Destination...Auckland

Exotic...edgy...exciting...these may not be the words that spring to mind when thinking of Auckland as a holiday destination, but it actually has a lot to offer, and may well surprise you. A three hour flight (and getting out of Australia) is a fairly compelling reason to go there, but if you need more, try stunning wild scenery, a brilliant cafe culture, great shopping, fabulous vineyards and water everywhere.

As I grew up there I may be a little biased, but I did leave it nearly 20 years ago, and each time I go back to visit I'm more enthralled with this city. It's quite diverse, incredibly relaxing and the people are ridiculously friendly. Below are pics and tips from my last visit.

First stop: Waiheke Island

Only 30 mins by glorious ferry from downtown Auckland, this little island has seduced people for decades. Originally only inhabited by hippies and alternative people (with long-drop toilets!), Waiheke has become a little gentrified with many Aucklanders having holiday houses there. However, it still has a reasonable permanent population and hasn't lost any of it's charm - just gained a few more cool cafes. 

You can take the car ferry over from a different part of Auckland, but no need when there are buses to take you all over the island, or do what I did and hire an electric bike from Oneroa village (or non-electric of course if you like steep hills). 

The plethora of vineyards is reason enough to visit Waiheke, and there are special buses that take you around, vineyard-hopping. They all offer incredible food, as well as wine tasting of course. Below is our pick that day - Stonyridge Vineyard in Onetangi - la ovely view over olive groves and one of the best platters I've ever eaten.

Did I mention beaches? Think deep green water and huge pohutakawa trees leaning over the sand offering shade. The top beaches are Oneroa, Onetangi, and Palm Beach (all on the northern side of the island).

Onetangi Beach

At Oneroa Beach they even give you a bucket with everything you need for cooking and cleaning the BBQ - how thoughtful!

Next stop: Titirangi

Set in the bush and full of creative, nature-loving people, Titirangi is only a 25 minute drive from Auckland CBD, but feels a million miles away. It's surrounded by dense bush and birdsong, and has a buzzing little village with lots of shops and cafes. Our pick that day fro breakfast was Deco Eatery in the historic Lopdell House building. Fairly new, the interior has been transformed, and is a cross between Turkish and Scandinavian - may sound strange but really works! Patterned aqua tiles, oak and marble interact beautifully, and my Turkish breakfast was pretty good too, served out of interesting earthenware and metal platters. 

Sumptuous Food at Deco Eatery and the decor makes you feel like you're in a cool part of Istanbul

Loving the tiles, oak and marble at Deco Eatery

After breakfast, duck next door to the contemporary art gallery - Te Uru. There was a wonderful James Cousins exhibition on, plus some beautiful ceramics. 

Last stop: CBD

I didn't visit the CBD this time so don't have any pics, but it's a pretty good place to base yourself as you're near the ferry and transport links. Not just a soulless CBD, the Britomart area has been rejuvenated and has some great shopping and restaurants. I've enjoyed delicious Vietnamese meals at Cafe Hanoi. 

There is also a lovely waterfront area stretching along Tamaki Drive to the east and to the Viaduct Harbour to the west. Re-developed in 200 when the America's Cup Yacht race was hosted in Auckland, The Viaduct, and Beaumont Quarter next to it, offer a huge array of restaurants and bars overlooking the marina. Or you can feel the thrill of sailing on an America's Cup yacht for the day.   

Nearby is Ponsonby Road with it's cool cafes and bars (SPQR never fails) and Newmarket for great shopping. The Auckland Museum in the Domain has a wonderful Maori cultural show and spine-tingling haka, on daily. 

So if you're visiting New Zealand but are planning to head straight to the South Island, think again. Likewise if you're planning a long weekend away and love food, wine, scenery and shopping, look at going to Auckland. There are wonderful experiences to be had, almost on your doorstep. 

Awesome Skiing at Cardrona, New Zealand

I've just come back to Sydney from an amazing family holiday skiing in Cardrona, South Island,  New Zealand. I really can't rate it highly enough - the mountain, staff, scenery and our accommodation.

We just had to build a snowman

Cardona ski field is particularly good for beginners - choosing which mountain and ski field was a bit of a mine field, but I was greatly assisted in my research by Powder Hounds www.powderhounds.com - a comprehensive site that reviews and ranks mountains and skiing all around the world. So for me, a third time skier, and my children (5 and 7) who are absolute beginners,   Cardrona came out on top (luckily there were a few treacherous black runs to keep my husband happy too).

The beginner slopes

We all had lessons every day, which were invaluable, and perfect for learning technique and gaining confidence. Watching the little kids learn to ski, coming down the mountain in their little "ski-train" going choo-choo all the way brought tears to my eyes! The ski instructors were fantastic - calm, kind and experienced - just what you need.

There are only three cafes on the mountain (that I found) and Noodle Bar was the best - fresh, tasty and satisfying.

Now to the accommodation - we found an absolute gem of a luxury Bed and Breakfast called Waiorau Homestead on Trip Advisor - after reading a mixture of good and bad reviews on just about every hotel/guesthouse in the area (think bedbugs, zero cleaning and rooms with no windows...) we found his place that has no negative reviews. Well earned too - the hosts bent over backwards to make our stay happy and comfortable - even lighting an outdoor fire on one of the nights so the kids could toast marshmallows.

The house and rooms are stylish, luxurious (feather duvets and heated bathroom floors), and most importantly, warm! A roaring fire goes day and night, and meals are accompanied by music, candles, and the most wonderful food thanks to one of the hosts being a chef.

The family room at Waiorau Homestead

                  

                  We were greeted by this every afternoon - cheese, homemade muffins and tea

Nearby, the Cardrona Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the mountains - fires are lit indoors and out, there's a quaint, historic, rustic feel, and pretty good steak too.

                                              Dates back to 1863 - not bad for NZ

                                                              Lovely mulled wine

The scenery around Cardrona is breathtaking, and Wanaka is a pretty good place for a day trip if you need a break from skiing - I recommend the gorgeous cinema Ruby's, and Puzzling World for laughs.

It was the perfect little break from life in Sydney and Yellow Front Door - the only downside being  the price - skiing will definitely be a once a year treat!