I am living in Hamilton at present, and we decided it was time to visit Waitomo, one of the most famous local destinations, and one which I had not been to for over 30 years. It is just over an hours drive from Hamilton, and it is three hours from Auckland. We were only on a day trip, and our main motivation was not the caves, but the bush walking in the area. However we … [Read more...]
What Happened to Frauenreisehaus
Frauenreisehaus was a popular women's hostel in Christchurch. It had 72 beds and welcomed women from around the world to stay in it's central Christchurch complex of five buildings. A google search can still find it, but sadly it is no more. Just one of the casualties of the Christchurch earthquakes. Recently I was in Christchurch, and went in search of owner Sandra … [Read more...]
Akaroa Harbour – Black Cats and Wineries
Although Christchurch itself is on the river and inland it is very close to two fabulous harbours - Lyttleton and Akaroa. They are definately on the list for a day trip (or more) each. Last weekend we headed to Akaroa to go out on The Black Cat Cruise of Akaroa Harbour, and then on to French Farm Winery for lunch. The excuse was a birthday celebration, so we actually hired … [Read more...]
Christchurch Post Quake
Christchurch has seemingly forever been the gateway to the South island of New Zealand. An international airport, a vibrant garden city with an innercity that was both historic and full of interesting activity, a university city (two actually) and a centre for overseas students. On the 4 September 2010 a powerful earthquake rocked the city, followed by another massive jolt on … [Read more...]
Tiritiri Matangi – An Island Paradise Near Auckland
Tiritiri Matangi is affectionately known as "Tiri". Hundreds of dedicated people have for worked for 3o years to replant the island with native trees, and prepare habitat for restablishing threatened bird species on the island. It lies 30 kms from Auckland City, and off the tip of Whangaparoua Peninsula, and is accessed by a Ferry from Auckland or Gulf Harbour, leaving in … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Meet Fellow Female Travellers on the Road
Guest post by Chris Travelling solo is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a woman can have, and it’s extremely liberating to have the freedom to go where you want, when you want to. But sometimes, you may just want to be able to share some of your amazing experiences with a fellow lady (or ladies). There are certain things that you think, feel and experience as … [Read more...]
Juggling baby and businesses – Gay Ski Week In Queenstown
English-born Queenstown movers and shakers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods manage a 24/7 business and a baby. They spoke with Jenny Rankine about their lives, Gay Ski Week QT , and Aspen Lodge Hostel. Edited from the full article in TMLN Aspen Lodge Hostel Mandy and Sally had lived in Queenstown and worked in various tourism businessed when the opportunity to by Aspen Lodge … [Read more...]
Cycling Mapua and the Tasman Great Taste Cycleway
We are on our way to the Abel Tasman National Park, but we have some time to spare, so I googled Mapua cycle hire and found offers for cycling - you could combine a cycle hire with a ferry to Rabbit Island which sounds a perfect way to spend the day. … [Read more...]
How Vietnam Got me Hooked…
Kylee runs Travel Vuda focusing on travel for women, from her base on the Coromandel Peninsula, in this guest post she writes about how it all started. She is also a fully licenced travel agent, so if you are looking for one, contact her. In one of many boxes I’ve unearthed some old travel notes from a big adventure I went on with my sister and good friend back in 2006. … [Read more...]
How to Get around New Zealand
Hire a Car? There are lots of options for car hire, and it means you are independent, you can get to out of the way spots easily. This is important, as part of the magic of New Zealand is those out of the way spots. I was driving one day North of Kaitaia and saw a dilapidated sign off to the right indicating there was a lake there. I found this magic spot, where I was the … [Read more...]