Sailing from Tutukaka - The Poor Knights

Heading out the Marina

I know that I do spend a lot of time blogging about Oceans Resort Hotel in Tutukaka, that is where I live and play so it is hard to really not write about something that is so awesome.  Regardless of this we do occasionally tend to look out and go and explore.  Yesterday was no exception.  We met up with some friends, packed up the boat and went sailing.

I won't lie the weather was perfect, though the air was cold.  On the way out we had a pod of dolphins jump past our boat, flying through the water.  It really was a beautiful sight to see and one that I can not imagine one ever being tired of seeing or experiencing.  Dolphins just seem to have a carefree look about them, maybe the smile they have?

Looking back towards Oceans Resort Hotel

We motored out past the Marina and did the friendly wave to the many other people that were on the water and on the rocks fishing (The friendly wave is a must, you are sharing a secret).  I was thrilled that the sails filled so quickly and as the motor was killed we were surrounded by bliss.  The slap of water against the hull, the filling of the sails as they were hoisted high, and the thrill you get as the boat picks up speed and starts to fly across the water, THAT is sailing.



So we had our eyes set on getting to the Poor Knights and with the wind in our favour we were quickly making our way there.  YAY.  So after 4 hours we were there having stopped off at the southern point, Sugarloaf, first.  We sailed past the hole in rock and dropped our anchor in a perfect part of the world, protected from wind and the sun beaming down.  There is no way that I will EVER be able to explain or convey what was there, never would justice be given to explaining the Poor Knights, you must experience it and then like I search for a way to explain it to those less fortunate, like me you will come up shy of ever being close.   Let's just say that there is a part of your soul that is touched, the birds, the peace, the colour of the sea......something there will touch your soul and you are not left longing for something, you are left with a feeling of satisfaction. 

So Steve headed below decks and turned on the kettle and we sat on the deck, coffee and tea, sandwiches and biscuits and enjoyed the moment. 

Now what was and is impressive was the fish!!!  Being a Marine Reserve you can not help but be in awe of it and what is there.  It was too cold to go below the surface, (I am more of a spa and heated swimming pool kind of girl really, the sea will need to warm a little more for me to get in again)  But you can peer over the side of your boat, adjust your eyes to deapth and you will see flashes of silver, LARGE flashes of silver.  They come in around your boat and check you out as much as you are checking them out. 
After a while it was time to raise the anchor and head back to the Marina.  Again the wind served us well and with a final tack we were heading in through the Tutukaka heads, back to our Marina.  Pack down, locked up and sails stowed away again, we headed back to Oceans for dinner (SURPRISE!!!)

What wasn't so much a surprise was that Oceans was busy with other guests who had the same idea as us.  So we settled by fire, had a glass of wine, ordered our dinner (eye fillet for me) and warmed up, appreciating the day we had had and the days we are to have.  Bliss.  We know and many of you know, Oceans is just a building in paradise, what makes Oceans magic is its location and our team.  We love what we do and we love sharing it.  I can't think of anywhere I would rather be:)

And the Business Awards

I put my hand up to the fact that I do give Oceans Resort Hotel in Tutukaka a wrap on this blog.  Of course I do, I work, live and breathe this place and I still wake up each morning loving the fact that I do get to live and work here.

A few months ago Steve and I sat down with the team to ask their permission to enter this year’s Westpac and Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.  With their permission (it is a team effort here) we put ourselves forward into two categories; Business Coaching NZ Best Emerging Business Award and the More FM Customer Choice Award.   For those who are considering entering these awards next year I can not tell you enough times to do it.  Completing the entry forms really does allow you to do a focused health check on your business.  I will be doing another blog on Business in Northland soon as the support you get as a business here is over-whelming, it just sits there waiting till you call for it.

So we put our entry form in.  At the beginning it was scary stuff, not knowing what the judges were looking for or what layout should really be done, but then it dawns on you.  This isn’t high-school, they want to read about your business and they want a clear understanding of your business, your values, your goals, how your business ticks and what the underlying spirit of your business is.  When you realise this it becomes so simple.  As you can imagine our entry form was bright and crisp, a bit of fun and a little bit different……just like Oceans.  And with the support of Tony from Smart Energy Solutions who won last year we put our entry form in with our shoulders back.  No matter the outcome we had presented our business on paper as it was in reality.  Not perfect, not shinny, not with all the answers, it was as we are honest, fun and with an air of excitement. 





What a great looking venue for the night



The judges read our entry and then came out to Oceans.  That part is fun!  We got to show off a place that in all honesty is just a great place to claim as “ours”.  There are not enough hours in the day to share the excitement of that!

Then it was the night, we knew we were finalists for both categories and that alone was a fantastic feeling.  I want to say that I didn’t mind if we won or lost, as at the end of day we were winners for entering….but that would be a lie.



The speech for Business Coaching NZ
Best Emerging Business Award



Business Coaching NZ, Best Emerging Business was the first of our two to be called.   Again I want to say that I didn’t have my fingers crossed and wasn’t silently saying “oceans, oceans, oceans” but again that would be a lie.  But to hear Oceans Resort Hotel called out as the winners was a heart filling sound!!!  To be able to walk up on stage and accept the award of behalf of our team was a treasured moment.



More FM Customer Choice Award

The next one for the More FM Customer Choice award was after Dessert, and the meals were fantastic.  I could have eaten more of that!

Then it was the second of our categories, I will admit now that both Steve and I, despite our desire, had not considered being able to walk away with two awards.  The other finalists were fantastic businesses and I know they are because I shop at many of them!  Though I silently hoped, I didn’t have my fingers crossed and I wasn’t silently saying “oceans, oceans, oceans”.  So when it was Oceans Resort Hotel that was called it was a feeling of gleeful confusion.  An award that was given to us from our customers, it was an award that directly reflected the fantastic nature of our team, it was an award that was of such high honour to receive that I will admit when I got on stage there was a moment when I thought there would be a tear.  And as I said when it was given to us, “This is an award that belongs to our team, it is a reason to thank everyone who has smiled at us, encouraged us, supported us and hugged us” This was really the award of the people.  All people who have ever been a part of Oceans; customers, staff and suppliers.

So thank you to everyone!!!!



Collective Concepts created a great night, The Chamber of Commerce created a great business support base and encouragement and Salt 'n' light have the most amazing photo's from the night, the ones of this blog are just a few of the many that were taken. The night was one that will not be forgotten.  So come into Oceans and look up on the bar and see our awards, Oceans Blue glass (it was meant to beJ) 



It was just disgusting

So woke to another day in Tutukaka.  Had to take a photo of what I have to put up with day after day after day.  The staff at Oceans are just so committed to our guests that they turn up regardless of it,  having to put up with the view, the great customers and fantastic atmosphere, they just get on with things, a true inspiration.

So, yes we woke to this awful view but we all got on and made the most of it.  Monday night is Pub night where you get to relax with a meal and a glass of beer or wine for only $15.  YUMMY.  Favourite is really the bangers and Mash, well tonight it was, seems every monday I have a different favourite.  I suppose you could say that that is the joy of coming to Oceans, there is lots to choose from. 

And if you think that I am saying this because it is my blog and I happen to work in the most amazing place, you are right of course, orrrrrrr you can review what other people are saying, that don't work here and don't write this blog.  They are on the Oceans Website and they are on places like Trip Advisor.  So read them as well.

See you all tomorrow,  if you can handle having to look at pictures like these.  We apologize now.

Mid Week Wednesday, yeeeee ha



Conference Group at lunch



Today was a day of YAYs.  First we got to welcome our new conference group to Oceans, always a good day when you get to meet new people and share the magic of Tutukaka.  To make it even better they are a great bunch of people so looking forward to seeing them all again tomorrow.

Next, the sun was shining and we had that playful wind again.  So once again you find yourself feeling happier with the sun out, the water sparkles and it seems that you feel just a tad lighter (probably because the extra jacket has been dropped)

Tex Mex Buffet - yeeeee ha!

Next was the fabulous Wednesday night Buffet.  Tex Mex was the taste of the week for our International Buffet night And I mean really the words "Buffet" and "Tex Mex"?  You know that you have to wear stretchy pants to something like that!

By the time the Buffet had started it was cold outside again.  Don't mind it being cold outside when it is night time, I have an electric blanket (which is on and waiting) and it is warm inside and their is a BUFFET!!!!!



Tutukaka Marina

 To finish off the Wednesday of the week I now get to relive the whole thing writing in the blog, so really I got to live today twice:)  A very lucky girl indeed.

Steve and Matt

Today's paradise was found in........walking down to our Marina and taking a photo.  Just the few minutes of quiet time and enjoying the beauty that is Tutukaka. ahhhhh, it really, really is a magical life.

and it's Tuesday!!!!!

What a fantastic way to wake up this morning!!!!  First slept in so woke with that kind of panic feeling that you get, one way to get the blood pumping, better than a coffee hit really.  Secondly when throwing back the curtains saw that Tutukaka had put on a fabulous blue sky for the day, I say Thank you:)



Oksana, always smiling!!!

 Then it was down to the office for the typical office day, I am not much of an office person I much prefer to be out and about talking with guests and working out the front, but alas there is always office work no matter where you work.

Tuesday is two courses for $40 at Oceans Resort Hotel, so I was back down to the restuarant with the children this evening.  How fabulous is having a Rib Eye, MR cooked to perfection followed by Cream Brulee finished with a hot chocolate?  I mean really people that is a fabulous Tuesday!!!  I work here but even if I didn't I would come here for dinner, the menu is fantastic and the new Winter weekly specials are fabulous.

We are also preparing to welcome tomorrows conference group with us.  Love getting to meet new people and sharing the magic that is Tutukaka.

So today I found my paradise in sitting in our restaurant, colouring in pictures with my children and chatting with the locals who filed in for dinner, two of which were celebrating some sigficiant birthdays:)  No names and  no ages will be given out:)  Also hearing a larger table of 16 in our A la Carte restaurant laughing and giggling.  (That is one of the nicest sounds in the world you know, the sound of genuine laughter and I would be surprised if it didn't make you smile when you heard it either)

Bring on tomorrow, I am looking forward to meeting it head on!

Monday Pub Night at Oceans Tutukaka

So again we find ourselves at the start of the week.  Not a bad thing when you get to live and work in Tutukaka, you hear the usual groan of Monday-itis from others, the weekly plod that starts most working weeks.  But not here.  No sir.

Monday night is Pub night at Oceans.  $15 for a meal including a glass of wine or beer, now that alone is a great reason to welcome Monday.   hmmmmm I hear you say, still that doesn't make for a great Monday, and I reply with the ever famous buy TV quip, "but wait there's more!".  Free pool as well!  Want me to seal the deal for you also?....... Winter outside, cold wind and boats straining against their moorings, but inside?......... the fire is on, the lights are dimmed and when you walk in you can feel your body sigh with relief.  That does make for the perfect start to the week indeed.

Carlie and Lukasz doing the popular Oceans
Coffee thing!

As for what our team is doing, they are doing what they do best, smiling!  And what was I up to today, was writing my emails and doing up the plans for the exciting changes that the new Oceans is about to undertake.  Infact I will be so bold as to say that my Monday flew by, with a flurry.  How many others get to say that!

My meaning of life today, my paradise found was the feeling of accomplishment that today has given me.  Cleared my desk, emptied my inbox and cleaned the office, chatted with our guests, caught up with friends and watched that nasty winter day being denied entry into our warm restaurant and bar.  That has indeed made Monday a good day

Sunday in Tutukaka at Oceans Resort

What a CRACKER of a Sunday.  Really busy in the morning with our coffee machine really having to work hard to keep up, let alone the staff having to tell it what to do!





Then for Lunch was our Sunday Roast Buffet.  With Roast Beef and Chicken, yorkshire puddings, roasted vegetables and all the extra trimmings you would expect.  To top off all that was the most YUMMY Apple crumble.



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The Girls having a well earned coffee break



Thing about working here at Oceans is that after all the guests have had their fill we get to have some afterwards.  I LOVE buffet days.  This Wednesday is our next buffet where I will be wearing my stretchy pants and that is the Tex Mex Americana Buffet.  Yeeee haaaaaa.

Oceans has the bar and bistro area, an a la carte restaurant and a HUGE function room which we call the Tui room on the ground floor.  Then upstairs is the Marina Room,  The best view in Tutukaka, straight up the Marina out to the heads.  From here you can see all the boats coming and going.

Even though we had our Sunday buffet going their was no way we were not going to please the many other guests that came who wanted something a little lighter, so our Lunch menu continued full steam ahead.

 

Upstairs in the Marina Rooms was the first of the movie shows, A bee Movie.  What a fantastic turn out with over 100 people.  Congratulations guys!!!!!!!!!





Then to finish off what has already been a great night, our staff moved the pool table and set up a stage and mic system and prepared for an evening of open Mic.  WOW Tutukaka has some AMAZING talent.  We are doing it again as ALL of the acts I am wanting to hear again and again and again.  So lucky to live here and share what we do with so many wonderful people.





 So as promised I will continue to find my meaning of life everyday.  And my meaning of life is finding today's paradise.  And today's paradise was having such a busy, happy day and watching our customers, our staff and our friends enjoying themselves.



 And with that we are able to say that today is and was indeed a good day.







Saturday night in Tutukaka at Oceans

WOW what a night!!!!  Now great is it when the wind is howling, and our heavy doors are protesting at the extra work they have to do to keep that wind out and our Bar and Restuarant are full.  The fire was going the music was playing and the kitchen was humming. Our great staff were buzzing around and smiling from ear to ear.

The hotel is full of happy customers and as the night is drawing to an end we are all warm inside.  The Sky TV has the Blues vs. Reds playing, (come on Blues!!!!! I want a Crusaders/Blues Final)  As a team we had a bit of a gamble, coordinated by our Executive Chef Craig, and I am in for the win with a 24- 18 win to the Blues.

I know that I am lucky to be apart of everything that Oceans has.  Our wonderful location, the fantastic team energy, our customers and our friends.  It has been like winning Lotto working in Tutukaka.

So Saturday night at Oceans saw the Saturday special of a free dessert with every main sold.  (I have always been a believer that there is seperate stomach for dessert, so there is always room no matter how yummy your main was).  To finish off this fabulous meal deal we also have $10 Cocktails!  Double Yummy, what does it mean!  So really there shouldn't be any surprise that tonight we had people waiting in the bar until a table became avaliable in our restaurant, there should be no surprise that at the moment the juke box is off as we prepare for the win in rugby, and no surprise that there is still that buzz in the restaurant.

So what was my paradise found today?  That one is easy today.  On the way back from the bar, on my way home, I was stopped in the hallway by two of our guests, who with great excitment informed me how wonderful their meal had been, how great our staff were and how much they were enjoying their stay.  I was so very proud to be standing with them there hearing those words and the genuine way in which they were given.  The icing on the cake was when they informed me they were already planning on coming back in February for a week.  There is no better feeling in the world than hearing that from someone, knowing how hard your team work, knowing how much your team really do care and knowing that it was being appreciated.

So this blog is for my team at the new Oceans Resort Hotel, thank you!  You know that we appreciate you and you know that we love working with you.  I am thrilled that our guests are seeing how special you all are too.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I dare say that Mother Nature will still be flexing her muscles in the morning and we will wake up again to the fresh crisp snap in the air.  But is it SUNDAY and that brings us the $28 Carvery Buffet Lunch,  YUMMY.  See you tomorrow!!!!

Queens Birthday Weekend in Tutukaka

Tutukaka did not have the greatest start to Queens Birthday Weekend.  Well not weather wise anyway.  Last night was Friday night and those who are in the know will already know that Friday night at Oceans is always a great night!  Those who don't know, should know and not know just by reading this blog, so come on out and be in the know.
With the great night came some great winds also, pretty amazing really and to be honest there is something exciting about being out in a warm wind, which it was.  Reminds you of childhood in someway with no finger on any real memory.  Strange how a smell, feeling, sound or other sensation can hurtle you back in time with such force that you can't help but be surprised at it.  Even with these edges of sweetness there was the reality that our Sky ariel wasn't as excited, or, was over excited.  So down she came.  No matter how hard you try, beg, pled and whimper there is no way on this earth you can get a Sky Tech to even contemplate coming out on a long weekend.  Amazing the attitude some companies can have when there is no competition out there.  sigh.  (I think they even got a bit of kick out of desperation)
Saturday has arrived, our Bar is full, the restaurant full the kitchen has that excited noise that reminds me of cooking shows on television (no ramsey in our kitchen though), The bar has sky sports (don't ask me how, it has something to do with some cable somewhere else that I can't access)  The sports playing, the pool table humming and the beer pouring.  I love how the restaurant has that steady hum of conversation.  You should try and listen to a restaurant one day, there is a hum from peoples hushed conversations that is mixed with bursts of laughter, it is quite musical.

The wind has died down and according to Mr Jim Hickey all is on the mend.  The boats are still at their morings and every room at Oceans has guests curling up for the night, waiting to see what tomorrow will bring.  (Come on Jim!!!!).  Some are off Diving, others are out charter fishing and most have no plans at all and will wait to see the day.

Tutukaka Surf Shop has their sale, which started today.  YAY!!!!  So that is one stop for me tomorrow.  Was gutted to see one of our guests wearing the necklace that I had my eye on.....but you have to be in quick around here and the SALE is awesome, I will get another one that is for sure:)  Simon from Tutukaka Surf was still heading out on the water with the surf lessons today and that is something that I am going to have to do, go surfing with Tutukaka Surf, from the beginner to the experienced these are the guys that know all those secrets of surfing on the coast.

So where was my meaning of life today?  It was.............(had to think about this one today, as the more busy you are it seems the less you savour and acknowledge moments.  Note to self that I must work on that!)........Todays paradise, my meaning of life was, Working with Matt Genefaas, one of our staff, on the new winter Oceans HOT CHOKA CHOC.  I love it when small ideas turn into excited thoughts that lead to fabulous results.

So today, the start of Queens Birthday weekend I can proudly present the new Oceans Hot Choka Choc, a delectable, slightly naughty Chocolate drink.  What better way is there to warm up in winter?