Singapore Sling

The first time we came to New Zealand, we stopped over in Singapore for four days on the way home, and really enjoyed our time there, so it was with great enthusiasm and excited anticipation we booked a two-night stopover with Singapore Airlines.

Customer service did not disappoint, with glamorous attentive staff, the women with elaborate updoos and long wraparound skirts (not sure where to look when they bend down to pick something up!), the male flight attendants equally smart, handing out regular water and juice, warm socks, pillows and blankets to make us comfortable.

We arrived at the Furama Riverfront hotel very early, 9.00am, which was too early to check in, but the staff were great and had us upgraded to a courtyard poolside room by 10 o’clock! Just what we needed, a nap and a swim to help combat the jet lag.

Singapore feels strangely familiar in a very British sort of way, with our 3-pin plug sockets, driving on the left and Marks and Spencers. The heat and humidity is a bit of a shock though, and a slowing down of our usual pace of sightseeing was required!

We did have a lovely day at the recently built Bay Gardens which was amazing – a bit like the Eden Project (in Cornwall), but much bigger, with a cloud forest dome (no glasshouse needed for the ‘tropical’ areas!) as well as a Mediterranean dome. Bit too cold for us in the Mediterranean dome though, and think the  locals here think it is colder in the Med than it actually is!

We enjoyed tasty snacks and drinks, where all my peculiar gluten free needs were catered for with careful attention and smiling staff. They even surprised me on my birthday with a cake and chocolates!

Bush and Beach

Another long flight, this time with Air New Zealand (another first for us), couple of nights at the Jet Park airport hotel to help sleep a bit, then off in our new Corolla (yes, they make new ones here!) to the Waitakere Ranges, west of Auckland, for a few days ‘tramping’ in the bush.

Armed with our factor 30, DEET insect repellant and lots of water, we enjoy a few walks, taking in the beautiful volcanic brown sandy beaches dotted with surfers.

We tramp through lush forested ‘jungle’ trails, lined with broccoli-type Pohutakawa trees, flax, Nikau palms and Kauri trees, enjoying the occasional honey scent of manuka and the exotic calls of Tui and Bellbirds and even spot a fantail.

The rangers remind us to scrub and disinfect our shoes and walking poles before we start our walks, to help stop the spread of the devastating kauri die-back disease, which is a problem here. There are still beautiful forests though, reminiscent of a Pissarro painting.

At  Lone Kauri Lodge, Keith and Ann make our stay special by providing for our every comfort, and we feel very spoiled to be enjoying this wonderful place! Ann’s homemade jam and marmalade are super tasty, and Keith gives us invaluable information for our walking trips, being a keen tramper himself (and bread maker!).  The outdoor hot tub, looking at the stars was a real treat, and very relaxing!

Everyone we met was very friendly, and we hope to meet up with Erling when we are in Portland later in the year!

On our way back to Auckland, we visit the Gannet colony at Muriwai and saw lots of nesting birds with young chicks on the cliff tops – good opportunity to get the binoculars out!

Wine, beer, friends and feasting!

Back in Auckland, we meet up with friends Joanne, Alastair and the young Fairleys and are treated to a trip to Devonport for coffee, cake and a visit to the Heads (old defensive lookouts), a superb pub lunch and evening BBQ! Awesome time.

Just one more day to squeeze in a trip to the vineyards on Waiheke island…..

Next stop Dunedin, and the cool South…….we’ll keep you posted!