Southland Archives - Anne Ashby - New Zealand Romance Writer

Jetboating The Wairaurahiri River

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Anne Ashby

The idea of jetboating sends an immediate rush of adrenaline through me. I’ve never been a particularly adventurous person. The idea of bungy jumping or bridge swinging fills me with a sickening sense of vertigo. I don’t hanker to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane, or fly though the air attached to a few thin cords. But jetboating? Now there’s a thrill I can enjoy. I found the Wairaurahiri River jet boat service while surfing the net prior to … Continue reading →

Manapouri and Te Anau

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Anne Ashby

I found some lovely images of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau from the South Island trip we did last year and rather than leave them sitting in a folder I thought I would share some. Of course, I admit to being very biased regarding which part of New Zealand is the most beautiful. My southern heritage reigns strong and true even after so many years living in the North Island. Lake Manapouri is pristine on a good day and we … Continue reading →

Visit to Omaui

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Anne Ashby

Recently I made a visit to Omaui. Months ago my son mentioned Omaui and asked if I’d been ever visited this small seaside area. I was sure I must have, because it is in Southland. Surely I knew all of our lovely southern province like the back of my hand. But the photos he sent didn’t ring any bells. An unexpected visit to Southland occurred last month when my brother in law passed away. A trip to Omaui was definitely … Continue reading →

Goodbye Southland

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Anne Ashby

Christmas is over and I’m a little sad it is time to say goodbye Southland. I always feel comfortable while I’m in the southern regions. But after more than six weeks away from home, its time to head north. Our very loose plans to tiki tour up the east coast of the South Island have disintegrated. Both hubby and I are keen to get home again. Instead of taking our time and visiting many sights, we’ve decided to “do” the … Continue reading →

Riverton

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Anne Ashby

I suggested in an earlier post that little had changed around my hometown and its neighbours. But I soon discovered that is not true. A quick drive through Riverton showed a huge difference to my last visit. Soon after our arrival in Southland and before I went to Riverton, I noticed an article in one of the free local newspapers. A lot of effort had gone into the preparing and painting of murals around the town. Reading the article and … Continue reading →

Southland’s Summer

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Anne Ashby

Southland’s summer has turned out to be fantastic. Of course I wouldn’t have expected anything less than beautiful blue skies. I had to laugh at the comment made by one of my young relatives when I mentioned my satisfaction at sharing Southland’s glorious summer with the world. In all seriousness she told me, “Don’t say too much, we don’t need too many more people shifting down here.” What an intuitive young lady she is. We have been so very fortunate … Continue reading →

Focus On Southland

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Anne Ashby

Focus on Southland As we waited for Christmas celebrations I wanted to focus on Southland while we hung out in my home province. The glorious weather made us so pleased to be spending at least part of the holiday period here. Other parts of New Zealand were much less fortunate, with many areas experiencing huge rainfalls and floods. Not only did we enjoy the company of family and friends, we also revisited many favourite places of mine. I think I’ll … Continue reading →

Orepuki

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Anne Ashby

I wonder how many people have ever heard of Orepuki? Even for those from Southland, there is a possibility you might not be able to place this wee town on the southern coast. Orepuki is an example of a “blink and you’ll likely miss it” town. Along the Southern Scenic Route, it’s small, with few permanent residents. So close to the often wild and rough southern seas, it’s winds can rip right through a person. Around Orepuki it is possible … Continue reading →

Stewart Island Facilities

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Anne Ashby

Stewart Island facilities have surprised me. For such a small community – around 400 permanent inhabitants – there is everything here one might need on a daily basis. As long as ones needs are not outlandish. For instance, the local four square shop is great. We have yet to want to purchase something we have not found. And the astonishing thing has been the prices because they appear to be very little above what is charged in supermarkets in Invercargill. … Continue reading →

On Stewart Island

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Anne Ashby

The excitement of our arrival on Stewart Island has been dulled a little. Our son, accompanying us from Invercargill, is quite sick. We took the doctor’s words literally when told we wouldn’t cause him further problems by dragging him across Foveaux Strait. However the local district nurse suggested interpreting those words to mean “it doesn’t matter what bed he’s in, as long as he’s in a bed”. However he’s gradually improving and hopes to see something of Stewart Island before leaving. … Continue reading →

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