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...]
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...]
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...]
Gay Ski Week in Queenstown
Gay Ski Week is held all around the world and are enjoyed by so many people. Why not join in on New Zealands annual event in wonderful Queenstown, New Zealand? This is your chance 2012 dates 25 August - 1 September … [Read more...]
December Tour of Northland
We packed up the dog, the kayaks and the car and headed off for an early December Holiday in the north of New Zealand - Whangaroa Harbour, Tauranga Bay, Ahipara and Rawene Its early December in New Zealand - before the Primary School holidays and the great NZ rush to the beach for the summer. A great time to explore a few of Northland’s great off the beaten track beaches and … [Read more...]
Hot Pools – swim all year round in NZ
When I was hitchhiking around NZ 35 years ago, it took me a while to realise that you always pack your swimmers (togs, swimming costumes, swimwear...). Even though it is cold and even snowing, you never know when you are going to run into a hot pool. We visited De Bretts Hot Pools in Taupo on the way home from skiiing, visited Waiwera Hotpools north of Auckland for a winter … [Read more...]