On the Edge

Bay of Islands, Northland. Images Supplied by ExploreNZ

Apologies to my Christchurch friends but I HAVE to gloat! This is where I am. Understandably, winter in the deep south seems a long way away! But, as that thoroughly thrashed cliche goes, 'someone's gotta do it.' www.explorenz.co.nz

A Birthday Treat

Te Paki Sand Dunes, Northland.Images Courtesy ExploreNZ

Today is my birthday and I'm now at an age when reverting to adolescence seems increasingly attractive. And what better place to engage in something ridiculous and whimsical than the Te Paki sand dunes in the Far North. Located near Te Paki stream - which provides access from Cape Reinga to Ninety Mile Beach for the numerous tourist buses that frequent the area - the dunes have been pushed inland for around five kilometres and in places are over 100 metres high, making them perfect for a spot of sand-boarding. You can go it alone, or you can join the Dune Rider excursions, thereby side-stepping the whole issue of driving yourself north. And there's certainly something to be said for being driven about by someone else. www.explorenz.co.nz

Boaties' Heaven

Bay of Islands

An Aerial View

Image courtesy ExploreNZ

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Just Another Day in Paradise

Bay of Islands, Northland. Images Courtesy of Explore NZ

Who could blame our overseas friends for falling in love with New Zealand when this is what they have to endure? The Bay of Islands may seem 'touristy' to some, but get away from the towns and out on to the water and you discover the real beauty that makes this place so enduringly popular. It may be mid-winter - and okay, the sun may not be shining QUITE this brightly today - but there's a lot to be said for Northern warmth - and On the Edge makes it all so easy! www.explorenz.co.nz

Making Memories

Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris. Images Supplied by Explore NZ.

Talk to anyone who has ever encountered a dolphin, be it in the water, or from a boat and they all say the same thing - that it was one of the most special moments they've experienced. Dolphins have a universal appeal and who could miss an opportunity to get up close and personal. And you can do just that with Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris, which take you out into the Hauraki Gulf to swap pleasantries with these friendly marine mammals. Just another of the everyday happenings in a lucky travel guide writer's life. www.explorenz.co.nz

More Marine Mammals

Orca Watching Lunging Brydes Whale Orca All Images Courtesy Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris Forgive me if I seem to be thrashing the marine mammals but the kind people at Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris have sent me all these amazing photographs that I feel bound to share. I have no other excuse - and I should warn you....there will be more. www.explorenz.co.nz

Dolphin Spotting

Images Supplied by Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris

I have been known to drool with envy over other people's photographs and this is a case in point!

Two beautiful shots that somehow capture the spirit of these marvellous marine creatures that we all love. These were photographed in Hauraki Gulf on one of Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris. www.explorenz.co.nz

Sailing Away!

Images Courtesy of Explore NZ, Auckland.

Tired of the office? Feel like a break? Like the feel of the wind in your hair? Want to dabble your toes in billionaire waters with the professional yachties? If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of those questions then the former America’s Cup racing machines NZL 40 and NZL41 should do you nicely. Just the thing to blow out the cobwebs! But be prepared for a bit of hard work too because passengers become crew on these two beauties. www.explorenz.co.nz