New Zealand is a paradise but it can be expensive for travellers and for families.
Some tips to get the most out of your trip:
NZ is served by most budget Airlines.
Hotels are expensive-One can consider advance purchase stays but most are non refundable
InterCity Coaches are economical and reliable way of exploring the country.
The InterIslander Ferry is a delight
Auckland explorer or Link Buses are a good and cheapway of exploring Auckland City.
Discount Taxis are the most economical way of traveling to and from the airports.
NZ has a variety of food options and easily available.
For your mobile needs grab a 2Gereeprepaid mobile,while a Vodafone prepaid broadband stick is the best way for broadband.
Adventure sports like Ballooning and Bungee are expensive.
Domestic Airports run out of food options by 7PM so plan to grab your dinner before heading to the airport.
Most important grab a travel insurance which covers travel curtailment and inconveniences
Enjoy your trip
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pete's Farm Stay Rangiora a Hidden Gem
We chose Pete's farmstay as a last minute option after the CC earthquake,but were delighted by the experience.Peter was there to pick us up and he gave a friendly tour of the town (it has no traffic lights)
The accommodation was a Cottage which is very well maintained and is as good as a 5Star property definitely by NZ standards where many properties tout 4/5* without being upto it.
The breakfast was sumptuous and we got company with other guests.We also did the farm tour with Peter and our kids enjoyed the Trampolin.
The cottage had every amenity-wireless access,Bathrobes,good quality linen,kitchen,bathtub,shower area etc.
We will recommend this property to all who want to have a good experience with a homely touch.
The accommodation was a Cottage which is very well maintained and is as good as a 5Star property definitely by NZ standards where many properties tout 4/5* without being upto it.
The breakfast was sumptuous and we got company with other guests.We also did the farm tour with Peter and our kids enjoyed the Trampolin.
The cottage had every amenity-wireless access,Bathrobes,good quality linen,kitchen,bathtub,shower area etc.
We will recommend this property to all who want to have a good experience with a homely touch.
Novotel Wellington-A Delightful Place
We stayed one night at the Novotel Wellington and the place is an absolute gem.Service is terrific.While the lobby is small,the rooms are bright and spacious and service is friendly,we enjoyed our breakfast.They have Macs at the lobby for free use.
City Oaks Auckland
Definitely Not a 4.5 Star hotel,the apartments are compact and neat and great location but do not expect any service.They seem to have forgotten that a Hotel is made by good service which is seriously lacking.
Jetstar an economical alternate for New Zealand
The jetstar service to Auckland provides an exciting alternate to travellers who have encountered high fares to NZ.
With fares around S$596/-for a return fare,it makes for some savings.Their food costs in flight are expensive even with the pre book option.
The flight is comfortable-seats are wide enough and good legroom.
The air hostesses can smile more and be more considerate when there are delays,they provide entertainment first rather than food when there is a delay of 2 hours.
With fares around S$596/-for a return fare,it makes for some savings.Their food costs in flight are expensive even with the pre book option.
The flight is comfortable-seats are wide enough and good legroom.
The air hostesses can smile more and be more considerate when there are delays,they provide entertainment first rather than food when there is a delay of 2 hours.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thai Airways,Kolkata and Delhi
Thailand is called the land of the smiles,but if you wish to keep your smile,don't travel by Thai Airways,rude behaviour ,absence of smiles is the order of the day.Only good thing about them are the well kept cabins,but they do not make up for lack of customer service or amenities.
In Flight entertainment is painfully absent.Had a terrible experience at bangkok airport with the staff near gates b1-b6.
When I asked for feedback form inside the flight to Kolkata,was provided an immigration form,thankfully got one after much insistence.
Thai Airways has acknowledged my feedback and apologised via email,but will things improve?
My recent enquiry from frequent flyers on Thai has let me conclude that poor service is the norm rather than the exception,a sorry state of affair persists.
Had a one day day to Kolkata-stayed at the Oberoi which continues to impress by its service,the rooms are large enough and service impeccable.
Took the Indigo flight to Delhi-wow an amazing airline,the staff wear crisp uniform,looking chic,and cabins neat and clean,instructions clear.
landing at Delhi domestic was surprising-the Terminal has improved.public Toilets clean.
Stayed at the Park Hotel:It is a Hip Hotel but the staff are unable to handle the huge crowds which accumulate.Rooms are pretty small,bathrooms are large-shouldn't it be the otehr way round?
Not enough power points.Service was dismal,no response from duty manager nor the reception.
Restaurants are priced way beyond international standards.Rip off !
The International Terminal T3 in Delhi looks impressive,but while the hardware has been put in place,the software needs an upgrade?Yes the people,check ins are painfully slow and they do not care-maybe a Delhi attitude.
took more than 50 minutes to check in-while I was 4th in the queue.Immigration was no better,they have a queue for business/first class passengers but when no business class passenger in sight they remain idle rather than clearing others.
toilets are are clean at T3,but they are starting to look old and not new considering its less than a year old so what happens in a couple of years time?
Would again remind travelers to check your insurance and clauses before buying and before travel.
In Flight entertainment is painfully absent.Had a terrible experience at bangkok airport with the staff near gates b1-b6.
When I asked for feedback form inside the flight to Kolkata,was provided an immigration form,thankfully got one after much insistence.
Thai Airways has acknowledged my feedback and apologised via email,but will things improve?
My recent enquiry from frequent flyers on Thai has let me conclude that poor service is the norm rather than the exception,a sorry state of affair persists.
Had a one day day to Kolkata-stayed at the Oberoi which continues to impress by its service,the rooms are large enough and service impeccable.
Took the Indigo flight to Delhi-wow an amazing airline,the staff wear crisp uniform,looking chic,and cabins neat and clean,instructions clear.
landing at Delhi domestic was surprising-the Terminal has improved.public Toilets clean.
Stayed at the Park Hotel:It is a Hip Hotel but the staff are unable to handle the huge crowds which accumulate.Rooms are pretty small,bathrooms are large-shouldn't it be the otehr way round?
Not enough power points.Service was dismal,no response from duty manager nor the reception.
Restaurants are priced way beyond international standards.Rip off !
The International Terminal T3 in Delhi looks impressive,but while the hardware has been put in place,the software needs an upgrade?Yes the people,check ins are painfully slow and they do not care-maybe a Delhi attitude.
took more than 50 minutes to check in-while I was 4th in the queue.Immigration was no better,they have a queue for business/first class passengers but when no business class passenger in sight they remain idle rather than clearing others.
toilets are are clean at T3,but they are starting to look old and not new considering its less than a year old so what happens in a couple of years time?
Would again remind travelers to check your insurance and clauses before buying and before travel.
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