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...]
St Lukes Little Akaloa
The Banks Peninsula is made up of dozens of small bays formed by the lava flows from two extinct volcanoes. It is a very distinctive landscape, and is the backyard for many Christchurch residents, and a must visit for visitors to the region. Recently we stayed in Little Akaloa, one of these small bays around the Peninsula and had a simple kiwi Christmas. Nearby is a … [Read more...]
Golden Bay – off the beaten track in New Zealand
Nelson is at the top of the South Island, it is the gateway to the amazing Abel Tasman National Park. and the wonderful and productive hinterland of Tasman - great cycling here Northwest of Nelson is Golden Bay - a huge bay sheltered by the long arm of Farewell Spit. To get there you go over the Takaka Hill. It was many years after living in New Zealand before I drove … [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...]
Queen Charlotte Sound by Water
You can explore the Queen Charlotte Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand by foot, by mountain bike or by boat. Queen Charlotte Walkway is famous Stretching between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sound. A 70km track renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Last … [Read more...]
Blenheim – a great biking town
We are staying in a cabin at the Top 10 Holiday Park on the edge of Blenheim, central, clean and friendly. This is definitely a great biking town We have brought our bikes along, but we could have hired them here or several of the bike shops in town. We quickly discover the trails beside the river which go for miles on both sides, for some of the time alongside a small … [Read more...]
Wine – Organic and Marlborough
We have often enjoyed Peter Yealands Wine and heard that it was organic and sustainably produced, so the chance to visit the Vineyard was too good to pass up on our way north to Blenheim We turned off towards the coast from Seddon, the sun was low in the west casting a beautiful glow over the rows of vines in their autumn glory – yet to be pruned, their leaves reflected the … [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...]