May 2025 – Travel Update

At last, after months of planning and months of waiting, for 43 travel section members, the trip to North Island has now been completed.

We departed on 7th April from Christchurch airport to Auckland. We were met at Auckland airport with a coach to transport us to Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Most of us had not been there for years and found it interesting. It was a little disappointing though, that although warned of the number arriving, there was very little lunch available. As we could not book into the hotel until 3pm, we had a good two hours plus there to look at the sea life.

We then booked into an excellent hotel who were very organised and had our rooms and names sorted on arrival. A great hotel with extras of free chocolate from 3pm to 4pm then happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Most of us were happy to relax in the bar while decisions were made as to where we would eat.

On Tuesday 8th April, we met at the wharf at 9.15am where our Fullers agent Andree met us with full details for our day at Waiheke Island. On arrival at Matiatia on the island a coach driver was waiting for us and transported us around the island, we stopped for two wine tastings. One at Stonyridge and the other at Mudbrick. While on our journey this was well accepted, for those who wished to not take place in the tastings they were treated to beer or soft drinks. We were given an hour at Oneroa to choose our lunch. Unfortunately, some were caught with a thunderstorm that lasted only a few minutes before the sun came out again. We then completed our tour before being taken back to Matiatia wharf for our sailing back to Auckland. A great day out.

On Wednesday 9th, it was a free day, so most went to the transport station and organised their AT card enabling them to go where they wished. Myself and a new member Adele (who helped out tremendously while on the trip) caught the hop on explorer which took us around Auckland with a commentary of everything we visited. We were back to the hotel by lunch time so we had a quick change and taxied to Ellerslie for mid-week race meeting. A great day, some visited Devonport, they all made good use of their AT card using trains, ferries, and busses.

On Thursday 10th we had a very early start with breakfast at 6am, with a coach organised to depart at 6.45am to Parnell station where we caught the Great Northern Explorer travelling from Auckland to Taumarunui. We had two nights booked for the Forgotten World.

On Friday 11th, our travel members had just completed two days at the Forgotten World. FORGOTTEN their team will never be. The professionalism, friendliness, knowledge, and excellent teamwork is second to none. Our group of 43 had the most amazing time. In fact, one of our group stated it was the best tourism experience she has had in this country.

Right from the start, months ago when a simple phone call of enquiry was made as to what option would be best for us, until the very last farewell when all the staff were out to wave us goodbye, there was nothing but friendly helpful staff. The liaison between myself and Cassie was simply incredible, she worked her magic to accommodate us all including 10 extra units at a second motel, organising the whole schedule including two breakfast buffets, two extremely good hot dinners, and the rail carts for us all which on the day included shuttle service to Whangomomona Hotel where we commenced our rail cart journey. Our rail carts went in convoy all 11 of them. We stopped for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea which was all supplied by them and where Ray gave us great talks on the history of this region. The scenery was outstanding. It was such a fun day and very busy leaving at 7am arriving back approximately 6pm with our dinner being served at 7pm. We went through 20 tunnels and over some high bridges. It really was an incredible day. If anyone is thinking of making this trip – think no more, just do it!!

About that evening for sure. The staff in the dining room were fantastic. The two young ladies who waited on the tables and gave us all a complimentary drink (one on work experience) were extremely nice and very efficient, always smiling.

After dinner some visited the RSA.

On Saturday 12th we had the morning free before the Forgotten World team took us all to the railway station ready to catch the train to continue down to Wellington. Another restful day to look at the scenery and chat, purchase food and drink as required. On arrival in Wellington, a coach was waiting to transport us to our hotel. Once checked in, most of us found the bar and restaurant, which was very nice. Quite a few ventured down the town.

On Sunday 13th we had late check-out so quite some time for all to wander around and look at sights, until the coach picked us up at 11.30am to deliver us to the airport for the flight home to Christchurch.

We were so lucky as the North Island had rubbish weather the week before we arrived and even worse the week after we returned home. We had superb weather the whole week we were there, apart from a quick thunderstorm in Waiheke, which was soon replaced by sunshine.

Events coming up…

• Mid-winter dinner at Tai Tapu Hotel on 28th June – sorry, this is full. Those wishing to be picked up at Halswell Library please advise.

• Train trip to Moana on 31st August – have lunch at the Kingfisher then catch the train back home same day. This is yet to be finalised, watch out for notice on our notice board.

Our next meeting will be Monday 19th May at 7pm at the club.

Warm regards,
Lyn Wright