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...]
The Waitomo Caves
I am living in Hamilton at present, and we decided it was time to visit Waitomo, one of the most famous local destinations, and one which I had not been to for over 30 years. It is just over an hours drive from Hamilton, and it is three hours from Auckland. We were only on a day trip, and our main motivation was not the caves, but the bush walking in the area. However we … [Read more...]
Walking on Mt Pirongia – you can do it hard, or easy…
Mt Pirongia is a landmark in the Waikato region, just 25 kms from Hamilton. It stands proudly with its bush clad slopes rising from the surrounding farmland, it is one of the largest native bush areas left in the Waikato. It has been on my list to visit for many years, and today was the day. There are a variety of walks from one hour to 11 hours - there is a hut near the top … [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...]
Exploring the Waikato – My top Six Picks
Hamilton is the centre of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. The connecting thread in this area is the mighty Waikato River and Tainui - the Maori who belong to this land. I am living here at present, so I am getting the chance to explore the area. While it is not the tourism capital of New Zealand, it has lots of areas worth exploring, including fabulous … [Read more...]
Windy Day on the Muddy River
The first omen was the fresh wind blowing headlong up the river. The second was the shabby looking boats, and the third was Alan breaking the rudder on the double kayak. ‘No worries’, said Alan, I’ve done that before. The boat’s a bit tippy but you’ll be fine.’ We are on the winding historic Waihou River near Te Aroha at the foot of the Coromandel Rangers in the … [Read more...]
Te Aroha – kayaks, hot pools, tapas and the mountain of love
Te Aroha is a rural town in the Waikato region of New Zealand with a population of 3,768 (2006 census).[1] It is 53 km northeast of Hamilton and 50 km south of Thames. It sits at the foot of 952-metre Mount Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai Range. (from Wikipedia) GOOGLE MAPS Te Aroha is a pretty interesting place these days, and about to get more interesting. The … [Read more...]
A Fishwife Tale – Bay of Plenty
Dianne Sharma-Winter writes: The setting sun cloaked the evening sky in shades of pinky pastel, highlighting the active volcano of White Island that dominates the coastline around here. A woman wandering by grabs a knife and in swift strokes, beheads the three struggling Kahawai on the beach. “No taste like it,” she sighs in satisfaction. “From the sea to the plate in one … [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...]
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...]