White Heron Motor Lodge - NEW Mobile Website

We know that a lot of our guests are increasingly connecting to us via mobile devices, so we have been beavering away in the background and have finally come up with our own NEW Mobile Website.

And we've launched this today!

The means that if you browse our website, www.whml.co.nz via a mobile device, you will be seamlessly transported to our fresh new mobile website that is customised to look good and be easier to navigate on smaller screens (don't ask us how it does it - it just works!).

With a click of a button, guests can now send us email, call us toll free, check out our photos and make a reservation from our online booking portal from their mobile device. We have also included links to our Foursquare and blog pages so that users can easily connect with us via their mobile device's social apps.

Our new mobile website is also compatible with Google maps and location based services available on most devices.

Anther cool feature is that if you visit our mobile website via an iPhone or Android device, you will be given the option to load a White Heron web app icon on your phone's screen.

So, what are you waiting for - go to it and feel free to give us your feedback!

And if you are looking for a mobile web solution, we can recommend these good folk:

  

Well done!

The Gisborne Branch of the Motel Association of NZ gathered last night at the World Cafe for their Annual General Meeting.

The highlight of the evening was to honour branch Secretary/Treasurer, John Haynes with a prestigious Life Membership of the branch. 

John Haynes has been associated with the motel industry for over 30 years and purchased Teal Motor Lodge in Gisborne with Valmai in 1979.

Soon after starting a new career as a motelier, John was elected on to the Branch Executive and served two separate terms as President 1982 – 83 and 1992 – 94.

John has been continually involved with the local branch Executive since 1981 and is currently the branch Secretary / Treasurer; a position he has held since 1999.

John has served as a board member, Vice-President and President of the Golden Chain motel group over a turbulent period of time that included overseeing a new centralised reservation system. He has also served on the local regional tourism executive.

In recognition of John’s significant contribution and perseverance in the motel industry, the Gisborne East Coast Branch proudly nominated John for the “Jack Hopkins Memorial Award” that he was awarded by MANZ in 2003.

John has always made him self available to his fellow industry members and willingly shares his vast experience and empathy with others.

John has always been a keen supporter of technology and innovation and over his career has enthusiastically embraced a range of advancements from the telex machine to the Internet.

John has always been a staunch supporter of MANZ and leads by example.

Branch member and national MANZ Board member, Peter Nash was one of three branch members that nominated John for Life Membership of the branch and this was enthusiastically endorsed by the other branch members on the night. It was also resolved that the branch has recommended that the MANZ Board consider John for life membership of the national association at their next general meeting.

Peter Nash presented John Life Membership of the East Coast Branch Motel Association of NZ with a commemorative award and certificate and thanked Valmai Haynes for her support.

Summer Fun at Gisborne

Plenty reasons to come to Gisborne this summer, which is promising some great weather to kick off the Xmas holidays.

The signs are here, red Xmas tree flowers abound, the cruise ships are in our harbours, swimmers are frolicking with Moko the dolphin ( very carefully we hope ) and the hoods are off the convertibles.

Just a few high lites off things to do over the next few days

for detail please check info@gisbornenz.com

26 Dec Bushmere Arms -Presents A Night In The Vines

MV Takitimu Bay Excursion --- Cruise the bay ( subject to weather )

27 Dec Steam Train WA 165 --Beach Loop Excursion

Gisborne Rodeo --- buckeru fun for the whole family--- ye ha

BW Camping Festival ---right on our sunny shores---food ---music ----fireworks

29th - 31st Dec Rythmandvines---Big bands ----big music--- BIG NEW YEARS EVE

ROCK ON GISBORNE.

Perfect 23Deg Autumn Day In Gissy

Perfect Sunday at the beach.

Even the Captain agreed, perfect day to get onto the long boards and surf the day out.

On Ya Bike

The Dynamic Duo

Congratulations to John & Tracy Searle from California USA

on conquering the East Cape Tourist Route on their

trusty blue tandem bike.

This amazing couple rode into our lives

stayed and visited our beautiful corner of the world

and were last seen peddling toward Matawai for the night.

Then through the wonderful Waioweka Gorge to Opotiki

on the Bay of Plenty Coast once again.

We wish you a safe journey where ever that lovely blue bike takes you.

Nationals taking a pounding

Big Swells Test Nationals Qualifiers

A deep southerly east of Gisborne has lifted the swell today to 3-4 meters making it a tough start to the Nationals.
I have heard of broken boats and saw a board snapped in half like a twig.

The action has been moved 5 k's west down the beach to find more favourable conditions.

Those qualifying are certainly working hard to pick the openings in the relentless pounding of rollers looking for the shoreline.

Spectators and teams between events

Bugger!

Big Swells at Surf Nationals

National Championships at Gisborne's Midway Beach March 13.14.15

Big swells are predicted for the start of the Nationals which will test the months of training. Teams and individuals will be out to achieve their goals, doing their utmost for their respective clubs. Good luck to all competitors.

Maggie Barry visits Gisborne's Bushmere Arms

An awesome night in Gisborne's Bushmere Arms Venue-with Maggie Barry as guest speaker talking on her recent trip to China, showing some of the magnificent gardens and wonders.

She also shared her visit to Prince Charles Sandringham Garden.

Maggie with the hard working Farmlands Team that was responsible for the evening being a big success.

Romantic Gisborne

Summer is here at last with temperatures getting into the 20's more frequently, which is perfect for a visit to Gisborne to enjoy our romantic beaches, cafes, wineries and easy going lifestyle.

There has been some awesome surf and with the really busy peak tourist time just around the corner, now is the perfect time to have lots of beach all to your yourself.

Check out our on line rates and availability, pack your togs and your slip slop slap and we'll see you soon.

Eastwoodhill Arboretum

This wonderland just 30 mins west of Gisborne is a must do when visiting our special little bit of paradise. It's just magic any time of the year and just last week we visited with a group of hoteliers to see the nature park in early summer mode first hand. It is so colourful and just humming with bird life, right now with bellbirds, tuis and native wood pigeons just everywhere and of course lots of very friendly fantails to keep you company and give you cheek on the many walkways through the wonderful woods and tree plantings. Take a ride around the park on thier little safari vehicle for a few extra dollars or walk the different colour graded walks.
We can't wait to go back when we get some more time to take a picnic and soak up the peace and quite ambiance of one of our National Treasures.
While you are out that way visit the Rere falls and Rere rock slide- take the whole family and make a day of it -it's just great.
A big thanks to all those that gave us a very special few hours away from town.

North Island BMX Champs

Bikes galore was the call last long weekend with the BMX champs being held in Gisborne. We had lots stay and had many little brightly painted racing machine zipping around the office block fine tuning their racers and working out a few pre race jitters.

The weather forcast was for rain but on the big day it stayed fine and when the final checkered flag dropped all those that had worked hard all weekend had there places and achievements etched into the record books.

Attached is a photo of a very proud young lady CORRINA Llyod who won the North Island BMX champs yahoo ( the lil floro pink bike can fly ) Congratulations once again from the White Heron Team on a well deserved win - keep up the hard work. And what a great Dad Steven is for his support -well done.

Congratulations also to all the racers that stayed as you all did so very well and improved your NZ ratings for your efforts.

Bring your shades

Doesn't time just tick by so fast, we all have these things we want to write down and before you know it a week has become history.
Gosh lot's happening in sunny Gisborne. If you haven't stayed with us for a little while then do bring your sunnies as the White Heron is now like a big new bling with a fresh new coat of white paint outside.
Things are starting to happen inside too, with "new" big screen LG TV's, awesome, and a new newsy channel on 12 so you can catch up with the latest any time you want.

Editing through what seems like millions of Italian holiday snaps to get a few snippits to post on the Blog but we are always so busy here "Thanks to all our lovely customers" that it's taking a while to get it completed but it will happen -keep checking, keep looking.

Gisborne's annual show is on this weekend so if you want to pop through to the check it out we still have a few room options up for grabs.

The Terakihi are running out in the bay in good numbers so after the show charter a fishing boat and get a share of this great tasting coastal fish.

Gloria's big moment this week was to hear the fantastic news she is a Grandmother yet again with her first Grandson "Conner" a bonny 8lb 11 oz boy.

More good things about to happen on the "insde at The White Heron Motor Lodge" keep you posted. Have a great week.

We're back from Pasta Country.

Ciao every one, the tan is fading and finally we are back on deck at the Mighty White Heron (such a great Motel after ALL the "different" accommodation we have stayed in on "Our Little OE".
The flight back from Rome with a 2 hr stop over in Singapore was l o n g 23 hrs, but with the help of jet lag pills I apparently snored like a grizzly. My South African female neighbour also was snoring in tune so poor Gloryb had her head phones on often to drown out the melody.
Singapore Airlines were fantastic getting us on another flight out and we were very lucky as no extra charge was made. The lady responsible in Rome was Terressa and from now on to us she is "Mother Terresa" she is wonderful.
Once we hit Gisborne we slept for what seemed like days to recover from the holiday, seems daft but we were on the go the whole time to get all of our itinerary ticked, and what an incredible journey it was. So many pics, so many stories, and in due course we will share some of these with you.
So it's been unpack the travel bags, hug Ming our cat ( who did seem pleased to see us ) and phone all the family for a catch up.

Lots been happening at the White Heron -will keep you posted

Movember 2008!

It's October! That means one more month until Movember (the month formerly known as November). This is a great cause tackling men's health issues and being proactive in the fight against men's depression and prostate cancer.

We will be again joining a few select moteliers that will be cultivating the upper lip region. I urge all motel men to become a Mo Bro and support this worthy cause.

Celebrate being a man for Movember and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded men. To donate to my Mo click here www.movember.com and donate online using your credit card.

Attention Business Travelers

We know that after a hard days grind you deserve a bit of pampering.

When booking a room at the White Heron Motor Lodge, why not specify our:
"Mega Business Byte"

Unwind with a COMPLIMENTARY wine or beer upon arrival. Remain productive with our FREE Wireless Broadband with UNLIMITED download.

Sit back and enjoy some quiet time in our large open plan motel apartment, have a drink from our extensive mini bar and order a meal from our restaurant delivery service...

We look forward to hosting you!

Win a Must-Do Weekend

Thanks to AA Travel, The New Zealand Herald and Herald on Sunday, 16 Must-Do Weekends are to be given away. That's 4 Weekend Experiences to be won every week for four weeks.

Purchase The New Zealand Herald and Herald on Sunday between Monday, August 25 and Sunday, September 21, 2008 for your chance to win. Each amazing AA Must-Do weekend experience.

There are two ways to enter:

1. Web: Go to www.winaweekend.co.nz and enter the daily keywords printed in the Herald along with your details.
2. Postal: Fill out the daily entry form printed in the Herald and send it to "NZ Herald Win a Weekend, PO Box 37774, Parnell, Auckland 1151.

Each week you could win one of 16 Must-Do Weekends.

We may be biased, but we think that the best weekend offer is:

Must-Do “Enrich Your Soul” Eastland Weekend

Open from Monday, 15.09.08 to Wednesday 24.09.08

Prize is for 4 adults and includes:

• Two nights accommodation at Teal Motor Lodge, Gisborne
• 3-days Budget Rent a Car hire
• TomTom navigation unit for each of the winners to keep
• Winners will receive a Canon PowerShot A580 Digital Still Camera
• Winners will be provided with either return flights or $200 petrol vouchers to be used with the rental car
• A reef experience with Dive Tatapouri
• A five-hour tour with Go Gisborne
• A $200 dinner voucher to The Marina Restaurant and Bar, Gisborne
• A cultural experience with Waka Toa
• Free scooter rental for one person to travel around the city for two days including insurance and unlimited kilometres

For full details of all prizes and terms & conditions, click: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/promotion/story.cfm?c_id=500848&objectid=10528470

Enquire or book on-line

Did you know that you can check availability or book on-line by using on-line reservation service at the top of this blog or from our motel website: www.whml.co.nz ?

It is simple and easy. Enter your arrival and departure date, the number of people staying. You can then view all available room-types with full descriptions and photos for the day you wish to stay.

You can use our on-line reservation service to simply check what is available for a particular night in the future. There is no obligation to make a reservation.

If you like what you see, you can proceed and make an instant reservation. To make it easy for you, your credit card details are required as confirmation. Your details will be held as confirmation only and you can pay upon departure.

Our reservation service uses 128 bit Encryption Technology - Secure Socket Layer (SSL). What does this mean? Well... This means that everything that you enter into your computer, such as credit card details, name and address etc is encrypted (scrambled). Because it is encrypted, other computers are unable to make sense of it, therefore keeping your information private. This security means that you can enter your personal information with the confidence that your details are securely protected.

You will be pleased to know that unlike most other on-line reservation services we do not charge a reservation fee.

After you make a reservation with us, you will instantly receive a confirmation via email confirming arrangements.

Too simple!

Indroducing relief managers, Ian and Ainsley

While Wayne and Gloria are on holiday in Italy, who can we possibly find to host our valued guests at White Heron Motor Lodge?

Professional motel relievers, Ian and Ainsley have enthusiastically taken on the unenviable task of following on from Wayne and Gloria until their return in mid September. They are passionate about their role of hosting guests at White Heron Motor Lodge and enjoy the rigors of motel life.

Ian and Ainsley's hospitality is legendary and are the perfect hosts for the duration of your stay in Gisborne. They owned the business of The Sport of Kings Motel in Rotorua for 10-years and were proud to be one of the top placed finalists in the 2006 AA Supreme Host of the Year Award.

This award was "Established in 2003 by AA Tourism in association with the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ), the award recognizes the operators of a MANZ motel who have consistently provided high standards of quality customer service and excellent facilities. Judging is based on nominations received from members of the public who have stayed at these motels." Source: http://www.aa.co.nz/

Wayne and Gloria are on holiday in Italy!

Wayne and Gloria are holiday bound for Italy! After months of planning and eager anticipation their intrepid journey has commenced.

Italy is the perfect match for this wonderful couple that have a genuine love for culture and life! After a lot of hard work and passion for the hospitality industry, Wayne and Gloria will be briefly sampling what it is like on the other side of the counter.

They will return in September with plenty of stories and ideas to share with their guests.

They have promised to keep us up to date with their travels and will be updating a blog of their experiences. You can find the link here: www.travelpod.com

Italian Itinerary

Sat 9 August
Arrive Singapore

Tues 12 August
Arrive Rome

Thurs 14 August
Bus to Siena

Sun 17 August
Bus to Florence

Tues 19 August
Explore Tuscany by car

Tues 20 August
Head towards Parma

Wed 21 August
Head to Maronello (Ferrari country)

Sat 23 August
Catch Train to Naples

Sun 24 August
Catch hydrofoil to Capri
Boat to the Blue Grotto

Hydro back to Naples

Mon 25 August Catch Train to Positano

Tues 26 August
Bus/ferry to Amalfi

Thurs 28 August
Bus to Salerno
Bus to Bari (Perugia the Heel of Italy)

Sat 30 August
Car travel to the "toe" of Italy
Car ferry to Sicily

Mon 1 September
Board hydrofoil to Lipai in the Eolian Islands
Arrive back to MilazzoTaormina by car

Tues 2 September
Explore Sicily Mt Etna/ Valley of the Temples

Wed 3 September
Fly to Malta

Sat 6 September
Fly to Rome
Fly to Venice

Tues 9/15 Sept
7 Days to see Northern Italy by car

Wed 15 September
Arrive at Pisa Rome by train

Thurs 16 September
Fly to Singapore

Wed 17 September
Fly to Auckland

Thurs 18 September
Fly back to Gisborne!