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Quaint Little Queenstown

Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand Queenstown was my last proper city-stay in New Zealand.  Situated in the southern end of the country, the town is built around Queenstown Bay, an inlet in the Otago Region.  It’s known for 2 staples: the Remarkables, the local mountain range and adventure sports.  The Lonely Planet describes Queenstown  Read More

Walking In A Thermal Wonderland…

Location: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua North Island, New Zealand No visit to Rotorua would have been complete without exploring what the city is known for: its thermal activity.  And there is no better place to get your fill of it than at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland just outside the city.  It’s full of bubbling mud pools, geysers, hot springs Read More

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“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”

Location: Hobbiton Movie Set, Waikato region North Island, New Zealand Gandalf: I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone. Bilbo: I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late Read More

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Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao… Say that 3x fast!

Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty North Island, New Zealand New Zealand’s first inhabitants were the Maori, seafarers from the eastern Polynesian islands.  These indigenous tribes arrived around 1300 and their culture persists today.  15% of the New Zealand population is Maori; in Rotorua, 40% of the population is Maori.  Hence, it is considered one of the Read More