Great half day out on the Whangarei Harbour on the MV Waipapa I have often looked out on Matakohe Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour and thought I would love to go there. I had heard of the replanting work which began in 1990 when it was made a scenic reserve and the re-introduction of kiwi, lizards and other birds which now thrive in this predator free … [Read more...]
Helena Bay – Exploring the Coastline on the Back Road to Russell
NZ off the Beaten Track - Less than one hour north of Whangarei is the beautiful road that is the back road to Russell in the Bay of Islands. These days access to Russell is usually via the Opua car ferry. All very good for those for whom time is short. If you are the kind of people who are roaming New Zealand’s magnificent back country, where the locals holiday and play but … [Read more...]
Oak and Puriri – a tale of more than trees at Waimate North
A Tale of Two Peoples I have driven past the turn off to Waimate North countless times, and thought one day I will drive down that road. Today was the day. We are on our way to the Hokianga in Northland for a few days, so it seems the perfect time to make a detour, as we are staying for two days on the north side of the Hokianga Harbour. MAP Waimate North is the only … [Read more...]
Of Toilets and Trains – Visiting Kawakawa in the Bay of Islands
Toilet Stop at Kawakawa It is quiet on this mid winter day in Kawakawa. Originally famous for being the turn off to the Bay of Islands and for having a train run right down the middle of the main street. Now it is a stop in its own right with the world famous Hundertwasser Toilets - the only building designed by Frederick in the Southern Hemisphere. The first time I came … [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...]
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...]
Whangarei, Northland
Whangarei is the northern most city in New Zealand, on the way to the Bay of Islands, or more importantly to the Tutukaka Coast (we are parochial up here) and the Poor Knights Islands. It has a fabulous marina and some top shops, and the best sub-tropical diving. More on Whangarei here Make time to stop and stay on your trip North - here are my top picks - the Google Map … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Bay of Islands
I have spent hours stuffing my gear into small waterproof bags in my motel in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, in the North of New Zealand. My gear is now piled on top of the rest in the back of the van - how are we going to fit all that in kayaks!! Jill, Simcha, Ruth, Rosemary, Theodora There are five of us - brought together on this women's trip … [Read more...]
Kayaking trip for women in Bay of Islands
Bushwise Women have a sea kayaking trip in the Bay of Islands, Northland New Zealand February 2011 with a few spaces - I am keen to go, but we need a few more - what about joining us? Information here … [Read more...]