Blog

Across that stream, find the path and then you’ll find the Waipu Pancake Rocks

Any direction that begins with “wade across the stream to the start of the path”, coupled with the warning that...

Mike and Nicky’s place in Kerikeri

What if we told you that we know about a place you can stay in your own private loft above...

5 things to do for the ultimate luxury weekend in Paihia

Lockdowns, puppies, teenagers and long working weeks as we grapple with a rapidly growing business are a bit of a...

Hundertwasser Art Centre & an awesome lunch

There are a few towns in New Zealand that every time I visit they just get better and better. Whangarei...

My experience exploring Waitangi Treaty Grounds

James and I spent a weekend in Paihia just by ourselves and decided to explore the Waitangi Treaty grounds. I’ve...

Making your own perfume at Alix Apothecary

Maybe it’s from when I was a child making “potions” with flowers in the back garden. It’s certainly not from...

9 tips for exploring the Waipu Caves

Waipu Caves have been on my list for a while. I’ve driven past the sign a few times now but...

The little cabin in the clearing - Coco Cabana

So I bet you can’t get the Coco Cabana song out of your head now either (you’re welcome) and I...

Spirit animal ducks, giant antipasto platters and sensational chardonnay at Marsden Estate

We’re long time fans of a good vineyard lunch. It’s just everything I love all wrapped up into one irresistible...

Taking the long way to Russell

I’ve only ever been to Russell on the ferry from Paihia. Which means I go on foot, which means (remembering...

Lodges and fancy dinners on the outskirts of Whangarei

All to often we can pick a spot by how close it is to the city centre but when you...

9 tips to tame the budget in Paihia

It’s just so easy to spend money in Paihia – there are just so many amazing things to do and...

The easiest (and potentially longest) trip to the supermarket ever!

We don’t like to do things the usual way. It’s generally a lot less fun and a bit too predictable...

Where to stay, play and eat on the Tutukaka Coast

I’m a first time visitor to the Tutukaka Coast. Growing up it felt like everyone had been there, and James...

How to have a perfect day as a non diver in the Poor Knights

The Poor Knights are something that I’ve heard a lot about through James. He’s dived there quite a few times...

Making peace with Puhoi

Puhoi and I have a chequered past. It started out 25 years ago. It was the mid 90’s and I’d...

Finding Mahurangi

It’s a side effect of having 3 jobs, 3 kids and a love of travel that there is very seldom...

A hundred thousand welcomes to Waipu

It kind of sets the scene for a place when they sign as you enter the town deviates from the...

7 reasons you have to visit Northland

Despite living in Auckland for a large chunk of my life I have never been further north than Kerikeri so...

Well off the beaten track at the Hippy Hut

As part of our adventure around Northland we let the children choose one night accomodation and an activity (within a...

Ahipara Horse Treks - the best way to see 90 Mile Beach

Ahipara is at the very beginning of 90 mile beach. It’s where James Dad and Mum used to stay, surf...

7 reasons to stay at Pukenui Holiday Park when exploring the Far North

We spent nights two and three of our Northland holiday at Pukenui Holiday Park. This was my choice and I...

Exploring Paihia with the kids

Paihia was the last stop on what was to become known as our epic Northland adventure. We’d started off on...

Our night of luxury at Paihia Beach Resort and Spa

What a way to end an amazing week in Northland with a night in luxury at the Paihia Beach Resort...

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