I have been in Beijing where in the middle of the day you can look at the sun without shading your eyes. The chance of seeing stars is so remote there, and in some other parts of the world that going somewhere to see the Night Sky is high on the bucket list of many folk. If this is you, then the place to come is New Zealand. My friend Ewa Jermakowicz was recently in New … [Read more...]
Riding the Clutha Gold Trail
It is Easter and we have decided to set up for Otago to cycle the Clutha Gold Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides. This is one of 22 Great Rides in NZ - download the App - Search for Great Rides. First Night Lawrence - It's Easter - Let's Stay in a Church! It is Good Friday - and we are staying in a church - how cool is that! It has been moved 20 kms … [Read more...]
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Diary of a Support Driver
The Alps to Ocean Cycle trail is a 4-6 day ride from Mt Cook (necessitating ahelicopter ride) or Tekapo. Six of us are heading off to start it, and I have volunteered to be the support vehicle, with my electric bike on the back, I plan to do a bit of the trail along the way. Cycle Journeys – local A2O specialists You do not need a support vehicle – Cycle Journeys were … [Read more...]
Accommodation on the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
This summer I was the support vehicle for a group of friends doing the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. I took my electric bike along and joined in for some of the best parts of the trail - you can read about it here. This fantastic 300 km ride goes from Aoraki Mt Cook (or Lake Tekapo) in the South Island of New Zealand. It takes you through some amazing country - past beautiful … [Read more...]
Dismal Day in Dunedin – there is still lots to do and see
A drive out on the Otago Peninsula is a must on any visit to Dunedin, and the weather should not put you off. Today is cold misty day, cloud wrapping low over the hills. It is moody and brooding, a day when views are glimpsed through breaks in the cloud. I decide to take the road along the tops, and am treated by glimpses of quiet bays on the harbour side peaking … [Read more...]
Adventures for Women in New Zealand – South and North Island
Women's Adventures NZ is for women of all ages and stages in life. Remember it's not your age, it's your attitude that counts! So come on, what are you waiting for....take the plunge and join us on our next adventure! That is the voice of founder Debbie Goldingham, adventurer, grandmother, personal trainer and all round go for it type of girl. Debbie loves adventures, and … [Read more...]
Juggling baby and businesses – Gay Ski Week In Queenstown
English-born Queenstown movers and shakers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods manage a 24/7 business and a baby. They spoke with Jenny Rankine about their lives, Gay Ski Week QT , and Aspen Lodge Hostel. Edited from the full article in TMLN Aspen Lodge Hostel Mandy and Sally had lived in Queenstown and worked in various tourism businessed when the opportunity to by Aspen Lodge … [Read more...]
Curling in and out in Naseby
Naseby in the hills of Central Otago was the sight of one of the area’s significant gold mining operations in the mid 19th century. In the winter not much mining could be done, and the Scottish goldminers introduced Curling to the Maniototo in 1878, making it one of the oldest winter sporting activities in New Zealand. The building of an international Olympic standard all … [Read more...]
Ranfurly – the Centre of the Otago Rail Trail
Ranfurly is one of the larger villages in Central Otago. Once the gold boom slowed down in Naseby and the rail came through, Ranfurly soon became the main centre of the area. there is an excellent information centre (at the old Railway station) and amazing A'Deco buildings, and of course a pub! It will be our base for exploring Central Otago - staying at Hawkdun Lodge and … [Read more...]
Forget Fishing – we have Gone Curling
In Northland the sign would read “Gone Fishing”. In the coldest part of mid winter in Central Otago the sign reads “Gone Curling” - when the weather is right, everything stops. Gone Curling is a documentary directed by Rachel Patching and Roland Kahurangi. Thanks to our sponsorship of the Documentary via the PledgeMe website, and with the support of more sponsors from Central … [Read more...]