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...]
Best Pizza In New Zealand
It is Official Kevin from Dante's Pizzeria in the lane at Ponsonby Central makes the best Margherita Pizza in New Zealand. Ponsonby Central and it's group of funky shops is one of my favourite shops on what is definately my favourite road in Auckland. Dante's Pizza is authentic Napolese Pizza - it is the first pizzeria in New Zealand to receive membership into the … [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...]
White and Windy – Bird Watching at Muriwai –
https://www.womentravelnz.com/bird-watching-muriwai/(opens in a new tab) It had been some time since I had taken the drive out to Muriwai on the west coast of Auckland, one day in November a friend visiting Auckland for an ecology conference was just the excuse I needed. I was reading a lot about birdwatching on learnbirdwatching.com and this was a too good a chance to miss … [Read more...]
Why Visit Auckland? Here are 6 Reasons to start with…
One of the more under the radar major cities in the world, Auckland is a region that’s just waiting to be explored. Featuring plenty of things to see and do, here are a handful of compulsory destinations for everyone travelling to Auckland. Waiheke Island Few places manage to blend the beauty of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves; but Waiheke Island manages … [Read more...]
Winter or summer, Always be Prepared to Swim in New Zealand
When I arrived in New Zealand in 1974 I was a hitchhiker, traveling and exploring with my back on my back. It was coming on to autumn and winter and being a warm blooded Australian I thought my swimming days were past. I soon discovered that in this geologically younger volcanic landscape, there seemed to be hot pools around every corner. Recently I have been based in the … [Read more...]
Cycle Free on the Auckland Waterfront
The Auckland waterfront has undergone huge changes in the post 20 years, as it has shifted from being the working hub of the city. And what better way to see it than a new free bike hire service. I tried it last week and it is fantastic. You can hire the bikes for 2 hours for free from two spots – Wynyard Quarter and Queens Wharf. You need to register on the website Next … [Read more...]
News From Te Wahi Ora Retreat for Women
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...]
Unfinished Business – Trout Fishing on the Tongariro River
Guest post from AWOL - Adventurous Women on the Loose When we signed up for our trout fishing adventure on the Tongariro River we had no idea that the most adventuresome part would be getting there! To reach our fishing spot we had to cross a fast flowing section of the river complete with slimy rocks and a strong waist high current. Despite using the proper 'linked arms' … [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...]