Our view is framed by hills running steeply to the sea. The bay stretches out beyond the hills to the horizon where at times it seems seamlessly attached to the sky. Pushing through the small breakers on our kayaks, we are soon in deep water – it is an impossible turquoise colour. Large forests of kelp sway with the swell which seems to increase as we head further out. … [Read more...]
Secrets of North Canterbury – Camping at Gore Bay
In the end it was the Bellbirds that called us – they were cavorting noisily in the pohutukawa trees out to the corner of the flat paddock which was the Buxton campground at Gore Bay. Easy choice for our first night in our new caravan. The second campground was nearer the swimming end of the beach, has slightly more facilities, and looked out more on the beach, but … [Read more...]
Her Journey: NZ Adventures for Women
Debbie Clarke is usually showing women from overseas around NZ. Like many others involved in tourism in NZ, she has refocused and is now offering a great collection of short trips for NZ Women - Her Journey Trips While we wait for our valued international guests to return, we've launched a series of shorter trips for New Zealand women. If you are based in New Zealand, we'd … [Read more...]
Explore Christchurch by Kayak
The Ōtākaro/Avon River runs through the Botanic Gardens, through the city centre, past Margaret Mahy Playground, Kerrs Reach and out to the Ihutai estuary. I have always wanted to kayak it, and today is the day! Katarina Te Maiharoa (KT) is our guide. KT has combined her passion for the outdoors, her love of Christchurch, and her connection to local iwi Waitaha to create … [Read more...]
Ruby Bay, Mapua and Cycling the Spooner Tunnel
Mapua and nearby Ruby Bay are favourite spots for us, and so after our stay at Elaine Bay in the Marlborough Sounds, we head drove to the Nelson area for a few days. I am sure Nelson city is a nice place, but getting through it and out the other side is not straightforward, and we were glad to eventually get past the traffic and out the other side. Driving along the … [Read more...]
Elaine Bay in the Marlborough Sounds
Perhaps as the crow flys it is not a long way, but once we turned off after Pelorus Bridge (great coffee, food and walks there) in the Rai Valley the road narrowed and snaked out along the ridge lines, we slowed down and were very grateful that we were not towing our new caravan – this would definitely be a challenging first tow, not a straight line in sight. The road … [Read more...]
Murchison for the October long weekend
Murchison is usually seen as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else – to Nelson or the West Coast. Our new life is about exploring the hidden magic of New Zealand in our new caravan. We have not picked it up yet, so a cabin it is this weekend as we explore Murchison. A River Runs Through it The Buller River thunders along this valley, nearby … [Read more...]
Twizel and Mt Cook – see your own country first
Julie Patterson of Venus Adventures is usually based in Egypt and from there organises six adventures a year for women. A kiwi, she is locked down in New Zealand and has decided to do some trips for women in New Zealand. See them all here See all the trips for women in New Zealand here on Womentravel.info Last month we joined the one based in a lodge at Twizel – once … [Read more...]
Kimi Ora – an Eco Resort
Just before the Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island of New Zealand is a popular beach - Kaiteretere. And nestled into the bush above the beach is a hidden Gem - The Kimi Ora Eco Resort. We have the rare treat of staying in the Yurt at this Resort - something you can not book into, but is occasionally available - and we are here for 4 magical days. … [Read more...]
Exploring the Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand is a treasure most only see when they sail into Picton on the InterIslander Ferry from Wellington. This is a beautiful trip, but to get the full magic of the Sounds, you need to explore the other less frequented sounds such as Queen Charlotte – via the Famous Walkway, or via a boat trip. We have … [Read more...]