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Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.
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Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for over 30 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"I want to say a big THANK YOU!! We had the most amazing time on our trip. Everything was wonderful. We absolutely loved Queenstown. We took the bus out to Milford Sound and then took a helicopter back as you suggested. It was raining the whole way out there but then the rain disappeared so we saw so many waterfalls it was breathtaking! We also went horseback riding in Glenorchy (well, I did – Pete got sick!) and that was amazing. The drive out there was beautiful and the ride itself was really fun. We tried to go skydiving but unfortunately it cancelled twice because of the winds. We also went jetboating,and spent a lot of time in the restaurants and bars in town. We then spent a few hours in Nelson and went out to Bleinhem for a day and did some wine-tasting, which was a lot of fun. When we were in Motueka we spent sometime relaxing and then did an 8 hour kayak/hike through Abel Tasman, which was truly amazing…and tiring! We spent a lot of our time in Rotorua just hanging out at the hotel and relaxing because it was just so beautiful, but we did go to hell’s gate which was really neat. In Auckland we spent a day walking around and then played golf one day. We also went to dinner at the Mudbrick restaurant in Waiheke which was great.
And on to Fiji...it was amazing! We loved Tokoriki. It was a beautiful spot and the Fijian people that worked there were so warm and friendly. The honeymoon bure that we stayed in was absolutely amazing, and we spent a lot of time just hanging out in our plunge pool. We also went snorkeling a few times, which was great. The food was also really good. As for the seaweed, there was definitely a fair bit of seaweed around and a slight smell of it, but it really wasn’t a big problem. After the first day we didn’t even think about it. I would definitely recommend Tokoriki to others, and would love to go back someday.
Thank you again for all of your help. We will definitely let our friends and family know how great you were when they head off to NZ / Fiji!
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- Megan & Pete
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We had a fantastic time in Fiji. Qamea was particularly wonderful-rustic, authentic, beautiful, and communal. Staff members were incredibly friendly and always very accommodating. Namale was spectacular and definitely more upscale. Our bure was so elegant and we had a private deck overlooking the ocean that was phenomenal. We appreciated the remoteness and feel of Qamea over Namale, however, so we were delighted to have been there longer. I would certainly recommend Qamea to anyone traveling to that area of the world.
Thanks again for arranging this remarkable trip. It was incredibly unique and one we will remember always. We're both grateful to you.
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- Naomi & Matt
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"The Four Seasons Maui and your recommendations for the other island resorts we visited were wonderful. The Four Seasons Maui is impeccable, as we also enjoyed the Halekulani on Oahu and the Hyatt at Poipu on Kauai.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your availability every step of the way planning our honeymoon and assisting our guests. Your surprise gifts to us and our guests were extra special touches, and I can't rave enough about you. Even through the most stressful times I endured, you always kept your calm and made sure we were taken care of. You went above and beyond for us, going to the Four Seasons to take pictures of the construction before we got there for the wedding so we would be prepared, calling around to local stores to help me find items for gift baskets, giving us the scoop on where to shop, eat, etc.-all in such great detail as well!
You really are a true, experienced travel agent that doesn't just book trips, but travels to and knows the areas and resorts in which you book your clients and you become a trusted friend. It is with the utmost gratitude we write this in appreciation for everything you did to help make our honeymoon dreams come true for us and our guests.
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- Michelle & Scott
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We are now home and slowly acclimating to reality. We had the most fabulous time on our holiday and want to thank you for seeing to it that every little detail was well planned, organized, and executed. We feel you really listened to our desires and planned "THE PERFECT" holiday...thank you so very much. We will definitely call you again and have recommended you to several of our friends. It is obvious that you really know both New Zealand and Fiji as I'm sure you know the other locations you book for your clients, I especially liked how you found locations that were less "touristy" and more reflective of the countries we were visiting...just as I requested. Thank you!"
- Randy and Teresa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Kurstan and I had the most amazing time on our trip to Maui. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though when we arrived at the house that we rented for the occasion there were hurricane strength winds. They died down in just enough time to get the flower circle in a perfect place overlooking the ocean and everything went according to plan. The ceremony was thoughtful and such a happy time for us as well as Kurstan's mom and Jack who seemed pleased with the arrangements as well.
As for the honeymoon, that was a vacation of a lifetime. I have never been as happy as I was on this trip. The hotel was lovely and the service was fantastic. Our room was more spacious than I imagined and the view was breathtaking. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lounges to the restaurants to the pool area to the beach. The beach was the best that we saw on the island.
Also, Joni, you were so helpful in getting everything arranged with us and Kurstan's mom. It was difficult for us not having ever been to Maui figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you were more than helpful in making this a trip that will be remembered throughout our lives. What a way to start a marriage!
And, thank you for the champagne you sent to our room upon our arrival. It was such a great way to start our trip.
Thank you so much for everything, and we'll definitely contact you for any help we need with travel in the future.
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- Heather & Kurstan
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Lisa and I had a magical experience at Qamea and everything was wonderful! You prepared us perfectly and all the details were worry free. We had a beautiful sunny day outdoor wedding in Michigan and then whisked away to paradise.
Thank you does not fully communicate our appreciation and we will be sending you referrals at every opportunity. We will be in touch soon and again, sincere thanks and warm regards!
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- Scott & Lisa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Hey Joni! Thanks so much for checking in. We had an awesome time! Best vacation ever!! Would love to talk with you about everything, let me know when is good for you? We really want to go back, maybe in a few years.
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- Traci
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Takaro Trails Day Tours
12 Different Tour Options!
Sample Tour: This morning you will be transferred from your accommodation to bustling Havelock North with its excellent shopping and cafes. Your Takaro Trails rep will set you up on your modern ‘e’ bike and give you a quick lesson on how to operate before leaving you to enjoy the ride at your own pace.
Before departing the village we recommend visits to Black Barn Vineyard and the Origin Earth Cheese Factory before you join the Tuki Tuki river trail and cycle through beautiful orchard and vineyard country to Black Bridge. From here you detour to visit the coastal communities of Haumoana and Te Awanga where visits to the British Car Museum and the excellent wineries of Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate are popular activities.
Returning to Black Bridge the trail continues north around the East Clive wetlands. It’s worth taking some time to sit on one of the viewing benches along the coast to observe the many native birds and flocks of black swans which inhabit the area. Refreshments in Clive will fuel you for the coastal stretch with its stunning views of the ocean and Bluff Hill in the distance.
On reaching the outskirts of Napier you follow Marine Parade lined with the iconic Norfolk Palm trees that are so recognized as a symbol of Napier. As you get closer to town you’ll pass by the statue of the ‘Spirit of Napier’ which represents the city rising from the ashes of the 1931 earthquake and also David Trubridge’s magnificent ‘Ecliptic’ monument celebrating the new millennium. Arriving in the city centre, a world renowned Art Deco treasure where you can spend some time viewing the distinctive architectural styles before cycling the final 5km to Ahuriri and the Takaro Trails base.
COSTS: Tours until 30 Sept 2019: $150.00 per adult Tours from 01 Oct 2019: $156.00 per adult
Cost includes: ‘E’ bike & helmet hire, water bottle, route instructions & trail map and transport from Napier to Havelock North to commence the ride. (Min 2 people per booking).
Photo copyright Takaro Trails.
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Overview
A fresh new way to see the Bay
When Jenny Ryan decided to put her extensive travel and tourism experience to good use it wasn't difficult for her to decide on the focus of her new business.
With a passion for the outdoors and increasing popularity of biking as a fun and healthy holiday option, Jenny established Takaro Trails to provide quality outdoor holidays in sunny Hawke's Bay.
Now there is a unique option for travellers who have previously enjoyed a cycling holiday, and for those who have always wanted to. Everyone who takes a self-guided Takaro Trails tour will enjoy a fun, memorable and hassle-free holiday experience which also protects the environmental safety of the region. Takaro Trails demonstrates their strong commitment to environmental safety by their participation in the STAR sustainable tourism program and you can read all about their environmental policy here.
You can decide on the length and difficulty of your ride, plus each day of your chosen itinerary you can vary the amount of time spent visiting the region's many attractions.
Why use Hawke's Bay as a base? Because the region provides exactly the right environment for cyclists of all abilities seeking a memorable, invigorating holiday. What's more Hawke's Bay boasts mild weather, great on and off-road tracks and wonderfully diverse scenery.
Kids are welcome too! Children from age eight who are experienced on a bike are welcome on our mountain biking and three day tour options and our special 'family' suggestions will ensure they get the most enjoyment from their holiday as well. Due to the longer cycling distances our five day trail is restricted to children aged 12 years and over.
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