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About One Way New Zealand
So what's all this about then?
Hello, we are the Rays, Craig, Rachel and Myles our son. In September 2007 we started out on a trip / holiday of discovery to travel through New Zealand in order to find out more about the country, the people and its culture. After spending all our lives in the UK we are eager to find out if our lives could be better in another country? Is New Zealand somewhere we could emigrate to - we will endeavor to find this out along the way, and will record our thoughts and feelings of New Zealand and what we think it has to offer.
In the process of putting this blog together we have decided also to try and bring together lots of information on the different regions, towns and cities of New Zealand. Information on immigration, travel, places to stay etc. We also plan to produce a weekly podcast featuring some of the people we meet on our travels. All of this, in the hope that this site will become a valuable resource for others to find out more about New Zealand.
We booked our flights - made the trip of a lifetime and gathered our thoughts, feelings, photos and videos. Feel free to travel along with us!
Recent Comments
Hiya Pete, Jo and April - great to hear from you! - drop us an email by contact us link at bottom of this page - we'll see u soon - hugs to all Rach n the boys xxx"
- Rach
Hi Guys ,
hope you are all well , it seems an age since you left on your travels.
I tried the e mail address but it did'nt work for some reason.
Love to you all . Pete , Jo and April."
- Peter Goode
Stunning pics guys! You so know how to capture the spirit of a moment."
- Sarah
Hi Kelli
Just send us an email: hello@onewaynewzealand.com and we'll reply
good luck with the move - Rach :-))"
- Rach
Hello, is there anyway to write to you? We are about to make a move to NZ and it would be great to speak with you. Please let me know. Thank you."
- Kelli
So do we - you'll be here before we all know it sista - hugs to ya both Rx"
- Rach
Lovely photos sis. Wish we could have been there too."
- Tracey
What precious and fun memories to hold on tight to till the next time. Can't believe you captured all that on film! It was lovely to meet your Mum whilst she was here and so pleased you got to share so many special moments together."
- Sarah
I need to get Craig round to give Dan some lessons! Awesome work on the planter box, which is no doubt over flowing with goodies by now - yummy!"
- Sarah
One of your best Craig! Anna and Myles are gorgeous together and look to be very good friends. What a fabulous piece of footage, to beautiful music and that view is always breathtaking."
- Sarah
Useful things we travel with...
Chariot Carrier
Myles's chariot! What a fantastic piece of kit. Bought this in the US after seeing it in Canada. It's a stroller, an off road buggy with suspension, a cycle trailer and you can even put skis on it! Wouldn't go anywhere without it - You can find out more and see it in action here
Our Travel Insurance
Used World Nomads for our annual policy for quite a while - They were recommended by Lonely Planet and Rob (Our global travelling friend!) also uses them - Good enough for him then it's good enough for us! Not sure if they are the cheapest but you do get what you pay for.
Get a quote online
Canon Camera
We use a Canon Ixus camera for all the photos and videos on the site. The size and quality is unbeatable - a great travelling stills and video camera in one! We got ours from Amazon because of their good returns policy and the online reviews from other users-Amazon reviews on this camera
Car Hire Worldwide
We've used loads of car hire companies over the years and we keep on coming back to auto-europe. They are usually the cheapest worldwide and the price includes all insurance / CDW etc,
www.auto-europe.com
Leatherman Wave
Brilliant multi-tool. Built like a tank and small enough to fit anywhere. Wouldn't leave home without it - Got us out of a few 'sticky' situations.
We got ours from Ready To leave.com
Saturday, 19 Apr 2008
Hailstones & Swing-bridges:
Kaitoke National Park
After a long sleep from the wine blurred events from the previous evening, I awoke with some Wii strain in my right arm - or I slept on it funny - though I'll go with the Wii strain!View this article >
Wednesday, 16 Apr 2008
The Gentle Practitioner and the Matterhorn
Rach made virtual friends with Sarah and Dan Lee (http://www.chezlee.co.nz/) and I arranged to meet up with Dan after work and head over to his for the evening. Dan runs an IT company in Wellington
View this article >
View this article >
Monday, 14 Apr 2008
Hataitai
Hataitai is over the other side of Mount Victoria from the city - You can get to it from either mountaineering from the city with ropes and high energy drinks or you can drive all the way around the road passing through Oriental Bay or up to the Basin Reserve (Cricket ground) and head through the Mount Vic tunnel. After the tunnel - sharp left!View this article >
Monday, 14 Apr 2008
Clyde Quay School
I had to include these photos of the wall painting at Clyde Quay School on Elizabeth Street in Mount Victoria, Wellington. They're wonderful! I must of spent at least half an hour or so looking at them on my way down to the deluxe cafe.View this article >
Monday, 14 Apr 2008
Freyberg Swimming Pool - No Aquatic Bingo here!
A short way around Oriental Bay there's a fantastic public swimming pool (with a great juice bar that I always gab a carrot, orange and lime juice from - yum!). It's a 'proper' pool - not a splash around play time job. Rach has got her eyes on it for her daily lengths when we get to Wellington. There's also a great gym overlooking the swimming lanes.View this article >
Monday, 14 Apr 2008
Have Camera...
Neil and Jen have been fantastic hosts whilst I've been in Wellington - Staying with them and their daughters Holly and Jessica for the majority of the time. They have some big white walls they want some photos on - so the least I could do was to take a few pics for them - Thought you'd like to meet them too!View this article >
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008
Wellington Waterfront & Oriental Bay - Still Wonderful as ever!
I don't think you can every tire of Wellington waterfront on a sunny day - I speak with people who have lived here for years and they agree. There's something magical about the size and geography of the city which makes it feel much more like a town. It's not unusual to see the same people floating around the place.View this article >
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008
Fergs Rock And Kayak Indoor Climbing Wall
When we were all last in Wellington, Myles was fascinated with this place. There were kids half way up walls and hanging from the ceilings everywhere you looked - some didn't seem much older than 3 or 4 years old. I think it's the largest indoor climbing wall in New Zealand - but don't quote me! What I do know is that we're all definitely up for a go when we get back out later in the year - hopefully Myles will be ready for a climb or too!
View this article >
View this article >
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008
The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Has Risen In Wellington
Now I won't go into the full story (It can be found here. In brief the ship was berthed in Auckland until a French spy blew it up - No doubt in response to the French nuclear weapon testing the in pacific ocean. They killed one of the crew in the process. Tragic. The spies were arrested and jailed for a short period before being retuned to France - Many people feel that justice has not been done.View this article >
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008
Henry Moore Sculpture in Wellington Botanic Gardens
This Bronze was placed in Midland Park in the centre of the city in 1988, then moved to the botanic garden in 1995.View this article >
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008
Another day in paradise - Wellington Botanic Gardens
I woke to a glorious sun drenched Sunday morning - quite early considering the late night working away. I get stuck into another couple of hours of work as until the sun poked it's head onto the desk which prompted me to make the most of the day and head on out.View this article >
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Quiet Night In
It's great Skyping Rach. We leave the video on even if we are both doing something else - You can strangely feel like your there at times like that. After a few pre-bedtime sessions of Skype Peekaboo with Myles I get stuck in to some work before heading off to bed.
View this article >
View this article >
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Seatoun, Wellington
Home to Weta Studios and Peter Jackson of Lord of The Rings fame and some of the most expensive property in Wellington. Seatoun is a short trip through the Mount Victoria tunnel from the city.
View this article >
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Houghton Bay and Island Bay
As you head westwards around the coast the scenery becomes more dramatic with the road hugging the coastline, the waves crashing into the rocks and pretty houses perched up into the hill sides. I really can't get over the contrast from the city just a short hop back through the Mount Victoria tunnel or back though the valleys running back north.View this article >
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Lyall Bay
After hitting the Warehouse for some supplies, first stop is Lyall bay on the south of Wellington right next to the airport.View this article >
Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Aro Valley
Heading back though the Happy Valley you pass through Brooklyn which i must investigate further. Before heading back up to Kelburn to do some more work I pass through the Aro Valley which has some funky looking shops and cafes. This city is so compact. With each of the areas having a distinct flavour. It's going to be great when we're all over as a family so we can go exploring together.View this article >
Friday, 11 Apr 2008
Kick Off
Had a great meeting at the start of the process with both Neil and are looking forward to getting stuck in. It's going to be a good piece of rewarding work that should really help Neil's company start moving in the desired direction with a new sense purpose and injection of excitement!
View this article >
View this article >
Friday, 11 Apr 2008
Arty Bees Book Store
Another Wellington great is Arty Bees - They have a couple of book shops in the centre of Wellington where you can buy used books, sell your old ones or have a swap. I picked up a couple of books here - it has a great atmosphere and there are some real finds in here. Ahterstone back home is becoming a book town with lots of specialist used book shops and it's always good to pop in and have a rummage around for the eclectic and unusual.
View this article >
View this article >
Saturday, 1 Dec 2007
Pahutakaua Trees and Rangitoto
Well we take some time to drive over to Auckland's' eastern bays to see if the Pahutakaua had started to flower - We so want to see one in full bloom before we leave - though it's still a little early - We would stand a much better chance later in December but hey ho. Hence the nickname of the Kiwi Christmas tree.
View this article >
Thursday, 29 Nov 2007
Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington
Well it was our lucky weekend on our last visit to Wellington, as it coincided with the seasonal opening of the rose garden in the Botanical Gardens. As we approached the gardens from up on the hill the scent of the roses just wafted up around us and the sight of the circular formal rose garden was just beautiful to look at.View this article >
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2007
Common Sense Organics - Organic Shop - Wellington
This shop was a breath of fresh air to us as at home we are so used to the main stores doing their own organic ranges, but as yet NZ stores are a little further behind when it comes to offering the consumer this choice.View this article >
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2007
Kirkcaldie & Stains at Christmas
Well it all seems very strange - walking around bathed in the sun with smiles on our faces and passing the shop windows full of Christmas displays and offers. We timed it well today as Welington's main department store Kirkcaldie & Stains had a Christmas fair running to launch the unveiling of their Christmas window displays.View this article >
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2007
Deluxe Cafe / Deli / Expresso Bar- Wellington
This cafe on Kent Terrace has to be one of the best we've been to, that's because it reminds us so much of deli cafe's in New York that are 'one offs'. We just loved everything in here from the decor to the notice board and the photography on the walls that was for sale, and of course the food and drinks were great too!View this article >
Sunday, 25 Nov 2007
Wellington Farmers Market
This weekend fruit and veg market on the corner of Vivian and Willis is a sight for the eyes and the senses, it's a vibrant place to come and shop for all your fresh fruit,veg and herbs etc... It runs from 4am (!) to 2.30pm on Sunday.View this article >
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007
Auckland BBQ - Blockhouse Bay
Pete and Sara have been fantastic hosts on friends during this trip. We headed back down from our group trip to the Northland to stay with them for a couple of nights before we take an internal flight down to Wellington for a few days to sort out some visa and work bits and pieces.View this article >
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2007
Whangarei Falls
No visit to Whangarei is complete without a stop off at the famous Whangarei Falls. Only a few kilometres outside of Whangarei, the falls has a great campsite and motor park, lots of picnic benches and places to sit and watch the world go by, listening to the water gushing into the river and the birds singing.View this article >
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2007
Whangarei Heads - Ocean Beach
We decided to take a drive along the Whangarei Heads out towards Ocean Beach. The scenery on the drive was breathtaking. We passed by rolling hills covered in spring flowers, tiny coves with beach huts and batches, native bush and pine clad hills before reaching Ocean Beach itself. We parked up in some shade as the sun was a little fierce today and walked down to the beach along a sand dune lined pathway.View this article >
Monday, 19 Nov 2007
A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park
We had already done a trip up to the nothland to see the largest know kauri - It was a nice way to spend an hour or so and we were expecting this to be a similar - but it wasn't! - This place is fabulous! - There are several routes you can take through native bush, past streams and brooks, through raised wooden walkways suspended between the kauri trees. It's only a couple of minutes from the road and the outer urban edge of Whangarei but you could be in the middle of nowhere. The sounds of the birds tweeting, the water trickling and the wind rustling through the leaves was almost meditativeView this article >
Sunday, 18 Nov 2007
Little Earth Lodge, Backpackers, BBH Hostel
We found the little earth lodge through the BBH guide It's a wonderful place to base yourself if you want to explore Whangarei and the surrounding areas. It's only around 6km outside of the centre of Whangarei but you could be in the middle of nowhere once you're there.View this article >
Saturday, 17 Nov 2007
Russell, Bay Of Islands
This another cultural visit to the first settlers town in New Zealand, which was once not so quaint as in the ‘old days’ it used to harbour all manner of drunks and criminals, before the Brits sent over a chap to keep the peace! The ferry leaves from the pier in Paihia and only takes around 15-20 mins to head across the bay - Myles was fascinated by the patterns in the wake behind the boat. The boat was only smallish - but large enough to relax and move between the upper and lower decks. Like everywhere else in NZ - there were recycling facilities on board also!View this article >
Thursday, 15 Nov 2007
St Heliers Bay - Auckland Eastern Bays and an Expat Meetup!
We made our way over to Auckland’s eastern bays - a series of beaches and communities spreading out from the city along a great road that hugs the coast - There is a cycle path the whole distance full of joggers, cyclists and people out walking their dogs and children! We headed for the furthest - St Heliers bayView this article >
Monday, 12 Nov 2007
Cornwallis Beach, Waitakere
We arrive at Pete & Sara’s in Blockhouse Bay after dropping Rob at the backpackers in central Auckland. We plan on staying a couple of days with them before heading off to the Northland. Pete & Sara have been so much fun to stay with and Myles loves Anna. We arrive late in the afternoon and get an early night after our lack of sleep the previous night in Taupo!View this article >
Friday, 9 Nov 2007
Lake Taupo
Before we know it we are at Taupo. The lake here is the largest fresh water lake in the southern hemisphere! We stop on the roadside for a break and take some great shots across the lakeView this article >
Friday, 9 Nov 2007
The Desert Road
The drive on the way up to Taupo takes us on the famous Desert Road. On the way down the weather was horrendous and we could barely see a thing so when Tracey had said on the phone to me ‘wow what about that volcano hey!View this article >
Friday, 9 Nov 2007
The Chocolate Fish Cafe
This is one of Wellingtons best kept secrets (well it used to be before Lord Of The Rings!). Near the suburb of Seatoun, it's a perfect place to visit when the wind isn't up to speed and the sun is shiningView this article >
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2007
Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington
We spend our afternoon down on the beach at Oriental Bay. It’s a fabulous place to hang out and let Myles have a run around. It’s so great having a beach like this in the centre of the city, 2 minutes from the Te Papa and 5 from the hotel!View this article >
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2007
Te Papa
The last time we were in Wellington we attempted a visit the Te Papa but is was in full swing with a Maori ‘fest’, which looked amazing but was a little too noisy for Myles. Anyway, this time it was calm and inviting and Myles just loved every second of it. It’s an amazing building perched on the water front and is a magical mixture of exhibits and discoveriesView this article >
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2007
Our 2nd stay in Wellington - Cuba Street and shopping areas
After the ferry journey we take some time to stretch our legs in Cuba Street and the main shopping district.View this article >
Sunday, 21 Oct 2007
Pampered
We are being spoiled here by Neil and Jen - they are just such lovely, generous people, who pull out all of the stops to show us the best of all Wellington and kiwi life has to offer. I don't know what it is about New Zealand but is seems to be suiting us! and it's the people we've met as well as the place that is making us feel so at home.View this article >
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2007
Mount Manganui Videos
Monday, 15 Oct 2007
Monk Street Market, Whitianga
Monk Street Market. We decide it would be good to check out Whitianga (pronounced Fitianga) just to stretch our legs before heading back to base. We arrive and its closed!! and park up on a random street, what we find when we stroll along towards the water's edge is an oasis of an organic shop that is like something out of a movie set or something. Called Monk Street Market - its only been open 6 weeks and is the dream of foundersView this article >
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