THE: Travel, Hospitality, Entertainment - 2 June 2023

Oia at sunset, Santorini, in Greece.

right on the lakefront

Luxury accommodation, ne dining and breath-taking views on the water’s edge is what you’ll enjoy at On e Point - Lake Rotorua.

e renowned luxury boutique lodge has returned to its heritage roots as an independent property – o ering a unique point of di erence in the luxury accommodation sector.

General manager Ann GregorGreene welcomes you to stay and enjoy the lakeside lodge – which is steeped in rich heritage, immersed in stunning surrounds, and accompanied by the highest-quality hospitality for

the discerning traveller. “Our beautiful property o ers a luxury experience that is second-to-none, with all suites and villas o ering breath-taking views of Lake Rotorua,” says Ann. e original homestead, built in 1930, has been in the Main family since 1977 and opened as a lodge in 2004. Today, the Mains are proud it is still NZ-owned by their family.

“A classic lodge with irresistible charm, the two-story mansion has been lovingly refurbished to retain its timeless appeal and character.”

Each suite has an inviting lounge area, ensuite bathroom and spa bath.

“Part of its charm is a large communal lounge with open replace, a timber-

panelled dining room and elegant billiard room,” says Ann.

“Formerly a family home, many antiques remain which – combined with modern luxury furnishings –provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat with a unique feel.”

On e Point - Lake Rotorua is a 2.5hour drive from Auckland CBD, ve minutes from Rotorua CBD, and 20 minutes from the airport.

“Our hospitality is what sets us apart,” says Ann. “We know how to deliver exceptional service and ne dining, and our team take the time to really get to know our individual guests, their needs, and special wishes, providing an experience like no other.”

e property facilities include a tennis court, gymnasium, spa, ‘massage with a view’ experience, and friendly farm animals.

e lodge restaurant o ers the nest Rotorua cuisine in which everything, where possible, is made fresh from scratch. “ e team has built a reputation for mouth-watering dining, utilising the freshest locally-sourced seasonal produce.

“You may choose to join guests in the main dining room, reserve an elegant private dining room, or dine in your suite or on the terrace overlooking the lake on a warm evening.”

the world!

Zealandier Tours

If you’re looking to book a tour to enjoy scenic, cultural and travel experiences within New Zealand or abroad, contact Zealandier Tours.

e Tauranga-based business o ers a full array of tours – from escorted NZ tours to fully guided cruise-ship passenger sightseeing excursions, to fully hosted overseas tours, and a local travel club with day-trips!

“Our emphasis is on your comfort, safety, attention to details, and value for money – which, combined, guarantees a quality experience,” says co-founder and director Jan Davies.

“We cater to many types of traveller – cruiseship passengers, local senior travellers, inbound

of cultures in Katikati

international travellers, transport transfers, and travellers wishing to go outbound.

“Our tours comprise of a variety of sightseeing day excursions, one-day through to ve-day tours, and any tours up to about 11 days. For cruise-ship passengers there’s sightseeing excursions from port of Tauranga.

“We also o er an annual fully escorted overseas tour, which has a land and/or cruise package.”

Jan says the family-run travel hub is a fantastic team of people who are passionate about delivering fully escorted luxury tours within New Zealand and overseas.

“Our objective is to ensure our guests are exposed to the maximum of experiences, scenic splendour and unique culture as is possible in the allotted timeframe.

“Zealandier Tours is well-known for providing real value-for-money vacations, giving you fantastic lasting memories.

“We are committed to ensuring you have the very best holiday vacation experience while traveling with us either here in New Zealand or overseas.”

For more information and to book, visit: www.zealandiertours.com

Katikati is the place to be this Saturday, June 3, as the township invites people from near and far to celebrate everyone’s diversity in the second Katikati Festival of Cultures.

e festival invites people of all cultures to come and celebrate their origins with a ag parade, which begins 10am at Moore Park and goes through town to nish at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

At the hall, the event will begin with a powhiri welcome – followed by a range of cultural performances and entertainment from a number of groups showing the community and visitors alike their beautiful traditions. Plus, international food will be for sale from vendors o ering multiple cuisines. Organiser Kirst O’Rourke says this Saturday, June 3, is the rst opportunity since Covid-19 hit New Zealand to be able to host

the whole festival after the ag parade was unable to happen in 2021.

“We really want the community – as well as visitors to town – to come and enjoy all the culture, cuisines and traditions that people of di erent ethnicities have to o er from 10am-2pm.”

“Cultural performers include Katikati College Pasi ka Group, the Tauranga Chinese Cultural Arts group dancing in traditional costume, Tauranga Samba, Cambodian dancers, Arabian Spice and the Te Moananui Society Cook Island Drum Group.”

Food vendors include Loco Mexicano, Brazilian-style Supreme Snacks, Indian Delicious Dosa, ai food provided by Nui ai, hangi catered by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, and a Kiwi sausage sizzle by Katikati Pony Club.

Katikati Festival of Cultures is 10am-2pm Saturday, June 3, at Katikati War Memorial Hall, State Highway 2. All welcome!

Crowds watch performances at a past Katikati Festival of Cultures. Photos: Festival of Culture Facebook page.

Stonehenge NZ. Art Deco in Napier.

Marakopa Falls.

Blueberry

Mamaku Blue

Did you know there’s more than one type of blueberry?

And what do green gooseberries taste like?

You can experience it all at Mamaku Blue’s Blueberry Experience.

“On your road-trip on to or from Rotorua, you’ll see the turno towards Mamaku Blue,” says farm operators Phillip and Michaela Frost.

“We’re in the mountains so you might be welcomed by colder weather – but you’ll also be captured by the landscape shaped by volcanic eruption many years ago.”

Mamaku Blue is home to a family business which was started more than 40 years ago by Harry and Anne Frost. e couple began growing blueberries in the early-1980s and exporting them. When Cyclone Bola damaged fruit, they trialled wine-making –which diverted into successful juice-making

with careful procedures so all the goodness of blueberries are squeezed and captured in 1L, 750ml, and 250ml bottles.

“You can try it yourself and comment back to us, as many of our customers review the amazing bene ts of our Pure Blueberry Juice,” says Phillip.

“You are welcome to visit the Mamaku Blue Complex, where we o er tours, functions, a cafe, and a retail shop.”

As such Mamaku Blue has grown into an amazing outlet for blueberries and gooseberries – but also for the unique range of blueberry and gooseberry products made exclusively from berries grown in volcanic ash 600 metres above sea level.

With Phillip and Michaela, Anne and Harry’s legacy carries on – educating and helping customers with the small but powerful ‘star fruit’ – blueberries! “Come and visit us, you’ll be surprised by our blueberry venture.”

A nity Cruises

See the stunning sounds of the South Island and get an up-close look of other-worldly hidden coves with A nity Cruises.

Travelling with A nity is not your typical cruise experience, says A nity Cruises’ Tracey Green.

“[With A nity] it’s small group touring so it’s unique, it’s fun, it explores parts of New Zealand that you wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to explore.”

e A nity vessel itself was purpose-built in Picton and includes eight cabins for a maximum of 16 guests.

“It’s a boat where you get to know the other people on-board so you start to make friends and it’s just a beautiful experience – but the thing I love the most is watching people get on there from busy lives and turn into big kids.”

e A nity holds tours around three iconic spots down south – Fiordland, Stewart Island and Marlborough Sounds.

Tracey says their scenic cruises in Marlborough Sounds, which highlight Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, is the perfect summer experience. “Guests are able to go swimming and quite often we see marine life swimming around the boat. We get to see dolphins and it’s just a really lovely time of year.”

And if people aren’t out swimming or taking a walk in the great outdoors, they’re well looked after on-board.

“We take a lot of pride making sure this is the experience of a lifetime for people and that they take home beautiful memories of the regions they’ve visited… it’s our priority that every guest has a good time.”

$2,839

Georgia Minkhorst

The Affinity only holds up to 16 guests, making for a personalised experience when down south.

The Frost family run Mamaku Blue – from left is Phillip, Michaela, Harry, Anne, with the grandchildren.

Unforgetable

My friends are pretty sure I’ve smuggled at least three huskies out of Taupo.

Most photos posted on my weekend away feature tongue-lolling furry faces with me grinning goo ly alongside. Luckily, on my visit to Timberline Siberian Racing Huskies, owners Taniya and Steve Coxhead dispelled any dreams I have about becoming a husky owner.

“ ey’re a specialist working dog and need to be managed in a di erent way to your average pet,” explains Steve.

“ e Siberian Husky is quite excitable. ey’re not a placid companion dog.”

Our conversation is interrupted by rst one, then three, then all 16 huskies lifting their noses to the air and howling. “It’s a howl up,” says Taniya,

raising her voice above the cacophony.

“It happens a couple of times a day.”

“Welcome to Timberline,” laughs Steve.

Timberline’s tours o er live demonstrations of running the dogs, a ‘meet and cuddle’, plus you’ll learn the history of the Siberian husky and its introduction into New Zealand.

e couple fell in love with husky sled racing more than 20 years ago. Today they have the largest Siberian Husky race kennel in NZ. “When we thought about inviting visitors to see the huskies, we wanted to be able to run them – because that’s what huskies are all about,” says Taniya.

“We wanted to show the gear and the dogs getting harnessed up to the sled, which is a whole lot of crazy noise.”

Sure enough, the excited barking hypes our anticipation – so when the huskies

race o down the track, the sudden absence of noise in the beautiful rural setting is a shock to the senses.

e eight-dog team is a grey blur in the distance until they pass us with tongues lolloping, tails apping, e ortlessly galloping ahead of Steve’s quad bike.

ey’re given time to cool down before what can only be called an adorable cuddle puddle. “We’re not sure who enjoys it more,” laughs Taniya. “ e visitors or the huskies.”

e huskies con dently wander amongst us. Some drape themselves over a foot, or lean lazily against their chosen human; others roll over for a belly scratch. “ e cuddles at the end are really popular,” says Steve. Follow Deb’s travels on instagram @travelpresenterdeb Debbie Griffiths

Debbie Griffiths poses with ‘Wolf’, one of the Timberline huskies.

The team of huskies get ready to run. Photo: Timberline Siberian Racing Huskies. Steve and Taniya Coxhead.

Timberline Siberian Racing Huskies

Around the

from only $24

What do you do in Auckland that won’t break the bank – the zoo at Western Springs is just the ticket.

A ordable and fun, no-one is ever disappointed.

Flower fever on

Supreme Tours

Calling all garden lovers for a travel experience that will make your spirit of adventure bloom!

Supreme Tours & Travel has been running since 1994 and o ers door-to-door, fully inclusive, stress-free tours all over the world.

Director Terri Small is budding with excitement to invite people onto their special garden tours that will be running September-November this year. “We feature the Taranaki Garden Festival each year and it’s very popular. We stay at a beautiful hotel, Novotel, right in the centre of New Plymouth,” says Terri.

“Because it’s a Supreme Tour you’re travelling in a group of like-minded people who are always keen to see what’s new in the garden world, and you can take ideas back to

your own garden at home.” On the Taranaki tour, Terri says: “We always carry boxes in the luggage compartment that guests can put their plants in to bring home”.

Terri is also thrilled to announce Supreme Tours will be going back across the Tasman after ve years to the Floriade in Canberra.

“ at’s a very big ower festival…there’s hundreds and hundreds of owers, seeds and new innovative planting ideas!”

On the same trip, travellers will also head to Mittagong, New South Wales, for the Tulip Festival. “ ere’s 75,000 mass-planted tulips, which are just awe-inspiring to see!

“ is is just a tiny look at tours that we have!” For contact information to nd out more and what Supreme Tours are on o er, see their advert below.

Auckland Zoo is a 16.35-hectare home to 130 di erent species, more than 2800 animals and the largest diversity of wildlife in Aotearoa. From elephants to rhinos, gira es to red pandas...love the orangutans, porcupines, cheetahs, Bligh and Whito the takahe and their feathered friends the Kapapo. row a carload of kids into the mix and it’s a special kind of hours-long experience.

ere’s also interactive fact-o ering activities like ‘the keepers’ talks’. We chanced upon a talk and ying demonstration of a white owl. We’ve heard the Morepork at night but never been up-close and personal with an owl. Inspiring!

ere’s playgrounds and quiet spaces away from the children – they’ve thought of everyone, and everything!

ere’s even photo squares at fences to line up the perfect photo of an enclosure. Both

times I’ve visited recently there have been many hobby photographers snapping away. e sculptures, trees, plants and landscaping take you out of Auckland to far-o exotic locations.

ere’s ice cream stands, cafes, restaurants. You can have a birthday party, or get married there!

What I love most is how the zoo is organised by places around the world – there’s the African Safari track, Te Wao Nui (our track), the South East Asia Jungle Track, the South America Rainforest Track, and the Australia Bush track.

e zoo has certainly come a long way from the days of a chimpanzee tea party. Today it educates people on animals, wildlife conservation and caring for the environment.

ere’s an exhibition called ‘100 Years: Celebrating a century of wild life at Auckland Zoo’ where you can see how the Auckland icon has evolved. e animals at Auckland Zoo are on duty 364 days a year. Merle Cave

Giraffes.

Eden and Isla Cave enjoy seeing a white owl.

Georgia Minkhorst

Supreme Tours is heading back across the Tasman to the Floriade in Canberra.

Travelling come true

Helloworld Travel - The Local Travel Professionals You Can Trust

Providing inspiration and knowledge to create your travel dreams is what Helloworld Travel is all about. With decades of knowledge and experience, the Bay of Plenty locally-owned and operated teams have the expertise to assist you with any issues that can occur when travelling overseas.

Helloworld Travel at e Lakes owners

Steve Marshall and Kylie Masters say using a travel agent ensures you receive expert guidance when planning your holiday. “We’re an extra layer of security and a point of contact locally – as opposed to talking to a website or call centre that may or may not be located overseas. It’s having that safety net of a person working on your behalf,” says Steve.

Helloworld Mount Maunganui owner Tracey Bluck says :“It’s just taking the stress o your shoulders and putting it on ours so it’s all good”.

After 25 years in retail travel, Steve says: “You still get that thrill of looking after somebody and when somebody comes to you and says: ‘ ank you for looking after me. at was amazing’”. “I rmly believe that travel is one of

the best things that opens your eyes to the world!”

David Cull at Helloworld Travel Tauranga says having a travel agent is like travel insurance. “We always hope these arrangements will go smoothly but there are so many situations that can impact this. Whether it’s the weather, strikes, and schedule changes.

“ ere are just so many things that can play against your holiday plans and we are there when problems happen.

“Let the experts look after your travel arrangements, we have the skills and knowledge which then allows you to relax knowing you won’t be caught out!”

Travel client Claudine says she uses Helloworld Travel for all her big holidays.

“We’ve just planned a family trip to ailand… it was just so much easier [using Helloworld] and you just feel a bit more con dent that if something happens with Covid-19 or something…your money is protected”. “ ey’re just really pleasant, awesome people to deal with…nothing’s ever a problem. It’s just easy, peace of mind and security.”

The HE ART of THE MEDITERRANEAN

JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES

AGES

Set course for unforgettable exploration to some of the Mediterranean’s most historic ports, from savouring Barcelona’s easygoing spirit to the visiting fabled towns of Tuscany, ancient Rome and canal-laced Venice.

Tauranga team Jan Duffy, David Cull and Sue Holmes.

The Lakes team Katie Davies, Steve Marshall and Kylie Masters.

Mount Maunganui team Robyn McCormick, Princesse Gaden and Tracey Bluck.

Georgia Minkhorst

Dallas, US – a family-friendly

As the city that inspired a long-running 1980s TV series and saw the death of a president – it’s inescapable the most popular tourism attractions in Dallas focus on the macabre.

“We don’t love that two of the most memorable things about Dallas involve people getting shot,” admits Andrea Coker from Visit Dallas, referring to the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the great ‘Who shot JR’ ‘Dallas’ cli -hanger.

“But it marked so many people’s childhood or adolescence memories that they want to come see where it happened. It’s just part of our history.”

She’s got a point. e Texas city’s beautiful stone architecture feels familiar because of that infamous grainy 60-year-old news footage of the JFK assassination. In fact, every other visitor I talk to is doing a tour or visiting the

Sixth Floor Museum that chronicles the event and legacy of President Kennedy. Dallas, though, is so much more than that.

An impressive sculpture in Pioneer Plaza featuring 40 larger-than-life cattle and three cowboys is the city’s second most visited attraction. ( e rst is Dealey Plaza, of course, where President Kennedy was shot). But it’s worth a visit to admire the work that’s gone into the bronze works as a nod to the rst settlers who drove cattle from ranches in the south up to Kansas.

Geographically, Dallas is huge, but it’s easy to have a great day in the central city without a car. One of the most recent family-friendly additions, Klyde Warren Park, is perfect for families to play, relax and have lunch from a food truck. e award-winning green space has been constructed above a six-lane freeway.

Not far away, Perot Museum of Nature and Science has exhibits spread over four levels. ey are super imaginative and interactive

to keep young minds engaged, ranging from dinosaurs and space to modern robotics. e 3D movie costs a little more but is well worth it.

For a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, Reunion Tower gives a 360-degree panorama from 470 feet – or 143 metres – up. e revolving restaurant above the GeO-Deck level makes the perfect kids-free date night.

Let’s not forget the fantastic TexMex food and the fact that Dallas is the birthplace of the frozen margarita, making Dallas an excellent destination for kids of all ages.

Here’s a top tip: Invest in a Dallas CityPASS which gives visitors heavily discounted rates on the best tourist attractions. It’s so good that locals use it too – either for their own family staycation or for visiting friends and relatives. It gives pre-paid admission and is valid for nine consecutive days so you can take your time to see the sights. Go to: citypass.com

Debbie Griffiths

Nate Wadsworth operating robots at the Perot Museum.

Photo: Debbie Griffiths.

Klyde Warren Park in the Dallas Arts District. Photo: Visit Dallas. Dallas Skyline from the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower.

Photo: Visit Dallas. Debbie Griffiths at the cattle drive sculpture.

Photo: Nate Wadsworth.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Photo: Visit Dallas.