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?
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: Sally’s Restaurant, Russell
Winter in the Bay of Islands is an interesting time of year: many restaurants close for part of the week. And others close for a month or so, to do renovations while the tourists are away. Sally's Restaurant is an exception: they're open for lunch 7 days a week all year round. Plus they're right on the waterfront. You can get that seaside feeling even if it's raining and … [Read more...]
Eat: Getting fruity in Kerikeri
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...]
Eat: Bamboo Hut on State Highway 10
Have you ever driven past the signs on State Highway 10 for Thai food, and wondered what it was like? Here's what you can expect... A slice of Thailand in the Bay of Islands As soon as you pull in, you'll notice the Thai-style decor. It's like a wee slice of Thailand, right here in the Bay of Islands. The kitchen is inside a shipping container that's been covered … [Read more...]
Bay of Islands transport: How to get to (and around) the Bay of Islands
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
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?
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...]
Drink: Max Coffee, it’s mmmmmmm!
Did you know that the Bay of Islands has its own coffee roastery? You'll find Max Coffee in cafés and supermarkets throughout the Bay of Islands. At the time of writing this blog post, Max Coffee is served at The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri on Saturdays, and at Charlotte's Kitchen in Paihia every day of the week. There is also a roastery shop that's open to the public. … [Read more...]
Eat: Charlotte’s Kitchen restaurant, Paihia
Charlotte's Kitchen is a newcomer in the Bay of Islands dining scene, and it's well worth checking out. The location isn't immediately obvious: you walk down the pier at Paihia where the ferries and tour boats operate from, and the restaurant's tucked in behind there. Look for the eye-catching signage: It's very well worth the trip down the pier, as the decor of … [Read more...]