Winding up the west coast of South Island through temperate rainforest the mountains seem incongruous.  Almost weird to see palm trees and ferns…

On the way to Fox Glacier, is the Haast pass.  Assuming tall mountains and crazy winding roads, it’s a easy slope.   Bit of…

Leaving flat Southland we head inland to Otago.  Big cattle farms turn to smaller fruit farms and vineyards. On the roadside chalkboards mention…

On the 09:30 Stewart Island ferry the captain says it may not be a smooth crossing.  He’s not wrong.  A good 25kts over…

Arriving in the small village of Kingston at the head of Lake Wakatipu, the scenery glows majestic in the sunshine.  The railway once came here,…

Our next day in Queenstown is all about boats.  And it’s a day of contrasts.  Keen to tap into the famous adrenaline activities,…

Flying over South Island the scenery is dramatic and beautiful.  We land in Queenstown, by Lake Wakatipu, the whole surrounded by mountains.  In contrast…

After a week of relentless rain the sun makes a bold appearance, just as I’m returning the hire car to Auckland Airport.  Harrumph. …

Leaving the ‘Pacific Coast Highway’, I’m now on the ‘Thermal Explorer Route’, crossing the centre of North Island.  Here seismic activity is at…

The rain is unending.  Having miles to drive means I can stay dry, mostly.  Seeing the ‘sights’ is challenging, if not impossible.  After…