Being a woman has so many beauties, such as deep connections with our family and friends, the ability to express ourselves freely and the overall empowerment it feels to be a woman, but sometimes we do need some well-deserved relaxation time to centre ourselves and because we deserve it. While being a strong woman has its benefits, there are also challenges, such as being the … [Read more...]
How The Tourist Industry Is Adapting to Women Solo Travellers
As a woman, you are met with a very different experience than men who travel alone and that’s not to say that a man travelling solo is completely safe, as travelling alone comes with a whole set of risks that no one is immune to but it’s important to shed light on the fact that being a woman comes with its own battles that unfortunately we all can't afford, whether it’s safety … [Read more...]
Wanaka – a week with an ebike
Love the way Wanaka is taking cyclists with it as it grows and develops - great traffic calming measures, safe crossings, wide walking/cycling paths. We are here for a week and this is some of the fun stuff we got to do. Although a tourist town, it is built for locals to enjoy - eat and play like a local is one of their by lines. Magical any time of the year - but autumn is … [Read more...]
From Sheep Shearing to Bungee Jumping: Unexpected Experiences in New Zealand
New Zealand has to be one of the most underrated countries that I hear people talk about and when you do hear someone who might have recently travelled or visited family there, you are in absolute awe of its natural beauty, amazing people and weird and wonderful things to do. So whether you are a resident of this wild country or you are planning a spur-of-the-moment trip, we … [Read more...]
Wild Westland – untamed Wilderness
Running down the spine of the South Island of New Zealand is the Southern Alps - on one side the east coast with our main cities Christchurch and Dunedin and Invercargill. Mostly dry and windy and sometimes very hot - the wide Canterbury plains formed by the extraordinary braided rivers. On the west a narrow strip of land forms the West Coast. If the cities are the east, … [Read more...]
Te Awa River Ride
Cambridge is a good sized country town 20 minutes from Hamilton metropolis - we are here to see friends and to explore some of the Te Awa River Ride Waikato River Trails we have heard so much about. In between rides, we can explore the galleries, cafēs and antique shops that line the main street. Te Awa River ride towards Hamilton via the Velodrome An easy gentle ride to … [Read more...]
Pukatea – Whites Bay Blenheim
What is not to like – this is New Zealand at it’s best – accessible but off the beaten track Pukatea or Whites Bay is a beautiful Department of Conservation (DOC) campground Surrounded by native bush full of birds with a safe beach and heaps of walks to explore. At night a short walk will lead you to a beautiful glow worm grotto. During the day you … [Read more...]
10 Must dos in Te Anau – first stay longer
As the gateway to the New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is somewhere people usually pass through on their way to Milford Sound, or to do the Milford or Kepler Track. As part of our Covid driven local explorations, we have decided to stay four nights and explore. As we have started to find out – these ‘gateway’ places are magical in themselves, and well worth the … [Read more...]
Peel Forest – Ancient and Accessible Legacy
Peel Forest is somewhere we had talked about staying some time, now we have a caravan to aid our exploring of New Zealand. We have finally carved out some time for a visit. Peel Forest is at the foot of the Southern Alps - 23 kms north of Geraldine in South Canterbury, 140 kms from Christchurch. It is part of the Mt Peel/Waikari Hills Conservation Area, situated by the … [Read more...]
Explore the Bays of Banks Peninsula
Our view is framed by hills running steeply to the sea. The bay stretches out beyond the hills to the horizon where at times it seems seamlessly attached to the sky. Pushing through the small breakers on our kayaks, we are soon in deep water – it is an impossible turquoise colour. Large forests of kelp sway with the swell which seems to increase as we head further out. … [Read more...]