Your guide to a Luxury Lifestyle
magazine Issue 1 - June 2011
Compliments of Corporate Cabs - Yours to Keep
Bling Me Drive Me Charter Me Own Me Fine Dine Me Style Me Me
emirates.com/nz
Straight to Europe's doorstep.
European destinations, now including Geneva and Copenhagen. With 1,200 channels of inflight entertainment, gourmet cuisine and fine wines, you will arrive on Europe’s doorstep before you know it.
Fly Emirates. Keep discovering.
EDB 0616_ME
Fly Emirates direct to 27 European destinations.
Sit back and enjoy award-winning service to 27 beautiful
Our European destinations: Amsterdam, Athens, Birmingham, Copenhagen,* Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva,* Glasgow, Hamburg, Istanbul, Larnaca, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Malta, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Nice, Newcastle, Paris, Prague, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Zurich. Plus you can enjoy a Dubai Stopover from US$39 per night. 400 international awards and over 100 destinations worldwide including 27 European destinations. Emirates flies four times daily from New Zealand to Dubai and beyond. Take 30kg baggage allowance in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. 1200 channels of entertainment only available on select aircraft. *Emirates will operate flights to Geneva from 1st June 2011 and to Copenhagen from 1st August 2011. TM ©Rugby World Cup Limited 2008. For more details visit emirates.com/nz or contact Emirates on 0508 364 728.
THE ESSENCE OF CENTRAL OTAGO...
...A CELEBRATION OF PLACE MT DIFFICULT Y WINES, FELTON RD, BANNOCKBURN, CENTR AL OTAGO. W W W.MTDIFFICULT Y.CO.NZ | SALES @ MTDIFFICULT Y.CO.NZ | TEL: + 64 3 445 3445
1
9
16
Contents of SHOW ME
6
ME
8
BLING ME
9
ENTREPRENEUR ME
13
OWN ME
16
WOW ME
20
STYLE ME
22
INDULGE ME
24
DRIVE ME
27
FURNISH ME
28
CHARTER ME
31
FINE DINE ME
32
SAVOUR ME
34
FLY ME
36
READ ME
39
WELLINGTON WITH ME
40
COLLECT ME
41
STAY WITH ME
42
FIND ME
46
Charlotte Carlyle Wilson, Director Mobile: 0275 396 326 Phone: 03 442 1334 Email: charlotte@themd.co.nz Lianne Collins, General Manager info@memagazine.co.nz
27
Naomi Lindsay, Editor Mobile: 021 942 502 editor@memagazine.co.nz Catherine MacKay, Advertising Sales Director Mobile: 021 835 575 sales@memagazine.co.nz Emma Newell, Designer design@memagazine.co.nz Contributors: Susana Sarmiento, Debbie Cavit, Graeme Buxton, Mark Stallard, Emma Scarpella, Lara Thompson, John Lockyer, Kirsten Muxlow
PUBLISHED BY THE MARKETING DEPT. 4,000 copies distributed bimonthly to high net worth individuals through Corporate Cabs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. Any enquiries phone 03 442 1334
www.memagazine.co.nz
3
Introducing Greetings, I am proud to welcome you to the first issue of ME Magazine – another milestone in Corporate Cabs success story since we launched in New Zealand more than 20 years ago. ME Magazine is designed to make your experience with us even more special. Created solely for Corporate Cabs clients, we intend it to be a sophisticated publication for you to read while you travel with us, and it is yours to take away. A new edition every two months will contain articles and features from our New Zealand locations, as well as across the globe. Our columnists will celebrate the finer things in life, offering insightful editorial mixed with bitesized features for those in a hurry. Corporate Cabs’ growth to today’s 400-strong fleet has been beyond our wildest dreams. With approximately 270 owner-operators in Auckland, 75 in Wellington, 40 in Christchurch, 5 in Dunedin and 7 in Queenstown, we are New Zealand’s most respected taxi service. As part of our ongoing growth and commitment to exceptional customer service, we are excited to be able to implement some new features to our fleet in the coming months. Customers will soon be able to book their cab directly from ‘smart’ phones, with Corporate Cabs’ booking application expected to be ready for use in July. Later this month, Eftpos facilities will be available in all Corporate Cabs, giving you added convenience. In response to a recent law change, security cameras will be installed in all of our cabs by 1 August. Privacy of our customers has always been a bedrock philosophy of Corporate Cabs and you can be assured that this will not change with the implementation of cameras. In addition, we are one of the few companies granted an exemption for ‘private hire’ service. This means we are allowed to operate our vehicles without cameras should you require, so please do ask your driver for details.
We recently launched NZ Limousines, which has been very well received by those wanting an affordable luxury chauffeur service to special events such as weddings, black tie dinners and school balls. Visit www.nzlimousines. co.nz for more details. As always, your feedback is important to us. We appreciate customer comments on anything related to our service, including our new offerings, and of course this magazine. Please feel free to send us an email to info@ corporatecabs.co.nz Kind Regards
Colin Samson CEO Corporate Cabs
WIN with ME and
We would love to hear what you think of the first issue of ME Magazine. Go online to the competitions page on www.memagazine.co.nz before 1 August, register your details and give us your feedback on the magazine, and go in the draw to
WIN a Queenstown Heli Tours winery lunch for 4. Valued at over $2,000! Prize includes chaffeur driven transport by Corporate Cabs to Mt Difficulty winery, lunch at Mt Difficulty restaurant including wine and return Heli Tours helicopter ride back to Queenstown. 4
*subject to terms and conditions
C O R P O R AT E C A B S Professionally Driven
Expect something special when you travel with us
Unmatched Excellence
Smart Business Service Airport Transfers VIP ConďŹ dential Transport Special Events & Functions
RP
S in all ly
ORATE CA BS
CO
Account Holder Option
Olled nal P sta atio T n i EFn to be cabs n
reducing our carbon footprint
r
e
d
ri v
in g t e futu h
r o So f ou o
Locations & Reservations AUCKLAND Ph: (09) 377 0773 WELLINGTON Ph: (04) 387 4600 CHRISTCHURCH Ph: (03) 379 5888 QUEENSTOWN & DUNEDIN Ph: 0800 789 789 Web: www.corporatecabs.co.nz
5
Show
Hot events to attend
Style
Savour
New Zealand Fashion Week 2011
Whitianga Scallop Festival
29 August - 3 September 2011 Auckland
17 September 2011 Whitianga
The fashion event of the year, showcasing the best of New Zealand designers.
A great excuse to visit beautiful Coromandel, the Whitianga Scallop Festival has over 50 food and wine stalls, seafood demonstrations and cook-offs, scallop shucking and other competitions, as well as live entertainment.
www.nzfashionweek.com
Experience
www.scallopfestival.co.nz
100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games 13 - 28 August 2011 Queenstown, Wanaka, Naseby & Dunedin
16 days, 38 events, 22 sports, 1,000 athletes, over 30 nations and an audience of millions. The world’s top snow and ice sports athletes from all corners of the globe will descend upon New Zealand’s Southern Alps. www.wintergamesnz.com
Savour Taste of New Zealand 19 - 22 October 2011 Victoria Park, Auckland
The greatest celebration of food and drink, with 70 chefs from leading New Zealand restaurants, plus 120 food and drink companies and a full line up of entertainers and musicians. www.atasteofnz.co.nz
Play The Four Nations Cup 13 - 16 October 2011 The Hills Golf Course, Arrowtown
The Four Nations Cup will be played at The Hills and is a new event on the International Golf Calendar encompassing the four best male amateurs from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.
Play The 93rd BMW New Zealand Golf Open Championship 1 - 4 December 2011 Clearwater Resort, Christchurch
Now hosted at it’s new home, the NZ Golf Open will kick off in style on 1 December.
www.thehills.co.nz
Wow Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco 25 August - 4 September 2011 Auckland Vector Arena
Following record attendances with their 2009 season of Dralion, Cirque du Soleil will return to New Zealand for a strictly limited, two-week season of Saltimbanco. www.cirquedusoleil.com/Saltimbanco
Style
www.nzopen.org.nz
Sail The Auckland International Boat Show 15 - 18 September 2011 Auckland
The Auckland International Boat Show is held both on and off the water at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour and is one of the most recognised boat shows in the Southern Hemisphere. www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com
The World of WearableArt™ (WOW®)
Rugby
25 August - 10 September 2011 Wellington
The Rugby World Cup 2011
This a leading arts event on the international design, fashion and costume calendars, culminating every year in the annual WOW® Awards Show staged in Wellington. www.worldofwearableart.com
9 September - 23 October 2011
Yet again, the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup is up for grabs and on our home turf. With visitor numbers to exceed 85, 000, the event is the biggest to be held in New Zealand for years with games being played all across the country. www.rugbyworldcup.com
6
H A R T F I E L D �
x c l u s i v e s t o c k i s t s o f P a s q u a l e B r u n i J e w e l l e r y a n d Wa t c h e s . 3 2 7 P a r n e l l R o a d , P a r n e l l . P h o n e : 0 9 3 7 3 2 4 7 2 . E m a i l : m a i l @ h a r t f i e l d . c o . n z w w w. h a r t f i e l d . c o . n z
N E W J E W E L L E RY J U S T A R R I V E D F RO M I TA LY
H A R T F I E L D �
E x c l u s i v e s t o c k i s t s o f P a s q u a l e B r u n i J e w e l l e r y a n d Wa t c h e s . 3 2 7 P a r n e l l R o a d , P a r n e l l . P h o n e : 0 9 3 7 3 2 4 7 2 . E m a i l : m a i l @ h a r t f i e l d . c o . n z w w w. h a r t f i e l d . c o . n z
7
ME spends time with supermodel, Rachel Hunter Born in Auckland, supermodel Rachel Hunter burst onto the international modelling scene in 1986 at the age of only 17. She quickly rose to prominence after posing as a Sports Illustrated model in 1989 and became one of the most photographed international cover models in the world. Rachel currently resides in LA but visits her home country regularly. This self-confessed “typical kiwi girl” was recently in town for the Christchurch Telethon fundraiser and managed to spare some time for ME Magazine to talk about her favourite things. My favourite thing to do in New Zealand is… A West Coast Beach walk with my kids. My favourite car is... BMW My favourite piece of technology/gadget is... My Blackberry, and it’s never far away.
My favourite hideaway is... Huka Lodge. I have been there several times for some special occasions and love the place. My favourite drink is... Martini on the Rocks - they seem to always coincide with the fun times. My favourite venue for catching up with friends is... At any of their houses or mine for coffee. Don’t you think we’re all more relaxed when we’re at home? My most recent indulgent purchase was... A bed for my dogs. I’m a sucker for all things furry and a soppy look. My favourite items of clothing ever are.... A black Alaia dress and jacket. Pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Your favourite pieces become such good value as you get so much wear out of them.
My favourite piece of jewellery is... My Love Heart Diamond (and I am not telling you why). My ultimate overseas destination is... Let’s say The Maldives-not that I have been there yet! My favourite dining experience is... Mollies for dinner when I am staying in Auckland and you can’t beat good old kiwi fish and chips. My favourite designer is... Rag N Bone - bet you’ve never heard of these guys from New York’s West Village. My favourite beauty or spa treatment is... Anything using Manuka and Manuka Honey, because I am into learning about its healing properties. 8
Photos courtesy of New Zealand Woman’s Weekly
Bling
Three bespoke rings in Platinum, two set
with all white diamonds and one with pink and white diamonds. All made to order. P.O.A. Aurum Fine Jewellery, Ponsonby, Auckland.
7.1ct solid black opal diamond 2.51ct of brilliant cut diamond. Set in solid 18 white gold. Available at The Opal Centre, Queenstown.
Chaumet Liens crossed link rings.
They symbolize the ‘link’ between two people and also the ‘link’ between Napoleon’s jeweller, Chaumet, 200 years ago and the modernity that makes these simple meaningful rings so right today. Available from Hartfield.
Chaumet Class One Automatic watch in steel and Diamonds, with rubber strap: This ladies’ watch is a jewel that tells the time! Available at Hartfield
Men’s Chaumet Class One Automatic Chronograph Watch Titanium and steel, with Rubber bracelet: Elegant and precious Chaumet watchmaking for the last 200 years links Parisian refinement with design and technique, by the greatest master watchmakers of their time. Available at Hartfield
9
10
11
discover and see what new Zealand has to offer from the air by booking your Helilink Helicopter Experience TodaY! Helilink is auckland’s only downtown Helicopter Company, located at Mechanics Bay, a convenient 5 minutes drive from the CBd. a professional team devoted to providing diverse and memorable Helicopter Experiences utilising Twin and single Engine aircraft. discover and see what new Zealand has to offer from the air by booking your Helilink Helicopter Experience TodaY! Helicopter Experiences offered include: scenic Flights, Heli-dining, Heli-overnight, Heli-fishing Experiences, Heli-day Tours, airport Transfers, Personalised new Zealand Tours and MorE‌
EnquiriEs and Bookings 1 Solent Street Mechanics Bay, Auckland Phone 09 377 4406 0800 HELILINK (435 454) (Available in NZ Only)
www.helilink.co.nz
12
Entrepreneur
An exclusive interview with businessman William Goodfellow With Tourism being New Zealand’s biggest export industry, the opportunity to interview the intensely private businessman, William Goodfellow, was a dream come true. We had heard about the opportunities he gives his team to achieve success in their own careers, his constant business acquisitions, numerous charities he donates to, and his staff’s family and friends were always granted free trips on many of his numerous tourism offerings. We have always wanted to know this man, and with our first issue of ME Magazine about to hit the shelves, he allowed us to profile his life and amazing growth as a person and businessman. Have you ever felt pressure from your family to be successful? There is an underlying expectation that you will perform; whatever happens don’t fail, you have to see everything through to the end. The pressure is more about support and the examples my father and grandfather set have been phenomenal. Don’t’ do anything unless you are going to complete it and be successful in the process. What role has your mother and father played in your success to date? My father’s business experience makes him a great sounding board and he is always available to help when needed, they are both inspirational and very encouraging. Your grandfather’s greatest educational donation was to St Kentigern College in Auckland, did you go to that school yourself? I went to Auckland Grammar and Auckland University, obtaining a degree in Science and in my last two years at Auckland University, I also achieved a Diploma in Business Studies at Massey
University in Albany. I went to Auckland Grammar because both of my grandfathers and my father attended, I liked the lineage connection, and although naturally expected to go to St Kents, I have always chosen my own way and my father was supportive of this. How old are you? 35, I won the Young Entrepreneur of the year in tourism two years ago and my business was named NBR’s most exciting tourism business in New Zealand. One of the judges said “you just didn’t win it, you were head and shoulders above the rest”! What was the first business you owned? Viking Cruises, which was based in the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland for the first America’s Cup. My friend Cam and I started it because the contract became available for corporate viewing vessels for the first America’s Cup in Auckland, and we won it due to our previous skippering abilities, mixed with a background in charter boats and sailing experience. Meanwhile we bought a boat from Hong Kong to fulfil the contract, a 72ft power boat which needed a lot of work. We did a refit on it and it was a good boat, and in the course of the next few months we got it into a state that was presentable and off we went into business. How many vessels are in your operation? We have 16 passenger carrying vessels of various types and capacities in the business, from America’s Cup yachts to large cruise catamarans, each adding colour and their own contribution to the overall success of the business. One of my most satisfying moments in business was when we broke 100,000 passengers per annum.. 13
Do you still skipper any of the vessels yourself? Yes, but only occasionally as required. I am currently waiting to get ticketed in Australia, so I can skipper on our new operation in Sydney, which we launched in September 2010. We purchased an existing business, the Kookaburra Challenge, this was a one yacht America’s Cup charter business and we wouldn’t have purchased if we couldn’t add a second yacht. When we started that process we were told that it was impossible to achieve the compliance survey, but we did not accept that and battled for 3 years and finally cracked it, AUS 21 and AUS 40 are now operational as Sailing Sydney, part of the Explore NZ group.
yet we hardly ever see you publicise this. Who is the most famous person you have hosted? Prince William last year, Bill Gates two years ago, John Travolta, Sting - but no one knew which one he was and Richard Branson, who was a great laugh. With Bill Gates, the boat broke down before they came aboard. The agent wouldn’t tell us who it was, so we replaced the boat with our smaller one and we were a bit disappointed we couldn’t deliver the bigger boat, but he and his family had an amazing time swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands. Just goes to show, it is the people and the experiences we offer, not necessarily our plant that delivers.
What is the biggest challenge about starting up a business in Australia? Despite some other examples we found it quite easy, our industry experience and New Zealand reputation in the maritime sector certainly has helped. The biggest challenge is actually cutting through the noise of all the other tourism attractions, because there are so many. Sydney is such a mature destination, getting your head up high enough in the crowd requires hard work.
You are renowned for building a fantastic team ethos within your group of companies. How do you do this and what is the key to having a happy team? The skippers on the boat help out the maintenance crew, so management is involved all the way through, gaining the respect of the staff. This has become harder as we have grown, but we always ensure we have the key staff to continue on with that culture. We encourage the team to achieve their personal goals and I try to show them by also doing that myself, leading by example. If they get opportunities outside of the business we encourage them to go off and achieve their personal goals, they very often come back to us and we always take them back when they are ready and want to continue progressing their career with us – we support their personal goals and they always show us appreciation for that.
What is the best thing that anyone has ever come up to you and said after experiencing one of your trips? There has been plenty, but the most satisfying is how many people that have then gone on and learnt to be sailors, we have cured people’s fear of water, and we have ignited lots of sailing careers, especially on Lion New Zealand, the late Sir Peter Blake’s old yacht. You have many International celebrities that use your products, 14
What has been your biggest hurdle in business in the last couple of years? With success there sometimes follows attack and we
have recently been put in a ridiculous situation by a major competitor, I believe that this has been driven by spite, and has cost us both a lot of time and money in the last two years. This was an extremely disappointing and negative position to be in when all of our usual direction is positive. We will come out stronger but it is not the way I like to operate. Can anyone be an entrepreneur or are they born? If you have the courage to seize an opportunity at the right time, you can achieve success, but I don’t believe that people are necessarily born an entrepreneur. Timing is everything. Do your homework and take good advice, know your strengths, and always listen! What philanthropic activities are you involved with? We have two trusts, Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust and the Project Kiwi Trust in the Bay of Islands. Both are exciting initiatives which really give back to the reasons why we have been successful - conservation values and social involvement. What drives you, why do you do it? Probably the same reason someone climbs Everest or tries to achieve a sporting goal; it is about the challenge and competitiveness, but only with myself. It is just a need internally to succeed for myself, I am lucky to be able to be in the tourism business and on the water, I feel I am just meant to do it. With businesses in Auckland, Bay of Islands and now Sydney, how do you get around to them all? We have key people in each area, so the time required at each location is not extensive; however, I have been known to miss quite a few flights over the years. It is a challenge but each and every location is beautiful, so it is never a chore to get to any of them. Sometimes I have other business associates come along with me, which makes the travel factor more entertaining and great for networking, always talking about new ideas and industry along the way. How do you make a decision on who to go into business with? I currently have three business partners. Depends on the opportunity at the time, there needs to be synergy with our core existing business, so sometimes you don’t get to choose - they choose you. Have you ever thought about having a career in politics? I once was told by a very influential businessman “you will have so much more influence in life if you are successful outside of politics”, and I have chosen to agree. What is the biggest mistake that you see new businesses to the tourism industry make? This industry is so low yield that it is a difficult industry to make money in for a number of reasons. Volumes are low and we undervalue the experiences we have on offer in New Zealand. We have a unique opportunity in terms of the international stage and the product we can offer, it should be easy but those two things alone make it difficult to start a new business and survive in Tourism. You managed to be involved with Emirates Team New Zealand and inherit their no longer used yachts, so what is your relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand? We are the logical recipients of the ex-race yachts, they are way too expensive to keep running privately so commercial use is really the only option. We are the only operation around the world that has managed to create a viable business with these vessels long-term. Operationally we enjoy a great relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand, looking after their sponsors with a genuine racing experience, offering logistical support to team and in turn we enjoy the profile being associated and the opportunity to continue supporting the team.
This page : William Goodfellow at the helm of one of his vessels. Previous page, left to right; skippering with his team, William’s new operation Sailing Sydney, visiting TRENZ in Queenstown, enjoying some much earned time out.
About William Goodfellow William Goodfellow comes from a lineage of entrepreneurs, the most famous being his grandfather of the same name (1880–1974), who created the largest dairy company in New Zealand. He saw constant, effective communication as the key to carrying the members of the co-operative towards higher yields and an improved product. He set up a local broadcasting station to keep in touch with the company’s isolated suppliers; it developed into New Zealand’s first national system, the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand, with its own magazine, Radio Record. From 1925 to 1931 it operated a national broadcasting system under contract to the government. William Goodfellow’s grandfather was a generous benefactor of educational institutions. His greatest donation was to the trust of St Kentigern College in Auckland, in which he maintained a keen interest until his death. He gifted 173 acres of Waitakere bush to Auckland municipal authorities as a reserve and substantially funded the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
15
Own
An exclusive tour of some of NZ’s best homes Launched in 2010, Luxury Real Estate New Zealand was formed to offer the New Zealand property market a vehicle to effectively reach the global property audience. Growing from strength to strength over the last year, their network spreads across the globe, linking the leading estate agencies of the world with New Zealand’s finest property. Their extensive database of New Zealand property owners, expatriates and New Zealand enthusiasts provides them with regular enquiry from qualified purchasers considering an investment or lifestyle in New Zealand. According to owners Terry Spice and Nick Horton, experienced property brokers with extensive knowledge of the real estate market, the worldwide interest in New Zealand property is still high. They said: “With the on-going international interest in property, Luxury Real Estate New Zealand offer the ultimate introduction by way of guided property tours. We arrange and facilitate these property tours showcasing luxury property throughout the country.” They added: “Teaming with the leading inbound operators, luxury lodges and luxury travel experts across New Zealand, we guarantee a tailor-made recreation and educational experience that could not be achieved without our market knowledge and professional interaction”. To deliver the best and most extensive international web exposure for their clients, Nick and Terry utilise the strength of their partner, LuxuryRealEstate. com. A Webby Award Honouree, the website has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International 16
Herald Tribune newspaper, Town & Country magazine, and The Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumers. Since its international debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the number one portal for luxury properties on the internet, consistently driving more traffic to its member websites and generating more qualified enquiries than any other website worldwide; a pretty phenomenal achievement. In addition to LuxuryRealEstate.com, their New Zealand properties are posted on other leading international web portals such as Uniquehomes. com and DreamHomesMagazine.com. Some of the properties they currently represent include the stunning White Shadows luxury retreat in Queenstown, a spectacular beachside retreat in Great Barrier Island and a country hideaway in Dalefield. For more information on the properties on the following pages and property in New Zealand, contact Luxury Real Estate New Zealand. Nick Horton 021 530 000 nick@luxuryrealestate.co.nz
www.luxuryrealestate.co.nz
Terry Spice 021 755 889 terry@luxuryrealestate.co.nz
White Shadows, Queenstown 5
5
5
Located in Queenstown’s golden circle of superb country homes, White Shadows is arguably the region’s most secluded sanctuary, set in a very unique environment. This private, luxury estate is positioned on over nine acres of outstanding park-like grounds with your own forest, orchard, ponds and waterways, bespoke spa pool and summer house to mention just a few of its many features. The residence spans almost 700m2 with a formal dining room, open plan kitchen and dining room, entertainer’s lounge, library, five bedrooms, four with ensuites and what could only be described as the ‘crème de la crème’ of home cinemas. With farm land and Coronet Peak Ski Field within your aspect, iconic Queenstown views are also secured from the region’s most magnificent estate. Available for the first time in years, this superb home also boasts multiple entertaining areas including alfresco pizza oven and garden dining area, as well as the unique and opulent home cinema.
www.luxuryrealestate.co.nz/LR64 17
Fitzpatrick Road, Queenstown 4
5
Perfectly nestled in the pristine Dalefield countryside, an iconic rural aspect awaits the new owners of this Austrian-style alpine retreat, locally known as Pinesong. Set amongst almost 10 acres of rolling grassland, mature trees and Zen like gardens, this superb home is in one of the quietest and most private rural addresses within the region. The main residence accommodates three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as an additional, separate self-contained two level guest cottage and a productive home orchard yielding apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries and hazelnuts. This architectural retreat overlooks the region’s most admired mountains and ranges, with the spectacular Remarkables mountain range as the enviable backdrop. Situated between Queenstown and Arrowtown for the perfect rural lifestyle, yet only a fifteen minute drive from the region’s international airport, Pinesong’s position and aspect is world class.
www.luxuryrealestate.co.nz/LR52 18
Awana Beach, Great Barrier Island 3
1
2
One of the gems of Great Barrier Island, the Awana Beach House has a reputation as the premier site on the East Coast of the Island. Awana Beach has a legendary surf break that has been praised by numerous masters of the waves over the years. The original house currently on the land has resource consent granted for a Lance Herbst designed upgrade, to create the ultimate Great Barrier getaway. The current owner is prepared to complete the refurbishment of this rare home and will offer a turnkey completed project. Images of the model highlighting the proposed upgrade are on the website and pricing is available on request. This is the only house on the beach and is surrounded by Department of Conservation land, protecting that position.
www.luxuryrealestate.co.nz/LR70 19
Wow
How to WOW your friends with the high-life We were only in town for a weekend and with so much to see and do in the region, we had to find a way to do it all and do it in style. We had been told that Mt Difficulty Winery was the place to dine in Central Otago. Figuring out how to fit this in to our busy schedule was at first a challenge, before a chance encounter saved the day.
The Gibbston Valley terraces shimmered beneath us and it was truly amazing to see such a breathtaking bird’s eye view of some of Central Otago’s best wineries. We then flew over Mt Difficulty, before landing next to Table Mountain, which overlooks the winery. After a very smooth
We were staying at the centrally-located Sofitel Hotel and on our first morning we stumbled across the hotel’s extensive brochure rack and a vast array of activities and trips we could embark on during our stay. One brochure jumped out at us, which solved all our time problems at once; an exclusive Helicopter and Wine Flight option that included wine tasting and a 3 course gourmet lunch at Mt Difficulty; all in just a few short hours. Our delightful Concierge Bryan immediately signed us up and within 15 minutes of making the phone call, a rather smart, black van pulled up to the hotel to escort us on our way. Our lovely host was Paul, the owner of the company, who whisked us away in style and warmth to the Heli Tours headquarters at Queenstown Airport. After a quick rundown on the tour ahead and a short safety briefing, we effortlessly lifted off in this slick, grey machine, which was so smooth I didn’t even feel us lift off. When I looked down we were in the air and soaring like a bird over some of the best views have seen in my life. We all were simply blown away. 20
Arriving in style at the world-famous Mt Difficulty winery
landing we were escorted to the winery restaurant, less than 50 metres away. The chef’s food was seasonal and locally sourced, with dishes designed to perfectly match the wines. We started with Mt Difficulty’s world famous platter which included antipasti, wild pork terrine, fig and Pinot Noir chutney, a smoked salmon dip and a selection of salami and cheeses. The highlight had to be the home-made gingerbread which was served with a creamy New Zealand blue cheese. The flavours in the platter contrasted beautifully with the slightly sweet Mt Difficulty Target Gully Riesling 2010. Mains followed and, though light dishes were on offer, we were craving comfort food as we sat beside the restaurant’s fireplace. The open wild game pie was just the thing, containing a hearty selection of wild meats with mushroom and shallots. It was served with wild thyme infused creamed potato, and was well matched by Mt Difficulty’s flagship wine, Estate Pinot Noir 2009. Perfect! Surrounded by what we thought were some of the best views from any vineyard in New Zealand, we gently worked our way through a gastronomic masterpiece. Happy and full of Central Otago’s finest food and wine, Paul from Heli Tours expertly guided us from the restaurant back to the Helicopter and away we went back to Queenstown. This was a day with a WOW factor that I will never forget, living the life of the rich and famous, without a huge price tag. Editor’s Note: Mt. Difficulty cover all budgets. They have delicious platters from just $25 and you can pop into their Cellar Door which is open 7 days for tastings. Reservations are essential at the Restaurant as they are often booked out so do book!
Helicopter Flights in Queenstown, the Southern Lakes & the South Island - Some of our options . . . Spectacular Doubtful Sound
Fiordland Exclusive Flight
Glacier, Rivers of Ice flight
Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and hidden inlets - deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Land on a selected beach site for a gourmet picnic lunch. An experience with the X-Factor!
Visit Breaksea Sound, where a beach landing is made for a breath of sea air, then towards the Tasman Sea we keep a lookout for dolphins and seals. Enjoy a Gourmet lunch, then we journey through Fiordlands natural wonders!
Take in spectacular views of the braided Rees and Dart Rivers, Mt Earnslaw and many magnificent Glaciers. The deep blue “Rivers of Ice” create amazing photo opportunities. A spectacular glacier viewing experience!
FREEPHONE 0800 HELI TOURS (0800 435 486) Ph +64 3 451 0515 | Queenstown International Airport | www.helitours.co.nz 21
Style
Style expert Susana shares her corporate style tips We live in a highly visual world where we are constantly bombarded with conscious and subliminal messages. Whether we like it or not our ‘Personal Brand’ sends continuous signals to the world. So what does your self-image reflection say about you? In this first issue of ME, Susana Sarmiento from La’Qua Image talks to us about corporate style, what is appropriate and how clothing can boost our salary and business prospects.
Scarf Tie - 30cm x 152cm (Medium) Champagne, Charcoal and Bone
Based in Auckland, Susana’s clients include New Zealand and International Fortune 500 Companies, politicians, CEO’s and men and women who see the value of self-image confidence. According to Susana, “When you feel empowered about how you look, you feel like you can take on the world.” How would you sum up corporate fashion in New Zealand? In New Zealand we are definitely more relaxed about our corporate attire and it isn’t such a bad thing if we truly know the distinctions for each classification. Overseas we have Corporate (this is absolute prestige dressing), Business Corporate (our standard suit and tie attire), Business Casual (dressy, professional, however minus a tie, a little bit more relaxed but still very clean and professional) and Casual. So our New Zealand definitions are different and we swing the pendulum from suit and tie to casual. So why is it so important to dress right for the occasion? In today’s world we have only 2-3 seconds to make the right impression with prospective clients, colleagues, bosses and in our personal relationships. In that time, subconsciously the other person begins to 22
A sophisticated American neckwear company that specialises in the expertly balanced union of artisan quality and timeless style. For every tie sold, FIGS gives a uniform to a child in need in order for them to attend school. Visit www.figsties.com
formulate his or her perception of whether he/she likes you or not and this will reflect on whether they will be open to your message/words or not. People will most likely do business with you if they like you and can relate to you. It is truly that simple. What are the top mistakes you see out there in the corporate world and what should we avoid? Dressing appropriately is the key. We should gauge what is the message we want to get across. If it is professional and forward thinking, then our attire should be modernised with clean-cut elements (i.e fabric, colour and shape). A little business tip is that no-one likes to do business with people who look like the past, so it truly pays to take a little audit of your wardrobe if you feel your image is looking a little bit outdated. Your hairstyle and shoes are the top two factors that outdate our look the most. So once you know this, these are the first two factors we can consider if we wish to modernise our look. What type of clothing should we invest in to maximise our corporate/professional look? A classic look with personality. With a classic look you can never go wrong and this means styles of jackets, pants and skirts that are not too fashionably advanced and not necessarily all in black. If you invest in some good classic pieces you can totally stamp your personality with the other pieces, especially with accessories. For women it is great to have shirts and tops that you can easily mix with your work-attire, however with a little creativity you can wear these items away from work (e.g. add a waist
coat and a pair of jeans we can easily wear for fashion and fun). Most industries do not require the suit and tie attire any longer, so we do not need to have large differences in our work and life wardrobes. Men actually have it a lot easier as they do not have so many items to consider and focal points to watch out for. Shoes, belts, a nice pen (if dealing with customers face-to-face), wallet and sunglasses are their main accessories. You can have a stylish suit, but if your shoes are dirty they will cause a visual distraction. The message is simple. You are always representing yourself and what you think of yourself (self-image value) with clothing and, unless there is a change of this law, we are going to have to get dressed every morning. So why not make it fun, empowering and convey the right messages of self-value and confidence! In every issue of ME, Susana will advise on all things stylish, from every day to corporate, from new mums wanting to revamp their look before re-entering the work place, to those who need to dress right for a promotion. Send your questions directly to our expert susana@laquaimage.com and we look forward to answering your style and image questions. Visit Susana at www.laquaimage.com 0800myimage
Just released Gucci kids and baby winter range Editor’s Note: The 2011/12 Gucci baby and children collections, launching in August, are inspired by the English countryside and are incredibly cute. Once again the Gucci baby collection uses the classic colours of pink and blue, but the palette also finds a fresh contemporary flair in the new hues of the season: soft gray, beige, orange and green. Similarly, materials continue to focus on softness and stretch for extra agility and ease of motion: wool, cashmere, super fine merino for the knits that in Autumn/Winter collection take on particular importance along with the goose down baby buntings and all-in-one suits. The children’s collection also includes dressy outfits. Namely, tuxedos with bow-tie, cummerbund and steely black patent leather shoes for boys; an elegant velvet dress with strass-studded silk satin purse for girls. www.gucci.com
23
Indulge
Metro Mark experiences The Spa at Nugget Point in style Located less than ten minutes drive from Queenstown, the newly built spa at the Distinction Queenstown Nugget Point Boutique Hotel & Spa is the epitome of luxury with superb spa and relaxation facilities in a unique riverside setting. We sent our writer Mark to experience all the spa has to offer. About a minute. I think that’s all it took to start relaxing. My partner and I had just arrived at The Spa at Nugget Point for a two hour session of pampering. Our day consisted of a one hour full body massage, followed by a one hour facial and my fears of feeling like a metrosexual crash test dummy were perfectly eased by the welcoming staff as we were ushered into the sumptuous spa. While many spas these days go for a lean, mean minimal look, The Spa at Nugget Point is anything but, with the feel of a lavish, yet modern day Roman baths. From the mosaic pool with domed roof, to the marble tiles and baths, the look here is decadent luxury. The spa includes swimming and spa pools, a sauna, steam room, an amazing rose mosaic shower and several therapy rooms. We headed to the couples room in the obligatory big white fluffy robes and were greeted by the fabulous views of the Shotover River canyon before becoming horizontal. The first hour was dedicated to the full body massage, and to be honest, it slipped by in an instant. Our therapists were smooth and professional and gently got about their work as the minutes raced by. Hardly a word was spoken between my partner and I, almost for fear of breaking the zen-like 24
Mark and his partner enjoy a glass of bubbles by the pool after their treatment.
hush in the room. Some quiet background music added to, rather than detracted from the mood. Having endured countless physio sessions over the years for various
injuries, with pain being the main ingredient, this type of manipulation was nothing of the sort, with my muscles slowly, firmly de-stressed, in what turned out to be a truly, soulfully relaxing experience. You could debate the relevance of these sorts of treatments for a male, especially the facial, but I thought to myself that after decades of physical work outdoors, I had the aches and pains and weather beaten face to really make me the perfect candidate. The facial was less lying there with a face pack on and more facial manipulation and detoxification, scouring away years of weather beaten cells. A thorough exfoliation was followed by a full facial massage and the application of some great smelling moisturisers. The combined effect of the previous two hours left me feeling somewhat like a blissful jellyfish as we floated from the room. Lying anywhere for two hours would normally test my patience, but I had to really force myself to get vertical again and I can’t speak highly enough of our two therapists who treated us to being beautifully pampered for two hours. The day was complete with a glass of bubbly by the ornate mosaic swimming pool as we had to think about going back to reality and wondered if there could possibly be a better way of spending a Saturday lunchtime. The spa definitely passes with Distinction! Editor’s Note: Located right next to Coronet Peak ski-field, the Distinction Queenstown Nugget Point Boutique Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for aprés ski accommodation, dining and day spa relaxing.
Views from of the Shotover River from The Spa are gorgeous. The three different heads in the stunningly tiled shower facility are exceptional in their design.
All our treasures have a story. Experience a fabulous shopping destination, filled with amazing things you will treasure forever.
Te Papa Store, Cable Street, Wellington • Open 9am - 6pm daily and until 9pm Thurs • Phone (04) 381 7013, tepapastore.co.nz
Gifts with soul
25
New Zealand by rail. Simply stunning.
Discover some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, only accessible by rail. Step aboard any of the Tranz Scenic journeys and you’ll enjoy full 360-degree views of the most pristine and untouched areas in the country. BOOK NOW at tranzscenic.co.nz or call 0800 TRAINS (872 467). 26
Drive
Successful realtor, Lara showcases her ‘pimped out’ Chrysler As one of Auckland’s most successful real estate agents, Lara Thompson spends most of her days dealing with home and business owners, investors and property developers, so having a car with a bit of shock factor was always going to make for a great talking point. Never one to conform to the norm, about four years ago, Lara saw a photo of a black Chrysler 300C with KMC wheels and decided that had to be her next car.
It’s a great car for doing road trips and I have always liked big, spacious cars with plenty of room. The car, also known as the Pimp Daddy, Mafia staff car, container ship and the beast, goes anywhere. I can tow a boat behind it, drive down gravel roads (have to watch the low body) and I wear my waders in it, jump out and do some fly fishing. The low profile tyres do make for a bit of a bumpy ride on uneven country roads but sometimes you have to sacrifice comfort for looks.
Just two weeks after I first saw the photo of the amazing Chrysler 300C, I bought a 2006 gun metal grey one, which I thought looked classier than black. Before I could drive it though, I had to have it fully ‘pimped out’ and I decided if I was going to own a car as great as this, I might as well do it right. I had it lowered, the windows tinted and had new wheels put on it, before it was delivered to my office.
Our road has just been resealed and every time I take off up the street the wheels spin and churn up a bit of gravel. Even if you try to drive slowly, you just can’t help pulling a patch. I’m sure our neighbours think I’m a boy racer, especially with the number plate-which by the way came with the car, but I just can’t help it with the Hemi V8 under the bonnet.
I do see a lot of men driving them in Auckland, many still with the factory wheels on, and I just think to myself, why?, as the standard Chrysler wheels and tyres are so ugly, yet the wheels can totally change the look of these cars. Choosing the wheels took a bit of deciding, but when I saw the KMC’s on the showroom floor it was love at first sight. There was no option for me but 22 inch, deep dish and lots and lots of smooth shiny alloy. They take a bit to clean but it’s worth it. The tyres are Pirellis and they soon burn through the rubber. Being a soft performance tyre they do about 10,000 km’s, but for me looks won over practicality and economy. I was going to go for the Bentley grill, but after putting the wheels on decided that the standard grill looked better with the alloys. Bentleys are in a class of their own and there’s no point trying to disguise a short haired domesticated tabby in a Persian coat.
The hemispherical engine is 5.7 litres and is supposed to drop down to 4 cylinders around town if you are just cruising, however my driving is not conducive to low fuel consumption and it does an average of 16 -18 kilometres per litre. The Pimp Daddy is definitely not a practical around town car but then I wouldn’t be seen dead in a hatch back. I have however learned to parallel park since having the Chrysler and so far have managed to not do too much damage to the rims. You definitely get some strange looks in this car and people are surprised to see me get out. I guess I have always resisted conformity and it’s good to challenge stereotypical ideals. The only thing I would change about it would be adding a big bore exhaust so that it sounds a bit stauncher. Maybe there is a bogan streak inside of me that’s just dying to come out? 27
Furnish
Debbie Cavit shares her interior design tips for the season Your home is your haven away from the stresses of every day life. It is the place to return to at the end of every busy day. It is where you close the door to the outside world and relax with family and friends. It is a reflection of your personal life style. Debbie Cavit, owner of luxury interior design and furniture company, Cavit & Co shares her ideas on what makes a warm, inviting home that will last the years. My design philosophy when creating a home that is inviting is to keep the design of each room simple with similar elements used throughout your home. A home with unity in its colouration and architectural form will create a relaxing environment. Against this neutral backdrop dominant furniture, art, decorative detail or outlook then comes into sharp focus. This aim for simplicity should not exclude a mixture of periods or styles in your furnishings and as long as the proportion and quality are appropriate to each other, the room will achieve a harmonious balance. This eclectic mix from different periods also creates visual interest and marks your home with your own personality. Choosing neutral tones for large budget items such as drapery and upholstered pieces allows you the freedom to add accent colours easily when trends have changed or the season dictates a different texture. You might have linen cushions for summer but switch in brocade or velvet cushions for the winter months. Current colour palettes coming into winter include fig, pistachio and clotted 28
cream, accentuated with faded gemstone accents. Soft whites take on a fresh appearance with tones of pale honey and cinnamon. When using colour in your home, the colours should have a reference which carries the eye from room to room. A bold colour used in the entrance hall can be reflected in a scatter cushion or accent chair in the living room. This gives continuity between each space and carries the eye comfortably from area to area, creating a cohesive whole. When you are purchasing, consider the design, the materials, finish and craftsmanship, then purchase an item which will have lasting qualities. I feel a person’s innate style does not change dramatically during their adult life; it is only enhanced over time. Something you love now, you will love in the future. Therefore when selecting the pieces for your home, look for items which make you feel good – don’t compromise. The value of good design and buying quality should never be under estimated. Your family will thank you for it. I believe the creation of a home in which you are supremely comfortable and surrounded with the things you love, is the ultimate endorsement of a life well lived.
Cavit&Co offers a full interior design service and provides the finest furniture and accessory collections from around the world including Ralph Lauren Home, Baker, Verellen, McGuire, Baxter, Frette, Lalique and De Bournais.
Top Left Page: Gabrielle Collection Sofa by Verellen Bottom Left: De Bournais Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers Top Right: McGuire’s Antalya Collection Bed Bottom Right: Paris Writing Desk & St Germain Chair by Thomas Pheasant for Baker
Above: Debbie Cavit
Cavit & Co. 547a Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland. Phone 09 358 43771 Cavit & Co. 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown. Phone 03 442 0128 www.cavitco.com
29
For the ultimate ballooning experience . . .
There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of a city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snowcapped mountains. Mention ME Magazine when booking and receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly! 30
BOOKINGS
Phone 03 381 4600 www.ballooning.co.nz
Charter
Searching for seafood in the Sounds A wandering Weka and a Seal playfully wrestling a trout greeted us as we arrived at our destination to board the spectacular Pembroke boat. This stunning natural environment delighted us from the very moment we arrived at Milford Sound. Within half an hour we were pulling up crayfish pots, which yielded some of the largest specimens I have ever seen, making our mouths water. We then headed to a waterfall, which our expert skipper (and entertainment officer) Greg Hay guided us beneath, so we could be blessed by the glacier melt of the magnificent Fiordland Mountains. The force of the waterfall sent us running for the cover of the cabin, but the three minutes we managed to stand under the waterfall were almost religious. This was one of my most memorable New Zealand experiences. A welcome hot shower was followed by a glass of champagne as we cruised to our mooring spot in these pure waters. Along with our new American friends, the evening’s festivities commenced.
in the skippers and guests tales of life, relaxation was the order of the day. Venturing into the surprisingly spacious cabins, we went for a restful sleep and rose in the morning to a gourmet cooked breakfast. We were working on a short time frame as we had only booked one night on the Pembroke, so that was our only disappointment. As we guided back to dock we were joined by two beautiful dolphins, a truly magical end to a magnificent experience. You will leave the Pembroke with precious memories of an escape to paradise. Editor’s Note: If you have a good sized wallet, the easiest way to access the Pembroke is by Helicopter from Queenstown or Dunedin. The MV Pembroke will tick all the boxes for anyone looking to encounter a completely pure environment untouched by development, sailing the Milford, Breaksea and Dusky sounds.
The crayfish was then expertly cooked and presented to us as a huge dining extravaganza. We were also fortunate to have one of the owners of the vessel Greg Hay on board, who also owns Peregrine Winery in Queenstown. Greg gave us the opportunity to taste many of his marvellous wines, a perfect accompaniment to the fresh crayfish. The Pembroke is fully equipped with fishing gear and diving equipment so you can go fishing for tuna and blue cod if the mood takes you. Later on in the evening many stories were told over a delicious main course of venison, with laughter being the main highlight of the evening. Revelling
Charter Rates: P.O.A | Sleeps 8 guests overnight (6 single beds, 2 doubles) www.fiordlandcharters.co.nz | Phone 03 442 0852 or 027 245 9709
31
Fine Dine
Prohibition, Auckland
With its intricately designed interior in the style of 1920’s Prohibition, this superb restaurant is often booked up weeks in advance. We were lucky enough to get a table to sample all this much talked about restaurant has to offer. This restaurant takes you back to the 1920s, where over the top sophistication prevailed. No expense has been spared to establish the authenticity of the era from the vintage car parked out front, to the dark wood, plush velvet and sparkling crystal decor. We were greeted by the friendly door staff, dressed in traditional 1920s attire and the scene was set for a fantastic dining experience, which included a jazz duo playing in the background.
32
Overall Rating 5.5/ 6
tempted by the Apple Tart Tatin with crème fraiche and cinnamon ice cream. It was beautifully presented and the pastry on the tart was perfect. Rich in panache and visual stimulation, Prohibition conveys an intimate and luxurious feel. From the minute you arrive you feel like you are stepping back in time. The toilets deserve a special mention, as themed stories are piped through the speakers, adding a quirky touch.
At Prohibition . . . The food was wonderful, full of flavour and all cooked to perfection. The service was attentive and everything arrived in a timely manner. The atmosphere was intimate, luxurious and a real experience.
There was an eclectic choice of entrees and all the bases were covered in the mains; there was something to suit most palates. I chose the Smoked Beetroot and Goats Cheese open dumplings as a starter, which was divine with subtle smoky flavours and a smooth, creamy texture. For the main, I had the Pan Fried Duck Breast with roasted root vegetables and a rhubarb and orange sauce, which was succulent and melted in the mouth.
The decor was authentic 1920s, including the vintage car outside.
I also opted for a side of Baby Rocket Salad with pear, Roquefort cheese and hazelnuts, which was by far one of the best salads I have ever had. With an extensive choice of mainly New Zealand wines, they also had a selection of rare wines for those with expensive tastes. After some discussion with our waiter, who was friendly and willing to offer suggestions, we opted for the Pisa Range Pinot Noir. For dessert, I was
Décor :
Overall This is a place where it’s not just about the food, it’s about the ‘experience’. The music, the décor and the service make it a special night out.
My Rating Food :
Beverage :
Service :
Vibe :
Located 108 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby T 09 361 5858 for bookings www.prohibition.co.nz
An exclusive offer for the readers of ME: Dine at Prohibition until the end of July, bring in this voucher and we’ll credit $50 towards your total bill (one credit per table)
Fine Dine
Botswana Butchery, Queenstown Overall Rating 6 / 6 With its idyllic lake front location and relaxed, comfy environment, Botswana Butchery certainly lives up to the hype. The rich, opulent design of the restaurant makes it a really comfortable place for lunch or dinner. It’s also great for pre or post dinner drinks, with an upstairs bar and an outdoor area with superb views and outdoor fireplace downstairs.
To finish off a lovely evening, we opted for cocktails on the outside deck to take in the amazing views and here I had the best cocktail ever called ‘Bitter Summer Divine. Botswana has to be one of the plushest, yet relaxed restaurants I have ever been to, combining a great location and superb ambience with fantastic food and service.
The food selection was extensive without being overwhelming. As well as their famed grill menu, from which you can choose various cuts of meat, accompanying sides and sauces, they have a tantalizing a la carte menu with multiple options. As it was the start of the Bluff Oyster season, I opted for the Oysters as an entree, which certainly didn’t disappoint. Perfectly chilled and well presented on a bed of ice, they were delicious.
The staff were helpful, very friendly and prompt as well.
As you would expect, Botswana has a great beverage selection and has a stunning and well stocked wine cellar on the upper floor, where you can admire with envy the impressive wine collection. We were kindly offered a number of wine tasters to help choose the perfect wine with our meal and eventually decided on a nice local Chardonnay, which went very well with our choices. For the main course I opted for the duck and a selection of side salads. The duck arrived perfectly cooked; crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. The salads were nice and inspiring and were accompanied by a great dressing. For dessert I had the rhubarb crumble, which was unfortunately a little uninspiring compared to the rest of the lovely meal we had.
At Botswana Butchery . . . The vibe was busy but not noisy. A very comfortable dining experience The décor was swanky, opulent and with great views at the front You must try the awesome $15 lunch menu Overall we had a wonderful evening and I would happily go back and recommend to friends.
My Rating Food :
Beverage :
Service :
Vibe :
Décor :
Location :
Located 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown and in Wanaka T 03 442 6994 for bookings E queenstown@botswanabutchery.co.nz www.goodbars.co.nz 33
Savour
The latest must try products for food lovers Imagine being able to choose the finest fresh Canterbury Lamb Rack, straight from the farm, the best quality vegetables to accompany it, superior cheeses from all over New Zealand and a perfectly matched Central Otago Pinot Noir to finish it all off. Well now you can. Known throughout Auckland as THE food lover’s haven, Farro is a one stop fresh market where you can sample and buy some of the finest food products New Zealand has to offer. From fresh flowers and fruit, to freshly caught Salmon and Seafood, from cheeses to delicatessen meats, Farro sources most of its products from New Zealand. With an on site café, offering great coffee, baked goodies and a large selection of deli fare, the Farro Fresh philosophy is that there” is so much good food being produced in this country; there should be one place where you can get it all.” Farro Fresh took up that challenge four years ago when they started their first store in Lunn Avenue in Mt Wellington, with just sixteen staff. Last October they opened their second store on the corner of Constellation Drive in Auckland’s North Shore and they now employ over 120 staff. Owner Janene and her team are passionate about food and this is displayed in how they make things as interactive as possible for their customers with regular in store tastings. Not only do you get to try before you buy, but you learn directly from the providers about their products. In addition, both stores hold regular cooking demonstrations when guest 34
chefs, such as MasterChef’s Ray McVinnie, effortlessly pull together a quick idea to add to your weekly repertoire. This tasty and healthy recipe is a favourite of the Farro team, try it at home..
Ninja Teriyaki Sauce Salmon with seasonal vegetables Ingredients: - 2 fillet of Fresh Salmon - 80ml Ninja Teriyaki Sauce
- 20ml salad oil - Standard Flour
Cooking: Step 1: Soak both salmon fillets in Ninja Teriyaki Sauce for about 20 mins. Step 2: Lightly coat salmon with flour. Step 3: Heat oil in frying pan until hot then add salmon into pan and cook until tender. Step 4: Turn heat off and pour in left-over Teriyaki Sauce then mix. Step 5: Serve with fresh seasonal vegetables or salad.
Editor’s Picks Delish Haffagani Bites Healthy choc chip cookies are pretty hard to come by, but New Zealand owned Delish, who have been baking gourmet cakes and loaves for 12 years, really take the biscuit with their latest product. Their new range of cookies come in clear air-tight pouches and each has a unique flavour; cookies with a twist. The Haffagani Bites are the best of the bunch and really pack a punch. In handy bite-sized portions, each cookie is a perfect blend of almonds, 70% cocoa, chocolate chips, olive oil and a wicked hint of chilli. Sweet at first, the chilli adds a delicate savoury kick at the end, perfectly combining sweet with spice. 180-225 grams $11.99 Ninja Original Teriyaki Sauce With yummy Asian flavours like soy sauce, sake, garlic and ginger, this all in one sauce has been aged for a minimum of 1 month, making it a deeply flavoured versatile sauce or marinade. Using all natural ingredients and no added artificial colours or preservatives, this is perfect as a marinade for salmon (see recipe next page) or also works well with pork, beef and fish. Try mixing with noodles and fresh seasonal vegetables for a tasty side dish.
Ninja Japanese Salad Dressing With a blast of citrus combined with the rich nutty taste of sesame seeds and grape seed oil, this Japanese Salad Dressing is rich in flavour, perfectly balancing sweet undertones with nutty depth. Keep it simple by mixing through leafy salads or add a dash to freshly cooked vegetables to give them a lift. 275ml bottle $10.99 Fresh As Dried Fruit and Fruit Powder Already well known for their aromatic freeze dried herbs and spices, Fresh As dried fruit products are already used by professional chefs country wide. For the first time, a selection of freeze dried fruit and fruit powders are available for home use. With an intense fruity flavour, their range includes raspberries, mandarins, strawberries, passion fruit and pineapple. The fruits can be crumbled into desserts or breakfast cereal to add a fruity kick or dipped in chocolate for a quick dessert, whilst the fruit powder adds a fruit burst to smoothies, icings and crème brulee. Fresh As Dried Fruit 30-40 gram pouches $9.99, Fruit Powder 40gram packet $9.99
275ml bottle $10.99
Redeem Me
Buy 1 Coffee get 1 Free!! • Valid until 15th July 2011
Farro Fresh Constellation Drive, North Shore and Lunn Avenue, Mt Wellington Opening: Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 6pm. Ph: 09 478 0020 or 09 570 7071 www.farrofresh.co.nz
• 1 coupon per customer • No photocopies • Only valid on production of this voucher
35
Fly
Graeme Buxton takes us on a journey through his Dubai Dubai is often criticised for being too ostentatious and too modern with little historic pulling power. Having lived in the UAE and visited the area for both pleasure and business, I can firmly say that Dubai is simply one of the world’s most interesting and soaring cities in the world.
Also one of the tallest buildings in Dubai, the hotel features 400 spacious rooms and suites with plentiful meeting and business facilities. A sleek architectural masterpiece of steel and glass, with an impressive atrium elevator leading to your suite, the Jumeirah Towers redefine the business
From the timeless serenity of the desert to the lively bustle of the traditional souks, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. Boasting many of the world’s records for the first, largest, biggest, busiest, longest and tallest, on the surface Dubai is a city of expensive, lavish and outlandish skyscrapers and super malls with pictures of wealth on every corner. Dig deeper however and you will not only find another side to this everchanging city but also learn to appreciate Dubai for these things and more. In a single day, you can experience everything from rugged mountains and astonishing sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from traditional villages to flash super malls. Dubai is the ideal family holiday destination, a perfect stopover city and a dynamic international business centre, increasingly popular with New Zealanders. Positioned in the heart of Dubai on the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers are my must stay hotel every time I visit. Only a few minutes walk from the Dubai Metro Station and a short drive from many of the major attractions and beaches, this well-known landmark combines a five star business hotel with the utmost in luxury, providing the ultimate base from which to explore the city. 36
The underwater Ossiano, one of the many amazing restaurants at the Atlantis Palm Resort, Dubai
Photographs provided courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
hotel category, seamlessly combining form with function and the latest technology with unparalleled luxury. Frequented by visitors, locals, businessmen and expats alike, the Clique Bar is a sophisticated and relaxing pool bar within the hotel, which comes alive at night. Undoubtedly one of my favourite Dubai bars, Clique is positioned on the upper pool deck of the hotel and is the ideal spot for watching the sparkling lights of Dubai come alive after dark. As you leave the luxury of the hotel behind for some local cuisine, be sure to stop in at the lobby bar for their fantastic Long Island Ice teas. Dubai is a melting pot of food genres, with no one style really standing out as “local” favourite. With an eclectic blend of east meets west, Dubai offers superb dining options in all the major hotel chains and my favourite has to be the Shangri La Hotel which has five superb restaurants covering all the major nationalities of food found in Dubai. No trip to Dubai would be complete without a stroll through the old fashioned markets or Souks as they are called. Offering a superb array of stalls and smaller family owned restaurants, Souks offer a variety of food options from snacks and seafood to traditional and hearty Iranian, Indian, Turkish and Lebanese fare. There are many ways to get around Dubai, with the Metro and local taxis being the cheapest and easiest option. However, for something a little different I can think of no better way of exploring Dubai than driving your very own top of the range luxury car. Dubai is a car lovers dream, with the latest high end models on display at every intersection. Join in the fun and
become a millionaire for the day by hiring the latest Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW or Rolls Royce. Letting loose on the straight open roads outside of Dubai is a dream come true. Dubai is the ideal holiday destination with plenty of things to do. Dubai is a city known for its larger, brighter and bigger than life persona and nothing quite fits that accolade like the Atlantis Palm. Is it a hotel? Is it a marine park? Is it a shopping mall? Is it a bar, restaurant, café, nightclub? Or is it a water park? Well actually it’s all of the above and more. Boasting a distinct aquatic theme throughout, the Atlantis Palm presents itself as the world’s first truly integrated entertainment resort. Spanning 46 hectares, with 17 hectares of water themed amusement at AQUAVENTURE, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-air marine habitat, an endless stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, numerous dining choices including four celebrity chef restaurants, a nightclub, a Spa and Fitness Club and an array of meeting and function spaces, the Atlantis Palm has it all. Like something out of a Disney movie, the Atlantis Palm caters for all tastes, allowing families to holiday here, whilst working parents can utilise the enviable business facilities available to keep up to speed with developments back at the office. Must do’s include the dolphin encounter, the Lost chambers underwater experience, ShuiQi Spa, shopping and relaxing on the pristine beaches. One of the strangest and best things to do in Dubai is ski. Come on, I hear 37
you say, Dubai is located in the middle of the Northern desert belt with average summer temperatures of 40 degrees Celcius, so how can you possibly ski? Well not ones for going with the norm, Ski Dubai was built in the centre of Dubai and is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or just playing in the snow to escape the blistering heat outside. The construction covers an amazing 22,500 square meters covered with real snow all year round and has five runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run is 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters, making it the world’s first indoor black run. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Ski or board to the bottom and the quadchairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run. Ski Dubai also offers an array of slope side cafes and restaurants to whet your appetite and of course for the obligatory après-ski schnapps or warming whiskey. Possibly the only place in the world to have an annual shopping festival, Dubai is without a doubt the shopping mecca of the world, combining international high street labels, with designer brands, local boutique designers and traditional trinkets. Some of the world’s best shopping can be found at the Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall, where you will find most major brand labels at decent prices. These are destinations in themselves, so allow plenty of time, wear your comfortable shoes and prepare yourself for a long day ahead with plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to help break up the day.
opportunities, and most of all it is a fun place to shop. The Souks provide a bustling market atmosphere and are alive with the cacophony of sounds from animated shopkeepers and excited customers haggling for the best price.
Full of colour and character, a trip to any one of Dubai’s Souks will take you on a journey into the city’s history, provide you with excellent photo
Dubai has something for everyone, no matter how much time you have. Spend 48 hours or 2 weeks in Dubai, she will not disappoint.
Fly Me to Dubai Situated where east meets west, Dubai is positioned halfway between Europe and Asia. With an approximate flight time of around 19 hours from New Zealand, Dubai is the ideal stopover or holiday destination. How to get there: Emirates airlines fly daily from Christchurch and Auckland Currency: UAE dirham. NZ$ 1 = AED 2.912 For more information on Dubai:
Make a special beeline for the Gold Souk, Textile Souk and Spice Souks and unearth fake designer bargains in Karama Markets (ask about the good stuff upstairs), while Madinat Souk is clean and kitschy for touristy buys.
Café ME Owned by expat Kiwis, the Lime Tree offers great coffee and wholesome café style food. www.thelimetreecafe.com Style ME For designer and high street brands head to the awe-inspiring and glitzy malls. Mall of The Emirates www.malloftheemirates.com The Dubai Mall www.thedubaimall.com
www.emirates.com www.dubaievents.ae www.definitelydubai.com www.keanewzealand.com/middleeast
Wow ME The world’s first truly fully integrated entertainment complex. Swim with dolphins before you shop til you drop then party until dawn. www.atlantisthepalm.com
Stay with ME Indulge Award-winning golf and spa resort www.jebelali-international.com
Ski ME The Middle East’s first indoor ski field. Cool down and perfect your style at this winter wonderland in the desert. www.skidubai.com
Stay with ME Everyday Centrally-located and truly incredible Jumeirah Towers www.jumeirah.com Dine with ME The Shangri La Hotel is the perfect dinner destination with over five themed restaurants to choose from, each as good as the next. 38
Visit the many traditional spice, gold and textile Souks.
Indulge ME This award-winning spa and golf resort will help you relax after a busy few days of exploring and shopping jebelali-international.com Drive ME Hire your very own top of the range car and explore in style www.germanrac.com
WIN
Read Tell us what your favourite thing about the new ME Magazine is and be in the draw to WIN a copy of Paul Henry’s memoirs. To enter, go to the competitions page at www.memagazine.co.nz by 1 August 2011 *subject to terms, conditions and availability
Paul Henry, What was he thinking? Paul Henry is arguably one of New Zealand’s most controversial media personalities. His face graces magazine covers, the pages of newspapers and of course TV screens and the country hangs on his every word. We know that he can create a nationwide debate with just one comment, but what really makes this man tick, why is he so special, and how did he get to where he is today? His just released Memoirs, What Was I Thinking, reveals Paul’s most unusual story, from his eventful childhood to his adventurous career in journalism and those outrageous comments on television which divided the country, and almost caused an international incident. ME Magazine’s Director, Charlotte Carlyle Wilson, a big fan of the infamous TV personality, couldn’t wait to get her hands on the book. I open the cover and I am excited. I am a huge Paul Henry fan and I even ‘Like’ the Bring Back Paul Henry page on Facebook. For many a morning I would jump on my computer at 6am to start work (I love my job) and switch on to Paul and Pippa for the Breakfast Show, the bacon and eggs cooking away. Now there are just extremely skinny woman with a lack of personality pretending that they have something to add to my life. Taking Paul Henry off air has helped me in one way, I cook bacon and eggs less and get more work done in the mornings because I
am not laughing. I even now struggle with Tamati (who is gorgeous) as Paul used to bring the best out of him! We have become too politically correct as a nation and Paul Henry widely highlights that fact. So instead of reviewing his book just yet, I am going to entice you to buy it. I have just read the first 5 pages and already I am smiling from ear to ear. I am going to read it while I have my breakfast every morning until it is finished and Paul may make me put on the pounds, but I can already feel it is worth it. I have just flipped to a page that talks about him smoking with the Khmer Rouge . . . does everyone in media smoke I wonder! I can’t wait to get a few hours spare to sit down with this novel, light a cigarette and re-commence my relationship with Paul Henry. It was too long between drinks Paul! Editor’s Note: Paul Henry is touring New Zealand throughout June at select bookstores. Visit www.randomhouse.co.nz for dates and details.
39
Wellington with Matterhorn Setting the benchmark for the finest and freshest of New Zealand’s music, dining, service, drink design and culture, Matterhorn gives it to you seven ways in seven days, indoors, outdoors and fireside. Known as the regular’s restaurant, a cocktail bar and day café, where attitude is most certainly valued over attire, the Matterhorn is one of Wellington’s most prestigious restaurants. Head Chef, Dave Verheul, blends his diverse and international culinary influence with New Zealand’s distinctive, fresh, seasonal and artisan produce. The core values represented in Matterhorn dishes are those of honesty, integrity and a distinct lack of pretence. These values are supported by a high level of respect for great produce and ingredients and a belief in the importance of careful and rigorous preparation. Alive and kicking almost 24 hours a day, the Matterhorn caters for all tastes. My favourite is the dinner menu, which has an array of tantalizing choices including the superb Northland Snapper with reserved orange, bergamot and oyster mushrooms or the Southland Venison with cocoa, cauliflower cream, spiced beetroot, raspberry and rosehip. 106 Cuba Street, Wellington | Ph. 04 384 8918 | www.matterhorn.co.nz
TE PAPA EXPLORE
ENGAGE
Experience the treasures and stories of New Zealand – our land, people, culture, art and history – at Te Papa, our extraordinary and interactive national museum. Open every day 10am–6pm, and until 9pm Thursdays. FREE ENTRY Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa 55 Cable Street, Wellington Phone: 04 381 7000
40
| mail@tepapa.govt.nz | www.tepapa.govt.nz
ENJOY
Collect
Recent Highlights (Images clockwise from top): 1963 Ferrari Lusso 250 - Realised $1,100,000; 1955 Vincent Black Knight Series D - Realised $100,000; Don Binney, Kotare Over Ratana Church, Te Kao - Realised $270,000; Mere Pounamu – Te Kaoreore - Realised $146,200; An Important Diamond Of 4.85ct. - Realised $229,000.
Leading auction house, Webb’s, unveil their Winter sales Established in 1976, Webb’s is New Zealand’s premier auction company, located in Auckland. As market leaders in the sale of fine art, jewellery, watches, decorative arts, rare books and fine wines, Webb’s also holds regular specialist sales in areas such as modern and contemporary design, photography, Maori and Oceanic artefacts and important motorcycles. With more than twenty specialist staff, Webb’s lead the New Zealand art market, holding eight of the ten highest prices for New Zealand artists at auction. According to Webb’s, and in line with international trends, demand for the truly elite was clearly demonstrated over 2010 and in the first half of 2011. Managing Director of Webb’s, Neil Campbell said: ”Numerous auction records were achieved for art works, jewellery, wine and industrial design. Overall the Webb’s 2010/11 financial year saw a 15% increase on gross turnover against the previous year, with all specialist departments achieving significant success.” Historically one of the most buoyant seasons in the calendar, the Webb’s winter season opens in August with a selection of quality auctions, including the finest art works and superior collectables available to the market. Webb’s team of experts are available to discuss current market conditions and to provide up to date valuations, whilst specialists will be visiting the main centres of New Zealand to appraise pieces in anticipation of these forthcoming auctions.
For more details on the upcoming Winter sales visit www.webbs.co.nz Webb’s, New Zealand’s Premier Auction House 09 524 6804 auctions@webbs.co.nz Editor’s Note: Look out for the Webb’s Important Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycles Sale held on 19 October, to coincide with The Rugby World Cup. This will enjoy unprecedented international marketing, placing Webb’s vintage motorcycle sales on the world stage.
Calendar of Sales 13 Jul 1 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 18 Aug 8 Sept 14 Sept 19 Sept 19 Oct
Bethunes - Rare Books Fine and Rare Wine Important Works of Art Fine Jewellery and Watches Antiques and Modern Design Oceanic and African Art Bethunes - Rare Books Fine and Rare Wine Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycles & Cars
41
Stay with
This fabulous five star resort opens its doors in Queenstown Perfectly located along the banks of stunning Lake Wakatipu, less than five minutes’ drive from the international airport, the brand new Hilton Queenstown has been causing quite a stir amongst locals. Can this world-renowned five star powerhouse make the cut in this four season resort town and live up to expectations? ME’s General Manager, Lianne, took some time out from her busy life as a working mother with three children, to spend some quality time at the Hilton with her husband Greg.
with hints of Otago in the decor and local schist rock around the fireplace. The bedroom is raised one step up from the lounge area, creating a feeling of comfort and separation and there is also a second TV which is very convenient, which was a great feature. The bathrooms are fabulous and stylish with a separate bath, lots of bench space, dual basins and a super huge waterfall shower head; room for two - what fun!
For many, the birth of the Hilton Queenstown has quite simply been like watching your children grow up. The old campground disappeared a while ago now and slowly, but surely we have all watched the Kawarau Falls development grow and grow, yet never quite knowing what lay behind those barricades. Finally this month, the Hilton Queenstown opened its doors to the public and we couldn’t wait to get that exclusive first preview. Our first impressions didn’t disappoint as we drove into the impressive circular entrance to be greeted by our lovely concierge, Nathan who valet parked our car for us; a nice and unexpected touch. As we entered the hotel’s foyer area, we were impressed by the rich, deep and welcoming colours with textured wallpapers and dark wood to complement. Our check-in was efficient and friendly before we were whisked off to our room by the helpful porter. The brand new rooms are very comfortable and perfectly sized for space and comfort, with nice views over the garden area and the lake. The gas fire was already lit creating an invitingly warm and cosy feel, enhanced 42
The brand new and spacious rooms are warm and inviting with great views.
After we settle in we decide to explore the Kawarau Village, where The HIlton is located, which is more like a small community or town than a hotel. The area is designed to welcome not only travellers, but also the local community, and with this in mind there is an excellent range of options for food and dining, with shopping stores and a café/deli opening in time for the ski season. For those that want a little more action, you can take a walk or bike along the track which runs adjacent to the lake directly in front of the hotel or hit the in house gym like Greg did. After a small but worthwhile gym session we headed for the spa and pool area. Perfectly lit and very relaxing, the spa and pool area is linked by stairs to the spectacular Eforea spa. With ten treatment rooms for the ultimate spa experience, Eforea offers holistic treatments and is, I would say, one of the biggest and best spas in the region. Feeling already pretty relaxed and away from it all, we head back to our room for drinks and a bit of relaxation before dinner. With lots of channels to choose from we settle in to catch a movie, which was absolute bliss without the kids interrupting. We promptly arrived for dinner at 7.30pm and already the Wakatipu Grill, the hotel’s signature restaurant run by celebrity chef Peter Thornley, is filling up. The decor is rich with a series of black chandeliers that ‘pop’ the room, complimented by red up lighting to create a lovely ambience. The circular outdoor fireplace with seating looks very inviting and certainly a bit of a social hub, but we opt to stay inside for our romantic dinner for two.
The Wakatipu Grill outdoor fireplace. 43
Our entrees are simply divine. We chose scallops from the menu and the special foie gras which was created from the chef’s own duck farm. For our mains we went for the daily specials of the pork, which was being spit roasted in full view of us, simply mouth-watering and too appealing to pass up. I opted for the blue cod, supplied by our local Arrowtown fishmongers, and a side order of potato puree. The portions are well created, with perfect presentation, and are just enough to fill us up and leave space for dessert. The dessert menu is fantastic and I had already heard great things about this, so I go for my favourite ‘crème brulee’ which delights to the max and Greg goes for the Chocolate Tobacco creation, which he continues to talk about 24 hours later. With an extensive wine list to choose from, by the glass and right through to the most serious of celebration bottles, our evening is complete. Thoroughly relaxed and suitably fed and watered we head back to enjoy our room. Sunday morning, sans kids, starts with a leisurely walk along the track before making our way back to the Wakatipu Grill for breakfast. The layout and choice is superb and there is even a juicer to make your own juice. The passionfruit yoghurt and bircher muesli are both outstanding and the breakfast chef whips up some crispy bacon and perfectly poached eggs to our total satisfaction. Tea and coffee keeps coming and we are just loving this total experience. Sadly all good things must come to an end. Everything about the Hilton makes you feel welcome, the setting, the staff, the food, wine and much 44
Top left to right: The Wakatipu Grill, the in-house swimming pool and spa, the Hilton’s cinema room, views from the Wakatipu Grill, Stylish Design in the Lobby Lounge
more. We wanted to experience everything on offer from the in house Cru Bar (perfect for sipping après ski wine and cocktails), to the Gastro Pub and the Me & Mee Noodle Bar, but we simply ran out of time. Located very close to the airport, the Kelvin Heights and Jack’s Point Golf Courses and the Remarkables Ski Field, the Hilton Queenstown is perfectly positioned close to many amenities. In addition, $5 water taxi transfers are available at the front of the restaurant, making central Queenstown easily accessible via a scenic boat trip. Whether you are a domestic or international traveller, a local, a family, couple or business traveller, the Hilton is one place you want to put on your to-do list. It quite literally is a destination in itself and with more to come, things can only get better. Editor’s Note: The Eforea Spa Holistic Massage treatments are amazing and you even get to choose your own massage oils. Locals are already favouring the Hilton’s signature cocktail, The Frankton Fizz. With champagne, raspberry puree, rum, orange, curacao, lemon and sugar, this is a great tipple to be enjoyed at the Cru Wine Bar or Lobby Lounge.
45
Find
Auckland AURUM
FINE JEWEL L E R Y bespoke designers custom manufacturers restyling & repairs insurance work valuations
89 College Hill, Ponsonby
Soto Japanese restaurant presents �modern style� Japanese cuisine with a comprehensive and sumptuous menu. Only Japanese imported and locally sourced food are used. The Zensai tasting platter is certain to please the taste buds, enjoyed with a great range of sake and New Zealand wines. Whether you select an intimate dining experience for two or the separate traditional Japanese style room (with cushions and a low table) for up to 24 people, Soto is full of atmosphere.
13 St Marys Bay Rd, Ponsonby. Ph 09 360 0021 www.soto.co.nz
46
phone 09 378 1335
www.aurum.co.nz
Find
Queenstown
EntEr as ChallEngErs, lEavE as Champions! UBX offers the most unique and exciting corporate team bonding experience in Queenstown yet, in a safe and controlled environment. Split into two teams for training camp and then a friendly spar finale, all caught on edited dvd and photo album for prosperity. Visit www.ubx.co.nz or call 0220 144 332 to discuss further.
47
WARNING! thrills ahead
Thrill your clients, colleagues or friends with an action packed jet boat ride to the base of the mighty Huka Falls.
Hukafalls Jet can customise packages for your group, operating up to 4 boats at one time. With Huka Prawn Park right next door, why not add lunch after your trip? Contact us on info@hukafallsjet.com
Karetoto Road, Wairakei Tourist Park (10 minutes north of Taupo)
0800 485 2538
www.hukafallsjet.com
Exccit things are happening at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua. Exciting A nnew water ride, expanded cafĂŠ and an outdoor auditorium arre all currently under construction, due to open early 2012. are Call 07 350 0455 or email events@rainbowsprings.co.nz
BETTLE8965
NEW ZEALAND WILDLIFE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
48
Open daily 8am until late Ph 0800 RAINBOW (0800 724 626) Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua. www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
C O R P O R AT E T O U R S
New Zealand Tours Designed to Suit
A Sample of Our Tour Options AUCKLAND TOURS
Half Day Private Auckland Tour • Full Day Private Auckland Tour Full Day Private Bay of Islands Tour • Full Day Private Rotorua Tour
WELLINGTON TOURS Snapshot of Wellington • Kapiti for the Girls • A Taste of Martinborough
CHRISTCHURCH TOURS Short City Tour • Half Day Tour to Akaroa • Full Day Tour to Hanmer Springs
QUEENSTOWN TOURS Queenstown Short Tour • Half Day Tours Full Day Tour – The Ultimate Wine Tour • Full Day Tour
DUNEDIN TOURS 2 Hour City Tour • Half Day Tour • Full Day Tours
Locations & Reservations AUCKLAND Ph: 0508 695 466 WELLINGTON Ph: 0508 695 466 SOUTH ISLAND Ph: 0508 695 466 (Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin) Web: www.corporatetours.co.nz
NZ LI MOUSI N E S www.nzlimousines.co.nz www.nzlimousines.co.nz
You plan every little detail to make sure your special celebration is perfect and so do we!
Expect Something Special
VIPs Weddings Luxury Tours For the Red Carpet
Locations & Reservations AUCKLAND, WELLINGTON, CHRISTCHURCH, QUEENSTOWN, DUNEDIN Ph: 0508 695 466 (0508 NZLIMO) Web: www.nzlimousines.co.nz