The Magic of Hobbiton – Exploring Middle Earth

Nestled in New Zealand's North Island’s rolling hills, lies the magic of Hobbiton.  It has captured the hearts of J.R.R Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film and book fans all...

Making a Splash on The Gold Coast

Ah, my shipmates, gather 'round!  I’m about to unravel the salty secrets of Australia’s Gold Coast – that sun-kissed slice of paradise where surfers ride waves like caffeinated dolphins. But hold your seahorses! It’s not...

Maori History, Dolphins & Breath Taking Scenery in Paihia

Updated: November 2018 The Bay of Islands has been a favourite holiday spot for generations of Kiwi families.  At its heart, lies the picturesque seaside village of Paihia, which offers a relaxed pace for locals...

Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays – Tropical Paradise

Sail on the warm winds through 74 islands in the very heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Drop anchor and discover white secluded beaches.  And, of course, dive the heart of the enormous Great...

Dunedin – Chocolate, Hops and Albatrosses

Update: Cadbury World closed permanently in May 2018 We only had two days and chose to focus on Cadbury World’s Tasting Tour, Speights’ Brewery Tour and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. Yet, Dunedin...

Taieri Gorge Railway – Combining History and Charm

Updated November 2018 I braced myself against the safety rail at the end of the carriage and squinted as the wind and splashes of rain caught my face. Nevertheless, I was determined to take a photo....
Rafting group navigating through a narrow volcanic gorge on the Upper Navua River, surrounded by rugged rock formations and lush greenery in Fiji.

Upper Navua River Rafting: A Fijian Adventure

After years of apprehension, my wife and I finally plucked up the courage to tackle an Upper Navua River Rafting adventure. Several years ago, we tackled New Zealand's Tongariro River and Queenstown’s legendary Shotover...

Australia’s Sunshine Coast – Sun, sea and koalas

It’s easy to understand why Australia’s “Sunshine Coast” is awarded its name. It has great weather all year round. Daily average temperature between 21 to 29 degrees. Swimming in the ocean is an all...

All’s fair in love and war on King Tutt’s Putt Putt mini-golf courses

“Mine’s the orange one” Cerys demands with a mischievous cheeky smile.“I’ll have the lilac one” adds Cerys’ friend Laura. The remaining choice hangs in the balance and my wife Karen saves me some embarrassment...
Jet boat performing 360-degree spins in the turquoise waters of Surfers Paradise on Australia’s Gold Coast

Experience the Ultimate Jet Boating Adventure on the Gold Coast

. Just a few minutes into our thrilling, 25-kilometre jet boating journey, I felt like James Bond racing down the Thames in The World Is Not Enough.  But we weren't in London.  We were speeding...