Tag Archives: Summer

A-Z Challenge: Oob Organic Berry Farm & Ice Cream Stand in New Zealand

More than two months in and I’m very ready to have this A-Z Challenge done with. So I can start blogging exciting things like… my upcoming trip to Hawaii!

But, in the meantime, what better way to pass the time than to tell you about one of my OTHER favorite ice cream spots in New Zealand!

It’s an ice cream kind of month, apparently. All months should be ice cream months, don’t you think?

I visited the OOB Organic Berry Orchard Shop over the summer, when I was staying in Omaha Beach.

The farm is located in Omaha Flats, which is about an hour’s drive north of Auckland.

OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

On the way back south I asked James if we could stop here to get a snack before our drive, as I’d heard so much about it from his family.

Johnny, his best friend, supported my request for ice cream so off we went.

OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

After leaving the beach, passing smaller farms with clusters of grazing furry sheep, we eventually turned down a gravel road.

A couple turns later, the car bumping along the rough drive way, we eventually reached our destination.

With rows of blueberry plants on our right, we finally spotted the cafe building just past an area of covered tables and chairs.

Ice cream from OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

After parking up we walked inside, immediately identifying the smell of fresh cream and berries.

Upon checking out our options, I chose a blend of frozen yogurt and mixed berries while James and Johnny went for ice cream and mixed berries.

The girl behind the counter went to work, scooping out berries and combining them in a big metal machine.

Ice cream from OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

OOB is known for their blueberries but also offers strawberries in their cold creations as well.

I waited in anticipation for my waffle cone-filled deliciousness.

Flecks of the fresh fruit could be seen mixed in, giving the creamy concoctions a pale pink/purple color and a subtle berry flavor.

After paying, James, myself and our third wheel (just kidding J-honny!) walked out to the covered patio to lap up our melting sweet treats.

Ice cream from OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com Ice cream from OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comIce cream from OOB Omaha Organic Berries Orchard Shop in Omaha, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

If you’re craving these like I am now… you’ll be happy to know that OOB ice creams can be purchased in grocery stores (including Countdown and New World) but fresh right out off the farm is my favorite way to enjoy them!

The orchard shop – at 89 Jones Road, Omaha – will re-open in summer 2016.

I think I can speak for all three of us when I say we can’t wait to go back.

A-Z Challenge: Exploring the Coromandel & Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Hahei Beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Speaking of my favorite places in New Zealand… I fell absolutely head over heels for the Coromandel.

This gorgeous place on the eastern coast of the North Island is truly not to be missed!

James and I took a road trip and stopped in the Coromandel for a few days, staying in Hahei – a good central location to explore the region.

Hahei Beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comIMG_8272

Every corner of the Coromandel offers up a breathtaking view.

There are so many things to see and do as well – from hiking to snorkeling to eating ridiculously good fresh seafood.

While on the beach in Hahei, James and I came across a rope swing, which offered a good hour of free entertainment.

In fact I pretty much had to pry James off of it. In this post I’ve included a couple pictures from his joyous discovery.

Hahei Beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comTree swing at Hahei Beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

The beaches truly are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The volcanic New Zealand coast offers up exotic rock formations in the form of islands, which can be seen while lounging on soft sand, staring out at brilliant turquoise waters and bright blue skies.

As a girl from California, it struck me how serene the area was, considering how stunning!

I’m so used to crowded beaches – I feel so spoiled to enjoy such awesome nearly entirely private destinations.

Tree swing at Hahei Beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comIMG_8354

Like most visitors, one of the highlights of our time in the Coromandel was our hike to Cathedral Cove.

The one-hour walk (each way) offered a massive pay off with one of the most mind-bogglingly beautiful views. It was hard to even believe my eyes.

 

Hike to Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comHike to Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

The cove’s marine reserves covers 9 square kilometers and can be enjoyed by kayak – something we tried to do but had to omit from our itinerary due to rain.

We did rent some snorkeling gear from the local snorkel hire shop… and then spent a rather chilly 15 minutes trying to navigate the murky water, which was caused by the former day’s poor weather.

Heads up! Parking at the entrance to the hike is quite congested, so many people have to park at the bottom of the hill and take a shuttle up to the top. We were able to squeeze in to a spot with the help of parking attendant who charged us extra.

Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

I would love to HIGHLY recommend the place where we stayed – The Church Accommodation.

According to their website, “The Church building was originally the Methodist Church from Taumaranui in the Central North Island,  built in 1916”.

We stayed in a beautiful studio unit with abundant natural light, but they also offer separate cottages as well.

Unfortunately, I don’t have great pictures of the adorable cottage we stayed in because I was so distracted by the beauty surrounding us!

The Church Accommodation in Hahei, Coromandel, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

But even if you don’t stay at The Church, you absolutely HAVE TO go for dinner at their restaurant!!!

I usually find most hotel restaurants less than impressive – however that is absolutely NOT the case here. It is so so so good!! One of the best meals I’ve had in a LONG time.

We had the Patatas Bravas tapas, the Lamb Kifta meatballs, and the evening’s special – a delicious serving of mussels in a butter white wine broth.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is great, the food is amazing… just go. Seriously!

The Church restaurant in Hahei, Coromandel, New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

A-Z Challenge: Duder Regional Park & Maraetai Coast, New Zealand

Alexa Rae on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Serious slacking on my A-Z blogging challenge so trying to catch up as much as possible tonight!

I knew I’d be busy the first week of the challenge, with moving across the world and all… but wow! It’s been hectic.

But no excuses, back to blogging!

Alexa Rae on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comThe Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comJames on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

In January this year James and I visited Duder Regional Park – one of my favorite places (so far) in New Zealand!

It is only a 20-minute STUNNING drive away, along the Maraetai Coast Rd., from where we live and is an absolutely gorgeous place!

A flying seagull bird on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Pohutukawa tree and children playing on a Maraetai Coast beach in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

A summer day on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

The regional park – located in East Auckland – was created in 1995, after it was sold by the Duder Family, who had owned the land for 130 years.

It is a working farm with many adorable herds of sheep, which we saw being herded by a shepherd dog as we trekked our way through the fields and trails.

Views of the Hauraki Gulf are truly breathtaking as you hike (or tramp) the Farm Loop Trail, which is about 4 km in length or approximately 1.5 hours long.

Entrance to Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

James and sheep at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

We went at a leisurely pace, bringing along a little picnic to enjoy amongst the turquoise ocean views.

For the day James and I packed little sandwiches that we had stuffed with ham, lettuce, tomato  and spread.

Sheep at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comSheep at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comJames helping out a lone sheep at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com"Sweet As" sign at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

And then, a hike on a hot day is not complete without an ice cream, right?!

James and I finished up our memorable first day of 2015 by stopping for some hokey pokey deliciousness – a very Kiwi treat – at a dairy on the way home.

Alexa Rae at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

James at Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.comView from top of Duder Regional Park in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Hokey Pokey is now my new favorite! It is basically vanilla with bits of honeycomb toffee throughout. They taste like crunchy, chewy little pralines and they are to die for!

To visitors (and locals too!) I very highly recommend a morning or afternoon at Duder Regional Park, taking in the unbeatable scenery New Zealand is known for.

Because what’s better than vibrant sea views, ridiculously cute little lambs and some mouthwatering ice cream to top it all off?

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream on the Maraetai Coast in New Zealand via ZaagiTravel.com

Opening Weekend at the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Stadium

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

There’s something so very “American” about baseball. And there’s something so very “Los Angeles” about the Dodgers.Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at the Dodger Stadium.

The second day of the opening weekend seemed like the perfect occasion to celebrate the beginning of spring with my baseball-loving boyfriend, Ryan.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

On the day of the game we stopped by CVS to grab sunscreen (which I highly recommend for day games). Ryan didn’t use any and came home with sunburnt knees which have now turned in to a very interesting tan. Use the sunscreen, people.

We fortunately didn’t hit any traffic (unheard of in L.A.) until we exited the freeway and began the drive up to the stadium parking lot.

TIP: Bring some cash, general parking costs $15.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Since we got to the stadium early we walked around and watched them prepare the field.

It was fun to see the crowd react to Matt Kemp’s return. He has been out for quite awhile due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Needless to say, Matt’s first game back has been long-awaited and anticipated.

Matt Kemp's return to Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The thing I anticipated? DODGER DOGS.

Dodger Hot Dogs at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

It definitely would not have been an authentic experience without the famous hot dog! Too long to even fit in the bun, piled with ketchup and mustard and onions! Yes, please.

Dodger hot dog at the Dodgers Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com[source: bryce_edwards flickr]

It wasn’t long until game time so we went back to our seats.

We made it back just in time to see Robin Thicke perform a few songs, including “Blurred Lines”, on a roll-out stage out on the field. It was definitely a cool way to start the game. The following day Lupe Fiasco performed. Yay perks of living in L.A.!

Then it was time to watch some ball!

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had originally bought these tickets for Ryan and I for Christmas. Our teams are rivals, and we are both very competitive, so I thought it would be interesting fun to go to one of their first games of the season versus each other.

Even though the Dodgers lost, it was nice to see Ryan’s team win. I’ll always be a Dodger fan though, don’t get me wrong.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

If you haven’t been to a baseball game recently (or ever) I highly recommend going to a Dodger game. It’s a great thing to do during the spring or summer with friends and family.

You can get seats from just a few bucks all the way to… uhhh, a lot. Ticket prices depend on location in the stadium, the visiting team and time of year.

If you pack snacks you can probably get away with a day at the baseball field for under $20/person or so.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had a great time and can’t wait for the next game!

GO DODGERS!

An Afternoon in Saint Petersburg, Russia

 

Russia…

It still hides behind a mysterious cloud. Only in fairly recent history have outsiders been allowed to visit and yet many still don’t — possibly due to the difficult visa process — amongst other reasons.

One way around the annoying visa situation is arriving by cruise ship and taking the cruise line’s offered trips, which is how many visitors to Saint Petersburg go about things.

But do I do that? Of course not. No, I have to be difficult. I have to pay WAY too much for an approximately 4×3 inch piece of paper that allows me to frolic around Russia without a tour guide because I tend to try way too hard to embrace the free-spirit side of my personality. Was it the best decision? Maybe. Maybe not. Both sides have their pros and cons.

If you are doing Saint Petersburg independently, here are some suggestions for how you could spend an available afternoon (or morning).

1. Sip a hot chocolate at Cafe Singer in the Dom Knigi bookstore on Nevsky Prospekt.
Cafe Singer at the Dom Knigi Bookstore on Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com Located across from the Kazan Cathedral, the Dom Knigi bookstore towers over pedestrians below.

Cafe Singer at the Don Knigi Bookstore on Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

On the second floor resides Cafe Singer with it’s decadent pastries and a vast variety of both cold and hot drinks to sample. It’s not the most affordable place in town but the view is incredible, the food and drinks are delicious, and there is free wifi. Need I say more?

2. Admire beautiful Russian architecture at the Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood.

Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

Just down the road from the Dom Knigi bookstore is the Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood.

This stunning piece of Russian architecture, located beside the River Neva, was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was murdered in 1881.

Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

The church, which was closed due to political unrest for a significant part of the 20th century and then under restoration for decades, only opened back up to the public in August 1997.

Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

TIP: My friend’s DSLR camera lens was stolen right off her body as the camera hung from her neck while we walked towards the church. A group of men ran by and hit her arm with a small book as a distraction. Seconds later the lens was gone and she was devastated to say the least. Don’t become a victim. You can prevent this by keeping your camera directly in front of you and holding on to your lens at all times. Same goes for your bags. Keep your purse or backpack in front of you and keep a hand on it. Also keep an eye out for anyone/anything suspicious. Being aware of your surroundings could save you a lot of heartache — as well as time, money, and your safety. Prevention is key.

Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

The interior of the church, which holds Russia’s largest collection of mosaic art (several thousand square yards) is beyond impressive and truly breathtaking.

Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

3. Grab some pierogi pies a few blocks away at Stolle.

Eating Pierogi Pies from Stolle in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

West of the church, a few blocks away, is Stolle. I had heard about this place from many people in the months leading up to my trip. It was difficult to find at first (due to the street names in the surrounding area being so incredibly similar) but once we did find it we returned for a total of 3 meals in 3 days. It was that good (as well as inexpensive — key for a traveling college graduate’s budget).

TIP: If you see a place called Barcelona, keep going, it’s just around the corner. If you spot red awnings you’ve found it!

Strawberry Pierogi Pie from Stolle in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

For my first visit to Stolle I tried a slice of strawberry and a slice of green onion. There are two sizes to choose from, small — shown here — and large, which is about double the size of small. Depending on availability, Stolle offers pies in: cranberry, cowberry, apricot, apple, lemon, sweet cheese, cabbage, rabbit and mushroom, green onion, herring, mushroom, chicken, fish, meat, salmon, and more.Green Onion Pierogi Pie from Stolle in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.com

As you can see, the girls clearly enjoyed their first taste of Russian pierogi pies! Look at those clean plates and big smiles!

Eating Pierogi Pies from Stolle in Saint Petersburg, Russia via ZaagiTravel.comAre you interested in traveling to Russia, why or why not?

Have you been to Saint Petersburg? What would you recommend to someone with only a day or two to spend?