3 Free things to do in Devonport Auckland

07/10/201907/10/2019

Devonport on a Sunday

1. Visit Mt Victoria

Overlooking the charming area and suburbs of Devonport it Mt Victoria. Set up as a battalion base in the wars it now serves as one of the best, unadulterated views of Auckland.

The Signalman’s House is on the way up and truly breath taking. For it’s colonial style, it’s obvious connection to yesterday and it’s current purpose of offering writers a retreat. Being a writer I am totally in-love with the idea of a haven. A place to write whilst being frivolous and overlooking the harbour.

You can’t drive all the way to the summit any more but you can walk, hike or stroll. Ie foot is the only way. Up the top you will be greeted by sweeping views to the east, north and west. To the south you have iconic views of Auckland although you need to veer past a few trees.

You can have a picnic on the old forts, while watching the clouds jump and jive overhead.

Or you can share a chit chat with an old mate reminencising over times of old … waxing lyrically about childhood while your feet dangle over the edge of the old fortress.

Exploring is lot of fun which is what makes this the perfect afternoon trip for a family or lovers or solo travellers.

2. Visit the Devonport library

Well blow me down, I have visited many libraries around the world but this library is amazing.

Aside from being an architectural designer master piece it offers peace.

Peace and an open air outlook over one of the most amazing bays in the world.

It’s inspiring and has all the literature greats at your finger tips… all for free… waiting to be indulged.

I whittle away a few lustful moments reading the local rag and absorbing the view.

Whilst not a “tourist” attraction I sincerely hope you visit this space. Especially if you have never been to a library before!

3. Walk along the foreshore

This is one of the oldest, loveliest foreshore walks in New Zealand.

Beautiful trees, spaces, play grounds, picnic areas and Elizabeth House, make this a beautiful lazy afternoon walk.

Grab a photo with your family – a real keep-stakes as the back ground of the azure waters of the harbour and the sky line of Auckland subside away. Truly beautiful.

4. Lunch at the Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel is such an iconic landmark. Built in 1857 the interior is everything you would expect from a timeless building.

We rock up on a Sunday and have the bowl of mussels done in white wine garlic and cream. Yes you guessed it! Something I will travel back for again and again and again. Especially at the end of the pier if the ferry from Auckland. It the perfect romantic escape and boys… it has a fire side!

5.Visit an art gallery

Despite everyone assuming art is for the rich or eccentric art is an expression. There are many art galleries in davenport and all worth a Casual wander through. There are too many to name and in my personal (artist) opinion, sometimes it is better to waltz through art galleries than it is to visit one. See where your heart takes you.

Nusa Lembogan

01/05/2018

Finally I have had to resign myself to the fact that today I can only squeeze in a massage and snorkel at most.

As Western though patterns and chasing leaving my body, so does stress.

I feel myself decompressing like a tension chamber that has become unaccustomed to it’s own internal pressure – in actual fact using it for fuel to chase down more business. I need to step back and I have.

Yesterday I jumped on a plane to Bali with a small back pack, some face masks to deliver to Solemen ( A charity I support here) and little else. I had a sense that escaping to Nusa Lembogan would provide me with my next life lessons, poignant and gentle as Mother Bali delivers, so headed for Sanur to catch a ferry.

There are plenty of ferry companies that cross the 45 minute stretch all day. No need to book ahead and it shouldn’t cost more than 400 rupiah return.

I had to wait a while for mine, but I have learned that the waiting is part of Bali unravelling you from what you know, to where you need to be.

I relish in the wait.

With no accommodation booked, I figure that I could do something about it while the ferry is coming. Incredibly I secure a room in a hut that is truly magic and I feel so incredibly grateful to have been directed here.

A generous local drove me to the villas and would not accept any money for the trip. It sounds naive but I know the favour will be returned one day.

My digs for the night are out of this world – incredible views, and I feel I have arrived at the cusp of heaven and earth.

I settle in, have some mandatory spring rolls, a gin and tonic then go exploring.

It is a full moon and the night light makes for easy walking to Dream Bay.

Today i will explore more and post more tomorrow.

My creative flow is back and I feel alive again. Thank you Mother Bali.

The Lawn

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Reclining back, watching the last of another magic Balinese day, I giggle at the outlook of The Lawn. It is like a piece of Seminyak in Canggu. A little piece of glamour in the surf village. I don’t mind it for a change but I know it wont’ become my local. I am still an “Old Man’s” gal!

The Lawn is impressive though.

Perched on the beach, tastefully hidden, and discrete, you can chill on reef mats, watching the sun set.

It is pseudo kid friendly with an infinity pool, chez lounges and a couple of bar areas.

The cocktails are fairly standard for Bali – good, still cheaper than most parts of the world. I was a little disappointed with the menu and food but that might because I had been spoilt for organic raw choice all day, and gorging on pizza really didn’t tick my fancy. I am sure many would love their American quasi global menu.

The Lawn in summary is definitely worth a sunset visit – it maybe your thing, but you won’t know until you have been there at least once!

The Pink Coco Gili T

21/08/2017

This is my second holiday to Gili T.

It’s a great ferry ride over and we are staying at the north western tip at a hotel called The Pink Coco.

Hotels on Gili are more expensive than Bali – mostly because they can charge more (captured audience) and they have to transport all the goods to the island.

I like the Pink Coco. It is pretty laid back, set out like a hotel but only 2 stories high, and lots of privacy from your deck.

We don’t spend a lot of time in our room anyway, Gili is an island for exploring and having little adventures.

The breakfasts are good – choice of local fare, great juices (try the dragon fruit juice) and they will top up your room with water when you request it.

The only caution about this hotel is the chlorine in the long pool. It turned my hair green. Well blue-green as my friends reassured me!

P & O Cocktail mix classes

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On board drinking experiences are they worth it?

If you like a wine or cocktail I think the tasting experiences are a must.

On the cruise I am doing there are a few days at sea which means forced rest and recouperation. I take this part of my life very seriously and aside from writing travel blogs, dipping in and out of the spa, I will always sign up for a few drinking experiences.

The wine tasting one is fantastic.

Wine tasting course on board the P & O Dawn Princes

So often in life I feel wine is drunk not enjoyed. The wine tasting enables you to thoroughly enjoy the true experience of wine – the joi de vie, the elixir of the Gods. I love wine so slowing down to have some one walk me through each quality and aspect of the wine, the colour, the aroma, the palette and to tell me the story about the wine maker and his intent on creating the wine is like attending a liquid art gallery.

The ship often shares one or two high end bottles which are beautiful to enjoy. I highly rate the wine tasting, the random people you meet at your table and the funny staff.

A different liquid experience and equally as fun is the cocktail mixing hour. For a modest sum you can make 4 delicious cocktails , have some fun and consume them all!

I found it very enlightening and learned that you can infuse your own vodkas with anything from chillis, to fruit to chocolate eclairs! I also discovered that many cocktails made behind the bar include sugar syrup and explained many so called “hangovers” that hadn’t made sense in the past – now I know they were sugar crashes.

We made an expresso martini, a humming bird, a caprioska and a chocolate one….

Book your cruise here.

Surfing Batu Balong Beach Bali

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I am eagerly waiting to return to Bali this weekend where I can surf, eat organic food and catch up with friends.

Bali has become a second home of sorts, with me traveling there 9-10 times in the past 3 years.

Bali had never been high on my travel bucket list but after doing a food documentary pilot for a TV show in Ubud, I fell in love.

The people are spiritually sound and grateful. Very caring and gentle despite the harrassment that sometimes occurs on the more popular beaches and tourist stretches of Kuta and Seminyak.

I like to stay in Canggu. It is the beach area further around from Seminyak and was the old surfie part but like most of Bali has been a little over run by hipsters and families.

If you ask anyone where Old Man’s Pub is you will find Batu Balong.

The place is very laid back. Sports a little temple, which commands a big crowd on Sunday with worshipping from the local Balinese.

I like going surfing here. It is a reef so can get gnarlly on low tide. Actually the beach is quite steep so getting out of the surf can be precarious.

There are a couple of surf board hire places in the car park and both are friendly establishments. You can leave your valuables in a basket and the guys will look after them. Boards cost $5 for 1-2 hours.. no one really runs a clock. You can organise a coach easily enough, on the spot – usually $35 which includes board hire.

Regardless of whether you have surfed before or not, Batu Balong is a great place to catch some waves. If you have surfed a bit you might find it a bit crowded but for novices it is easy!

Waiheke Island New Zealand

13/06/201726/07/2019

Situated 40 mins by ferry from Auckland is the lovely island of Waiheke.

The population is about 9000 steady residents that swells to 45,000 in summer.

The scalloped wind-protected bays are delightful and on a sunny day shimmer in the light.

The ferries with Fullers leave pier 2 in Auckland Wharf every thirty minutes on the hour and similarly the return ferries leave on the hour and every thirty mins. The full time table is here.

The ferry serves wine so it’s a nice transition from the hustle and traffic of Auckland to the more peaceful, tranquil island living.

Finding an awesome place to stay for two nights, (plenty other options here), my digs are called Studio 16 in the fun bay called Surfdale .

From the studio, equipped with more than one needs for a two night escape, you can walk to the local Irish pub, Malones. Reknown for it’s Argintinies and latinos (quite a few on the island now) you can find some fun.

From darts, to a pool table and on our first night there, the infamous drones of the Baby Boomas it’s a fun joint!

There’s a lot to do in Waiheke if you chose, or nothing to do. Your choice!

I head for an afternoon of wine tasting – something the island is well known for: rose and reds.

Starting at Wild on Waiheke, we start with some samplers – all around $4 per taste. The winery is also a craft beer distillery and I am told they are excellent beers. The food looks amazing and if you want you can shoot a riffle (laser) or part take in archery.

Next door are two excellent vineyards – Tu Motu – which has some of the best (and most expensive) reds I have had in awhile and Stoneyridge .

Stoneyridge is my ideal way to spend a Sunday – funky cool tunes, relaxing outdoor al fresco sitting, wonderful wines and lovely views over the vineyards. We are there in winter and the winter’s sun catches the green of the valley in the most superb way – it glistens.

The only downside to the vineyards on the Sunday is the fact they all close at 4pm!

We miss out on the newer vineyard, which reportedly has been $35million in the making.

Eating out is fun, and we find many options in the town of Oneroa. If you head down a little alley way, bay side, towards, Sandbar you can find a funky little wine bar. The night we are there an acoustic guitar play keeps us entertained while we sip on lovely wines.

The Sandbar is nice and open and great for a drink – apparently they can get a crowd in there as well.

Upstairs is Vino Vino, an Italian restaurant that has a lovely balcony also over looking the bay. The food is OK but the view makes up for it… so best you go during the day or on sunset!

We have two nights in town and the first night eat at the Red Crab, the local Thai place. The foods is good, wines a good price. Not the most amazing Thai food but not bad either.

Across the road is the more elaborate Oyster Inn. With wide balconies, a great wine list and lots of seafood on the menu, it is a more romantic spot. We have the chilli fish curry (very hot) and the John Dory. Really GOOD!

Other activities on the island include kayaking, stand up paddling all back at Maitati Bay where the ferry arrives. You can do lots of short walks around the island and bays as well as a 3km art route. We didn’t get to see much of the island’s art this visit but have been told it is a really thriving scene.

Transport around the island is easy – you will need a taxi from the ferry to most places – budget at least $30 NZD to get 5km. There is a good public transport bus which is only $3.50 per person, or shuttle buses also run regularly.

If you are planning on going, staying at least 2 nights, 3 would be ideal.

Labak River Hotel Ubud

09/09/2016

Finding the perfect place for a retreat is tricky.

Somewhere secluded but close to town. Somewhere with good clean facilities (especially air conditioning) but not at a crazy price. And somewhere that has enclaves for people to escape to and do some personal reflection and growth but it safe and contained. YES! It’s very tricky and until you hold your retreat, you are still not 100% it is right.

This retreat in Ubud, Bali, I chose the Labak River Hotel.

It’s located on the out skirts of Ubud but not a long way out like many others. You can walk to town in 15 minutes past the monkey forest, or jump on a scooter and be there in five minutes.

The hotel is spacious but has many intimate spots to hold small groups and for people to relax and recline.

All the bedrooms were beautiful and provided the guest with their own veranda and big chair to chill out in. I loved my bed!

A river runs behind the hotel and provides a lovely gurgling back ground sound. The hotel does face another hotel on the other side of the river, yet it is far enough away that no privacy is forfeited.

Beside the hotel is Ubud’s newest yoga facility, Ubud Yoga Centre, which is beautiful and offering great food with views.

The massages on offer are excellent and I had the Balinese Flower Bath 90 minute ritual. Absolutely therapeutic and relaxing. I highly recommend it.

The hotel has a few bar areas and the staff are friendly and helpful.

You can tell they want your stay to be special.

I will be holding my next retreat there in November 2016. Check out the retreat deets here.

Art Classes in Ubud

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Since a child I can recall art, drawing and painting. Maybe it had been due in part to having a grandma who is an artist, or maybe it’s because I find it nourishes me. Either way I love art and the knack it has of allowing one to relax and get totally lost in the moment.

It’s a chance for one’s inner child to play.

So recently when I held my Nourishment Retreat in Ubud, an art class was an obvious activity.

Ubud is a very ” arty” place and there’s no shortage of artist teaching classes.

There was no need to fret though, as I knew I would be guided to the best teacher, and so I was.

Nyoman is a local artist and has a great vision to one day have a cafe where people can go and pick up some paints and have a puddle on the canvas.

On this day I took a group for some fun on the canvas. Some were a little trepid and worried that they would be doing it wrong. But soon realised that there was no “wrong” and everything was fun.

Nyoman is a wonderful teacher and gently encourages your inner child to play. He picks you up from your hotel and drops you back. To contact him directly send him an email here.

When you arrive you can chose what style of painting you would like to do. He has batik drawing out the back and next time I will be doing batik for something different.

We all chose a different style and easily and effortless Nyoman helped us bring our tiny vision to reality.

All our art pieces could be hung on a wall and it’s not often when you do something so pleasurable and get to take a memory and souvenir with you.

Thanks Nyoman! If you are interested in coming to Ubud with me, check out here for my next retreat.

Mt Warning Delights

14/08/201614/08/2016

Today was a magic day shared with close friends in a very spiritual part of Australia, Mt Warning.

Mount Warning — Mt Warning (Wollumbin)
in NSW

Mt Warning, also known as Mt Wollumbin is a step craggy mountain (actually the remnants of a volcano) that makes for a big day time climb.

The 4.5 km, one way walk, (9km return trip) takes on average 5 hours, giving you a 20 minute break up the top. You can of course do it quicker or longer, depending on your fitness.

I would say this walk requires moderate fitness and I don’t think it is for the feint hearted. The steep incline meanders through some lovely bush tracks, with the Tweed Valley dropping away below.

The height of the mountain in a bit over 1100 meters, and the last little bit is practically a rock climb straight up. There are chains to hang onto but it is loads of fun pulling yourself up, especially if you legs have given way!

The views from the top are spectacular, spanning from the Gold Coast hinterland to Byron Bay and Nimbin.

There is something very bonding about sharing the view with other people who have just survived the rock climb as well. Many kick back in the sun and enjoy a feed before heading back down.

For some silly reason I took a bottle of wine to be drunk at the top but there was no way known I was going to drink wine, in case I fell off the mountain, so it was carried all the way down undrunk.

At the base of Mount Warning are two options for eating, my favourite being Mavis’ s Kitchen.

Yummy beef cheeks — Beef Cheeks at Mavis’s Kitchen

It’s a well established restaurant with fantastic gardens and food. They grow a lot of their own produce in their beautiful garden. Today a couple catch a helicopter in, which adds to the surrealism and grandioseness of the place.

The sunlight in the area gives everything a luminescent glow, citrus greens and crisp blues. A perfect day with the perfect balance of options.

Oh for the record, I had the beef cheeks, on polenta and the Tyrell’s chardonnay. Devine!