Jill Kaeppeli has found a patch of paradise on the Coromandel Peninsula, and and is keen to share it with others at her Kaeppeli's B&B near Whitianga. Jill is a kiwi but also speaks Swiss-German - with a kiwi accent of course. Since 1994 she has welcomed guests to her BnB at Kuaotonu, north of Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel. Drive off the road and wind … [Read more...]
Art Break – Waihi How it all Began…
Art Break Waihi is a Kiwi beach holiday experience over two days and take time to explore your artistic side. Encouragement and a stimulating environment by the sea help you to tap into your creativity. Waihi is a small settlement under two hours from Auckland on the east Coast. Here is a story of their beginnings... Heather and I became friends through working together … [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...]
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...]
A Days Road Trip around the Coromandel
Thirty five years ago I hitchhiked my way to Whitianga with a pack on my back and guitar in my hand. I ended up at the Anglican Vicarage where we formed a community of sorts - as Christian hippies - I lived there for four years. I worked with the Vicar, Bill Smith and his family in the parish, which included everything from Manaia to Port Jackson on one coast and Pauanui to … [Read more...]