Thirty five years ago I hitchhiked my way to Whitianga with a pack on my back and guitar in my hand. I ended up at the Anglican Vicarage where we formed a community of sorts - as Christian hippies - I lived there for four years. I worked with the Vicar, Bill Smith and his family in the parish, which included everything from Manaia to Port Jackson on one coast and Pauanui to … [Read more...]
Whangarei, Northland
Whangarei is the northern most city in New Zealand, on the way to the Bay of Islands, or more importantly to the Tutukaka Coast (we are parochial up here) and the Poor Knights Islands. It has a fabulous marina and some top shops, and the best sub-tropical diving. More on Whangarei here Make time to stop and stay on your trip North - here are my top picks - the Google Map … [Read more...]
Join Rosemary in Vietnam this November..
It's winter here in New Zealand, and I have started thinking about planning a vacation. As a woman travelling solo, the first place I look in the Women Travel the World website, and in particular their amazing Calendar of Tours for Women available for women from a range of companies around the world. Joining a small group tour like these is the perfect option for a solo … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Bay of Islands
I have spent hours stuffing my gear into small waterproof bags in my motel in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, in the North of New Zealand. My gear is now piled on top of the rest in the back of the van - how are we going to fit all that in kayaks!! Jill, Simcha, Ruth, Rosemary, Theodora There are five of us - brought together on this women's trip … [Read more...]
Writing Week for Women in Piha, Auckland
Te Wahi Ora's Writing Week - Aug 8-14th Te Wahi Ora is a retreat for women at Piha on the west coast of Auckland - read more We are having a writing week where we come, we have our meals together but the rest of the time we write (rest and walk - whatever we choose) and then at night when we gather for dinner we will share our writings if we want to! Costs: (All inclusive - … [Read more...]
Kayaking trip for women in Bay of Islands
Bushwise Women have a sea kayaking trip in the Bay of Islands, Northland New Zealand February 2011 with a few spaces - I am keen to go, but we need a few more - what about joining us? Information here … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life of a Wwoofer in New Zealand
My Shitty Day - a day in the life of a wwoofer by Rachel So, we are new women after today. No more manicured nails, no more moussed hair, we no longer have clean skin. You know those expressions 'a load of shit' or 'holy shit' or 'shitbuckets'? Well, let us tell you, we now know exactly how much a load entails, what shitbuckets look like, and let us be clear, there is … [Read more...]
Staying in Auckland
The Big Blue house B&B For many women visiting Auckland, The Big Blue House is the first choice - it is homely, central, and there is a great value single room for women travelling on their own. We stayed there last week and also staying were a couple from South Carolina travelling NZ. They said they always stayed in B&Bs because it was the best way to experience a … [Read more...]
Portview – Take time out on the Bluff in Napier
Maranú Gascoigne has been on a journey all her life, digging into a celtic story - the name Maranú comes from the old 'Celtic tradition' meaning "Woman who nurtures the dry lands, who watches at the well" She is experienced psychotherapist, and masseuse and spiritual journeyer who is now opening her home - Portview on Bluff Hill in Napier as a holiday and time out space, and … [Read more...]
Kayaking and Ecotour in Ruakaka, Whangarei
October Long Weekend – a big high was predicted, and a morning high tide – perfect conditions for a paddle in the Ruakaka Estuary and wildlife reserve. Ruakaka is 20 minutes south of Whangarei and 10 mins from Waipu in Northland. Approx. half way to the Bay of Islands its a great place to stop off and discover some of the real New Zealand. … [Read more...]