BLOG: Alyce goes to New Zealand

Alyce Simpson, from Infinity Holidays in Brisbane, recounts the second day of her Tourism New Zealand and Emirates Mega Famil

It was an early start on day two, where we headed to the Heritage Hotel just in Auckland for the day of training… If you can call meeting with all the South Island winemakers at 9:00AM training.

We were introduced to all of the wonderful experiences (aside from the wine) that you find in the South Island.

We also learnt about the other areas of the south where you can ski, hike and bike – The South Island, is not just all about the adrenaline rush.

After spending all day talking about the food and wine that the North and South has to offer, I was hungry, so it was back to Depot for more tapas and NZ vino … followed by a stop in at the SkyCity Casino.

Depot is an absolute must do in Auckland for amazing food and service.

This morning we were introduced to our tour leaders – the wonderful Trudy from Kirra Holidays and the lovely Lauren from Tourism New Zealand as we embarked on our journey from Auckland, and hit the road with our fabulous Kirra Holidays driver Rossco.

We headed off to Taupo (it’s pronounced Toe-Paw), three hours away, where we were treated to a lunch at the Huka Prawn Park where we hugged a life-size prawn named Shawn

Next stop was at Chris Jolly Outdoors where we had the option to hop on a boat and stay dry, or jump into a kayak to inspect the Maori rock carvings. I chose the kayak tour which was absolutely wicked.

The lake is more like a sea than a puddle – especially when the weather took a typical NZ turn, which resorted in us surfing the kayaks back to shore. WOW! I was totally drenched, tired but exhilarated and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about our adventure.

Wet, exhausted and full of adrenaline, we headed back to the Wairkei resort for a (very) quick shower and change of clothes before our dinner.

The resort, a little out of town, is very chilled, good for families and grey nomads and those who are looking for a place where they don’t have to leave the property if they want to do things.

There is a day spa, mineral spas and a golf course on the property.

For those who want some nightlife, I would recommend the town centre, as there are plenty of bars and cafes to choose from.

We ventured into town to hit Millennium Manuels on the lakefront where we were invited to view the rooms on the property which were plush, classy, elegant and honestly looked like we’d walked into a scene from a movie.

They are perfect for families, honeymooners, anyone in fact who likes the best when on holidays. This was definitely one of my favorite properties I saw on the famil.

We were then offered mulled wine and top-notch food, which included rainbow trout that was caught fresh that afternoon in Lake Taupo by those on the boat trip and delivered by Chris Jolly Outdoors to the hotel.

A three-course degustation meal followed where we felt like kings and queens.

They had set the room up with hand-made decorations, to make us feel special and welcomed. They really do know how to put on a show.

Needless to say, I slept well that night.