Eastland - State Highway 35 from Opotiki to Gisborne - One of the Worlds Great Coastal Journeys The first time I headed out from Opotiki on this road, it felt like another world. Here was New Zealand in a more raw and untouched state, where development seems to have passed it by, and left a world where Maori were at home, and I was a visitor - welcome, but a visitor. 30 … [Read more...]
Nervous about Driving in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road - like the UK, India, South Africa and a few more - see them here If you are not used to driving on the left - here are some resources to help Take a Driver QUIZ: Detailed tourist/visitor driving quiz in English, Spanish, Chinese, German and French Here This is a great little interactive quiz - giving you … [Read more...]
Five Ways to Save Money Travelling in New Zealand
New Zealand is a fabulous country to visit - I came here first 4o years ago and enjoyed hitch-hiking around. I met some amazing people along the way. But hitch-hiking does not get you down those wonderful side roads where you can find magical out of the way spots, even at the height of summer - places like Helena Bay or the Forgotten World Highway. Maybe you have been to New … [Read more...]
Matakohe Limestone Island, Whangarei
Great half day out on the Whangarei Harbour on the MV Waipapa I have often looked out on Matakohe Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour and thought I would love to go there. I had heard of the replanting work which began in 1990 when it was made a scenic reserve and the re-introduction of kiwi, lizards and other birds which now thrive in this predator free … [Read more...]
Helena Bay – Exploring the Coastline on the Back Road to Russell
NZ off the Beaten Track - Less than one hour north of Whangarei is the beautiful road that is the back road to Russell in the Bay of Islands. These days access to Russell is usually via the Opua car ferry. All very good for those for whom time is short. If you are the kind of people who are roaming New Zealand’s magnificent back country, where the locals holiday and play but … [Read more...]
Travel Advice for Foreign Travellers Visiting New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the top spots for globetrotters worldwide. In fact, in a data presented by Statistics New Zealand, almost 2.5 million international visitors were recorded to arrive in 2015, and expected to grow in 2016. Travelling around the country is pretty simple. But, there are a few things that foreign travellers may find different to their home country. In … [Read more...]
How Green is New Zealand – five things I have noticed
100% Pure NZ? New Zealand brands itself as 100% Pure and images like this one portray the magic of our waterways and beaches. At present this ‘image’ is under pressure in the lowland river systems where intensive farming methods have put pressure on our rivers and lakes, an in some parts of New Zealand they swimming is no longer recommended. However many New Zealanders … [Read more...]
New Zealand as a Food and Wine Destination
Perhaps it is because New Zealand is at the bottom of the world that we tend to be very well travelled. We long for connection to a bigger global story - after school most of us head of for what is known as OE - Overseas Experience. Those that come back (and not all do) bring with them the tastes they have savoured overseas. When I grew up the 60s only non English cuisine … [Read more...]
Explore Devonport by Bicycle
Devonport Devonport is a short (15 minute) ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. It is a beautiful older established area of Auckland, cut off from development until the Harbour Bridge was build. Devonport forms a peninsula - on one side you see Auckland city and there are boats safely at anchor, on the other a string of beaches looking out on the more recent distinctive … [Read more...]
St Lukes Little Akaloa
The Banks Peninsula is made up of dozens of small bays formed by the lava flows from two extinct volcanoes. It is a very distinctive landscape, and is the backyard for many Christchurch residents, and a must visit for visitors to the region. Recently we stayed in Little Akaloa, one of these small bays around the Peninsula and had a simple kiwi Christmas. Nearby is a … [Read more...]