I am living in Hamilton at present, and we decided it was time to visit Waitomo, one of the most famous local destinations, and one which I had not been to for over 30 years. It is just over an hours drive from Hamilton, and it is three hours from Auckland. We were only on a day trip, and our main motivation was not the caves, but the bush walking in the area. However we … [Read more...]
Tiritiri Matangi – An Island Paradise Near Auckland
Tiritiri Matangi is affectionately known as "Tiri". Hundreds of dedicated people have for worked for 3o years to replant the island with native trees, and prepare habitat for restablishing threatened bird species on the island. It lies 30 kms from Auckland City, and off the tip of Whangaparoua Peninsula, and is accessed by a Ferry from Auckland or Gulf Harbour, leaving in … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads – a hidden Gem
Whangarei Heads is 30 minutes from Whangarei, New Zealand's most Northern City. It is not on the road to anywhere else, so most people don't know about it. But it is one of my favourite spots in New Zealand, and most summers I try to spend some time there. The drive alone is worth the visit - as it hugs the harbour and its myriad of Pohutukawa lined Bays. This summer we set … [Read more...]
A Perfect Perfect Day on the Tutukaka Coast
Did you know that the Tutukaka Coast is one of the top three coastlines in the world, according to the prestigious National Geographic Traveler: "Land-based and water-based ecotourism opportunities abound on New Zealand's subtropical northern peninsula. The region currently boasts "excellent environmental and ecology quality," and its Maori residents still cling to some … [Read more...]
Walking on Mt Pirongia – you can do it hard, or easy…
Mt Pirongia is a landmark in the Waikato region, just 25 kms from Hamilton. It stands proudly with its bush clad slopes rising from the surrounding farmland, it is one of the largest native bush areas left in the Waikato. It has been on my list to visit for many years, and today was the day. There are a variety of walks from one hour to 11 hours - there is a hut near the top … [Read more...]
Cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail
At the foot of the Coromandel Ranges is what is touted as the "Easiest riding Trail in New Zealand" You can do some of it, or all of it - up to three days leisurely riding. An easy drive from Tauranga, Hamilton or Auckland, the 82 km trail is accessed at Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi/Waikino. It follows the path of two historic railway lines running from Thames to … [Read more...]
Exploring the Waikato – My top Six Picks
Hamilton is the centre of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. The connecting thread in this area is the mighty Waikato River and Tainui - the Maori who belong to this land. I am living here at present, so I am getting the chance to explore the area. While it is not the tourism capital of New Zealand, it has lots of areas worth exploring, including fabulous … [Read more...]
December Tour of Northland
We packed up the dog, the kayaks and the car and headed off for an early December Holiday in the north of New Zealand - Whangaroa Harbour, Tauranga Bay, Ahipara and Rawene Its early December in New Zealand - before the Primary School holidays and the great NZ rush to the beach for the summer. A great time to explore a few of Northland’s great off the beaten track beaches and … [Read more...]
Windy Day on the Muddy River
The first omen was the fresh wind blowing headlong up the river. The second was the shabby looking boats, and the third was Alan breaking the rudder on the double kayak. ‘No worries’, said Alan, I’ve done that before. The boat’s a bit tippy but you’ll be fine.’ We are on the winding historic Waihou River near Te Aroha at the foot of the Coromandel Rangers in the … [Read more...]
Te Aroha – kayaks, hot pools, tapas and the mountain of love
Te Aroha is a rural town in the Waikato region of New Zealand with a population of 3,768 (2006 census).[1] It is 53 km northeast of Hamilton and 50 km south of Thames. It sits at the foot of 952-metre Mount Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai Range. (from Wikipedia) GOOGLE MAPS Te Aroha is a pretty interesting place these days, and about to get more interesting. The … [Read more...]