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24hours to I post this blog

Its 6.49am. The stupid alarm in the motel went at 5.42am. I didn’t set it as I had set it on my cell phone. Obviously a previous guest. Thankyou to that previous guest I woke with a start an hour before I needed get up. But get up I did. Shower and I am ready to go again.

Today a 4.5 hour drive back to Auckland to drop off my fellow guides then a further 4.5 hours to get home. 2 stops planned on route which we decided on last night. An 8am departure.  What we needed to do which was learn about the entire East Cape area we have done. You can never see everything but I know all of us have vastly increased our knowledge of the area.

For me I have taken about another 250 photographs to add to my photograph library. I have planned in my head another5 to 6 day tour route and I know that its highly unlikely anybody else  offers the same route as a standard package. Extremely scenic and endless things to see.  I certainly have not seen everything but now a great over view.

2/08/19 6.24pm. I was wrong in my calculations. Haha. 36 hours before I finish and post the blog.

Took no photographs on route yesterday yet we had a few stops and I accomplished a number of things.

First stop, my recommendation, Peejays in Whakatane. They are the company that does the White Island cruises plus as it turns out, much more. A very interesting meeting with the marketing manager and at some stage in the near future I will head back down there to look at in more depth their offerings. The local Iwi down there have now purchased Peejays and I only see that as a positive thing.

Photographs I post tonight are some I took on White Island earlier this year. We were offered the opportunity of going yesterday but all agreed we need do a specific Whakatane and surrounds famil trip in the future.

From there to Maketu Pies. A New Zealand small town success story now selling pies around New Zealand plus Australia.

We did consider visiting Comvita honey but their phones interestingly were rerouted to the Australian office who obviously were answering out of their normal office hours. All they could tell us were there was a 3 day meeting on and the company except shop are closed. Interesting.

Then back to Auckland to drop people off different locations. I managed to be in time to visit a Greenstone and Paua Jewellery manufacturer to arrange a sales agreement so we can represent their product in the future. Another string to our bow as we continue to broaden what we do and grow

Woke up late this morning for me. First appointment was the accountant to sign last years financials. Recorded a profit and reasonable growth year on year which is good. But downside is more taxes. Hopefully the 2017/18 year continues that growth and currently signs are looking good.

www.peterandxiaoli.com

 

Day 5 – Gisborne to Opotiki New Zealand

 

In theory only a 2.5 hour drive but we have a bit of tripping around so in reality 4 to 5 hours drive time. Not sure of the exact agenda but we will look at shortly.

Last night on discussion between us we agreed the trip could have been 1 day less plus we could have changed how and what we saw each area but this agenda was presented to us by the local tourism authority. Maybe a sign they don’t understand totally what they have to offer. But it has still been a good exploratory trip. We worth the time the 7 of us have spared up to do it.

We have laughed a lot. Told very interesting stories so personal opinion, a great trip. I have my photography I set out to get. Maybe the weather not making some of those photographs as beautiful as they could be but that is okay.

Asked last night what was the highlight so far. For me the whole East Cape trip. Hindsight is great but I never thought of this to now. We should have stopped Opotiki first night. Then 1 to 1.5 days getting around the East Cape before we arrived Gisborne.

Today an 8.15 start. I am packed ready to go. Viewing news on television. Not sure whys because if its news its seldom good news. Haha

9.18pm. Later than I wished to keep writing this blogs but sometimes tours do not give the tour guide/driver, namely me, time out to write.

We had a great day today. 2 people less tonight as they flew out of Gisborne to their home destinations.

What did we do on this weather wise after some terrible cold weather days. We started with a tour to Eastwoodhill Arboretum. If you are a ‘kiwi’ then we own it. A very interesting heritage. Started by a very interesting character, Douglas Cook in 1910. Granted through a land grant of sorts the land. Much more than exists now as part of the grounds but as time evolved and he spent money bringing trees from all over the world he sold off parts.

Don’t quote me, but now in about 113 hectares this property is planted extensively with trees from all over the world. And yes experts are in there to keep developing this property. As a kiwi you are an owner, but this property is more than that. It is protecting trees becoming extinct in their natural environments. If you are into trees, an absolute must see. For me personally, not so much about the individual trees, but the photography opportunities at the magnificence of what I saw which was just a small portion of the property.

My mistake, I am travelling with 3 cameras plus a cell phone but today I misjudged which camera I should carry.

Douglas Cook, maybe another day I will dictate a blog to him, or google him. It was his vision that established what I saw but there are more interesting stories about that man.

From there we were running extremely late so we cut out a segment of the agenda that included some hot springs. Personally I was fine with the decision. So because by now it was late morning and none of us had had breakfast we decided on a very late brunch. I wont name the place and just put it down to they had a bad day. Food was okay but service and staff were not. A pity. But my off sider decided she would not leave without saying something. Apology was given, but sorry, I will not stop there with a tour group again.

From there it was to Milton Vineyard. A boutique vineyard an organically certified. This trip 3 vineyards and one brewery but I am driver so no drinking. Sad. But I understand the wine was great. I know my wines so I know what the gentleman was telling was correct. Just a pity I am driver.

Next we built in a surprise for the rest of the group. I cannot take credit at all but I agreed we should do it. We went to a blacksmiths. A gentleman with same first name as me and probably similar age. Peter. My eyes lit up. Sea anchors, cray pots and old motor bikes. I am in heaven. Peter was a real character you could spend all day with. Endless stories to tell. Bonus of this stop was I got very unexpected photo opportunities and hopefully 2 cray pots are on their way north.

Next stop an extremely beautiful water fall but if you want to see you will need book a tour with Peter and Xiaoli Tours. Off the beaten track very much but worth t.

From there a 2 hour drive to Opotiki and the lovely lady on the GPS keep telling us to turn around for a while. But then she must have realised that’s not going to happen so kept saying go straight. Haha. 30 to 50 minutes of metal road. Very scenic and I love metal roads. A dream come true. But probably not the ideal tour route. Haha.

We arrived Opotiki 20 minutes or so earlier than the GPS lady originally predicted. I wonder why?

A great day. Tomorrow 4.5 hours to Auckland. Drop people off different locations. Visit a souvenir factory that has agreed to work with us. Pick up 10kg of American Cherries for my beautiful wife, the boss, Xiaoli

Then 5 hours to home. Going to be a late night arrival. Hopefully the farm gate is open as we are 1km down a very dark metal driveway. See my beautiful little Li Li. Yes my dog. She will be beside herself to see me. Xiaoli has no look in until I settle here. Xiaoli and I both know, our 4 beautiful babies, the dogs, take priority

www.peterandxiaoli.com

 

 

 

If ever in Gisborne on New Zealand’s east coast of the North Island, then I recommend Smash Palace is well worth a visit. Have a drink or two. Not sure I would recommend the food unless you enjoy it as part of the experience. It would be better with a group.

Enjoy the photo’s. If its you then one day do visit. Book a tour with Peter and Xiaoli Tours. We do tours from 5 to 25 days. Sometimes shorter in our home region but 80% of what we do falls within the area I listed.

We are a boutique tour company specialising in small numbers up to 11. All our tours are individually planned to the wish list we ask clients to supply.

Want a tour within New Zealand then talk to us. Want a tour in China then talk to us. As our name suggests Peter is very much a Kiwi, Xiaoli Chinese heritage. Peter fluent English unless he hashad a glass or wine or two. At leasts my friends tell me that. Haha. Xiaoli fluent 5 Chinese languages plus English

Enjoy our Smash Palace photographs taken tonight by yours truly. Every photograph we ever display on our blogs is personally taken. So enjoy our Smash Palace experience

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

Day 3 – Minimal driving exploring Gisborne

I have awoken to a beautiful day. A clear blue sky and the wind has significantly reduced. Alas, the very cold temperature has not changed. But just be grateful, little wind and a blue sky.

Not absolutely sure what is on the agenda today but I do know it starts with the company in town that arranges cycle tours of the city. I am not a cyclist nor wish to be. Those memories can remain in my childhood days. But I do need learn about what is offered as from time to time the odd tourist is interested.

I know there is a surf school on the agenda and again not my thing but in the past I have had tourists travelling with me ask. So again it’s a learning thing.

And there is a vineyard end of day and yes the important wine tasting. Now wine I have given up but surely partaking in a little tasting will be okay? Haha. I have not sworn off alcohol, just wine as I love it, and it loves me with a passion,  and the love runs so deep sometimes a little much would be consumed.

30 minutes to go before we meet the rest of the group. Changed shoes for today hoping my feet may remain warmer. I know one of my fellow guides sharing the apartment has put a double layer of socks on. I must say I hadn’t thought of that but hopefully the trusty sneakers in the rear of the ‘Peter and Xiaoli Tours’ vehicle will do the job. Or really, it would be just great if the temperature rose 4 or 5 degrees today.

11.35am. It feels like about 2 degrees here today even though our tour vehicle says it’s a little warmer. The wind chill factor caused by the southerly wind coming off the water.

The days started with a meeting in a local café here in Gisborne with a lovely lady talking about her surf school she has created here. A very interesting lady when you here the full story of what she does. I am not interested in surfing. Tried it many years ago and for me the sea holds more valuable treasures such as the fish I seek to haul in. But yes, she was very worth spending the time as I know although not often, but I do get tourists time permitting that could be interested in what she offers.

The next meeting was arranged so we could stay put and they would come to us. A lovely South African but now kiwi lady who runs the local cycle tour business. Some interesting tours she offers. Very much just a seasonal business as Gisborne has the same issues as where I come from in the very far north of New Zealand, it is off the normal main tourist route. So I related very well.

After that a drive around Gisborne. Many years since I have done that. A few photographs to add to my growing photo library. Next a motel inspection visit then followed by the local museum. I would like to think the weather will warm up but gut feel says it is unlikely to.

4.41pm. A relaxed afternoon. It seems in the winter a lot of Gisborne shuts down on a Sunday. But we had a great drive around. Viewed a few of the sights.

Last visit was to the Gisborne Wine Centre which represents the local vineyards. All partook in a wine tasting except for yours truly who opted to stay with the coffee. Plus in all honesty I need stay a sober driver. Haha

We did visit the local museum. Not my kettle of fish but a good history of the region.  Nothing wrong with it as a museum and if you are into that sort of thing you should visit.

Tonight some of the group will visit a local cinema which the local tourism centre recommended then we will all head off to the Smash Palace Restaurant for dinner.

Tomorrow back to driving a little more as we explore more of the region before we head to Opotiki for the final night

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

 

Day 2 Hicks Bay to Gisborne New Zealand

 

6.44am The second morning I have awoken feeling I had a restless sleep and cold. The motel lacks a heater large enough to heat the room. The bed could do with another blanket. I did find it had an electric blanket which I turned onto get warm but for sleeping it was off.

An agreed 8am start today. So about 7.15 I will head across to the motel office so I can get on the internet. Wi fi here is not all good unless you are right by the modem. Sad for motel wi fi in this modern era to be like that. Cell phone reception is not working but given our remoteness that is not surprising.

First stop today is my request and since I am the driver and tour vehicle owner, my right to dictate. No not really, all happily agreed. We will head down to Hicks Bay so I can get some video footage and still photography. This trip I bought 3 cameras and my cell phone but so far only using my basic pocket size Sony plus my cell phone. Portable makes it a lot easier than carrying the larger Canon SLR.

After Hicks Bay we are going to a local Manuka Honey factory which just happens to have a café, so coffee and breakfast as well. That will be interesting as just last year I produced a 5 minute documentary for Haines Honey which was used on television in Shanghai.

Outside the motel I can hear the Tuis. A beautiful bird sound to hear early morning.

Now for a shower and try to warm up. I hope at the hotel in Gisborne I don’t feel as though the cold is biting into me this much.

12.50 Departed Hicks Bay Motel 8am exactly as planned. Temperature still very cold. Down to the beach for a photography stop. Absolutely beautiful. I have visited many times and always beautiful.

From Hicks Bay it was over to the East Cape Manuka Honey factory. Not only producing Manuka honey they mainly export to Japan, but the largest factory in New Zealand producing the Manuka oil extracted from the Manuka tree leaves. The factory owners spent 1.5 hours with us explaining what they do. And how they are teaching the community the value of protecting the Manuka tree for the future including replanting. A very interesting talk. And they put on a lovely kiwi style breakfast and for me a ‘hot long black coffee’. I was ever so grateful.

Time to take my snow gloves off as driving behind the glass became warmer. On to the historic Maori Tiki Tiki church. Absolutely beautiful inside as my photographs portray.

On to Tokomaru Bay. A beautiful beach although being battered with what I am guessing are southerly winds. But it didn’t stop my photo library being increased in size. Relying mainly on my compact Sony camera. Just easier to get in and out.

And now we have arrived Tolaga Bay and the historic and very famous wharf. If I had time plus my fishing rod with me I would be tempted to stand at the end and cast out. But no time and no rod with me. Next time maybe. My group walked it, I have done it a number of times before so stayed with the van as security for the luggage inside and chance for me to catch up on writing this blog.

Next stop is at a reef where we put on waders and walk out through the water to feed the stingray. At time of writing I am not sure how the weather will factor in this. It is fine but strong winds with a cold bite to them.

3.19pm As I suspected may be the case the walk over the reef was cancelled due to this terrible southerly coming through. Stopped as was briefed by the owner of the Stingray viewing operation. But no opportunity to put the waders on and walk out on the reef.

Now Gisborne in our hotel. Next visit is to a local brewery. That put a smile on my face. Walking distance so no driving so the odd beer not an issue.

The dinner restaurant has been booked. Its quite good being the only male on this trip plus driver, I get well looked after.

A tour route is starting to come together for future tours offered by Peter and Xiaoli Tours. More to see yet. Most I know just a little rusty on. For me main reason is to gather photography. Because of weather looking rough on the sea where as on a good day is looks brilliant and calm. But that’s ok. Photographs are stacking up plus some interesting video. Once home base in another 5 days a lot of video editing to do. Photographs I never touch other than crop so they are fine.

Now time to finish todays story by sorting todays photographs to paste with this story.

A great trip. I can see a fishing and maybe diving tour being put together after this trip.

 

www.peterandxiaoli.com

An interesting day on the road

Written 3.22pm

A familiarisation tour with 6 fellow professional tour guides. A mix of nationalities and some interesting stories being told. My first time since joining ProGuides (Professional Guide Association of New Zealand) one or two years ago that I have found time to meet properly some of my fellow guides. And on this occasion we get 5 days together to discover the East Cape of New Zealand and the Gisborne area.

An early start from Auckland. First pick up point close to the ferry terminal bottom of Auckland City, then on to the airport for the next couple then on last pickup Pukekohe. Interestingly I turned the GPS on before I left the city and it took us west and through the tunnel recently opened and on out to the airport.  Had I taken my normal route which would have been shorter distance but according to the GPS given it was rush hour, it could have been 30 minutes longer. A guide is always learning.

First stop today was Matamata for a coffee and a late breakfast. Then on to Opotiki. A visit to the local museum privately owned and funded by the local community. The local Anglican Church with a gruesome history where some of the Maori’s 100+ years ago supposedly murdered the German preached. Ate him or parts of him. Not nice.

A bite to eat at a local café. Weather is fine but not very warm so nice to be inside. Thankfully I have dressed expecting colder temperatures. The second long black coffee of the day. Probably enough coffees today but somehow I expect I will be encouraged to have another yet this afternoon. Haha

6.32pm. Arrived our motel at Hicks Bay. Temperature is not what I term warm. Certainly low single digits. Strong wind coming straight off the water.

Opotiki to Hicks Bay leg the last 3 hours. A few photography stops. One particular century plus old Anglican Church. Apparently very highly photographs by tourists passing. It was beautiful, I guess. Certainly made for some very beautiful photography this afternoon as you will see in the photographs.

It really is a pity the international tourists rarely reach this area. It is remote so no traffic. People are so laid back. If I didn’t come from the very far north some I would struggle to relate. But I love it. Just a pity the boat is not behind plus have the time to go fishing. Bring a mate that can dive to get us crayfish. Yum

 

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

 

East Cape and Gisborne – We are ready to head your way

 

The 28^th sees us depart Auckland for a 5 day famil East Cape and Gisborne areas. 8 ProGuides (professional guides of NZ) in total.

Over 10 years since I have visited that area and if I really try to pinpoint a date, probably nearer to 15 years and probably on a Variety Club charity event.

No time this trip for a spot of fishing so no use putting the boat behind. That will have to wait.

Our suggestion to ProGuides for this famil trip and its great to see other guides also rate it as a famil worth doing.

First day we head to Hicks Bay. Only brief stops on route as we travel back a certain amount of the route as far as Opotiki so time to look better on the return.

As I said many years since I have been around East Cape so I am sure I will see significant changes. I gather Kirsten who helped plan the famil for me has many things identified that we must see. I do remember seeing in the agenda she has a very early wakeup call for us at Hicks Bay so we can see the sun rise at East Cape. Better hope its good weather Jirsten or it will be like when I got up to see in the millennium, overcast and rain so no sun. On that occasion where I was at Bowentown, Waipu another camper ad drawn a sun so we could all photograph it slowly being raised. Haha

From Hicks Bay we have a leisurely drive down to Gisborne with a number of planned stops. 2 nights in Gisborne seeing different activity providers there each have been given an opportunity to brief us on what they do.

After Gisborne we head back to Opotiki for the final night. Try spend more time looking at things we did not take time to do on the way down.

So if you live in the region and see the ‘Peter and Xiaoli Tours’ van then you know it’s a group of professional guides looking to learn more about your area. Hopefully with new found knowledge, help grow tourist numbers to the region

 

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com

 

Two days of report writing

 

Two days dedicated to preparing what I hope is the final draft of a presentation documents for travel consultants in China. A long time I have had to write a full report. On this occasion a good summary of who Peter and Xiaoli Tours are. Our company. Our growing number of staff. And most importantly our tour agendas.

Now walk away from it a day or so then look at it again. Check on see whether the document is saying what we really need say. If I am still happy then get it translated to Chinese script. And on completion make sure the script has not changed the layout to much page by page.

All completed then we print copies sufficient for the trip plus load to USB flash drive.

Next stage is to go over pricing so wholesale costs we offer are accurate and allow us plus the consultants okay margin.

Spent time today visiting several kauri carvers. Carving from the swamp kauri 35,000 plus years old. Trying to decide on an appropriate corporate gift for each appointment. The kauri as a product is ideal as it comes from our own region. But now we need give the carvers a brief as to what to carve for us. Having now had initial discussions, the thinking cap needs go on. Carving to our brief means whatever we do is unique to us.

Tomorrow a trip to Whangarei to do a little more research. Clear the head for a day. Weather forecast is not good so a good day to go window shop

China travel now all booked to and from plus external. One day my request we take the high speed train Nanning to Guangzhou. An experience I have not had before and its only 4 hours. Accommodation booked. Just stopover in Shanghai need think how to kill 8 hours in transit on way over and a half day on way back

 

http://www.peterandxiaoli.com