Peter and Xiaoli Tours

Napier to Wellington – Another day over

I just worked it out I have 12 days left out of the original 23 days of this tour. I am exhausted but day after tomorrow I get the whole day off in Nelson why the group go on another day tour. I will take the opportunity to wash clothes. Running thin on clean clothes now. I will wash the bus. Last did that in Rotorua and since then we have had terrible weather so the bus is filthy. Time to make it look new once again.

Today we left Napier in abysmal weather. I knew it wasn’t going to be great so ave an early start time for the group. They had already seen Napier so better we head south and try get away from the bad weather and we did that.

First big stop was at Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre. A new stop for me and I am glad I made the effort. Just wish in hindsight I had known how good it was and I would have built more time into our agenda. The next tour starting just after this one I will make sure I allow a minimum of one hour.

Various native birdlife but for me I believe I got some good pics of the Kakariki, a New Zealand native parakeet. I haven’t looked yet but will later if I can keep my eyes open that long. Really am feeling it now.

Saw the white Kiwi bird they have in its nocturnal area. That was worth viewing. Unfortunately you cant photograph but the experience I have implanted in my head and I know in a bit over 2 weeks I will see again.

On to Wellington over the Rimutaka’s . A very long steep twisting hill with very impatient drivers passing me in absolutely stupid places. And people wonder why the accident numbers on our roads are so high. Shame on you that passed me on double yellow lines. Learn patience as I always pull over when I find the opportunity.

I dropped the group at Te Papa why I dropped cases to the hotel. All were disappointed not at Te Papa the little they saw of it, but the sheer number of people, in particular children. New Zealand school holidays plus 2 cruise ships sitting berthed in Wellington.

From Te Papa it was up Mt Victoria. I think I really must stop using the winding narrow road to the summit and use the main road. My group love the views but not sure they enjoy the drops on the side as crawl up. For me I don’t have an issue with it.

Back at the hotel 5pm. A nice and early finish but its an early start tomorrow to catch the Inter Islander

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Tongariro to Napier

An uneventful day really. Weather is not great. So far no rain but very cold winds. Weather causing cancellation of some activities which I guess means I reschedule somewhere later on the tour.

My body has reached exhaustion stage and one foot is swollen. Could do with some of Xiaoli’s oils to rub on it but I guess that’s not possible so just grin and bear it.

Yesterday up the mountain cuts I had that I thought were healing well bled in the freezing cold. So the Chateau on check in happily supplied me with some band aids. Looking at the offending areas they now look well healed but that is not the way they were up the mountain yesterday.

An early departure today saw us head back to Taupo before turning to head across to the East Coast and Napier. First stop was Waimunga Falls. A rather spectacular water falls and one I always enjoy getting the camera out to capture. I never can remember the name of the smaller falls to the left.

Next was a café/toilet stop. We were all cold and all I believe like me got some hot food and a coffee or tea. Not a bad long black coffee either I must say.

On into Napier with the only activity now being the walking art deco tour. Not a first time for me and I am sure it wont be the last. Some good photography before one of the group took a little ill so I walked her back to the hospital. So with cancelled activities my day ended early. Now sitting in Te Pania Scenic Hotel and shortly will head for a beer as I know some of my group will seek me out.

It must be one week since the tour started so about 14 days to go. The group are all great. Just need rest my body a bit. The driving foot is not looking great but I will keep it up and all will be fine I am sure.

Tomorrow night Wellington then its across on the Inter Island ferry to start our South Island leg of the tour

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Rotorua based today! Yeah!

A morning off for my tour group to shop or do whatever. Unfortunately it was raining then so I believe there were none that ventured from the hotel.

For me I took the bus and washed it as the rain had stopped and I like a clean vehicle. But unfortunately the rain started again. It may not be as dirty as it was but its not pristine either.

Lunch today was at the Buried Village on the edge of Lake Tarawera. A stunning area and rich in volcanic history. Lunch was picnic style second day running, but okay.

A museum tour to hear about the large volcano that happened in the 1800’s. For me we learnt that many years ago in school and as a tour guide I obviously have a little more knowledge than some. The group enjoyed which is always important.

We had time to kill so we headed for the Redwood forest and the treetops walk. Not all did a walk but those that did, loved it.

On to Lake Roititi for a cruise on a 16 metre catamaran yacht to the lakeside hot pools accessible only by boat. Other than get off the boat for photography I did not join those that partook in a soak in the mineral pools.

All the group rated the cruise and the pools 10 out of 10. I agree it was up there. Maybe the sparking wine I supplied helped. Haha

Back to Rotorua for dinner. I am not sure the group are impressed I requested cases by 7.45am. A big day with a lot planned as we head to the centre of the North Island and the ski fields. No snow being summer but spectacular anyway

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Another work day – Christmas Day

Today our tour group grew by another 7 who joined this morning in Auckland. Americans plus a Swiss couple to join the man from UK, a lovely lady from Germany and a Swiss couple I already had aboard for 3 days up the Northland region.

The roads were relatively quiet being it was Christmas Day and most New Zealand people would be spending that day with their families. For me, a work day. It started with collecting the 11 in the group from the Sebel Hotel Auckland and taking them to the Grand Mercure Hotel for breakfast. The Sebel being Christmas Day were not open for breakfast.

Following breakfast we headed for Mt Eden to allow the group to get photography on Auckland. It hadn’t been on their tour agenda so that was the start of us running in catch up mode all day.

Off we head after the photographs for the Karangahake Gorge near Waihi for a walk on one of the gold mining tracks. But first we tried to find a café on route for a coffee stop but being Christmas Day we needed end up settling for McCafe at MacDonalds in Paeroa. All normal cafes remaining closed.

At Karanghake first issue became a very crowded carpark including cars in the tour bus parks. So I told the group to go ahead and I would catch up, maybe. A confrontation but patience remained as I confronted those in the bus stop and basically told them shift or I will double park right alongside and there the bus shall remain until I return. It seemed to work, they moved.

Now in theory all 11 of the group were ahead of me. First I caught 2 and 1 being elderly I suggested a partial walk on level ground which they appreciated. I caught 1 of the Swiss couples up and the 3 of us stayed within proximity of each other for the walk. Low and behold we reached the bus first. Still not sure how we got in front of the others but over an hour later they turned up. We were already behind schedule and that added to it.

A phone call to Rainbows End who advised being Christmas Day were shutting at 5pm. We were booked to arrive 3pm. We agreed on 4pm and finally arrived 4.20pm. The bus does not seem to keep up with times on the GPS. Obviously designed for cars.

Rainbows End were very cooperative and a lovely Chinese guide that works there took us on a guided tour of the nocturnal Kiwi House plus their breeding centre. The latter even for me was fascinating.

Quickly back to the bus and off to check into the Novatel. 15 minutes to find the rooms, do whatever they required and back to the bus. We had an appointment for Christmas Dinner.

Te Puia at the southern end of Rotorua was our venue for Christmas Dinner. A traditional Maori hangi feast but first a Maori concert. The evening went well and seemed to be enjoyed by all the group.

Tomorrow they get the morning off and don’t need join me in the bus to midday.

Certainly a different sort of Christmas Day for me but very enjoyable. A little hard work. Not good being in catch up mode all day but it is typical of a first day with a new group. I will get them better organised, well maybe

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To all our friends out there we hope you have a great Christmas and happy and safe New Year.

If driving take care on those roads.

I say if even not religious Christmas is still a good excuse to enjoy some family time.

Being in tourism Xiaoli and I are full on. Christmas Day poor Xiaoli has 14 beds to make and 3 units plus a stand alone house to clean ready for the next people checking in later in the afternoon. Fortunately she does have some staff to help.

For me its continue the 23 day tour I am on. Our group of 5 grows to 11 in the morning with more arrivals from the UK and USA. They join my existing guests from UK, Germany and Switzerland.

Breakfast at the Grand Mercure centre Auckland 8am Christmas Day. Then I give them a short waterfront tour before we head for the Karanghake Gorge just prior Waihi. There we will all enjoy one of the walks before we partake in a picnic lunch. The lunch pre supplied also by the Grand Mercure. A few bottles of wine are buried away in the bus which I must ensure I put on ice for them to enjoy. For me, the orange juice.

Rotorua in the evening. On arrival a stop at Rainbow Springs so they can visit the nocturnal house amongst other things, to view our famous kiwi bird.

Dinner at Te Puia. A delicious Maori Hangi, and Te Puia do do it well.

So a bit of driving for me but I think I got the better deal than poor Xiaoli cleaning and making beds.

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23 day tour and already on to day 3

Sort of home turf this first section of the tour. Northland Province but unfortunately I do not get the luxury of a home visit to see the boss Xiaoli, or my 4 beautiful children, the dogs. 120km further north and although I have today largely off I still need be on call for the clients.

The tour started Auckland and we headed for the Gannet colony at Muriwai. Doesn’t really give me a buzz but then I openly say sea birds do not really enthuse me. But the guests were happy. Obviously only an hour at that stage so not really into tour mode and we are all strangers to each other. But already it was showing that we had smiles and a sense of humour in the bus. A good start.

On to the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Everytime I go there I think what a pity this museum is not on a main tourist route. It really is worth a visit and to add to it there is a good café opposite if you seek a coffee or a bit of a feed.

On to Tane Mahuta, the god of Waipoua Forest. People are always in awe of this giant Kauri Tree. Height I can never remember but is circumference measuring 13 metres. Photographs never do it justice as you never really appreciate the sheer size of Tane Mahuta.

Footprints, a guide service run by the local Iwi met us at Tane Mahuta and told our group all about the god of the forest. Very well done and if you are visiting the area I suggest you may consider booking the short tour with our friends at ‘Footprints’.

On to Opinoni for the night on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour staying at the Copthorne Hotel. The hotel was okay but I am sorry but if anyone from the Copthorne is reading this, the dinner meal I could not even rate average and all the group agreed, it was terrible. A pity because the restaurant sits in such an idyllic place over looking the harbour. The food was horrible but I will say the staff were fantastic.

The morning we left Opinoni we did a short excursion across the harbour for some sand boarding on the dunes. Not a buzz factor for me as we do sand boarding on the giant Te Paki sand dunes further north. But 4 that did the boards enjoyed so all good.

On towards Paihia. A coffee stop in Kaikohe then on to the Rainbow Falls at Kerikeri. Worth a visit for anyone passing through Kerikeri. Not far off the main road and the walk is short. You can even take a swim in the pool below the falls of that takes your fancy. Just google ‘Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri’. You will find it.

Then to the Stone Store and Kemp House at Kerikeri. We lunched first in the Honey Café behind. Coffee fine, service great, food average.

At the Stone Store we had booked a guided tour. Very informative for the group. Obviously not new information to me but well done and a very important part of our history.

On to Waitangi and the treaty ground where the treaty between the English and the Maori’s was signed. A very important document in New Zealand’s history.

Now if you are going to visit Waitangi on tour which I recommend you do, take the guided tour. It takes an hour but I rate highly.

Another Copthorne Hotel but this time Waitangi. The hotel is certainly not new but very clean and tidy. Corridors are long so be ready to do a lot of walking if you need go back to the restaurant or bar.

We made a mistake as we arranged to eat in their restaurant. But on booking I should have asked what time the big bus groups were eating. We seemed to coincide with their arrival in the restaurant. The buffet food was okay but because of our timing some dishes were sadly lacking in food. The restaurant was refilling but it took a few trips to the buffet to get what you wanted. So my mistake for not checking with the restaurant on booking. And yes, I should have known better so am kicking myself.

Tday my rest day. Put some of the group on the dolphin boat the rest elected to stay hotel bound. Yesterday the obvious signs of jetlag were there so hopefully today all will just take the opportunity to rest.

Tomorrow its Auckland, then Christmas Day Rotorua. Christmas dinner being the hangi feast at Te Puia.

I have not asked Xiaoli how she is coping up north with our accommodation but I know both houses are booked out until early January. We agreed I concentrate on the tour, she will look after the Ninety Beach side of our business. We do talk or message each other on wechat 3 or 4 times a day but both avoid asking about each others business. We cannot help each other and both have our own stress issues that come with being full on so must deal with that ourselves.

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23 days – A very long tour

Today is officially day one of a 23 day tour. However only for me, not the group I collect.

Today is collect the bus. Make sure its cleaned and fuelled up. Go through route agenda to make sure I understand everything from the route itself to hotels and activities. The route this time differs from the usual although covering most of the same places. I nice change for me as the driver guide.

Yesterday I left the far north of New Zealand where we are based. Rather than bring a vehicle down I opted to experience the trip on an Intercity bus. Two actually. A smaller 20 seat coach from Kaitaia to Kerikeri then a brand new 50 seat plus coach Kerikeri to Auckland.

The 20 seat coach I am sorry Intercity I do not give a pass. A great coach as I drive similar coaches but the seats were positioned I suspect for Asians who often are smaller more petite than the western build people. My legs spent the journey in the aisle which meant stops where people disembarked or boarded I needed breathe in so I could pull my legs behind the seat in front. Obviously being positioned that way to achieve maximum loading capacity.

The next seat just happened to be brand new and obviously dedicated to the run Auckland to the far north. I say that because of permanent signage on it. What a pleasure it was being that bus following the smaller one on the first leg of the trip. Spacious and very comfortable. Wi Fi available the whole trip and yes sometimes the speed wasn’t great but it allowed me to kill the trip working on the computer. So that 3.5 hour part of the trip was bliss on Intercity.

Would I do it again? Probably when I know I am going to be away so long. It saves me parking a vehicle up in Auckland which is not just cost but security concerns. I only get 3 days home in January so arranged a small rental on arrival back in Auckland. For 3 days cost is less than running my own vehicle. Then away again until late February. Then I need figure out how to get back from Auckland to the far north.

Moa Tours who I am doing the 23 day tour for have presented me with a brand new 20 seat Mitsubishi Fuso. Only 390km on the clock. Cant complain at that. The seating is great as very spacious so customers should have no complaints.

This tour sees clients from the USA, United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. Only one of the group non English speaking but in her case the husband is fluent. So a good cross combination of nationalities.

Now its rest time ready for a 7am departure in the morning. The first 3 days its north ward bound to the Kauri museum and forest before crossing to the Bay of Islands. All in theory now-a-days my home province of Northland. Then its head south ending in Christchurch January 10. I can do that. The longest day a bit over 500km. Not an issue

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