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...]
Queen Charlotte Sound by Water
You can explore the Queen Charlotte Sounds at the top of the South Island of New Zealand by foot, by mountain bike or by boat. Queen Charlotte Walkway is famous Stretching between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sound. A 70km track renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Last … [Read more...]
Blenheim – a great biking town
We are staying in a cabin at the Top 10 Holiday Park on the edge of Blenheim, central, clean and friendly. This is definitely a great biking town We have brought our bikes along, but we could have hired them here or several of the bike shops in town. We quickly discover the trails beside the river which go for miles on both sides, for some of the time alongside a small … [Read more...]
Wine – Organic and Marlborough
We have often enjoyed Peter Yealands Wine and heard that it was organic and sustainably produced, so the chance to visit the Vineyard was too good to pass up on our way north to Blenheim We turned off towards the coast from Seddon, the sun was low in the west casting a beautiful glow over the rows of vines in their autumn glory – yet to be pruned, their leaves reflected the … [Read more...]
Westport – Foulwind, Fritters and Seals
North of Punakaiki you drive into the small settlement of Charleston and you can not miss a huge four story concrete building. First question - what is it? As we drive closer we see an open cafe sign, so seems a good excuse to stop. We have found Underworld Adventures and Cafe. A business that has been going for 20 years and has just invested in this amazing building. It … [Read more...]
Punakaiki – One of the Jewels of the West Coast
I have lived in NZ 40 years and have never been here, so it is a real treat - there are not many corners of New Zealand I have not explored. We have some Pancake Rock formations at Waipu in Northland which are pretty special and one of my favourite places. But they do not compare to the towering cliffs of limestone and wild west coast scenery here at Punakaiki. We are … [Read more...]
Kumara – A Warm Welcome at The Cyclist’s Rest
Our host Mandi used to live in Christchurch, but she is now a West Coaster through and through. They built their home here on the outskirts of Kumara 14 years ago, and the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail runs past their property. So they have renovated some of the buildings and made room for the strangers who cycle past - appropriately named "The Cyclists Rest" Kumara … [Read more...]