Escape to a slower pace on Norfolk Island with Baunti Tours

After spending seven days on beautiful Norfolk Island I came back to Australia determined to relax and take life easier. The Norfolk people endeavour to do this for most of their day and this certainly makes Norfolk Island a laid-back place to spend a holiday. Community spirit abounds and a friendly wave is the norm on a walk around the island.

Travelling with Baunti Escapes Tours (or the English ‘Bounty’) we departed from Brisbane International Airport for the short flight across to Norfolk Island. My request to Norfolk Air for a gluten free meal was fulfilled – and I was impressed with the variety of gluten free food on the tray! We were met at the Norfolk Airport by Megan Christian (sixth generation descendant of Bounty mutiny leader, Fletcher Christian) who made sure we were all safely on the right mini bus for the trip to our hotel.

Waiting for us in the lounge of our hotel, the All Seasons Colonial Hotel, was a refreshing cocktail and as it was a hot, humid day this was most welcome! Whilst we were being given the keys to our allocated room our luggage was delivered promptly by hotel staff. Our room was spacious, well-appointed and spotlessly clean.

At sunset the hotel had organised a poolside barbeque to allow guests to meet and greet each other. I chose salads and steak that were gluten free – avoiding the delicious Norfolk sausages just to be on the safe side! Prior to departing Australia I had emailed the All Seasons Colonial Hotel and Baunti Tours to confirm that my gluten free diet could be guaranteed at both the hotel and the many tours and dinners that were part of the itinerary.

Our breakfasts were part of the tour package and the breakfast chef produced a gluten free loaf of bread especially for my toast. When I queried where he had purchased it on the island he told me he makes gluten free bread very successfully from a packet of Orgran bread mix. The only problem for me was that every morning two enormous slices were waiting for me at breakfast!

After the first night’s barbeque by the hotel pool our dinners were held in a variety of interesting places. One evening we had a dinner in Annabelle’s Restaurant in the hotel complex and both courses were beautifully presented and mine – of course – gluten free. The restaurant is a lovely venue with relaxing garden views through huge glass windows.

A tour was on the itinerary every day and if morning or afternoon tea was part of the deal I was always provided with something gluten free to eat. I enjoyed an assortment of gluten free food – the last morning being gluten free crackers, a HUGE tomato (and a knife to cut it) and salt to add flavour.

A progressive dinner allowed us into four beautiful Norfolk Island homes for a short while. The homes – made mostly from the timber of the Norfolk Pine – were all very different. However what they did have in common was the spectacular views! All but the dessert course was gluten free – I was offered a gluten free alternative but by that time of the night I was quite happy to say “No thanks – I couldn’t eat another thing!” The night concluded with an ‘old-fashioned’ sing-along – we were played renditions of familiar songs and invited to join in as we sipped small glasses of sweet sherry!

On another evening we were taken by Les Quintal, a seventh generation descendent of the Bounty mutineer, Matthew Quintal, on a Fish Awas Way (a fish feast). To start the evening we taken to Les’ private cliff top property to share his spectacular views whilst enjoying wine and nibbles – mine of course being gluten free. In the background a woman played traditional Norfolk music and sang songs telling of the island’s history – the music played on an instrument hand-made on Norfolk Island. Before moving off to the next part of the night, the fish feast, a young woman performed some of the traditional dances that reflected the island’s Tahitian heritage and she also spent time explaining the significance of her graceful movements.

The Edible Gardens Tour proved an interesting experience. For the people on the tour it was hard to comprehend that Norfolk Islanders only eat fruit and vegetables grown in season. If the season is poor then fruit and vegetables are in short supply. Last year Norfolk Islanders suffered from drought conditions and their fresh produce was severely affected. Particularly fresh fruit was lacking on the supermarket shelf. However one strapping young gardener explained that because Norfolk Island does not import fresh fruit and vegetables their produce remains relatively pest and chemical free – unlike Australia. The tour finished at Strawberry Fields where the owner, Candida Langman, has created an intricate maze. Some of the more physically able people walked and walked and walked through an intricate maze and – with the help of Candida – managed to find their way to an afternoon tea made from the fruits of Strawberry Fields. As well as providing samples of the fresh fruit she grows, Candida also served polenta topped with her fresh basil pesto – a treat for those on a gluten free diet!

Dinner at Dino’s was another glorious night of gluten free food. I was even provided with two slices of toasted gluten free bread so that I could enjoy the dips set on the table to start the evening. I was assured that all the desserts were gluten free and being partial to licorice I chose the licorice ice cream. I assumed it would be licorice flavoured – however after spotting the small pieces of licorice in the ice cream I did give it a miss. There were two other choices that were gluten free desserts but after the two courses already enjoyed I decided I did not need dessert after all!

Although not of concern for anyone on a gluten free diet, the liqueurs made on the Norfolk Island are well worth a ‘taste’. As part of a Farm and Industry Tour we stopped at Norfolk Island Liqueurs and tasted delights such as Convicts Curse and Pitcairn Passion. There are 15 liqueurs in the range and they are certain to tantalise your taste buds and are only available on Norfolk Island.

However the highlight of the week for me was the Baunti Dieh (Bounty Day) Dinner. Baunti Dieh is traditionally held on 8 June each year to celebrate the arrival of the Pitcairners on Norfolk Island in 1856. To allow us to share some of the experiences of the special day our hosts for the evening, Wally Beadman (a seventh generation descendant of Fletcher Christian) and Nicki Kennedy, a more recent arrival from Australia in 1997, served us four courses, each course reflecting the type of ‘traditional’ foods enjoyed on Bounty Day each year. I could not have asked for more care and attention from Wally and Nicki. One of the hors d’oeuvres served was green banana fritters – spoonfuls of grated and fried green banana proved a delicious, simple, gluten free crunchy treat. Dessert was the only course that was not gluten free and instead I was brought a large bowl of beautiful fragrant rice covered in sweet syrup – much too large for one person but I endeavoured to do my best!

For people residing on the east coast you have a paradise in close proximity! If you come from further afield, it is worth the journey to Norfolk Island. For a week Baunti Tours ensured I was provided with gluten free food without any fuss and always with good humour. If you are reading this you will know how much this is appreciated when on you are on holidays – even eating a small amount of gluten can ruin a few days of a holiday! Baunti Tours made my holiday to Norfolk Island a happy and healthy one!

(Marlene Anderson. Perth. Australia. 14 December 2010)

King William Travel visits Norfolk

King William Travel from Adelaide have been visiting Norfolk Island for many years and tour with BAUNTI ESCAPES.

The last group toured in early April 2010 and several of them (Ross and Leanne McLennan, and Ray and Bev Cooper from the group) have put together a diary and photo album of their Norfolk experience.

Enjoy!

Click here to see the diary

Reflections of a visitor

The plane touches down in Devonport, Tasmania – it is dark outside the aircraft and when we step down the gangway the cold brisk Tasmanian air hits us. We have come home after spending four weeks on our special island – Norfolk.

Friends and acquaintances repeatedly ask why do you keep returning to Norfolk Island , why not go somewhere that you haven’t been before?

Before we leave the airport we realise that we are back in the real world – coins have to be found before the car can leave the carpark, and we head off down the highway to Burnie 40 minutes away.

As we approach the towns we are stopped by red traffic lights which have a valuable purpose but we are so unused to them after four weeks away.

Admittedly the first morning home the daily newspaper is on the doorstep but it doesn’t quite compare with Saturday mornings in Burnt Pine to collect the weekly newspaper. We miss the village atmosphere of Burnt Pine, the friendliness of the people in the supermarket and surrounding shops, many of whom say “welcome back” is it 12 months since you were here last?

Mornings are spent exploring the island again – a walk in 100 Acres (above) where we were this year very impressed with the new walkway out to Rocky Point. Down to Bumboras to watch the waves crashing onto the beach, this now also made easy by the recent addition of a walkway. Crystal Pool never ceases to amaze and for those who are very fit and able a walk down to Anson’s Bay is a must.

After lunch we head down to our favourite island spot – Emily Bay (left). There are very few places in the world where it is such a pleasure to go for a swim in the lagoon – coming from a State of Australia with magnificent beaches and coastal scenery and living right on Bass Strait, nothing replaces that first swim of the visit in Emily’s clear, warm waters and for my “better half” a leisurely snorkel among the exquisite coral and fishes to be found there and in Slaughter Bay.

For peace and solitude Simon’s Waters (below) is quite a spiritual place, and so the days rambling goes on.

Tired and happy after an afternoon in the sun and water we head back to our accommodation for a shower and freshen up and most nights comes the big decision on where to eat. The island has many first class eateries so the decision can be difficult some evenings. The restaurants are manned by local residents who always make your visit seem special – we find it sad when we return some years to find that some of these fine dining areas have had to close their doors for various reasons. This year it was indeed sad to note the closure of Branka House after so many years of great dining in such a unique setting – but along with everyone else who has loved the restaurant we wish Mudgi and Peter all the best in their retirement.

If like me you have an interest in early Australian history there is a lot to see and “feel” among the convict ruins in Kingston (right) and who would not be touched by the early part of the cemetery where so many young people finished their young lives. As cemeteries go it has a special feel with it, surrounded by sea and the green hills of Norfolk.

This year the island was certainly a buzz with the visit of two P & O cruise ships to their shores. We were able to witness the arrival of the Sun Princess of April 13 and saw the delight and joy of the 1500 passengers who disembarked at Kingston. What a great effort the island made to make these people feel welcome, from dancing girls on the shore to free buses up into the village and lots of tours available for those wanting to explore. Many hired cars and did their own touring and I was amused by the hundreds of “Lego” bags that were going back to the ship.

It only takes a few days back in “the real world” to appreciate the lifestyle that the people of Norfolk have the privilege of enjoying. We appreciate that life is not always simple and that they are experiencing some hard times financially at present but every effort must be made to ensure that life as they know it continues and that their young people appreciate just what it is that is so unique about their island.

We can all live without the hassles of urban living, the stress of a simple shopping trip to the city and the endless commuting between venues.

I guess all this adds up to why we will be back in 2011 for our annual “fix” of life on Norfolk. Who would have thought on that first trip in 1975 that we would make it an annual event!!

(Kaye Cummings)

What visitors have said about BAUNTI

What do you think about your Norfolk visit?  And your BAUNTI experience?  Here is what some other BAUNTI customers have said.

Dear Megan,

Many thanks for providing a wonderful week for the King William Travel group from South Australia.

The tours and guides have been excellent - but we especially wanted to show our appreciation to you for helping to make it all happen.

It has been an enjoyable, memorable week, thanks to BAUNTI - and to you!

Thank you again.

King William Travel

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Dear Wally,

This is just to say a big thank you to BAUNTI ESCAPES, and especially to yourself and Nicki, for the wonderful way that you all looked after us on our recent visit to you beautiful island.

This history was so interesting and the culture, meals, and the warm hospitality of so many was amazing ... (did I mention the food!!!!!).

It was the extra attention to detail and thoughtfulness in so many ways (that we believe would be outside the realm of duty these days) that we most appreciated.

Hopefully we will be able to visit again, but in the meantime we shall be 'spreading the word' amongst our family and friends.

Well done!

Regards, Lynette and Rob L (SA)

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Again a huge thank you to you and your colleagues for a wonderful holiday.

We just felt so calm while there - had that 'Aah' feeling.

Regards, Colleen and Arthur L (Dunedin)

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Hi Wally and Megs, (and the other lovely people from BAUNTI).

We have just arrived back to our noisy, busy world and we just had to contact you to say how much we enjoyed ourselves and to thank you all for making it so much more memorable.  You shared your knowledge, and even more appreciated was your friendliness.  We felt like we were a part of your lovely island for a short and rewarding time.

Special thanks also to John for his patience and knowledge during the progressive dinner, and to the kind and hospitable families that made us so welcome in their homes.

Thank you again, Yvonne and Denise (Australia)

eco Tour feedback

Tour March 6 to 14 2010.

Thank you all for being such wonderful hosts yet again. As with previous years the universal comment from our guests is they enjoyed the special relationship that we have with you and this made the tour particularly enjoyable.

An interesting comment was made by Bob and Lyn. Friends had said to them that a week was far too long to spend on Norfolk and that they couldn't possible keep busy and interested for that long. After only a couple of days they said that a week was not long enough.

Thanks again for all your hospitality, friendship and tireless efforts.

(Permission to post from Barry Davies, IPT)