Hibiscus matters travelfeature2014

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| Hibiscusmatters 2 April 2014 12 Travelfeature *Airfares are additional. Prices are per person, in New Zealand dollars, twin share. Prices are cruise only. Confirmation of booking must be secured by a non-refundable deposit of 10% of booking total within 3 days of reservation (by midday). The balance of the cruise must be paid no later than 90 days prior to departure. ^Onboard credit is per stateroom and in US dollars. Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash, used in the medical centre or casino. Travel agent service fees are not included. Prices are correct at the time of printing & are subject to change without notice. Cancellation fees apply. Prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Product is supplied by suppliers with their own terms & conditions, please contact your local United Travel for full terms & conditions. UT1882 United Travel Orewa [email protected] 26 Hillary Square (09) 426 5743 Cruise in Luxury Queen Elizabeth 18 nights from $ 4085 * Per person, twin share, inside cabin. Departs 8 Feb 2015 San Francisco to Auckland. Bonus: US$150 onboard credit ^ The world is really a travel agent’s oyster and so Hibiscus Matters decided to find out what standout experiences some of our local consultants have had over the years. It turns out to be everything from luxury cruising to trekking in Chile. Where to go when the world’s your oyster Cruiseabout Orewa’s Heather Bint says her favourite travel experience so far is cruising the waterways of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest. “We cruised down the calm waters of the Rhine, Maine and Danube Rivers, navigating scores of fascinating locks, with castles on one side, vineyards on the other and my loved one by my side,” Heather says. “Waking to find myself just a short stroll from the centre of town in most ports, and being treated to hotel-like comfort, great food and service on board was like heaven. One of my favourite things is to people- watch and soak up the atmosphere. Just sitting in the local town square and watching people go about their everyday lives is enthralling to me – that and standing outside a German cake shop eyeing up all the goodies!” River cruising is growing in Europe and other parts of the world and provides a unique perspective. “The rivers and large tributaries you travel are the life blood of the countries they meander through for trade, culture, and scenery.” For her next adventure, Heather has her eyes on the Snake & Columbia rivers in Oregon in north west America and the colourful Bramaphutra River in north eastern India. Miriam Overfield of Orewa United Travel first went on a cruise when she was just 15, and this started her love of cruising. Recently she enjoyed a few days on the Cunard ship, Queen Elizabeth, and she says the food and service were highlights. “I loved the white-gloved serving of High Tea in the Queen’s Lounge,” she says. “At lunchtime I had English fish and chips in the Golden Lion pub while listening to an 8 piece jazz group.” Relaxing was easy – whether stretching out on a sun lounger reading by one of the two pools or indulging in “the best massage I have ever had” at the Royal Spa. “After a busy few months, I came away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated,” she says. “Next year I’ll take my husband!” Rachel Williams of Viva Expeditions says hiking the W Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, is one of her best travel experiences ever. “Nothing can prepare you for how overwhelmingly beautiful this place is, it takes your breath away,” she says. The park has magnificent glaciers, rugged mountain peaks and granite spires, evergreen forest, opaque glacial lakes and rivers and wildlife such as condors, guanacos, foxes and birds. A highlight for Rachel was getting a rare glimpse of a Puma. “I was coming around a bend on the Greys Glacier hike when I came face to face with this elusive predator. We both froze and stared into each other’s eyes before the Puma darted off.” The W Trek is a 4-day hike which can be done as three separate day hikes and Rachel can’t wait to go again. Miriam Overfield with Captain Alistair Clark The Rhine Protect home & family Enjoy airflow Keep insects out Deter intruders WIN $1000 Protect with Custom made Door and Window Screens DOOR AND WINDOW SCREENS CALL NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE HomePlus Rodney 16-18 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Ph:(09)4257053 Free phone: 0800 466 375 Website: www.homeplus.co.nz

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Hibiscus Matters Travel feature 2014

Transcript of Hibiscus matters travelfeature2014

Page 1: Hibiscus matters travelfeature2014

| Hibiscusmatters 2 April 201412

Travelfeature

*Airfares are additional. Prices are per person, in New Zealand dollars, twin share. Prices are cruise only. Confirmation of booking must be secured by a non-refundable deposit of 10% of booking total within 3 days of reservation (by midday). The balance of the cruise must be paid no later than 90 days prior to departure. ^Onboard credit is per stateroom and in US dollars. Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash, used in the medical centre or casino. Travel agent service fees are not included. Prices are correct at the time of printing & are subject to change without notice. Cancellation fees apply. Prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Product is supplied by suppliers with their own terms & conditions, please contact your local United Travel for full terms & conditions. UT1882

United Travel Orewa

[email protected]

26 Hillary Square (09) 426 5743

Cruise in Luxury

Queen Elizabeth18 nights from

$4085*

Per person, twin share, inside cabin. Departs 8 Feb 2015 San Francisco to Auckland.Departs 8 Feb 2015 San Francisco to Auckland.

Bonus: US$150 onboard credit^

The world is really a travel agent’s oyster and so Hibiscus Matters decided to find out what standout experiences some of our local consultants have had over the years. It turns out to be everything from luxury cruising to trekking in Chile.

Where to go when the world’s your oyster

Cruiseabout Orewa’s Heather Bint says her favourite travel experience so far is cruising the waterways of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest. “We cruised down the calm waters of the Rhine, Maine and Danube Rivers, navigating scores of fascinating locks, with castles on one side, vineyards on the other and my loved one by my side,” Heather says. “Waking to find myself just a short stroll from the centre of town in most ports, and being treated to hotel-like comfort, great food and service on board was like heaven. One of my favourite things is to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.

Just sitting in the local town square and watching people go about their everyday lives is enthralling to me – that and standing outside a German cake shop eyeing up all the goodies!” River cruising is growing in Europe and other parts of the world and provides a unique perspective. “The rivers and large tributaries you travel are the life blood of the countries they meander through for trade, culture, and scenery.” For her next adventure, Heather has her eyes on the Snake & Columbia rivers in Oregon in north west America and the colourful Bramaphutra River in north eastern India.

Miriam Overfield of Orewa United Travel first went on a cruise when she was just 15, and this started her love of cruising. Recently she enjoyed a few days on the Cunard ship, Queen Elizabeth, and she says the food and service were highlights. “I loved the white-gloved serving of High Tea in the Queen’s Lounge,” she says. “At lunchtime I had English fish and chips in the Golden Lion pub while listening to an 8 piece jazz group.” Relaxing was easy – whether stretching out on a sun lounger reading by one of the two pools or indulging in “the best massage I have ever had” at the Royal Spa. “After a busy few months, I came away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated,” she says. “Next year I’ll take my husband!”

Rachel Williams of Viva Expeditions says hiking the W Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, is one of her best travel experiences ever. “Nothing can prepare you for how overwhelmingly beautiful this place is, it takes your breath away,” she says. The park has magnificent glaciers, rugged mountain peaks and granite spires, evergreen forest, opaque glacial lakes and rivers and wildlife such as condors, guanacos, foxes and birds. A highlight for Rachel was getting a rare glimpse of a Puma. “I was coming around a bend on the Greys Glacier hike when I came face to face with this elusive predator. We both froze and stared into each other’s eyes before the Puma darted off.” The W Trek is a 4-day hike which can be done as three separate day hikes and Rachel can’t wait to go again.

Miriam Overfield with Captain Alistair Clark

The Rhine

Protect home & family

Enjoy air�ow

Keep insects out

Deter intruders

WIN $1000TOWARDS YOUR INSECT OR SECURITY SOLUTION

Protect with Custom made Door and Window Screens

16-18 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Ph:(09)4257053

Free phone: 0800 466 375 Website: www.homeplus.co.nz

HomePlus Rodney

REQUEST A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE TODAY AND GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN THIS GREAT PRIZE

*Full promotion terms and conditions available at www.homeplus.co.nz

*

*Full promotion terms and conditions available at www.homeplus.co.nz. Ends 31/10/12.

WIN $1000*

TOWARDS YOUR INSECT OR SECURITY SOLUTION*Promotion Ends 15th November

DOOR AND WINDOW SCREENS

Call now for a free measure and quote

HomePlus Rodney16-18 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Ph:(09)4257053

Free phone: 0800 466 375 Website: www.homeplus.co.nz

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Travel feature

Orewa: 1 Moana Ave, Orewa Phone 427 9700

Manly: 60 Rawhiti Rd, Manly Phone 424 1021

House of Travel are now in Manly,

as well as still in Orewa!Locally owned and operated,

with great team of travel consultants, helping you access all the

House of Travel deals – in two Hibiscus Coast locations!

n I N T R O D U C I N G

House of Travel Manly

When it comes to travel arrangements, the need for personal service has not diminished according to House of Travel co-owner Dennis Payne.Dennis, who recently celebrated the opening of House of Travel in Manly Village, already owns House of Travel offices in Browns Bay and Orewa with his wife Yvonne and has been in the industry for more than 30 years.He says five years ago the access afforded by the internet was such that he expected to see neighbourhood travel agents become a thing of the past.However, what has happened is that people are seeking out travel consultants’ services to guide and advise them through the plethora of options they see via Google.“Travel agents bring a perspective and the ability to work out the best deal for your individual requirements,” Dennis says. “Online, everyone is selling their particular service or destination, whereas we have an overview, and at the same time focus on each client. One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to travel and there is no substitute for

From left, Debbie Johnson, Dennis Payne and Anisha Capstick

professional advice as to which cruise, flight combination, destination or package tour is right for you.”It’s advice that comes from experience, as Dennis and his team at Manly Village, travel consultants Debbie Johnson and Anisha Capstick, are all well travelled, enthusiastic and friendly.Dennis bought his first Travel Agency at the age of 24 and he and Yvonne moved to Orewa 11 years ago.He says one of the secrets to a successful local business is being part of a respected New Zealand brand, plus having a strong involvement in the local community. House of Travel nationally supports Hospice and locally Yvonne is on Hibiscus Hospice’s women’s committee, while Dennis is a sponsor and part of the daybreak support.The couple also support many local events and sponsor clubs and organisations such as Whangaparaoa and Peninsula golf clubs, Bowls Orewa and Whangaparaoa Rotary.Dennis says travel has become far more accessible and affordable over the years, with fares to places such as London remaining at around $2000 since the 1980s.“Back in the day, it used to be a huge big deal if someone went on an overseas holiday with their family,” Dennis says. “Now people of all ages take regular trips to experience other cultures and other lands – the internet merely opens eyes to the huge array of options out there.”

Liquid assetA new website of water quality data from freshwater monitoring sites around NZ was launched last month. The Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website provides a range of information to help Kiwis and tourists make good choices about using and enjoying our waterways. The website is a collaboration between 16 regional and unitary councils, the Ministry for the Environment, Cawthron Institute and Massey University. It displays information for over 1100 freshwater monitoring sites. Sir Stephen Tindall, whose Foundation supported the project, says the site is about preserving our rivers and fresh waterways for the future to safeguard ecosystems and protect NZ’s clean green image. Info: www.lawa.org.nz

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Travel feature

For friends, family, anniversaries, weddings or a night away• Qualmark 5 star accommodation under new management

• 10% discount off rack rates for local residents• Long stay and corporate rates available

• Exclusive conference facilities (up to 16 delegates)

Whangaparaoa LodgeRedefining Casual Luxury in the Heart of Whangaparaoa

874 Whangaparaoa Road, Little Manly Beach Phone 09 428 4666 or 0800 113 700Email: [email protected]

www.whangaparaoalodge.co.nz

A Matakana man’s attempt to drive 40,000km around the world has had to be postponed because of political tensions between Iran and Pakistan.Leo Nelis, who moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands 25 years ago, decided to drive back to his hometown of Amsterdam last September.But 27,000km into his journey, he was forced to abandon his attempt following the kidnapping of Iranian border guards by Pakistani militants, which closed the border. He hopes to resume his journey in two months’ time.Leo began the trip by shipping his Land Rover Defender to Melbourne, where he and his wife Lily Grace began the drive across the Outback to Perth, and up to Darwin. His wife then went home to hold the fort in Matakana, and Leo was joined by his daughter, Pascal. They continued through East Timor to Indonesia where they camped in the crater of an active volcano and saw a komodo dragon, ferrying between islands along the way. Then it was on to continental Asia, through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, India and Nepal.They had originally planned to drive via China through Tibet and Central Asia. However, that plan was abandoned after the Chinese border closed following conflict in Tibet.The only other route was through Myanmar, a country notoriously restrictive in providing visas for vehicles. However, a group of European travellers who also happened to be travelling through Myanmar saved the day.“They had the papers already, so we just joined them. But we had to drive with

a government guide who said where we could and could not go,” he says.It was only the third time foreigners had been allowed to drive through on their own, and the country turned out to be a real highlight, he says. “The roads were very, very bad, but it was a beautiful country. The people in Myanmar are the most happy people I’ve met in the whole world. If someone’s feeling depressed, send them to Myanmar.”Leo wasn’t exactly inconspicuous — at 1.9m tall and, with long blonde hair, he became the centre of attention in many isolated villages.“In India especially, they just didn’t have a sense of privacy. They would surround the car and just look at you — whole groups of people too, not just children.”When they found out in India about the issues on the Pakistani border, they decided to temporarily abandon their plans.“There was no other way. So we decided that this is too dangerous for us.” They drove back down to Calcutta and had the car shipped the car to Amsterdam.The pair is no strangers to intercontinental road trips. Three years ago they drove from Amsterdam to Senegal in a €500 Reno Scenic, going through the Sahara Desert via Morocco and Mauritania.“There were 50 of us doing it and when we got to Senegal we sold the cars and all of the money goes to charity.”Leo and Lily will fly to Amsterdam and collect the car when it arrives in two months’ time and continue the road trip through Europe.

Leo Nelis and his daughter Pascale attempted to drive from Matakana to Amsterdam, but hit the end of the road after the Pakistan/Iran border was closed.

Drive from Matakana to Amsterdam hits roadblock

cars • vans • trucks • mini-bus

We have the key to your rental requirements

192 Centreway Rd, Orewa | Ph 09 426 5351www.orewacar.co.nz

We have the key to your rental requirementsWe have the key to your rental requirements

Come and see us just off State Hwy 1 70 Moirs Hill Rd, RD3, Warkworth

[email protected]

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Travel feature

CATZ R UZCOUNTRY RETREAT

PHONE: 09 427 4464 MOBILE: 021 0444 993

Talk to us about your cats specific needs• New luxurious facilities • Tranquil Country Setting

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10 Argent Lane, Wainui RD2, Silverdale • Email: [email protected]

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16 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa 0800 159 335 | Orewa 426 6573 Warkworth 425 9239 | [email protected]

Call 0800 696 739 cruiseabout.co.nz

Vist us in store at 32 Hillary Square, Orewa

Cruise includes

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*Terms & conditions apply: Prices are correct as at 25 Mar 2014 & are subject to change without notice. Valid for sale until 16 Apr 2014. Prices are per person, twin share & are subject to availability. $50 voucher: This offer can only be used once per booking and is only valid at Cruiseabout Orewa for a new booking over $1000 (inclusive of tax and other charges) made prior to 30 June 2014. This voucher must be presented prior to booking. A non refundable deposit must be paid at time of booking. This offer is nonrefundable and not redeemable for foreign currency, cash or credit, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Cruiseabout standard terms and conditionsapply - see www.cruiseabout.co.nz/termsandconditions COR1129038

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Healthy travel adviceJourneys do not need to be somewhere particularly exotic to benefit from specialised advice and up to date information about the areas you will be visiting.A couple of years ago I travelled to Tanzania with a school group. Advice from a travel medicine specialist made my flight much more comfortable.Compression stockings meant no swollen feet when I arrived. Deep vein thrombosis is a recognised risk on any long flights and compression stockings, drinking plenty of water and walking around every few hour will help prevent clots. Anyone with a higher risk – previous clots, stroke or heart attack – should discuss preventative medications with their doctor.Fess nasal gel or spray protects nasal mucous membranes from drying out and cracking and allowing viruses and bacteria to gain entry. I always travel with a mask and wear it if other passengers are coughing. Blis throat lozenges also help protect against sore throats by boosting the immune system – these were developed in Dunedin and have an international reputation. These things can be as applicable to domestic flights – a friend recently sat next to someone coughing and sneezing all the way back from Christchurch and developed a heavy cold shortly after getting home.We were also given excellent advice about malaria prevention. I knew all about the drugs needed but appreciated the suggestion of washing scarves and sleeping bag liners in the insecticide Permethrin to keep insects at bay. This was most effective, together with insect repellant, mosquito nets and preventative medication. One of our Tanzanian interpreters became ill with flu like symptoms the night we left and she became very unwell with malaria. The NZ travel medicine specialist also told us how transiting through Nairobi airport in Kenya would mean that the Tanzanian authorities would require Yellow Fever vaccinations (as Nairobi is in a Yellow Fever area) or we would not be allowed in!I am returning to Tanzania in July with another school group, teaching in a rural school and installing spouting and rainwater tanks. We will use filter bottles (putting bottled water into them) for drinking, brushing teeth and washing faces. This to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea which is usually caused by bacteria picked up from food and water. Some simple rules are worth noting: ‘cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it’; avoid ice in drinks, salads and uncooked food. Hand disinfectant is

with Dr Ruth Alberts [email protected]

Health

useful and Dukoral is an oral vaccine effective against cholera and E coli diarrhoea – it must be taken three weeks before leaving. Giardia is a common cause of diarrhoea and prevented by using a filter. If you become unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea avoid dehydration by using medication and rehydration fluid – your doctor can help you plan an emergency medical kit. Minimise jetlag with regular exercise and sleep before your trip. Avoid alcohol and caffeine and drink plenty of water while flying.