Kia Ora Aotearoa.. Hello New Zealand!!!

Aoteroa, which means the land with the long white clouds, is the name given by Maoris to New Zealand. As I sat next to the window inside the Air New Zealand flight, I began to see why this beautiful country is called a land with long white clouds. Amazing clouds, great country, what a bliss!

But the marvel of New Zealand does not stop there (http://www.newzealand.com). When one speaks about New Zealand, one’s mind begins to imagine epic scenery from movies such as The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, the country’s cultural scene and its amazing culinary.

Oh and when JET travels, be certain that he always travel in style!

A little travel note to my fashionable friends, do not forget to bring along those handsome traditional textile outfits/bags/shawl from your country and blend them nicely into your wardrobe. The locals will adore your fashion statement for sure!

So, find out how JET’s fashionable adventure in The Land of Kiwi captivated the New Zealanders in these amazing photos and brief captions, as follows:

Land of The Hobbit

New Zealand is the home to WETA Cave which is the company behind the epic creations which appeared not only in the trilogy of Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, but also in Avatar, King Kong as well as other famous movies.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, has received world wide fame since the acclaimed New Zealander born and bred director, Peter Jackson, shot the trilogy of Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit in the areas surrounding this capital. In fact, as one sets foot in Wellington’s airport, one’s eyes would set upon Gandalf who rode a Great Eagle and a gigantic Gollum looking at arriving passengers with their cunning expressions.

Oh, whatever Giantsss, just as long you don’t smash my handsome bag! My Balinese Rangrang black and white bag is designed by Novita Villanueva for Envy Batik (Facebook: Novita Villanueva).

Location: WETA Cave Workshop (http://wetaworkshop.com).

Aaaarggghhhh! Always watch over your back as you never know who is behind you. Scaryyy!

Oh Gollum you may catch any fish as much as you want but stop staring so naughtily! Location: Wellington Airport (https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/).

Cultural Experience

Aside from these famous movies, New Zealand is also known to excellent museums. One of which is Museum Te Papa Tongarewa. The Te Papa Museum is acknowledged as one of the very best Museums as well as one of the largest national museums in the world (http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/).

Graciously accompanied by H.E. Mr Jose Tavares, Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, and spouse, Mrs Rennie Wibowo Tavares, JET visited the Te Papa Museum which currently hosts “Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War” exhibition. The Gallipoli exhibition focuses on the courage which was displayed by New Zealand soldiers during World War I. Hurry visit the exhibition while it lasts! (http://gallipoli.tepapa.govt.nz/)

Three times larger than life size statues inside this amazing exhibition. This one features the heroic Lt. Spencer Westmacott.

The gift shop in Te Papa Museum offers the best-selling New Zealand Possum Merino wool.

Nature Abundance in Zealandia

Less than twenty minutes away from Wellington, Zealandia (http://www.visitzealandia.com) offers the unique getaway for visitors to witness the richness of New Zealand nature, in cluding to view the history of New Zealand’s wildlife.

At the entrance of Zealandia with my parents, Mr Jos and Mrs Henny Tandjung.

Hi there, stranger!

While visiting Zealandia, JET totes around a Balinese Rangrang black and white bag designed by Novita Villanueva for Envy Batik (Facebook: Novita Villanueva, instag: Envy Batik).

Here, here takahe!!! Takahe is the red-mouthed bird native to the South Island of New Zealand. Takahe is a critically threatened species and only one of 56 different bird species recorded in Zealandia.

What a serene and wonderful place!!! Bravo Zealandia!!!

Lush Olive Groves in Olivo

Olivo in Martinborough (http://www.olivo.co.nz/) proposes the very best of not only Olive oil but also olive based skincare. JET was in awe with the luscious olive groves stretching miles after miles.

Oh and not to mention Olivo’s many variance of delicious olive oil –including orange, smoked paprika and cumin- which may transfer your taste bud to the seventh heaven.

There at the end of the olive groves, you will find JET as he is devotedly waiting for you. Adding an Indonesian twist on my overall look by putting on a Balinese Rangrang furry silk shawl from Tenun Imam (http://www.tenunimam.com/).

Based in Bali, the Tenun Imam boutique caters to fashion lovers and textile collectors who wants nothing but the very best.

Location: The Olive Groves at Olivo, Wairarapa region, New Zealand.

Closely listening to the brief explanation on the variety of Olive-based products by Olivo.

My Mom and bestie, Mrs Rennie Wibowo Tavares, each with their bag if Olive based products after their happy shopping session. Hey, what a holiday would be without shopping, anyway?!!!

Blooming Flowers at Awaiti Garden

Known for its friendly weather for vegetation, New Zealand, particularly the Wairarapa region in the North Island is filled with massive Gardens which are privately own and run. JET is thrilled to visit the lovely Awaiti Gardens (http://www.awaitigardens.co.nz/). On a sunny spring day, this garden features blooming magnolias, daffodils and rhododendrons to name a few.

H.E. Mr Jose Tavares, Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, and Mrs Rennie Wibowo Tavares with our family welcomed to Awaiti Gardens by the Awaiti Garden’s friendly proprietaries, Mr Allan and Mrs Jeannette Gates.

JET, Mom, Dad and blooming mega sized Magnolias!

This handsome Ambassadorial couple in the pretty garden.

Don’t you just love a flower which color matches your outfit?!!! Fuschia colored rhododendron are abundant in Awaiti Garden.

Beautiful Church

During our trip, we had a chance to attend Sunday Mass at the majestic Catholic Cathedral of Sacred Heart of Jesus which is an architecture gem located in the CBD part of Wellington (http://mcshwellington.org/).

My parents, Mr and Mrs Jos Tandjung, with the parish priest in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Wellington, after attending Sunday Mass.

My Mom wears a green and ivory colored hand-painted Indonesian Batik dress by Marsha Siagian for Kreasi Dongengan (Facebook: Marsha Siagian, Kreasi Dongengan; Instagram: Dongengan). Mom always attends a mass in a dress. She always told me that we should wear our best clothes first to attend mass, before we wear it to other functions. J

The Sunday mass is celebrated at the majestic Cathedral.

Culinary Feast in Aotearoa

Martinborough in Wairarapa area is the home to a number of well known wine estates, such as Tirohana (http://www.tirohanaestate.com/). The award winning Tirohana estate received the acknowledgement from Chaine des Rotisseurs as one of New Zealand’s Best Restaurant.

In all honesty, when JET first reads the menu at Tirohana Estate, he thinks the menu looks simple. However, this view was quickly changed as JET tried on its home-made tomato soup and crusty-on-the-top-succulent-in-the-inside beef pie. They are sooo tasty one can hardly put one’s fork down.

Further, there are a few restaurants that all who claim themselves foodies should visit in Wellington, namely:

·      The Crab Shack (http://www.crabshack.co.nz/) (you know what the restaurant serves best from its famous name),

·      Strawberry Fare (http://www.strawberryfare.co.nz/) (love the hearty cheese burger and the NZ pavlova –using kiwi instead the usual berries).

·      Scorch-o-Rama (well known for its round the clock breakfast favourite such as succulent eggs benedict and yummy NZ smoked salmon) (http://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/things-to-do/eat-and-drink/scorch-o-rama/)

Enjoying crabs and other delicious meals in The Crab Shack which is located waterfront in Wellington’s city center.

The Indonesian Ambassadorial couple with my parents in the Strawberry Fare. You can order anything from the menu and each dish truly melts in your mouth! From the tasty mains, e.g. famous NZ pasture-fed beef steak and porcini mushroom, crab cake, and cheese burger, to the famous desserts, e.g. pavlova, we had a great fun here!

Yummy Eggs Benedict and Manuka Honey infused Ham in the Scorch-o-Rama Restaurant.

Shortly after that epic lunch in Scorch-o-Rama with Madam Rennie Wibowo Tavares, who has graciously accompanied us during our sightseeing in Wellington. Look at those happy faces after tasting delicious lunch!

If you look closely, you notice how my Mother and I dress almost similarly in monochrome color. Bliss! J

Afterwards, coffee time!!! As you can see, Dad is enjoying his cup of Flat White in this restful spot overlooking the river.

Weekend brunch with the Indonesian Ambassadorial couple at the classy Tirohana Estate restaurant. Tirohana Estate is known for its finest selection of wine, while its restaurant serves the best of New Zealand’s meat and vegetable products.

Wonderful Wellington

Yes this capital city of New Zealand may get windy from time to time, but it does not hide the fact that the city is thoroughly charming and have wonderful surprises in each of its corner. Follow JET as he takes you out and about the capital at the very end of Southern Hemisphere (http://www.wellingtonnz.com/).

At the very edge of Scorching Bay, JET displayed a handsome monochrome colored Balinese Rangrang bag with leather handle designed by Novita Villanueva for Envy Batik (Facebook: Novita Villanueva, Instagram: Envy Batik).

See how a full textured and intricate patterned Indonesian traditional textile bag can nicely complement a monochromatic colored knee length sweater.

With my bestie, Mrs Rennie Wibowo Tavares, the spouse of Indonesian Ambassador in Wellington in this historical cliff overlooking Wellington region.

The hot pink Mother and Son!!! Both dressed up in similar fuschia colored cardigan as we strolled along the scenic waterfront of Wellington.

Mom plays with Harry, the Indonesian Ambassador’s pet, at the courtyard of the Official Residence of Indonesian Ambassador in Wellington.

Berkibarlah Merah Putih selamanya (May the red and white flag of Indonesia waves/flutters forever). My beloved parents in front of the Indonesian flag which proudly stands in the front yard of the Indonesian Ambassador’s Official Residence in New Zealand.

As in Sydney and other former British colonies, Queen Victoria also stands regal in the heart of Wellington to welcome visitors.

Next to the statue of the late Honourable Peter Fraser C.H. in front of the heritage building of Victoria University in Wellington, Law Faculty.

My Indonesian Batik shirt is designed by Dudung Ali Syahbana (Batik Dudung), a Batik Maestro from Pekalongan.

See you soon, Aotearoa. One day I will return to this beautiful land of the long white clouds.

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