Ara Roa – Villa and Boutique Lodgings (Northland)

Spending more than 25 years doing anything indicates commitment, and for Ara Roa hosts Paul and Susanne, that’s a commitment to welcoming visitors to stay in a truly special part of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Whāngarei Heads and the Whananaki coastline is in Northland (about two-and-a-half hours north of Auckland). If you live in the North it’s…

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Moutere Inn (Upper Moutere)

Many a weary traveller has taken respite in this fine establishment during its 125-year history. It’s the oldest public house in New Zealand and is still in its original building. The Inn is a popular weekend destination for motorcyclists, Nelsonians, and visitors to the region. What perhaps isn’t so well known is that the food…

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Neudorf Vineyards (Upper Moutere)

It’s been more than 30 years since I first visited the cellar door at Neudorf Vineyards. The first block was planted in 1978 by Tim and Judy Finn. With the recent passing of Tim in our minds we went to spend an afternoon in the lovingly created space he and Judy have curated for so…

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Pizzeria Bella (Nelson)

It’s been a little while since I had a visit to Pizzeria Bella but I needed something to eat before catching Bill Bailey at the Trafalgar Centre and popped in here. The place was humming with happy diners and I was warmly welcomed by the attentive staff. I was very pleasantly surprised by the delicious…

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