Ulva island, land of birds
Ulva island is one of New Zealand’s only open island sanctuaries. The moment you step off the boat (15min water taxi from Golden Bay in Oban) you’re greeted by birds. The songs carry… Continue reading
Tag Archive: nature
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Stewart Island and the Rakiura Great Walk
Stewart island where birds roam in large flocks and bush is everywhere. We did the Rakiura Great Walk while we were there.
Wildlife adventures in the Catlins, New Zealand
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about my travels, but my latest trip was just too good not to share. After completing the Milford Track Great Walk (hopefully if I get into the… Continue reading
Tribute to Christchurch and New Zealand
As all Kiwi’s and many others around the world stay shocked by the recent terror attacks, I seem to just struggle to find the words. The words that express the sadness, the hurt,… Continue reading
Travel moments that sparked joy
When you close your eyes and think of your travels, those happy moments, those places that sparked joy, the smile that the memories create… where are you? Here’s where those moments take me:… Continue reading
The impact of travel
If it wasn’t for travel where would I be? I can’t even imagine the sort of person I’d be if I hadn’t studied in Austria, become close friends with other international students, one… Continue reading
10 Peaceful spots of New Zealand
As it gets towards the time of year that I spend time reflecting, I like to find peaceful spaces to be alone with my thoughts in. I thought I’d share some of my… Continue reading
The Borneo Adventure Roundup
From leeches in the jungle to island delights. From rivers with monkeys to sanctuaries with orangutans and sun bears. Borneo was a mixed bag with definite highs and a few lows. It was… Continue reading
Kinabatangan River Wildlife Spotting, Borneo
I was excited. This was it. This was the chance to see wildlife in the wild. It was going to be great. Note: This post contains Proboscis monkeys with no shame and due… Continue reading
Homestay and local village of Tambatuon, Kota Belud, Borneo
In a quaint, quiet valley of Borneo lays a sleepy little village called Tambatuon. It’s here that my tour started its second week/second tour. We were based in a homestay for a night… Continue reading
Borneo cave exploration and leech strewn forest
Cancelled flight, missing luggage, exhausted naps and before you know it I’m in the depths of the Borneo jungle. Mulu National Park 4:30am trip to the airport for 3 flights and eventually we… Continue reading
Round up of New Zealand’s South Island
Well my posts about my roadtrip around New Zealand’s South Island have finally come to an end. It’s kinda sad to be honest! I loved the scenery and hikes so much. I’m very… Continue reading
The Road Home: Hanmer Springs and Picton
I thought I was leaving the rain behind me. I thought I was escaping. It was sunny again. Then it was not. Hanmer Springs This was when the fun and enjoying of camping… Continue reading
The road to Peel
Sounds like a book or movie right? Well it was pretty exciting and maybe one day it will get into a book… Saying goodbye to Ohau Having spent New Years at Ohau Lodge… Continue reading
Scenic delights of Aoraki Mount Cook
Ice cracks and crashes as an echo is sent through the Hooker Valley. This is a pretty special way to celebrate the start of 2018 on New Years Day, walking the Hooker Valley… Continue reading
The road to Ohau – scenic inland New Zealand
When I think of beautiful scenery in New Zealand I think coastal initially. My roadtrip through the South Island taught me otherwise. Not only are the coastal aspects beautiful, but the mountain and… Continue reading
Postcards from Moody Doubtful Sound, Fiordland
Saying farewell to the sunshine in Wanaka, I packed up the car for a few nights of camping before New Year’s Eve. The drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown always freaks me… Continue reading
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Summit Hike – Wanaka
Walks labelled as Moderate-Hard shouldn’t be underestimated. Especially if you’re walking on your own and don’t do big hikes often… So someone like me was totally qualified to hike up to both the… Continue reading
Sights of Wanaka – Lavender and Wine
What’s more to love right? Flowers, the smell of lavender, maybe a taste of lavender ice-cream… followed by a trip to the most scenic vineyard I’ve ever been to… topping off the day… Continue reading
Wanaka Hiking Mount Iron
Sometimes it’s difficult to comprehend such beauty and this road trip has had those moments over and over again. Wanaka didn’t disappoint. I fell in love with this small town a few years… Continue reading
Road to Wanaka
Lake Matheson > Haast > Makarora > Wanaka Leaving the beautiful Lake Matheson behind me it was onwards to Wanaka, my favourite town in the South Island (competes with Tauranga for best in… Continue reading
Reflections of Christmas: Roadtrip to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Hokitika > Franz Josef Glacier > Lake Matheson > Fox Glacier Spotting ice during a summer Christmas… sounds a little unusual right? Well last Christmas I did just that during my roadtrip in… Continue reading
HO HO HO Hokitika
Hoooow I wish I’d taken a photo of the roundabout that was decorated for Christmas saying ‘Ho Ho Ho Hokitika’ but alas, I was concentrating on driving and getting fish n’ chips for… Continue reading
Seals and Pancake Rocks: Driving the West Coast of New Zealand
Westport > Tauranga Bay > Punakaki Leaving the sandflies behind the West Coast of New Zealand just gets better and better. Westport is the first decent town you’ll hit South of Karamea, it’s… Continue reading
The REAL middle of nowhere: Oparara Arches
Day 2 Route: Picton > Westport > Karmea > Oparara Arches > Kohaihai Campsite, Kahurangi National Park Where the heck are the Oparara Arches you may ask? The Oparara Arches are nestled away… Continue reading
Reigning in Christmas in the wop wops
Wop Wops you say? (Plural for Woop Woop: a humorous name for a remote outback town or district.) Yer that’s the middle of nowhere in New Zealand. I didn’t realise you can actually… Continue reading
Travel Planning Mojo
As my UK and European buddies rug up for a wintery Christmas, I’m busting out the dresses and skirts and enjoying the warm summer walks in the sun… when Auckland isn’t sharing its… Continue reading
Journeying into the unknown
This month’s travel blog linkup is all about Journeys, somewhat appropriate for me since my entire life feels like a journey! For me a journey is discovering the unknown around the world and… Continue reading
An Ode to the Snow
Oh how thee is so white. Oh how thee is so pure. Oh how thee glistens under bluebird skies above. The trails they leave behind are a minor scratch on your skin. The powder… Continue reading
That daily ‘happy place’
Sometimes travel takes you to your happy place. One that makes you smile. One that takes your breath away. One that puts you in a good place to start your day. I’m lucky… Continue reading
Long Weekend Getaway: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Countryside, wine, food and friends – what more do you need for a decent break? I recently ventured down to a new part of New Zealand that I’d never properly visited. The Hawkes… Continue reading
WARNING: Cute animals! A day at Wildlife Habitat, Port Douglas
Disclaimer: I cannot be held accountable for a few too many ‘awww’s’ or mentions of cuteness in this post. Read (and smile) at your own peril. I’m always wary about wildlife sanctuaries and… Continue reading
Port Douglas, Queenland, Australia
Sunshine, palm trees, fresh brunch, tropical juices, gorgeous pool and a quaint township… what more could you want from a little retreat in Queensland, Australia? The second half of my Easter getaway took… Continue reading
Kuranda: Queensland’s village in the Rainforest
Watching out the window as the forest passes me by, I notice openings of stunning scenery below as the scenic train to Kuranda climbs through the mountains to reach 327 metres above sea… Continue reading
A place called home
Home… This month I was kindly asked to be a joint host in a monthly blog linkup. The topic is oh so appropriate given I’ve just reached my 2 years back in New… Continue reading
Cairns, North Queensland Australia: home to the Great Barrier Reef
In the true tradition of Easter in my world I did the typical thing and went travelling. This year with the Easter public holidays and ANZAC Day it meant for a cool 10… Continue reading
The ultimate travel menu of locations
As part of this month’s travel blog linkup, I’m sharing my ultimate travel menu of locations. From an entrée (short haul) to a main (long haul) and a memorable desert. This menu will take… Continue reading
Another day, another flower… Auckland Botanic Gardens
Another day, another flower. Auckland Botanic Gardens holds enjoyment all year round for all ages and I for one love wandering around flower gardens just like this place! After two visits, one in autumn… Continue reading
That place that Inspired me…
How can a travel destination be inspiring? Is it a place that changed your perspectives in life? A place that encourages you to do something more in life? Is it simply a destination… Continue reading
Colour and Vibrance of Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Following on from last week’s emotional post about the art and destruction of Christchurch City I thought this week I’d share my favourite spot in Christchurch to visit: The Botanic Gardens. Strolling through… Continue reading
Hidden Gems of Travelling
It’s those places that you never considered visiting. Those spots that you stumble upon. Those aspects that etch away at your mind, heart and soul. Those places that you can never forget. Those… Continue reading
French vibrations in New Zealand: Akaroa
Akaroa, known as the only French settlement in New Zealand and easy day-trip from Christchurch. Towards the end of last year I had the pleasure of nipping down to Christchurch in New Zealand’s… Continue reading
In memory of Kaikoura, 2016
In late 2016 before the dreaded earthquakes I visited Kaikoura in the hope to see whales. While the whales weren’t present, I am pleased I had the chance to see the pristine coastline… Continue reading
2016: The travel year that was, 2017: The travel year that will be
2016 Was a year of highs and lows, some epic lows, hence how quiet my blog has been lately. With the start of 2017 comes a time to start getting back into the… Continue reading
Wandering through Zealandia, Wellington, NZ
Just a short 10min drive from central Wellington (or with the free Zealandia shuttle) nestled amongst the bushland, is a nature sanctuary to delight any nature lover — whether you grew up in… Continue reading
#30 Top Travel Experience before I’m 30: Rediscovering New Zealand
Number 30 in my Greatest Travel Experiences before I’m 30 had to lead me back home to my homeland, New Zealand, Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. New Zealand was never high… Continue reading
Near-Perfect Travel Experiences: Travel Linkup
Well, nothing in life is ever perfect… right? At least my travels are never perfect. I think that’s what makes them some of the best stories I have to share! So this month… Continue reading
48 Hours in Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City
WOW literally. Art, culture, nature, scenery. Its like Wellington has everything you could want in a city… including 4 seasons in one day! I spent three days there (since I’m a bad Kiwi… Continue reading
Wildlife volunteering: Top Travel Experience(s)
Getting down and dirty, deciding there’s no point in washing your shorts because you’re on enclosure cleaning yet again or it’s just so wet and humid, why bother? These are the joys of… Continue reading
Best waterfalls in the world: Iguazu – A top travel experience before I’m 30!
I’ve seen my fair share of waterfalls in my life. Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls were both pretty impressive, but it wasn’t until I visited Brazil and Argentina and saw Iguazu (or ‘Iguaçu’ as… Continue reading
Nelson and the World of Wearable Art Museum
Centre of New Zealand. Check. Queens Gardens. Check. World of Wearable Art Museum – aka the WOW Museum. Check. Besides the fantastic nature spots of Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kaiteriteri nearby, Nelson… Continue reading
Greatest Travel Experience #6: Immersing myself in Patagonian nature
Whales, penguins, seals. Glaciers that grow. Snowcapped mountains to hike amongst. Beaches. Where else could this fantastic destination be? None other than the Chilean and Argentine wonder of Patagonia. On my long backpacking… Continue reading
A Greatest Adventure: Cruising around the Galapagos
Picture this: Waking up in the morning in a king size bed, strolling out to a balcony, gazing out over warm clear blue water, watching the odd turtle or stingray swimming by… that’s… Continue reading
A Greatest Travel Experience: Discovering Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you asked me 10 years ago if I’d ever go to Bosnia I would have said ‘no way’ — probably would have said that about Russia too actually. When I thought of… Continue reading
Kayak and Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park
The birds were deafening as we kayaked up to the little island in Abel Tasman National Park. Seals played by the rocks and the birds sang their hearts out. I don’t think I’ve… Continue reading
Side trip: Whangarei Falls
Gushing water, crunching of leaves, insects in the trees and birds singing away. I’m staring through the trees in the bush at the beautiful Whangarei Falls, just a few hours north of Auckland,… Continue reading
Day trippin’ to Russell, Bay of Islands
As the boat rolls in I feel like I’ve stepped back a few decades, the shoreline is neat and tidy, a one street town appears with dotted little quaint colonial buildings along the… Continue reading
Wanaka: Sunshine, wine and fish n’ chips on a crystal clear lake
It really doesn’t get much more stunning than this I think as I gaze out over a vineyard seeing snowcapped mountains across a glistening Lake Wanaka. My trip to Queenstown was just one… Continue reading
Discovering Milford Sound: Daytrip from Queenstown
As the humpback whale sprayed and flicked its tail, I gazed around me, mountains, waterfalls, open water, birds singing and the gentle hum of the boat. I was finally here. Milford Sound. The… Continue reading
One Year. 20 Locations. A year of memories
On this day last year I left my home of almost 5 years, London, to begin a world adventure and return to my homeland of New Zealand. It’s hard to believe it’s been… Continue reading
Getting back to nature in Hamilton: Hamilton Gardens
Beautifully sculpted gardens, colours and tones galore, water features to capture you’re attention – all in one central place in Hamilton Gardens. I recently took a morning out to the gardens with my… Continue reading
Travel Personality – Travel Linkup
In an effort to back involved with the blogging community this month’s travel linkup topic is all about travel personalities, so here’s my take on my own travel personality. Young and nervous traveller… Continue reading
Getting back to nature at Yosemite National Park
Sun, snow, birds, deer, squirrels, elusive black beers and an abundance of pure nature, all part of Yosemite National Park in California, USA. For years I’ve wanted to go to Yosemite National Park,… Continue reading
Farewell Latin America
So there it went. The end of my time in Latin America. I started at the beginning of December 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I quickly moved to Argentina (for my safety… Continue reading
Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica
During my last days in Costa Rica I ventured down the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica to meet the beaches, wildlife and… the wet season. That’s right the wet season. This affected my… Continue reading
Seeking wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Sloths, check. Monkeys, check. Racoons, check. Iguanas, check. Birds, check. Beaches, check. After a bit of a disappointing trip to La Fortuna/Arenal (was super expensive to do tours and not much else there),… Continue reading
Monteverde and Santa Elena: Cloud Forest of Costa Rica
Green trees and birds all around, this area of Costa Rica is a great starting point for any adventure in Costa Rica. Monteverde and Santa Elena are cloud forest reserves with a town in… Continue reading
Caribbean Coast of Colombia: Cartagena and Tayrona National Park
If colour, heat and beaches is what you’re after then the Caribbean Coast of Colombia won’t disappoint! Flying into Cartagena, the first thing that hits you as you get off the plane is… Continue reading
Colourful and scenic region of Guatape, Colombia
Colour, colour, colour everywhere! This is the South America I imagined! Guatape is an easy day trip (or overnight trip) from Medellin in Colombia. After just 2 hours on a bus you can… Continue reading
Salento, Valle de Cocora Palms and the Coffee Region
Stunning countryside to say the least. Salento did not disappoint. The bus ride alone was stunning through the mountains of the coffee region. Arriving in Salento, myself and a another couple stayed at… Continue reading