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....

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...
Putting the I in Wellington

Insider’s Guide to Things to See and Do In Wellington

Rough Guides recently named Wellington one of its must visit cities in 2023. There are so many things to see and do in Wellington and is ideal for a mini break. My wife and I...

Scream Like a Baby on Queenstown’s Rapids

Updated: November 2018 After Shock-Pinball, Jaws.  Sounds like a list of action movies, right?  Well, they’re the gateway to some action, but just part of the movie that’s Challenge Rafting on the Shotover River in...

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...

Auckland’s Whale & Dolphin Safari Promises To “Make Dreams Come True”

I will admit that, since I was a freckle faced child, I’ve been fascinated with the grace and beauty of dolphins.  Ancient Greeks recognised their beauty and killing one was considered sacrilegious and punishable...

Spectacular Beauty of Milford Sound Unfolds at Altitude

With spectacular waterfalls, dramatic sheer cliffs, lush rainforest and piercing blue water, New Zealand's Milford Sound is the pinnacle of natural beauty. Nestled on the south west of New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound's dramatic...
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...
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...

Cairns – A haven for peace and tranquility

Balmy…the moment you step off of the plane in Cairns and smell the moist sweet tropical breeze you know you’re in North Queensland. Sure, you can take a boat trip and scuba dive in the...