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...]
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 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...]
Walking NZ with a Purpose
Anne Chapman is just about to finish the Northland section of Te Ara Roa - the walkway that runs the length of New Zealand. My home in Waipu is on this walkway and several times a week I see people walking the trail - backs on their backs. The Northern Advocate had an article about her journey, and her commitment to raise awareness about Mental Health. Also Here I … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads – a hidden Gem
Whangarei Heads is 30 minutes from Whangarei, New Zealand's most Northern City. It is not on the road to anywhere else, so most people don't know about it. But it is one of my favourite spots in New Zealand, and most summers I try to spend some time there. The drive alone is worth the visit - as it hugs the harbour and its myriad of Pohutukawa lined Bays. This summer we set … [Read more...]
A Perfect Perfect Day on the Tutukaka Coast
Did you know that the Tutukaka Coast is one of the top three coastlines in the world, according to the prestigious National Geographic Traveler: "Land-based and water-based ecotourism opportunities abound on New Zealand's subtropical northern peninsula. The region currently boasts "excellent environmental and ecology quality," and its Maori residents still cling to some … [Read more...]
Cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail
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...]