Melbourne Part 3 - A City of Shopping

This is part three and the finale of my writing about Melbourne. I visited to learn more about the City and to encourage you to spend time discovering it as well.

Shopping:

Melbourne is most commonly a destination for Kiwis because they want to shop. And for very good reason. You can purchase pretty much everything in this city.

Starting with Harbourtown, a massive outlet mall situated in Docklands. So many brands are represented here, quitting seasonal stock and also discounting new season clothing. It’s a must-visit, being the gateway to the Melbourne Star (previously mentioned) as well. I observed that this is not just a place for the female shopper. There is plenty for men to indulge in as well.

The two large retail companies, Myers and David Jones have stores, side-by-side, that span several blocks in the CBD. Each store has areas dedicated to brands within sections. An amazing array of clothing options. I was enamoured by the Alexander McQueen mens boots - right up until I saw the $1000 price tag. Just a little out of my ability to justify. I loved the David Jones food hall. A really nicely set up place, selling takeaways for the lunch crowd and high-end ingredients.

Melbourne Central and Emporium Melbourne. Both retail complexes worth visiting. Brands such as Topshop/TopMan, Armani Exchange hide within. Zara is present in Melbourne as well. H&M has an amazing flagship store. Multiple levels in an historic building. Definitely worth visiting for those inexpensive wardrobe fillers you need.

I loved the fact that there were many single label boutique designer stores. That you could find an amazing selection of Retro clothing, or boots, or shoes, or bags and other accessories in small shops hidden in laneways and mini-malls. I love that you could find specialty shops selling pens or stationery, magic items or pop culture.

Near Flinders St station is Degraves St - a bohemiam lane with great coffee and very cool arty shops. It is definitely worth an explore. I think it was my favourite place.

Getting Around:

Melbourne has developed a fantastic public transport network for its people, and have made it easy for Tourists to get amongst it.

Starting from the Airport with SkyBus - an $18 one-way fare that takes you directly to the CBD. It was much less expensive that taking a cab. That being said, from observation, cabs are reasonably priced when compared with their counterparts in Auckland.

Melbourne is blessed with being quite flat, so it is actually very easy to walk. We averaged 10kms a day and coped pretty well. They have a very useful tram and bus network. All you need is a MyKi and you’re away. Tag-on, Tag-off. Simple.

There are a couple of options designed with the tourist in mind. There is the City Circle Free Tram which runs on a loop around the outskirts of the CBD. It’s free and they’re repurposing some of the vintage trams of eras past. This tram will deliver you to multiple stops, all of which are near attractions. The Melbourne Visitor Shuttle is a bus network. Again, this runs in a loop with 13 stops. It complements the City Circle tram well. It used to be free, but now has a $5 daily charge, and you can hop-on, hop-off as you want.

And if practicality isn’t your style, there are always horse and cart options to discover.

Apps:

Definitely search the app stores before you arrive in Melbourne. There’s the Melbourne Guide, the realtime Tram Tracker and more. Most destinations support their business with apps now, which makes things very easy.

Summary:

I loved Melbourne. It’s a very liveable city. I need to return and discover the suburbs and surrounds. Next time I’ll hire a car and go further afield to see what this wonderful place has to offer.

For more information about Melbourne check out Visit Melbourne. There are always reasons to visit and fares are reasonable. Call us for more information.

Melbourne Part 2 - A City of Culture and Heritage

This is part two of my writing about Melbourne. I visited to learn more about the City and to encourage you to spend time discovering it as well.

A City of Culture and Heritage:

Let's start with the well-known. Queen Victoria Market.  This market, situated on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria streets is an icon. It's been in existence for more than 100 years. In the last 20 years it has really evolved and become more organised that I remember, and yet still hasn't lost the hawker and trader vibe.

I was delighted with the lanes filled with fruit and vegetable sellers, the lanes full of Deli ingredients, eggs, meats, breads, and more. As a foodie, I loved this! If I lived in Melbourne (and it would be very very easy for me to do so), I'd be here every week buying my produce.

The people-watching is just wonderful. The seething mass of humanity, many wearing a cacophony of colour and mismatched jewellery, was a sight!

Definitely take a few hours out of your day to visit. There are places to eat, places to procure a good coffee and places to sit and absorb. If your kids have an expectation of gifts from your trip, this is the place to obtain them.

The Melbourne Museum. This is absolutely worth visiting. I loved the Forest Gallery. It's a showcase of Victorian flora and fauna exhibit. Loved the different exhibits currently showing. Learning about the origins of Victoria and Melbourne, discovering wonders from pre-history. There was a Dinosaur exhibit on (Seriously, who doesn't like dinosaurs?). The taxidermy collection of animals was amazing. Beautifully presented. Cost of entry for an adult? Only $12.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. This wheel is similar to the London Eye. Pricing: $32 per adult, 30 minute flight. I didn't get the opportunity to try it out as I was informed that it is best to take the ride as dusk falls and it gets dark for the full lit-city experience.

Armistice Day occurred during our visit. I need to make some comment about this. It was a privilege to be outside Flinders St Station at the 11th hour of the 11th day. Traffic stopped. Trams stopped. Pedestrians stopped. And the bells tolled.

At precisely 11am there was an overflight by the airforce - four planes in tight formation - adding to the gravitas. A bugler made his way into the empty intersection to play the Last Post. (Sidenote: He nearly got cleaned out by a cab driver who was oblivious to what was going on, and drove through the intersection).

After the ceremony we made our way further South to the Shrine of Remembrance and caught the end of the official service. It was very moving.

The Royal Botanic Gardens. This is a beautiful space. The pathways are well-paved and well-organised. This is definitely a must-visit if you like the outdoors. Walking through the trees and plantlife is wonderful. Sitting by the well-formed lakes is really good for sore tourist feet. Getting to know a bit of Victoria through its greenery is fantastic. This is a place of meditative qualities - tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The National Gallery of Victoria is currently running a Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition.

This is on until 8th February, 2015. If you have an interest in fashion, art and design this is a must-see. Even if you don't, it's still pretty spectacular. Amazing craftsmanship on display, and displayed in such an interesting, creative way through mixed audio-visual media.

Next door in the Arts Centre, an adaptation of Puccini's Tosca is playing until 13 December 2014. If you love opera, then this would be worth flying to Melbourne for over a weekend.

I feel that whilst I covered a lot of ground, I have really only scratched the surface of this place. I'd love to explore and discover the underground arts, design, theatre and creatives.

For more information about Melbourne check out Visit Melbourne. There are always reasons to visit and fares are reasonable. Call us for more information.

Melbourne pt 1

I have recently returned from a week in Melbourne. It is a city of art, culture, food, wine, heritage and so much more.

If you've never visited I hope that the next few posts will give you an insight into things you can do and prompt you to go. You won't be disappointed.

About Food and Wine

Melbourne is known for its food and wine, its dining districts and cultural pockets.

We stayed in Carlton - a block away from Lygon Street - Little Italy. One of the endearing aspects to this area is how the representatives of each restaurant tout their business and attempt to draw you in. We considered many options for eating on our first night and decided on pizza from Mercadante Woodfired Pizzaria. However, after being seated quickly it felt like we were forgotten about. We had to call over the waitstaff and ask to order. When it finally arrived, the wine was suspect. We felt that perhaps it was watered down? That being said, the pizza more than made up for it. It was a dubious beginning.

Over the course of the week we ate at more places in Lygon Street.

A stand out for me was dinner at Piccolo Mondo. We got cornered by family members at the door. Their 20 second pitch promising a wondrous authentic culinary experience enticed us in. We were seated at a balcony table overlooking Lygon St. Speaking to the staff, we learned that three generations of family were on site on a Sunday night. The owner has been a restauranteur for 40yrs and his Ferrari parked kerbside suggests a successful business! The food was outstanding.

A comment on Hospitality: Whilst the food has been very good, the service was marginal. Three times out of three orders things were forgotten. Money taken, change given, wine or food not arriving until their whereabouts were queried. That being said, as the week progressed the quality of service improved. By the end of the week, we were left with a more positive outlook!

Coffee culture in Melbourne is alive and well. Coffee shops abound and the quality is fantastic. 

We visited other precincts. Stalactites in the Greek Precinct was great. You find this on Lonsdale Street. Again, authentic food, reasonably priced and matched well with Greek wine. True flavours, absolutely delicious. Chinatown was fantastic. So much colour. We got off the beaten track and found the HuTong Dumpling Bar in Market Lane. This place served us the most amazing dumplings I have ever eaten.

We explored the city's acclaimed rooftop bars. These are incredibly popular places and governed by strict capacity laws. We tried The Rooftop Bar, Goldilocks and Sahara and completely failed to get in on a hot Friday evening! We did manage to get to the Rooftop Bar later in the week, late afternoon. It really is great sitting with a cider and taking in the cityscape. In December this space becomes an outdoor cinema. There are bars of every theme and style around the CBD and the suburbs.

We loved Mesa Verde in Curtin House so it deserves a special mention. Mexican themed and creators of excellent cocktails. If you get there you MUST try the tortilla chips and salsas. Delicious!

If you're visiting for a weekend or longer you will easily find places to sustain you without having to repeat visit. This is a city set up for going out!

For more information about Melbourne check out Visit Melbourne. There are always reasons to visit and fares are reasonable. Call us for more information.

About Koru Membership and the Koru Lounge

I traveled recently to Melbourne from Auckland and was able to experience the Koru Lounge again.

I've been a Koru member in the past but a reduction in my personal travel over the last couple of years made it uneconomic. I intend to remedy this!

Having to get up at 5am to get to the Auckland International Airport for a 6:20am check in, really sucks. Even if you ARE going on an adventure!

A Koru Membership alleviates the pain somewhat. The first immediate advantage is being able to use the Premium Check In. It's away from the masses of travelers lining up for self-service, away from the battle-weary parents and angsty children, it's an oasis in a busy place. Great service and then a private elevator up to the security scanners bypassing all the people you'd normally line up with. A huge timesaver and a huge stress-saver.

And then there is the Lounge itself. It's huge, and fully appointed. There is free Wifi availlable so if you're inclined you can work, send emails or update your Facebook status. You have many options for breakfast (I was there in the morning so obviously breakfast was the menu). You can get barista-made coffee, or regular. There is a wide selection of wines, beers, and some spirits available.

Note: celebratory bubbles is always appropriate when traveling overseas, even for work!

The Lounge provides current newspapers, magazines etc. as well as access to gaming consoles if that's how you want to relax (or send the kids off for a bit).

It really is the best way to prepare for a journey.

There are many other reasons to be a Koru Member. Learn more at www.airnewzealand.com.

Air New Zealand Sydney Koru Lounge - Temporarily relocated

Air New Zealand wishes to advise the Air New Zealand Koru lounge located at Sydney International Airport has been temporarily relocated while the current lounge is being refreshed. The temporary lounge is located in Pier C on Level one, towards gates 50-63 and on the same level as the International Transfer Desk. New signage at Sydney International Airport will highlight the way to the temporary Air New Zealand lounge. The refurbished Air New Zealand lounge will open in the second quarter of 2015 and will offer customers a premium experience with great food and beverage options along with increased seating.

Jetstar Change to Carry-On baggage limits

Jetstar Change to Carry-On baggage limits

Jetstar has updated its carry-on baggage policy for all domestic and international flights booked from Tuesday 28 October for flights departing from 25 November.

Feedback suggests that limited room available in the overhead lockers has caused frustration with travellers. To address this, we are reducing the amount of baggage that customers can bring on board, which will align us with the approach taken by many carriers across the Asia Pacific region. This will assist in speeding up the boarding process, enable more flights to depart on time and ensure all customers receive their fair share of overhead locker space.

The revised policy allows:
Economy class passengers to bring one main item of carry-on baggage and one other small item, with a total combined weight of up to 7kg (previously 10kg)
Business class passengers to bring two main items of carry-on baggage, as long as each main item does not exceed 7kg, with a total combined weight of up to 14kg (previously 20kg).

* NB - Business is on international flights operated by an A330 or 787 aircraft only.

Any customer with an existing booking made before 28 October 2014 will be permitted to bring up to 10kg (economy) or up to 20kg (business) on board.

NZ Customs Tobacco Duty Free Concessions

NZ Customs Tobacco Duty Free Concessions Reduced effective 01 Nov

From 1 November 2014, the duty free tobacco concession for travellers drops to 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars or tobacco products.

It’s ok to bring more than 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars or tobacco products in to New Zealand, but this must be declared on the passenger arrival card. The first 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars or tobacco products are duty free, and travellers must pay duty and GST on the rest.

Travellers will be able to estimate how much duty they will have to pay on cigarettes and tobacco at www.whatsmyduty.org.nz from 1 November.

Tokyo Stopovers

Have you ever thought about taking a breather from your long-haul travel with a stopover in Tokyo?

Our partners have put together some examples of things you can do - for both the tourist and the corporate traveller.

Tokyo is an astonishing city to explore. Let us know if you'd like to discover it.

Sample accommodation:

3 star Tokyo Stopover
2 nights at Shiba Park Hotel, Minato-ku District
Return airport transfers by shuttle
Daily American breakfast

Cost NZ$465 per person based on twin share or $704 for single person. Additional nights incl breakfast $155 per person share twin or $275 single

4 star Tokyo Stopover
2 nights at the Park Hotel, Minato-ku District
Return airport transfers by shuttle
Daily American Breakfast

Cost NZ$559 per person based on twin share or $892 for single room. Additional nights incl breakfast $202 per person twin share or $369 single
* All prices subject to currency fluctuations until paid in full

How about a sightseeing tour?

Tokyo Sightseeing Tours (a sample only):
Tokyo Morning tour - NZ$80 pp
Tokyo Grand Full Day Tour incl lunch - NZ$154 pp
Nikko World Heritage Day Tour incl lunch - NZ$198 pp
Mt. Fuji Hakone DayTour incl lunch, with return by Shinkansen Bullet Train - NZ$254 pp
Robot Show Dinner Plan - NZ$72pp  incl light bento dinner, a drink and reserved seating
Kokugikan ('Sumo" Tournaments) - from NZ$65-$147 (Jan, May &Sept)

Longer Tours ex Tokyo (a sample only):
2 days Mt. Fuji & Onsen (Hot Springs) - from NZ$475 pp share twin
2 days Kyoto & Nara - from NZ$1029 pp share twin
3 days Hakone & Kyoto - from NZ$532 pp share twin
* All prices subject to currency fluctuations until paid in full.

Nadi International Airport refurbishment

Air New Zealand, on behalf of Airports Fiji Ltd, wishes to advise that a major terminal refurbishment is underway to improve the overall experience and facilities for all travellers at Nadi International Airport. The project is expected to run until late 2015 and during this time customers may experience some inconvenience.

Effective from 15 October 2014 the first floor of the departures area will be closed for renovation and departing passengers will be required to use the temporary waiting area on the ground floor. Passengers will only be able to proceed to the first floor to board their flight once called.  It is expected that the temporary waiting area will be in operation until June 2015.  For your passengers’ convenience please ensure they are made aware of the changes.

Emirates Baggage Policy Change

Media Release:

We have recently changed our baggage policy for tickets issued from 15th November 2014.  Please be aware that the new rules do affect the length of a bag PLUS the total size of a bag (length + width + height).

Please note the important changes:

For tickets issued on or after 15th November 2014 -

Individual items with total dimensions exceeding 300cm (118 inches) cannot be transported as checked baggage, and must be sent as cargo or freight. There are no exceptions to this rule.

For tickets issued prior to 15th November 2014 -

Items beyond 300cm (118 inches) and up to 400cm 157 inches) in length may be accepted in exceptional cases. Please contact your local Emirates office for details at least seven working days prior to travel for assistance.  Items exceeding this limit must be referred to Emirates SkyCargo. If the free baggage allowance is exceeded, normal excess charges will apply.

Piece Concept -

For tickets issued on or after 15th November 2014 -

Total dimensions (length + width + height) of each piece must not exceed 150cm (59 inches). Customers with individual items exceeding these dimensions and up to 300cm (118 inches) will be charged an additional fee. Individual items with total dimensions exceeding 300cm (118 inches) cannot be transported as checked baggage, and must be sent as cargo or freight – please contact Emirates SkyCargo for assistance.
For customers with two pieces of luggage, the total combined dimensions of both pieces should not exceed 300cm (118 inches).  This applies to all classes of travel.

For tickets issued prior to 15th November 2014 -

Total dimensions (length+ width+ height) of each piece must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). For Economy Class customers with two pieces of luggage, the total combined dimensions of both pieces must not exceed 273 cm (107 inches). Customers with baggage exceeding these dimensions will be charged an additional fee.