The Truma Combi Heating System is arguably the most fitted habitation and hot water heating system in RV's and most motorhome and caravan owners will come across having to use it. Check out our "How To" operational video below and refresh your memory if you are new to the system or have not used it much throughout summer. https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/user-manuals-and-operational-videos.html Marlborough is a beautiful spot and living in Blenheim is great. However, when people visit or travel through our small town, many customers find it hard to decide what to do as most places are scattered around the countryside and not always heavily advertised. Last month I started a small segment introducing Local Hotspots to you and I have decided to continue sharing them for the rest of 2024. I will also try to get out there myself visiting and enjoying the places as well as motivating you to visit one new place every time you travel through. Please feel free to send me any suggestions you may have, and I will check it out!!! This month I would like to introduce you to one of my favourite spots for a great lunch or dinner. The Harvest restaurant is part of a boutique hotel neatly tucked away in the countryside near Blenheim and produces great food using local produce paired with some amazing wine. Poppy and I have an emotional connection to the place as we were fortunate enough to celebrate our wedding at the venue and absolutely love visiting the restaurant. My opinion is that the restaurant produces amazing food for a reasonable price showcasing the amazing produce and wine the region has on offer paired with a stunning secluded yet accessible location. It’s well worth a visit and I can only highly recommend Harvest to anyone who appreciates good food, wine, and service. Tip: You do not have to stay at the Hotel to enjoy the restaurant. "The Marlborough - a Boutique Hotel located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region. Nestled within 16 acres of exotic, native and vegetable gardens and surrounded by our boutique vineyard with our awarded Harvest restaurant all onsite." "Our ethos is simple - authenticity...
We aim to create a space that celebrates authentic hospitality where we encourage our guests to relax, enjoy and have your every need anticipated. All aspects of the restaurant is guided by this philosophy, creating a place where our guests are genuinely welcomed and fare welled as friends. Relax in one of the two stunning interior dining rooms our wine tasting room or our Orangery that runs onto the garden deck where you enjoy the Marlborough sun whilst enjoying the gastronomy on offer. Alternatively, you may wish to find a shady spot in the beautiful gardens or vineyard with a small bite and refreshing beverage. No matter the occasion, at Harvest we aim to create an atmosphere and experience that reminds diners of the true meaning of hospitality. Come and join us for lunch, aperitivo or dinner and experience our ethos for yourself." Travelling 3-4 hours south of the Bay of Plenty you will reach our final great weekend destination for this segment, Hawkes Bay. Another spot I have not had the opportunity to explore beyond a quick visit and have heard many great travel stories about. If you are based in the central North Island, Wellington or the Bay of Plenty, the region is nearby and suits a quick weekend trip. Enjoy the read!!! "There are two words that best describe Hawke's Bay and they are Wine Country - but there is much more than wine to this sunny region." "Blessed with fertile soils and a warm, temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay is among New Zealand’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – and stunning chardonnays. Hawke’s Bay is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours with many of the region’s 30+ cellar doors, and numerous artisan producers, connected by 200km of flat, easy riding cycle trails. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, with the cities of Napier and Hastings rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake. Year-round guided tours and vintage car rides are supercharged each February as tens of thousands flock to participate in the week-long Art Deco Festival. Notable landmarks include Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets; Lake Waikaremoana, where the walking track is among New Zealand’s nine Great Walks; and Te Mata Peak, with its 360 degree views of Hawke’s Bay and spectacular walking tracks.
1. Discover the many wineries and cellar doors Often likened to Bordeaux in France, Hawke's Bay is famed for its full-bodied red wines. Hire a bike and taste your way around some of the region's 72 vineyards and 30 cellar doors, including the award-winning Te Mata Estate Winery and Craggy Range. Stop for lunch at Church Road Winery or Mission Estate, New Zealand's oldest winery. 2. Explore Art Deco architecture When a devastating earthquake destroyed Napier in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the style of the times - Art Deco. Relive the opulent era of jazz, boaters and beads at the annual Art Deco Festival or take a guided tour of the spectacular architecture in a vintage car. 3. Cycle your way around the region Hawke's Bay Trails combine more than 200 kilometres of tracks that are helpfully split into themes. Choose from the established wineries, landscapes or water trails or forge your own path. You can visit all of Hawke's Bay's attractions by bike - cycle by the seaside, venture to the vineyards or explore the countryside. With flat, easy trails for all levels, it's the best way to experience the stunning region."
Click on the link below to continue reading the full article... https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/top-experiences-in-hawkes-bay/ Gary and Janette ventured south to Timaru to watch the truck racing and slowly made their way back up the East coast of the South Island travelling in a Le Voyageur Heritage motorhome.
Most of our brand-new European motorhomes are built on a Fiat base vehicle and the latest cab has been upgraded with many new features. Check out the video below and refresh your knowledge on how to operate the basic systems. Over the last couple of years, I mentioned Lake Argyle and the Hydro Canal near Blenheim in various articles as a great location to park up for a night or two, fish for trout and enjoy the surroundings. Last weekend I finally managed to venture deep into the Branch River Valley and can only recommend the trip if you are in the area. The location is accessible with a 4wd or a mountain bike. Tip: Check if the road is open to the public before embarking on your journey as there has been increased logging activity in the area and some parts can be closed off during the week. http://nzwalksinfo.co.nz/tracks/2114-branch-river-track Above: Greigs Hut marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. A 30-45 min drive from the lake you will reach Greigs Hut. The well-maintained cabin marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. I parked the car, packed my backpack and fly-rod, and started walking for around 8km before I started fishing. The hiking trail was reasonably easy to walk and my anticipation of fishing the canyon like river parts of the upper branch was high and I made it to the planned starting point quick. River conditions were perfect, the trout started eating late morning and I managed to net a couple of beauties within a few hours of exploring. Note: Parts of the river are not easily accessible, and I would strongly suggest a cautious approach as well as taking the right equipment. Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the trip. It's well worth the effort and can be planned as a day or multi-day trip.
If you are looking to kill some time in Blenheim and are not interested in visiting town or a winery, Pollard Park is a great option. Just wondering through the park with its old trees, flowers, creek and rose gardens is a joy and there is always something new to discover. Check it out next time you are in Blenheim and let me know what you think!!! https://eservices.marlborough.govt.nz/facilities/facility/pollard-park "Located in Blenheim with access from Parker Street and McLauchlan Street.
In easy walking distance from Seymour Square via a marked walkway, Blenheim's premier Pollard Park is Marlborough's showcase with 24.6 ha of wooded parkland, meandering stream and golf course." Located about 3 hours southeast of Auckland, the Bay of Plenty is another great weekend destination especially for those living in the upper part of the north island. I have visited the area a few times as my little sister lives in Mount Maunganui and have always enjoyed my trips. However, I am really looking forward to taking the motorhome to the bay for an extended trip and explore a little further. "The Bay of Plenty region is home to spectacular beaches, juicy kiwifruit and geothermal wonders. When James Cook arrived in 1769, he anchored off a great bay ‘full of plantations and villages’ that was, he noted ‘a bay of plenty’. The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, is no less plentiful today. Around Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local craft beer and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well. Whether you are looking for something a little adventurous, cultural or family-friendly, the Bay of Plenty offers plenty of things to do." Hike Tauranga’s iconic Mount Maunganui It wouldn’t be a trip to Tauranga without taking on the Mount Maunganui walk. An activity to add to your list of must-dos in Tauranga, it’s the Bay of Plenty’s most iconic landmark. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top, and on a clear day, visitors can see the Coromandel peninsula in the North. https://www.newzealand.com/int/mount-maunganui/ Book a marine wildlife tour Explore Tauranga’s big blue backyard with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris. The sun-kissed coastline of the Bay of Plenty is frequented by dolphins, whales and orcas, and plenty of other sea life. Learn from passionate locals about the unique aquatic world that lies just off the coast. https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/dolphin-seafaris-nz-ltd-1/ Paddle your way around Tauranga's coastline Book a tour or hire your own kayak and explore the coastline and inner bays of the region. KG Kayaks, East Coast Paddler, and Waimarino all offer unforgettable paddling adventures – from evening glow worm tours and SUP lessons around Mount Maunganui, to coastal adventures in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/kg-kayaks-1/ Treat yourself to a scenic helicopter flight
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a scenic flight with the crew at Adventure Helicopters. Let them fly you over some of the most stunning areas of the Bay of Plenty, or for something really special, book one of their food and wine or fly and drive packages. https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/bay-explorer-1/ We often share recipes suited to the RV lifestyle and easy to make on the road. However, Matt's secret duck parfait recipe is one to cook at home and take away with you, complementing cheese platters or by itself with some fresh bread bought at the local bakery. For those who don't know Matt used to be a chef so it’s well worth trying it and letting us know what you think. It may also be quite a challenge if you are not used to making parfaits and will be fun to try. Enjoy!!! Duck Liver Parfait is something special that can be made prior to your next trip away and taken on the road with you. The recipe involves a little bit of work and requires some precision. However, it's well worth the effort.
I used this recipe during my time as a chef and served the parfait at Highfield Winery Restaurant between 2009-2011 here in Blenheim. The recipe produces 1kg however you could reduce this to 500g if required. It's also suitable to freeze if you don’t want to eat it all in one go. Alternatively, you could also use chicken livers if duck is not available. For best results I certainly recommend using duck liver, take your time, enjoy, serve with your chutney of choice, crackers, or sour dough bread. Ingredients
Method 1. Reduce the wine, port, juniper with the thyme, bay leaves and star anise in a saucepan to 200ml. 2. Strain and measure the amount, if you have over reduced just add cream to make up the difference, if under reduced return to the heat and continue the reduction, make sure it measures exactly 200ml though. 3. Place the garlic in a blender and blitz, add the Livers and blitz, whilst the motor is running add the warm melted butter, be sure to add the whole amount of melted mixture including the white stuff at the end as this is the gee or salt in the butter itself, then add the eggs and yolks one at a time, season to finish. 4.Pass the mixture through a sieve to remove any of the livers sinew, this is also important. 5. Pre Heat the oven to 160°C on fan bake or steam bake if you have that function. 6. Either line a suitable sized terrine/loaf type baking tin with glad wrap making sure it sits nicely around the edges or use individual ramekin type baking dishes (the ramekins do not need lining) or alternatively take muffin tins and line them with glad wrap to make individual portions. The last option is how I used to serve them. 7. Take whatever you have chosen to bake the mixture in and place them in a high sided oven tray, fill with the parfait mixture to about ¾ full, then pour enough warm water into the tray to sit halfway up the baking dish to help steam the mixture, cover with foil. 8. From here the process gets a little bit tricky. You want to cook the mixture to soufflé with a slight bounce, over cooking it will result in the parfait bubbling up and becoming coarse. Under cooking it the mixture will not set correctly so keep an eye on it. 9. Check after 15 minutes if you are using ramekins or the muffin tins or 25 minutes if you are using a terrine mould. 10. Re-check every 5 minutes after that, the ramekins or muffin tins should take est. 20-25 minutes. A loaf type tin may take 35-40 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on your oven and it's better to keep checking the parfait than over cooking it. 11. Once cooked remove from the oven tray and set aside, cool, then place in the refrigerator. Matt and his family started the year right holidaying next to the beach in Kaiteriteri. The staff motorhome has been used a lot during the holiday season and it's great to see staff and their families making the most of the opportunity.
After all, memories made on the road travelling in an RV are always special and seem to last a long time. The Tasman region has plenty to offer and is well suited for a casual summer beach holiday. |
AuthorDeluxe RV Group Archives
July 2024
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