At the foot of the Coromandel Ranges is what is touted as the "Easiest riding Trail in New Zealand" You can do some of it, or all of it - up to three days leisurely riding. An easy drive from Tauranga, Hamilton or Auckland, the 82 km trail is accessed at Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi/Waikino. It follows the path of two historic railway lines running from Thames to … [Read more...]
Inside Asia – help with planning your trip
One of the things that tour operators learn is how to get the most out of a few weeks holiday - what not to miss, where the cheapest and most characterful accommodation might be, how to get from one place to the next with the least fuss and time, how best to support local efforts at self determination. Since 1996 Pat and Murray Reedy have organised literally hundreds of guided … [Read more...]
Silk Road Adventures – Journey the Silk Road
Silk Road Adventures explores an Intriguing Frontier... Silk Road Adventures have been exploring the Silk Road through Asia since 1996. This area has become a passion for Pat Reedy and her husband Murray who are based in Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. They have organised hundreds of memorable Silk Road tours and since 2000 they have been part of the Women … [Read more...]
Accommodation in Nelson
Women Travel NZ has over 40 recommended accommodation for women travellers and the latest is 201 Bed & Breakfast in Nelson. … [Read more...]
Travel to Italy with NZ Guides – Lyn and Chris
The Gables is a guest house on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch. For many years Chris and Lyn have welcomed people to this fabulous historic house. Previously they owned a leading Christchurch restaurant, they bring a sense of pure joy to the culinary arts, and they have for 12 years been leading TOURS IN TUSCANY, PUGLIA and PIEDMONT as well as running "The … [Read more...]
Exploring the Waikato – My top Six Picks
Hamilton is the centre of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. The connecting thread in this area is the mighty Waikato River and Tainui - the Maori who belong to this land. I am living here at present, so I am getting the chance to explore the area. While it is not the tourism capital of New Zealand, it has lots of areas worth exploring, including fabulous … [Read more...]
The Crystal Clear Waters of Niue
“Niue has the clearest waters that I have seen” - so said one of the divers we met. The visibility is simply stunning. One of the reasons is that there are no rivers on Niue, it is just one giant rock that the water seeps through and is held in the rock. Perfect for snorkelling, diving, watching whales and swimming with whales. My girlfriend Cynthia and I decided we needed … [Read more...]
Curling in and out in Naseby
Naseby in the hills of Central Otago was the sight of one of the area’s significant gold mining operations in the mid 19th century. In the winter not much mining could be done, and the Scottish goldminers introduced Curling to the Maniototo in 1878, making it one of the oldest winter sporting activities in New Zealand. The building of an international Olympic standard all … [Read more...]
Ranfurly – the Centre of the Otago Rail Trail
Ranfurly is one of the larger villages in Central Otago. Once the gold boom slowed down in Naseby and the rail came through, Ranfurly soon became the main centre of the area. there is an excellent information centre (at the old Railway station) and amazing A'Deco buildings, and of course a pub! It will be our base for exploring Central Otago - staying at Hawkdun Lodge and … [Read more...]
Forget Fishing – we have Gone Curling
In Northland the sign would read “Gone Fishing”. In the coldest part of mid winter in Central Otago the sign reads “Gone Curling” - when the weather is right, everything stops. Gone Curling is a documentary directed by Rachel Patching and Roland Kahurangi. Thanks to our sponsorship of the Documentary via the PledgeMe website, and with the support of more sponsors from Central … [Read more...]