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....

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...

The Gold Coast: A mecca for adrenalin rush & super-heroes

Australia’s Gold Coast boasts an endless playground for families and has become a mecca for theme-park addicts.  If you’re looking to brave some of the world’s tallest & fastest rides, interact with nature’s finest...

Rafting New Zealand serve up a white-water knuckle ride on Tongariro River

Updated: November 2018 "Any final tips?" Vladimir nervously asks our guide, Lee - not entirely sure that he really expects an honest answer. With a smile the width of the Tongariro River, the response is...
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...

Huka Prawn Park: Giant Malayasian River Prawns Evade Capture

Our mission was simple.  I would lead a small task force of seafood lovers and infiltrate Huka Prawn Park to snatch as many prawns as we could in 3 hours and return to base. Codenamed...

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...
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...

Welcome to Auckland – The City of Sails

Auckland, home to approximately 1.5 million Kiwis, lies in the pacific Ocean’s far south-west. It’s New Zealand’s biggest city and provides an excellent base to explore the North Island’s hidden coves and scenic coast...

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...