Hard frost, blue skies, Lyttelton market and a ferry crossing to Diamond Harbour, followed by good coffee and a walk around cliff edges watching birds and boats (and yes fresh fish off the boat as it came in). That was Cynthia’s take on the day on Facebook, and it’s a great summary of yesterdays Christchurch excersion. We had decided on a trip to Diamond Harbour as it is … [Read more...]
New Brighton Beach Ride
It’s a crisp blue sky winters day, and we decide to explore New Brighton, one of Christchurch's beaches. by bike. We start near the South Shore Spit Reserve and as we walk out discover it is dead low tide, so perfect for riding on the beach. The sand was a little softer nearer the estuary, but we got close enough to see the narrow gap of water separating us from Sumner … [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...]
Glamping on the Queen Charlotte – With Womens Adventures NZ
If you want to combine fine wining and dining and sleeping in white sheets and pillows with 4 full days of tramping in one of THE MOST picturesque places in New Zealand, then doing the Queen Charlotte track as Womens Travel Adventures NZ did it, is the way to go!! Day 1: Arrival Day We started off our luxury adventure with lunch at Allan Scott’s Winery … [Read more...]
Nelson and Abel Tasman
Our goal is to spend some time in the Abel Tasman National Park - but to do this, you need to go through Nelson, and why not enjoy it on the way! Nelson as a food bowl - in autumn the orchards dripping with apples, homegardens dripping with fruit, we were soon ladened down and are offered far more than we can carry, so sadly had to say no. … [Read more...]
Awaroa – Abel Tasman National Park
We had stayed overnight at Rowan Cottage in Motueka just one of the great Womens Travel Accommodation network. Today we are heading for Awaroa, a small settlement in the middle of the Abel Tasman National Park, where we have rented a bach (in NZ = cottage) for a few days. First stop the Aqua taxi - you can drive and then walk, but it is a LONG way, and most people move about … [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...]
What Happened to Frauenreisehaus
Frauenreisehaus was a popular women's hostel in Christchurch. It had 72 beds and welcomed women from around the world to stay in it's central Christchurch complex of five buildings. A google search can still find it, but sadly it is no more. Just one of the casualties of the Christchurch earthquakes. Recently I was in Christchurch, and went in search of owner Sandra … [Read more...]
Akaroa Harbour – Black Cats and Wineries
Although Christchurch itself is on the river and inland it is very close to two fabulous harbours - Lyttleton and Akaroa. They are definately on the list for a day trip (or more) each. Last weekend we headed to Akaroa to go out on The Black Cat Cruise of Akaroa Harbour, and then on to French Farm Winery for lunch. The excuse was a birthday celebration, so we actually hired … [Read more...]
Christchurch Post Quake
Christchurch has seemingly forever been the gateway to the South island of New Zealand. An international airport, a vibrant garden city with an innercity that was both historic and full of interesting activity, a university city (two actually) and a centre for overseas students. On the 4 September 2010 a powerful earthquake rocked the city, followed by another massive jolt on … [Read more...]