Bella Vista's Blog

This was certainly a hard task to undertake...Seek out some fabulous spots for lunching in Napier and the Hawke’s Bay Region. We certainly didn’t need to be asked twice!

Before the boss could blink; bags were packed, wine maps were downloaded and we were heading to one of the most beautiful places on earth – The Bay.

Being the oldest and second largest wine region in New Zealand you know you’re in for a quality wine experience when visiting Hawke’s Bay. For lovers of Merlot Cabernet blends, Syrah and Chardonnay, you’ll struggle to find many better, and those more partial to the other varietals there is certainly an abundance on offer. But alas, this task was to share some of our top lunch spots - so it’s not all swirl and spit I promise!

Whilst we were spoilt for choice, with 72 wineries in the region, as the title states we identified five that really stood out to us.  We were looking for: beautiful presentation, quality local and fresh produce & foods, gorgeous taste combinations, and fabulous locations. Here’s what we came up with:
 

Mission Estate

We had to start with the winner of the Hospitality Awards Hawke's Bay 2016 Outstanding Winery Restaurant, Mission Estate. Located in the Taradale hills, the views over Napier city and beyond will blow your mind. The building, its location and the overall feel are pretty hard to beat and so was the food.

Eating lunch on the outdoor dining terrace was one of the highlights of our trip with the waiting staff all trained to provide the best wine match option for each dish on the menu, it really is a winery sent from heaven. Only 11 minutes away from our motel in Napier 

Elephant Hill

Needing to be wowed? Then Elephant Hill is just the winery to do it. With a setting amongst the vines on the Te Awanga coast, the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kidnapper Cliffs will quite simply take your breath away.  Think fine dining with a truly inspired menu, Elephant Hill will not disappoint if you are looking for something really special.

Black Barn 

Lunch was casual, relaxed and eaten out on the courtyard under a canopy of grapes.  The menu, as promised was light, fresh and delicious, using locally sourced food and produce. Black Barn stole our hearts, so much so we really didn’t want to leave. There’s something here for everyone including those stopping for coffee or nibbling from the small bites menu.

Te Awa

With a nod towards the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, lunch at Te Awa is all about the experience.  Sharing dishes (allowing you just the right amount of many delicious options) is the perfect way to enjoy a long Sunday lunch with friends and family, with small plates, large plates, garden plates and charcuterie boards on offer. Te Awa was a memorable occasion and seated outdoors it is a great option if dining with kids.

Craggy Range

The fact each dish from entrée through to dessert came with a suggested wine match, we knew we’d found the right place.  Making the most of their kitchen garden and potager, the food was fresh, honest and tasted divine. I can confidently suggest the fish was the best I’ve ever eaten.

The ideal spot for accommodation while checking out the Hawke’s Bay wineries is in Napier. With the restaurants, cafes, shopping, and art deco right on your doorstep. It makes it all so easy.

Bella Vista Motel Napier is a great Napier accommodation option, conveniently located on Hastings Street, which runs parallel to Marine Parade. They have plenty of safe parking, so you can leave your car and cycle or wine taxi around the vineyards. It’s time to get out there and experience all that the Hawke’s Bay wineries have to offer – we did and we loved it! Thanks, Bella Vista Napier for hosting us.

We are lucky enough in New Zealand to have some pretty amazing places to visit, one absolute highlight is located on the West Coast of the South Island, and is aptly named ‘Glacier Country’.

The undeniable heroes of this region are Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, commonly referred to as the most accessible rivers of ice in the world.
 

Franz Josef Glacier

At 10 km long, beginning at an elevation of about 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) at the tops of the Southern Alps, and descends into rainforest close to sea level.  This glacier offers the rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacier in a temperate (moderate) environment, located within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway.

Fox Glacier

The Fox Glacier is 12km long and travels down the Fox Valley from the peaks of the Southern Alps through temperate rainforest, turning a corner before terminating 250 metres above sea level. Fox Glacier is the longer and the faster moving of the two famous West Coast glaciers.

The great news is exploring these glaciers can be done easily and in a number of different ways.  From guided walks through to glacier heli hikes and ice climbs. Depending on your choice, you have the ability to do what very few people get to do, reaching the terminal face, climbing through crevices and exploring ice caves. A glacier encounter is a highlight for all of those lucky enough to experience it, and one we can’t recommend highly enough.

There has been a lot of talk over recent times of climate change and how this will have a direct effect on glaciers worldwide. Therefore there is no better time to get out there and see for yourself a very spectacular part of our country.

Aside from the glaciers, Glacier Country is home to a raft of activities and sights. Lake Matheson (the mirror lake), kayaking, boat cruises, a kiwi incubation unit, Glacier Hot pools, plus lots more – so ensure you allow enough time to soak up all you can.

If you haven’t been yet, get down to Glacier Country and tick it off your bucket list. Bella Vista Motels have two fabulous properties for people looking for Franz Josef accommodation or Fox Glacier accommodation options.
 

Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier

Located in the heart of Franz Josef Village, offers quality, warm and comfortable accommodation with the shops, restaurants and bars right on your doorstep. Adam and his team will look after you and help with any questions or assistance you need for getting out to the glaciers.

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

Centrally located in the quiet main street of Fox Glacier Village. Enjoy all the amenities in close proximity plus the onsite spa and BBQ facilities are much appreciated after a day exploring the glaciers. Bill and Jill are extremely helpful and provide a warm and welcoming environment for all their guests.

With the West Coast of New Zealand having so many gems, we couldn’t fit everything we wanted into one blog post. Check back in in the coming months for information on the other areas you can explore with Bella Vista Motels.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier is currently running a terrific Easter package. Head to the Bella Vista deals page for more information.

While discussing recently with a friend the joy that is the weekend escape – what it does for the soul, relationships/friendships and not to mention our appreciation of NZ - we started throwing around destinations for ‘our ultimate weekend get away’.  Whilst we are spoilt for choice on locations in our beautiful country, we came to the conclusion that it’s hard to go past the best little capital, Wellington.

Whether it’s for the arts, restaurant culture, The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa or one of the many events that Wellington hosts, the capital city ticks all the boxes!

Wellington is easy to explore by vehicle or foot, set around the picturesque Wellington Waterfront, all you need for a great stay is within close proximity.  The vibrant feel to this city is obvious as soon as you head out for a stroll, with its sophistication, quirky corners and cosmopolitan mix of cafes, restaurants, bars. Wellington very rarely disappoints.

Wellington offers something for everyone; with so many highlights the weekend is often not long enough.  Here’s a list of what we thought were some of the must sees!
 

First Timers:

• The Beehive & Parliament Buildings – NZ’s Parliament buildings.
• Te Papa – Museum of New Zealand.
• Wellington Cable Car – A fun trip onboard a cable car running between Lambton Quay (the main shopping street) and Kelburn.
• Wellington Waterfront – The heart of Wellington City. Beautiful to stroll and watch the world go by.
• Weta Studios – Your tour of filmmaking in Wellington over the last 20 years. From Middle-earth and beyond – check out their talent!
• Old St Paul’s – A gorgeous wooden cathedral built in 1865 – a holy and welcoming building in the heart of Wellington City.

Looking for something a bit different:

• Wrights Hill Fortress – A surreal network of underground tunnels, operation rooms and three gun emplacements.
• Old Bank Arcade Animated Musical Clock – Housed in a historic shopping center (that used to be an old bank headquarters) the centerpiece is an animated mechanical musical clock that opens each hour to reveal scenes of Wellington harbor’s past and present.
• Wellington Writers Walk - combining a walk along Wellington’s waterfront with thought provoking quotations from some of New Zealand’s best-known writers.

Nature Lovers:

• Zelandia Sanctuary – The world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, 6 of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. 
• Walk to Red Rocks (Seal Colony) - An easy half day coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.
• Kapiti Island Nature Tours – A bird sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most accessible nature reserves. A truly unique visitor accessed by approved tour operators only.

Accommodation in Wellington:

Finding Wellington accommodation can sometimes be a challenging prospect, with many accommodation styles and levels available. While many people opt to stay in the hustle and bustle of the central city, choosing a Wellington motel is a fantastic option as it provides a quieter location with a bit more space to relax.

The Bella Vista Wellington is a great spot for your next Wellington escape, in beautiful Evans Bay only minutes by car to everything you need: Wellington Airport, Wellington Waterfront, Te Papa, Ferry Terminal and Westpac Stadium. Plus it has ample safe parking, avoiding those parking issues of Wellington central city.

Give us a call at Bella Vista Motel Wellington and Richard and Christine will be happy to discuss your Wellington accommodation needs.

With a handy location of only 1 hr 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, and a short 80 minutes from Auckland Airport and Rotorua, it’s obvious to see why a growing number of visitors are adding Hamilton as a stopover to their journey, or spending a weekend away.

Hamilton is not just a convenient stopover, it can more than hold it’s own with the big boys when it comes to things to see and do.  It’s a city rich in history, with the heart and soul being the mighty Waikato River flowing through the central city.

For those with a little more time on their hands, Hamilton will not disappoint. With an abundance of museums, recreational parks and sports grounds, there’s always something going on.  Team this up with the friendly Hamiltonians and you’re well on your way to a great stay.

During a recent visit we got talking to a couple of locals – they gave us the run down on some great places to visit if you have a bit of time to explore:

• Hamilton Gardens: With a multitude of awards under its belt, Hamilton Gardens offers something pretty special. A conceptual garden Hamilton Gardens explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. The gardens are internationally recognised for their unique concept and is the Waikato’s most visited tourist destination. From Indian Char Bagh, Italian Renaissance, Modernist to Tudor – there are over 20 gardens to view and you’ll be mesmerized by what you see.

• Waikato River Explorer: When in Hamilton the river is not to be missed! Enjoy a relaxing scenic boat cruise with spectacular views of Hamilton City. A river cruise allows you to sit back and take in the wonderful natural attraction that flows through the Waikato region.  Whether it is a wine tasting trip, lunch at a country cafe or just Hamilton from a different perspective, this is a fabulous choice.

?
         

• Hamilton Zoo: Fun for all ages, Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25 hectares of lush surroundings. Take a stroll around New Zealand’s largest walk-in aviary dedicated to native birds and plants - it truly is something special.  While you’re there visit giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, red pandas, lemurs and Sumatran tigers.
                                                 
• Zealong Tea: New Zealand's only tea plantation provides a variety of activities, including guided tours, a teahouse, and visitor centre. Located only 10 minutes north of Hamilton, it’s a great option for tea and non-drinkers alike. Don’t forget to try their signature high tea!
   
• Finally, some options for those who want to venture further afield. The surrounding area of Hamilton and the wider Waikato region offers some pretty special places: Hobbiton, Raglan Beach, Waitomo Caves and Lake Karipiro, to name a few. These are all easily accessible and will surely add something extra special to your stay.

When it comes to finding your Hamilton accommodation, Bella Vista Motel Hamilton is your ideal choice. Its central location is only minutes by foot to the city centre, Waikato Stadium and Claudelands Events Centre and it offers ample secure onsite parking.  With 18 superior self contained units there’s one with your name on it. New operators Li & Rowena look forward to seeing you and will ensure you have a wonderful stay!

A quick review of 'Things to Do' on Trip Advisor for the Southland city of Invercargill highlights Bill Richardson's Transport World at a very credible  #2*. Opening as recently as December 2015, the attraction has already accrued over 250 reviews, with 85% awarding the attraction an Excellent 5 star rating. Boasting New Zealand's largest world class collection of trucks, cars and other heritage motor vehicles, clearly this is the place to be when you're visiting.  

If Bill Richardson's Transport World isn't spectacular enough, late last year, a new and amazing development took place.
 

Classic Motorcycle Mecca comes to Town

Situated in the inner city on Tay Street, the collection is home to nearly 300 motorcycles and motorcycle focused art. The collection ranges from a 1902 Peugeot motorcycle to a 21st Century Corbin Custom, plus brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Matchless and Rudge.

Along with this amazing display, there is a cafe called "Meccaespresso" with food and decor being completely different to what is served at the celebrated Grille at Transport World.

Along with other city attractions and sights such as the Stadium Southland, Invercargill Velodrome, Southland Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Park just to mention a few, both Bill Richardson locations are world class.

Ladies, you might not think this is for you, but like Transport World it is ultra amazing. Regardless, if you have never visited Invercargill, you have a strong reason to now. You will not be disappointed!

Bella Vista Motel Invercargill is a perfect location to base yourself during your stay and as far as Invercargill accommodation rates, it is up there amongst the best options. Enjoy your choice of four different room types in this modern Invercargill motel.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* The number one rate attraction in Invercargill is E Hayes & Son which displays The World's Fastest Indian or Burt Munro fame. But that's another story.

Thinking of heading to Christchurch? Here's a rundown as to how to spend two days in the celebrated Garden City with Christchurch Bella Vista Motel & Apartments.

Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, make sure you pick up a rental car to make the most of the region and the city.It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the central city.  Bella Vista Motel Christchurch is on Bealey Avenue well placed to explore both the City and surrounds.  There are many attractions within walking distance and Bella Vista offers free on-site car parking.

In the evening you could check out events at the Isaac Theatre Royal and catch a touring musician, comedian or performer.  This heritage venue reopened in late 2014 and the rebuild of the interior stayed true to what it looked like prior to the infamous 2011 earthquake.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens comprise of 30 hectares and are an enjoyable way to spend some time amongst the native and exotic plants.  There are plenty of walks through the gardens which are bordered by the Avon River and Hagley Park.  Spring is a great time to take in the Daffodil Woodland in full bloom.  Also check out the Visitor Centre which opened in 2014 and is a visually interesting multipurpose space inspired by glasshouse. This is a lovely 30 minute walk through the city into the centre of the park from our motel accommodation in Christchurch. 

Punting on the Avon is next up.  You can follow the river through the Botanic Gardens or through the City.  The 30 minute round trip on a locally made wooden punt comes with commentary from an Edwardian themed punter.  The Botanic Gardens route launches from the Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, which have been beside the Avon River since 1882.  The sheds, which are Category 1 historic buildings, survived a fire in 1907, as well as the 2010/11 earthquakes.  Inside you will find some old time memorabilia including a line-up of blazers that have been collected over time from local high schools.  This is also the place to hire a kayak, row boat, or Canadian canoe if you want to navigate the river yourself.
 

The afternoon may be a good time to drive out to the suburb of Woolston for some lunch and retail therapy.  The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, is a boutique shopping and dining destination.  With a focus on recyclable and renewable materials, brickwork that was damaged in the February 22, 2011 earthquake has been restored as a façade on the rebuilt buildings.  There is an emphasis on local products here.  Try the award-winning Cassels & Sons craft beer at The Brewery.  If wine is more your thing, neighbouring Gustav’s Kitchen & Wine Bar has one of the largest wine lists in the Country. 

The Woolston area has a connection to the arts.  Kiwi reggae band Salmonella Dub recorded an album here; other musicians have used The Tannery for album launches.

Then head for the Port Hills and take a gondola (cable car) ride, 10 Bridle Path Road, to the top.  From almost 500 metres above sea level, you will see Canterbury laid out before your eyes.  Look out at the Southern Alps, Banks Peninsula, Lake Ellesmere, Lyttelton Harbour, Pegasus Bay, the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Peninsula. It's only 20 mins drive from the Christchurch motel nz for a little R&R before getting a bite to eat. 

For an evening meal make your way towards the area around Victoria and Madras streets and Worcester Boulevard  and within that area you will find plenty of dining and bar options for a night out.

After a good nights sleep at the Bella Vista motel ease into the day with a walk through The Commons, on the corner of Kilmore and Durham Streets.  The vacant lot is a hub of transitional activity and home to the Downtown Farmers Market.

A car trip to New Brighton is interesting.  The New Brighton Pier is the biggest ocean pier in Australasia.  After that, the Southern Pegasus Bay track takes you along most of the shoreline in both directions and offers up many photograph opportunities.
 

The Beach Cafe, on the corner of Beach and Broadpark roads is a buzzing neighbourhood that is a great spot to refuel. 

Back in the CBD, the transitional work is worth a look.   The Transitional Cardboard Cathedral constructed on the site of the former St John’s Latimer Square Anglican Church and the ReStart Mall, made from shipping containers are two examples of the innovative ways Christchurch is moving forward.

Then take a look at the Christchurch Art Gallery in Worcester Boulevard where the city’s latest public artwork has been installed.  The 46 metre long work was created for the city by the prestigious British artist Martin Creed and tells one and all, in neon letters more than metre tall, that everything is going to be alright.

With 23 motel or apartment units, Bella Vista Christchurch is a four star Qualmark endorsed motel offering quality and convenience. We look forward to your stay!

The Ashburton Aviation Museum is well worth a visit during your stay at Bella Vista Ashburton and located at the Ashburton Airport. This is a great activity and is well worth the visit no matter the weather.

Ashburton has a strong aviation history, being a training base in World War 2. At that time, there were 50 Tiger Moths based there. The original tarmac and tie-down rings are still there to this day which helped to secure the planes from Mid Canterbury’s strong nor-west winds.

There are over 20 aircraft on display in the Two Museum Buildings and more in the work shop. These include Devon, Vampire FB5, Harvard, Porterfield, Airtruk, Benson Gyro Glider, Weihe Glider, Hughes Helicopter, Olympia, Flying Flea, Harrier GR3, Canberra B2 Bomber Cockpit. F8 - Meteor, Zlin, DC3, Vampire T11, Link Trainer, Slingsby T31, Bergfalke, Cropmaster, Tiger Moth. The museum is also home to the Southern DC3 Trusts Historic Airliner ZK AMY. The latest acquisition is a Thompson Refueller, one of only 9 on display worldwide.

The museum is open to the public every day everyday between 1pm and 3pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:30am to 3pm. Entry is $10 per adult, children are free.

Bella Vista Motel Ashburton’s recommendation is on a nice day, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after you explore the Museum. Pending the weather, you may be able to watch other planes take off and land and skydivers landing. A picnic table is there to enjoy, please ensure you take your rubbish away when you leave.

For more information about Mid Canterbury, Ashburton accommodation or additional recommendations on activities while in the area, please contact [email protected] or 03 307 7505 today. Bella Vista is a four star quality Ashburton motel situated only five minutes from Ashburton town centre and five minutes from the aviation museum. 

Come and celebrate Victorian history with Bella Vista Motel Oamaru during the Victorian Heritage Festival which runs from 16th-20th November 2016. 

This year Oamaru is opening the door on the intriguing world of 'Medicine in the Victorian era'. The festival offers a host of events and there's plenty on offer to experience Oamaru's bygone age.  Here's our top 10 things to do:

1. Dress up, have fun, look stylish as the Victorian's did. Visit the Victorian Wardrobe with a huge selection of garments for hire
    
2. Penny Farthings, wheels, big and small. Watch the penny farthings as they speed around the precinct, and then there is the Tyne Street Grunter – let’s see how far they can climb up that rather big hill!
   
   
    
3. Kick your heels up and dance the night away – a formal ball, a barn dance or two, and an afternoon dance for those that don’t want to stay up late.
    
4. Dine like you’ve never dined before - breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning tea, or afternoon tea in the gardens, or at Totara Estate with Thomas Brydone only 14 minutes drive from our Oamaru motel. The choices are endless.
    
5. Entertainment every night, shows of all types – some a little risqué, some with a murder to solve, a twist or two, a couple of comedians, a hypnotist, music and more.
    
6. Parade. Watch as the Grand Heritage Parade works its way up Thames Street and then back to the Victorian Precinct
    
7. Tours by foot or by bus. Take a look at our history with one of our informative tour guides.
    
8. A slice of our history. Listen to a lecture, visit a historic site or building, see the machinery of yesteryear at work.
    
9. Take a stroll. Visit the Museum, Art Gallery, Library, the Public Gardens, and the shops – special displays for this year’s theme for you to view
    
10. And just when you thought it was over try the Network Waitaki Victorian Fete. Yes finish the week with a day full of entertainment, music and stalls with something to tempt you all.

So come and join us for an enjoyable visit and choose to stay at our Oamaru motels

                                       ?

Looking for a getaway that offers a change of pace, and a beautifully unique experience? 

Escape to a world of peace and tranquility and discover Mid Canterbury from new heights. Hot Air Ballooning is magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. 

No matter if this is your first time to Mid Canterbury or you frequent Bella Vista Ashburton for business - There is nothing else as exciting as floating while you are effortlessly over an ever changing Mid Canterbury landscape. It provides a completely different and beautiful perceptive, no matter the season.

Ballooning Canterbury is a family owned and operated business, just like our Bella Vista Ashburton. Ballooning Canterbury also operates three modern balloons with the latest technology and safety equipment, and can carry from 2-30 passengers at once and larger groups by arrangement.

Michelle and Paul from Bella Vista Ashburton can help arrange your ballooning adventure when you book your stay. Plus, with our friendly wake up calls and continental breakfast packages we will help ensure that you are up early and ready for an exciting day as your hot air balloon flight typically leaves around 6AM, depending on the season.

After your exciting day in the air, Bella Vista Ashburton can provide a delicious recommendation for lunch or dinner in Ashburton. You will be amazed by all the options in our town and the level of comfort offered by the best Ashburton accommodation provider. 

For more information about Mid Canterbury and additional recommendations on activities while in the area, please contact [email protected] or 03 307 7505 and ask for Michelle today.

"Soap suds make cash for trees" called out the Taupo Times headline on page 12 of the September 2 edition.

Murray and Laurelle Hodge from Bella Vista motel Taupo got some great press coverage last week when they found themselves enlightening the Taupo readership about a new and unique scheme they have introduced at their Taupo motel accommodation. 

"We weren't seeking the attention we received" explained Laurelle, "but it is good to get the green message out all the same." "Why not show everyone that we're doing our bit for the environment and hopefully inspire them to think of ways they can contribute." she said.
 

Taupo Bella Vista's Green Initiative - How it Works.

The scheme is quite simple really and generates fundraising for a great local cause. Laurelle and Murray had noticed that guests were washing very few items using a significant amount of electricity, water and washing powder. To combat this inefficient use, the cost of a machine wash was upped from $1 to $3 per load. Still costing less than an average wash at a commercial retail laundry outlet, a charge of $3 got guest's to think twice about running small loads.

More importantly, rather than pocketing the increased revenue, Bella Vista Taupo will now be donating all the money they collect from laundry washes to Greening Taupo. Described as an 'organisation that provides an opportunity for Taupo residents and businesses to participate in a community conservation initiative' it seemed a perfect match. Keeping the donations local ensured a direct kick-back to the Taupo environment.  After all, it is Taupo and its pristine environment that brings the motels guest's to their doorstep.

Laurelle and Murray hope that more Taupo motels do the same. "If we could get even half a dozen more onboard with what we're doing that would be hugely positive"  To read the full article, see an image of the newspaper below.
 

This article first appeared in the Taupo Times on Friday, 2nd September 2016 and was written by Robert Steven.