I slithered down the grassy path and crunched onto the stones at the edge of the beach. The incoming tide lapped and bubbled, while across the water the huge white sand hill gleamed in the fitful sun. No one else on the beach- just the way I like it- as I explored a very different way to visit the Hokianga in Northland, at the top of the North Island in New Zealand. … [Read more...]
Four US Gals Go Wild in New Zealand
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...]
Pathway to the Sunrise: Te Ara ki te Rawhiti
Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney take a Pacific holiday with a difference - the East Coast Highway Yearning for a Pacific holiday? Why not explore our own Pacific coast - Highway 35 around the East Cape of the North Island? This is a stunning 330km journey from Opotiki to Gisborne. Allow at least a week. The scenery includes sweeping silvery beaches strewn with … [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...]
Turangi – Autumn leaves, sparkling rivers, hot pools…
We met under the glowing autumn oak - my friend from Wellington and me from Cambridge. The oak tree was in Turangi, beside Lake Taupo, halfway between us, and what great place to spend a night and a day. … [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...]
World of Music and Dance – Womad Taranaki 2010
I am off to WOMAD - the World of Music and Dance. Held in New Plymouth, Taranaki this festival of world music has been in my sights for many years as something to go to. This year is my turn - with girlfriend Liz and friends Ceridwyn and Danielle, we are off to Womad for the week. … [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...]