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...]
Exploring Queenstown’s Top Attractions
Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountains, making this spot a premier vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This lake and alpine resort offers an array of adventures, whether you want to head out on the water, hit the slopes, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area. So, line up your Apollo campervan hire, and … [Read more...]
Kaikoura is back in Action and the Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura is the Place to Stay
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...]
Adventurous Women Guides help you Explore the Canyons of Wanaka
In the world of adventure tourism, you’re likely to meet a number of colorful characters--guides who have traveled the world, worked on every continent, have multiple qualifications under their belts (er, harnesses), and can tell a great joke. Most likely, they’re males. The badass female guide is a rare but awesome encounter as women gain more footing in the adventure world, … [Read more...]
Walk and Kayak the Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park is a the top of the South Island of New Zealand, and is one of New Zealand's Great Walks - renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track. It is not a hard walk - perfect for beginners and children, and those who do not enjoy 'extreme' tramping. Perhaps the best thing from my perspective as a non walker … [Read more...]
Ghost Trail Place to Stay
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is a wonderful untamed wilderness area that offers something special to travelers. In the north-west corner of the coast you will find a new walking/cycling track called The Old Ghost Road. Nearby a perfect place to stay is New Creek Ferals. This Cosy bach is only 3 km from the Ghost trail, overlooks the Buller River sleeps 5 … [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...]
St Lukes Little Akaloa
The Banks Peninsula is made up of dozens of small bays formed by the lava flows from two extinct volcanoes. It is a very distinctive landscape, and is the backyard for many Christchurch residents, and a must visit for visitors to the region. Recently we stayed in Little Akaloa, one of these small bays around the Peninsula and had a simple kiwi Christmas. Nearby is a … [Read more...]
Golden Bay – off the beaten track in New Zealand
Nelson is at the top of the South Island, it is the gateway to the amazing Abel Tasman National Park. and the wonderful and productive hinterland of Tasman - great cycling here Northwest of Nelson is Golden Bay - a huge bay sheltered by the long arm of Farewell Spit. To get there you go over the Takaka Hill. It was many years after living in New Zealand before I drove … [Read more...]