Blogs from Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

Netflix managed to convince me that trying glass-blowing would be something worth putting on my bucket list. That would be the long list where things don't get crossed off very often. However, my landlady heard me mention this and sent me to New Zealand Glassworks in Wanganui to make a glass paperweight. I arrived early and was able to watch the gentleman ahead of me making his paperweight. Being able to view this from the gallery was great for all the customers but quickly convinced me it was going to be far too hot for me and way beyond my capabilities due to having Sjogren's and Lupus etc. I explained my fears to the lovely staff who assured me it would be fine. They would do whatever I needed them to do. So, with great trepidation, ... read more

It was a cold but fine winter's day. Where would you expect to find a Kiwi grandmother with her two young grandkids? At the beach of course! Ototoka Beach is about 30 minute's drive from Wanganui. It is located at the end of Ototoka Beach Road at Maxwell. I always drive north from Wanganui, turning left onto Rapanui Road (look for the Bason Botanical Gardens sign opposite the BP Station), and then I just keep driving, past the turn off to Kai Iwi Beach until I find the dirt road that leads to the beach. The first thing I noticed this time were the 2 long drops which weren't there last time. For those of you who don't have any idea of what a long drop is, let's just say it's a toilet. As long drops ... read more

Wanganui is very fortunate to have the Paddle Steamer Waimarie. She is NZ's only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. https://waimarie.co.nz/ This website will give you all the details you need to know about her but I want to show you some photos taken this week which you may never get to take for yourself. The Waimarie is currently not sailing. She has been taken out of the river to have maintenance done. This means she is on the bank of the Wanganui River and it is possible to get up close to her. It is absolutely amazing to see her like this. My grandchildren were fascinated. You can find her by driving through Kowhai Park and there is parking beside the skate park/under Dublin St bridge. Just keep hold of the kids as it is ... read more

Right place, right time for the first time in my life. And I had my camera with me!!!!! I need to buy a lottery ticket! Bruno, my 4-legged friend (Instagram: Bruno_the_Malshi) and I went out to the North Mole, Castlecliff, for a walk along our beautiful black sand. Okay, very few people think it is beautiful but I grew up on the west coast of NZ so it is what I am used to. This beach isn't the best place to walk with a little dog as it tends to be full of LARGE dogs, all off-leash so we had a quick walk and then I kept my fingers crossed that I could cross something off my bucket list. This area often has seals basking in the sun and I just prayed I would be lucky ... read more

Most people who live in Wanganui have never heard of Strachan's Cave. But they are usually quick to visit it once I talk about it. This cave is listed as an historic place. Basically, it is a privately built refuge for a family that were scared for their safety during the land conflicts of the 1850s-1860s. You can read all about the history here https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7308 It is on private land but you are allowed to access it which is wonderful. So why should you make the effort to visit the cave? Apart from being an historic site, it has two Geocaches there. But most visitors are there to see a part of NZ history and to experience what it must have been like for the family during that time, knowing they may end up hiding there ... read more