I am told Central Otago has weathered the Covid storm well, with strong support from kiwis who are thriving on exploring their own backyard. Campervans and caravans have been flying out the door. Out of school holidays, it is often the ‘Grey Nomads’ who are out and about, with electric bikes and the cycleways of Central Otago are a great attraction. As part of our … [Read more...]
Cycling in Oamaru
We carry our Moustache electric bikes upfront on our caravan and we are keen to use them as much as possible. We decided to do do the last day of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Duntroon to Oamaru. We drove to Duntroon and left the car there to be picked up tomorrow. Rail Journeys service this trail with accommodation, bag transport and bike hire if you do … [Read more...]
Oamaru – Cycling, Steampunk, Gardens and Sealife – lots to do here
I have always just passed through Oamaru, but our new caravan has been our excuse to stay awhile at places like this. We did not regret it – even extended our stay another night. You could easily stay a week! Read our separate post on Cycling in Oamaru. Oamaru – Steampunk Capital of NZ You may not know what Steampunk is, but a visit to the museum will open your … [Read more...]
Twizel and Mt Cook – see your own country first
Julie Patterson of Venus Adventures is usually based in Egypt and from there organises six adventures a year for women. A kiwi, she is locked down in New Zealand and has decided to do some trips for women in New Zealand. See them all here See all the trips for women in New Zealand here on Womentravel.info Last month we joined the one based in a lodge at Twizel – once … [Read more...]
Night Skies and Milky Way in New Zealand
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...]