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...]
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...]
Fossil finding – another way to travel in New Zealand
I slithered down the grassy path and crunched onto the stones at the edge of the beach. The incoming tide lapped and bubbled, while across the water the huge white sand hill gleamed in the fitful sun. No one else on the beach- just the way I like it- as I explored a very different way to visit the Hokianga in Northland, at the top of the North Island in New Zealand. … [Read more...]
Exploring Matakana – an hour north of Auckland
The Matakana MarketFor years I have heard of the Matakana Market, but have never quite made it. Just an hour north of Auckland it is a perfect day trip. As I live in Waipu, further north, it is just an hour south for me. With opening hours 8-1pm you don't have to make too early a start! It was everything we had hoped - lots of great local food to try and buy - we had soon … [Read more...]
Kiwi Hospitality and the Women Travel Network
Parituhu is a lovely small B&B run by two women at Devonport, just steps away from the Devonport Ferry to Auckland CBD. Hosts Lyndsay and Helen have been part of the Women Travel NZ network since its beginning 10 years ago. This network of women owned accommodation and tours have always offered a special welcome to women travellers, but more than that they also … [Read more...]
Snorkelling at the Poor Knights Islands – the Perfect Day…
I live less than an hour and a half from Tutukaka, and had heard that the Poor Knights Islands were one of the best dive spots in the world. I had been in meetings with Jeroen Jongejans of Dive Tutukaka as he shared his passion for the area. But I had never got around to going out there - it was one of those "one day I would love to...." places. I emailed them about a … [Read more...]
Step into our world
Maori guides lead us into the forest and out on the water. The Hokianga: Footprints - Crossings Maori tours and staying at the Copthorne Hotel By Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney "Step into our World" And we did, indeed – six of us, one evening in February 2007, on a journey called Footprints, Waipoua. Our Ngapuhi guides, Gray and Bim, opened the way … [Read more...]
Kawakawa and Kerikeri – toilets and history
The Bay of Islands The BOI is a must destination for travellers to Northland. But it should be noted that not all the attractions are on the water! We had spent a fabulous day on board Ipirihi overnight in the Bay, but on our way home I wanted to introduce Liz to a few other gems in the area. First stop the toilets - as travellers toilets are often something we long to find - … [Read more...]
A visit to Doubtless Bay in the North of New Zealand
Doubtless Bay is touted as the 'ultimate absolute beachfront' destination in Northland. It was autumn, and past swimming for me - but it is still a beautiful time to walk and explore, and the weather was crisp and clear. KariKari Peninsula Carrington Resort is one of NZ's luxury destinations - now with the Heritage Hotel chain it is set on the magical Karikari Peninsula. Its … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads – magical playground in Northland
Whangarei Heads is east of Whangarei in Northland. From my home in Waipu I look across to Whangarei Heads - It is a magical place, and for the last 20 years I have camped there with friends. It is a peninsula - you don't go through there to get anywhere else - so only those who want to go are there. We camp on private land - an organic dairy farm near Ocean Beach. It is … [Read more...]