Our view is framed by hills running steeply to the sea. The bay stretches out beyond the hills to the horizon where at times it seems seamlessly attached to the sky. Pushing through the small breakers on our kayaks, we are soon in deep water – it is an impossible turquoise colour. Large forests of kelp sway with the swell which seems to increase as we head further out. … [Read more...]
Explore Christchurch by Kayak
The Ōtākaro/Avon River runs through the Botanic Gardens, through the city centre, past Margaret Mahy Playground, Kerrs Reach and out to the Ihutai estuary. I have always wanted to kayak it, and today is the day! Katarina Te Maiharoa (KT) is our guide. KT has combined her passion for the outdoors, her love of Christchurch, and her connection to local iwi Waitaha to create … [Read more...]
December Tour of Northland
We packed up the dog, the kayaks and the car and headed off for an early December Holiday in the north of New Zealand - Whangaroa Harbour, Tauranga Bay, Ahipara and Rawene Its early December in New Zealand - before the Primary School holidays and the great NZ rush to the beach for the summer. A great time to explore a few of Northland’s great off the beaten track beaches and … [Read more...]
Windy Day on the Muddy River
The first omen was the fresh wind blowing headlong up the river. The second was the shabby looking boats, and the third was Alan breaking the rudder on the double kayak. ‘No worries’, said Alan, I’ve done that before. The boat’s a bit tippy but you’ll be fine.’ We are on the winding historic Waihou River near Te Aroha at the foot of the Coromandel Rangers in the … [Read more...]
Te Aroha – kayaks, hot pools, tapas and the mountain of love
Te Aroha is a rural town in the Waikato region of New Zealand with a population of 3,768 (2006 census).[1] It is 53 km northeast of Hamilton and 50 km south of Thames. It sits at the foot of 952-metre Mount Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai Range. (from Wikipedia) GOOGLE MAPS Te Aroha is a pretty interesting place these days, and about to get more interesting. The … [Read more...]
The Big Gay Out in Abel Tasman National Park
Love kayaking and walking and sunshine.... If you've been thinking of a holiday in New Zealand where you can connect with nature and enjoy the camaraderie of birds of a feather, this gay and lesbian retreat should be in your 2012 Diary. Craig Wilson of Wilsons Abel Tasman has designed an exclusive gay retreat on his slice of paradise on the South Island. His family company … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Bay of Islands
I have spent hours stuffing my gear into small waterproof bags in my motel in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, in the North of New Zealand. My gear is now piled on top of the rest in the back of the van - how are we going to fit all that in kayaks!! Jill, Simcha, Ruth, Rosemary, Theodora There are five of us - brought together on this women's trip … [Read more...]
Kayaking trip for women in Bay of Islands
Bushwise Women have a sea kayaking trip in the Bay of Islands, Northland New Zealand February 2011 with a few spaces - I am keen to go, but we need a few more - what about joining us? Information here … [Read more...]
Kayaking and Ecotour in Ruakaka, Whangarei
October Long Weekend – a big high was predicted, and a morning high tide – perfect conditions for a paddle in the Ruakaka Estuary and wildlife reserve. Ruakaka is 20 minutes south of Whangarei and 10 mins from Waipu in Northland. Approx. half way to the Bay of Islands its a great place to stop off and discover some of the real New Zealand. … [Read more...]
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