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...]
Ngakuta Bay – Bach by the Sea
Drive from Picton towards Nelson on the Scenic Route to Havelock. This is a winding coastal road, with great views out to the sounds and lots of lookout spots to take it in. Ngakuta Bay is on this road. On this road keep an eye out for small bays you can only walk to, The Grove - a community that must have the most fun letter boxes, Department of Conservation … [Read more...]
Night Skies and Milky Way in New Zealand
I have been in Beijing where in the middle of the day you can look at the sun without shading your eyes. The chance of seeing stars is so remote there, and in some other parts of the world that going somewhere to see the Night Sky is high on the bucket list of many folk. If this is you, then the place to come is New Zealand. My friend Ewa Jermakowicz was recently in New … [Read more...]
Christchurch to Picton – try the Inland Route
For a year, the only way to go north from Christchurch was to take this Inland Route as the road through Kaikoura was badly damaged by an earthquake. Although it is mostly open now, it can still be slow going as road works and reconstruction continue. However people discovered the magic of the Inland Route to Picton - discover Lake Sumner, the St James walkway, mist dripping … [Read more...]
Adventures for Women in NZ
Debbie Goldingham has built an amazing network of women who love adventure. Some of the adventures are just for a day near Auckland, others are wider afield within New Zealand, or in Samoa or Vietnam.... Keep an eye out on Facebook not only for upcoming events, but also for feedback on trips they have done. Recently they have been doing a lot of cycling trips - … [Read more...]
Join Briar Ross and fall in love with Croatia
Briar Ross is a well known Kiwi Jazz singer and usually lives on Waiheke Island in the North Island of New Zealand. Waiheke is a pretty special place, but Briar has recently fallen in love with Croatia. Briar just keeps going back and for the past few years has taken people with her this could be you in August this year (or next). Join her for 10 days based … [Read more...]
Riding the Clutha Gold Trail
It is Easter and we have decided to set up for Otago to cycle the Clutha Gold Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides. This is one of 22 Great Rides in NZ - download the App - Search for Great Rides. First Night Lawrence - It's Easter - Let's Stay in a Church! It is Good Friday - and we are staying in a church - how cool is that! It has been moved 20 kms … [Read more...]
Lake Sumner – trying out the 4WD
What is the worst thing that can happen - the car stops and we are stuck. No mobile reception. I suppose a big butch 4WD could soon come along and rescue us... I wonder how deep it is.... Deep breath, keep breathing and drive through it, whatever you do don't stop. More heavy breathing as I realise it is deeper than I thought. Keep … [Read more...]
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Diary of a Support Driver
The Alps to Ocean Cycle trail is a 4-6 day ride from Mt Cook (necessitating ahelicopter ride) or Tekapo. Six of us are heading off to start it, and I have volunteered to be the support vehicle, with my electric bike on the back, I plan to do a bit of the trail along the way. Cycle Journeys – local A2O specialists You do not need a support vehicle – Cycle Journeys were … [Read more...]