Just as fantastic as the first.  This time I stayed in a place with a view of the ocean. Stepping outside I could hear the crashing of th…

It seems that Hanmer Springs is the place to go. Well with the family that is. Why are there so many families out and about? Ahhh….spring …

So Ms. Swanson what did you like most about Christchurch? Sleeping in. Besides that. Something you wouldn’t normally do? I enjoyed…

Materials needed: Smile, ability to talk, open mind, sense of humor Step 1: Engage in conversation Start out by asking the person where they ar…

For those looking for free action let me suggest a stroll up the worlds steepest street. Baldwin Street is quite a trek whether you want to c…

A morning of indecision led to a glorious afternoon. “Should I stay or should I go?” was the constant message replaying in my head. I had b…

You will find Milford Sound, the magic, the mystery, the music in nature, and the awe inspiring work of creation (God’s thumbprint). Blessed …

If you are not ready to blow several hundred dollars on adrenalin packed adventures than steer away from Queenstown. For mega thrills Q-town is…

From the  Pancake Rocks to Lake Matheson the views were spectacular. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better you are shocked by some …

What better way to relax then enjoying a sunny day in the  wonderful resort town of Wanaka. Kayaking to ruby island is not only great exercise…

Crampons? Check. Ice Axes? Check. Helmet? Check. Courage? Oops! Some how (after a few drinks) Craig from the UK had convinced me to go ice climbing w…

I have never been a fan of beer but I was willing to give it a chance during our stay in Greymouth. We had the opportunity to tour Monteith’s Brewe…

 To the end of the trail we go. The days were short and the nights were long or at least it felt that way when there wasn’t any light after th…

The day started off with a 1 ½ hr bus ride followed by a 2 hr water taxi to our starting point in Totaranui. We weren’t the only ones enjoying the…

Most of us traveling on the Magic bus decided to crash at Paradiso in Nelson. With a free soup for dinner, free breakfast, free luggage storage, and …

I picked up another Magic bus pass and within hours I had a MAGICAL new family. From Christchurch to Kaikoura I had the chance to meet several new pe…

This all day adventure started off with a bus ride to the ferry terminal, followed by a 3 hr ferry ride across the Cook Strait, next a short walk to …

 A kiwi can be a fruit, a flightless bird, or a native New Zealander, so be specific. On this particular day I got to see my first Kiwi bird. Sa…

 Botanical gardens, cable car museum, Te Papa museum, and Parliament tours all have one thing in common- they are free. For a look into culture …

Cheap thrills but not cheap on safety. Skydiving in Taupo is the least exspensive place to go in New Zealand. At $220 you can get your self thrown ou…

O-O-O-O It's MAGIC...you know!! I find myself singing that all the time. And the reason is simple. I have been taking the Magic bus around the North …

Love to go fast? Well then you would love the luge rides in Rotorua. You can take the Skyline Gondola where you can soak in the scenery and get som…

During the 45 minute excursion which included fourteen drops (a huge 7 metre waterfall) we only managed to loose one, don't worry he popped up shortl…

If you want to experience being in the womb again then you need to go Zorbing, which is the happening thing in Rotorua. Or you can think of…

I slowly descended the winding path leading to the Ruakuri Caves where I got a history lesson on the Maori people that discovered it. Ruakuri in…

As I trekked along the Ruakuri Bushwalk I noticed warning signs indicating there were poisonous pellets all over the park. Apparently rats and …

You, too, can experience the Black Abyss for only $175 NZD. What does that include? Glad you asked.  Your five hour adventure includes ab…

Fresh air, beautiful beach, what else is missing? Ahhh...thats right...walking bare foot so that I can truly soak in the experience. The cold gritty …

A cloudless windy day filled with ferry rides and exploration. The Harbour tour was worth the money and on a day such as this I would have gladly pai…

It is true that there are many great hikes in New Zealand but you must be an expert map reader in order to be successful in you venture. My attempt t…

Yesterday, Tash and I, went out for a taste of the town. It is rather exspensive in comparison to the US. The 11% sales tax is already added into t…

My new found friend and roommate, Tash, from Australia took me out for a night on the town. We had a chance to experience the Globe Bar, an Iris…

As I walked down Queen Street in downtown Auckland working up an appetite I found myself surrounded by comforts of home. McDonalds, Burger King, Subw…

Alive and well! I survived the twelve and half hour plane ride from LA to Auckland, NZ. Qantas Airlines was amazing. Not only did  their on…

As with any great adventure comes a sense of uncertainty about the future. What else do I need to get done? Have I tied up all the loose ends or…