When my sister recently travelled up from Christchurch to the Nelson/Tasman Region, I was able to show her something new. A rather gorgeous shopping and dining trio has been created at Church Lane, Motueka: - The French Store - Vintage Rose Fashion & Baby Rose Fashion - and the Church Lane Restaurant.   Church Lane Restaurant...

In the 'land of the long White Cloud', New Zealand's most active marine volcanic, is pretty hard to beat. White Island is located in the North Island offshore from Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. There are 2 ways of getting there. One is by an 80-min boat ride one-way from Whakatane. The other is by helicopter and this is only a 35 min fly from Rotorua. Today, I chose the latter. And I guarante...

The best time travelling Coromandel Peninsula is in Spring. This beautiful North Island region is a place where you can pretty much wear a t-shirt all year round. At this time, there's fewer people and you'll get plenty of space to yourself on those golden beaches. The New Zealand Spring season begins from mid-September through to November. The further north you go in New Zealand the war...

The Abel Tasman Region is a great place to hang about for a few days. There's no better location to enjoy some of the most beautiful golden beaches in the world, boutique vineyards and it's famous art trail. Dining in the Abel Tasman Region is taken very seriously by the well travelled locals who are usually excellent cooks themselves. The food here is nourishing, tasty, made with fresh produce...

Day 1 continued - New Plymouth - Boutique B & B. The lovely city of New Plymouth is a major draw card for us.  It is not always included in New Zealand itineraries. We think it should be.  In fact, over the last 10 years or so, New Plymouth has come along in leaps and bounds.  Being a coastal city, the sea views are beautiul.  There is a magnificent botanical gardens right ...