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Home >> Travel >> Destinations >> Norfolk Island Holidays
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Norfolk Island Holidays

This article has been submitted by a GrownUps member. GrownUps accepts no liability for its content and the views and information contained within are not necessarily those of the GrownUps website.

I have just returned to NZ after a week on Norfolk Island.

This is the fifth time I have made the trip since 1987, and it won't be my last. When I was sighted by a friend of long standing I was asked, "What the hell are you doing back here again?"

My reply was, "The Island, and some of the people." Over the times I have flown to Norfolk I have noted a very steady decline in the "Service" and the "Quality of Service", plus the hugely escalating costs that are running rife on Norfolk. It used to be that people could go to Norfolk for their holiday and get "Products" not available at home or at a much lower price than in New Zealand.

With the advent of Free Trade Agreements, CER deals, plus the Internet you can now buy products at home at either the same or a slightly lower price in local shops or over the internet than you can on Norfolk. It is also possible to Dine out in a really up market restaurant in New Zealand a lot cheaper than it is in any of the restaurants on Norfolk.

This is because you are a "Captive Market" and are stuck with paying the prices they ask. Although the destination is worthy of much credit many of the "Locals" don't inspire you to return.

I personally felt that I was an encumberance on their time when shopping in a Supermarket or a Fashion Boutique.

You get the feeling they are smiling at you through clenched teeth, wishing you'd "BUGGER OFF" and leave then alone. This was made very obvious by a young girl of about 18/19 from the VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE who was there to collect $30.00 Departure Tax.

She told me to "Go to FIJI next time," when I complained about the fact that she only turned up ten minutes before our final boarding call, and there was nothing to advise anyone that was the way it worked.

"Norfolk Island Time" is fine if you are a resident, not a traveller who is restricted to international timetables. I personally believe that the moment a tourist steps off the plane onto "Norfolk Soil", the Islander's should be there on masse to greet them and kiss their feet.

This is because the Island runs on, and is totally reliant on tourism; and how those products and services are delivered need to be "Re-invented".

I'll be back despite the intolerable things that are evident, but it will be only to once more enjoy the Island and a few of it's citizens.

Submitted 16th Feb 2009 by GrownUps Member: AMAZONIAN

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by Phoebe 3rd March 2009 Gosh this was a bit of an eye-opener! Maybe I'll rethink the idea that I'd like to go there. Be helpful to know what the good things are about the island to balance what is pretty negative feedback. But one of the things I enjoy when visiting new places is interacting with the locals, so if they don't welcome it or are offhand then I'll go somewhere they DO welcome you. Sounds like they need their version of Kiwihost to train up the locals working with tourists.
by Bryan 3rd March 2009 We have made two trips to Norfolk Island, the last was around 8 to 10 years ago. As the author of the article says the I said is dependant on Tourism to survive. So I was surprised to read of the drop in service. With the trade barriers dropping around the world they will need to "enrich" the visitors experience as now that the lack of tax is no longer a draw card the only things they really have to offer are the history of the penal colony and the the laid back atmosphere of the locals. I had noticed that they have been advertising much more than in the past. Maybe because of tourists numbers falling caused by the lack of service? Pity.
by Milo35 14th June 2009 I am surprised to read your comments - we have also just returned from a week in Norfolk Island (only our second trip there) and I constantly impressed at the friendliness and openness of the people there (reminds me of NZ counry life 50 years ago). We experienced none of the bad service you commented on. From the staff at the accommodation (Daydreamer apartments) to the tour drivers and shop assistants, they responded cordially to our friendly approaches. We will certainly be going back next year.
by minigolf 27th December 2009 I first traveled to Norfolk Island as an 18 year old with my Grandmother and two great aunts. Loved it. Over the last 12 years or so I have been back 10 times. My husband and I have taken our children who are now 18, 20 and 24, they love it. We are leaving in a few days for another week and while there will book the accommodation for next Christmas for the whole family. The people have always been friendly and it is a safe place to be. We stay at Pinevalley Apartments and have always had great service. As my husband pointed out though, sometimes bad service happens but it can happen anywhere. We have traveled a number of other places but will continue to go back to the island for what I consider to be one of the best holidays for recharging.
by AMAZONIAN 23rd March 2010 A very belated response to "minigolf". Yes I to stay at "PINE VALLEY" Apartments and have always done so, and still call in and see the original owners and their families while I am on the "Island". Bad service happens everywhere, I accept that. What I won't accept is "BAD MANNERS" from a kid not too much older than my Grandchildren who tells me to go to FIJI in future.
by campbec 1st April 2010 Hi, I couldn't agree more with the original post except we won't be returning!! Here is a copy of the e-mail we sent to the Norfolk Island Tourist Board and the administrator. Dear Sir/Madam, Congratulations on "branding" and promotion of Norfolk Island these are first class. Unfortunately they are all "froth and bubble" without any product substance to fulfill the promises of the promotion. We have just returned from a weeks' holiday on Norfolk Island and were bitterly disappointed with the experience, indeed we have never before been in the situation where we were counting the "sleeps" until we could leave the island. The following comments are from the perspective of twenty three years in the tourism industry on the Mid North Coast of NSW, managing a number very busy camping grounds as well as unique accommodation at Smoky Cape and Point Plomer: We travelled as part of a group, which was our first mistake, as the travel agent organizing the tour had obviously catered to the lowest common denominator, (cheapest), in the accommodation provided. We stayed at the Polynesian and whilst it was clean and freshly painted, walls are paper thin and you can clearly hear the conversations from two rooms away. The view from our room was of the cottage adjacent. The swimming pool was of the above ground variety surrounded by a timber deck with nail heads protruding, a hazzard to bare feet. The spa was barely running and the bubble jets were less than the fizz from a Berocca tablet, not to mention the water was less than desirable, we have seen cleaner swamps. The first car we had as part of the package was ok but had to be returned as the car hire firm had "cross-hired" to meet demand. Strange, as our tour had been booked nearly twelve months prior! The second car didn't have air conditioning and wasn't full of fuel. We instantly returned it to be told that they couldn't guarantee the airconditioning would work in this "level of car"!!! After a discussion that was starting to become heated we told the rental car lady that if that was the case to cancel the agreement and we would rehire our original car from the firm that supplied it. After checking three other cars she eventually found one that had working air conditioning. She left us with these words "you realise that someone in your group will have to have your original car with the airconditioning that doesn't work. What an amazing attitude to customer service. Our first meal on the Island was at the Polynesian Hotels restaurant and were dismayed at the poor quality of the food and the small servings. This experience was to set the tone for most of our culinary experiences on the island. We were told the next day that there had been no chef on duty that night, despite the fact the booking was, once again, made well prior. We attended two dinner show packages, "Fletcher's Fate" and the "Night as a Convict". Fletcher's Fate was amateurestic in the extreme with the "actors" forgetting their lines and indeed which show they were performing! The meal was at best forgettable. The Night as a Convict was a slightly more professional production but the meal was appalling with no option other than roast pork, (which I don't eat) and vegies that were tasteless and over cooked. The venue was a building site and presented serious risk management issues prior to being herded into the dining hall. By this stage we realized this holiday was not one where we had to watch what we ate in order to remain a reasonable weight as not enough food was ever given to even feel satisfied. We understand the boat brings almost everything to the Island but surely when tourist numbers for the month are in, enough supplies to feed them should be ordered. It was, to say the least, the worst value for money we have ever encountered. In desperation we tried "Annabelle's on their Italian night. This proved to be four courses that were bland in the extreme. However at least the service was acceptable and the music soothing. We did however find the Olive to be a shining light for lunch and breakfast. Having given up on finding a reasonable place for dinner on the island we decided to purchase a Pizza and bottle of wine and watch the sun set from Captain Cook's monument. The sunset was good, the wine ok and the Pizza went in the bin. On a positive note the snorkling was excellent as were the beaches at Anson Bay and Emily Bay. The walks in the National Park were plesant and the coastal scenery spectacular. Many of the islanders were plesant and welcoming, many of the expat Aussies and Kiwis were not. Clearly many were "over" visitors completely. Almost every "local" we spoke with were bemoaning the drop off in tourist numbers and the paucity of forward bookings. Given our experience it is no wonder. In our opinion if you wish to continue in the increasingly competitive tourism industry you must offer a quality product and excellent customer service. We are sure you are well aware that there is no advertising more effective that of "word of mouth" from a satisfied customer, as when asked they will be pleased to tell of their experiences. We are sure you are equally aware that there is nothing more damaging than "word of mouth" from a dissatisfied customer as they will unbidden go out of their way to tell all and sundry of their bad experiences. We obviously fall into the latter category and will do all in our power to advise anyone who will listen against travel to Norfolk Island. We hope that you will endeavour to improve the situation for future visitors as in our opinion the best use for Norfolk Island,one tourism completely fails in, is as a penal colony, a role to which it is well suited. Yours in Dissapointment
by mike010 13th October 2010 Ok well that has soughted our next golf sojourn..I wasn't keen on the idea as you are a captured market...and that's ok in some circumstances...but not a Island..Thanks for the heads-up.
by MsRedPepper 23rd November 2010 We've travelled to Norfolk Island twice firstime 1979 was wonderful the time tourists were welcomed with open arms and made to feel totally at home. However lastime was 2006 sadly to say the island is not how I remembered it with the wonderful hospitality. Shopping they'll serve you if they feel like it yes will agree things are shockingly over priced try finding fresh fruit and vegetables and apart from driving round just about every Islanders house asking if they grew any you'll be lucky. Two fellow Kiwi tourists were fishing and very kindly gave us a fish the butcher charged us $10 to fillet it. I have good friends whom live on Norfolk they to are very concerned about some of the Islanders slothful attitudes towards tourists. Yes I'll go back one more time only...
by gavi009 15th May 2011 TRAVEL - NORFOLK ISLAND Did the previous writers stay on a different island to the one we have visited 9 times? I suspect their expectations are far too high. Also you have to wonder how these people presented themselves to the locals. Do people travel expecting everything to be the same as AT HOME? Comparisons to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch do not apply. The island is a RURAL place. Accommodation booking is always a risk, star ratings do not always give a clear indication but where else is a hire car and a half day tour INCLUDED in the tariff? Holiday costs on the island are much less the Vanuatu - where a hamburger and fries in our hotel was $40.00 each. Like wise dinner main courses in a New Caledonia resort were $90.00 each. Eating establishments have outside the MENU, PRICE LIST and a BOOKING PAD. You know in advance the cost. The pizzas we have had have been of high quality and taste but cost more than back home. Fresh filleted fish is available at Cascade Pier most days at around 11 am - you need cash. Meals at the clubs are pub type meals and are quite satisfactory - around $15.00 each for mains. Apartments have full kitchens if you want to eat in. Vegetable supplies vary as the eateries are supplied first. Tours and shows are no more costly than in New Zealand and you know the prices at booking time. Tch Tch no air con in a hire car. We were given a hire car by one of the big brands at Brisbane Airport with the air con not working. On arrival at our destination it was replaced with another car with a CRACKED WIDSCREEN. If you want a relaxing holiday without traffic, traffic lights, crowds of people this is the place but remember it is RURAL. Try staying a week in Te Puke, Otorahanga or Taumaranui and compare. Other drivers wave to you as they pass by. The people ARE friendly and helpful. The island is a beautiful, scenic island like no other in the South Pacific. FAR superior to Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. We suggest visitors arrive with an open mind expecting things to be different, take a camera (great photos to be had) and have dinner at SEA WORLD at least twice. Are we going back for a tenth holiday you betcha!
by genie5 1st July 2011 WOW!!!! Not sure what I think now...I have booked to go the first week in November and will be staying up at Anson Bay. Looking forward to it and will let you know on return whether I was disappointed...hope not!!
by heat70283 30th January I 've been travelling to Norfolk Island since I was 17 (I'm now 55). My dad was there with the NZ army during the war, and in 1974 he and mum travelled back there with me in tow. I've never been 'newly wed or nearly dead'! Like my parents, I fell headlong in love with this emerald isle. I took my 3 sons there when they were children - enjoyed the toy shops, mini golf, horse trekking and the company of local kids. The cafes and restaurants serve great food; and for the young at heart there is plenty of entertainment. I have known people to go there and not see what I see ... it's a mystery to me, and I imagine their eyes must be closed. The history is amazing, and tremendous efforts have been made throughout the decades to impart its import to visitors. Snorkling, diving and fishing awaits - as does poking about the shops. Sure, commercialism has altered over the years - but it remains my favourite place in the world.
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