Gem and Bones on tour: Coromandel town & Whitianga (Sunday tiki tour)

Last Sunday, Gem and I travelled up the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula to the stunning little settlement of Coromandel town..

The drive from Thames to Coromandel took about an hour, but was very picturesque. The road up was a bit dodgy (skinny) with loads of vehicles towing large caravans or Boats along the way. I was happy Roxanne (The Caravan) was resting back in Thames for this trip.

Gem & Bones on Tour: Waikanae River Mouth Freedom Camping Area

Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of a river flowing gently into the sea, the air fresh with a salty breeze, and a symphony of birds to serenade the morning. This idyllic scene isn't a far-off dream but a reality at the Waikanae River Mouth Freedom Camping Area. In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about this idyllic camping spot, how to adhere to the rules and set your self up for a wonderful (but brief stay).

Blues and BBQ festival fires up: Early bird passes sell out, fan favourites 19-Twenty returns with new album & NZ tour

Festival headliner trio 19-Twenty will perform Saturday night.

The New Zealand Blues & BBQ Festival is already making noise, with early bird two-day passes selling out before the deadline, proving there’s a hearty appetite for this epic three-day celebration of incredible blues music and mouthwatering food, returning to Rotorua this 28-30 November.

Wendy’s + One NZ Warriors Feed the Faith – at least till August 10

Iconic hamburger brand, Wendy’s is gearing up to fuel the passion of fans, followers, and friends of the One New Zealand Warriors with the unveiling of its limited edition Feed the Faith menu. Available now at all Wendy’s NZ restaurants until 10 August, the Feed the Faith Sweet & Smoky BBQ range is set to be the ultimate pre- and post-game ritual that Warriors fans will remember long after the official whistle blows. 

Cutting-edge art from Kaitaia to Invercargill: Finalists revealed for National Contemporary Art Award

“It’s astounding this has happened for a third time in a row. Hundreds of entries have poured in from Aotearoa New Zealand artists at all stages of their careers, exceeding all our expectations. This reflects the vibrancy of the nation’s art scene and the essential role art plays in our society, as well as the importance of our philanthropic partners who enable us to offer such generous prizes.”

"Gem and Bones: Tour of New Zealand" – Getting Ready

Embarking on a unique voyage as we attempt to narrate what we hope will be the most captivating road trip for Gem, my spirited Border Terrier, and Bones, aka Tony Cutting (me), her devoted human companion.

This is not your ordinary tourist tandem but a dynamic team with a quest to rhapsodise (speak or write about with great enthusiasm and delight) the lesser-known corners of New Zealand.

Fish & Game offers young hunters the chance to win hunting weekend in outstanding wetlands

Young aspiring game bird hunters can win a weekend at spectacular wetland locations in Central Hawke’s Bay in a Fish & Game New Zealand competition.  

The organisation is inviting aspiring young hunters aged 14 to 17 to enter the competition, which includes two days of hunting in outstanding established wetlands on farms near Waipukurau on the weekend of 24-25 May.