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 [...]
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 [...]
Auckland has a Big Gay Out
The Big Gay Out is touted as New Zealand’s premier gay event, It is always fun and easy to be at – wander around the stalls, listen to the music, watch the drag queens. The Get it On! Big Gay Out 2012, Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier on Sunday 12 February 2012.
The Big Gay Out in Abel Tasman National Park
Love kayaking and walking and sunshine…. If you’ve been thinking of a holiday in New Zealand where you can connect with nature and enjoy the camaraderie of birds of a feather, this gay and lesbian retreat should be in your 2012 Diary. Craig Wilson of Wilsons Abel Tasman has designed an exclusive gay retreat on [...]
Hot Pools – swim all year round in NZ
When I was hitchhiking around NZ 35 years ago, it took me a while to realise that you always pack your swimmers (togs, swimming costumes, swimwear…). Even though it is cold and even snowing, you never know when you are going to run into a hot pool. We visited De Bretts Hot Pools in Taupo [...]
Whangarei, Northland
Whangarei is the northern most city in New Zealand, on the way to the Bay of Islands, or more importantly to the Tutukaka Coast (we are parochial up here) and the Poor Knights Islands. It has a fabulous marina and some top shops, and the best sub-tropical diving. More on Whangarei here Make time to [...]
Kayaking the Bay of Islands
I have spent hours stuffing my gear into small waterproof bags in my motel in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, in the North of New Zealand. My gear is now piled on top of the rest in the back of the van - how are we going to fit all that in kayaks!! Jill, [...]
Taste New Zealand – the honesty box lives
Dianne Sharma-Winter reflects on an old kiwi icon. Before gourmet food stores, restaurants and magazines (and we have some great ones), there was the honesty box by the side of the road – and its still there!
