When I arrived in New Zealand in 1974 I was a hitchhiker, traveling and exploring with my back on my back. It was coming on to autumn and winter and being a warm blooded Australian I thought my swimming days were past. I soon discovered that in this geologically younger volcanic landscape, there seemed to be hot pools around every corner. Recently I have been based in the … [Read more...]
Walking on Mt Pirongia – you can do it hard, or easy…
Mt Pirongia is a landmark in the Waikato region, just 25 kms from Hamilton. It stands proudly with its bush clad slopes rising from the surrounding farmland, it is one of the largest native bush areas left in the Waikato. It has been on my list to visit for many years, and today was the day. There are a variety of walks from one hour to 11 hours - there is a hut near the top … [Read more...]
Exploring the Waikato – My top Six Picks
Hamilton is the centre of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. The connecting thread in this area is the mighty Waikato River and Tainui - the Maori who belong to this land. I am living here at present, so I am getting the chance to explore the area. While it is not the tourism capital of New Zealand, it has lots of areas worth exploring, including fabulous … [Read more...]
Hot Pools – swim all year round in NZ
When I was hitchhiking around NZ 35 years ago, it took me a while to realise that you always pack your swimmers (togs, swimming costumes, swimwear...). Even though it is cold and even snowing, you never know when you are going to run into a hot pool. We visited De Bretts Hot Pools in Taupo on the way home from skiiing, visited Waiwera Hotpools north of Auckland for a winter … [Read more...]
A Fishwife Tale – Bay of Plenty
Dianne Sharma-Winter writes: The setting sun cloaked the evening sky in shades of pinky pastel, highlighting the active volcano of White Island that dominates the coastline around here. A woman wandering by grabs a knife and in swift strokes, beheads the three struggling Kahawai on the beach. “No taste like it,” she sighs in satisfaction. “From the sea to the plate in one … [Read more...]
A short trip to Rotorua and Whakatane – The Bay of Plenty
It was time for a break - I decided to go and visit friends Kate and Lyn from Driftwood Dreamers who live at Opotiki. Driftwood Dreamers offer women's tours in New Zealand - see their tours here. The Luge in Rotorua On the way I picked up a friend Linda in Rotorua where I have not been for years. The one thing I had always wanted to do in Rotorua was to go on the Luge, and … [Read more...]