Posts Tagged ‘Cats’

Top 5 things to do in New Zealand

Monday, October 26th, 2009

“So often I get asked,” says Victoria Carter, “where should I go to when i come to NZ,” believe it or not a taxi driver in Madrid asked me this only last month.

His daughter was an air hostess and so he was planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand. I suggested he allow a week at least in the North Island and then try to get to the South Island to Christchurch or Queenstown at best.

How did I suggest he put his week together, well here are some ideas:

Nearly everyone arrives in Auckland so stay a night in the city; go to Bastion Point to see the beautiful harbour, jump on a ferry if you have more time; go to Cornwall Park or up Mt Eden to get a sense of the city and its extinct ( don’t worry) volcanos.

Then pick up a rental car, you can’t beat JUCY Rentals, for value for money, service and smiles. JUCY are very handy to Aspen Hotel a central city hotel offering good comfort on a budget.

Wr recommend:

1. a trip north

2. a trip to the central plateau

3. a trip over to Waiheke Island or drive up one of the 48 extinct volcanos in Auckland City to get a sense of the city; or drive to the West Coast for a contrast between the two coasts Auckland City sits on.

4. A trip to Nelson, drive to Kaikoura for some whale watching

5. Go to Queenstown for the magnificent scenery and if your time allows a visit to Milford Sound.

So in more detail:

Head north ( as far as your time allows) even an hour and a quarter north to Leigh gives you wonderful views of the sea and islands. You can have a swim with the fish at Goat Island.

3 hours north and you will be up in Whangarei where you can see even more beautiful scenery, Tutukaka where there are some great boat trips, or 45 minutes further on to Russell or Opua. Again there are lots of day trips on the water to see the incredibler scenery, dolphins and sea life.

Drive back to Auckland and this time head south to the Central Plateau. Here you can choose Rotorua or Taupo. Rotorua is famous for its bubbling mud pools and geysers. Maori culture abounds in Rotorua too. Taupo has the beautiful views of Ruapehu where you can ski and it famous for its trout fishing. If you are into golf a round at Wairakei is world rated.

Read other blogs in this site for Kaikoura. A blog coming up will tell you more about Queenstown and Milford Sound.

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5 things to do in the North Island

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

You can’t see everything when you visit a country so what do we recommend.

If you head North there are some stunning beaches and views. It’s Down Under’s equivalent of the Amalfi Coast, except the roads are wider. But the views will have your mouth gaping. There is a coastal road if you have got time to meander. If not head straight to the Bay of Islands, see Paihia, Kerikeri and Doubtless Bay. These three places have lots of history, activities and places to stay.

Our 5 top tips for the Upper North Island are:

1. A trip to Paihia – jump on the boat that goes backwards and forwards to Russell and see an old settlement.

2 Do the Fullers Cream trip and see the beauty of the islands.

3. In Kerikeri enjoy the steam ship up the inlet. See the old Stone House, enjoy the lushness of this area before heading half an hour north to

4. Doubtless Bay. On the way drive through Mangonui – famous for its fish and chip shop! This is a quaint historical village doted with coffee shops. Around the bend is the long and beautiful Doubtless Bay and Cooper’s Beach. Further north the Carrington Golf Course is in a splendid setting where you can enjoy a glass of wine from their winery.

5. The finale of your trip up north is to get on a bus and go to the tip of the North Island, along 90 Mile Beach and up to Cape Reinga, where the Maori believe the spirits of the dead leave. See the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet sometimes producing waves 10 metres high.

If you head North there are some stunning beaches and views. It’s Down Under’s equivalent of the Amalfi Coast, except the roads are wider. But the views will have your mouth gaping. There is a coastal road if you have got time to meander. If not head straight to the Bay of Islands, see Paihia, Kerikeri and Doubtless Bay. These three places have lots of history, activities and places to stay.

If you have a question about your trip feel free to ask us and we’ll do our best to get back to you within a day or so.

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Nickelback at Vector

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

nicklback.jpgNickelback, Nickelback, the multi-platinum rock powerhouse are coming to Vector arena to perform for one night only on 7 November.

Many bands are touring the world to promote their albums, Nickelback is promoting its latest album Dark Horse to a sell out tour in the US.

NICKELBACK has sold an incredible 30 million albums worldwide. Their 2005 album release “All the right reasons” spent a staggering 112 consecutive weeks in the Top 30 of the Billboard Top 200, was certified 8-times platinum in the U.S. and has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide.

November is starting to become a busy summer season for Auckland hotels providers so grab a cheap room now. When you have got your ticket call Aspen on 09 379 6633 or 0800 4 ASPEN and get an ensuite room or a smart newly refurbished room with shared facilities.

If you are watching your pennies then Aspen has a room for you. Located a short walk to the arena but in a quiet and convenient part of the City you’ll get a FREE continental breakfast at Aspen. Safe and secure parking on site means no worries about your car and no parking hassles since Vector is a short walk away.

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Dalai Lama -peaceful mind – affordable Aspen Hotel

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

The Dalai Lama is coming back to Auckland and will present a  Commentary on Bodhicitta. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience to be held at the Vector arena on December 6 2009.

This visit is a wonderful opportunity for all New Zealanders to again see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama in person. Save money and stay at Aspen.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will speak on A Peaceful Mind and is suitable for a general audience and all are welcome.

Stay in a civilised bed and breakfast hotel where the mature staff are friendly and warm. If you are coming to hear the Dalai Lama then you should seriously consider Aspen Hotel because of its afforable room rate.

Aspen prices start from $84.00 for a double room and shared bathroom to $129 for an ensuite room. These special rates includes a continental breakfast.

Aspen Hotel is easy to find in the City and has secure parking on site. Apsen is a small hotel opposite a pretty city park. Close to cafes, restaurants, transport hubs and of course the Vector arena is a short walk away.

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Green Day in Auckland stay at Aspen Hotel

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Green Day are coming to Auckland December 19 and performing at the Vector arena, which is easy walking distance to Aspen House Hotel.

Aspen is one of the best priced hotels close to the arena. It’s only a short walk to the venue. But book now, December is high season so rooms are scarce but worse hotels can charge top rates at this time. So don’t delay.

If you book now you’ll get a special rate of $119.00  for a double ensuite and this includes a  free continental breakfast for 2. including.  This special offer is only available for first 5 people to call Aspen on  0800 42 77 36 (0800 4 ASPEN) so don’t miss out.

Triple rooms available for $149  =that’s only $49 per person so grab your mates and make the booking.

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Auckland one of best cities in world

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Auckland has been ranked 12th best city in the world in an international survey on the best cities to live in.

Aspen House Hotel knows it’s a liveable city. We are bang, smack almost in the middle of the CBD and it isn’t many cities that have green parks and trees on their door steps like Auckland and Aspen Hotel has.

Right now the gingko trees that border the park have dropped all their golden leaves. It’s been quite a beautiful site but HOLD your nose! The smell of the berries is quite unpleasant and we have to tell guests that it’s temporary. What’s the smell – well it’s a bit like vomit so as you can imagine not very nice! So back to liveable cities….

One of the reasons Auckland rates so highly is the culturally diverse mix of people working and living together – and living happily together.

We have great tertiary institutions, employment opportunities, wonderful places to live, close to beaches, islands in the Gulf, walking routes, lots of extinct volcanoes for interesting walks and wonderful scenery.

We think Auckland is a great place to live and work.

In case you wondered, Vancouver was rated number 1 best city.

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Cats on in Auckland

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Cats, the thrilling musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is wowing audiences in Auckland. On at the beautiful Civic Theatre on Queen Street, ticket pries are very affordable. Check out the link.

Cats is actually based on T S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and was first performed in 1981. It has some superb songs, great dancing. See Tina Cross and Shane Cortese strutting his stuff in black PVC!

Ticketing Information
*Service fees will apply

STANDARD: Premium $79.90*, A Res $69.90*, B Res $59.90*
CONCESSION (seniors over 65): Premium $79.90*, A Res $55.00*, B Res $45.00*
STUDENT: Premium $79.90*, A Res $40.00*, B Res $40.00*
CHILD (12 and under): Prem $79.90*, A Res $40.00*, B Res $35.00*
GROUP (of 10 or more): Premium: N/A, A Reserve $55.00*, B Reserve $45.00*

Make a night of it without spending the earth, book a room at Aspen House Hotel and for $89 you can have your own room with an ensuite, brekafast and get a ticket to the show.

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