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: Walking
0 Comments
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.
Sights of Summer
As winter gave way at the end of 2018 in New Zealand, the sunshine tried to open up and eventually brought on lovely flowers, birds and landscapes to enjoy. Below are a few… Continue reading
Missing London
As I write this (first edit on the train commuting funnily enough) I’ve started to realise how much I miss London. It’s been over 3 years since I left and so much has… 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
From Turtle Island Glamping, Borneo to the Batu Caves of Kuala Lumpur
Island life vs big city living. There is quite a different vibe you get from Borneo region compared to the mainland city of Kuala Lumpur. Timely as politics was quite the talk at… 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
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
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
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
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
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
Christchurch – the city of art and destruction
Buildings falling to pieces. Construction site after construction site. Little pockets of pop up life. Art and colour amongst the grey. A city attempting to rebuild itself. This is Christchurch. I had the… Continue reading
Travel Outtakes: The not-so-peachy moments of travel
This month’s blog linkup is all about the not to peachy moments of travel. Having travelled the globe and blogged along the way I usually try to keep it upbeat — because who… 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
Art and culture in Wellington
From houses to rubbish bins, walkways to waterfront sculptures. Then there’s the galleries, museums and shows that Wellington is busting with! I recently had the pleasure of spending 3 days in Wellington, based… Continue reading
Cinque Terre – Walking through 5 little Italian Villages, A Top Travel Experience
Colourful buildings adorning a coastal landscape. Wildflowers blooming amongst spring grass. Views from above village standing on cliffs. Pizza, pasta and gelato… need I say more? Cinque Terre is a little area of… Continue reading
Walking amongst chimpanzees in Uganda – A Top Travel Experience
Lush green forests. A scurry amongst the leaves. The call of the wild amongst shaking trees. These are the things that make me feel wild and free. As part of my East African… Continue reading
Hiking up Machu Picchu Mountain, a Top Travel Experience
When I think back about this experience, I think of the shaky legs, the deep breathes of fear looking down the side of the stone steps as I climbed the highest mountain in… Continue reading
Self-created mini retreat in Pauanui
Ever felt like a mouse is running around in a maze in your head, not sure which way to go? Need a bit of clarity? Literally just need to get away from everything?… Continue reading
A Greatest Travel Experience: New York, New York!
For once put aside the intrepid travelling, the camping in Africa, the solo backpacking through South America and consider for a moment immersing yourself in food heaven, indulging in a city so diverse,… 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
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
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
Going back in time in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Stepping out of the hire I look around and think I’m in some sort of western town, shops and miners cottages all styled from many years ago. This is Arrowtown, New Zealand. Arrowtown… Continue reading
Queenstown, New Zealand: World landscapes all in one place.
Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, even a bit of Bosnia, all in one country… my home country of Aotearoa! Sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu as the plane lands in an area surrounded by snow-capped mountains,… 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
Noticing Nature at Mt. Maunganui
Just over a week ago I had the pleasure of visiting one of my favourite places on earth, a spot of stunning nature near where I grew up: Mt. Maunganui. This was the… Continue reading
One month anniversary back in New Zealand
Yes, one month ago today I landed early morning on a rainy day in Auckland where my sister met me (and my cold) with open arms. One month has flown by. I spent… Continue reading
San Francisco: from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz and the bits in between
Back from Yosemite, I settled back in San Francisco, the city known for its varying climate and fog. All of which I got to experience, along with my first cold of my trip.… 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
San Francisco, entering into a modern lifestyle
Arriving in San Francisco I couldn’t help but be happy. I settled in at my expensive hostel, hired my first fluffy big towel (in close to 8 months) for $1, flushed toilet paper,… 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
Bogota and the Graffiti of Colombia
Coming into Bogota at night it can seem a bit dodgy, but in the bright daylight (if you manage to avoid the rain) it holds a few treats. Colourful houses and churches Stunning… Continue reading
Santa Cruz, Galapagos
More iguanas, tortoises, a pier that lights up at night, sea lions that laze about and some white sand beaches. Santa Cruz is an expensive, but nice spot to stay in the Galapagos.… Continue reading
Cruising Around the Galapagos: Part 4 – Rabida, Santiago and Baltra Islands
Santiago Island Walking on moon-like rocks to creep up on the playful Galapagos fur sea lions you feel like you’re a long way from home… or at least I did. The fur sea… Continue reading
Cruising Around the Galapagos: Part 3 – Fernandina and Isabela Island
The Western Galapagos Islands continued to excite me, despite the incident with the sea urchin… Fernandina Island on day 5 was incredible. Definitely a highlight for many people on the tour. Back… Continue reading
Cruising Around the Galapagos: Part 2 – Western Isabela Island
Lava rocks, pink flamingos, iguanas and wildlife all around. This is what I came to the Galapagos for. To be honest, the Galapagos wasn’t as abundant in wildlife as I had expected or… Continue reading
Cruising around the Galapagos: Part 1 – Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands
Put together 16 random people from all over the world on a first class boat for 7 days. It could go one way or the other. In our case it was a fantastic… Continue reading
Machu Picchu mountain hike and city
Wandering out from the bush and stairs I see an oasis of flowers, bushes, butterflies and finally one last hill promising the end is in sight! A few weeks ago (I know I’ve… Continue reading
Planning Machu Picchu (without the trek in)
Heading to Machu Picchu in February means you can’t do the Inca Trail as it is shut, but there are other treks you have the option to choose from. However, with my knee… Continue reading
Pisac in the Sacred Valley
Finally as a practise run for Machu Picchu mountain, I headed up to see the Pisac ruins in the Sacred Valley. I caught a local bus for about an hour or so from… Continue reading
Ruins ruins and more ruins around Cusco, Peru
After a bit of a rough start to Cusco (getting kicked out of a hostel for writing an honest review of a past hostel) I was determined to organise my trip in and… Continue reading
Exceeding expectations at Colca Canyon
Just a few hours out of the quaint town of Arequipa, after seeing the not-so-nice edges of town you can head out to see the world’s deepest canyon: Colca Canyon. Given my knee… Continue reading
Arequipa and the Monasterio of Santa Catalina
Amongst the white washed old buildings of Arequipa lies a nice Cathedral and a beautiful church, but the highlight attraction is the monastery of Santa Catalina. This was one of those moments where… Continue reading
Bolivia, diverse and surprising at every corner
As I left Argentina/Chile a few weeks ago I was a bit down in the dumps for various reasons. I was determined to cheer up and appreciate what was ahead of me. Leaving… Continue reading
Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol and the Floating Islands
Altitude increase again, heavy breathing and I was standing on my balcony (of my hostel room) staring out at the blue waters of Lake Titicaca from Copacabana in Bolivia. A truly stunning spot.… Continue reading
Salar de Uyuni
After spending the night in a salt hotel, freezing after a luke warm shower and hearing rain pounding down, we weren’t sure if we would be able to get to Salar de Uyuni… Continue reading
Daytrip to Valparaiso
Colour. UNESCO. Views of the ocean. Culture and art. What more could you want from a city? Taking a bus from Santiago (just under 2 hours each way) I ventured out to the… Continue reading