TRAVEL

TheWhiteSwan

Hit the road, Jack

HEAD FOR WAIRARAPA

Put HELEN PERRY behind the wheel of a car, point her in the direction of a country road and it’s likely she’ll head off into the sunset or, as on one recent occasion, the Wairarapa! Yes, when the opportunity arose to visit Greytown and Martinborough for the first time, the car was readied and she was off!

I once thought, ‘I’ve been everywhere man’, when it comes to touring Aotearoa, but, of course, I knew there were many pockets which had escaped my attention over the years including the Wairarapa – until last month, that is.

Determined not to let this summer, or any unexpected Covid-19 developments, get in the way of holiday escapes, I told man about the house, I’d booked us a 5-6 day road trip heading first to Whakapapa Village at Mt Ruapehu.

I know, I know, there’s no snow in February but I’m more a Pacific sun girl than a winter snow queen. So, on spotting Chateau Tongariro’s celebration package in the heart of summer, I booked a stopover on our way to Greytown – you’re never too old, or married so long as to turn down champagne, chocolates, a three-course dinner and a stupendous breakfast all in the price of an overnight stay.

And, these days, where can you sit in an elegant hotel lounge, sip a port and just let the beautiful music of pianist, Peter Parkinson take you up a Moon River, to New York, New York and on to the hills of Austria to pick Eidelweiss?

Those were just three of the many wonderful serenades from across the decades that this talented pianist delivered over several hours – it was my idea of 7th heaven.

Of course, this ‘music of the night’ added to the genteel ambience of the Chateau where I found it difficult to fault the charm, the service and the views – a picture window in the lounge frames Mt Ngaruhoe perfectly.

Our room décor was stylish, indeed refined, however the bathroom, despite being well maintained, needed updating – tiling would do wonders.

But that never detracted from our stay. There were so many niceties and I did like the dress code in the main dining room which required men to wear long trousers at dinner – no shorts or jandals. It just bought a sense of formality to the dinner hour – neckties, on this occasion were not required!

Furthermore, our three-course meal was right up to expectations – plenty of choice and mouthwateringly good! have ever seen – hot dishes, cold cuts, fresh fruit, cut fruit, cereals, pastries, pancakes, even bread and butter pudding plus a whole lot more – we set out for Greytown.

OVER THE HILLS AND WHAT A STAY…

If the drive from Taupo to Chateau Tongariro was beautiful – stunning scenery in every direction – the on-going journey, taking the rear route through pretty Ohakune to Feilding then over the Pahiatua Saddle from Ashurst through to Woodville before tracking south via Eketahuna, Masterton, and Carterton to Greytown, was just as enthralling.

Close encounters with giant windmills was quite an experience and, again, the outlook in so

Clockwise from top left: Tongariro Chateau; Palliser vineyard; Greytown; Martinborough.

many directions left us gasping. It’s a drive I would recommend to anyone as was our return journey, not over the Saddle, but through Mangamaire and across the Pahiatua track.

Then there was Greytown itself. I can now see why it was picked as New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town in 2017 (ahead of Raglan I might add); it was utterly charming. We had tossed up between this delightful village and nearby Martinbrough for our threenight stay – we were pulled both ways but Greytown proved to be a great choice.

Staying at The White Swan Hotel was a treat – we enjoyed exemplary service and an extremely comfortable room with a small deck overlooking a public reserve where apple and plum trees were heavily laden with fruit. I couldn’t help thinking there must be many a family who would welcome some of it in their kitchens and wondered if anyone actually gathered these lush summer fruits.

Guests at The White Swan also benefited from a sunny public verandah, bar and dining rooms which were all well patronised while we were there. The only thing missing from our room were those darn luggage racks (a bit short at Chateau Tongariro too), otherwise, this iconic hotel was just what these two fusspots ordered.

Although the weather turned cooler while in the Wairarapa, and we saw a sprinkling of rain, it never stopped us exploring some of the region. We actually decided to skip the popular Martinborough Fair – a big day on the local calendar but too many people for us. Instead, we visited the township a day earlier and found plenty of tempting cafés, homeware shops and interesting boutiques. Then, on fair day we headed to Palliser Vineyard for wine sampling.

What a pleasant venue – people lounging on beans bags in the treed garden and gorgeous tasting platters passing us by as we headed up the path through beautifully manicured lawns. Definitely a return visit is called for although, sadly, we just didn’t have time to visit several other ‘must try’ wineries on our list – Poppies and Tirohana Estate to name just two.

As our short sojourn came to an end, I realised the time had been much too short. There were so many places we would have liked to have visited – Lake Ferry, Pallliser Point, the Waiohine Gorge walk to waterfall and suspension bridge, plus the many wonderful vineyards with restaurants. For cyclists, trails abound.

To see all, without rushing, calls for at least five to 10 days or more so, it’s likely, we will look to return there next spring. What’s more, we will probably take a few days extra to return via Napier and visit the likes of Castlepoint on the way.

My recommendation, if you haven’t been that way before, is to do so while our international tourism numbers are down and accommodation more easily accessed. This part of the country may be a bit off the beaten track for Northerners driving but it is a road trip I heartily recommend.

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day commemorations – in any form possible – offer Kiwis the chance to experience a little living history. However, reading plays an essential role. Here are just a few new and recently-released books which can help us all learn, understand and help prevent the worst chapters in world history being repeated.

WARS WITHOUT END

Many histories of the New Zealand Wars have been published but, in this book, senior historian Danny Keenan seeks to view this defining period in our shared history through the eyes of Maori. By focusing on the perspective of the indigenous people of Aotearoa, Wars Without End offers fresh insight into many aspects from perceptions of land ownership/guardianship to cultural views regarding

Danny Keenan: Wars Without End – New Zealand’s Land Wars: A Maori Perspective | RRP $40 | Penguin

Now open.

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THE BOY WHO DREW AUSCHWITZ THE CHILDREN’S TRAIN FOR THE KIDS

THIS IS WHERE I STAND

Left to fend for himself aged 13, Thomas Geve felt compelled to capture daily life in the death camp, Auschwitz. Through more than 80 drawings, Thomas revealed the bitter truth of one of the darkest chapters in history. Many years on, his book seeks to ensure that we never forget such horrors as he witnessed, and so help ensure they are never repeated.

Thomas Geve: The Boy Who Drew Auschwitz | RRP $45 | HarperCollins Even when wars end, the damage they leave in their wake can prove devastating. Based on true events, this novel follows seven-year-old Amerigo leaving the rubble-strewn streets of Naples, and his mother, behind. Through his innocent eyes, The Children’s Train reveals a nation rising from the ashes of dictatorship and war.

Viola Ardone: The Children’s Train | RRP $35| HarperVia Behind the uniform of any soldier there is a civilian, a person, a son and perhaps a husband and a father. Released in time for ANZAC Day, this hauntingly beautiful children’s book centres on the statue of a First World War soldier, his service and observations of the world around him.

Philippa Werry and Kieran Rynhart (illustrator): This is Where I Stand | RRP $27.99 | Scholastic NZ

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LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Covid-19 may have heralded grim times for some but EastLife photographer, WAYNE MARTIN, set off to remind readers that life is still beautiful. His district wanderings, and his focus on the everyday, prove there is much to be grateful for in our small part of the world especially when it comes to nature’s gifts. Undoubtedly, many of us have spotted similar sights and experienced the pleasure that comes from seeing all that is good.

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RAISING CONFIDENT children

Rockabye Early Learning Centre takes the care and education of young children seriously. Here, centre owner CARYN MAWKES has some tips to inspire confidence in children.

In order to help boost your child’s confidence, you have to be an active participant in their lives so here are a handful of ideas that may help your child to grow in a positive and confident manner:

• Connect with your child every day. It is important to take time to engage with them on a daily basis.

• Giving children choices will make them feel empowered. Letting them make their own choices will boost their confidence where they can learn to trust their own judgment. Allowing children to pick out their own clothes will make them feel happy and comfortable, even if they are mismatched. Children like to be good helpers and contribute – whether it’s asking to help make dinner, sweep the floor or pick up toys. They enjoy small tasks which make them feel as if they’re contributing to the family.

• Show an interest in the things your children are passionate about. They may enjoy time building, drawing, or cooking.

As a parent, show an interest in their passions and even give them a go yourself.

• Try to inspire confidence in your child and encourage respect for everyone around them. Children learn by observation; they’ll treat other people the way you do. Be kind when you talk about other people, especially in front of your children

• When children problem solve it nurtures their self-esteem.

Before you jump in and solve problems for them, give suggestions as to how they can find a solution to the situation all on their own. Help them to find strategies they can use to solve problems themselves.

• Children will shine with positive reinforcement. Along the same lines as being specific with praise, look for opportunities to point out character-building compliments. If children are struggling with something but finally start to catch on, applaud them on their perseverance and their positive attitude to have kept trying even though it was a struggle.

These are some simple ways to boost confidence and sense of worth.

Remember, raising confident youngsters is about taking one step at a time.

Before you know it, your child will be confident, self assured and have a positive outlook on life.

7.30am-5.30pm | Full & part time Children aged 0-5 years Top 5% rated by Education Review Office Growing resilient, resourceful & responsible children for 15 years

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ONLINE BOOKSTORE

GORDON READS MARKET

In efforts to bring children’s book authors and their readers closer together, Kate Gordon came up with a simple, yet imaginative plan. Through the Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books online store, readers are now able to purchase the latest home-grown children’s books direct from their authors.

So far, the website features books by more than 20 authors; Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books assists authors in selling and distributing their books direct, cutting costs in the process.

“I don’t want to take away from the fantastic work done by bookstores, many of whom offer significant support to New Zealand authors, but they have limited shelf space and a whole world of books to choose from,” Kate explains. “Our books are [also] available through the big online retailers, which is great for reaching overseas readers.”

Kate devised the idea soon after independently publishing her first middle grade novel, Lily and the Unicorn King, last year.

“I love being an indie author and part of an ever-growing community of indie [independent] authors. It’s exciting and humbling to have so much support from the authors involved with Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books,” adds Kate. “Sometimes it still feels like such a simple idea, but that’s often good, isn’t it? To know your core focus and run with it?”

KateGordon Photo Vicky Fulton

KIDS BOOKS

THE DESOLATIONS OF DEVIL’S ACRE

The final book in an acclaimed series (suited to young readers aged 12 and up), The Desolations of Devil’s Acre sees The Acre plagued by desolations – weather fronts of ash and blood and bone. Jacob Portman, Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children must summon all their courage and wile to thwart the evil intentions of the villainous Caul.

Ransom Riggs: The Desolations of Devil’s Acre | RRP $30 | Puffin

THE RUNAWAY GIRLS

Loose on the streets of London there are few adventures that Lucy Locket and Kitty Fisher will avoid! Set in Victorian England at the time of the Great Exhibition, this book (best suited to readers aged 9-12) takes us on a romp through a changing world – which still features many pitfalls – as seen through the wide eyes of a couple of enterprising young women.

Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt (illustrator): The Runaway Girls | RRP $30 | Doubleday Childrens

THE COUSINS

When a rich relative invites three cousins from the Story family to work at her island resort over summer, the door of opportunity appears set to open. However, as this thriller (best suited to young readers aged 12 and up) plays out, the skeletons in this family’s closet tell a mysterious and dark story about the Story family.

VIOLET BLACK

NZ Book Awards’ finalist Eileen Merriman presents the first book in what promises to be an intriguing, page-turner of a new trilogy written to appeal to readers aged 12 and up. Set in the near future, this story sees Violet Black and Ethan Wright struggling against the cruel intentions of the sinister Foundation.

Karen M McManus: The Cousins | RRP $21 | Macmillan Publishers Eileen Merriman: Violet Black | RRP $19.99 | Penguin

THERE’S A BEAR IN THE WINDOW

www.eastlife.co.nz JunePitman-Hayes&MinkyStapleton(illustrator): There’saBear intheWindow|RRP$19.99|Scholastic NZ Told in both English and Te Reo, There’saBear intheWindow recalls a most heart-warming aspect during the dark days of lockdown. Complete with a catchy downloadable song, this book sees little ones going on a bear hunt in 2020 style. DeanoYipadeeandPaulBeavis(illustrator):EllieCopter |RRP$19.99|Scholastic NZ

ELLIE COPTER

Deano Yipadee and Paul Beavis are on fire again with their latest book in the popular Nee Naw series. This time, it’s a plucky little helicopter who tops the bill as she whirs into action. Can Ellie live up to expectations and save the day? There’s only one way to find out!