Originally Posted by
Taipei
Very nice trip report ! I flew Melbourne- AKL then AKL to HND (Tokyo-Haneda) on Air NZ last week (seems a week after you!), and hope you had as nice trip as I did on the AKL to Japan flight in Business Class. Air New Zealand is nice, but the Qantas flights into AU I think a like better for the better business seats on the A330's (Domestic as well International), and although both are friendly I found on the Qantas flights that chat more to me, and everyone it seems. On this trip it was CTS-HND/NRT-BNE-Perth-Sydney (All on Qantas) then drive to Newcastle to MEL (Virgin-AU). I stayed in the Hilton in Sydney as well AKL and Perth, all were good but a kinda like the Marriott in SYD better for location to the Harbor (and to the offices I visited there , but Hilton has a better lounge). The AKL buffet looks good but expensive, I did have some good food around the AKL Hilton on the harborside, but I still for me Melbourne has best food culture so flying in from MEL made us feel food was not good as hoped for in New Zealand(a bit more expensive than I thought).
Thanks,
Taipei. By the way, I like your username. What an amazing city (my parents are from there) -- shame that people are just discovering it now; or is that a good thing since we've had it to ourselves for so long?
I really would have like to try Qantas' J product as I have heard and seen good things on the interwebs. However, Qantas has even less award inventory it seems, than Air New Zealand. Plus, the cost, I believe, is a little higher than using my UA miles. Glad you have that perspective to encourage me to seek out QF later
The Marriott in SYD (at Circular Quay I presume) has a good location fo the immediate area, but I actually find it a little too busy for my preference compared to the Hilton and Sheraton.
I'm glad you liked Melbourne. I traveled with my parents to Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney last year over Christmas holidays. Hobart is incomparable, but we really, really loved Melbourne as well.
Originally Posted by
gbs1112
It is a pity that Stonyridge, Waiheke, was not too exciting. They produce one of the most impressive Bordeaux style reds (and impressively expensive too) in the whole of New Zealand. I have three bottles here in London and keep them for ultra special occasions. I guess they put out something more ordinaire for rushed group visits.
If you ever get back to Auckland there is some fabulous eating and tasting to be had on Waiheke.
Good to know,
gbs1112. I really must get back and spend longer in New Zealand. Waiheke was incredible, and I really would have loved to try the restaurant at Mudbrick.
Stonyridge did have a tasting for us, but it was a middle-of-the-road viognier and quite forgettable. I think if you are rushed for time, the tours provide a way to "check off" these locations but you don't really get to savour and enjoy the authenticity of these locations. I will definitely be back.
Originally Posted by
milesaddict
Impressive report, thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you for the kind words,
milesaddict. Almost done writing this -- it's more work than I had envisioned!