Once is Never Enough

My small dreams come true. This is a statement that can describe how happy was I when I visited these places here in New Zealand.  It is just simply because of my dream to visit a winery, local vintage market, and farming during my stay in New Zealand.  In my life, I just saw these places only on TV or when I travel abroad. I can’t visit it as often as I wish. But now those places are not taking that much distance from my place.  It’s amazing!!

I even had already done my reading and research about Matakana since last year when I just visited Auckland only for several days. But I just got a chance to visit it early in June 2017. This part which I love the most when I don’t have any idea what kind of market/farm/winery would I visit but I dare to give it a go. Wohooo!! Challenge accepted!

Why are these places special to me?

In my perspective, Matakana is like the hub which connects me to all different tourists attractions. So, it is not only about a market, but when you keep discovering it further, there are plenty of destinations surround you. That’s why 1 half day tour was not enough for me. For sure, there will be another visitation soon. Yeayy!! ^^

Matakana Farmer’s Market

This market only opens every Saturday. So, don’t miss it out! I was not a person who likes to go to a market, but I could not say no for this local market. I believe this is also a market which is going to be my mom’s favorite as she is a market lover 🙂 It is a vintage market, full of local products are ready to make my day. Cheese, milk, jam, chocolate, honey, fruits and other products are going to make you be confused to choose. There are also many choices of breakfast which are tasted really good. The warm smiles from the sellers and the surround ambiance just made me wanted to stay there longer (#littlethingsthatmatter) It only opens till 1 pm, so if you are planning to visit it I would love to suggest getting up early and reviving your weekend 🙂

Vineyard – Hyperion Wines

This is not just one of the best vineyard in Matakana Area. For me, the winery experience had already started when I entered its gate. It felt like I went to my own castle (#vintagefeeling). It was a wide and large vineyard.  I was so happy because I could meet the owner of the Hyperion Wines. He is a humble and friendly man. I even did the wine tasting with him for free. His wines are more to French style wines. You won’t see modern and elegant building with his vineyard. His place is a totally authentic vineyard, old and vintage. LOVE IT!! He even has his own accommodation for people who want to stay over. I did not have a chance to see it at that time, but this is a good sign for me to come back ^^ In overall this vineyard is definitely worth to be visited.

 

Sheep World

Finally a year in New Zealand, I placed my footprint in one of the farms here. Wohoo!! Could not imagine how happy was I J:) I believe this is just the first farm; there will be more upcoming visitations to other farms. I was actually almost late for the shows which were at 2pm. There are 2 shows each day at 11am and 2pm. Well, I made it with 10mins late, but that was alright 🙂 It was dog and sheep show. It was informative and attractive. The presenter actually did a great job. He explained the information clearly. Now that I know, the reason for wool materials is so crazy expensive.  He showed how the dogs have been trained to be his assistants ( Cool!! ) Even he performed how he shaved the sheep. I realised it is not an easy job ever.  Before the end of the show, the performer allowed me and other tourists to help the sheep drink its milk. This place is not only about the show, but there are other attractions can be explored.  After the shows finished, I walked around the farm to see other animals. Yeayy!! Finally, I got a chance to see the alpacas. They are so cute 🙂 Don’t miss to see them when you visit Sheep World. I also spent my time in the wonderful wool section area to get more information how raw wool has been transformed into high-quality fashion.  There is also a souvenir shop, café, eco-discovery trail, and adventure terrain and picnic area that you can explore there. It cost me NZD34.50 to explore all those things I have mentioned above.  In overall, I had my quality time with the sheep 🙂

I would definitely recommend those places / Matakana area and surround to be visited.  I had taken a lesson from the locals how to appreciate what God has already provided us with everything that we need to survive. It is just the matter how we appreciate and utilize it with care. It will not just benefit individual person but also other people.

I’ll come back. See you very soon Matakana 🙂

Note: For the requested tour itinerary, let’s get connected!!

At Glance..

I don’t know where should I start this blog..Alright, let’s start from this photo above 🙂 Whenever I travel to other countries, I always like to take a picture with locals. Some people have ever asked me the reason of it. Well, I don’t have the exact answer. I just like to get in touch with new people and make friends around the world. yeah they might be strangers for me, but they can be my new family, source of inspiration and knowledge.
* This photo was taken by my travelling partner in Turkey.

Sharing the Best Moment

For certain reason, I had been working for 7 days. At the beginning, I was fine, because for me a busy day is the best. Now that I realized I was wrong. It is good to be busy, but I guess I should have a balanced life too which leads bringing me my kind of happiness. When I did my 7 days working, I felt myself just going through my days without even be at each moment in my life. I did not have time for other things, except work, eat, and sleep (#ohnooineedabreak).

I guess a break is necessary 🙂 Even with 2 days break I could utilise it to have the quality days my girls.  I remembered the place which was chosen for our weekend gateway was Waiheke Island.  As usual, I had already planned the tour itinerary for 1 full-day in Waiheke Island, but it did not work as it should be. First major mistake, I did not bring my car because I thought everything is going to be fine since we are just on an island (#doresearchbeforeyoutravel) Yes, it is an island, but it is a big island. It does not mean that you can explore the island without your own car. There are many choices of transportation, such as public bus, taxi, hop-on-hop-off bus, and bicycle. There are also varieties of car rentals (#yeayyiamsurvived). The main issue by using the public bus, especially in the weekend the bus will not come that often. I thought the distances from one vineyard to other vineyards are within walking distance. Yes, you can definitely walk, but I would not recommend, especially if you just have limited time there. Another thing that I and my friends forgot was our passports (#preparationisessential). All the vineyards in New Zealand require our original passport to be shown up. I just remembered that we also bought the discounted ferry pass, so our ferry schedule was a fixed time schedule. We really needed to leave the island with 3pm ferry (#discountdoesnotalwaysbringssatisfaction).

Let’s just leave all the unexpected things that challenge the trip. The fact that this island is one of the must visit islands in New Zealand. For those who love / interested in / curious about wine, this is your island to be visited. There are many magnificent and boutique vineyards, café, shops, and other tourist attractions. We managed to visit several places such as Ostend Saturday which is not as recommended as Matakana Farmer’s Market. We also had lunch at Wild on Waiheke. Afterward, we continued our journey to Stonyridge Vineyard and Waiheke Museum and Historical Village. Stonyridge Vineyard is really classic and vintage vineyard. Unfortunately, we could not do wine tasting there without our passport. The museum was interesting and vintage. The 2 host volunteers in the museum were really friendly and informative.  Not only them, but most of the locals are friendly here in New Zealand. They are really welcomed for questions from the tourists.

Even though there were not a lot of places I visited during that time, but I have my moments with my friends. This experience also taught me another thing from tourism. Travelling is not only about how many places which I have visited, but it also about the experiences/moments which I can feel and enjoy which leads me to the unforgettable experiences. Also, that is why there is always a reason for me to come back because, with the same places, the experiences can be different in each of every visitation.

See you soon my favorite island!

Let’s explore New Zealand with a twist!

My Duo Morning Vitamin (Devonport & One Tree Hill)

07:00a.m: Breakfast at the hotel / breakfast box.

08:00a.m: Depart to…

Bored with this typical tour itinerary for your breakfast? Try something different then! As life’s full of choices, your tour itinerary shouldn’t be that boring too. How about having breakfast with sightseeing in a historic seaside village? Taking a ferry across the sea to another place called as Devonport? Sounds good? Let’s sail the sea! 🙂

Morning is a very important time in my daily life. A new beginning of my day, the time for me to be thankful for everything that I have and yet to come 🙂 For me, morning is the perfect time for me to freshen up my soul, body, and mind. I used to have my busy morning, but I realised I did not enjoy it at all. I am surprised that even during the traveling time, it seems all of our mornings will be all arranged according to the tight tour itinerary. Yes, we do have limited period of time when we travel, but if we cannot enjoy every single moment in each destination that we visit, I guess I am better not traveling then 🙂

If that kind of morning your tour itinerary has been arranged, why don’t you try something new?

That is also why I love to include Devonport and even One Tree Hill as my morning vitamin destination in my tour itinerary.  The journey was started by taking the ferry from Auckland to Devonport.  My favorite moment was when I sat on the balcony deck. Let the wind blows my hair, amazed by the blue sky and sea and feeling the moments are all mine.  It just took approximately 20 minutes to Devonport. Once I arrived in the port, I simply went to the tourist information centre to confirm my own planned itinerary. I always ask them first before I start to run my schedule to all destinations. Most of the time, I will re-plan it, because I have gotten more recommendations from them. Trust the locals!! 🙂

There are many ways to explore Devonport. I can choose to rent a bike (sounds great ^^) or Segway and even with a minivan. But at that time I chose to walk. I enjoyed my morning by having breakfast in the local café. There are many choices of vintage café, shops, and tourist attractions. I love to explore each of place by walking, maybe except for the Mount Victoria.  I guess I need a bike to take to the top of the mountain. But for you who love hiking, this is perfect!! My highlight from Devonport was my lovely breakfast in a beautiful vintage café, walking along the beach, visiting all the historical places, tasting my favorite Devonport local chocolate and absolutely capturing every single moment (selfie time ^^).

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Another of my favorite morning spot will be One Tree Hill. It took me only 15 minutes from the place where I stay “Onehunga” (this is why I love this area ^^).  I guess this is also one of the most visited places in Auckland.  A peaceful feeling came into my mind and left all of my busy thoughts behind. I had my own moment to unite with nature. This is so amazing feeling!!  I went to the top part of the hill where the obelisk located. I could see the overall view of Auckland. What a beautiful day! For me, it is not just a nice place to be the background of my photo, but it is a place to sense the feeling of appreciation, gratitude, and get more inspirations on how I run my life to be better 🙂 For sure, it’s worth it to be visited.

Lastly, I just wanted to share to get those experiences within a day, I did not spend much money.  One Tree Hill is definitely free entrance. For Devonport, I just spent for my ferry ticket, meals, shopping which was less than NZD100. Mostly the entrance fees for the tourist attractions are free of charge.

Devonport & One Tree Hill for this weekend? Let’s get ready!

That’s how I have my quality time and experiences in Devonport and One Tree Hill. How about you?

Wanna explore NZ like a local, let’s get in touch!

Oh, Onehunga..

Something Old, Something New

To be honest, Auckland is not my preferred city to live in. Nothing against Auckland, but just like most of the migrants, try to avoid Auckland to get more points for their visa. Even, when I was in Wellington, my life puzzle has been almost completed. Well, here I am in the busiest city in New Zealand.  Starting everything from all over again, but I guess there are purposes for me to be in Auckland 🙂

I AM BLESSED. That is the statement that can describe my life in the beginning of 2017. That is how I view my life. The 1^st week in Auckland, I was doubt myself that I made the right decision. Now I can see my puzzle has started to be completed one by one. I got my very first full-time job at the right time. Not only that, I was placed in an area which is likely my preference for places to stay. It is called as Onehunga.

This place has become my very first special area in Auckland.  It is not just because of the flat and the cool flatmates who I am currently living with, but I just like the overall environment. If I can choose to live, I always have a dream to stay in an area which is surrounded by both old and modern buildings as well as coffee shops. “Something Old, Something New” that is really a perfect tagline to describe this area. There are combination old and new buildings in Onehunga.  Plenty choices of coffee shops which just make my day even happier (little things that matter).  Shops, restaurants, shopping centre, sports centre, bus & train station are just within my walking distance. In my opinion, it is like a city in a city.  Moreover, there is always a street singer who will sing to cheer my day. J’adore ma petite ville!!

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“Sometimes is good for a change. Don’t be afraid to make a change in your life even if it will make you need to start it from 0. There’s always a reason for a change. A reason to make yourself as a better person.”

#wowNz #ajourneytomiddleearth #onehunga #aucklandlovin

 

Wines with Identity

“Replace the fear of the unknown with the curiosity”. Curiosity leads my way!

My life has been shifted from being a student to a professional. Time flies! I thought I was still in Wellington, wearing my jacket, walking with the wind J  Well, I am in Auckland now. Starting my life from zero again, but I know there will be more awesome days as well as opportunities to grow for me in this vibrant city.

Anyway, after a month tried to adapt to life in Auckland, I had time to explore a new destination. I had a chance to visit a boutique winery which is just 10mins drive from my workplace. It’s called as Villa Maria Winery. After my visit, I am just wondering why this place is rare to be included in the tour package. For me personally, I would definitely recommend this magnificent winery to everyone who visits Auckland for long or short term period. It is located in a strategic area which is close to the Auckland Airport and also equipped with a fabulous café.

I am not a wine addict, but since I am currently living in New Zealand which is famous for its wine, I think this place is one of the must-visit destinations then. The whole experiences were started from the moment I entered the front gate. I was welcomed by the breathtaking vineyard. It was led me to the main building for the wine tour and wine tasting. Unfortunately, I missed the first tour session. But a friendly and helpful staff offered me to do the wine tasting while waiting for the second tour session.

If I can rate my wine tasting and wine tour from 1 -10, I put 10 for both experiences.  It was just beyond my expectation.  The staffs are really informative and friendly. I got a chance to try all different variant of Villa Maria Wines.  So far my favorite will be Ngakirikiri (one of the best seller), Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.  I didn’t just try all of the wines, but at the same time, I expand my knowledge about wine and the success story of Villa Maria. Now I can say that wine isn’t just an alcohol drink. I think it is a unique drink by seeing the process of making it till become the wine with the right taste.

After the wine tasting, I explored other spots, the café, wine cellar and absolutely its vineyard. At 2pm I and other tourists from different countries were guided to take a closer look on how the wine has been processed in Villa Maria Winery. The factory is really cool!! It was really interesting to see each process that was taken to make the raw grapes to be drinkable wines.

In general, I really recommend for anyone who visits Auckland to spend a time in this awesome winery. Treat yourself with something nice in the café and don’t forget to experience the wine tasting and wine tour for only NZD 5 / each. It is also worth to buy the wines to take them home with you because I believe it’s going to cheaper rather than you buy in the supermarket.

For those who are in Indonesia, if you would love to try their wines, don’t worry you are still able to do it even though you are not in New Zealand.  Villa Maria has distributed its wines to many countries in all over the world and Indonesia is one of them. YEAYY!! Just simply contact me through email / message me through FB messenger for further details.

Highlights:

• Breathtaking Vineyard
• Lovely Café
• Attractive Wine Tour
• Informative Wine Tasting
• Perfect venue for special function, wedding, pre-wedding, birthday party, etc
• Absolutely authentic taste of Villa Maria WINES

#WOWNZ #ajourneytomiddleearth #NZmustdo #VillaMariaWinery

Now It’s My Comfort Traveling Style

When I travel, I always put myself as the same as the locals. I really want to get the complete voice, not just the echo. That’s why I always set in mind to “Travel with A Purpose”. The purpose of learning/explores and experiences the differences between my home country, Indonesia and the places which I have visited. Most of the time, it takes me out of my comfort zone, but that is the interesting part of my journey.  It keeps me growing and learning to become a better person. In my perspective, travel is not just a trend that I should follow. It is more a way to express myself, get more life inspirations, meet new friends, and life changing experience.

I just would like to share one my life changing experience in Wellington. To be honest, if I just follow the tour programme for the places of interest in Wellington, I will definitely be bored and not feeling want to come back for next time. I am not saying that the tour programme is bad, but well it just does not fulfill my curiosity. Even though I love to explore, but I do like to travel in comfort. I mean with “travel in comfort” is I like to get in / get off the car/taxi/tour bus. I do not like spend time on the road and get sweating that much. I get used to that kind of traveling style till I visit New Zealand, especially Wellington where I am currently living now.

As I ever mentioned in the previous blog, Wellington is a small city and chic. I have observed how most of the people travel around Wellington. The most convenient must be with own car, but you also need to remember that it is difficult to find a car park and expensive. It is not like in Indonesia where we can park our cars anywhere and it is so cheap. There are 3 main ways that I love to recommend for all of you who want to travel around Wellington which is by public bus, train and on foot. At first, I just thought it is impossible for me to love those three ways of getting around Wellington, but now I can say that is my “travel in comfort” style. I like it because it allows me to explore and see more. It is cheap and flexible.

By Bus 

Back in my home country, this is one of the public transport which I try to avoid it 🙂 Now in Wellington it’s my daily transportation. The bus in here is comfortable, clean, and safe. It’s easy to be familiar with the routes and numbers. One thing that I like the most by taking the bus is to say THANK YOU to the bus driver. I believe it is a simple word which means a lot to the bus drivers. I just realise that it does really matter to appreciate little things in my life.

By Train

I never try to take the train in my home country. I guess it was only once I took the train during my high school camp activity. It’s convenient to travel by train in Wellington. It is even more exciting if you take the train for the long trip.

On Foot

I can say I am a person who does not like to walk too far. I love wearing heels which are also my daily essential. At the beginning month of my study in Wellington, I thought I would not survive here. I need to wear flat/sport shoes everyday. Now, I get used to it and love my walking moments. The things that I love from walking around Wellington are the wind (not that strong wind though) which blows my mind. It seems I get my fresh air and more inspirations. Most of the time, I will have the chance to meet and talk with the strangers 🙂 The smell of coffee and the talented street artists will just make my day. Last but not leats, the magnificent views which you can’t really get it if you do not walk around 🙂

Let the world constantly inspires me and you to be a better human being 🙂 Let’s travel with a purpose, create your own stories, and go out from your comfort zone!!

Note: For further details, let’s get connect! 🙂

Vintage Mood in Wellington

Let’s Explore Wellington & Design Your Own Stories!

I believe each city, region, suburb or even the smallest area has its own story, the stories that create the unforgettable moment. Happy or disappointed story is just based on how we react to our daily life. We are the one who decides our feelings that will influence our story of the day. I realize sometimes it’s hard for me to motivate myself to be happy, but I realize there is nothing that I cannot thankful for in my life. The fact, I am living in a city that inspires me everyday by its landscape, people, arts, cuisines, activities, and others.

Wellington has a lot of stories that just make this city so awesome. We might not realize it from the travel brochure/magazine/any promotional material from the tour organizer. Even, most of the time it is not included in the tour package.  Yes, it is totally different between Wellington and Queenstown (touristic place in New Zealand). Both of the cities have their own charisma. I believe that we travel to another cities/countries, not just for the purpose of moving from one destination to other destinations. Our traveling memories will be more meaningful when we visit the cities and we actually experience the local enchantment.  Our story will be more authentic and personal.

Well, La La Land vibe and valentine’s mood is still happening. It just like activates my vintage feeling. For me, Wellington is one of the artistic destinations in New Zealand. There are several spots in Wellington which are my preferences for my vintage mood.

Louis Sergeant (146 Featherston St, Wellington 6011)

My choice for afternoon tea while reading “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes 🙂 Their patisseries, A MUST TRY!

La Cloche (117/109 Featherston St, Wellington, 6011)

I love its ambience and minimalist theme. Their patisseries and coffee are highly recommended! Sitting there, listening to jazz music while having a pan au chocolat and a cup of coffee sounds a perfect plan!

Café Breton (20 Brandon St, Wellington, 6011)

The authentic crepes is so tasty! One is never enough! 🙂

Bordeaux Bakery (220 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011)

My one and only breakfast choice 🙂 Lots of bakery choices, make you always want to stay there longer.

Fragrifert Perfumery (Top of Cable Car, Wellington)

A new place which I have discovered recently. It is small and vintage perfumery which has a lot of choices of original perfume.  You’ll be welcomed by a friendly owner and lots of samples to smell. My favorite is Lily of the Valle, what’s yours?

Schoc Chocolate (31 Waring Taylor St, Wellington, 6011)

A homemade chocolate shop which just makes my day. From dark to white chocolate, fruity to milk chocolate are available in this chocolate house. One of my favourite will be rose milk. Visit Schoc and pick your best taste of chocolates!

Scent Floral Boutique (45 Johnston St, Wellington, 6011)

When I travel, I enjoy myself walking around the area. Let the view surprises me with its beauty and magnificent sense. I never know this floral boutique exists before. It’s pretty, fragrant and colorful.  I am a girl who loves flowers, but I do like this florist shop. It just complete the overall my vintage story in Wellington 🙂

Note: For further details, Let’s get connect! ^^

#ayokewellington #everydayisaholiday #WOWNZ #ajourneytomiddleearth #travelstory #travelingwithpurpose

 

Wellington Series: Everyday is a holiday – Living Life to the fullest

Living Life to the Fullest

“Enjoy every single moment. The good, the bad,  the beautiful, the ugly, the inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments and thank God through it all” – Meghan Matt.

Hello, everyone, it has been awhile since I do not update my blog due to my days are getting busier with school’s projects, internship project and so on. The quotes above is really inspired me to live my life to the fullest while I am having all due dates of my works. Sometimes, we might not feel those little moments which are valuable in our life. It is just covered by all our busy, stressful and challenging days. We seem to live our life, yes we did but not with a live soul.

Everyday is a good day, it just depends on the contents that we put in our daily life. It depends on how we view things that happen in our routines.

Well, I am very excited as well that I have started my days as part of Wellington City Ambassador. I am doing what I love to do, my passion, the things that make me fulfill my liberty of expression while I am finishing my final projects. It is also inspired me to create a tourism context for Wellington which is “Everyday is a Holiday”, we are set to be free and feel all the happiness in our life.  Throughout my training to be the ambassador for welcoming the cruise tourists in Wellington, I have gained a lot of information about things to do in Wellington, There are plenty of activities with different themes and experiences that you can do.  I would love to share my kind of holiday life and also other Indonesians’ travel experiences which might excite you to visit this lovely city.

Highlight: There is a new tourism attraction in Wellington which is called as Tuk – Tuk. It is a tourism kind of transportation which will take you to discover the city in a different way. http://tuktuks.co.nz/

What I love: Living in the capital city put me in an assumption that all people are busy everyday. Yes, they are and I am currently part of that business life too. However, I often meet strangers in the bus / any places who would love to have a small talk and smile to you. What a charming city and its people!

My Weekend Getaway @Wellington Botanical Garden

To be continued…

Note: For further questions / Wellington Tour Itinerary , let’s get connect!

Shopping in Wellington, Why Not?

I am always wondering the reasons for my mom like to go to traditional market, while I prefer to go to modern shopping centre. I guess this kind of phenomena is kind of normal for other people as well. But then, I realize that actually both of us get different experiences. It is not just the stuff that you buy, it is also more about the social interaction, and the excitement to see the products / services that you are willing to buy. The different environment also plays a major role in affecting our shopping experience.

Yeayy, I can say that in Wellington you can get those different shopping experiences. At the same time, I may suggest that when it comes to the shopping centre in New Zealand, as an Indonesian we cannot simply make a comparison with our shopping centres in Indonesia. Well, you are  in Wellington, New Zealand , so let’s just diffuse ourselves to the local situation, culture, then you can take the valuable memories with you.

There are different feelings and experiences when I do my shopping day. In the traditional market, I can feel the sense of crowd and fresh. The colourful vegetables & fruits, the fresh look of meats, the antique things, the smile from the sellers just make my day for shopping. For modern shopping centre, the old, classic architectures, the arts, the smell of coffee, the boutique shops just make me almost forget about my shopping budget.

Psst…watch out your travelling budget! 🙂

Saturday Market 

Shopping Centre in Wellington City

For further details, let’s get connect! 🙂

The Coolest Destinations in The Coolest Capital City

You just need to spend half day to explore the city. How cool is that?

 

My point of view, Wellington has a special charisma as the capital city of New Zealand. As what it is stated in its tourism booklet, Wellington is packed with Creators, Thinkers, Dreamers, Doers & Lovers of life. That is true! 🙂

Highlights Wellington City Tour: 

*To be continued.
For further information, Let’s get connect! 🙂