blog

blog http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/ Vista del Sol Gardens 2011 and 2112 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-gardens-2011-and-2112/ The gardens and Orchard have been growing well this year - the orchard is only 3 years old and we have has a great crop of Plums - stewed for breakfast and Nashi - or Ya Pear, Currently ripening are 4 variety of Apples, several variety of Pears, Tamarillo, and Fijoas. The Zukinni, cucumbers and strawberrys have been good.
The flowers have been nice this year with a lot more plantings to suit the various climates around the house 
I have planted the terraced garden with tropical Vereya rhododenfrums, the protias were great, and the dhailais have been good. The hibiscus are currently in flower. 
 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:15:51 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-gardens-2011-and-2112/ 2011/2012 Fishing Trips http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/2011-2012-fishing-trips/ We have had a wonderful season fishing with large catches of Snapper, gurnard, Terikihi and even several King fish
Last weekend (having had several previous weekends with boatloads of Snapper) following a large storm we found teh water temperature had cooled and couldnt get on to the snapper - so a quick trip to the reef gave us a great catch of Terikihi instead.
Whilst we were waiting for the snapper to turn up a school of dolphins came by - one large adult stopped at the back of the boat turned on his side for a good look at us - it was wonderful - Wally was trying to get the camera out of his bag so he missed it. On the way to Kapiti Island to catch Terikihi we caught up with the dolphins who were travelling in the same direction - we slowed down and many dolphins came to escort us onward, riding off the front of the boat and jumping out of the water 
 
Out guests have loved having fresh sea fish for dinner Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:03:40 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/2011-2012-fishing-trips/ Birds at Vista del Sol over Summer 2011/12 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/birds-at-vista-del-sol-over-summer-2011-12/ The planting of food trees has been good for the local bird life - we had 4 baby tuis bred this year - the nest was in the pine trees behind the Spa and Mum Tui brought them into the garden for several weeks when our nectar trees were in flower over christmas - particularly the Banksia and Pohutakawa. Most of the birds disappear for 8 weeks in late summer - Feb/March (and then you will see more bellbirds that are normally chased away by the Tuis) - but they call though to check out the state of plants almost daily. I saw a young Tui hopping around on the ground checking out the flowers, and one perched on the gladioli sipping nectar.
Lynette saw a Cock Ring Tailed pheasant on our back lawn several months ago - and yesterday whilst walking through the paddock by the arena stables at the house a mum pheasant with 6 babys flew out of the long grass and down the hill.
I heard grey warblers today - one of NZ best singers 
During the week I looked out from my office early in the morning and there was a whole family of Pukeko's (NZ Swamp Hen) wandering around the front of the hosue - Mum Dad and lots of fluffy chicks
We have been trapping magpies this last two weeks to reduce the population as they are very aggressive toward the native speciesa and the hawks which patrol our property hunting for rabbits
 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:50:55 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/birds-at-vista-del-sol-over-summer-2011-12/ Vista del Sol hosts South African Visitors http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-hosts-south-african-visitors/ Vista del Sol hosted South Africans for a RWC 2011 Business Club event
150 people attended with the Honorable Nathan Guy as Master of Ceremony, Mayors from both Kapiti and Horowhenua, councillor's together with business and farming leaders from both regions together with our guests who were mainly South African farmers from the Vaarl river region visiting New Zealand for World Cup rugby games. A South African Briaa that featured the best of local agricultural produce - Breads from Artisan Bakehouse with Pesto from Genoise Foods, and Kapiti Olive Oils, A Briaa with genuine South African Boerewors (from local cattle made to Lynnette's recipe) , Milk Pap Tart, Salads, dessert was Koeksisters and Fluffy scones with Te Horo Jams, accompanied by Beverages - Wine from Ohau Gravels, Tuatara Beers and Coffee from the Kapiti Coffee Company. The weather was pleasant and a great time was had by all with much sharing of information and networking done.
 
<img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Conference/_resampled/resizedimage600450-South-African-Guests.jpg" title="South African Guests" width="600" height="450" alt=""/>
<img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Conference/_resampled/resizedimage600408-Kapiti-News.jpg" title="Kapiti Guests for RWC2011" width="600" height="408" alt=""/>
 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:47:10 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-hosts-south-african-visitors/ Electra Business Awards http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/electra-business-awards/ Kapiti Horowhenua Electra Business Awards 2011
Business contacts and customers recommended that Vista del Sol enter the 2011 regional business awards - the Kapiti Horowhenua Electra business Awards are amongst the most rigorously judged regional awards in New Zealand.
Vista del Sol was finalists in four categories - , Sustainability, Customer Service, Regional Branding and Promotion and an excellence category for Emerging Business.
<img class="center" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Logos/_resampled/resizedimage100141-Emerging-Business-Excellence.JPG" title="Emerging Business" width="100" height="141" alt=""/> <img class="center" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Logos/_resampled/resizedimage100141-Finalist-Customer-Service.JPG" title="Customer Service" width="100" height="141" alt=""/> <img class="center" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Logos/_resampled/resizedimage100141-Finalist-Sustainability.JPG" title="Sustainability" width="100" height="141" alt=""/> <img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Logos/_resampled/resizedimage100141-Finalist-Regional-Branding-Promotion.JPG" title="Regional Branding and Promotion" width="100" height="141" alt=""/>
 
Vista del Sol was Winner of the Regional Branding and Promotion Award
 
<table border="0"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Logos/_resampled/resizedimage200187-CATEGORY-WINNER-LOGO-2011.jpg" title="Winner" width="200" height="187" alt=""/></td>
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The judges stated ..
Using promotional techniques that include the use of local stand out products, unique attractions and the natural environment, Vista del Sol has marketed the region with great success"
Using promotional techniques that include the use of local stand out products, unique attractions and the natural environment, Vista del Sol has marketed the region with great success"
Through an interactive marketing campaign between the website, mailing lists, travel industry linkages and international visitor packages Vista Del Sol has marketed the Kapiti/Horowhenua attractions and visitor packages with great success.
By concentrating on local stand out products, unique attractions and the natural environment of the region they have, through their marketing campaigns and outstanding promotional material given real meaning to the term "regional branding and promotion"
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 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:42:45 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/electra-business-awards/ Chinese Chefs from Guangzhou http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/chinese-chefs-from-guangzhou/ On Thursday 4th August a group of 16 Chinese Chef Tutors from the Guangzhou Vocational School of Business and Tourism in Guangzhou (Canton) visited Vista del Sol to review a 5 star quality home and hosted accommodation in New Zealand. This was part of a two week tour of New Zealand hosted by the Whitireia Polytechnic Chef School. The group asked many questions, sampled examples of desserts prepared with different methods of cooking by Lynette, examined the property in detail, reviewed a breakfast setting and took many photos. Mike and Lynette also asked many questions of them which will assist Vista del Sol in preparing to host future groups of Chinese tourists. A great time was had by all and it was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. 
 
<div class="captionImage left" style="width: 600px;"><img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Food/_resampled/resizedimage600400-CCN040811DHvista.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>Chinese Chef Tutors from Guangzhou visting Vista del Sol
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Mike and Lynette were very honored to be asked by the chefs to be guests at a traditional gong fu tea ceramony at Whiteriea on the 9th August and this was followed by demonstrations of styles of preparing and cooking jiaozi (Dumplings). Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:28:14 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/chinese-chefs-from-guangzhou/ Fishing Trip and Dinner from Vista del Sol http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/fishing-trip-and-dinner-from-vista-del-sol/ Saturday was a lovely day - clear, calm conditions - as usual we had gentlemans hours and went fishing mid morning - what a great day - snapper, terikihi, 5lb blue cod, AND a Tuna - most unusual for our area and the first I have caught in our local waters. We were travelling between Peka Peka, where we caught the snapper to North End Kapiti Island and spied a fast moving school of fish with birds feeding on bait fish - we slowed, over the side went a lure and as we were approaching the school a hard fighting 5.5kg Albacore took the lure. Also seen were dolphins under the boat, and a seal - other inedible fish included baracuda, perch and small cod and terikihi
We had guests staying the night with a planned menu of Coconut Prawns, a main of Venison, and Apple pudding with home made butterscotch sauce and Kapiti Icecream - Out went the Venison, replaced with Tuna Steaks and Snapper
 
<div class="captionImage left" style="width: 600px;"><img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Food/_resampled/resizedimage600466-Mike-and-Wally-with-Tuna-and-Blue-Cod.JPG" width="600" height="466" alt="" title=""/>Mike and Wally with Tuna and Blue Cod
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<div class="captionImage left" style="width: 600px;"><img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Food/_resampled/resizedimage600450-Gurnard-the-days-catch.JPG" width="600" height="450" alt="" title=""/>Gurnard - the days catch
</div> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:46:22 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/fishing-trip-and-dinner-from-vista-del-sol/ Tui's Turn up 2011 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/tui-s-turn-up-2011/ The Tui's are flying in to check the Banksia's which have their bracts forming and opening for Nectar over the Winter months. I heard the first calls at dawn from the trees yesterday, and the Tui's will around the house until February as various other trees start to bloom. Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:17:18 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/tui-s-turn-up-2011/ Trip advisor reviews http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/trip-advisor-reviews/ Thank you to all our guests who commented on their stay at Vista Del Sol. You have contributed to Vista Del Sol now being published as No 1 of 66 B&amp;B's in Wellington on Trip Advisor. Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:32:12 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/trip-advisor-reviews/ Dolphins off Kapiti http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/dolphins-off-kapiti/ Mike went fishing off Te Horo, there were schools of baitfish all around and a huge pod of over 100 dolphins turned up twice. They were actively feeding, jumping out of the water and belly flopping whilst smacking the water with their tails. It was a sight I had never seen before. Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:23:34 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/dolphins-off-kapiti/ Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts stay at Vista del Sol http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/rolls-royce-silver-ghosts-stay-at-vista-del-sol/ <img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Interests/_resampled/resizedimage600400-Copy-of-RARO-386.jpg" alt="Vintage Rolls-Royce Cars at Vista Del Sol" title="Vintage Rolls-Royce Cars at Vista Del Sol" width="600" height="400"/>
Vista del Sol was proud to host 3 superb Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts on their way to the Silver Ghost Association tour of the North Island in New Zealand. Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:27:32 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/rolls-royce-silver-ghosts-stay-at-vista-del-sol/ Vista del Sol attains 5 Star Grading http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-attains-5-star-grading/ Vista del Sol has been reviewed by Qualmark, the New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality, and has been awarded 5 star - for the guest and hosted category and an environmental silver award in its first year of business. 5 star is regarded as "exceptional - amongst the best available in New Zealand". Vista del Sol was assessed before opening last year as 4 1/2 and to move well into 5 star within our Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:16:42 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-attains-5-star-grading/ Birds - Birds - Birds - native NZ Birds http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/birds-birds-birds-native-nz-birds/ What a week for native birds at Vista del Sol -
Resident Fantails sitting within feet of my window and constantly flitting around the house, yesterday it spent time having a bath in the birdbath,
Two wood pigeons - Kereru - flew in to check out the flower buds on the Virgilia trees and spent some time fossicking around eating new shoots
Tuis are all around all day - but three in particular are interesting -
Our baby Tui from last years brood appears to have has come back and spends all day around the house singing his heart out&nbsp;(and practicing his singing)&nbsp;- you can get quite close for photos as he is not too scared - it appears when he doesnt know you or there are multiples of people he retreats to the inside of the tree
A pair of large adult Tui are back and stay close together - you can hear the difference in their song - liquid fluting sounds as opposed to the younger one trying his hardest - all day
Silver eye are back and after berries - quite poisoness - and no other birds seem to touch them - one sat on a carmelia flower and took nectar only feet away from me in the garden
Hawks seem to have a "flyway" a long the arena and past my window
A pair of Eastern Rosella Parrots - brilliantly coloured - have been in the cherry tree plucking buds off it prior to it flowering
Pukeko - blue swamp hens have moved to the back paddocks
For pictures and descriptions of these birds have a look at the history page and/or&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/birds-at-vista-del-sol-luxury-b-b-kapiti-coast">http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/birds-at-vista-del-sol-luxury-b-b-kapiti-coast</a>
&nbsp; Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:15:00 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/birds-birds-birds-native-nz-birds/ Bird Update http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/bird-update/ With the Banksias going into flower, now followed by the protia, red hot pokers, camelia, and finally the Kowhai - all the birds are back, grey warbler in are in tree outside my window, you can usually here them in full song from somewhere close by, the Tui are all round and usually singing from Dawn til dusk, - I saw one in the Kowhai today - it is a minature and now in flower - only a metre high but it did not stop the tui climbing all over it to sip the nectar. &nbsp;The Bell birds are about, a flock of pukeko was in Satins paddock right up at the house - including a little one, hawks are close by the house - one has a gliding line that runs about 15 mitres away from my window, fantails are in constant motion, the Eastern Rosellas are roosting probably in the big pines - they spend time in the paddocks which still have seed heads on the grass, a morepork has moved back in we hear it calling at night.
&nbsp; Tue, 25 May 2010 00:57:00 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/bird-update/ Tui's arrive http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/tui-s-arrive/ The Tui's have arrived with the Banksia going into flower in the last two weeks. &nbsp;They call at dawn and evening - and are checking out the various trees during the day. &nbsp;The have been away for several months since the pohutakawa finished flowering in January. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:31:00 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/tui-s-arrive/ Vista del Sol Summer Guests http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-summer-guests/ Welcome and Thank you to our summer guests
We have had a wonderful time over summer with guests from 12 different countries - we are lucky Lynette speaks English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and French - and have enjoyed every minute meeting everyone, hosting some great dinners, hearing of travels and providing some much needed rest to travellers or just privacy and space for private celebrations ranging from a marriage proposal, several wedding anniversary's. a wedding party,&nbsp;birthdays and just time out from business, the kids and the city.
To everyone that has stayed, thank you! we look forward to catching up with you again soon. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:19:00 +1200 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-summer-guests/ California Quail Visits http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/california-quail-visits/ <img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Birds/Copy-of-DSC00889.JPG" alt="Californian Quail at Vista del Sol" width="473" height="570" title="" />
A guest looked out the Window and saw the first California Quail we have seen in 5 years, it would have come from the rougher sand country towards the beach, and was running across the back yard.&nbsp; We have occasionally seen Ring Necked Pheasants, also would have travelled in form the sand country and rougher ground toward the beach.
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:26:00 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/california-quail-visits/ Baby Tui at Vista del Sol, Luxury Bed and Breakfast, Kapiti http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/baby-tui-at-vista-del-sol-luxury-bed-and-breakfast-kapiti/ <img class="left" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/Birds/_resampled/ResizedImage600411-Baby-Tui-in-the-Pohutakawa.JPG" title="Baby Tui in the Pohutakawa Tree at Vista del Sol" width="600" height="411" alt="" />The Tui were nesting in the large Banksia - they were quite aggressive chasing the sparrows away - we have been rewarded with a baby Tui pictured here - it does not&nbsp;sing - just follows its mother around squarking - baby Tui&nbsp;do not have a white bib, it was happy to flap between the banksia nesting tree and the Pohutakawa where it tended to hop around the branches calling for mum, after short clumsy flights it started following her to food trees further around the property.&nbsp; In the last three&nbsp;weeks as all the Pohutakawa have&nbsp;come into flower more Tui have been in the garden, mating, chasing each other and&nbsp;defending a new nest in&nbsp;a newly flowering Pohutakawa from sparrows.
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&nbsp; Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:05:00 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/baby-tui-at-vista-del-sol-luxury-bed-and-breakfast-kapiti/ Vista Del Sol Official Opening http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-official-opening/ The Honorable Nathan Guy and her Worhip the Mayor of Kapiti Jenny Rowan officially opened Vista del Sol on the 16th November 2009 at 6.15pm in front of a 80 person gathering of tourism activity operators, Enterprise Kapiti and Porirua staff, Professionals, Neighbours, Building Consultants and supporters.
<img class="leftAlone" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/General/_resampled/resizedimage600399-IMG5488.JPG" alt="Vista Del Sol Opening" width="600" height="399" title=""/>
Her Worship welcomed Vista del Sol to Kapiti at a time when investment has been scarce due to the recession, such high quality accommodation would be an asset to the region. It was additionally welcome with the bulk of the 1 million dollar upgrade being spent on local trades and business and the continuing operation of the B&amp;B also featuring award winning local produce, wines and condiments.
<img class="leftAlone" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/General/_resampled/resizedimage600399-IMG5498.JPG" alt="Vista del Sol Opening with the Honorable Nathan Guy presenting Qualmark Cert." title="Vista del Sol Opening with the Honorable Nathan Guy presenting Qualmark Cert." width="600" height="399"/>
The Honorable Nathan Guy brought greetings and warm wishes from his Minister of Tourism, the Prime Minister Mr John Key. He also welcomed and congratulated Vista del Sol on the investment in the area, the quality of accommodation and facilities, and added an additional thank you to Vista del Sol for its support of a donation of a night in the Tararua Suite for the Charity Auction held two days earlier in Horowhenua to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House (supporting families with child cancer). He then presented Mike and Lynette Slee with the Qualmark 4.5 rating certificate, and all joined to cut a ribbon at the front door.
<img class="leftAlone" src="http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/assets/General/_resampled/resizedimage600399-IMG5502.JPG" alt="The Honorable Nathan Guy, Her Worship, Mayor Jenny Rowan, Mike &amp; Lynette Slee jo" title="The Honorable Nathan Guy, Her Worship, Mayor Jenny Rowan, Mike &amp; Lynette Slee jointly cutting the ribbon to officially open Vista Del Sol." width="600" height="399"/>
The gathering inspected Vista del Sol - enjoyed the award winning Ohau Gravel Wines - Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc, and ate a wide variety of unique sweets and savories that Lynette had prepared. The resulting opening ceremony turned into a celebration with a splendid time had by all - this resulting in all staying a lot longer than anticipated with the last guests leaving at 11.00pm (with designated drivers!) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:50:00 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/vista-del-sol-official-opening/ Welcome Swallows back from their Migration http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/welcome-swallows-back-from-their-migration/ The Welcome Swallows have all turned up from their annual migration, having left in June, and are building nests, they entertain with their aerial acrobatics in their continual hunt for insects on the wing. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:47:00 +1300 http://www.vistadelsol.co.nz/contact-us/blog-vista-del-sol-diary/welcome-swallows-back-from-their-migration/