
Category: Travel Stories
Travel stories & ideas for adventures near and far – road trips, weekend getaways, budget trips and epic vacations.


A Blissful Break at Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Whether exploring New Zealand by car, bus, bike, train, or your own two feet, at some point – your body is going to need a break after all that adventuring. And we highly recommend arranging to take that break when staying in Glacier Country so that you can... Read more
Detouring to See Hokitika Gorge with Grey Water?!?
After a great time in Arthur's Pass, we were headed to explore the Franz Josef Glacier area for a few days. It was going to be a 3+-hour driving day, so we didn't plan much – as we didn't know what the weather would be like. However, it was a beautiful day, so... Read more
Arthur’s Pass & Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
No matter how much we love a relaxing beach vacay or fun city stay, the mountains are always ringing us up and begging us to come visit. So, after a short paddle sesh on the north coast and a house sit in Christchurch, we set our sights on the rest of New Zealand's... Read more
Remote Coast Sea Kayak Tour of Abel Tasman National Park
Some places are just meant to be viewed from the water and Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand's south island is definitely one of them – especially to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Since this area is protected, only a... Read more
Touring Queen Charlotte Sound on a Picton Mail Boat Cruise
When researching must-stop places on your New Zealand road trip, you probably won't come across Picton – we didn't. However, most visitors still end up in this small, but picturesque port town because it is where the interisland ferry picks up and drops off... Read more
Cathedral Cove Beach Walk in the Coromandel, NZ
One of the most gorgeous coastal areas of New Zealand, the Coromandel Peninsula is a must for beach lovers – especially the multi-hour walk to Cathedral Cove beach (or water taxi). It's a (sometimes overly) popular track, but we loved spending a sunny summer day... Read more
Flipping Over the World’s Tallest Raftable Waterfall in New Zealand
As the day approached for our big Rotorua rafting adventure in New Zealand, I began to panic a bit. What if our raft tips over? What if we fall out? A 7-meter (23-ft) drop is no joke. A lot can happen over that distance, not to mention the risks once underwater. (All... Read more
Northland New Zealand Road Trip: One Week of Beaches, Backpackers & Beautiful Views!
Trying to decide on a first destination in a place with hundreds of amazing options is a challenge. Luckily, we were celebrating my birthday a few days after landing in Auckland and I only wanted one thing: sunshine. GLORIOUS SUNSHINE! After six weeks of winter in... Read more