Thanks to a broken stove top, we finally got to try La Taza Del Diablo, the mexican restaurant in Kerikeri. We've walked past so often, and it's a lively place - sometimes there's live music or a singer on Friday evenings. There were still a few empty tables when we arrived on a Wednesday evening, but shortly after they arrived they all filled up. And then even more people … [Read more...]
The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce
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...]
Midge Marsden concert at Marsden Estate – 28 March 2016
"There's a music thing on at Marsden Estate over Easter weekend - let's go!" said Mr Baywatcher. "Sounds good!" I replied. And so we bought tickets, when we were at the winery for lunch just a week or so earlier. And I'd never heard of Midge Marsden (though Mr Baywatcher had heard him play live many years previously). I was in for a treat! It turned out to be the … [Read more...]
Eat: Madly Indian, Kerikeri
Finally, after a 13-year quest to find an amazing Indian restaurant in New Zealand, I've found it... in Kerikeri! No, I'm not Indian, but I grew up in the UK where there is some amazing Indian food to be found. So for the 13 years I lived in Auckland, I trudged from suburb to suburb to find a good Indian restaurant. There were some almost-good restaurants, but they were … [Read more...]
Eat: Marsden Estate Winery Restaurant
It was typical New Zealand kind of weather when we went to Marsden Estate winery restaurant for lunch: 4 seasons in one day... sunshine, rain, sunshine, rain - you get the idea! Hint: enjoy a wine tasting before your meal Our visit started with a wine tasting - there's a small charge for this, but there were about 10 or 11 wines to try so it is well worth it! And it's a … [Read more...]
Kayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands
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?
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...]
Eat: Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant, Kerikeri
I visited Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant, just outside Kerikeri, with Mr Baywatcher and my dad. My dad had been staying with us for nearly 3 months, helping build my vegetable garden, so our visit here was a special lunch to say thank you to my dad for all his work. Top tip: have a wine tasting before you dine! Mr Baywatcher is a bit of a wine buff and really appreciates … [Read more...]
Bay of Islands weather: what to expect
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...]
3 must-bring items for your vacation in the Bay of Islands
These are the things I can’t live without, as a resident in the Bay of Islands! I’d highly recommend you bring these 3 items on holiday with you (or be prepared to buy them here in the Bay of Islands): 1. Wet weather jacket I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it rains a lot in the Bay of Islands, all year round. I remember on my first visit, I was even in tears … [Read more...]