A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ at Whites Beach 14 July 2014

It’s hard to believe that in a city of 1.5 million, there are still such wild and isolated places.

Les Clef d’Or NZ out with Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari 12 July 2014

The Hauraki Gulf National Park combines protection and recreation. Amazing land based protected islands with bird and reptiles of significant conservation importance. Tiritiri Matangi being the most accessible of these. Below the waves there are Marine reserves and 25 species of marine mammals including dolphins, sometimes seen in “super schools” of 300-500.

Les Clef d’Or NZ flying with Auckland Sea Planes 10 July 2014

Aerial views of Auckland, does anyone remember the old Sea Bea to Great Barrier? Daniel Marsh, Chief Concierge at The Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland had an amazing time with Auckland Seaplanes last month. Check out this amazing video!

Auckland Seaplanes Video

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 8 July 2014

Our new look website is almost here… Watch this space.

Les Clef d’Or NZ skydiving with  Skydive Auckland 6 July 2014

Aerial views of Auckland, although hard to appreciate due to the distracting nature of this activity, the view of the Kaipara Harbour and North Muriwai Beach is unsurpassed when flying, falling and floating through the sky with Skydive Auckland.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 3 July 2014

Aerial views of Auckland, flying from Great Barrier Island to Auckland with Fly My Sky @ 2000 ft, the majesty of the Hauraki Gulf laid out below you. This is the view from the jump seat of an eight seater Britten-Norman Islander plane. Encompassing Motutapu, Rangitoto, Auckland City and The Waitakere Ranges in far distance. Great Barrier is an Island with many a road less travelled, isolated and with colourful locals.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 3 July 2014

Great Views in Auckland
1.The Sky Tower, opened in 1997, and at its best around sunset.
2.Mt Victoria, Devonport, fantastic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf.
3.The Domain in front of the Museum, views back to the city and out to the Hauraki Gulf.
4.Mt Don McLean, out towards Whatipu, amazing views of the Manakau Harbour.
5.Mt Eden, with a volcanic crater, Pa sites, suburban and city views.
6. Seen from the air, Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour from below 2000 ft, arrive in style for wine tasting at a Waiheke Vineyard. Check out Auckland Seaplanes and Heletranz for deals.
7.Mt Mangere, exit at Mangere Bridge for one of Auckland’s most underrated suburbs, a great stop if heading out to the Airport and superb views of the Manakau Harbour.
8. One tree hill known as Maungakiekie in Maori. This volcanic peak is surmounted by Sir John Logan Campbell’s memorial obelisk. Cornwall park features a children’s playground and Stardome Planetarium.
9. The Sky Bridge at Silo Park Wynyard Quarter, right in the heart of downtown and free.
10. Bastion point with formal sunken gardens and the Savage Memorial.

Presentation of Honorary Les Clef d’Or Membership 1 July 2014

Then President Franz Staufer, presenting Jonathan McNay with his Honorary Les Clefs d’Or membership.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 30 June 2014

Bryan Wilkinson, Chief Concierge at the Sofitel Queenstown, shares his top Winter Warmers.

Hot water bottle, Robe and slippers or Ugg boots.
Midwinter Christmases
Porridge, brown sugar, cream and a dram of Scotch.
Marathon card games.
Ditto Scrabble.
Twice as much gravy as the rest of the year.
Mulled wine
Soup
Indoor public swimming pools: 20 laps and you feel virtuous all day
Finally, the lawns stop growing
No flies
Butter can live out of the fridge.
Finding $10 in the winter coat you haven’t worn since last season.
Cuddly clothes.
Spending all weekend watching a boxed set of DVDs. Two days with The Sopranos
and you head into the office on Monday with a whole different mindset.
The South Island.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 27 June 2014

The architecture of this building is at times as impressive as the art. Auckland Art Gallery was awarded World Building of the Year at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF). Features include sweeping ceilings of native timber, original historic features, inset hand rails carved doors and fossils in the stone floors. Special glass allows for spectacular views of Albert Park while protecting the art.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 25 June 2014

Auckland Domain Winter Gardens were officially opened in May 1928. A Great spot to investigate before or after the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Domain features tropical plants, sculpture, statuary, a fernery and short walks through mature native bush. The cafe beside the duck pond is a great spot to warm up with a bowl of soup.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 24 June 2014

This tranquil space was the first iteration of Auckland Free Public Library. Opened in 1887 and built to accommodate a gift of 8000 books by Sir George Grey. It now houses Auckland Art Galleries NZ collection with Maori Portraits by Lindauer and Goldie.

A Happy Birthday message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 22 June 2014

A very Happy Birthday to Sisi Motu, your wisdom and support are an inspiration. Have a great day, with love from Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 22 June 2014

10 Free things to do in Auckland.
1.Auckland Art Gallery, 930am-5pm, keep an eye out for Lindauers’ Maori Portraits.
2.Winter Gardens and the Domain, tropical plants, statuary, Fernery and short bush walks through mature native bush.
3.Western Springs, feed ducks and eels, a great playground and free zoo Elephant peek.
4. Devonport, climb North Head and explore the tunnels (No torch required but it helps).
5. Walk the Mission Bay promenade, great kids playground.
6.Bush walk in the Waitakeres, my favourites are Kitekite Falls at Piha (especially after a heavy rain) and Mt Don Maclean, out towards Whatipu, amazing views of the Manakau Harbour.
7.Parnell Rose Gardens, stroll through the many varieties of roses.
8.Albert Park and the University, see the Stone Arch, Fountain, mature Morton Bay Fig trees and Historic Clock Tower Building.
9.Bird watching at Miranda, seasonal rare Spoonbill Cranes.
10.Check out the Super Yachts and KZ1 also known as the Big Boat, in downtowns Viaduct Harbour. Cross the lifting bridge to the Wynyard Quarter, which has great children’s playground and Sky Bridge.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 21 June 2014

My Country, Contemporary Art From Black Australia, currently on at the Auckland Art Gallery until August 17. This is a multi media experience that is gripping and moving. Concierge from Auckland were treated to a tour and a great spread on the 19th of July. Thank you to Sara, Tae and Benny for your insights and hospitality.

20th Anniversary of Les Clefs d’Or NZ Stamford Plaza Auckland 1 June 2014

The Les Clefs d’Or Ball, held on the 1st of June, celebrating 20 years in friendship. This was a fantastic night, everyone looked great in their finery. Great cuisine and libations enjoyed by all in attendance.

Annual General Meeting 1 June 2014

A very productive AGM was held on June the 1st. A special thank you to the Australian and South Island Members for travelling “overseas” to attend.

Meet The Region at Stamford Plaza Auckland 30 May 2014

Meet the Region Trade Show held at Stamford Plaza Auckland on May 30. It was well attended by suppliers and Concierge alike. Many of the suppliers had high impact visual presentations.

A Message from Mr Franz Staufer International Honorary Member of Les Clefs d’Or NZ 3 April 2014

This time last year I/we started one of the biggest journeys of our lives. We hosted the UICH international hotel concierge congress in Queenstown over the next week I will share with everyone some great memories.

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 1 March 2014

Harry Greig- Currently on Internship at Intercontinental Wellington. Well done Harry, we are so proud of you! “I have had many placements over the past 13 years at my concierge desk and InterContinental Wellington. But I have to say I have not had any better than young Harry, he lives our competencies and service behaviors at every guest/management interaction, making it memorable for us all.”

A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 11 February 2014

Classic film this Friday at Silo Park, one for you old romantics out there….

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Les Clefs d’Or NZ members hosted to lunch at O’Connell St Bistro 10 February 2014

Some of our Auckland members who were lucky enough to dine at O’Connell St Bistro. Thank you to Chris(Owner) and John( Restaurant Manager) who hosted for lunch. We were treated to a 3 course lunch tasting two of their popular dishes of the Menu. O’Connell St Bistro has been operating for 16 years with popular dished that have never been off the menu. A great place for lunch or dinner, A favourite for locals and well known by visitors to the City.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Honorary New Zealand Membership Diploma awarded to Mr. Dennis O’Brien at the 61st International Congress in Kuala Lumpur 22 January 2014

At this years International Congress in Kuala Lumpur our President Mr Shaun Ryan, left and Treasurer Mr Nick Steele finally got to award Mr Denis O’Brien from Ireland and Member of UICH Comite des Sages with his Honorary New Zealand Membership Diploma. Thank you Denis for all your support over the years and welcome to the Kiwi family.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Les Clefs d’Or NZ supporting a former Society Member 22 January 2014

Please show your support for Steve and like his page (via the link below). Steve is a former member of our Society. He was apart of the organising committee for last years New Zealand Congress. Good luck with the training mate were behind you all the way.                                                                                                                                   

                                                                              A Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 8 January 2014

Hoping all our friends attending the 61st international Congress have a wonderful time in Kuala Lumpur. Viva Les Clefs d’or

New Year Message from Les Clefs d’Or NZ 2014

Happy new year to you all from the Hotel Concierge Society Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand