Originally Posted by
nequine
A great part of NZ to tour and sample some very nice wines. We went to the Alan Scott vineyard as part of the wine tour we did in the region - safer to let someone else do the driving while you sample the wines!
Thanks for following
nequine. The Marlbourough area seems like it's just coming into being world renowned as it has a sleepy hollow feel to it in the off season. Thankfully, MrsWT73 did most of the tasting being a Sauvingon Blanc fan and I was along for counting sheep.
Originally Posted by
austgap
Excellent TR so far! Thanks
Thanks for your support
austgap.
Originally Posted by
quirrow
Just returned not too long ago from my trip to Fiji and New Zealand as well! Though I had a slightly different itinerary from yours since I departed out of SIN on Fiji Airways as well, and I went to NZ first to ski in Queenstown before staying at Sheraton Tokoriki for 5 days.
I had the same impressions that FJ was not a bad airline at all even in Y, and the food in both Y/J was good. Service on FJ was a notch better than many airlines and they were very professional.
For my stay at Sheraton Tokoriki I was upgraded to the same Beachfront Retreat as a Platinum as well (no SNA applied) but the service I experienced was frankly the worst amongst SPG properties I stayed at this year and I found food prices at the resort inflated.
Amidst all these service flaws in the resort, I did get better weather as the waves was not that huge, and we were able to snorkel all the way to the edge of the house reef where there was a lot of fishes. My friend even spotted a swordfish. When the waves are not that big, the staff at the dive store would even provide a jet ski ride to the edge of the house reef and pick you up from there. Staff at the water sports and dive shop was definitely the better ones in the resort that I encountered during my stay.
Thanks for the information
quirrow. These experiences, and mine, seem similar to that of any new resort that has yet to refine themselves as they get more and more experienced. The upgrade to the beachfront villa is a pretty strong upgrade as a platinum.
Originally Posted by
SFO777
Sorry I'm late to the party on this report.
Outstanding report, great pics and narrative.
Thanks worldtraveller73.
You are most welcome
SFO777. We've been enjoying your latest trip report, as always.
Originally Posted by
flatlander
Thanks for the report - the Marlborough area looks lovely. It seems one could stay a couple of days and cycle around some wineries if one wished - more drinking without risk of driving at the same time
Thank you
flatlander. The Marlbourough wine area itself would lend perfectly to biking as it is completely flat and in a valley with mostly wide roads. I didn't look for any bike rental areas (being winter) but it's possible properties could rent them out to guests.
Originally Posted by
twindocstravel
Nice report! Fiji Airways front cabin looks pretty descent but anything less than 180 degree lie flat makes sleeping a bit difficult for me. Your report took me back to 2008 when the fan and I flew a then Air Pacific (ex-SQ) 744 on the LAX-NAN route. Your pics are making me want to head back to Fiji.
I remember those colorful Air Pacific 747 planes in Vancouver so many years ago
twindocstravel. Our FA indicated that Fiji Airways had hoped to return to Vancouver one day, although I think realistically they would be more financially successful if they targeted China.