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,   [...]

Kayaking trip for women in Bay of Islands

Bushwise Women have a sea kayaking trip in the Bay of Islands, Northland New Zealand February 2011 with a few spaces – I am keen to go, but we need a few more – what about joining us?  Information here

A Day in the Life of a Wwoofer in New Zealand

My Shitty Day – a day in the life of a wwoofer by Rachel So, we are new women after today. No more manicured nails, no more moussed hair, we no longer have clean skin. You know those expressions ‘a load of shit’ or ‘holy shit’ or ‘shitbuckets’? Well, let us tell you, we now [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Exploring Matakana – an hour north of Auckland

The Matakana Market For years I have heard of the Matakana Market, but have never quite made it. Just an hour north of Auckland it is a perfect day trip. As I live in Waipu, further north, it is just an hour south for me. With opening hours 8-1pm you don’t have to make too [...]

Kiwi Hospitality and the Women Travel Network

Parituhu is a lovely small B&B run by two women at Devonport, just steps away from the Devonport Ferry to Auckland CBD. Hosts Lyndsay and Helen have been part of the Women Travel NZ network since its beginning 10 years ago.  This network of women owned accommodation and tours have always offered a special welcome [...]

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 [...]

Step into our world

Maori guides lead us into the forest and out on the water. The Hokianga:  Footprints – Crossings Maori tours and staying at the Copthorne Hotel By Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney “Step into our World” And we did, indeed – six of us, one evening in February 2007, on a journey called Footprints, Waipoua. Our [...]

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