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Baywatcher

Freelance writer in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Freelance writer + photographer | Bay of Islands, New Zealand

7 weird facts about New Zealand holidays

24 September, 2016

Stay safe when you're on, in, or near the water.

New Zealand’s a long way from anywhere, so when you’re coming to New Zealand for your holidays you’ll no doubt have high expectations and hoping for a fabulous time. New Zealand’s a wonderful place, but I remember when I first arrived in 2003 there were a few weird quirks that had me scratching my head. To save you from some of this confusion, here are my insider tips for … [Read more...]

Which cafe serves the best Eggs Benedict in Kerikeri?

25 July, 2016

Eggs Benedict at Santeez: the best Eggs Benedict in Kerikeri so far!

Eggs Benedict are arguably the best breakfast/brunch treat. As I'm new-ish to the area, I'm on a mission to find the café with the best Eggs Benedict in Kerikeri. Here's my verdict so far... and the opinions and tastes are my own. You might have quite a different experience and different tastebuds. :) First things first: what are Eggs Benedict? Eggs Benedict are poached … [Read more...]

Eat: Getting fruity in Kerikeri

8 June, 2016

The Bay of Islands is blessed with a climate (and soil) that makes it a wonderful area for growing produce. Kerikeri, in particular, is known as a horticultural area, with numerous kiwi fruit, mandarin and orange orchards. Kerikeri fruit is delicious! Home gardening is popular here too - it's the perfect place for it, after all! On our own property, we have over 50 fruit … [Read more...]

Bay of Islands transport: How to get to (and around) the Bay of Islands

11 May, 2016

Beware of the gravel road to Wharau Road beach

How to get to the Bay of Islands: your transport options Car Most people get to the Bay of Islands by car (or campervan). If there are good driving conditions on State Highway 1, here are indicative travel times from Auckland Harbour Bridge: 3 hours to Paihia 3 1/4 hours to Kerikeri 3 1/2 hours to Russell. However, there are often hold ups, so it is wise to … [Read more...]

Paradise for dogs: Roland’s Wood dog park in Kerikeri

5 May, 2016

Rolands Wood: dogs and bluebells

As beautiful as it is in the Bay of Islands, it's not so easy exploring it with your dog because dogs are banned from so many places. However, here's one beautiful place that both you and your dog will enjoy: Roland's Wood, which is just outside Kerikeri. What is Roland's Wood? Roland's Wood is a 4 hectare (10 acre) piece of land that was gifted by local man, Roland … [Read more...]

NZ food: What are feijoas?

2 May, 2016

What are feijoas? No, they're not naked kiwi fruit!

Have you seen this green fruit for sale in the Bay of Islands and wondered what it is? No, it's not a naked kiwi fruit ?; it's a feijoa (pronounced: FEE-joer). ? So what are feijoas? Although fiejoas originally come from South America, New Zealanders have embraced them as their own. Feijoas (Acca sellowiana) are popular in home gardens throughout New Zealand, and are … [Read more...]

The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce

10 April, 2016

Fresh fruit at the Bay Of Islands Farmers' Market

The Bay of Islands Farmers' Market is the original growers' market in the area. You'll find it in the car park outside the Post Office, off Hobson Avenue in Kerikeri. (It's just across the road from Cathay Cinemas.) The market is there every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8.30am to 12 noon. (There's also a market run by the same organisers in Paihia, on the Village Green, on … [Read more...]

Kayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands

9 March, 2016

Kayaking in Paihia

Kayaking in Paihia is a very tranquil way to experience the Bay of Islands: just you (and maybe a friend) on the kayak, away from the busy crowds. Best of all, there are a number of different options available: you can either hire a kayak on the beach and paddle around; you can go on a kayak tour; or you can bring your own kayak and launch it (there are a number of … [Read more...]

Kerikeri beaches: where are they?

7 March, 2016

If you're lucky, you might have Taronui Beach all to yourselves, like we did when we visited.

When friends come and stay, they often ask, "Where are the beaches like in Kerikeri?" Or: "What are the beaches in Kerikeri like?" Um, there aren't any beaches in central Kerikeri: although the town has a waterfront location, and yes it's a part of the Bay of Islands, the setting is a tidal inlet rather than beaches. In other words, a number of rivers and streams join … [Read more...]

Bay of Islands weather: what to expect

29 February, 2016

Bay of Islands weather

The Bay of Islands weather is described as being sub-tropical: that generally means warm and humid summers, and heavy rainfall (with high humidity) in winter. The “winterless north” it is not! Northland and Bay of Islands weather is often described as being the “winterless north” – whoever came up with that, I don’t know, because it isn’t quite true! Although we don’t get … [Read more...]

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About me

Cornelia Luethi at Baywatcher.nz creates words, pictures and websites for clients throughout New Zealand, and worldwide. Find out more →

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A short but sweet marketing tip. 🍬 But you’d A short but sweet marketing tip. 🍬 But you’d be amazed at how often this is overlooked! 😱

If you need help with your marketing or want a review of what you’re doing (and pointers as to what to focus on), drop me a line at cornelia@fxmarketing.co.nz. 😊
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

A couple of years ago I was asked to photograph @boi_farmers_market and its stallholders. You might recognise Brett from @avoman_superfruit, @blueriverorchard and Helen from Puriri Ridge Eggs.

The Kerikeri farmers’ market might be small, but the produce is top quality, super tasty, and ultra fresh. Great prices too - it pays to eat seasonally. I love popping in to the market on a Sunday morning. 🥑🍅🌶👍

➡️ If you need words or photos for your website, hit me up - I’m for hire. 😊
Have you tried promoting your local business in co Have you tried promoting your local business in community groups (if they allow it)? 

It can be as simple as sharing an appropriate, good quality post from your Facebook Page to a group, with a short introductory blurb that entices people to read your original post. 😊

This can dramatically improve the organic reach of your posts. 👍

If you’re not yet doing this, search for local groups that allow businesses to promote themselves. Depending on where you are, the group could be specific to your street, suburb, or town/village. 🏡

No suitable groups? Consider starting one. 🙂
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Kerikeri artist, Jayne Maria Sprott, who sells her gorgeous native bird jewellery and hand painted art online at https://artandprintsnz.com. Plus you’ll also find her at The Old Packhouse market every two weeks - she will be there this coming Saturday, 4 July. 😊

Her range also includes cards and framed mounts of Northland landscapes and native birds. Great for gifts, and really good value. 👍

And how gorgeous is her watercolour box, and rag?! A work of art in itself. ❤️🎨

Photos by me. 📷
Oh, Facebook... 😫 Once you know its pros and c Oh, Facebook... 😫

Once you know its pros and cons, you can use it accordingly. 👍
Congratulations to my repeat customer, @lcdesigner Congratulations to my repeat customer, @lcdesignerhomes on the launch of their beautiful new website! 🤩

SEO website copy was written by yours truly. Web design by my go-to designer, @trishacupra . Together we’d created the previous website, which was performing well, but a rebrand and shift in target markets meant a new, upmarket look and brand message was needed.

The client was worried about retaining Google rankings; I was able to advise them on what to do, and the new site has seen a 182% increase in new users, a 215% increase in page views, and an 83% increase in average session duration. 😊

PS. If you’re in Auckland and looking for a custom dream home, check out lchomes.co.nz. They can take care of the architectural design in-house (complete with 3D walkthroughs), as well as building it for you. 🏡
Small business marketing tip: Use the social media Small business marketing tip: Use the social media channels that your customers use! 
It’s all too easy for to stay in our comfort zones and then fail to engage with our target market. 🤨

Be brave - ask your customers what they use, and then check out those channels. 😊👍 Examples of social media channels include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, and Reddit. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need to use all of them (nor should you). 😁
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Whangarei-based @grinninggeckocheese which I photographed and interviewed for a magazine article on the ‘Northland Cheese Trail’. 🧀🧀🧀 This award-winning cheesery is crafting products on a par with Europe’s finest. 🏆

The cheeses are uniquely creamy, thanks to the ultra-fresh, export-grade organic milk from a local herd of Ayrshire cattle. Try it; it’s absolutely delish! 😋🧀
What are you doing in your business to get repeat What are you doing in your business to get repeat customers?

Tools you might look at include email marketing, social media, direct mail, entertaining, phone follow ups, and special customer events. 🙂

Also - do a primo job so you get repeat business AND referrals. That’s certainly the lifeblood of my own business! 🌟😊
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Keith’s Cabin, a cute AirBnB in Kerikeri. I took fresh photos and wrote the listing blurb. The owners now enjoy plentiful bookings and Super Host status. 🤩 (Want to check it out? Just Google: Keiths Cabin AirBnB Kerikeri. ) 👍
Stuck for ideas for your social media content? Her Stuck for ideas for your social media content? Here are 15 ideas to choose from - pick the ones that are right for your business, and repeat! Use photos and videos as well as words. 📷

If you’re posting 3 times a week, for example, this is enough content for over a month! 😁

1. You/your team in action. 
2. Your product/service.
3. Showcase a customer.
4. Behind the scenes, e.g. tools of your trade, or showcase your area.
5. Share industry news.
6. A special offer or promotion.
7. A helpful tip.
8. Ask a question or run a poll.
9. Announce a competition.
10. Competition reminder.
11. Announce the competition winner.
12. Client testimonial.
13. Humour.
14. Inspirational quote.
15. Cute pets!

PS. Know any business owners who’d find this useful? Tag them or share this post!
In my drive to support local businesses, I will be In my drive to support local businesses, I will be interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

I was asked to photograph stallholders at @boi_farmers_market for the market’s website. Some of the faces may have changed in the meantime, but Kerikeri farmers’ market is still an awesome place to support local growers - and get the tastiest food and produce. 🍊🌶☕️😋
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Related posts:

Kayaking in PaihiaKayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands Although Kerikeri is on the water, it's a wide river inlet rather than a beachy place.Kayaking the Kerikeri Inlet Beware of the gravel road to Wharau Road beachBay of Islands transport: How to get to (and around) the Bay of Islands Top 3 things to bring with you when you visit the Bay of Islands3 must-bring items for your vacation in the Bay of Islands

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All work is subject to the Terms and Conditions of FX Marketing Limited (click here to view).  Baywatcher.nz content and photos are Copyright © FX Marketing Limited 2016 - 2020.  Website by Cornelia.