Four saddles, four volcanoes and about four people, in the middle of the North Island... This highway is so forgotten that I had heard of it only recently- and I thought I knew my own country!. You start from the plains of Stratford, in Taranaki, rise gently through gorgeous green dairy farms, then head through steep mountains and dramatic saddles. On a clear day you can … [Read more...]
Snorkelling at the Poor Knights Islands – the Perfect Day…
I live less than an hour and a half from Tutukaka, and had heard that the Poor Knights Islands were one of the best dive spots in the world. I had been in meetings with Jeroen Jongejans of Dive Tutukaka as he shared his passion for the area. But I had never got around to going out there - it was one of those "one day I would love to...." places. I emailed them about a … [Read more...]
A short trip to Rotorua and Whakatane – The Bay of Plenty
It was time for a break - I decided to go and visit friends Kate and Lyn from Driftwood Dreamers who live at Opotiki. Driftwood Dreamers offer women's tours in New Zealand - see their tours here. The Luge in Rotorua On the way I picked up a friend Linda in Rotorua where I have not been for years. The one thing I had always wanted to do in Rotorua was to go on the Luge, and … [Read more...]
Step into our world
Maori guides lead us into the forest and out on the water. The Hokianga: Footprints - Crossings Maori tours and staying at the Copthorne Hotel By Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney "Step into our World" And we did, indeed – six of us, one evening in February 2007, on a journey called Footprints, Waipoua. Our Ngapuhi guides, Gray and Bim, opened the way … [Read more...]
A visit to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve
Tanya Cumberland & Charmaine Pountney write about their visit to Kapiti Island Are you drawn to watching quirky native birds at close quarters? And are you going to be anywhere near Wellington in the near future? If so, a visit to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is a must. … [Read more...]
Kawakawa and Kerikeri – toilets and history
The Bay of Islands The BOI is a must destination for travellers to Northland. But it should be noted that not all the attractions are on the water! We had spent a fabulous day on board Ipirihi overnight in the Bay, but on our way home I wanted to introduce Liz to a few other gems in the area. First stop the toilets - as travellers toilets are often something we long to find - … [Read more...]
A visit to Doubtless Bay in the North of New Zealand
Doubtless Bay is touted as the 'ultimate absolute beachfront' destination in Northland. It was autumn, and past swimming for me - but it is still a beautiful time to walk and explore, and the weather was crisp and clear. KariKari Peninsula Carrington Resort is one of NZ's luxury destinations - now with the Heritage Hotel chain it is set on the magical Karikari Peninsula. Its … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads – magical playground in Northland
Whangarei Heads is east of Whangarei in Northland. From my home in Waipu I look across to Whangarei Heads - It is a magical place, and for the last 20 years I have camped there with friends. It is a peninsula - you don't go through there to get anywhere else - so only those who want to go are there. We camp on private land - an organic dairy farm near Ocean Beach. It is … [Read more...]
Mangawhai Farmers Market and Bennetts of Mangawhai Chocolates
Mangawhai Farmers Market Mangawhai is a 25 minute drive along the coast from Waipu where I live - last Saturday we decided to head off to the Mangawhai Farmers Market. The Market is every Saturday 9am -1pm - and you can taste the flavours of Mangawhai - wine, olive oils, bread, organic produce and much more. … [Read more...]
Dramatic drive Up the Awhitu Peninsula
This story won a prize and was written by Tanya Cumberland and was published in the NZ Herald. Tanya lives on Earthtalk, an organic farm at Awhitu and is part of the Womentravel network We begin in Waiuku, 40 minutes south-west of Auckland. A sculpture of Tamakae, a Ngaati Te Ata ancestor, welcomes us. Across the road, the information centre for brochures, and a cool drink at … [Read more...]