person can have the bed laid flat to sleep while the other can lift the back up and read in bed at the same time. • Another advantage of a split bed is that you and your partner can each select the mattress comfort you desire – even if one person prefers super firm and the other likes their mattress soft, there’s no compromise needed. • The base can be paired with different customisable headboard styles to suit your bedroom décor. Select from upholstered headboards or beautifully crafted timber designs. As well as having movement features, upgraded models have additional functions such as vibrating massage settings, alarms, speakers, bluetooth capability and under bed lighting.

You deserve a rejuvenating, restful sleep every night, so head into your local Harvey Norman and let our sleep experts help find the perfect bed for you - an adjustable bed might be just what you’re looking for.

Shop in store at one of our 27 Furniture and Bedding stores nationwide or head online to harveynorman.co.nz 