by Nili Steiner, Los Angeles “So, how was your adventure trip in New Zealand, Cori?” I asked our friend after our usual warm greetings. We couldn’t quite believe the superlatives that were streaming out of her mouth about the place. Finally she said, “You’ve just GOT to go there”. And so, 15 months later three sporty firefighters and a precious nurse (me) from Los Angeles, … [Read more...]
Hinemoa St – Birkenhead.
Birkenhead Artisan Market We unexpectedly have a Saturday to spend in Auckland. A visit to Eventfinder.co.nz and we soon make a list of markets available. The Birkenhead Artisan Market is the one we choose. It’s held once a month at the Highbury Community Centre. It turns out to be a great choice, not just because of what the small market has to offer, but because of the … [Read more...]
Exploring Matakana – an hour north of Auckland
The Matakana MarketFor years I have heard of the Matakana Market, but have never quite made it. Just an hour north of Auckland it is a perfect day trip. As I live in Waipu, further north, it is just an hour south for me. With opening hours 8-1pm you don't have to make too early a start! It was everything we had hoped - lots of great local food to try and buy - we had soon … [Read more...]
Women on the Wild West Coast of Auckland
Lynx lives on Auckland's beautiful and rugged West Coast and decided it was time to share it magic with other women travelers. She has set up a small tour company to introduce women travellers to the place she calls home. Info here When I first came to New Zealand 35 years ago I was taken out to Te Henga on Auckland's west coast. As a girl from Sydney I had never seen the … [Read more...]
Waihoihoi Lodge is for sale
Waihoihoi Lodge is for sale - $990,000 as a going concern. Waihoihoi Lodge ran for 5 years as a country retreat especially for women travellers. More recently it has been run as Dragon Tree Lodge for gay men, who have decided against buying it, and will be ending their lease on 1 September 2010. I am selling Real Estate and marketing it through the agency I work with - … [Read more...]
Kiwi Hospitality and the Women Travel Network
Parituhu is a lovely small B&B run by two women at Devonport, just steps away from the Devonport Ferry to Auckland CBD. Hosts Lyndsay and Helen have been part of the Women Travel NZ network since its beginning 10 years ago. This network of women owned accommodation and tours have always offered a special welcome to women travellers, but more than that they also … [Read more...]
New Zealand’s finest: The Topp Twins – Untouchable Girls
New Zealand's Topp Twins - are our much loved and fabulous home grown comedy and musical treasures. Instantly recognisable by most kiwis, they have taken their unique brand of humour, music and activism to small towns around New Zealand and to shows around the world. … [Read more...]
A short trip to Rotorua and Whakatane – The Bay of Plenty
It was time for a break - I decided to go and visit friends Kate and Lyn from Driftwood Dreamers who live at Opotiki. Driftwood Dreamers offer women's tours in New Zealand - see their tours here. The Luge in Rotorua On the way I picked up a friend Linda in Rotorua where I have not been for years. The one thing I had always wanted to do in Rotorua was to go on the Luge, and … [Read more...]