Dianne Sharma-Winter writes: The setting sun cloaked the evening sky in shades of pinky pastel, highlighting the active volcano of White Island that dominates the coastline around here. A woman wandering by grabs a knife and in swift strokes, beheads the three struggling Kahawai on the beach. “No taste like it,” she sighs in satisfaction. “From the sea to the plate in one … [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...]
Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
“Roughing it” without the suffering by Julie Paterson of Venus Adventures - Global trips for Women As the days begin to stretch before us again, rather than shrink into the dark, then it might be time to plan a little summer adventure for yourself. Nothing too strenuous, but one that will leave you with that satisfied buzz of having achieved something new. I bet those … [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...]
Four US Gals Go Wild in New Zealand
by Nili Steiner, Los Angeles “So, how was your adventure trip in New Zealand, Cori?” I asked our friend after our usual warm greetings. We couldn’t quite believe the superlatives that were streaming out of her mouth about the place. Finally she said, “You’ve just GOT to go there”. And so, 15 months later three sporty firefighters and a precious nurse (me) from Los Angeles, … [Read more...]
Pathway to the Sunrise: Te Ara ki te Rawhiti
Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney take a Pacific holiday with a difference - the East Coast Highway Yearning for a Pacific holiday? Why not explore our own Pacific coast - Highway 35 around the East Cape of the North Island? This is a stunning 330km journey from Opotiki to Gisborne. Allow at least a week. The scenery includes sweeping silvery beaches strewn with … [Read more...]
Turangi – Autumn leaves, sparkling rivers, hot pools…
We met under the glowing autumn oak - my friend from Wellington and me from Cambridge. The oak tree was in Turangi, beside Lake Taupo, halfway between us, and what great place to spend a night and a day. … [Read more...]
The Forgotten World Highway
Four saddles, four volcanoes and about four people, in the middle of the North Island... This highway is so forgotten that I had heard of it only recently- and I thought I knew my own country!. You start from the plains of Stratford, in Taranaki, rise gently through gorgeous green dairy farms, then head through steep mountains and dramatic saddles. On a clear day you can … [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...]
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...]