Devonport is just a 12 minute Ferry ride (they run every half hour) from downtown Auckland, we often catch the Ferry and have coffee on the 'other side'. Until the Auckland Harbour Bridge was built, this was a backwater - a place for holidays and leisure pursuits. The remnants of this remain with some gorgeous old buildings in the main street and elegant older homes, now … [Read more...]
Drive East – Discover East Coast New Zealand
Eastland - State Highway 35 from Opotiki to Gisborne - One of the Worlds Great Coastal Journeys The first time I headed out from Opotiki on this road, it felt like another world. Here was New Zealand in a more raw and untouched state, where development seems to have passed it by, and left a world where Maori were at home, and I was a visitor - welcome, but a visitor. 30 … [Read more...]
Matakohe Limestone Island, Whangarei
Great half day out on the Whangarei Harbour on the MV Waipapa I have often looked out on Matakohe Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour and thought I would love to go there. I had heard of the replanting work which began in 1990 when it was made a scenic reserve and the re-introduction of kiwi, lizards and other birds which now thrive in this predator free … [Read more...]
Helena Bay – Exploring the Coastline on the Back Road to Russell
NZ off the Beaten Track - Less than one hour north of Whangarei is the beautiful road that is the back road to Russell in the Bay of Islands. These days access to Russell is usually via the Opua car ferry. All very good for those for whom time is short. If you are the kind of people who are roaming New Zealand’s magnificent back country, where the locals holiday and play but … [Read more...]
Explore Devonport by Bicycle
Devonport Devonport is a short (15 minute) ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. It is a beautiful older established area of Auckland, cut off from development until the Harbour Bridge was build. Devonport forms a peninsula - on one side you see Auckland city and there are boats safely at anchor, on the other a string of beaches looking out on the more recent distinctive … [Read more...]
I have flown into Auckland – What now?
Auckland Airport is the gateway to New Zealand, it is about 40 minutes from Downtown Auckland, and it is easy to get an airport bus directly to the city if you are going to spend a few days there. Like many great cities, you do not need a car to get around and explore. However one of the things I recommend to women is to make use of the Auckland Airport Car Rental - hire … [Read more...]
Kakahi – Taumarunui Accommodation – stay off the beaten Track in New Zealand
The Women Travel Accommodation Network has women owned and run accommodation - providing accommodation in some very special and sometimes out of the way places in New Zealand and around the world. See listings here The latest listing in NZ is Kakahi Adventure Lodge - here is a little more of their story. Maxine Arden left her corporate Auckland job and embraced a life of … [Read more...]
Drag Cabaret in Auckland
Caluzzi Cabaret & Bar offers an unforgettable Drag Queen Cabaret in Auckland City open on Friday & Saturday evenings only , and also a LGBT (straight friendly) catch up night every Wednesday. Caluzzi Bar: Legendary Caluzzi Bar & Cabaret is an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step foot off flamboyant K Rd and through the front door, the girls … [Read more...]
Waiheke Island – Paradise on Auckland’s Doorstep
Just off the coast of Auckland is the Island Paradise of Waiheke - close to the hustle and bustle of Auckland, but a world away. Once the home of hippies, it still retains a little of that counter culture charm, but now it also includes world class cafés and wineries. However the most arresting part of Waiheke Island is it's natural bounty of beaches and bays - white sand … [Read more...]
Art Break – Waihi How it all Began…
Art Break Waihi is a Kiwi beach holiday experience over two days and take time to explore your artistic side. Encouragement and a stimulating environment by the sea help you to tap into your creativity. Waihi is a small settlement under two hours from Auckland on the east Coast. Here is a story of their beginnings... Heather and I became friends through working together … [Read more...]