Latest posts by Martin Moodie (see all)
- From Lisbon to Lon Y Coed and on to Hong Kong - January 4, 2026
- Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa – where “the sardine is queen” - December 18, 2025
- In memory of Roopa, a Mitti Café and travel retail heroine - November 23, 2025
And… touchdown.
I’m on terra firma of the Aotearoa (New Zealand) kind, back in my homeland for the second time in a few months before an extended stay in Europe for family reasons I have written about in a recent post.
I flew from Hong Kong to Auckland, the dual but subtly contrasting blues of the sky and the Pacific Ocean pictured below presenting an exquisite panorama as land came into view.
Auckland Airport presents a rather spartan arrivals experience, save for the magnificent tomokanga, which offers a uniquely Māori welcome for international travellers.
The 2.8m-high, 6m-wide carving – made from native swamp kauri and totara – symbolises a spiritual portal from one realm to another, a journey from the dark (the outside world) into the light (world of the living). Similar to my emotions on this occasion.
Before immigration and customs there’s the chance to shop at Aelia Duty Free’s (Lagardère Travel Retail) sprawling arrivals store. Plenty of bargains; a big range of local and international wines & spirits; a hefty liquor allowance; a ‘Buy now pick up later’ platform; and a long-established arrivals shopping culture make this a thriving part of the local travel retail scene.
A couple of days in Auckland allowed me to take in the long-anticipated All Blacks v Springboks match at Eden Park, where a 24-17 victory maintained the New Zealand side’s extraordinary unbeaten record at the stadium since 1994. If only we remained so successful at other grounds.
I urge any reader who visits Auckland to take the delightful 40-minute ferry ride to beautiful Waiheke Island in the sparkling blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
There I dined with two of my best mates (since secondary school, by definition a long time ago, the kind of friends who will always, but always, have your back) at Vino Vino by Connie Aldao.
What a chef and what an individual Connie is and what a fantastic experience her restaurant delivers.
Born and bred in Argentina, Connie told us how she was taught to cook by the recognised master of open-fire cooking, celebrated Argentine chef Francis Mallmann.
She achieved international recognition in 2002 when the 1884 Restaurant, which she set up and led for Mallmann in Mendoza, Argentina, won seventh place in the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants chosen by the UK’s Restaurant Magazine.
After marrying a Kiwi diplomat, Connie and her family moved to New Zealand in 2006, first to Wellington and later to Waiheke in 2015. Argentina’s loss was New Zealand’s gain.
Over some succulent oysters and a pan-fried snapper so fresh it was practically flapping on the plate, washed down with fine Man O’ War Estate Chardonnay from the island and back-lit by a sublime beach, sea and sky view, it was an unforgettable moment in time.
I’ve now arrived in Christchurch, the city of my birth. From my compact (euphemism for you couldn’t swing a baby Kiwi bird let alone a cat without damaging yourself and the hapless creature) fifth-floor room at the otherwise pretty good BreakFree on Cashel hotel, I can see the imposing structure of the city’s new sporting venue, One New Zealand Stadium, or Te Kaha.
The 30,000 capacity facility will replace the old Lancaster Park, smashed beyond recognition by the catastrophic earthquake of February 2011.
I’m spending a few days here before heading north to the capital, Wellington, for the second All Blacks v Springboks test, and then up to Auckland for the return trip to Hong Kong and then onto Europe. A Flying Kiwi, glad for now to be back in his original nest. ✈
