Australia and New Zealand

Growing up in New Zealand, the stunning landscape and laid-back lifestyle were something I just took for granted. It’s only since returning as a traveler that I’ve been able to see it with fresh eyes, and become able to appreciate just how incredible a country it really is.

Likewise, I lived in both Sydney and Melbourne for several years, but as great as those cities are, the best parts of Australia lie outside the population centres. From deserted beaches to natural wonders, it’s all there to explore.

Tongariro Crossing

A Long Day in the Mountains: Hiking the Tongariro Crossing

Finally the day had come. We were preparing to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 20-odd kilometre trek in the...

Waimangu

Stinky, spectacular Rotorua

Rotorua stinks. I mean, literally, it really stinks. The small city is built on a geothermal hotspot that brings bubbling...

Sunset, Mount Maunganui.jpg

Mount Maunganui, you’re kinda great

The drive from Waitomo to Mount Maunganui only took a couple of hours, the road winding through rolling farmland that...

Cave thinker, Lost World Tour, Waitomo

Dropping in on the Waitomo Caves

100 metres really isn’t very far.  Just ask Usain Bolt. It’s funny, though.  When you’re standing on the edge of...

Train carriage room, Raglan

Trains and tipis in … Raglan?

I’d only ever been to Raglan once before, on a rushed road trip through the North Island many years ago. ...

Diving in the Poor Knights Islands

Amazing diving in the Poor Knights Islands

Back when I was planning our time in New Zealand, three days in Northland had seemed like a decent amount....

Dolphins in the Bay of Islands

(Not) swimming with dolphins in the far north

Heading north out of Auckland the low cloud started to lift and with it, my spirits.  The top of New...

Auckland Sky Tower

Hey Auckland, you’re … ok

“Welcome to a Kiwi summer.” The pilot had announced clear skies and a warm evening an hour before we landed. ...

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