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.
Carrington Resort is one of NZ’s luxury destinations – now with the Heritage Hotel chain it is set on the magical Karikari Peninsula. Its lovely low level traditional buildings are clustered on a knoll overlooking the golf course. We were welcomed warmly by Marara in reception and soon found we could borrow a golf cart and drive out to the beach – which of course we did. Read more
The Topp Twins
New Zealand’s Topp Twins – are our much loved and fabulous home grown comedy and musical treasures. Instantly recognisable by most kiwis, they have taken their unique brand of humour, music and activism to small towns around New Zealand and to shows around the world. Read more
In New Zealand the Prime Minister John Key, who is also the Minister for Tourism is promoting the idea of a national cycle trail from one end of NZ to the other - both as a focus for tourism and also for generating jobs in the current recession to build and develop the trail. There is already a fabulous model – in the Otago Rail Trail in the South Island. Read more
I can not believe I have been home in Waipu for over a month, the time has flown. What a fabulous time to be here in Northland New Zealand - it is balmy clear weather, the sea is warm and inviting, the beach is still mostly empty, there are waves to frolic in, the dog still swims and catches waves with me and Waipu is still one of the best little places in the world. Read more
Due to Popular demand Bushwise Women have the BANKS PENINSULA TRACK back on their Programme of tours for women. This trip is just out of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. See details of this tour and other tours in New Zealand HereDates: Sunday 01 March 2009 to Thursday 05 March 2009
This World renowned, 4 day tramp, which begins above the historic town of Akaroa, crosses private farmland and Hinewai Reserve. The track covers 35 kilometres often skirting the rugged volcanic coastline which plunges dramatically to a foaming sea and fringes a marine mammal sanctuary. The South East Bays of Banks Peninsula were not previously accessible to the public and the farmers have welcomed trampers by creating attractive accommodation.
Enjoy the wide open spaces, the waterfalls, rocky cliffs, beech forests, seals and penguins, going at our own pace.
This trip is suitable for those new to tramping. You will be walking up hill and down dale from 3 to 5 hours each day.
Depart: Sunday, 1st March 2009 Meet at 5.45pm at the P.O./Info Centre in Akaroa for pick up and orientation. Finish date: 5th March 2009
Cost: $ 465
Contact yvonne@bushwise.co.nz to book.
Go to http://www.bushwise.co.nz” to find out more about Bushwise Women activities.
Susan Collins explores Northland in New Zealand – and catches the bus to the very top – Cape Reinga.
On a chilly but bright sunny day I left Waihoihoi Lodge to spend a few days in an area of Northland New Zealand called 
. One of the joys of traveling in New Zealand has been the Intercity Coach. If we had buses like this in America I would have traveled the entire country by now! These buses are punctual and reliable, are more comfortable than planes, cleaner than most cars… (no eating or drinking allowed) with a friendly conscientious driver. At least, this has been my experience.
Since the buses are usually nowhere near full I consider the double seat as my personal suite with high back, reclining seats and big picture windows exposing the green and blue of the NZ countryside. I read or work on this journal or just veg while enjoying the scenery. As we drove north, the hilly green meadows were either graced with a beautiful stand of trees lined up across the ridge or the green ridges without trees gave you the distinct feeling that Julie Andrews would come twirling across any minute with her breathless song already on the rise.
Susan Collins moves on from massage and bike trips in Bali to wwoofing at in New Zealand. Read the whole article here
I am at the Waihoihoi Lodge “wwoofing”, WWOOF being World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. For a few hours a day I work around the lodge, doing housework, helping with the guests, cleaning up after meals (you know, stuff I know!!) And then there are the chores like hauling in firewood, gathering eggs, serious weeding and clearing out the stuff from the tree pruner… (things I don’t know!) But the perks are way worth it! Not only does this exchange cover my sweet little room but the meals are extraordinary. Rosemary is a wonderful cook. She cooks food perfectly suited for the day. For example, on this cold and rainy day she made a hearty and very comforting, lamb stew. I was comforted! The next night she whipped up a roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots and served it with fresh colorful vegetables over a bed of arugula; still warm from the garden! Tell me how cool it is to see someone coming up the lawn with a basket of freshly picked lettuces and vegetables at around 5:30 in the afternoon?? Or how energizing to start the chilly day off with hot oatmeal topped with stewed apples and feijoas (a guava like fruit) with homemade yogurt to top it off. Did I mention the homemade bread yet? Needless to say I will return to the USA healthy and hefty.
Picking lemons, riding the beach, tartan day in Waipu – Read the whole article here
What on earth is wwoofing? It stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms and is an organisation which enables people to travel the world on a budget by exchanging 4 hours work a day for full board and lodgings. Its also a great way to get to know a community better – no longer a tourist but a traveller. Wwoofers become a part of the family – sharing meals, meeting the neighbours and learning a bit about sustainable living along the way.
I have a Wwoofer staying with me at present, helping me pack up Waihoihoi Lodge before I head off overseas. She is slaving away helping clean the house – it is far too wet to send even the wwoofer out to the garden today – she would be in danger of drowning,
Suz is UK born, trained as a nurse, child psychotherapist and spiritual journeyer. She has taken a year off to wwoof around Aotearoa New Zealand.
I am sitting on my bed in a cozy little loft facing a wall of windows overlooking
the velvety green hills of the north island coast ofNew Zealand. 
The hills fall away at the sea, and on the other side, mountains. It is almost impossible to tear my eyes away from the view in front of me. Such a green, these hills, now with the warm golden light of late afternoon beautifying them even more!
It is late June, winter in New Zealand, so the days are short and bouts of rain throughout the day. So far, the rain has given way several times a day to brilliant blue sky, often escorted in by a rainbow. The temperature is pleasantly cool, just enough to want soups and stews and sweaters. And a blazing fire for me!! I am from Florida, pleasantly cool for me is anything below 80! Any cooler and the word turns to Cold! But the 50-60 (10-15c) degrees have been agreeable to me.
For someone never considered to be a real traveler, this experience is quite amazing for me. Especially since I got here by way of Indonesia. Not only am I not a seasoned traveler, most of my traveling has been in my head, where I have been many places and done many things! However, towards the end of March 2008 I decided that I wanted a change in my life and I wanted to go somewhere far away and rather exotic! By the third week of May I was settled in a Guesthouse in the middle of Ubud, Bali. Bali was beautiful and I enjoyed each new sight sound smell and sensation offered me. More on my Bali Trip
Still after a few weeks I knew I didn’t want to stop my
travels there. I had 
received an email from a friend back home reminding me of a contact in New Zealand who had a retreat for women. I checked out the website for Waihoihoi Lodge. Beautiful yes, but I didn’t have a steady stream of income! I had enough money to stay in Bali for a couple more months. But wait! What is this? WWOOFING? I read, “Are you interested in wwoofing/work exchange?” May I respectfully say “hell yes!” More on WWoofing/Work Exchange
So I spent most of my remaining “Bali” money to come to The Waihoihoi Lodge in Northand New Zealand, In winter. And I am so glad I did. Not only is the view here one of the most spectacular that I have ever seen but I am wwoofing and loving it. Who knew you could travel this way.
Next I plan to go for a few days to the Bay of Islands and stay in a backpackers lodge for under $20 American dollars a day, then travel to the northern tip of the north island.
I am certifiably a traveler now. I have expanded my view of what I can do and what I want to do. What a beautiful world to see. So many cultures and people, foods and customs and sights and smells. And if you are lucky a beautiful place to return, home.
”My partner and I are going round the East Cape- do you know anywhere we can take our dog with us. She hates going to the kennels, and we like having her with us.”
Yes. There is a book called The Complete Holiday Pet Travel Guide, designed for people who like to take their pets on holiday with them. And not just dogs- apparently some people like to take cats, birds and horses. Some places even accept sheep, goats, and alpacas.
Pauline Wagner has complied this very useful book from hundreds of pet friendly places, and she updates each edition. The latest , the 11th, is due out soon.
The index covers 18 different geographical areas, and he index provides further help in locating specific areas.
I enjoyed just browsing the book and getting ideas for holidays in unexpected places. This took me recently to Whakapirau on the Kaipara- a magic spot which reminded me of childhood holidays, with a wide tidal beach, overhanging trees, and quiet roads to wander with your dog.( or I guess my bird, sheep, cat or alpaca, if I had one.)
Lots of country towns, and seaside places are listed, but also at least 4 in Auckland City,5 in Wellington , and one each in Christchurch and Dunedin.
The book has clear maps, full descriptions of the camps, motels, cottages and parks, with contact details .
It would be good if there was an online version – perhaps that will come.
Pauline began this compilation when she was searching for something like it, and found nothing , so set about creating it herself. She has a beautiful golden retriever Tosca, who lives with her in Hokitika, and who has featured in almost every edition.
The book can be ordered from bookshops or bought on line www.pettravel.netaccess.co.nz
