anita Singhvi’S new Zealand
The famed Sufi singer was smitten by the country’s natural beauty
WHY NEW ZEALAND? It’s the land of grazing sheep, fresh water lakes, bees, milk, and honey—I love it! Queenstown was stunning and the drive to Mt Cook was absolutely delightful. I was bowled over by its natural beauty. A TYPICAL DAY Driving around with my family, and trying to take in all the splendid sights.
STANDOUT RESTAURANTS Queenstown was like a fairytale town, dotted with many restaurants.
Sombreros Mexican (tel: +64 3 442
8240; www.sombreros.co.nz) had the best chimichangas I have ever eaten. But it was always very crowded, so it’s best to book in advance. The Cow had delicious pizzas ( tel: +64 3 442 8588; www.thecowrestaurant.co.nz) and Tatler too is a must-visit restaurant
(tel: +64 3 442 8372; www.tatler.co.nz).
SHOP TILL YOU DROP I love my Abeeco Bee Venom Mask; it gives the face a natural lift. Bonz (tel: +64 3 442 5398; www.bonzgroup.co.nz) was a treasure trove of lovely woollens. Pick up Pure Source Rotorua Thermal Mud
Mask, made from thermal mud from the city of Rotorua (www.puresource.co.nz).
Yaks N Yetis was an upmarket souvenir shop that I picked up knick-knacks from
(tel: +64 3 441 8574). And don’t leave New Zealand without Manuka Honey, the purest form of honey, and Krill oil, which is rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9. ON THE FUN SIDE New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, but I tend to get scared easily. I tried skiing but failed miserably. My sons, however, tried everything, even skydiving. on top of the city centre, was a just a two-minute walk away, and offered breathtaking views (tel:+64 3 450 0150; www.millenniumhotels.co.nz).
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Esthederm sunscreen helps my skin deal with the change in climate, and Sweaty
Betty track pants keep me warm. WHY TRAVEL? I travel to unwind. Also, since the kids were little, my husband and I spend a month every summer travelling with them, which is our quality family-time.