1 September 2010

Welcome to the second edition of our series focusing on New Zealand and its many delights.  There are numerous amazing locales to visit while in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” and if you are planning a trip for pleasure or looking at purchasing New Zealand investment property these are well worth your consideration!

#90    The Interislander Experience – Wellington/Picton
New Zealand is made up of two main islands; these have the imaginative monikers of North Island and South Island!  One of the most pleasurable ways to travel between the two is the Interislander Ferry.  This has been described as one of this most beautiful ferry rides in the world and during the 92 kilometre journey you will see the scenic Wellington harbour, the wide expanse of the Cook Straight and the majesty of Queen Charlotte Sound.   For more info please visit www.interislander.co.nz

#89    Davenport and North Head – Auckland
This settlement is a charming seaside village which is only a 12 minute ferry ride from Auckland Central.  It is an area steeped in Maori (peoples indigenous to New Zealand) history.  Originally a pa (or fortified village) there are still remnants of that occupation today.  Evidence of European settlement is also evident with colonial buildings, gun placements and defense forts – which are available to explore!  Davenport offers a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the CBD.  Please visit www.devonport.co.nz

#88    Sky Tower and SkyJump – Auckland
No trip to Auckland is complete without a visit to the iconic Sky Tower in the heart of the CBD.  This is the 12th tallest tower in the world standing at 328 metres and the opportunity to jump off at 192 metres is available to the brave!  For those less adventurous there is a viewing platform and a selection of restaurants to sample in the tower including the ‘Orbit’; which rotates slowly giving a 360deg unsurpassed view of Auckland to a distance of almost 80 kilometres.  Well worth a visit www.skycityauckland.co.nz

#87    Spa and Wellbeing Retreat – Nelson
Nelson is located at the top of the South Island and boasts the most sunshine hours in the country.  The spectacular combination of pristine beaches and second to none native forest and park in the Nelson/Tasman area are an ideal setting for exclusive spas and retreats.  On offer at these rejuvenation centres are massage, beauty, facials and exclusive treatments as well as aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal treatments, iridology and reiki.  Visit http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/nelson/accommodation/resorts-and-health-spas today.

#86    Rere Rock Slide – Gisborne
This is a naturally occurring waterslide with a difference!  Until now recently a closely guarded secret with the locals; this is 100 metres of descending rock face on a gradient safe enough to glide down using a boogie board or similar.  You get a smooth ride due to the water flowing from the Rere Waterfall nearby.  This is also a nice picnic and photography spot.  See www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/rere-rockslide-gisborne

#85    Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Waitangi, Northland
The Treaty of Waitangi is an important document that signified our emergence as a nation.  Signed February 6 (now our National Day), 1840 between the British Colonialists and a selection of Maori tribes its implementation was the beginning of New Zealand as we know it today.  In beautiful sub-tropical Northland you can visit this historical site and be wowed by the intense cultural experience on display at Waitangi.  For more information please see www.waitangi.net.nz

#84    Whakarewarewa Village– Rotorua
Within this area there is a living, breathing Maori village which is totally sustained using geo thermal properties– and this all can be observed while visiting the tourist mecca that is Rotorua.   Throughout the day, local residents act as village guides, providing a tour with a difference - from relaying village stories, to cooking meals (try corn boiled to perfection in the bubbling champagne pool) and using the natural landscape for bathing, washing clothes and predicting weather patterns.  Please visit www.whakarewarewa.com for more information.

#83    Takaka Hill and Remeka Track – Nelson
The Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand’s smallest national park but it has many delights including the mountain bikers magnet of Takaka Hill.  Within this area is Harwood’s Hole – a vertical hole in the hill which is the steepest straight drop in the country.  As you descend the hill on foot or mountain bike the beauty of Golden Bay will be laid before you before arriving at the township of Takaka at the bottom.  For serious mountain biking see www.marblemountainclassic.org.nz/mountainbikerace.php.

#82    Raglan – Waikato
The seaside township of Raglan in the North Island has stunning beaches and excellent surf to lure surfers from New Zealand and around the globe.  Also known for having bohemian community and an ‘alternative’ lifestyle, the locals will no doubt make visitors welcome in their laidback, friendly community.  With stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Raglan is a must visit if you are in the area.  Please visit www.raglan.net.nz for more info.

#81    War Memorial Museum – Auckland
Situated on the tip of an extinct volcano in the Auckland Domain, the War Memorial Museum is history with a difference.  The museum regularly exhibits internationally renowned works and has interactive displays and shows for all ages.  Containing unique flora and fauna, extensive information on New Zealand’s colonial development and more than 2,000 native Maori artefact’, the War Memorial Museum is one of Auckland’s treasures.

That concludes this edition of the top 100 places to visit in New Zealand – keep an eye out for our next instalment!

With thanks to the AA Travel website.

24 August 2010

Here in New Zealand we are proud of our nation.  Throughout a series of articles we will be showcasing this wonderful country of ours.

New Zealand has so much to offer for its own residents, tourists and those of you looking to emigrate.   If you are looking at investing in New Zealand property it would be wise to familiarise yourself with the area and anyone considering a visit should take note of the following.

Let’s begin!

#100    Beehive and Parliament Buildings - Wellington 
For those of you unfamiliar with the New Zealand Government building; the Beehive is an interesting piece of architecture to say the least!  As you would think the building is shaped like a beehive and was constructed in the 1970’s.  A controversial design at the time; it is now a New Zealand icon.  Parliament has an ‘open house’ policy and free tours of the buildings are available, including the debating chamber while is session.  For more information please visit www.parliament.nz

#99     New Zealand Rugby Museum – Palmerston North, Manawatu
New Zealand’s national game is rugby union.  The national team (the All Blacks) are the most successful team in the history of the sport and New Zealanders are very proud of their “men in black” so much so the nation goes into mourning if they lose!  The rugby museum in Palmerston North showcases New Zealand as a rugby powerhouse and has a range of interesting and informative displays for the fan and non-fan alike.  To make a booking please visit www.rugbymuseum.co.nz

#98    Stonehenge Aotearoa – Carterton, Wairarapa
Aotearoa is the Maori (indigenous people of this land) name for New Zealand.   It means “Land of the Long White Cloud.”  The structure completed near Carterton in 2005 is a full scale working model of the original Stonehenge situated in Salisbury Plains, England.  Aotearoa Stonehenge is perfectly placed to record seasons; celebrate winter solstice and Matariki (Maori New Year).  Situated on private property, bookings are essential so please visit www.astronomynz.org.nz/stonehenge for more information.

#97    Cross Country Skiing – Queenstown/Southern Lakes
New Zealand has world renowned ski fields and breath-taking scenery.   Lake Wanaka has New Zealand’s only dedicated cross-country skiing area, with over 50 kilometres of tracks way up in the Pisa Range.  Cross country skiing can take some mastering but it is an experience like no other on the ski field and the views along the mountains and over the lake are well worth the hard work.  For more information please see www.snowfarmnz.com

#96    Writers Walk – Wellington
This self-tour of the capital city is for those with an avid interest in the arts.  The tour encapsulates musings cast in stone by writers who, at some point in their lives, have called Wellington home.  These include Katherine Mansfield, Robin Hyde, Denis Glover, Bruce Mason and Vincent O’Sullivan.  Look out for James K Baxter’s sculpture, which appears to float on the surface of the Te Papa pool.  For more info see www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/wellington_writers_walk

#95    Hundertwasser Toilets – Kawakawa, Northland
These need to be seen to be believed!  Situated in the picturesque town of Kawakawa; these public conveniences were designed by world renowned artist, ecologist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser – the only structure he completed in the southern hemisphere.   Made of recycled coloured glass bottles and old bricks, featuring brightly coloured archways and sculptured columns with a tree growing in the building itself – this is not to be missed if you are visiting Northland! www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/hundertwasser-public-toilets-kawakawa

#94    Golf in Alpine Splendour – Queenstown/Southern Lakes
Queenstown Golf Club’s 5th hole is said to be one of the most photographed in the world.  Framed by Lake Wakatipu and the majesty of the Southern Alps it can be difficult to concentrate on your drive!  The world class Millbrook Resort and golf club is a short drive from Queenstown and offers similar awe-inspiring views along with luxurious accommodation.  Please visit www.queenstowngolf.co.nz or www.millbrook.co.nz

#93    Port Waikato – Auckland
Situated on Auckland’s West Coast, this is where New Zealand’s longest river meets the sea.  A classic Kiwi beachside town, the beauty and serenity of this area is second to none.  Parts of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy were filmed here and the nearby Nikau Glow Worm caves offer something different.   Peaceful coastal walks on black sand dunes and prime fishing round out this quintessential Kiwi experience. Visit www.portwaikato.com

#92    Central Otago Curling – Alexandra/Maniototo
Parts of Central Otago are seen as thoroughfares to the Queenstown/Southern Lakes District.  However some of these towns and settlements offer a unique beauty and culture all of their own.   The Scottish sport of curling is a big hit in Central Otago and well worth a go!  It involves hurling 20 kilo stones fitted with a handle down a 35 metre strip of groomed ice.  Similar to lawn bowls the aim is to get closest to the markers. www.curling.co.nz

#91    Volcano Treks – Auckland
A little known fact about our biggest city is that much of the urban area sits on dormant volcanoes!  Two of the most popular cones to visit are Mt Eden and One Tree Hill.  Mt Eden is the highest and offer stunning views over the harbour and city.  One Tree Hill was one of the largest Maori settlement complexes in the country at one point and is claimed to be the largest pre0histroic earth fort in the world.  These are both easily accessible by foot or car. See www.tourism.net.nz/region/auckland

Please keep a look out for the next article in our series.  With thanks to AA Travel.

Ref: www.aatravel.co.nz

30 June 2010

In the latest Mercer Cost of Living Survey Auckland and Wellington have emerged as two of the cheapest cities in the world to live in.  Auckland came in 149th place and Wellington in 163rd place, beating all Australian cities surveyed in offering value for money.

There were 214 cities in the global study with Tokyo and Osaka (Japan) coming in the top 10 most costly cities and Karachi, Pakistan (214) coming in at the most affordable city to live in.

The Mercer survey measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.  It is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowance for their expatriate employees.

New Zealand was ranked more affordable than Australian cities in the study, including Sydney (24) Melbourne (33), Brisbane (55), Perth (60) and Canberra (74).

Mercer senior researcher Nathalie Constantin-Metral said New Zealand and Australia remain cost competitive countries for companies sending staff to the Asia Pacific region for expansion; particularly when compared to the cost of living in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore (all in the top 20 most costly cities).

Costly cities
1 Luanda, Angola
2 Tokyo, Japan
3 Ndjamena, Chad
4 Moscow, Russia
5 Geneva, Switzerland
6 Osaka, Japan
7 Libreville, Gabon
8 Zurich, Switzerland
8= Hong Kong
9 Copenhagen, Denmark

Most affordable
205 Windhoek, Namibia
206 Tegucigalpa, Honduras
207 Kolkata/Calcutta, India
208 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
209 Bishkek, Kyrgyztan
210 Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan
211 La Paz, Bolivia
212 Islamabad, Pakistan
212 Mangua, Nicaragua
214 Karachi, Pakistan

Ref: www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article

29 June 2010

The Mercer Quality of Living Survey rates over 220 cities throughout the world on variety of factors including the current political, social and economic environment.   Housing, schools, public services and access to consumer goods are also considerations for the rankings.

Auckland topped the Asia Pacific category (coming in ahead of Sydney and Melbourne) and rated 4th equal overall, tied with Vancouver and coming in behind Vienna, Zurich and Geneva.

Wellington rated well in the Eco City category, coming in at 5th Placed overall in the world; number 1 in Asia Pacific.  The eco ranking relates to water availability and drinkability, waste removal and quality of sewerage systems, air pollution and traffic congestion.

Baghdad remains the worst city on the index, placed last out of the 221 cities surveyed this year and London, Tokyo and New York came in at 39, 40 and 49 respectively.  Australia fared well on the index with Sydney coming in at 10, Melbourne (18) and Perth (21).

Mr Slagin Parakatil, a representative from Mercer (a leading global provider of consulting, outsourcing and investment services) said that “Quality of living standards remained relatively stable on a global level throughout 2009 and the first half of 2010, but in certain regions and countries the economic recession had a noticeable impact on the business climate.”  He went on to say “though a high standard of living may be taken for granted in certain cities, a lack thereof is much more noticeable and can even lead to severe hardship.”

Top 5 cities: Quality of living ranking

• Vienna, Austria (1st)
• Zurich, Switzerland (2nd)
• Geneva, Switzerland (3rd)
• Vancouver, Canada (tied 4th)
• Auckland, New Zealand (tied 4th)

Top 5 cities: Eco-city ranking

• Calgary, Canada (1st)
• Honolulu, United States (2nd)
• Ottawa, Canada (tied 3rd)
• Helsinki, Finland (tied 3rd)
• Wellington, New Zealand (5th)

Ref: www.mercer.com/qualityofliving

10 November, 2008

Real estate experts are saying that there is no better time to buy property than right now. Prices have dropped, mortgage rates are down and there are some bargains out there.

More and more buyers are searching the web to buy and one of New Zealand’s leading real estate websites has one of the most comprehensive portfolios of listings of properties of any website in the country.

Every month there are over 270,000 hits and over 111,000 listings, but just what are the most popular areas that buyers have been looking for property in across the country?

“One would assume the most active suburbs would be the elitist suburbs, the most expensive suburbs,” Alistair Helm said. “But what we found was it was guineen interest and that speaks to people using the website who are actively looking for property.”

The fifth most popular suburb is Westmere in Auckland, which is a sought-after inner city suburb where older people are moving out and the younger generation moving in.

The proximity to the CBD is the most appealing element of it. As Auckland grows it makes it an attractive area.

Average sale price in the last six months according to quotable value is $803,676.

The fourth most popular suburb for buyers looking for property is Maori Hill in Dunedin, which is an affluent suburb that features some of the city’s largest and most established homes, along with some of the city’s most breathtaking views.

The average price for a home in Maori Hill $417,375.

Cashmere Hills which overlooks Christchurch, is another established suburb with older-style large homes and home to many professionals.

The average sale price for a house in the Cashmere Hills is $572,983.

The second most popular suburb for buyers is Dunedin’s St Clair, which is a lifestyle suburb by the sea with views over the city.

A house in St Clair would set a buyer back around $344,738.

The number one suburb in New Zealand for home buyers is Dallington in Christchurch. The suburb is close to the city centre and sits near the Avon River. The housing are mostly Bugalows and are affordable for many families with an average price of $317,038.