BAYVIEW NEWSLETTER
Things to do, places to see

On 4th December 2009 Bayview Manly Bed and Breakfast changed ownership.
Chirs and Roger Elkins, after 5 years of running this delightful Bed and Breakfast, sold to Carolyn and Arnold Ludolph & Steven Rennell.

Carolyn is a third generation New Zealander. Born in Marton she later lived in Auckland and then New Zealand's "mainland" towns of Nelson and Gore. More recently she enjoyed life in Australia's beautiful NSW and Gold Coast.
Arnold hails from Fiji, which he left in his youth to live in Australia for the most part of his life. Three years ago he came to Manly, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, New Zealand and now enjoys life straddling both of these fantastic countries.

Steven, Carolyn's son, is a fourth generation New Zealander. Born in the lovely South island city of Nelson he later moved with his family to Gore, Southland. He came north to Auckland some 20 years ago and plays a big part in running Bayview Manly Bed and Breakfast.

Fishing off our beautiful Whangaparaoa shores is a great pastime for both Arnold and Steven. Check out the websites listed above for sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving etc.
Whatever your reason for visiting our magnificent country, we are constantly looking for ways to give great value and maintaining the excellent service that Chris and Roger established during their "watch".

Here are a few ideas to make your dollars go just that little bit further

DIY picnic - Each of our bedrooms is equipped with a cool bag and picnic rug. We have limited fridge space available and we are happy for guests to prepare their own picnic meal. We have spectacular picnic locations on our doorstep, most  in very natural settings that do not have refreshment facilities. Imagine relaxing at one of our pristine beaches or regional parks, so much nicer  and cheaper than a cafe lunch. Beach chairs also available for loan.

We are aware that guests have often travelled considerable distances in one day and do not always want to turn out again to visit a restaurant nor require a full on evening meal.

Take- Away - Manly village has a variety of take-away outlets, the favorite being fish and chips. We are happy for you to enjoy your meal either in our dining area or al fresco overlooking the bay. 

Special deals - Once again we are offering special deals for stays of 4 nights and over.

Fantastic value day out - Tiritiri Matangi must be one of the best value day trips available in New Zealand. This stunning bird sanctuary is truly great value  at NZD54.00 includes NZD5.00 for a guided tour. This tour is provided by volunteers - the NZD5.00 goes towards maintaining the island. It should not be missed. Check out our Tiri package details.

Selection of Sailing Adventures Locally - Charter boats are available at Gulf Harbour.

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail & Winery - Set in Matakana wine region - 30 mins drive north of Bayview- a fascinating walk showcasing contemporary sculpture. www.brickbay.co.nz Most activities mentioned require only low level of fitness and are generally no more than 1 hour drive from Bayview

TIRITIRI MATANGI BIRD SANCTUARY
Day trip leaves Gulf Harbour 9.50 am returns approx 4 pm
No special clothing required for this trip just sensible shoes or sandals, sunblock and hat.
Just a 5 minute drive from Bayview and a 25 minute ferry ride takes you to another world. The peace and tranquility is evident as soon as you step off the boat. No wonder Tiri is called the singing island; just close your eyes and listen.

Chris' recollection of their visit to the following tourist attractions:

After a short introductory talk we were split into groups for the guided walk $5 extra . I would recommend this as we would have missed so much. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about Tiri. Any extra bags that you do not require can be put on the trailer to be transported to gift shop area and will be waiting for you after the walk. The birds are just everywhere and usually the first of the endangered species that you see are the Brown Teal but the birds are everywhere, so many Tui and what a pleasure to see them close up with their distinctive black and white plumage and the Bellbird such a big voice for a little bird. Someone in our group asked why the birds were so tame, not tame our guide explained just unafraid. All predators have been eradicated from the island, it is truly a sanctuary.

The guided walk lasts over an hour and we saw and marvelled at so much flora and fauna, but arrived at gift shop ready for a cuppa. The gift shop is run by supporters of Tiri and has an interesting selection of goods. Tea and coffee is complimentary and soft drinks available to buy. No food available on the island so time to relax with our packed lunch. we decided to picnic in the area just outside the gift shop we wanted to see the Takahe which we did they have chosen their habitat close to the complex.
 

You can picnic anywhere on the island and many people decided to head of to the beach to relax. We explored around the lighthouse and walked slowly back to the ferry via the beach, peeking in to the penquin nesting boxes on the way   As we waited for the ferry to depart I thought for not the first time how lucky we are to have so many dedicated people to conserve this wonderful island and how lucky to have Tiri on our doorstep on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The ferry arrives back at Gulf Harbour at about 4pm This is a must do day for anyone visiting the Whangaparaoa Peninsula or Auckland and I would recommend this trip to just about anyone. More details on how to reach Tiritiri on the Kawau Kat: http://www.360discovery.co.nz/tiritiri-matangi.htm

New Zealand Trivia
New Zealand has a longer coastline than Australia, hard to believe but true.

WESTWARD HO!
1/2 or full day trip

The Hibiscus coast is on the eastern coast with its white sandy safe swimming beaches but travel 45min west and you reach a wind swept rugged black sand coastline and 60km of surf beach, backed by rolling sand dunes that characterizes Muriwai Beach (right). We have always loved this coastline and it is guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away. Inland, native bush, picnic areas and walking tracks contrast with the harsh coastline but for me the attraction here is always the Gannet colonies one of only two mainland gannet colonies in New Zealand. Two viewing platforms provide unhindered views of the birds. The gannets are in residence from July onwards for several months.

December is an exciting time when the chicks are born and clamour for food, busy parents dive for fish to feed their hungry offspring. The beach cafe is well worth a visit with tasty home cooking available. Drive back to state highway 16 and you are in wine country with many wineries such as Matua Valley and Coopers Creek and also worth a visit Bees on Line as the name suggests a 'honey ' of a place. Delicious food and 'bee' inspired by lotions and potions.

NORTHERN DELIGHTS
1/2 or full day trip.

Head north through Orewa and just 10 minutes will bring you to Waiwera Thermal Resort. Fun for both young and old with 26 indoor and outdoor, naturally heated hot,warm and cool pools. Still feeling stressed after that long flight or those long car journeys, check out the Waiwera Spa-Massages. Private spas. Hydrotherapy all designed to totally relax and unwind .
 

10 mins further north, turn left to historic Puhoi. A pretty village originally settled by Bohemians and steeped in history. The museum is open between Christmas an Easter every day 1pm-4pm. Also check out the historic Puhoi pub. If the tide is right try the Puhoi River canoe hire [ If I can do it you can!]   Travel on through the village and time for morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea at Puhoi Cheese Factory (left). They have a viewing window through to the cheesery so you can often see the cheese being made.

Head back to the main road and carry on north to Warkworth, another pretty town sitting on the river with a variety of shops and restaurants. Turn right from Warkworth township and head for the coast. Points of interest here.
Matakana Farmers market- [Sat morning only] The most divine pork pies or so Roger tells me! he always eats at least 2.
Morris and James Pottery- Traditionally crafted from the iron-rich clay sourced from the banks of the Matakana river. Stunning designs [ sorry guys but they do ship items overseas]
Matakana Wine trail - Amid oyster farms potteries, orchards and market garden . The vineyards are draped across the hills near Warkworth.
Leigh - Glass Bottom Boat- New Zealand's first marine reserve - Goat Island. See the ocean bottom usually with abundant marine life, each trip is differant and you can reasonably expect to see many varieties. Weather dependant, I can phone ahead from Bayview
Heading back to Whangaparaoa and just passed Warkworth, check out Kauri Parry park home to the Warkworth Museum. Interesting displays from yesteryear and take time for the bush walk to view majestic Kauri trees that have been growing for thousands of years.

SOUTHERN BOUND
Well as far a Auckland anyway

Whangaparaoa peninsula is 30 mins north of Auckland so ideally placed to explore
the city. We now have a wonderful park and ride that is situated 15 mins down the motorway, turn off at Oteha valley road or 5 mins further on Constellation Drive Buses run throughout the day and evening at 15 min intervals and take you right to downtown Auckland.
Once in Auckland there is a free bus for the inner city where you can check out the Sky Tower, for panoramic views of Auckland, even jump off it if you are a thrill seeker.
Shop 'till' you drop in Queen Street. High street runs parallel to Queen street where you can find exclusive New Zealand designers and the more unusual shops and galleries.
There is a hop on hop off stage bus that will take you further afield. A good starting point is the Sky Tower, they have a good information site here and you can take a ride to Kelly Tarltons Underwater world and Antartic Encounter. If you have time visit Parnell it has a village atmosphere and once again has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and galleries.
 
Also check out:
Maritime Museum - Viaduct basin
Auckland Museum
Aucklands Dolphin and Whale Safari leaves the Viaduct basin a 11am daily. Dolphins, Whales, Gannets feeding frenzy. Once again use the park and ride to access this trip.


EASTERN PROMISE
Tiri Tiri Matangi and Shakspear Park are about as far east as you can go from Bayview, on land anyway

SHAKESPEAR PARK
1-3 HOURS

This walk is recommended for guests arriving mid afternoon who are eager to explore the beautiful Hibiscus Coast straight away. This walk is ideal and to my mind is a micro view of New Zealand.
 

Head almost to end of the peninsula and park in the first car park and follow the heritage trail. take in Waterfull gully and it is here that you may see and hear your first Tui look for the distinctive black and white plummage, you may also see and hear the Bellbird. This is a cool tranquil walk and once through the bush a walk upwards [ a little steep] will take you to one of the parks highlights a 360 degree view of the magnificent Hauraki Gulf. Auckland's skyline and the islands of the gulf. This view is breathtaking. You can walk on down to Te Haruhi Bay (right) from here with its resident peacocks. Suggest you bear right, back to the car park and drive to the bay.

GOLFERS DREAM
New Zealand Trivia
New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else and we have 3 of them within 10 minutes of Bayview.
Roger's comments:
These three golf courses are typical of New Zealand courses in so much as they are extremely well maintained and unlike many courses in other countries green fee players are always welcome with good tee off times readily available.

 

Gulf Harbour - Home of the New Zealand Golf Open in 2005 and again in November 2006. It is a stunning but challenging course. The last 9 holes are played along cliff tops with spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf taking in the Islands and onwards to Auckland. If you are a senior it is recommended hiring a golf buggy for at least the back nine holes. left: Gulf Harbour's signature 16th hole

Peninsula - This is an inland course, immaculately maintained with a good reputation within the local golfing fraternity

Whangaparaoa - This golf course is adjacent to Gulf Harbour so has many of the same stunning views. Less challenging than Gulf Harbour , this is a very enjoyable round of golf.