Blog by Betsy Carstairs

North Island New Zealand events

January 5th, 2011
There is so much happening & so many interesting places to go in New Zealand. I have heard that The Great Barrier Island is a must see. This coming weekend just happens to be The Mussel festival there so that will be a fun thing to do. The ferry from ride from down town Auckland to The Greal Barrier Island is 3 hours so that for me will be fun as I love to be out on the water. Mussels are rea ...

Auckland New Zealand

January 5th, 2011
2 summers in 2011 will be good. This year I am kick starting my usual winter down under in New Zealand where it is their summer. I am staying in a suburb called Birkenhead  a stones throw from the beach. This morning I took the kayak out for a paddle. Went for a swim at a secluded beach & came back to have a chat with some of the neighbours. It is summer here so the few people that are in tow ...

Christchurch, New Zealand events

January 2nd, 2011
As I am navigating what dates to go to the desired destinations I had a friend sent me this article on Christchurch. I am now even more excited about going to this city & will make sure I get there for The Busker's Festival. Know the damage from the 2010 earthquake will still be evident but perhaps the debris will just be props for creative improvisation.  Should I fly into Christchurch from ...

Vancouver flight to Auckland New Zealand

January 2nd, 2011
The flight to New Zealand on Air New Zealand was a good choice. This is a non stop flight & the seats were quite comfortable. Food was passable but I did bring a few of my own favourites to nibble on the was so I was fine. Leaving @ 19:00 was perfect as I watched a movie read a book & dozed off. The 14 hour flight was only 13.5 hours as we had a strong tail wind so that was good. I will take ...