http://www.consultation.co.nz en-nz ConsultationNZ 30 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/401207 Can't believe I have posted no news since July. Anyway, my email was hacked, so I have reduced the information on the "Contact us" page just in case the lowlife tries to steal my identity. Information is with the police who are hopeful - we know one of the gang is in Madrid - fingers crossed we nail them and spare others from the wasted time I have suffered. 003, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/401207 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/367907 Today I took a helicopter flight over the CBD. Whilst surprised so many tall buildings are still standing I was deeply saddened by the empty spaces, the piles of rubble, the lack of people and vehicles. Kia kaha Christchurch. More photos on Paris/Rome page 030, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/367907 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359941 Saturday and Sunday spent soaking up more Rome culture. On Saturday all went to go round the Vatican, except me. Lots of police and helicopters near the hotel - went to see why and found Pope conducting mass at local Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore!! Forgot my camera:(( 025, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359941 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359761 Easy flight on Thursday to Rome which was hot and busy. Friday we did the bus tour and marvelled at the number and variety of really old stuff. Having fun crossing the roads-only on a crossing and no hesitation allowed- and the vehicles keep coming even when you are half way across!! 024, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359761 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359367 Did the other two "Hop on Hop off" routes, plus visited Notre Dame. So Paris well and truly visited. lovely meal on night, including tarte tatin to die for. A and B to Frankfurt 024, 9 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359367 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359229 We used the "Hop on Hop off bus" all day, starting on the yellow route in Montmartre, getting off at Eglise Madeleine for lunch, then joining the green route to the Eiffel Tower, where we got off and did a boat cruise down the Seine under 22 bridges. Then completed the green and yellow routes to eventually get to the hotel for 6, having been in the Champs Elysee at rush hour:)Alan and Barbara are in Amsterdam. 024, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/359229 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358989 Early start to fly to Paris. Very wet in London, just dull in Paris. Traffic horrendous, journey to hotel interesting:)) Saw Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. In evening joined Paris cafe society plus visited Sacre Couer - mind blowing. Plus the view of Paris was unbeatable. 024, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358989 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358899 But it was a good one, driving through the Sussex and Hampshire countryside, visiting Chichester and Winchester on the way to our hotel near Heathrow. Tomorrow we split into two parties, all heading to Europe - so keep watching this space:) 024, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358899 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358847 Portsmouth has much to offer everyone. Up the Spinnaker Tower. Hovercraft to Isle of Wight. Ferry to Gosport. History. Boats. Shops. Then farewell meal in Brasserie Blanc. Yet another good day. 024, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358847 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358797 We were all sad to leave Bath but saw stunning scenery en route to Portsmouth. First we visited the awe inspiring Cheddar Gorge, then on to Wells to enjoy England's smallest city. Then cross country with lovely views, including catching a long distance glimpse of the White Horse. 023, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358797 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358791 Wednesday saw us driving past Stonehenge (heaving with tourists!) and on to Lacock, full of historic buildings from the 13th century, featured in Cranford and Harry Potter, to name but two. Then on to beautiful Bath. 023, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358791 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358794 What can you say about Bath other than WOW. The whole city is a heritage site, and it is easy to see why. 023, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358794 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358341 Down through the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire countryside to Banbury to see the Cross and the lady on the hoss (not white!!) Then to Oxford to marvel at the old buildings and history. Plus watching students graduate ie new history. And also the sun shone all day, so legs were on show again:) 023, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358341 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358050 In the morning we visited Warwick Castle and then St Mary's church, having lunch in a Tudor tea room. On then to Stratford - upon - Avon, followed by our return to Birmingham for the last time. 023, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/358050 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/357889 Set off at 9.30 to visit Kidderminster, then Worcester. After lunch drove back to Brum via Bromsgrove and Redditch, through various suburbs. Some then blobbed, some went on a canal boat trip, which was fascinating. 023, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/357889 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/357873 SAturday was at leisure in Birmingham. Some people walked (and sailed!!) the canals, learning how to pass through locks. Others took the tour bus around chocolate and custard factories etc, finishing up in the world famous, unique, Jewellery Quarter 023, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/357873 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356517 Over to Winchcombe, then Bourton-on-the-water, lunch in Stow-on-the-wold then on to the jewel in the crown - Broadway. Finally battled our way through the Bank Holiday traffic back to Birmingham 022, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356517 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356379 East to Lichfield to walk around the centre and then visit the Cathedral, learning about the New Zealand connection. Up into Leicestershire for a lovely pub lunch, then down the M42 and M6 to Birmingham, driving through torrential, blinding rain - which stopped on arrival!! 022, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356379 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356176 We reluctantly left our Llanidloes hotel after a delightful gourmet 5 course meal last night. We visited Much Wenlock, then Ironbridge, followed by Blists Hill Victorian Town - lots of fun:) On to Boscobel House before braving the Midlands traffic to get to our overnight stop in Rugeley. 022, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/356176 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355903 Spectacular drive to Devil's Bridge, then even more spectacular steam train ride to Aberystwyth. Up the cliff railway for magnificent views over Cardigan Bay, followed by paddling in the icy sea by some intrepid (mad?!) travellers - well done Cindy and Barbara. 022, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355903 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355689 Sunday was grey, cold, severely windy and wet. Hairy drive down the M6 to Blackpool, only to find the whole of the Promenade is up so couldn't drive along the sea front. Blustery drive to Chester, where weather cheered up for our town tour. Then on to Shrewsbury to stay in a 400 year old hotel, patronised by Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin. 022, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355689 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355690 Morning at leisure exploring Shrewsbury, then back into Wales via glorious mountain passes, stopping near Rhayader to learn the history of the Elan Valley and its dams. Then we drove along the River Wye to stay at a delightful hotel in Llanidloes 022, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355690 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355352 Perfect conditions for touring the Lake District, as the grey emphasises the grandeur of the lakes and mountains.The full day tour took in all the main lakes, including Coniston, plus Potter and Wordsworth country. 022, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355352 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355194 As the next two will be busy, we blobbed in Edinburgh till midday, had lunch at a pub in the Scottish Border country before visiting Gretna Green. Then back over the border to England for our stay in Carlisle. 021, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355194 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355069 A tour of the Trossachs and lochs today, including transporting us back to the Iron Ages. lunch was had at the oldest Inn in Scotland. All brought to life by our Scottish guide Martin, resplendent in Scottish dress. 021, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/355069 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/354548 4 seasons in one day:) Day spent exploring Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Castle areas,plus some back streets too. Lunch for some included real haggis 021, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/354548 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/354369 We travelled north to Scotland with a couple of stops on Hadrian's Wall to get an insight into Roman Britain. Crossed the border by being piped by a kilted piper who played "Waltzing Matilda" for us!!! Sorry but photos refusing to upload again - I'll never moan about NZ broadband again:)) 021, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/354369 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353984 Monday has been spent exploring all York has to offer - castles, museums, the Minster, the Shambles (old shops) and the river, as well as travelling back in time to the Viking invasion. Tiring but very enjoyable. 021, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353984 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353976 Started with navigator going in totally opposite to correct direction. Stopped for morning tea and saw a hubcap was loose so removed it. Finished day getting lost in York and having to follow a taxi to the hotel 021, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353976 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353977 Visited Scarborough and Whitby, two very different seaside resorts. Then over the North Yorkshire Moors to York. Stopped on moors for photos - only to find we were at a military base and the heavily armed policeman was not impressed. Until he found out we were Kiwis and he waved us on with a smile! 021, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353977 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353492 The Hop on Hop off bus gave a good overview of the city, and then people went shopping and to gardens and to colleges etc. Weather was a bit cold, so shops were particularly popular! 021, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353492 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353313 Today we went well off the beaten track and went from Cambridge to Aldeburgh via Lavenham via really narrow, twisty roads. Lavenham was beautiful - a perfect medieval village. Fish and chips in Aldeburgh was special:) 020, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353313 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353104 Took over an hour to get out of London to start trip around Essex and Hertfordshire. Lunch in Sawbridgeworth, walked the canal, visited antique centre, then over drove through rural Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to our hotel to the north of Cambridge 020, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/353104 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352782 Harrods, Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Dr Who Experience......all doing different things today. Some went to a show at night - "Love Never Dies" by Andrew Lloyd Webber - so glad we are staying in Theatreland:) 020, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352782 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352509 Arrived London Monday evening. Easy journey to hotel in the heart of London, on the Strand. Doors opened by man in top hat - very nice place to spend 3 nights;) All on Hop on Hop off bus today, getting orientated. Still can't post photos, sorry. 020, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352509 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352507 020, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352507 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352258 Saturday was spent touring Dublin, including the museum, Trinity College and the Cathedral. Sunday was a scenic train trip to Belfast and a tour of the city. Very sobering - much of tour was about the Troubles of the 1960s to 90s 020, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/352258 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351413 Action packed day! Tour of Cork first - fascinating, very historic.Then Jameson's Distillery - fascinating, very alcoholic! Then long scenic drive to Kilkenny Castle - fascinating, very full of stairs! Finally back to Dublin. Still no pics, sorry, very slow Wifi :( 019, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351413 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351412 019, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351412 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351265 019, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351265 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351266 "So here the scenery is completely untouched, except for the houses and roads!!" Weather variable - basically a "soft day" ie it rained. Scenery interesting but not as dramatic as the, last couple of days. Visited Bantry House and gardens and met the Australian husband of the English heir living in Ireland, they have just produced the 10th generation of the family to live in this house. Photos to follow, but connection here very slow so might not happen :( 019, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351266 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351083 The trip round the Ring of Kerry was unforgettable. Craggy, wild, mysterious - I run out of superlatives. Lunch for most was fisherman's soup - a chowder packed full of locally caught fish. Day finished off with an interesting visit to Muckross House (where Queen Victoria stayed) and Ross Castle. 019, 5 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/351083 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350886 Wow! The Cliffs of Moher blew me away - almost literally, as there was a wicked south easterly blowing! The scenery on the drive was very like a moonscape, interspersed with derelict towers and monasteries etc. A visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park completed another wonderful day 019, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350886 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350612 Today we travelled all round Connemara, to the north west of Galway. This is a very big Irish speaking area, so much so that many road signs are only in Irish! We visited Kylemore Abbey which was really interesting, especially once the bitter easterly dropped. Autumn would be a better time to view as there are more flowers out, but we all agreed today was spectacular. 019, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350612 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350369 Today we travelled from Dublin to Galway, stopping at Clonmacnoise, with a driver born and bred here. Fascinating to see the bogs and peat areas, which are the reason for the bumpy roads! 019, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350369 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350367 Three of the ladies wanted to get the bus but did not have the right change. A passer by paid for their tickets!Two others booked a table for 6pm to take advantage of a meal offer finishing at 7pm. They turned up at 7.10 pm and still got the meal deal! 019, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350367 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350322 We all arrived in Dublin on 29 April. Drive to the hotel was horrendous. Got hopelessly lost. Asked for directions. Were told "Go down this road til you come to a pub which used to be The Flying Horse - don't know what it is called now."Priceless:) 019, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/350322 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/341774 The past few weeks have been split between coping with the effects of the Canterbury earthquakes (sunken floor and wrecked patio) and finalising plans for the upcoming tour of the UK. The trip will now see all of the participants enjoying a 10 day tour of Ireland before going to the UK, with many then going on to Paris and Rome for a week. Hotels are now booked, transport organised - if only the weather could be prebooked too:) 013, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/341774 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/327096 The book "So, who needs wheels?" is now available from Amazon.com as well as from a variety of outlets in New Zealand. 051, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/327096 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/325816 Following on from the success of the book, "So who needs wheels", published last month, accompanied walks of the Trail will be available in the New Year. 050, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/325816 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/320309 A brief guide to walking the Otago Central Rail Trail, entitled "So, who needs wheels?" was published by ConsultationNZ in October 2010. The book is on sale throughout the New Zealand Visitor Information Centre network, plus selected book stores. It is also advertised on the official website of the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust - www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz 045, 1 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.consultation.co.nz/webapps/i/87824/207199/320309