Did the earth move for you? Just after midnight on the 14th November 2016 I was asleep 180 kms south of Kaikoura in Christchurch. Christchurch is used to earthquakes, but when we woke at this one, and it went on and on, we knew it was serious. We live by the coast and along with our neighbours and after some initial confusion, we jumped in our cars and … [Read more...]
Staying in The Clarence Valley
Clarence is just north of Kaikoura at the top of the South Island. A group of us have decided to go rafting on the Clarence River, and since it is an early start, we decide to drive up the day before and stay overnight. We stayed at Ochiltree Retreat in the Clarence Valley A spacious character cottage set in a lovely garden – we all enjoyed the apples on the tree. Three … [Read more...]
Rafting the Clarence River
Rafting has been on my bucket list for ages – I am not that mobile on my legs, but love paddling, biking and swimming. The opportunity to raft the Clarence River in the South Island of New Zealand was definitely not something I wanted to resist. The Clarence River is just north of Kaikoura at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. We have opted for a 3 day/two night … [Read more...]
Pull over! The Kaikoura Coast is worth it!
How many times are you on a road trip, and you think – I really should pull over and spend some time here. We were driving to Blenheim to Christchurch - a four and a half hour drive, that demands at least one stop. Luckily we fit in five and each time it was worth it. The drive alone is spectacular - following this rocky coastline with Mountains towering above us and the … [Read more...]
Eco-luxury in the wilderness – Small packs and sunny weather
For many, tramping in New Zealand conjures up images of red checked Swandris, muddy boots and a great deal of grunt. While hiking, an American term that is rapidly gaining a foothold in the kiwi vernacular, paints a far more attractive image. It suggests small packs, bear bells and sunny weather. But these are blessed times when the best of tramping in New Zealand (the bush, … [Read more...]
Whale-Watching in Kaikoura NZ – Experience of a Lifetime
I’ve always wanted to go whale-watching, and I’ve always hoped to travel to another country to see them. And last year, I got to see those whales up close in a completely different environment than I’m used to. It was exhilarating. Everyone should have a lifetime to-do list, and slowly but surely, I’m checking off at least one big adventure for each new year. Natasha continues … [Read more...]