Monthly Archives: June blog

---

2016 Autumn, has melting records for being the hottest climate since 1938 and we are expecting the trend to continue through the winter. 
Already middle of June and we are still sitting out in the sun with our kiwi-attire on; Jandals, T-Shirts, and shorts. Here in the Bay of Islands, there is no need for rugging up like the rest of the country, as we have the sun streaming in, enough to make it feel like summer.

Today may be the shortest day of the year, but we can make the most of it with the weather being so nice for all the activities here in the Bay of Islands.

18°C today, which is hotter than Britain in the middle of their summer. We have made a little list of things that you can do in the Bay of Islands over Winter

1.    Fishing- We have plenty of fishing charters here in the Bay of Islands to choose from. Start the day off early, and head out to sea around 7am to catch the beautiful sunrise as it peaks over Russell. The sea is quieter in winter and very peaceful.

2.    Golf- The Waitangi golf course is just around the corner from Outrigger Motel. Go and see the spectacular sea views up there for yourself. Views that beyond Russell. All golfer at any level are welcome.

3.    Waitangi Treat grounds and the New Museum- Come and see where New Zealand's history began. With a newly constructed museum, we have plenty of artifacts that only a few have seen. Come and check it out and have a tour around the grounds with some of the local tour guides.

4.    Bike tracks- Now that it is winter, the bike tracks are not over populated so you are able to 'shred' through the Haruru forest in peace.

5.    Tour boats and buses- We have an array of tours to choose from in winter that you can take part in with not having to walk for more than 50 steps out of Outrigger Motel. We will help you book a tour that suits you and will wave you goodbye as you enter a day of history, sight-seeing and fun.

6.    Wine tours- What better way to spend winter than with a wine tour. We have over 10 wine vineyards here in the Bay of Islands to choose from, just a matter of picking one that suits you. Alternatively, the Bay of Islands ‘its’ festival is in October. This is a wine and food festival that has been held for the past 4 years in the heart of Paihia. We are expecting it to the best one yet in 2016 as we are welcoming New Zealand band, Dragon performing to the festival goers.

7.    Forest walks- No hustle and bustle in the tracks in this time of the year. You are able to walk the variety of forest tracks we have here in the Bay of Islands without seeing anybody. What better way to become mindfulness in your thinking and breathing than being one on one with mother nature. Our favorite walk here at the Outrigger Motel is the Hararuru forest walk. We will personally drop you to the Hararuru forest waterfall, where from there it is only a 30 min walk back to the township. You will see the magnificent waterfall, many native and endangered birds and the best part is you will have it all to yourself.

8.    Dine in the sun- We have many restaurants and cafes in Paihia that are situated right on the waterfront. Having them right there, allows you to be able to bathe in the sun, whilst drinking your well-deserved coffee or wine. Here at Outrigger Motel, we will give our honest opinions on where we think is the best place for you to eat.

9.    Beach walks- Now that it is winter, not many people are located on the beach. This now allows us to walk peacefully down the beach, breath in the fresh sea air and reminisce on how blessed we are to be in the warm, sunny, beautiful Bay of islands.

10.    Eat ice cream!!- Just because… why not?

Here at Outrigger Motel, we welcome all our guest from all over the globe and it is our goal to make their stay the best it can be. 
If you start getting the ‘winter blue’ relocate yourself to the 'Winter-less North' for a weekend get away to boost yourself for the cold months a head.

---

---

Yes, I love the month of June!

Why you ask, when it's the start of winter, the days are short, the nights are dark, it can be cooler and sometimes it's wet!

But yes, I love this time of year. It is quieter, the pace is slower and I get so much done!!!! For me it's time to reboot, plan and reinvigorate myself and our business and what better place to do it than in the Bay! We encourage all our friends and family to visit us this time of year and when they do, they are always blown away by the mildness int eh weather and the beauty of the Bay.

The Bay of Islands is called “The Winterless North” and is famous for sunshine and balmy weather year-round. Even on the off-chance of showers, the colours of the water and greenery are spectacularly vibrant, and it seems to only enhance the views. It's a great time to visit the Bay as it is not as busy and a few degrees warmer than anywhere else in the country. Plus so many events on the go.

The people are friendly, relaxed and always have a welcome and kind gesture to anyone not familiar with the area. We look after each other and look out for each other. Isn't that what life's about? This time of year brings out the locals who have worked really hard all season looking after our visitors. The ideas start flowing and events get organized and working bees are diarized by the many volunteers that pitch in anyway they can. So yes, a real community feel.

I think June is also the time to reflect on the beauty and and the natural wonder we have here in the Bay and Northland, with our maritime playground and the wonderful native bush and scenic areas. The shortest day brings about Matariki Celebrations (Maori New Year) with the sky so clear at night and full of stars. Some things that we take for granted after talking to many of our overseas visitors. Again another reason to visit in winter.

Half marathons and mud running events (BOI BEAST) populate the winter months in the Bay with street parties and car shows right in Paihia. BOI jazz n Blues Festival attracts so many music enthusiasts from NZ and overseas as our streets and venues are so easy to get around. You can just stroll every where or catch the iconic Russell ferry. The beauty of simplicity! 

So come and join us at the Outrigger Motel in June, July, August or September and enjoy what I enjoy about the Bay!