72 Hours in Taupō, New Zealand
There’s so much to see and do in and around Taupō. Where do you begin? How much time do you need to visit Taupō?
To really experience Taupō you should plan for a minimum of...
Revel in the Romance of Queenstown’s Old World Charm
Widely accepted as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand boasts so many tourist attractions that beckon travellers from near and far. Real Journeys will take you on an unforgettable...
Day 7 – 12 April 2011 – Birthday Cake and Taj Mahal
Updated October 2021
Wow, wow and triple wow. That sums up today.
It was Rhys’ 17th Birthday today and we would be hard pressed to top this. I can’t remember what I did for my 17th!
We...
Day 12- 17 April 2011 – Match Day
Updated October 2021
Manish, our host from Friday’s meeting, had agreed to take us sightseeing today but our plans were significantly disrupted due to the death of Jaipur’s last maharaja, Bhawani Singh, who was 80.
The...
Discover the Hidden Gems of Fiordland
Nestled in the western corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage site and is the renowned home of breath-taking Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
This region of New Zealand...
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...
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....
Day 20 – 25 April 2011 – Clean Air, Green Grass and Tranquillity
Updated October 2021
As today was ANZAC day, we caught the extremely efficient train (MRT) to Kranji and then walked the short distance to the War Cemetery to mark our respects.
As this was our only...
Madrid: A Harmonious Marriage of Classical and Contemporary Beauty
What's the Allure?
Although considered to be a fairly young capital city by European standards, Madrid has proudly held its prestigious position in Spain since the mid 16th century.
Since its inception in 1561, this classic...
Hamburg: An Insider’s Guide to This Stress-Free City
Hamburg, nestled northern of Germany, is proud to call itself a “Free and Hanseatic City”. According to one recent survey, it’s one of the world’s least stressful cities.
It...

















