I live less than an hour and a half from Tutukaka, and had heard that the Poor Knights Islands were one of the best dive spots in the world. I had been in meetings with Jeroen Jongejans of Dive Tutukaka as he shared his passion for the area. But I had never got around to going out there - it was one of those "one day I would love to...." places. I emailed them about a … [Read more...]
Step into our world
Maori guides lead us into the forest and out on the water. The Hokianga: Footprints - Crossings Maori tours and staying at the Copthorne Hotel By Tanya Cumberland and Charmaine Pountney "Step into our World" And we did, indeed – six of us, one evening in February 2007, on a journey called Footprints, Waipoua. Our Ngapuhi guides, Gray and Bim, opened the way … [Read more...]
Kawakawa and Kerikeri – toilets and history
The Bay of Islands The BOI is a must destination for travellers to Northland. But it should be noted that not all the attractions are on the water! We had spent a fabulous day on board Ipirihi overnight in the Bay, but on our way home I wanted to introduce Liz to a few other gems in the area. First stop the toilets - as travellers toilets are often something we long to find - … [Read more...]
A visit to Doubtless Bay in the North of New Zealand
Doubtless Bay is touted as the 'ultimate absolute beachfront' destination in Northland. It was autumn, and past swimming for me - but it is still a beautiful time to walk and explore, and the weather was crisp and clear. KariKari Peninsula Carrington Resort is one of NZ's luxury destinations - now with the Heritage Hotel chain it is set on the magical Karikari Peninsula. Its … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads – magical playground in Northland
Whangarei Heads is east of Whangarei in Northland. From my home in Waipu I look across to Whangarei Heads - It is a magical place, and for the last 20 years I have camped there with friends. It is a peninsula - you don't go through there to get anywhere else - so only those who want to go are there. We camp on private land - an organic dairy farm near Ocean Beach. It is … [Read more...]
A Day on the Bay
The Bay of Islands in the North of New Zealand is an iconic New Zealand landscape and one of the ‘must-see’ in NZ. I live in Waipu 2 hrs south of the Bay - we like to call it paradise, and its hard to better it, but an invitation to go aboard the new overnight cruise ship Ipipiri was not to be missed. And as my friend Liz had never been to the BOI, it was a great chance to … [Read more...]