It is Official Kevin from Dante's Pizzeria in the lane at Ponsonby Central makes the best Margherita Pizza in New Zealand. Ponsonby Central and it's group of funky shops is one of my favourite shops on what is definately my favourite road in Auckland. Dante's Pizza is authentic Napolese Pizza - it is the first pizzeria in New Zealand to receive membership into the … [Read more...]
White and Windy – Bird Watching at Muriwai –
https://www.womentravelnz.com/bird-watching-muriwai/(opens in a new tab) It had been some time since I had taken the drive out to Muriwai on the west coast of Auckland, one day in November a friend visiting Auckland for an ecology conference was just the excuse I needed. I was reading a lot about birdwatching on learnbirdwatching.com and this was a too good a chance to miss … [Read more...]
Hopping a Ferry from Lyttleton to Diamond Harbour
Hard frost, blue skies, Lyttelton market and a ferry crossing to Diamond Harbour, followed by good coffee and a walk around cliff edges watching birds and boats (and yes fresh fish off the boat as it came in). That was Cynthia’s take on the day on Facebook, and it’s a great summary of yesterdays Christchurch excersion. We had decided on a trip to Diamond Harbour as it is … [Read more...]
Pull over! The Kaikoura Coast is worth it!
How many times are you on a road trip, and you think – I really should pull over and spend some time here. We were driving to Blenheim to Christchurch - a four and a half hour drive, that demands at least one stop. Luckily we fit in five and each time it was worth it. The drive alone is spectacular - following this rocky coastline with Mountains towering above us and the … [Read more...]
Winter or summer, Always be Prepared to Swim in New Zealand
When I arrived in New Zealand in 1974 I was a hitchhiker, traveling and exploring with my back on my back. It was coming on to autumn and winter and being a warm blooded Australian I thought my swimming days were past. I soon discovered that in this geologically younger volcanic landscape, there seemed to be hot pools around every corner. Recently I have been based in the … [Read more...]
Cycle Free on the Auckland Waterfront
The Auckland waterfront has undergone huge changes in the post 20 years, as it has shifted from being the working hub of the city. And what better way to see it than a new free bike hire service. I tried it last week and it is fantastic. You can hire the bikes for 2 hours for free from two spots – Wynyard Quarter and Queens Wharf. You need to register on the website Next … [Read more...]
Road Trips with kids! – Delaying the inevitable question ‘are we there yet?’
Surprising my husband, two kids and even the dog, I found that spontaneity was ready and waiting as I awoke last Saturday morning instantly giving me an undeniable urge to jump straight out of bed, which I did, shouting with both fists in the air and my hair all over the place, “road trip!” – To my surprise, they were all up for it too. That was, of course as sod’s law would … [Read more...]
New Zealand is No 1!
Those of us who live here will not be surprised, those of us who moved here from other countries will definately not be surprised. "A Washington-based think-tank has found that New Zealand is the most socially advanced country in the world. The Social Progress Imperative, whose advisory board is led by Harvard economist Professor Michael Porter, has put New Zealand first … [Read more...]
How to save money as a solo female traveller
Travelling solo anywhere in the world can be expensive, but particularly in westernized countries such as New Zealand where getting more for your cash can sometimes be difficult. Hotels, day trips, food, and even hostels cost more. There are some simple ways that you can cut the cost of your trip without living on a shoestring. A lot of companies offer discounts for groups of … [Read more...]
So why choose women only holidays and adventures?
Inside Out Adventures is an Auckland based company which specialises in Adventures for Women under its brand AWOL. Here owner Mary Somervell explores why Women Only Holidays work. Women often tell me how much they value the company of other women when we are away together exploring new places and different adventures. We have different conversations in female only company. … [Read more...]