Saturday, April 17, 2010

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there’s no limit to what you can do when you come to Auckland. From sailing in the harbor to bungy jumping off the Auckland’s famous sky Tower, horse riding along a beach or playing a round of golf on scenic peninsula. Whatever you desire, Auckland has it all. This is why Auckland is frequently named as one of the best lifestyle cities in the world.

Sky Jump is one of New Zealand’s most thrilling tourist attractions and one of Auckland City’s “don’t miss” experience. Jump-start your adventure from New Zealand’s Highest Jumping point. Leap off Auckland’s famous Sky Tower-192 meters straight down. You’ll fall super fast at the rate of approximately 85 kph for 11 seconds, and then come to a very smooth landing at the end.



Bungy Jump is another experience you can’t afford to miss. Welcome to the world’s first harbor bridge bungy jump and is operated by the bungy originals, AJ Hackett Bungy.






For golf enthusiasts, what’s a better way to spend your day than to enjoy 18 holes of golf at an international PGA standard golf course, Formosa Golf Resort? The Formosa Gold Resort’s golf course is surrounded by exuberant farmland and breathtaking views over the Hauraki Gulf. Formosa is listed in the Finest Golf Clubs of the World and covers an area of 440 acres. The course itself has panoramic views of Waiheke Island and Rangitoto from its cliff top and coastal fairways.





Don’t have any sailing experience? No problem! Learn to sail in Auckland with Sailing Away. You can choose between half day or full day exclusive skippered charters. Whether you’re looking to improve your sailing abilities or have an experience to remember, Sailing Away offers sailing courses for all ages regardless of previous experience.



If you have a chance to visit Auckland, Luxtravel Auckland Limited offers an outstanding personalize touring packages. When my family and I visited Auckland, we acquired touring service from Luxtravel. We were so lucky to have a wonderful tour guide who showcased the best of Auckland. The accommodation couldn’t have been better! We spent 3 nights at the Sky City Grand Hotel and 2 nights at the Takatu Lodge & Vineyard (my parents’ favorite!) We also went on whale & dolphin safari expedition along the Hauraki Gulf and cross-country horse riding etc. My favorite part of this trip is my very first bungy jump from the Auckland Sky Tower. At first I thought I was about to die from an anxiety attack but ultimately it was the most stimulating experience I’ve had until today. Visit http://www.luxtravel.weebly.com for more information.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Hilton Auckland Hotel

By far, Auckland is my most favorite city in the North Island of New Zealand. The city is absolutely beautiful, so full of energy, and the scenery is definitely breathtaking. Still craving for more harbor exposure from Sails Restaurant? If you do then, why not spend a night at the Hilton Auckland while you’re at it? The Hilton Auckland hotel is located 330 yards out to sea on the end of Princes Wharf. Auckland attractions such as Sky City Tower and Viaduct Harbor are only minutes away and just 5 minutes’ walk to downtown Auckland.

Here’s a lil’ preview for you.








Friday, April 9, 2010

Let’s start by talking about what I love so much, if not the most. AND today’s topic is “La Cuisine.” Now, Food talking is critical! It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if there’s good food, great time is guaranteed. My first visit to New Zealand was full of tensions and skeptics. I was quite young at the time and didn’t know what to expect. The only knowledge I had of New Zealand prior to my first visit was the number of sheep population exceeds the number of people population by double and English is the main spoken language. “ENGLISH,” now that’s a relief, thanks to my overly enthusiastic mother who has tricked me into taking English lessons started when I was 4 years old. I didn’t mean to lead you into thinking that my English was decent then. It wasn’t that great and it hasn’t improved much either. But always remember! Every day is a work in progress regardless of what you do with your life. I’m getting ahead of myself again; let’s get back to “La Cuisine.” Now, regardless of how I felt before my first visit, once I got there and had my very first meal, the rest is history. Although my first meal wasn’t the best I had in New Zealand but everything on my plate spoke “FRESH FRESH FRSH & FRESH!” If you are a fan of fresh A** seafood, New Zealand must the on your top to-go-to destinations.

Let’s start from the top to bottom (** meaning from North Island down to South**)

Our first destination is Auckland,the largest and most populated area in the country.





Guess what? The most populated city in New Zealand only has a population of 1.4 million. Another interesting fact is The Economist’s World’s Most Livable Cities index of 2010 ranked Auckland in 10th Place. It is also known is the “City of Sails” because the harbor is occupied with hundreds of yachts and has more per capita than any other city in the word. That must mean something right?

Our first to-go-to Seafood spot in Auckland is Sails Restaurant.

Sails Restaurant is located in the heart of the Southern Hemispheres’ largest marina. Every table looks o out over thousands of yachts. This restaurant did not only earn its’ reputation as one of New Zealand’s top restaurants through their uncompromising belief in using the freshest ingredients but through its excellent food and personal service.

Sails Restaurant



Hmmmm…Fish & Chips , Scallop Canapé, Clevedon Rock Oysters, and Hawke Bay Lamb… Hmmmmmmm…I’m getting a little hungry from blogging about all this. Better get eating!~* Until then, (^ w ^)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Brief Intro of New Zealand




New Zealand is the youngest country on earth having the last major landmass to be discovered. New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both Maori and European heritage. The first New Zealanders, the Maori, migrated from their ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki, followed by extensive wave of European migration 800 years later. New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million people, the majority of whom are of British descent and New Zealand’s aboriginal Maori make up around 14 percent of the population. With the influence of Pacific Island and Asian immigrations during the 20th century has significantly altered New Zealand into an even more vibrant and diverse multicultural society.






Greeting

Greeting