Where is the most beautiful place in the world? I’m not a fan of superlatives, but I’ve certainly been to a few contenders. Milford Sound ranks right up there with the best of them. Technically, it’s not a sound at all, but a fiord, formed by glacial movement over several ice ages. There are a…

Queenstown reminded me a lot of Lake Tahoe. They are both beautiful, charming little towns located on large lakes, surrounded by mountains. Like Tahoe, Queenstown is a mecca for winter sports and this was peak season. In addition to snowboarding and skiing, Queenstown gives you the opportunity to live out a Mountain Dew commercial. They…

One of the few things I really wanted to do in New Zealand was visit a glacier. I hoped to check out the Franz Josef Glacier after Christchurch and before Queenstown. Outdoor activities in New Zealand are weather dependent, especially in the winter, and, this time, the weather did not cooperate. I was forced to…

Last year I met a wonderful couple from Christchurch while staying in one of my favorite places in the world, Don Khon, 4,000 Islands, Laos. Kev and Jo were great company and invited me to stay at their place if I ever visit New Zealand. I took them up on their offer and ended up…

There are 9 “Great Walks of New Zealand” and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of them. The 54 km walk is not very difficult and takes 2-5 days. It’s extremely popular in summer, but practically desserted during the winter. Burt and Hilary, my wonderful hosts in Waikanae, told me about the Track and…

Wellington couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. My second day – especially the morning – was much more subdued. I spent the morning retracing my steps from the day before. I returned to the gourmet food store Burt had shown me and spent more time drooling over the amazing food selection, then returned…

It was only 5 years ago when I first read Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential and began my love affair/borderline unhealthy obsession with food. Prior to that, I was an extremely picky eater and wouldn’t even touch most of the food that I now adore. I’ve come a long way since then and food and travel…

Oahu’s largest organic farm/non-profit/greatest thing to happen to the island, MA’O Organic Farms, is run by a Kiwi guy named Gary. He put me in touch with his brother, Brian, who lives in the small beach community of Waitarere, which is just outside of their hometown of Levin. Brian and his wife Blossom were kind…

Due to its geothermic activity Rotorua has been permanently affixed on the tourist map. Located just about midway between the Bay of Islands and Levin, a brief stay in Rotorua worked out wonderfully for me logistically. I spent two nights and one full day in the sulfury splendor that is Rotorua and had a great…