Auckland, New Zealand is a really pleasant city. There’s nothing spectacular about Auckland. It’s not the worlds most beautiful city. It’s not the most exciting city on Earth. There’s nothing that screams out at you that you can’t miss. But Auckland, New Zealand is a really pleasant city to be in because it’s just that…pleasant. […]
Why You Should Visit Tauranga, New Zealand
February 2, 2016 by 12 Comments
I have been to New Zealand numerous times and actually spent a few months in 2003. However, until my recent cruise with Azamara Club Cruises I had never heard of Tauranga. Apparently, Tauranga is the 4th most populous “city” in New Zealand as many people have fled Auckland because of the sky-high real estate prices […]
Hobbiton is one of the Coolest Things in New Zealand
February 1, 2016 by 12 Comments
I have never seen any of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies. I have never seen any of ‘The Hobbit’ movies. I have never read any of the books either. I don’t like science fiction or fantasy. That said, I went to the Hobbiton movie set as a special day and night time tour excursion […]
Picton, New Zealand and the Surrounding Area is Worth a Look
January 29, 2016 by 4 Comments
Picton, New Zealand is a cute little town. That’s really the best way to describe it. Of course, Picton is also a very important port town that connects the South Island to Wellington and the North island of New Zealand. Picton itself is also the gateway to both the Marlborough wine region and the beautiful […]
A Daytrip to Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
January 28, 2016 by 8 Comments
Cape Kidnappers is a place that sounds made up. In fact, in actually looks like a place that’s made up as well! However, I can assure you it is a real place and it is a beautiful place even when the weather doesn’t cooperate with you! As an excursion from the Azamara Quest, I did […]
Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
January 26, 2016 by 12 Comments
Dunedin, New Zealand is unlike most settlements in Australia and New Zealand as it was settled by Scottish as opposed to English immigrants. Originally they were going to name it New Edinburgh but settled on Dunedin; which is actually a derivation of Edinburgh’s Gaelic name. Today, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula are teeming with life […]
A Perfect Day in Brisbane, Australia
October 27, 2015 by 3 Comments
As an Aussie friend said to me, Brisbane is just a big country town. That may be so and many people may only go to Brisbane to go somewhere else, but there’s a cool vibe in Brisbane. It’s not Sydney, Melbourne or Perth but that’s OK. The locals call it Brisvegas because of its great […]
Great Time to Travel to Australia
September 8, 2014 by 4 Comments
I remember back to late 2002 when I first planned to go down under and travel to Australia, I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to realize my lifelong dream to travel to Australia. That trip to Australia was a game changer for me. I spent some 9 months in Oz that trip and have […]
Travel to Australia with Air New Zealand
September 4, 2014 by 12 Comments
I’m constantly asked everyday by everyone I meet, or in every interview I do; what’s my favorite country? It’s an impossible question to answer because you like certain things about certain places for certain reasons. That said, my default answer is always Australia. There really is nothing like Australia! Australia has it all: stunning beaches, […]
One Day in Canberra, Australia
June 26, 2014 by 10 Comments
Quick…What’s the capital of Australia? You don’t know do you?! Hint, it’s not Sydney and it’s not Melbourne. No, it’s not Brisbane or Perth or even Adelaide! It is Canberra. You know that city that everybody dreams of visiting when they think of going down under. Admit, you have never heard of Canberra and know […]
