Blog Archives

Winter Wonders in New Zealand

22/2/2016

KIA ORA!

Miss me??? Hehe…

Great News for all travel lovers… I’m sooo excited to share when I was told about this good news… hehe… hence giving the best offer to all of you… best giler cause will help saving your pocket I tell youuuu… and Ikhlas Tours is officially on Instagram now... Yayyyy!!!

Follow @ikhlas.tours for great pictures and get the latest updates there...Follow tauuuu ;)

Big Saving awaits!!!

Alhamdulillah and BIG Congratulations… Ikhlas Tours has been appointed as an agent to the biggest Motorhome supplier in New Zealand… Perggghhhh… layan road trip la lepas niiii… Time to plan for your road trip with great local deals…Of course this part you need to contact Ikhlas Tours to get further details… try not to miss this ya… cause it’s for the Autumn/Winter season deal…

I have shared with you about creating your “Golden Autumn Journey” right??? Apa lagiiii… Autumn is just around the corner… pack your bag darling… haha

Well… enough mumbling Dira… next topic pleasee (talking to myself… to control not to overly write of unnecessary things…haha) Since the great deal is for Autumn/Winter… it's the best time for me to share with you about Winter Wonders in New Zealand that will surprise you…

You probably wonder what great activities to do in super cold weather when you would rather stay at home and don’t even want to get out of your warm blanket… Yep, that was pretty much my train of thought too… hahaha… but let me share something that might change your mind and willing to put your thick winter jacket… hit the road to see the magical view of white snow capped or snow covered mountains as your “Selfie” pictures background… Time to change to new profile picture guys (I can feel you)…hehe

Here is a quick overview of why you should travel to New Zealand in white winter season…

Tips: I would suggest North Island Road Trip in winter cause in South Island some of the best tourist spots and roads will be closed due to bad weather condition and you might end up disappointed when you can’t enter certain places… Plus the temperature in North Island is not too cold compared to South Island.

Does it snow in New Zealand?

Well…don't expect the ground to be continuously blanketed by snow. Mostly you can see snow when you take the scenic drive up to Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki in the North Island. While in the South Island mountains are all snow covered.

Winter here starts in June until August… Best things about this season:

Save some cash - Accommodation will be cheaper and you could probably get good airfares deal since less people travelling… you can stay longer and do more with the extra cash you save right..hehe… another plus point when you are in NZ; lots of free outdoor activities that will promise stunning views…

Skiing and Snow boarding - drive up to Mount Ruapehu to get your snow falling experience (Beginners like me…for sure jatuh tergolek lerrrr…haha)…”Do you wanna build a snowww mannn… ”hehe..feeling abis!! Whoever wants to play with snow, Whakapapa Ski Field or Turoa Ski Field in Mount Ruapehu need to be in your list. If you're a skier, you'll be heading to Queenstown, Mount Hutt, Canterbury in the South Island, or the Central Plateau in the North Island - and paying top dollar for the privilege and have fun!!!!

Hot Pools - what could be better than finding your hot tub in the middle of the forest? Ladiessss… this is to die for… confirmmm you want to experience this… soak yourself in the hot springs while enjoying the nature beauty right in front of you… gilerrr best hokey!!! It goes without saying that the hot springs are best enjoyed in the winter, when the chilly air causes steam to rise visibly in the air, tempting even the most stubbornly terrestrial among us.

Te Aroha Mineral Spa – South of Auckland beneath Mount Te Aroha
Lost Spring Spa – Coromandel
Polynesian Spa – Rotorua
Lake Terrace or Spa Park - Taupo

Winter adventure - avoid busy summer trails and explore it during winter with less people around...·

Tramp the Aotea Track…For hikers/trampers another trail you could explore during the low season...Rugged, bushy, and beautiful, Great Barrier Island is a true wilderness on Auckland’s doorstep. Climb the Hirakimata (627m). Two cozy huts and hot springs en route make this a wonderful winter walk.·
Cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail...Scenic, easy, and close to Auckland – Hauraki Rail Trail has proven such a hit. One of New Zealand’s new national Cycle Trails, the 82km track traces historic railway lines across the green plains between Thames and Te Aroha, and through the Karangahake Gorge.

Tips: Please remember daylight hours are less in winter…so you need to carefully plan your journey…Review back your gear…what clothes to wear especially when you head up the mountains or outdoor activities.

Contact Ikhlas Tours to help you create your holiday journey to be a memorable one…

Till then…have a great week ahead travel lovers…talk to you soon!

Comments

Golden Autumn Journey

12/2/2016

Comments

KIA ORA!

Hellooo travel lovers…

Hope you had a great week… enjoy reading what I’ve shared last week? Hopefully you find it useful to plan your trip to New Zealand... (Best tak? Best tak???) hehe… I get a bit nervous now to keep up the excitement going… will try my best ya…

It’s the last month of summer in New Zealand… I guess it’s a bit late to talk about this hot season now (definitely will cover soon about summer)… so I’ve decided to spill the beans about the coming season that is just around the corner… Yellow Orange and Red… Yayyy my favourite season of the year!!!!

"AUTUMN…is a second spring when every leaf is a flower"
- Albert Camus -

This is when you start to see back paint of colours in the background that summer has never seen. Autumn starts from March and ends in May… the best season for New Zealanders to still enjoy outdoor activities… just nice weather; not too hot like summer and not too cold before winter comes…

Omgggg… Imagine driving along the scenic route in South Island with the stunning autumn backdrop… calm and quiet moment when you park your motorhome… sitting by the lake and mesmerized by the colours of autumn with cuppa hot coffee... ”Best feeling ever!!!”… haha… ok enough about feeling2… time to make it a reality :)

Besides spring… Autumn is another good season for road trips… so for travelers who dream to do Leisure or Motorhome road trip… you can book your flight tickets and pack your bag from nowwwww… hehe

Let’s start planning for your autumn trip (I plak excited!!!)…I will share a few things here…hopefully it will help you get some ideas:

Best time to see Autumn colours
Top Places to visit during Autumn
Some activities you can do in Autumn
Ikhlas Tours Leisure and Motorhome packages

1. Best Time To See Autumn Colours

March to early April… still hot and you can’t see much autumn colours yet… but it's a good time for outdoor lovers to explore the trails. After the first week of May it tends to rain more and leaves usually start falling.

Peak time for fall foliage is roughly from the second week of April to early May. The best time you get to see the colours of autumn? Definitely I can’t give you the exact date cause it’s all up to mother nature… I’m just mother of a child… hehe…. But that’s the rough idea for you to know when's the best time to come.

Note: Average temperature in autumn is highest around 20'C day time and lowest can be around 10'C night time...depending on the area as well...southern areas get much colder...just don't forget to check the weather forecast so you know the right jacket to bring...not the thick "Mink Coat" ya...just kidding...hehe

2. Top Places To Visit During Autumn

Why South Island? According to the locals.. More places you can get autumn colours there…

Take the scenic route and enjoy the beautiful golden colours of autumn… Places you could put in your itinerary :

Mackenzie Countries… from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki to Twizel to Omarama
The Waitaki Valley… Omarama to Kurow; in particular Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore
Wanaka and Cardrona Valley… especially Lake Wanaka
Arrowtown and Queenstown… Arrowtown gives the richest autumn colours in the South and they even have Autumn Festival, which is usually held around end of April. The busiest town during autumn would be this town. As for Queenstown you can take a short drive to Glenorchy
Christchurch… a must visit here would be Hagley Park
Central Otago… you wouldn’t wanna miss Clyde Dam lookout for autumnal vista overlooking Clyde and Alexandra.

Tips : Check driving distance from one place to another… Again… pleaseeee don’t rush to cover all the places in one trip cause you won’t have enough time (Trust me!)… If you have time to visit only one location in New Zealand for fall foliage, Arrowtown would be the best place to visit according to the locals here.

Best is to contact Ikhlas Tours to plan the best route and itinerary for you

3. Activities In Autumn

Still best time to do outdoor activities... honestly I prefer early autumn for some outdoor adventures... but not towards end of autumn because there'll be more rains by then.

Picnic or walk in the Park…relax yourself and enjoy the magical view...
In Wanaka…you can take scenic flight to get the best views of golden vales from above, or take a Jet boat trip to lakes and riverside golden splendour.
Kayaking on any of the beautiful waterways as most are lined in russet and gold – the perfect gilded frame to the cerulean waters of the Lake Wanaka region
Quad biking in the autumnally magical Cardrona Valley, horse trekking, 4WD trips either scenic or with a photographic angle.
Outdoor adventures…Mountain Bikers, Hikers/Trampers for Autumn season..best time would be in March and April to explore the trails…I think I should write one special topic just to cover about trails cause if I mix it here…I will be biased and talk more on this cause I’ll get too excited and can’t stop writing about how amazing the trails here in New Zealand…haha

4. Ikhlas Tours - Leisure or Motorhome Package?

Leisure Packages

To travel in autumn, you can contact Ikhlas Tours for Leisure Packages (vehicle and accommodation). Ikhlas Tours will recommend suitable vehicle for your group and self-contained accommodation. Our packages focus on laid back and leisure concept... basically we want you to experience New Zealanders style... cause here it's always about how you appreciate nature's beauty... peaceful and quiet ambiance... time to relax and clear your mind...

Motorhome Packages

Alternatively, book Ikhlas Tours Motorhome or Campervan (not Caravan ya...not really the right term actually cause Caravan needs to use tow bar... and Malaysian Driving license is not allowed to drive this type of vehicles)... you are not the only one... all this while I called it Caravan too.. haha

The motorhome comes with :

Toilet/shower – on board
Bedding supplies - pillows, blankets and towels
Basic kitchen facilities – cooker, small fridge and cooking appliances on board
Parking with basic power supply… We will advise you where you can park your motorhome at powered campsite facilities…

Ikhlas Tours package also includes :

Airport pickup/drop off
GPS ‘touch n drive’ - GPS will be pre-set to assist your navigation
Itinerary - Detailed itinerary scheduling your daily activities
Qiblat direction / Halal directory / mosques
Tour instructions
Travel Insurance
Safe driving tips
NZ SIM card

Again Ikhlas Tours is here to assist your travel plan...the best way to fit your wish list and budget.

Please visit Ikhlas Tours website at www.ikhlastours.co.nz

That's roughly about autumn... hope it's useful enough to plan your golden journey...hehe... Next I will share everyone's favourite season of the year...I'm sure you can guess what season that is...haha..you definitely don't want to miss it... Tungguuuuu

Till then… talk to you soon travel lovers with more tips to be shared!
"Create your journey moment...."

Comments

Blooming Tips...Your colourful journey awaits!

12/2/2016

Comments

KIA ORA!

Had a good long weekend last week? Great CNY celebration and a good time to getaway hey…save some annual leave to come to New Zealand okayyy… hehe

We had a long weekend here too… It’s public holiday to celebrate Waitangi Day… a bit of history summary of Waitangi… Treaty was signed that made New Zealand part of the British Empire, guaranteed Māori rights to their land and gave Māori the rights of British subjects…The day was first officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974....
No need to talk so long la kan cause not everyone gets very excited when it comes to history.. haha

This is what I did… don’t be jealoussss haha… it’s the last weekend for Pick Your Own Strawberry at the farm…

Ok...back to what I promised in the last topic...here is everyone's favourite season...specially dedicated to all ladies out there...you going to loveeee me (love you too...hehe) for saving your time and energy browsing for the best time to see flowers blooming in New Zealand...hehe

I won't write much this time...Just short and sweet tips...the rest...Let the pictures make you fall in love with all the beautiful flowers...hehe

Technically spring starts from September to November…however the sign of spring starts from August and it continues even in summer… you can see the colourful spring along your road trip or any park you go…they definitely won’t disappoint you… to those “dalam hati ada taman people” here’s for you….

Beautiful quote to remember..."A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it...it just blooms"

Blooming time to plan your trip to New Zealand...
Choose which flowers you wanna see...if all then you need to camp here for a couple of months...haha

Magnolia – mid August till early September
Daffodil – early September till end September
Cherry Blossom (Sakura) – mid September till early October
Tulip – early October till end October
Roses – mid November to January
Hydrangeas - end November till end December
Lavender - end December till early February

Places you want to visit... both North and South Islands offer magically beautiful background for you... definitely you don't wanna miss it! Plan your colourful journey itinerary...I'm sure it's gonna be lots of "Selfie" and "Wefie"

Lake Tekapo (South) - gives you a backdrop that doesn't even look real (crazy beautiful...macam painting)... By late spring the lupins flower, and with the backdrop of the Southern Alps and the super blue lake; it is a photographer’s dream. The night’s sky here is perfect for stargazing.
Hagley Park, Christchurch (South) - famous central Rose Garden.
Rangitata River, Canterbury (South) - Adventure people time for water rafting after a cold winter ends... Getting the snow melt from the Southern Alps, now is the time to ride the rapids.
Hamilton Gardens (North) - best seen in spring. Stroll through 5 country themed gardens.
Rotorua (North) - tulip lovers here's where you want to visit... and outdoor lovers best time to swing the zipline through the forest.
Cornwall Park (North) - cherry blossoms look like pink gems dangling on top of you... great family time for picnic under the blooming trees.
Hobbiton Village, Matamata (North) - LOTR fans sure don't want to miss this...but of all seasons...I personally would say Spring will be the best time to visit for great pictures.

Basically everywhere you go...you'll be like "wahhhh...wahhhh...wahhhh"...
haha...betulll tak tipu...

Contact Ikhlas Tours to help you plan your blooming journey... save your time and energy and let Ikhlas Tours do all the booking for ground transportation and accommodation for you... best deals to fit your wish list and budget

I really thank Allah for sending me to this beautiful land to witness His magically beautiful creations, and that what motivates me to write and share with you...hopefully it helps you plan when the opportunity comes...make your dreams to reality and don't just sit and keep dreaming...

Comments

Jelajah New Zealand - Tips Jimat Kos

9/2/2016

Comments

Rancang Pengembaraan

Perjalanan dari Malaysia ke New Zealand amat jauh, ambil masa 10 hingga 11 jam penerbangan. Untuk kembara ke sini, masa dan belanja banyak diperlukan. Kos tukaran matawang hampir 3 kali ganda untuk setiap Ringgit. Pada kami paling penting sekali adalah perancangan. Merancang kos, masa, cuti dan lain-lain. Untuk melancung sejauh ini kami syorkan buat perancangan terpeinci-jangka panjang. Kami syorkan 6 bulan atau lebih sebelum buat keputusan untuk ke sini. Elak buat keputusan di saat akhir. Kos penerbangan, kos penginapan, kos pengangkutan tidak akan menyebelahi anda jika tempahan dibuat dalam tempoh yang singkat. Penginapan di bandar pelancongan utama seperti Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland perlu ditempah awal untuk mendapatkan penginapan dengan harga berpatutan.

Fokus

New Zealand sebuah negara yang luas. Dari utara ke selatan lebih 2,000km jaraknya. Seluruh New Zealand dari Cape Reinga hingga ke Bluff banyak lokasi atau aktiviti menarik. Setiap bandar, daerah ada keunikan tertentu. Anda perlu fokus padatempat-tempat menarik yang sesuai dengan tempoh kembara di New Zealand. Elak terlalu teruja baca blog atau catatan kembara orang lain, ingin ke semua tempat tanpa mengambil kira kesan pertukaran jam, jet-lag, tempoh memandu. Tempoh kembara, musim mereka kembara, atau konsep pengembaraan mereka mungkin berlainan dengan anda. Rancang masa perjalanan, jarak dan kos untuk setiap lawatan. Elak buat 'pit-stop' travel plan dan banyak habiskan masa di perjalanan.

Tips : Rancang perjalanan untuk sampai ke penginapan sebelum hari gelap. Sesetengah tempat di South island agak terpencil. Waktu hari gelap berubah mengikut musim; pada musim winter hari akan gelap sekitar 5:00pm, musim summer sekitar 9:00pm

Kos Penerbangan

Buat perbandingan antara syarikat penerbangan. Sekiranya menggunakan budget airlines dari Malaysia atau Singapore, semak beberapa website seperti Air Asia, Jetstar, FlyScoot atau Virgin Airlines. Kebanyakan airlines ini akan stop-over/transit di Sydney, Melbourne atau Gold Coast. Pilih masa, tarikh, syarikat penerbangan yang paling competitive untuk sampai ke New Zealand samada menerusi Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington atau Dunedin. Sekiranya memilih full-board airlines, boleh semak Malaysia Airlines, Emirates atau Singapore Airlines.

Tips : Ikhlas Tours boleh rancang pengembaraan anda dengan kos berpatutan samada bermula/berakhir dari Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington atau Dunedin

Pandu sendiri & masak sendiri (Kembara DIY)

Sekira emak atau isteri tak ikut sekali, kami syorkan belajar masak sendiri. Kos masak sendiri makanan berkhasiat di New Zealand, jauh lebih murah berbanding kos makanan siap, Tidak susah untuk mencari bahan mentah halal di sini. Jangan hanya terlalu bergantung pada mee segera atau pek makanan segera yang di bawa dari tanahair.

Kos driver atau travel guide di sini amat tinggi. Untuk tour secara pensendirian dalam kumpulan kecil, lantik seorang yang boleh memandu. Memandu di sini sama dengan di Malaysia. Kenderaan juga hampir sama dengan model yang terdapat di Malaysia. Perlu memandu mengikut standard pemanduan New Zealand. Ikut had-laju, pastikan semua penumpang pakai seat-belt sepanjang masa, kanak-kanak di bawah 7 tahun menggunakan car seat.

Dapatkan Sponsor

Ramai juga yang datang ke sini melalui 'sponsor'. Ada yang di sponsor syarikat, jabatan atau universiti untuk lawatan sambil belajar. Ramai juga yang ditaja ahli keluarga atau kawan. Cari jalan untuk dapatkan sponsor kembara New Zealand secara percuma.

Tukaran Matawang Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar

Buat perbandingan beberapa tempat untuk dapatkan tukaran NZD paling menarik. Cari pengurup wang yang boleh tawarkan harga terbaik. Elak tukar matawang di bank atau di airport kerana kos operasi mereka tinggi. Jangan bawa Ringgit Malaysia ke New Zealand untuk tukar New Zealand Dollar, kadar tukaran Ringgit Malaysia terlalu rendah di sini.

Tips : Elak tukar RM ke NZD sekaligus, tukar dua atau tiga kali. Teknik ini dipanggil 'averaging' untuk kurangkan kesan turun naik matawang.

Kos aktiviti

Pilih aktiviti yang hanya sesuai dan selaras dengan konsep kembara anda. Tidak perlu masuk aktiviti yang tidak digemari. Di New Zealand terdapat banyak tempat menarik FREE untuk orang awam yang tiada bayaran masuk. Buat sedikit 'homework' sebelum ke sini.

Group Yang Ideal

Paling ideal untuk kembara dalam kumpulan seramai 4-6 orang satu jantina atau satu keluarga. Sekiranya travel berdua atau tiga orang kos per head untuk share kos kenderaan adalah lebih tinggi berbanding empat orang. Sekiranya berlainan jantina bukan muhrim, perlu juga tambahan kos penginapan yang berasingan.

Melancung Jangka Panjang

Sekiranya datang melancong dalam tempoh yang panjang, mungkin boleh pertimbangakan beli kenderaan disini untuk kembara. Kos kereta second-hand yang masih elok amat murah disini. Selepas kembara, jual balik kenderaan ini. Cara ini biasa dibuat oleh pelancong dari Eropah yang mengembara dalam tempoh yang lama di New Zealand.

Home Swap – Tukar Suka Sama Suka

Cara ini juga biasa dilakukan. Seperti filem The Holiday (2006), seorang di Los Angeles dan seorang lagi di UK ingin menikmati pengalaman yang berbeza.Mereka tukar rumah dan kenderaan secara suka sama suka. Orang New Zealand mungkin teruja dengan keindahan Malaysia dan cara hidup di Malaysia dan orang Malaysia mungkin suka menginap di Farm House di New Zealand. www.kiwihouseswap.co.nz

Belajar, Bekerja, Working for Holiday Visa

Ramai juga yang melancong di sini secara 'indirect' samada menyambung pelajaran atau bekerja di sini. Untuk golongan muda, mungkin boleh pertimbangkan Working For Holiday Work Visa. Warganegara Malaysia berusia antara 18 - 35 tahun boleh menyertai skim ini untuk bekerja sambil mengembara.