Te Wahi Ora is a Retreat Centre for Women at Piha Beach, west of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand. It has been a key part of the Women Travel Network for over 20 years. Te Wahi Ora has a new Manager Te Wahi Ora is moving into a new phase as Karen takes over as Manager. This allows founder Bev Holt to focus on the ‘heart’ of Te Wahi Ora … but more of that another … [Read more...]
Away with the birds on Waiheke Island
Guest post by Mary Somervell of Auckland Based Inside Out Adventures - offering some great trips for women The ferry docks at Matiatia wharf on Waiheke Island and a courtesy van is there to meet us. Gavin takes us on a mini tour of the island with a photo stop at Palm Beach before we arrive at the Trig Hill base. What a superb location - the second highest point on the … [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...]
Auckland has a Big Gay Out
The Big Gay Out is touted as New Zealand's premier gay event, It is always fun and easy to be at - wander around the stalls, listen to the music, watch the drag queens. The Get it On! Big Gay Out 2012, Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier on Sunday 12 February 2012. … [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...]
Staying in Auckland
The Big Blue house B&B For many women visiting Auckland, The Big Blue House is the first choice - it is homely, central, and there is a great value single room for women travelling on their own. We stayed there last week and also staying were a couple from South Carolina travelling NZ. They said they always stayed in B&Bs because it was the best way to experience a … [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...]
A Road Trip – Auckland to Tauranga
Late summer, a meeting in Tauranga – why not make the most of it, and turn it into a road trip to show my girlfriend Liz a bit more this amazing country. I checked the map – there are two main routes to Tauranga (though there are probably hundreds more diversions if you want them!). The main route on Google maps takes you via Matamata. The BEST route is to go through Waihi – … [Read more...]