This Christmas/New Year period, we decided to join our Palmy Pals for a 4-day cycle trip through the West Coast of New Zealand. Whilst we were initially meant to embark on the easier, Grade 1 Otago Rail Trail, last minute COVID related changes meant that a novice like me was thrown into the deep end […]
Travel
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS | Queen Charlotte & Lochmara Bay
Just stopping by with a few photo highlights from our relaxing getaway to the Sounds this New Year break. After 4 days cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail, we ventured north to Picton and hopped on a water taxi to Lochmara Bay, away from the comforts of 4G reception into the scary realm of 2 […]
AUTUMN IN THE SOUTHERN ALPS | Ben Ohau, Twizel, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown
This was my first visit to the Central Otago and Canterbury regions in the autumn and WOW, what a treat for the senses! I couldn’t quite list all of the places we visited in the title of this blog post, but with a week off work and a flexible itinerary, there were plenty of opportunities […]
MOUNT COOK HIKING | Sealy Tarns – Mueller Hut, Hooker Valley
Past experience has taught me that the weather patterns at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park are constantly changing, so there had to be a degree of flexibility when planning our trip this year in the autumn months. Despite the presence of stay-at-home wet and windy days, we had a couple of stunners to enjoy the Mueller […]
A WEEK IN TASMAN, NZ | Where to eat, stay and explore
So it’s officially autumn in New Zealand, but our trip to the Tasman region in late March let us hold onto summer just a little longer! The northwestern corner of the south island is dotted with beautiful beaches, ranging from idyllic golden bays to roaring ocean and windswept cliffs and islands. The region is also […]
A Northland Getaway | Te Whara Track, Mount Manaia, Matauri Bay
White sand beaches, towering peaks and idyllic bays dotted with boats. You would think that I’m talking about the much loved Greek Islands, but on the northern shores of Aotearoa lies our very own slice of sub-tropical paradise. The Northland district is rich in history, and boasts dense forests as well as beautiful beaches that […]
Black Barn Retreats & Vineyard | Hawkes Bay, NZ
On Valentines Day this year, Rich and I finally hosted a belated wedding dinner at Black Barn Bistro, and boy oh boy! What a picturesque setting to celebrate with family and friends. With the choice of drinks under a cooling canopy of vines, or basking in the the hot summer sun for the heliophiles amongst […]
Driving Queenstown to Mount Cook – Best Sights To See
With Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park being a mere 3 hour drive from Queenstown, it is totally feasible to do a day trip and bang out one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails, Hooker Valley. For those with a bit more time however, this is the blog post for you! Truly one of the most […]
Stunning Short & Half Day Hikes of Queenstown, NZ
So you’ve landed in glorious Queenstown and already itching to hit the trails? I’ve got you covered! From post-dinner strolls to steep climbs and amazing viewpoints, keep reading below for Central Otago’s best short and sweet hiking bangers. Moke Lake Lookout The 20 minute drive out to Moke Lake hugs Lake Wakatipu along the scenic […]
TE WEPU POD RETREATS | Banks Peninsula, NZ
With international travel currently being a thing of the past, the search for a unique New Zealand getaway brought me to the cozy pods of Te Wepu, based in French Farm of the Banks Peninsula. Having never experienced a glamping-style holiday before, this was the perfect introduction to camping with a bit of luxury, with […]