Upcoming Events!

Brisbane Irish Festival

Clear a space in your diary for the Brisbane Irish Festival, scheduled to take place from 9 to 17 March.

Tipped to be a week to remember, the Brisbane Irish Festival is a must for anyone with or 
without an ounce of Irish Blood. Enjoy and experience a packed schedule of events 
featuring culture, dance, sport, film, food and music.

Highlights from the Brisbane Irish Festival will include the St Patrick's Day Parade through The City, a Gaelic sports festival, an Irish Film Night, a Food Fair, the BIF Ball and plenty of music and dancing in venues across Brisbane. 

For further information visit: W: www.brisbaneirishfestival.com.au

2013 RACQ Insurance International Women's 

Day Fun Run/Walk

Brisbane's largest female orientated fun run is on again!

This event is about bringing together females of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels for a morning celebration to recognise International Women’s Day, fun & fitness and to raise awareness of women and women’s issues.

The 5km run/walk starts and finishes in the Cultural Forecourt, The Parklands, South Bank.

Entry categories include 5km Individual Walkers; 5km Individual Runners (nine age categories); and 5km Corporate Teams Challenge, as well as a School’s Team Trophy and Best Dressed Team prizes. 

DATE: 10 Mar 2013
VENUE: South Bank
SOUTH BANK
QLD 4101
W: www.womensdayfunrun.com.au

Australian Romance Readers Convention

Australian Romance Readers Convention, Brisbane, 1 March 2013 – 3 March 2013

The Australian Romance Readers Convention will bring together romance readers, authors and publishers and provide an opportunity to talk about all things related to romance fiction.

The convention is an international event and will feature award-winning authors Kristan Higgins, Anne Gracie and Rachel Vincent as keynote speakers. Panel members will include numerous bestselling Australian romance authors.

Where:Mercure Hotel, Brisbane, 85-87 North Quay, Brisbane

Visit their official website here.

International Women's Day with Gretel Killeen
International Women's Day with Gretel Killeen, Brisbane, 2 March 2013

Where:Victoria Park Golf Club, 223 Herston Road, Herston

International Women's Day  2013 is a wonderful celebration of the economic, social and political achievements of women worldwide. Come and share an afternoon of fashion, food and raffles and join us in expressing the promise, hope and potential of women -now and in the future.

Visit Website: www.coasit.asn.au for more information.

Redlands Healing Centre Launch Day Free Event 2nd March
Redlands Healing Centre Launch Day Free Event 2nd March, Brisbane, 2 March 2013

Redlands Healing Centre Launch Day Saturday March 2nd

This is an invitation to attend Redlands Healing Centre Launch Day
Saturday March 2nd 9am – 4 pm
Register online to receive free membership and great discounts
http://www.redlandshealingcentre.com.au/launch-day/

**Free Entry and a totally free event

This is a day of sharing information not selling about natural health and well-being. There will be over 35 healing modalities on display such as kiniesiology, naturopathy, iridology, allergy testing, traditional chinese massage, yoga, meditation, ,counselling, reiki, reflexology, hypnotherapy, crystal healing, spirit art, energy sheets, Doula,Acupuncture, medical intuitive, homeopathy, astrology and natal charts, Tai Chi,Women's circles, and vegetarian cooking.

There will also be performances by all girl band Love Like Hate and lots of free giveaways and demonstrations and speakers.

Register online for the launch day for your free membership to receive great specials on healing consultations, services and products.

http://www.redlandshealingcentre.com.au/launch-day/

Venue:
Redlands Healing Centre
557 Mt Cotton Road Sheldon
(10 minutes from Chandler Sports Centre)
www.redlandshealingcentre.com.au

Gem Show - Gem and Jewellery Festival
Gem Show - Gem and Jewellery Festival, Brisbane, 2 March 2013 – 3 March 2013

Over 30 dealers will have for sale a wide range of coloured gemstones like opals, sapphires, tourmalines, zircons, rubies, pearls and more. The range of gems available will be one of the largest seen in one site in south east Queensland. The festival will provide an ideal opportunity for visitors to purchase a unique Queensland gem. Jewellers in attendance will be selling a wide range of both set and unset jewellery. It will be possible to select a special gem and have it set in a setting of your choice at the show. Fossils, beads, crystals and pearls will also be featured.

Visitors to the show will be able to view displays of cut and polished gems and hand made jewellery completed by members of the club. Demonstrations of craftpersons faceting semi precious gemstones, cutting opals, and hand manufacturing jewellery will be ongoing over the weekend. 

Aviation High School, Widdop Street, Clayfield, Brisbane, Brisbane

Where:

For further information checkout their website at: www.nblc.com.au.

New Zealand in a Glass
New Zealand in a Glass, Brisbane, 4 March 2013

New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand wine is an experience like no other. In every glass of New Zealand wine is a world of Pure Discovery.

Join over 40 premium wineries at our exclusive tasting, featuring over 230 wines. Meet the representatives, hear their stories, taste their exceptional wines and make our discoveries your own.

Join the #nzwine conversation on Twitter at the event!

Ticket price includes your own Riedel glass to take home, valued at $20 (one glass per person).

Visit and win! Guests also have the chance to win a return trip for two to New Zealand.

Where:

     The Pullman, Cnr Ann and Roma Streets, Brisbane CBD

Website:

• www.newzealand.com/events
• 
  

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Idyllic Devonport

Situated a short 10 minute ferry ride from Auckland across the beautiful Waitemata Harbour is the idyllic seaside village of Devonport.

View Larger Map

Devonport has it all - historic buildings, beautiful scenery, stunning sandy beaches, and a view of Auckland from Mount Victoria to die for.

In the 1840s Devonport was known as Flagstaff because of the flag staff hoisted on the village's highest hill.

In the 1880s much of the farmland was sub-divided and large wooden villas were built, which to date are a charming feature of this area.

On our guided tour of Devonport, it was amazing to see the amount of restoration work being carried out on these historic Victorian style buildings.  Many of them have already been beautifully restored and are a pleasure to view.

The more adventurous travellers, who wish to forego the guided tour, there are multiple other ways to explore Devonport.  At the ferry terminal there is the option to hire a Segway.  These contraptions look awesome, even if somewhat costly.

For those travellers who are a bit more active, there is the option to hire bicycles at the ferry terminal.  This option I recommend for those travellers who are very fit, because Devonport is a bit hilly, especially if you wish to explore Mount Victoria with its battery guns and ammunition tunnels.

When travellers arrive via the Devonport ferry terminal they are greeted by a horse drawn carriage, which is just perfect, especially once you've had a chance to explore this small Victorian hamlet and it all falls into place.  If the guided tour had not been pre-purchased, I would have taken this option to explore this idyllic paradise.

There are also plenty of cafes and shops to satisfy the keenest food critic or the most fashion conscious.

While visiting Devonport what I loved the most were the trees.  They were huge and very majestic - when you look at them they kind of take your breath away and transport you to a time when they ruled the earth!  Slightly melodramatic, but very true.

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Hotel Pullman, Auckland - Review

The first impression as you drive up the circular driveway is of the simple brown façade.  It is not an imposing structure and not the least bit impressive.  The simple brown rectangle building is somewhat disappointing for a 5 star establishment.

However, once the shuttle bus pulled into the drive and the usher came running out to open the sliding door and take our luggage, a feeling of embarrassment descended.  The shame of pulling in with a shuttle bus was short-lived as the bell-boy hovered around the bus to make sure all our luggage was collected.

He efficiently ushered us into the hotel lobby and deposited our luggage with care and delicacy.

I think I speak for both my son and myself, when I say the disappointment ended there.  As soon as we entered the lobby our jaws practically hit the floor and both of us gaped open-mouthed at the shiny polished marble floors and walls.  Our senses were assailed by the delicious aromas from the adjoining restaurant and the clatter of luggage of the other hotel guests checking in and out.

A group of beautiful Emirates flight attendants gave the hotel that impression of old world charm that a 5 star hotel should have.  The impression that it was built for rich, opulent and classy guest.  The staff however, treated all guests with the same promptness and efficiency and not once were we made to feel inferior.

During the brief waiting time we surveyed our surroundings and found the rest of the lobby spacious and welcoming with its comfortable lounge chairs and clean floor to ceiling windows, which let in the early afternoon sunlight.

At check-in time my embarrassment continued as I showed the check-in clerk my lastminute.com.au special printout.  She didn't even bat an eyelid.  I expected a look or a facial expression, but nothing but sincerity and professionalism.

Our awe and wonder continued as we completed the check-in process and were handed our room swipe cards.  The more than efficient staff directed us to the lift which whisked us up to our 3rd floor room.  I have to admit, disappointment coursed through my veins at being told that we were relegated to the 3rd floor, but I consoled myself that it was a lastminute.com.au booking and we should feel lucky that we could afford such fancy 5 star accommodation in the first place.

Once we found our room and entered, it was again a pleasant surprise.  The room was small but comfortable and packed with modern conveniences one expects in a 5 star hotel.  The beautiful marble bathroom housed an enormous white porcelain tub and a massage shower-head.  All the essentials were present as well, including snow-white slippers and matching bathrobes.  I've only ever once before stayed in a hotel with bathrobes and that was only for 1 night, because of the price.  So this was special.  I made sure I put the white bathrobes to good use every morning.

The rest of the room was clean and tidy and again well stocked with a mini-bar fridge, a TV, room safe and in-room WI-FI.  This is very important when travelling with an 11-year-old boy!

The view was disappointing, but as we didn't intend to spend the days in our room it didn't bother us much.  The hotel also housed a day spa with a fully equipped gymnasium, an indoor heated pool, several conference and function rooms, a restaurant and a well stocked bar.  The hotel also offered 24 hour room-service, laundry service, valet parking and airport transfers.

Located within a 5-minute walking distance to inner city Auckland and just opposite the University of Auckland, it is extremely ideally situated to explore Auckland and its surrounding areas.

The greatest feature of this hotel, however, was its staff.  They were friendly and beyond the call of duty courteous.  Even though we bought our accommodation off lastminute.com.au I was always made to feel welcome in the hotel.  I could not recommend this place highly enough to any prospective traveller to Auckland, New Zealand.

Hotel Pullman


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Memory Lane - Gabriel

Does anyone remember the movie "Gabriel"?

Gabriel is a 2007 movie about the fight for control of purgatory.  Archangels Amatiel, Sammael, Michael, Asmodeus, Raphael and Uriel have all tried and failed to bring the light back to purgatory.  It is now up to Gabriel, the last of the archangels, to win the fight against the dark.  Archangel Gabriel was played by Welsh born Australian actor Andy Whitfield.  Andy has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters, and McLeod's Daughters.  He also starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which was filmed in New Zealand.

The movie, Gabriel, was directed by Shane Abbess, who is also known for other works such as Source Code 2011, Gabriel: Sins of the Father which is due for release in 2013 and TV series - Event Zero.

Gabriel received mixed reviews upon its opening in 2007; however grossed $AU656,000 in its opening week.

Unfortunately, in September 2011 Andy lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

The sequel Gabriel: Sins of the Father is about fallen archangel, Gabriel's, son who is forced to fight an evil bigger than anyone has seen before.

I personally am a big fan of Gabriel and intend to also watch its sequel when it is released in 2013.  What did everyone else think of this movie?  Let me know, I'd love to hear!


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Day 6 - Returning home

So we're back!  Are we glad to be back?  No - not yet.  The time away was too brief - there are a lot of things we didn't get to do while we were in New Zealand.

We didn't get to see the Auckland Museum, the Zoo, the Aquarium etc just to name a few things.  I'm already mentally planning our next trip - when I don't know, but there will be a next trip as soon as the airfares are cheap.

To summarise:

The flight to Auckland on the Jetstar flight was squishy and uncomfortable but cheap - so we can't complain.  We also made the 3 hour flight without any mishaps so that's a bonus.  The crew was very professional and friendly.  The flight was delayed, but only because some idiots couldn't tell the time!

We decided to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel - cost $41NZ for the both of us. Not a bad start. The shuttle bus had a few other passangers and some were dropped off before us. I didn't mind, it allowed us to get a short tour of outer Auckland. We were third on the list to be dropped off. When we arrived at the hotel the 'concierge' greeted us at the car, took our luggage and it was very posh.  I'm talking door opening luggage carrying.

The hotel - Pullman Auckland - was fantastic!  We were given a room on the 3rd floor overlooking the rooftop of the function rooms below.  Needless to say the view was shocking - for a 5 star hotel - but the decor and service made up for it in leaps and bounds.

Once we settled into our new surroundings we decided to explore the area.  Since it was only around 4pm local time it was still day time.  As soon as we stepped out the front door we came face-to-face with the University of Auckland.  It's huge and looking at the architecture also very old.  We made out way into the city - the steepest hill we've seen in a long time.  Of course what goes down must come up - nice introduction.  It was a little bit windy and overcast, but not too cold.  On our travels we found the location for Europcar - the only rental car company we came across in our entire time in the city. 

Then we made our way to Auckland Harbour and the Viaduct district.  At this point we just walked.  While at the Harbour we booked our tickets for the Rangitoto Island Discovery Tour on Monday.  By this time it was around 6pm so we decided to stop at the local foodcourt and get something to eat.  Andrew decided to have McDonalds and I couldn't decide so I procrastinated and then were told that
they were closed.  We were told that we needed to leave the foodcourt because the shopping centre was closing.  We evacuated and once outside noticed that the sign said open til 8pm - go figure!

So my son ate his dinner just outside and we re-located to another McDonald's store across the road.

We found that the people were all so friendly and nice.    My son was extremely surprised that everyone we came across could be that nice.  Says a lot about where we live, doesn't it?

The next day we wasted half our day by sleeping in - the 3 hr time difference messed us up a bit.  Around lunch time we went out to explore further and on a whim decided to visit Devonport.  It was a wise decision and we were both thoroughly impressed with this beautiful little village.

Day 3 heralded the first early morning excursion to Rangitoto.  I'm not going to repeat my experience here - please see previous blog for further detail.  All I'm going to say again is that it was definitely worth the $90 price tag. 

Following Rangitoto we explored the city some more and found our way up the Sky Tower.  My son is not very fond of heights but I gave him a choice - wait for me downstairs in the coffee shop or come with me.  He chose to come and I have to admit, he did not regret it.

On the 4th day we hired the car from Europcar and made our way out to the Waitomo Caves.  See entry for Day 4.  The scenery was awesome, but unfortunately we did not stop to take any photos.  Maybe on the next trip if we have more time.

On the 5th day we set out again, but this time towards Rotorua.  I was very disappointed because we didn't have more time in Rotorua, we didn't even get to see the Hobbit's village.  Next time.

On every return to the hotel, we were greeted by the concierge, our car parked for us.  Very polite and professional.  We tried room service twice.  The first time I ordered the pizza it wasn't too bad - actually it was quite nice.  My son had the kids ham and cheese toasted sandwich.  This came with chips - it looked like a sufficient meal for an 11 year old.  The next time we ordered room service we decided to go a bit more fancy.  I ordered the fish and chips and my son had the club sandwich.  I tried the club, but wasn't that impressed with it.  I found it too dry - there was no sauce on there whatsoever.  The fish and chips was nice and sufficient.  To really splurge out I also ordered a Kahlua and chocolate mousse.  That was worth every cent of the $17 it cost.  It also came with ice-cream, beautiful.

After our hectic schedule on Wednesday my back was aching and I decided to give the on-site gym.  The machines were the latest in technology and a pleasure to use.   Beside the gym was the 25 metre heated indoor pool.  We didn't get a chance to use this, but hopefully the next time we go we'll have more time to sightsee and relax. 


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Day 1

First Day in Auckland.

The Jetstar flight over was smooth and thankfully uneventful.  2 douchbags delayed the plane by around 15mins.  I don't understand how you can be late for your flight? - don't you book it in advance and know exactly what time you should be at the airport.  The instructions clearly say be there at least 90 mins prior to your flight and be waiting to board at least 30 mins.

Luckily for these idiots, the weather was soooo good that we still made it to Auckland on time.

Touchdown was great - the airport felt almost deserted.  Such a difference to the Gold Coast airport where it was difficult just to get around the hordes of passangers waiting to board their various flights.  Auckland was relaxed and it was amazingly quick getting through customs.  :-(  We didn't get a stamp in our passports - so upset!  The lady at the customs counter ushered us through to the BioHazard counter because the other area was much busier.  The young guy at the counter checked out passports, handed them back and just told us to exit.  Didn't even open our bags.  Good for us, I guess - it was a quick and painless.

Once out of customs it was easy to approach the first information booth and book on to a shuttle bus directly to the hotel.  $41 later and we're on the bus and winding our way through outer Auckland.  Unfortunately, Andy and I couldn't sit together because the bus was already fully booked; however I did get to sit up the front and get a birdseye view of the scenery.  At Mission Beach the bus off-loaded its first passangers and I made my way to the back of the bus to sit with Andy.

Around another 20 mins later and we're the ones getting dropped off at our Hotel - the Pullman Auckland.  Not an impressive building from the outside a skinny, dark brown building looking almost like an Eastern European tenement block.  However, once we disembarked from the bus, the usher raced over to get our luggage and show us into the Hotel Lobby.  The Hotel was very busy because they were hosting the Netball Champion players as well, some conferences and a wedding reception was also in progress when we arrived.  Once we were served the receptionist, I'm not sure what hotel receptionists are called property, was very professional and friendly; however I did feel a bit out of my depth, because the place is very swanky.

Once in our room - I no longer felt out of depth.  The room was your standard small twin bed set up.  Equipped with all the necessaries, including a bathtub!  The hotel even provides 24 hours of free Wi-Fi, which I'm hoping we don't go over.  I'll try and post here everyday, but unfortunately it will depend on internet access.  Also, when we get back home I'll update each post with photos.  I'll have lots of photos.  It was very disappointing looking out the window of our 3rd floor room - the view is horrible.  It overlooks the roof of the lower level conference rooms and obviously at some point hotel guests had thrown rubbish onto the roof and it's littered with it.  We've shut the curtains for now - it makes the room more palatable.  I've consoled myself with the knowledge that we don't intend to spend a lot of time in the room, which we haven't so far.  As soon as we booked in, set up we ventured out and explored.

We decided to get some suppplies and found a shopping complex close by.  The sign out the front said open til 8pm 7 days per week.  Unfortunately, they forgot to tell the shops and the staff, because promptly at 6pm we were told that the shops were closing and we had to leave!  What the?

Picture to follow as soon as I have proper internet connection.

Good night!

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14 Hours 51 Minutes to GO!

Less than 1 day to go.

Today's been very hectic.  I've organised the following:

1. Picked up new iPhone 5 from Post Office;
2. Purchased travelsim & $25 extra credit, just in case - haven't worked out how to use this yet;
3. Purchased Load & Go Travel Card;
4. Activate new phone
5. Book secure parking
6. Check in
7. Finish packing

I've now promptly misplaced travelsim card - woo hoo!  Found it!  Don't panic.  

I did have a play with my Load & Go Travel Card and it's quite easy to operate.  

The card can be purchased at your local Australia Post outlet and it's registered on their system and loaded with your nominated amount of money at the time of purchase.  Once I got home I follow the instructions on the Load & Go Travel Card packaging, sent off my pin request sms and within 2 seconds I received my pin.  I was soooo stressed that it would take forever, but once you receive your pin, you can go online - through Australia Post website and enter your registered details immediately and presto! you're ready to travel  I am not technical at all but was able to then figure out how to transfer money between my wallets and have now got some NZ money as well as AUD.  I decided to leave some in AUD just in case I didn't use it all as I am taking some cash as well.  The Australia Post website is very easy to follow here.

The travelsim can also be purchased at Australia Post or online at travelsim.net.au.

Checked the temperature in NZ and found that the top temp is only around 17C during the daytime.  OMG!  I'm going to freeze to death!  I HATE THE COLD!

Hopefully I won't notice with the all the new and wonderful sites I'm going to see!

At the moment I'm struggling with the travelsim, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up without a phone.  I've activated my new phone, but it's not yet active and I can't de-activate the old phone because then I'll have no phone at all!

I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO!

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Your next flight is to Auckland and departs in..... 8 Days 11 Hours 8 Minutes

So Halloween is over what did everyone end up doing?

I raced out and bought around $30.00 worth of candy and nobody even came to our door...so I'm now stuck with all this candy.  I'm trying to make my son take it to school to give it away!

I've been sitting around trying to think of information topics I could post here, but November is a very quiet month in Australia.  The only event I could think of was the Melbourne Cup horse races.

I'm not a gambler and I definitely do not follow the horse racing scene.  Is anyone interested in hearing about horse racing?

I don't know, I'm undecided!

I could something relating to the races, such as fashions?

I'll sleep on that.  I don't even know when the races are on.  I could put information on here about different horse racing related events throughout Australia, eg fashion shows, concerts, festivals etc....     Like I said I'll think about it!

I'm a little bit disappointed with myself because I missed out on writing a blog about Zombie related games.  However, I have decided that following my exam on Monday, I will write up some information about Zombie games, especially since Black Ops II is about to be launched on 13 November 2012.    My son is very excited about the special Zombie nuketown map - he can't wait.  However, at the moment he is not overly excited about going to New Zealand because we'll be in New Zealand when the game becomes available.  Them's the breaks!

I'm gonna have a sleep on what topic to post here next, but I now have to go because I've got an online test to start.  Last 1 for this subject!  Wish me luck!!!!!

More New Zealand!

Activities

Jet Boating 

Adventure Jet Boat Ride

Our Auckland jet boat tours offer a very different experience of the beautiful Waitemata harbour with a second to none opportunity to view of the Auckland City Skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, our Hauraki Gulf Volcanoes and of course Auckland's famous Sky Tower.

Aboard the fastest jet boats in Auckland, Auckland Adventure Jet provides the original jet boat tours on Auckland's harbour. Powered by twin supercharged 300HP engines the New Zealand jet boat has incredible acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability.

Departing from Pier 3 on the Auckland Waterfront each 35 – 40 minute trip promises a unique Auckland adventure with excitement to raise your pulse.

The team at Auckland Adventure Jet are a mixture of passion and experience. Staff undergo significant training to provide an exciting and safe experience that's world class.

$ 98.00 per person

Auckland Zoo

Located in Central Auckland

Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.

Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland.

There is lots to see and do all year, including events, animal encounters, Zoom (behind the scenes) tours and more!

Our Zoom (behind-the-scenes) Tours offer you an exclusive backstage pass to go behind the scenes. Imagine helping a keeper wash down an elephant, coming eye to eye with New Zealand fauna, a tiger, or one of Africa’s big five.

Price Range & Conditions

Child	$10
Adult	$25

Other Charges	Infants (under 4): Free. Senior citizens (65 years+) and students (ID required): $20.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Located in Central Auckland

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience. Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience.

Visit us and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. Enter between majestic kauri columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, five centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings.

Entry is free and we’re open from 10am until 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.

Auckland Museum

Located in Central Auckland

The worlds most extensive Maori and Pacific Island Collection located within one of New Zealand’s most iconic and outstanding heritage buildings.

Nau Mai Haere Mai - Welcome to Auckland Museum, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

In one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artisitc legacy and cultures of the Pacific people. See the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori.

The diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.

$ 10.00

Puhoi River Canoe Hire Limited

Located in North Auckland

We offer a safe leisurely kayak adventure on the Puhoi River which meanders 8kms

from the Historic Bohemian Village to the scenic Wenderholm Regional Park.

We supply superior kayaks, buoyancy vests, paddling instruction, local river knowledge and a courtesy coach return.

We have kayaks or canoes to suit the whole family and cater to almost all ages (sorry no infants under 3yrs) and fitness levels from corporate groups, Christmas picnics, families, individuals, couples, grandparents, team building to just a group of friends out for a day of fun.

We are a small family business and are descendants of the original Bohemian settlers of the Puhoi Valley. We are a NZ Qualmark endorsed Visitor Activity, have resource consent and are Auckland Council Regional Park Concessionaires.

You will find us in the Puhoi Historic Village opposite the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Sheep World Warkworth

Located in North Auckland

Experience the best of natural New Zealand, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. Good fun for all ages, rain or shine and a suitable venue for incentive groups.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s rural life, sheep farming and wool production within one hours drive from Auckland. SheepWorld is set in a unique natural environment, where you can watch the world-famous sheep and dog shows daily at 11am and 2pm. Watch the experts at work - then have a go yourself in our newly set up Interactive Zone.

Enjoy our farmyard and feed the animals, or explore the unique Eco-Discovery Trail.

Browse around in our spacious and refurbished Ecowool® store, only selling quality New Zealand-made products, woollen clothing and a wide variety of beautiful sheepskins.

You can relax at our on-site Sheepworld Café that serves a tempting range of beautiful meals and drinks.

Open daily from 9am-5pm

Look what I found!

Pinky - how cute!

To be continued...