While the humble BBQ is on, and the wine is nicely chilling, it doesn't take much to "throw something together" and call it "award-winning" grub.  Well, us Kiwis would like to THINK that, but we do appreciate great food when we taste it (especially when someone else prepares it) and would, if we had half the chance, travel half way around New Zealand for the pleasure.

With crazy food festivals (think Hokitika Wild Food Festival with wetas and all sorts of wild morsels on offer), January/February does seem to take the cake with more refined "wine and food" occasions, offering some tempting tasty goodness:

• 9 January 2010 | Great Barrier Island | Port FitzRoy to be exact. Yum, the Great FitzRoy Mussel Festival! Lots of mussels and beverages, but also an alcohol free area (and lots of children's activities), and better still, it's FREE admission. More Info.

• 23 January 2010 | Hawkes Bay| Head to the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds (Kenilworth Road, Hastings) for the Blues Brews & BBQs Festival: beer, wine, food, bands etc. $25 pp for this one (for pre-bookings) but check for more details. More Info.

• 24 January 2010 | Martinborough | TK Day , yep Te Kairangi Vineyard (89 Martins Road) offers wine and food (plus BYO picnic theme), $30 per adult. More Info.

• 24 January 2010 | Golden Bay | Food and Wine Festival yay. Golden Bay style, at the Kowhatu Estate Winery (on Richmond Road). Phone: 525 9899 for tickets.

• 30 January 2010 | Hawkes Bay | A music fest and food/wine fest all in one bundle of greatness! Harvest Hawkes Bay offers local wineries and food producers, along with local Kiwi entertainers. Roys Hill in the Gimblet Gravels. More Info.

• 30 January 2010-1 February | Auckland | Halsey Street Wharf, Halsey Street is the venue for the 4th annual Auckland Seafood Festival. Lots of fun, food, wine, and a slippery pole competition (yep). More Info.

• 6 February 2010 | Waiheke Island | Music, celebrity cooking demonstrations, awesome local wines (and $60 for adults), Isola Estates hosts the Waiheke Wine & Food Festival. More Info.

• 6 February 2010 | New Plymouth | Okurukuru Winery, 738 Surf Highway, is the place to be for brews and entertainment in Taranaki this summer: Taranaki Wine & Food Festival More Info.

• 13 February 2010 | Auckland | A beer festival like no other Auckland will produce, the Liquorland NZ Beer Festival hits us again. Ellerslie Racecourse. More Info.

• 13 February 2010 | Marlborough | New Zealand's most favourite wine festival, yay. The Marlborough Wine Festival of course, Montana Brancott Estate, Blenheim. More Info.

• 20-21 February 2010 | Auckland | The Devonport Wine & Food Festival strikes again. More Info.

Don't forget, the water is good too (and sober drivers are "bloody legends").

If you are getting that niggling feeling that you should have gone with your gut instincts in the October school holidays and planned ahead for Christmas, too right!  If you want the pick of the crop of camping sites (if camping is indeed your scene) you need to be on top of your game.

Book in early for a slice of Hahei heaven in the Christmas holidays.

Whether a seasoned Auckland camper, a well travelled New Zealander, or a visitor to NZ for the first time - you must give Hahei a nudge when in the upper North Island. 

If this is new territory for you, let us set the scene. Resident population 520, tourist population 5,200 in summer (don't quote us on it, but you get the picture).  

Hahei Beach is on the coastal flat as far as beaches go. The Hahei Camping Ground is within metres of the beach.  Go coastal with just metres to beach access from your tent site, or shelter from prevailing winds and tuck yourself into a tidy nook - there are plenty of prime tent and caravan locations at this destination.

If a stroll is your intention, either end of the beach itself will either, see you at Te Pare Reserve or, for the more energetic at Cathedral Cove. 

Either way, this beach beckons sunshine, friendly faces and the convenience of easily accessible day outings.  There are kayaks to be hired, ice-creams to be licked, and a number of mini-adventures at your doorstep.

• Within a 10-15 minutes drive you'll hit Cooks Beach (close to Ferry Landing if you want a quick dash across to Whitianga or a walk around Whitianga Rock).

• Hot Water Beach for a tempting self-dig/soak in the natural hot sandy springs on the beach (at low tide) or just enjoy the ample surf for the boarders or body surfers amongst us.

• Or, if you are wanting a day trip, check out the things to do along the 309 Road.

If you are organised enough to be enjoying the summer holidays here in 2009, we wish you a memorable fun January.

Not only are these our Top 5 waterfalls in Auckland, we reckon they are a great example of what Mother Nature can do in her sleep, and provides a great excuse to take that Sunday Drive and explore Greater Auckland.

There's something for everyone with these great options.

• If you are wanting to go for a Sunday Drive and take a tour of some fabulous West Coast beaches, a little walk (literally 3 minutes from the roadside), will see you at the Karekare Falls.

• A nice work out (not so much for the under 5's, or those with sore knees) would be the Fairy Falls in the Waitakere's - lots of variety (hills and stream crossings) on well formed tracks.
  
  
  Prepare to get your shoes wet on this one.  It's fun, a real "back to nature" ramble, boulder hopping and giggles aplenty. [Ed]

• The Mokoroa Falls are certainly worth the walk too, another great Waitakere Ranges offering.

• If you are planning a day trip north of Auckland, certainly the Piroa Falls are worth a short walk, with awesome swimming holes to relax in.

• For a flat family walk to an inner city waterfall, try Oakley Creek, a welcomed surprise where you'd least expect it.

By no means is this the full list of waterfalls in Auckland, there are indeed plenty. We thought that each of those chosen above however, brought something new to the fold - whether it be location, size, or intensity.

We certainly would recommend this pilgrimage any weather. 

If you think we have it wrong and another Auckland waterfall should be on the Top 5 leaderboard, please email us!

It can be a challenge trying to find the perfect mix of things to do in the school holidays to keep the kids involved and smiling.  Given that 12 weeks of the year are dedicated to school holidays - patience, enthusiasm and wallets are truely tested. 

For a no-nonsense outing that is deemed to be a winner every time, "planned spotaneity" takes the cake.

While this can't always be possible on a grand scheme due to life's little necessities (like work and other committments), daylight savings and an open mind allows for some fabulous structured chaos. 

Planning spontaneity is not as contrived as it sounds.  With a few simple basics covered, a winning recipe for fun almost anywhere is within an easy reach and budget.

• Set the scene
• Supply the tools
• Allow the time
• Go with the flow 

Well, that's what we reckon and it's worked well for us so far!

Set the Scene:  While not compulsory, having a general destination and awareness of possible activities is advisable (eg: Destination: Orewa, Activities up your Sleeve: Millennium Walkway and Alice Eaves Bush Reserve).  If you drive around aimlessly waiting for an adventure to jump out at you, you may be disappointed.  Pick a destination that both you and your family will enjoy.

Supply the Tools:  These can be as simple as a hacky-sack or tennis ball, bottled water and a plastic bag (stuffed into your backpack or under the car seat in front of you).  Who knows just what you'll use them for, that's part of the fun - but covers off entertainment and thirst, which can be a dampener on the adventure if either are not fulfilled.

Allow the Time: You know the commitments of your day so work them out before you leave the house.

Allow a good 2-3 hours (age dependent) where you can give yourself over to the adventure. The kids/grandchildren will love it.

Go with the Flow: Slow down and let the day unfold.  Follow slug trails along the footpath, lay on grass and find cloud animals, jump in a few mud puddles and roll down grassy banks, swing as high as you can at the park - and that's advice for the grownups, not just the younger members of the family.  It's fun putting simplicity back into our lives again - let's remind ourselves how much fun it is to be a kid.

Term 3 School Holidays are generally scheduled as 25 September-12 October 2009.  Be sure to check with your local school if uncertain of dates.

NZ's very own Under the Mountain is set in a fantasy world, however in reality, shows off some of Auckland's best known volcanoes. Mt Eden, Rangitoto Island and Lake Pupuke are three quite unique volcanoes. 

While Pupuke Volcano may not be as well known as the others (an explosion crater around 150,000 years old by the way), all three feature in the film, as seen in the movie trailer.

Luckily for us, these top filming locations happen to be very accessible and open to the public. No private tours here, my friends. 

So, after seeing the movie, you may feel the urge to go exploring and climb OVER a volanco or two:

• Mt Eden offers great views, a crater rim track, a children's playground, large grassy reserve and a dog friendly exercise area.

• Rangitoto Island is a perfect day trip: native bush, lava caves to explore, a nice walk to the summit for some exercise and extensive views of the Hauraki Gulf.

• Lake Pupuke is a watersports haven (complete with trout fishing believe it or not!)

If you are serious about literally exploring UNDER a mountain, we've got a few suggestions to get you started.

• North Head in Devonport (North Shore) may not be a volcano, but it does have a mass network of manmade tunnels ready to explore (remnants of the WW2 military battery).  With a concrete maze of interconnecting corridors (we've got the link to a great self-guided walk map of the tracks too), it's certainly a winner and the kids will love it.

• On Auckland's West Coast, take a drive out to Whatipu and discover a massive cave within leisurely walking distance. This cave is so huge, it was the location for numerous dances back in the Early Settler days, then narrows away for "torch only" exploration.

• And for a day trip just outside of Auckland, we'd highly recommend you explore the Waipu Caves, a natural underground wonderland, complete with underground stream, stalagmites and glow worms!

HOWEVER we would highly recommend you (a) bring a torch as you may live to regret it if you don't (b) wear appropriate footwear with a good tread (so you don't slip).

Under the Mountain [sourced by NZfilm]

When teenage twins Rachel and Theo investigate the creepy old house next door, they discover the Wilberforces - shape-shifting creatures that lurk beneath Auckland's ring of extinct volcanoes. Guided by the mysterious Mr Jones and with the help of their older cousin Ricky, the twins must rekindle the unique powers they once shared if they are to destroy this ancient evil - before it destroys them. 

The novel, by acclaimed New Zealand author Maurice Gee, has been in print since it was first published in 1979. The book has been a much loved classic for generations of younger readers and, in 1982, the story became a scary and hugely popular TV series that is vividly remembered today. This bold new telling of Under the Mountain updates and re-imagines the story as a scary and thrilling dark fantasy adventure for audiences 13-25.

Photo: Waipu Caves

It all started very innocently.  A little distraction from forest walks and sand dune surfing lead to following through with a wild idea of grazing chooks in our suburban backyard.

Not wanting a weak ending to an otherwise solid idea, I ran out of excuses last weekend.

Well, as it turns out, we needed PVC piping, wire cutters, tarpaulin, flexible wire, cable ties, a boxful of Wiggles plasters and litres of sugarfree lemonade.  Oh, and great instructions for a cheap-as mobile chicken coop from the team at Green Urban Living.  

Many hours later we had created a masterpiece.  A masterpiece fit for beautiful chooks.  But, where do you find these beautiful egg laying hens?  There's not a section in the local Yellow Pages, if that's your obvious response, nor do you find them in your local pet store, oh no. 

No, instead one goes on the search for hen breeders, for, not all hens are the same.  There are over achievers that lay plentifully but can be anti-social, family friendly varieties that are mediorce layers, or special breeds than can provide an aray of colours - from blue/green, white, cream, terocotta etc (not from the same hen, obviously).


Seriously, the colour of their ears apparently will dictate the colour of the egg, and locating their ears can be a fun activity too.

Why have hens in your backyard?  For a myriad of reasons:  disposing of the kitchen leftovers (they eat anything that we eat), ability to collect fresh eggs for breakfast and untold hours of sweet entertainment for the younger members of the family, to name a few.

It's not just about kitchen scraps and fresh eggs you do realise.  These little beauties can weed your vege garden too!

How many hens are you allowed in the city?  Where we live, we are luckly enough to be allowed up to six laying hens (as long as they don't become a risk to the public, nor a hazard, and don't attempt to smuggle in a rooster).  Check with your Council for local bylaws.

It is only early days - so will keep you posted on the laying success and any handy hints we can pass on.

With tickets at $50 per head, expectation of a big day out in this Mercury Bay town was high.  I'd get more than just a souvenir wine glass and a self guided map, right? 

Well, it was the last weekend in August, and I was about to find out why people travel for miles to attend this annual event.

From the moment I walked through the gates with my wrist band firmly affixed, I couldn't help smiling.  If the roaming Scallop Percussion Band (complete with orange roe hats and shell bodices) wasn't going to make me chuckle, then surely it was the smell of glorious food wafting from the marquees and smiling happy people holding hands. 


I had arrived. I had cash.  I was happy. 

And who wouldn't be?  Seafood dishes of every description were on standby to tantilise the tastebuds. Oyster shooters, garlic prawn kebabs, kina roe pottles, scussel fritters (combination scallop and mussel), paella, sauteed paua and scallops where all fighting for my attention - it was going to be a long day. 

Set within the Marina Reserve grounds in Whitianga, experienced festival goers came prepared with BYO table and chairs and made temporary home bases on the waters edge over looking Ferry Landing and Whitianga Rock.  Picnic blankets littered the grassy banks and happy ticket holders, in various states, enjoyed the atmosphere and entertaining antics of others.

There were several large marquees offering a range of food demonstrations, continuous live music (from mellow sounds of jazz to DDub), modern flush toilet trailers, and police and ambulance personnel on standby to ensure everyone enjoyed the day appropriately. 

In essence, it seemed to be a well run, well supported festival, so thumbs up to this years Scallop Festival organisers.

While it wasn't the cheapest weekend I've had lately, I did come away with a rather cute Tibetian hat, a camera full of great memories and a grin.

Sometimes the idea of taking the family on a stroll seems to be a brilliant idea, however after the novelty of an ice-cream at the end has worn off, it can be hard to keep up the enthusiasm for the younger members of the family. 

Think fresh air + exercise + farm animals = happy family outing.  If you haven't yet discovered the Farm Parks around Auckland, we'd like to introduce you to a few.

One of South Auckland's favourite farm park is Ambury Regional Park, nestled on the shore of the Manukau Harbour. The park sits on ash-covered lava flows from Mangere Mountain and takes its name from the Ambury Milk Company, which milked cows and ran a town milk supply farm here from 1893-1965.

Today sheep, goats, cows, pigs, pet lambs (in spring), chickens, turkeys, rabbits and peacocks co-exist.  Mingle with them in the paddocks or time it right (between the months of June and December) to see the jersey cows are milked once a day at 10.30am.

For another coastal farm, Duder Regional Park, set on a peninsula in the Eastern Bays, also has a fine display of spring lambs which are delightful to watch.  Nearby Omana Regional Park has some resident Kunekune pigs to tickle too.

The Highfield Garden Reserve in Algies Bay (Warkworth) offers a paddock full of donkeys during the walk. 

Ok, so you've taken advantage of some ridiculously low airfares you picked up off the net, and found yourself in Wellington? 

We think you've made a great choice.  Whether you fly there for the day or a weekend, there's plenty of exploring to be had without having to hire a rental car.

Well, that's what we discovered.  In fact, once you've made your way to the central city (around $20 taxi from the airport) exploring the city centre is FREE and there's plenty of walking, or public transport options.

Our picks for 1-2 hours of walking your way around Wellington include:

Oriental Parade | Starting from Te Papa as a base, head around the bays, past the boatsheds, Freyberg Pools and water fountain, and keep going!  It's a beautiful walk on a stunning morning, with a couple of cafes at the start of the walk to provide some caffine top-up.

You can access the Mt Victoria lookout from Oriental Parade for an extension to your walking route, or for a great photo opportunity.  You may get carried away with the joggers and keep walking, but don't worry, you'll end up on Evans Bay Parade and you'll find yourself in Kilbirnie. 

Wellington Waterfront |  There's plenty of bars and restaurants, interesting walkways, waterfeatures and statues to keep you entertained.  Just beyond the Wellington Railway Station you'll find the Westpac Stadium (aka The Cake Tin) which is often heaving with sporting activity. The waterfront itself can be very exposed to Wellington's infamous wind, so make sure you pack a jacket in the winter months.

Botanic Gardens | This inner city walks comes highly recommended.  We took the Cable Car up the hillside to begin our easy descent through the gardens.  There's the Cable Car Museum and Carter Observatory within minutes of the last stop, then an easy walk down to a children's playground, toilets dotted along the way to end on the flat of the Rose Gardens at Tinakori Road, complete with cafe!

All you do is follow the "pink hibiscus flower" painted on the pathway, as it guides you the whole way down.  To finish off this circuit, take a trail through the Bolton Street cemetery, exiting very close to the Parliament Buildings.

Top Photo: courtesy © Phillip Capper

In the ongoing pursuit of great locations and fun family adventures, we'd like to introduce you to the Awhitu Peninsula.

This forgoten beautiful peninsula is on the south western shores of the Manukau Harbour.  While it takes around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, it's best to allow lots of time to explore and enjoy.  Make it a day trip, at least.

If you are wondering where to start your day of exploration, take a scenic drive through steep gullies and farmland out to the Awhitu Lighthouse and bring your camera, as there's terrific views across to Whatipu and further inland to Huia and Cornwallis.  You can't access the beach from here, so hug the coast around to West Coast Road and access to the ocean beach for west coast perspective. 

For quieter bays, there are several beautiful beaches like Big Bay to choose from within the Manuaku Harbour itself, perfect for swimming, surf casting or boating.  If you feel like stretching your legs, then the Awhitu Regional Park has to be on the list.

If you are staying a while at one of the camp grounds, you may want to mix things up a bit. Perhaps a horse trek or paintball game, or if the weather turns you could head indoors and try your hand at greenstone carving. 

There's no pubs out this way, but the Social Club offers a licensed "brunch" from midday-4pm on Sundays, or you can mingle with the locals at the Awhitu Markets.  If you want to go "green" you could always take an eco-tour around Awhitu.

There are two bird parks out on the Awhitu Peninsula at Orua and Waipipi, to call in for a coffee and talk to the parrots.  

For driving time, allow around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, and you'll drive through Waiuku to the coast.

Bear in mind that the Awhitu Peninsula is tidal, so remember when you're swimming or heading out on the water, the tides can change quickly. 

What to pack?  Definitely bring your camera, fishing gear, a windproof jacket (as it's prone to a strong coastal breeze), and a picnic lunch (as there's not too many shops and cafes out this way).

Certainly the Awhitu Peninsula got the "thumbs up" from us.  A beautiful spot indeed.

At the mouth of the Manukau Harbour and west coast facing, wild Whatipu is well worth discovering.  Known for it's shipwreck stories and spiritual connections, the Whatipu coastline has a history all of its own.

Ultimate Destination | Whatipu Caves. Walk to these awesome west coast caves, sing a verse of your favourite song and just listen to the acoustics - they are tremendous. Back in the Settler Days, this caves was used to hold dances as this sheltered cave with natural acoustics, was hard to bet. 

While exposed to the West Coast elements, the Whatipu Caves track is inland (coastal yet some distance from the ocean itself). It certainly is recommended as an outdoors adventure for the whole family, regardless of the weather.   Bring a torch if you want to explore the caves further.

The Journey | To get to Whatipu, you'll drive through French Bay, Cornwallis and Huia - a scenic drive in itself, nudging the Waitakere Ranges.  Signposted from Titirangi, once you get onto Whaipu Road however, take note that it's a bit windy and narrow as you get closer to the West Coast - making the arrival even more dramatic. 

Around Huia area you'll find some of Auckland's greatest walks, and plenty of stop off points for along the way.  We recommend you check out the Lower Huia Dam (spectacular after heavy rain) and home to a great network of bush walking tracks.  Cornwallis Beach is also fun for kid friendly fishing off the wharf, or a picnic beneath the knarled trees.