Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers a unique and fun experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with native wildlife in the most majestic environment. Located an hours drive from Wellington in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley in Upper Hutt, Staglands is a hidden treasure.
Sarah the owner and Sarah the manager took us on a wonderful tour around the premises where we were able to come face to face with friendly animals, native birds and other magnificent wildlife.
First we walked through the forest wetlands, which has been extensively vegetated and provides shelter and breeding sites for a range of native and introduced waterfowl.
From here we visited the Barn, which is available during the day for all park visitors to use as a picnic or BBQ area (BBQ facilities provided free of charge). It can also be hired as a venue for special events and functions.
As we walked into the deer park the first thing I noticed was the grand rolling hills overlooking Staglands and the watchful gaze of the fallow deer roaming the hills. We were greeted by a herd of friendly goats and a lovely old ram called Hector.
Next we visited the stables where I was able to hop in and hold one of the wee little wabbits. We also stopped to see the young chicks being reared under a heat lamp in the brooder.
To get to the Old Bush Settlement we crossed the river via an awesome swing bridge. The Old Bush Settlement is a nostalgic recreation of an abandoned Akatarawa bush settlement and gives a unique view of the life led by the pioneers during the early settlement of New Zealand.
I could honestly go on forever; there is so much to do at Staglands. I haven’t even mentioned the blue duck breeding program, the donkey rides, the bush railway (cart ride), the flying fox and children’s area, the aviaries, the secret garden and the trout fish ponds.
After our tour we had a delectable homemade lunch at the Staglands Café. The café is fully licensed and features a cozy interior with impressive wooden trusses, beams and posts with a large open fire.
For more information please visit their website at: www.staglands.co.nz
YHA Wellington Backpackers
This modern, bright and fun YHA hostel has a wide range of comfortable backpacker accommodation from their spacious 4-share ensuite rooms to their deluxe private ensuite rooms.
With a 5-star qualmark rating it hardly felt like a backpackers but more like a hotel or a ‘flash’packers. The YHA Wellington boasts two large and well-equipped kitchens, many spacious and comfortable lounge areas and a TV lounge with a projector and free movie hire.
Centrally located just off Courtenay place, it is located close to the waterfront, Te Papa museum, Embassy Cinema and many cafés, bars and restaurants. There is also a New World directly across the road, which was extremely handy. For those who are really on a budget there is always affordable meal nights and free bagel breakfast on Mondays.
Our room was quite spacious and featured a modern clean private bathroom. There was also an alarm clock on the bedside table and tea/coffee making facilities.
An ensuite room rate starts from $90. For more information please visit their website at: www.yha.co.nz
Bluebridge Ferry
I can’t believe the time has come to head back to the South Island via the Bluebridge Ferry. With stunning scenery, friendly service, free big screen movies and a choice of up to four return sailings a day (except Christmas Day) between Wellington and Picton – there’s no better way for you and your vehicle to cross Cook Strait.
Launched in 2003, Bluebridge sails every day between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. With a journey time of three hours and 20 minutes, the Bluebridge experience offers friendly ‘Kiwi’ hospitality amidst stunning New Zealand scenery.
Currently operating two sister ships, the Santa Regina and the Monte Stello, the Bluebridge service offers a relaxed journey with a maximum of up to 370 people and around 150 cars per sailing.
The Bluebridge service provides a very comfortable environment for passengers in their relaxing lounge areas, where we watched a free big screen movie and I caught some zzzzz's. There is also comfortable seating in the lounge bar where guests can enjoy a New Zealand wine or beer with a scrumptious snack.
Work stations provided space for me to unpack my laptop and catch up on some business while en-route.
For more information please visit their website at: www.bluebridge.co.nz
4 comments:
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Auckland Accommodation
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Domestic Tour Packages
travel all you want but never forget to leave your car in secure hands of gatwick valet parking so it is well taken care of until your return.
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