#golden bay new zealand

[sourisverte]

  Nelson, New Zealand

[shambholic]

Golden Bay, New Zealand

[fallenforfallon]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[compressionerrors]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[galatea-cosplay]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[greathelp]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[mattmonath]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[blingxblang]

Ocean Spires, Golden Bay, New Zealand

[have-you-been-here]

Labyrinth Rocks Park, Takaka, Golden Bay, New Zealand/Aotearoa

[askwhatsforlunch]

Manuka Honey Glazed Ham

Our Sunday Lunch today takes inspiration from my recent journey across Aotearoa New Zealand. The pièce de résistance, this beautiful Manuka Honey Glazed Ham, was one of the meats I ate when we lunched at Te Puia in Rotorua. It was most excellent, and I vowed to recreate the recipe at home. I also loved the Hāngī lamb and chicken, but digging an umu (earth oven) in the garden is little more complicated, especially on a rainy day! Happy Sunday, mates!

Ingredients (serves 4 to 6):

1 onion

2 small carrots

1.4-kilo/-pound ham on the bone (uncooked, and preferably not smoked)

1/2 tablespoon juniper berries

1/2 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

1/2 tablespoon coarse sea salt

1 litre/4 cups water

1 large garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 heaped tablespoons good Manuka Honey

Peel onion, and cut it into quarters. Peel carrots, and cut them into thick chunks.

Add onion and carrots into a large Dutch oven and place the ham onto them. Sprinkle liberally with juniper berries, whole peppercorns and coarse sea salt. Cover with water (the ham doesn’t need to be completely submerged as it will cook in the steam). 

Place Dutch oven on the stove, over a high flame, and bring to the boil. Then, cover with the lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer, one hour.

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, dried rosemary and Manuka Honey. Give a good stir until well-blended.

Preheat oven to 200°C/395°F.

Once the ham is cooked, lift it out of the Dutch oven, and onto a roasting or baking dish. 

Carefully remove the skin from the ham, so you are left with a thin layer of fat. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a criss-cross manner.

Generously spread Manuka Honey mixture onto the ham. Place baking dish into the hot oven, and roast, at 200°C/395°F, for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on top, occasionally basting it with its fat and the Manuka Honey glaze.

Serve hot, with its roasting juices and Manuka Honey and Thyme Roasted Kūmara. A Waiheke Island Pinot Noir, or a French Beaujolais Nouveau would pair nicely with it!

Pōhutu Geyser in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (14th October, 2022)

[animal71154]

okokok i wanna make a list of interesting animals that i like and some of which i have trouble remembering sometimes. i will edit this over time. ok. i thought we would be able to do readmores on mobile by now but apparently not. ok (i also always forget the word reconcile so that can be here too)

...

MARSUPIALS common brushtail possum, quoll, tasmanian devil, thylacine, cuscus (common spotted cuscus, sulawesi bear cuscus, silky cuscus), opossum (white-eared opossum, four-eyed opossum, yapok/water opossum), tree kangaroo, glider (greater glider, yellow-bellied glider)

RODENTS rat, mouse, nutria, Gambian pouched rat, capybara, Brazilian porcupine, jerboa (long-eared jerboa), chinchilla, vizcacha

MUSTELIDS ferret, weasel, stoat, marten (yellow-throated marten), skunk (spotted skunk), mink, greater hog badger

PRIMATES tarsier, aye aye, ring tailed lemur, japanese macaque, gelada, marmoset (pygmy marmoset), capuchin, spider monkey (red-faced spider monkey), howler monkey, white-faced saki

VIVERRIDS binturong, civet (owston's palm civet, African civet, banded palm civet), linsang, genet

PROCYONIDS kinkajou, coati, ringtail/cacomistle, raccoon

HOGS wild boar (really been enjoying these lately) , red river hog, pygmy hog

FELINES margay, rusty-spotted cat, black-footed cat, asiatic golden cat, bornean bay cat, little spotted cat/oncilla, jaguarundi, sandcat, lynx, bobcat, caracal, serval, fishing cat, pallas' cat

ANTEATERS tamandua, giant anteater, silky anteater, pangolin

LAPINES rabbit (flemish giant rabbit, sumatran striped rabbit, Netherland dwarf broken chocolate colour (someone said i would be this if i was a bunny)), hare

OTHER MAMMALS fossa, mongoose (yellow mongoose, common slender mongoose), elephant shrew (black and rufous elephant shrew), treeshrew, colugo, spotted hyena, antelope (oryx, roan antelope), honduran white bat

FISH eel (New Zealand longfin eel, moray eel, gulper eel), black ghost knife fish

ARACHNIDS jumping spider, house spider, daddy long legs, huntsman spider, tarantula, camel spider, tailless whip scorpion, horseshoe crab

OTHER INVERTEBRATES snail (giant African snail), slug, slater/pill bug, isopod, praying mantis, bee (honeybee, bumble bee), moth, millipede, centipede, earwig, beetle, sand hopper

...

ok now im tired and im going to go to bed. i will readmore this tomorrow when im on the computer maybe. goodnight

[speedmasterlegend]

Harakeke / NZ Flax

Parapara Lagoon, Golden Bay / Mohua, New Zealand.

[nzbusinessconnection]

Discovering the Best Beaches in New Zealand

When you think of New Zealand, you likely think of rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and lush green forests. But what you may not realize is that New Zealand is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From golden sand beaches to black sand beaches, New Zealand has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s both beautiful and unique, New Zealand is the place to go.

Beaches in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From the golden sand beaches of the North Island to the black sand beaches of the South Island, New Zealand has something for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches in New Zealand for every type of traveler: 

For the Adventurer: 

If you're looking for an adventurous beach holiday, then the South Island of New Zealand is your ideal destination. From world-famous surf spots to secluded coves, the South Island has something for everyone. Kaikoura Beach is a popular spot for experienced surfers, while the Abel Tasman National Park offers stunning views and plenty of activities for those looking for a more relaxed beach experience. For something truly unique, check out Farewell Spit, a long stretch of wild beach backed by dramatic sand dunes. Whether you're looking for action-packed fun or peaceful relaxation, the South Island has something for everyone.

For the Relaxer: 

If you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s all about relaxation, then the North Island is the place to go. The North Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from the golden sands of Coromandel to the stunning black sand beaches of the East Coast. Some of the best beaches for relaxation include the tranquil Waihi Beach, the stunning Cathedral Cove, and the tranquil Karioitahi Beach. 

For the Wildlife Lover:

New Zealand is home to a wide variety of wildlife and is a great destination for the nature lover. The beaches of New Zealand are teeming with wildlife, from dolphins and seals to penguins and sea lions. Some of the best beaches for wildlife spotting include the stunning Napier Beach, the picturesque Piha Beach, and the beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach. 

For the Beach Lover: 

If you’re looking for the ultimate beach holiday, then New Zealand has something for you. From stunning golden sand beaches to remote black sand beaches, New Zealand has something for every beach lover. Some of the best beaches for beach lovers include the popular Hot Water Beach, the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach, and the stunning Lighthouse Beach. 

For the Party-Goer: 

New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a wild night out, there’s a beach for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches in New Zealand for the partygoer.

For a night out with friends, head to Piha Beach. Located on the west coast of Auckland, this beach is known for its black sand and big waves. The beach is home to numerous bars and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a night of partying.

If you’re looking for a more low-key atmosphere, head to Hot Water Beach. Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, this beach is known for its natural hot springs. During low tide, you can dig your own hot tub and spend the night soaking up the atmosphere.

For a wild night out, head to Mount Maunganui. This beach town is home to some of New Zealand’s most popular nightclubs, including the world-famous Disco Bay. There’s also a range of bars and restaurants that stay open late, so you can keep the party going all night long.

No matter what type of beach holiday you’re looking for, New Zealand has something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife, New Zealand is the perfect destination for your next beach holiday. So if you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s both beautiful and unique, then New Zealand is the perfect place to go.

Business Profile

Fortis Caravans NZ

10 Downing Street, Takaro, 

Palmerston North 4412, 

New Zealand

+61 492 930 668

www.fortiscaravans.co.nz 

Experience the ultimate Australian-made caravan with Fortis Caravans NZ. With our range of luxurious and affordable caravans, you can enjoy the great outdoors while still being comfortable. Visit us today to explore our selection and find the perfect caravan for you.

About us:

Fortis Caravans NZ is the only retailer of Australian-made Urban Caravans in New Zealand. We have been providing New Zealanders with premium caravans for over 10 years. Our wide range of caravans is perfect for all types of travelers, from budget-minded adventurers to five-star luxury seekers. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products, and all of our Urban Caravans are built to the highest standards and come with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty. Whether you're looking for a caravan for a weekend getaway or a long-term journey, our team at Fortis Caravans NZ can help you find the perfect caravan for your needs.

[nathanlnes]

New Zealand - A camping Paradise

When we think of camping, what's the first picture that comes to mind? Some would think of tents lined up in a mountain landscape, others would think of a walking trail passing through a deep forest while still some others would think of having a relaxing time near a crystal-clear lake or walking through a coastal beach. Regardless of the image associated with camping, everyone would say that without the right accessories, such a trip is incomplete.

If you are thinking of having a thrilling and adventurous camping experience, you should be aware of the best camping locations around the world. In this context, one must admit that of all the countries of the world, New Zealand has the best camping sites that are simply stunning.  In this article, we would shed some light on some of these locations and the camping gear required to make the best out of a camping trip. Inflatable tents in NZ would probably be one of the first items in the list. So without further ado, here are three awesome locations in New Zealand that you should definitely check out.

Waiheke Island: A gorgeous island that would make one feel like it's emerged right out of a Disney movie, the Waiheke Island has some fantastic landscapes. The Island has a long coastal stretch that is about 40 km long. The turquoise island waters look pristine with its beautifully transparent view. You could go for canoeing in the clean waters and appreciate the beautiful scenery all around. Else, you could set up tents or gazebos almost anywhere in the island enjoying the surrounding view at the same time. Make sure they have height-adjustable poles for ventilation and veranda awnings for relaxing inside or sunbathing outside the tent. You would come across a long walking trail, approximately 100 km, on the Waiheke Island. Make sure to pack the right hiking shoes that are suitable for a beach walk.

Urupukapuka Bay Campsite: You are likely to see a lot of reefs, clear waters, sandy beaches, and diverse flora and fauna like the unique Paradise duck. The island is ideal for those who want to get away from civilization and bask in the nature. The island is quite well preserved and you would find some good archaeological sites to explore. The Urupukapuka Bay Campsite is the largest campsite on the island where people usually come with their families to spend quality time having recreational activities like fishing and kayaking. One would come across a lot of inflatable tents in NZ camped around the place.

Lake Wanaka: Highly recommended by tourists, Lake Wanaka is a marvellous camping destination. The lake is more than 40 km long and is surrounded by a breath-taking view of mountains and valleys. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you must have seen the lake in the movies. The Wanaka Lake is home to several resorts and camping sites where people set up base to explore the region. Adventure sports like river rafting in the fast-flowing rivers attract a lot of people. You could go for a hike on the Mt. Aspiring National Park which is highly popular for backpacking and mountaineering. Within the Wanaka region lies the Cardrona river valley where you would find some reclusive areas to have an alone and introspective stay. Camping enthusiasts should not miss out on the incredible experience of the region at all.

Key Takeaway

There is no doubt that New Zealand is blessed with the most outstanding topography that makes it apt for indulging in outdoor activities. From camping in a forest reserve, kayaking in turquoise blue waters, golfing in golden sand beaches to immersing oneself in nature walk trails, the country has it all to enthral your senses. It is a delight to go for a camping trip in the island nation.

You just need the right camping gear like tents. Based on the location of the trip and the weather conditions, you should plan accordingly. You should look for certain basic features like good material strength, accommodative and expansive interiors, durability and ventilation features like height-adjustable poles, awnings and vestibule doors to ensure proper air circulation. So enjoy your long-planned camping experience to your heart's content by equipping yourself with the best camping gear. So, plan your next getaway camping trip with the right camping equipment. Dwights Outdoors is an established business since 1979 that deals with camping accessories that guarantee you an amazing camping trip.

[anyvvhere-but-here]

Day 3:

Firstly, might I say I prematurely posted my blog last night as we saw penguins afterwards!! About 11pm we started our hunt for a kiwi, with high expectations as there are over 25,000 on Stewart Island. However, hopes quickly diminished as the minutes past and the birds fell silent (quick shout out to the father and son that let us follow them around because we were scared of shadows). BUT we saw a lunar rainbow (who knew those existed) that are actually a super rare phenomenon that can only happen when the moon is at its brightest point, full or close to, there is enough moisture in the air (such as rain) and the moon at no higher then 42° above the horizon (yes we did think it was the headlights to an alien spaceship before consulting google).

This morning, after our toasted sandwich stop at the Snuggery Cafe, we set off on our hike from Golden Bay to Deep Bay. A beautiful trek through lush rainforest littered with native bird song and our whispers of anguish as we fought the uphill battle (the stairs). Not long in we were met with a beautiful Kaka, a parrot native to New Zealand and a big fan of roasted and salted pistachios!

After our hike we realised we still had 3 hours till we needed to be ready for our flight so we stopped by the local pub for a ginger beer before setting off on a second walk to the local gardens, running into a sea lion on the way. We were met with stunning views and isolated beaches, rocky coves and crystal waters the entire day.

An hour out from our flight we decided to chill in the lounge before grabbing our luggage and walking the 30 seconds to our pick up point… however my bag was not where I left it. After consulting the lady at reception she put me on the phone to the ferry, thinking a big group may have taken it for a joy ride across the ocean… sweet. Meanwhile she knocked on every door to check whether someone had picked it up by mistake, but we found it!!

A short (and less traumatic) flight back to Invercargill set us off on our next little adventure to the Catlins, where Mother Nature works as a great selfie stick substitute. After a failed attempt at reaching Cathedral Caves (low tide is a must) we turned down to McLean Falls and took a short hike into the forest, an amazing way to round up our step count for the day. Only to end the day with an incredible sunset at the Sea Cliffs. I’m harvesting my main character energy.

[learningnewways]

Month 1 Thoughts

Well, it has been over a month since I returned to New Zealand already... Yikes. Lots of thoughts, questions and confusions have entered my mind since then, and many tears have been cried. Since arriving back in New Zealand I’ve been to Nelson, Golden Bay, Christchurch and even Franz Josef. I’ve spent time visiting friends and family, staying in people’s homes living out of suitcases. I’ve become an Aunty, celebrated Christmas and New Years. I’ve reunited with friends and said goodbye to others also heading overseas. It’s been a crazy month!

As I arrived in Christchurch at the start of my second week back, I was bombarded with experiences and feelings I hadn’t had in awhile. The first thing that struck me was fashion. Now, I’m definitely not a fashion icon, nor is it something I think about often. I dress for comfort and affordability. But for the first time in over four months, I got comments from people about my clothes, positive and negative. After wearing the same three dresses on repeat for months, I suddenly had more options and was entering a very different climate. Some people would compliment my outfit choices, then others would call my style “cringey” and roll their eyes at me. Like I said, I’ve never been nor do I want to be, someone who cares about fashion, but suddenly I was worried about what other people thought of what I was wearing. It seemed odd to me that anyone would care what I wore, but the fact that I cared what they thought took me by surprise.

I guess it’s less about fashion and more about comparison. In The Gambia, I had everything I needed, while many people I was working with had very little. In comparison, I was well off and felt bad that I had so much privilege when they didn’t. Whereas back here, I’m just a normal person, and there are so many people “above” me, as in they are more fashionable, can buy food out often, live in nicer houses...etc. This whole comparison concept hadn’t entered my mind much for the past few months, then within days of being back in our consumeristic culture, it was hard to escape from. Even though I don’t want to compare myself with anyone else, it ends up happening anyway. Sometimes I come out on “top” and in other categories I’m further “down”. It probably didn’t help that I arrived at peak consumerism time: Christmas.

My first few days in Christchurch were spent with my sister and her partner, who live only a few minutes walk away from where I had lived a few years ago. It was interesting to be wandering around such familiar surroundings, yet being such a different person now and in a totally different life stage. My first time doing a grocery shop back in New Zealand ended up being at my old local supermarket. While at the supermarket, I was overwhelmed with the choice in items, with multiple brands offering the same thing. I’d forgotten what I usually buy or how I shop. And I was so shocked at the prices! I’d heard the cost of living had gone up since I’d been away, but I wasn’t prepared to see basics like eggs and cheese cost so much. People were rushing around, putting expensive items into their trolleys so easily, going about their days... In The Gambia, if you could afford to even shop at the supermarket, you were wealthy. It wasn’t expensive by our standards, but to locals it was so out of reach, instead surviving day to day on what little resources they had. At one point I felt so overwhelmed with everything going on around me and inside of my mind, that I nearly had to leave the store and go have a cry.

There have been lots of moments like that, where I feel overwhelmed and confused, stuck between two worlds. Life in New Zealand is paradise, with our beautiful houses and clothes, our delicious food and our stunning scenery. We live for the weekends and summer holidays, where we can go to the beach or a music festival with friends and family. We have hobbies and disposable income. Life is still hard and there are many hidden challenges that everyone faces, but for most of us, our day-to-day needs are taken care of. Yet I know that just a few plane rides away, all across the world, there are people suffering. People starving to death, people being forced into the sex trade, people fleeing their home countries... The list is honestly endless. But our life feels like a bubble, an unreal life, a dream life. 

We are aware of suffering around the world, but yet we do nothing about it. We might sponsor a child or donate to charity if we have extra money, but our lives continue on as per usual. We don’t often have that real connection with those that are suffering. It’s not our sister having female genital mutilation, it’s not our brother being forced to become a child soldier, it’s not our parents dying of starvation, it’s not our friends swimming across the ocean trying to flee their country, it’s not us being tortured for our faith... So we do our little bit to help, we sacrifice the cost of a coffee a week to help put a child through school, and on we go with our lives. I’m not saying that’s not helpful, because it certainly does change lives, I’m not denying that. But is it enough? While we live in paradise, hundreds of millions of others live in pain and suffering beyond what we could imagine or handle, yet it’s in the too hard basket so we leave it for someone else. 

I don’t want to leave it for someone else. I don’t want to block out the faces I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard. They exist, they are human just like us. If I was in their situations, I’d be praying that someone would sacrifice from their plenty and help me out. 

I love worship. I love music. I love singing with a room of passionate people, eagerly seeking to know Jesus more intimately. But what I’m learning is that true worship is in our doing. True worship involves sacrifice. To sacrifice our wants, needs and desires, for the sake of His glory and His Kingdom. To help the lowly, to love the unloveable, the outcasts and the forgotten. To care for the orphans, the widows, the prisoners. I love worship. I love music. I love singing with a room of passionate people, eagerly seeking to know Jesus more intimately. But what I’m learning is that those times of “worship” are great for renewing my strength to actually go out and do something. Of course there will be seasons of sitting with Jesus, of being held by Him and simply being His child, in His presence. But generally when it comes to “worship”, God is more pleased when it actually involves sacrifice of some level on my end.

I think that so many of us want to be used by God, but we aren’t actually prepared to follow through with much of what He may ask us to do. Because it’s scary, unknown, dangerous and always involves sacrifice. I don’t know what God will ask me to do in the coming days, months and years. I hope that I will be willing to follow Him wherever it leads, but realistically I am not there yet. Over the past few years, I’ve done a lot of hard things. Much of the time this has been a case of feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I know that as I obey Him in the small things, He will ask more of me in the big things. I didn’t just wake up one day and hear God say, “Go to The Gambia,” and I just said, “Sure thing!” There were lots of small yes’s, and lots of small no’s along the way which led up to that call.

I’m not done with mission work, that’s for sure. As I started unpacking my suitcases and boxes into my room, I had this feeling like I didn’t want to unpack and settle back in. That I wasn’t ready for it. That my task wasn’t completed, that maybe it was just beginning. I don’t like how long it took me to say yes to God’s call to go to The Gambia. I wish I could’ve trusted Him enough to say yes easier. The more I settle into life back home, the harder it is to leave, obviously. The more money and things I have, ironically the harder it is to be generous and give. I don’t want to love the world and my desires more than God’s Kingdom and His desires. 

Shortly after I arrived back, I had to say goodbye to many of my closest friends in Nelson, as they headed off to Kenya on a month long missions trip, a trip that I was originally supposed to also be going on. I had such overwhelming emotions that day, seeing many of my favourite people all in one place, most of them I’d only seen once since arriving back. Then to be saying goodbye to them, just after I’d recently said hello, was pretty sad. More than missing them for a month though, was the knowledge of all the emotions and experiences they will have over there. Part of me was so excited for them and part of me was absolutely terrified for them! While my experiences were so different to what theirs will be, there are still elements that will overlap. There was also this anxiety of isolation again. Last time I’d left all my friends behind, but this time they were all leaving me, all at once! It was crazy.

I’m looking forward to hearing about their experiences and discussing life’s big questions with them. It is definitely hard having been through my experience in isolation, and although their journeys are different from mine, there will be overlap which I’m looking forward to debriefing!