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New Zealand
  • Janet Taylor
  • Janet Taylor

New Zealand

First trip to NZ to see my cousin Katja, her husband Steve and the beautiful country we've heard so much about. For security reasons, only close friends can see our location in real time. Others will see a 24 hour delay. Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 4, 2026
    Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Songhees Walkway looking south across the outer harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait
    Middle and inner harbour and downtown Victoria2Outer harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait with Olympic Mountains in background1A particularly gnarly Arbutus tree1Floating homes in Esquimalt.

    One Sleep to Go

    January 3 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We are organized, packed and ready to go. After all the chores were done, the sun was trying to shine through so I decided to get out for some fresh air. I walked along the Songhees Walkway to Esquimalt. This is a beautiful path along the shore with lovely views of Victoria's Harbour. On a clear day you can see the Olympic Mountains across Juan de Fuca Strait in Washington.Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Beautiful, blustery morning in Victoria!
    Definition of grit is paddling on the ocean, into a strong wind in January in Victoria Harbour!My favourite travel buddy!I can highly recommend Flow Massage! Not sure what the limp plant graphic is about though.🤷

    On Our Way

    January 4 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Went for a long walk this morning as our flight didn't leave till the evening. It was a blustery morning but beautiful. We had an issue with authorizations for New Zealand so Jon went up to the airport to sort it out.

    We had a five hour wait in Vancouver. Jon booked a couples Thai massage at a place near the airport. It was a great place and a great way to start our trip.

    We boarded the flight on time at 11:00 pm and settled into our pods for the 14 hour flight.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    1The view from Katja and Steve's house.
    Katja making us supper in her beautiful kitchen/dining room/ living room.Katja and her horse Vivi.Katja and CossackExploring Katja and Steve's property. Their house at the top of the hill.Pre-dinner drinks on the patio.

    Auckland

    January 6 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    The pods were very comfortable and came with lots of amenities. I watched a few shows and slept a somewhat interrupted sleep. Turbulence got really bad during the night and that woke me up. The time seemed to go by quickly and then breakfast was being served. We landed at 10:00 am under warm sunny skies.

    Getting through customs is a bit of a process because NZ is very careful about biohazards entering the country. My one litre bottle of maple syrup passed muster and we were off to find our rental car.

    I activated my eSIM card and so with full cell and data service we made it to my cousin Katja and her husband Steve's place with no problems. In New Zealand they drive on the left side of the road. Jon did a great job of driving right from the get go. I, however, was not a good passenger. I felt like we were driving too close to the shoulder and my feet kept looking for the brakes!!

    We had a lovely afternoon and evening catching up with Katja and Steve, had a swim in their pool and finished the day with an amazing BBQ lamb and roasted vegetable supper.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Morning coffee on the patio
    Katja on Vivi exercising Cossack who wasn't really liking the idea.Kassie is a Moody 41 DS sailboat.Captain SteveWaikopua BayCovered up to prevent burning.Katja, hostess extraordinaire!Fabulous dining experience as The Oyster Inn.Volcanic rock

    Oneroa By Sailboat

    January 8 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    In the morning over coffee, we watched Katja exercise her horses. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and went to the marina where Katja and Steve keep their sail boat. We left the marina under beautiful blue skies and headed towards Waiheke Island and the village Oneroa. The wind was not in our favour so we ended up motoring there and back.

    We anchored in Oneroa Bay and jumped in the ocean for a very refreshing swim. Steve had made a lunch reservation for us at The Oyster Inn so we tendered to the beach and walked through the village to the restaurant. It was an amazing meal in an amazing setting with amazing company.

    We meandered home, had a bite to eat and finished the day watching the sunset from the hot tub.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Bike ride on the coast
    2Just finished lunchOn a volcanoes with views of Auckland in the backgroundOne Tree HillDifferent viewAn old canon on the top of one of the volcanoesA beautiful city

    Exploring Aukland

    January 8 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    This morning Jon and Steve took Steve's car to the dealership for some repairs and came back with a loaner car. Meanwhile, Katja took me to see the neighborhood where her mom and dad, my aunt and uncle, used to live and we had coffee at a local cafe.

    When Jon and Steve returned we loaded up their bicycles and took them to a local park for a ride along the coast. We stopped at a little cafe for a lunch of meat pies, a NZ staple.

    After the bike ride we had a tour of Auckland. We walked up three of the over 50 volcanoes in the city to see the spectacular views. We finished off our tour with supper in Devonport, an older, quaint part of Auckland.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    1Beach in PaihiaThe Austria Hotel in Paihia is not Austrian in any way!!By George for supper.

    Auckland to Paihia

    January 9 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    After breakfast we packed up and started our 3.5 hour trip to Paihia in the north. It was a beautiful if somewhat nerve-wracking drive. The roads are narrow with no shoulders, drivers follow way too closely and everyone is in a hurry! Because of the narrow roads, the guard rails felt like they were six inches from scraping the side of the car. In fact we did see an accident where that very thing had just happened. It looked like the guy hit the guard rail, spun around a few times and went into the side of the hill on the other side of the road. Luckily he didn't hit any oncoming traffic!

    We checked into the Austria Hotel and spent the afternoon and evening exploring the village and local restaurants. Unfortunately, we found out over supper that Jon's credit card got hacked so we spent an hour on the phone locking down our accounts and his credit card. What a pain.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Bay of Islands cruise boat
    Another beautiful dayOld lighthouse and keepers cottageVolcanic rockHole in the rockWe drove through - skipper was amazing!Ocean waves have carved this holeThe dolphins were very friendly.Two of the four friendly dolphins1Lovely dolphin send-off!Lunch placeOldest church in Russell, NZ - CatholicNot sure what type of tree this is but it's cool!

    Boat Cruise in Bay of Islands

    January 10 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we decided to take a boat cruise out to Hole in the Rock, in the Bay of Islands. It was an absolutely stunning day.

    We cruised out to the Hole in the Rock stopping along the way to see the islands and hear about Captain Cook arriving in the area. Hole in the Rock was very cool but the highlight of the day was seeing four dolphins playing around our boat. The skipper slowed down for a photo op and as we were leaving the dolphins gave us alovely send-off. We cruised to a little island for a delicious buffet lunch which was included in the cruise.

    After lunch we left the cruise at the town of Russell. It's a lovely charming town with shops and restaurants set along the shore. We explored the little museum, stopped by the the oldest church in New Zealand and quenched our thirst at one of restaurants along the beach. We cooled off with a swim and then had another delicious meal at an Italian restaurant. We took the ferry back to Paihia just as the sun was going down.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Self explanatory
    Haruru Falls - quiet in the summertimeNZ campgroundMangonui - stopped for lunch in this town.View from the Ahipara Bay Hotel90 Mile BeachDeserted beachSandy place1Born to be wild!Locals fishing for snapperAfter dinner walk to watch the sunset

    Paihia - Taipa - Arhipara

    January 11 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    After breakfast at a local cafe we packed up and checked out of the Austria Hotel. Only a few minutes out of town we stopped at Haruru Falls and walked a short way along the Waitangi Track. We carried on to Mangonui where we had lunch and wandered through town.

    After lunch we drove to Ahipara, a very small town at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach. We stayed at the Ahipara Bay Beach Hotel where we enjoyed fantastic views of the beach. We rented two quads and ripped a few miles up 90 Mile Beach. The beach is amazing and considering it's summer holidays for kids, it was weirdly deserted.

    Because it was Sunday, the only two restaurants in town were closed. We heated some tins of lamb stew in our kitchenette and ate it with slightly stale naan bread. While the cuisine wasn't great, the views made up for it.

    We wandered down to the beach to watch the sunset and then called it a day.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    NZ countryside
    Feels like CanadaBack in Auckland - largest marina I've ever seen

    Ahipara back to Auckland

    January 12 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We spent the day driving back to Auckland, arriving at Katja and Steve's place about 3:00 pm. It was a lovely drive through beautiful countryside. From a distance it feels so much like Canada, except for the driving in the opposite side thing.

    Katja made us a fabulous dinner which we ate looking out and the view. We finished the day relaxing in the hot tub.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    View from the hill behind Katja and Steve's place
    Fantastic way to start the day.Not Hobbit sizeAttention to detail is remarkable.Jon is Gandalf size!Even details like clothes on washing lines which they clean and repair regularly.Again the detail with flowers in the window.The Shire2Ginger beer at the Green Dragon Pub

    Hobbiton

    January 14 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    In the morning we walked up the hill behind Katja and Steve's house. It was a good workout and we were rewarded with fantastic views.

    We left Auckland by about 10:00 am heading to the Hobbiton Movie Set for our tour at 1:30 pm. I had been so looking forward to seeing Hobbiton and the tour exceeded my expectations. It is so well done and the attention to detail is phenomenal. The tour finishes with a drink at the Green Dragon pub including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

    After the tour we drove to Rotorua, picked up some salad stuff and ate supper at our hotel while watching Lord of the Rings!    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Lake Taupo
    1Redwoods TreewalkThe Treewalk is extensiveFernsGlowworm CaveHuka Falls from one sideHuka Falls from a bridge2

    Rotorua and Taupo

    January 14 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Had a great bowl of porridge and a latte at a local cafe then drove a few minutes to the Redwood Forest. Redwoods are native to California but were planted here in NZ as an experiment. The idea was to find a species that would grow more quickly than native species and could be used for lumber. Unfortunately redwoods grow too quickly here and the wood ends up being too soft.

    We enjoyed the Redwoods Treewalk which was very interesting and finished our visit to the forest with a short tour of the man-made glowworm cave.

    After the Redwood Forest visit we drove to Taupo, had some lunch and went to explore Huka Falls on the Waikato River just north of town.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    This place is at the start of the ride.
    Started the ride with coffee from a trailer outside an auto wrecking place.Interesting auto graveyard!Acres of auto parts inside the building and out.Taking a break at an affordable old train tresselAn old train tressel along the road.The tressel from below.On one of the trestles.Katja and Steve our amazing Kiwi hosts.Spending a bit of coin at a local clothing maker.Mountain bike keener a.k.a. as Steve!Found this huge tree along the trail.The lads went for an extra ride while the Katja and I had tea!More Hobbit Hills.Hobbit HillsAnimal lover a.k.a. Katja, with her buddie Orla!Someone left a hat at the after ride bear place!!

    Taupo to Waimarino

    January 16 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    On January 15 we drove from Taupo to Waimarino. We had planned to do a little hiking in Whanganui National Park but it was absolutely bucketing down rain. We almost had to stop at the side of the road because visibility was so bad. Luckily the rain let up enough for us to get to the hotel without incident. We checked in and spent the afternoon chillin' while watching the rain and thunder from the comfort of our room!

    Katja and Steve drove down from Auckland that evening so we could all bicycle the Old Coach Road the next day. They joined us at our hotel for supper then carried on to Ohakune about 25 mins farther south to the Airbnb they had rented.

    The next morning we all met at the bike rental shop in Ohakune and then took a shuttle to the farther end of the trail. We spent the best part of the day cycling through beautiful country. As mountain bike trails go, it was very easy but it was enough for me as I've never done mountain biking before.

    At the end of the trail in Ohakune, we stopped at a small shop where they make and sell merino/possum wool shirts, sweaters, hats, etc. The clothing made here is absolutely beautiful and the epitome of locally made.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Brief view of a blue sky.
    Beautiful scenery - impending rain.LocalsMore localsRousing game of mini putt during a break in the weather.Looking out toward Chile!1Windy, wet dayView from our hotel room.A couple of old gnarly dudes 😁Church Road WineryMission Winery - the oldest winery in NZCable car ride in WellingtonView from the topAnother cloudy cool dayWellingtonCable car museumA grove of something? No signs around. 🤷2My excellent tea matches my shirt!!

    Waimarino to Napier to Wellington

    January 20 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We had a lovely drive to Napier in spite of the weather which was wet and cold. Our hotel was right on the coast with lovely views. Once again we had to change our plans because of heavy rain. We decided against the planned e-biking winery tour and instead went by car. We also explored the town, played a game of mini putt during a brief break in the weather and ate at some charming restaurants.

    After a couple of nights in Napier, we made our way south to Wellington, exploring some small towns along the way. Once we were settled in our hotel room we walked to the cable car terminal and rode the car to a viewing point above the city. We explored the Cable Car museum and did a short walk through the botanical gardens.

    We couldn't decide where to eat so we had an appetizer at the Dockside restaurant where we watched boats coming and going and finished off with salads at Charley Noble. At both establishments we received excellent service in lovely surroundings.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Wellington
    Incomprehensible car parking on the ferryQueen Charlotte SoundQueen Charlotte SoundQueen Charlotte SoundPictonWine Hub in Blenheim. It's basically a wine vendor mg machine!!Wine Hub was super cool.

    Wellington to Bleinheim

    January 20 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After a deeply disappointing buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant in Wellington, we went for a walk downtown.

    About 11:30 am we packed up and made our way to the ferry terminal to check in for our trip to the South Island. I was not really looking forward to the trip. I knew my problems with motion would be a challenge especially as there was a gale warning in effect for the Cook Strait. Luckily Jon had had the foresight to book a cabin for us so once we got to the rough part I went and had a nap.

    This ferry was very odd. We drove onto the ferry and parked in front of a steel wall with all the other cars. Trucks were on a lower level. To get off the ferry we all had to back up and turn around to go back down the ramp! We heard from a local that the government got the ferry cheap from Italy! Italians are known as lovers not engineers so that might explain the weird design!!

    After disembarking in Picton we drove to Blenheim, another well known wine growing area. Our room at the Centre Court Hotel was another very clean, well appointed and comfortable accommodation.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Jon enjoying his flight of wine!The vines!Close upFound a chocolate factory and had to try it out!!Merino sheepNon alcoholic drink at the Wine Hub!!Ritual Cafe in Bleinham - great breakfasts and coffeeMaybe a Monarch Butterfly. I haven't seen one in years.Finally some sun in MarahauTaxis take people sightseeing and this is how they pull them out when the tide is out!The tide is out and the boat launch is high and dry!Boats are also high and dry!Sunset and the tide is outCool birds

    Blenheim to Marahau

    January 22 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Blenheim was socked in with rain so we cancelled our self-guided winery biking tour and explored the area by car. We went to the St Clair Winery which has won many awards for its wines. Jon enjoyed a flight of wine and we both enjoyed our very excellent meal.

    Later we drove out to the coast and then went back to the Wine Hub for a pre-dinner drink. This place is very cool and features wines from all the different wineries in the area. You get a plastic card to insert into the machine and then choose a wine and an amount, either a small tasting sample or a glass. The card records everything you drink and you pay at the end. After our drinks we walked across the hall to another really great restaurant for a delicious meal of lamb.

    The next day we left Blenheim in the pouring rain. We made our way to Marahau stopping in Nelson to stretch our legs. On the way to Nelson the weather cleared and by the time we got to Marahau it was spectacular. Marahau is a small village just outside Abel Tasman park and our Airbnb was across the road from the ocean.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Start of the hike
    Variable Oystercatcher - a very aggressive birdPerfect track conditionsLovely viewsA curious WekaAnother of the many beaches along the way.Beautiful walk in the woods!Lunch on the beachKayak partner and Sam our guide.We're in a calm bay so I took a picture. Conditions were much rougher around the corner.Caves were everywhere so we kayaked into oneClouds starting to roll in.Split Apple Rock was a short drive from our Airbnb.Jon found a cave and ...... walked through.

    Marahau

    January 23 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Marahau is a village at the south end of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. We were there for two nights at a lovely Airbnb across from the ocean.

    On the second day after breakfast we hiked for 10 km along the Abel Tasman Coast Track to Observation Beach. Sam from Abel Tasman Kayaks was waiting for us on the beach with lunch and kayaks for our trip back to the village. There were eight guests in four double kayaks and Sam, for our 15 km paddle back.

    After supper we drove a few kilometers to Split apple Rock and explored for a bit. It was a great day!!    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Limestone cliffs on the road to Punakaiki
    Viewpoint on the road to Punakaiki - Tasman SeaWaves rolling in from the Tasman SeaBeach in front of our hotel in PunakaikiBeautiful west coastRocks carved by waves on beach in PunakaikiPancake Rocks - Limestone undercut by wavesPancake rocksPancake RocksPancake Rocks - amazing coastline in Punakaiki2Along the trail at the Pancake RocksThe ocean slowly wearing down the rocksRugged coastlineThis mama Weka came right up to us. It made me a bit nervous.This Baby Weka was with its momJust an interesting vine growing in a fern treeNo idea what these are but it looks like a flower within a flowerOrakito - Cloud covered mountains in the distanceThe sun sets in Orakito

    Punakaiki to Orakito

    January 25 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    On Saturday, we drove from Marahau to Punakaiki. It was a long drive on a winding road but the scenery was beautiful. Our hotel was literally on the beach looking out at the Tasman Sea where the waves were pounding in. We did our laundry and walked on the beach and had a quiet evening.

    The next day we got going a bit early so we could see the Pancake Rocks. From our hotel we walked along a 1 km trail to the Interpretive Centre. The centre had great information about the local ecosystem and how the rocks formed. We then walked along another short trail to see the rocks. I'm not sure the photos do them justice but they were quite amazing.

    After our visit to the rocks we got on the road to Orakito along another winding, narrow but beautiful road. Orakito is a small village of about 40 houses. It's beautiful but has no services so we drove 25 mins to Franz Josef to eat supper and get a few groceries.

    We finished the day with a walk along the beach. Jon went out again a bit later to catch the sunset.    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Muddy quadding
    Nana quadding!!1Waiho River bed.Top of the Okarito Trig TrackAnother view from the top of the trackWetlands in OkaritoLittle Blue PenguinsMost of these little guys only have one flipper but they manage!

    Franz Josef

    January 26 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    After breakfast at our Airbnb, we set out for Franz Josef, a 25 minute drive away. The day before, we had booked a quad bike ride. We arrived at the office, got kitted out and set out for our 2 hour ride. We were slightly disappointed with the ride as we didn't go very far from the village. We had hoped to see more of the area. It was still fun though.

    The next morning we hiked an out-and-back trail in Okarito that went fairly steeply up for about 500 feet. After the hike we went to town for lunch and then visited a Nature Centre where there is a hatchery for endangered kiwi birds and a sanctuary for little blue penguins. Many little blue penguins get hit by boats or attacked by dogs. Several of the ones at the sanctuary were missing one flipper.

    We ate supper for the second night in a row at Alice May and had another very good meal. The restaurant is owned by Alice May's granddaughter and is dedicated to telling Alice May Parkinson's very interesting story!    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Hike to see Fox Glacier
    Mossy foreatFox Glacier is there aomewhereLook closely and you'll see a glacierAnother glacier fed creekLake HaweaLake HaweaOur Airbnb hosts!30 km bike ride from Lake Hawea to Lake WanakaPerfect day!Along the bike trail. This area is east of the mountains so it's drier.PoserWe kept meeting Claire and Ant along the way so we had a drink together.

    Wanaka

    January 29 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    From Franz Josef we made our way to Wanaka and spent two days there. We stopped along the way to do a hike to see the Fox Glacier South side. It was overcast so the glacier was shrouded in cloud.

    Our Airbnb was at a cool acreage that had horses. We explored the town which is right on the banks of Lake Wanaka.

    The second day there we rented e-bikes and got a shuttle to about 30 kms away at Lake Hawea. The ride back was lovely.

    Dinner was at a Mexican restaurant where, oddly, we ran into an NZ couple we had met along the way. They had just finished eating but joined us for a drink while we ate. They have two sons who both live in British Columbia!    Read more

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Stopped for fresh delicious fruit from this market.
    Took the gondola up the mountain in QueenstownView of Queenstown and Lake WakatipuTop of the gondola in Queenstown1914 steamship TSS Earnsclaw. We cruised down Lake Wakatipu for a delicious meal and a farm show.Close up of the EarnsclawOn the beach at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.Local resident at the farm.Amazingly well trained sheep dog demonstrated how she hears the sheep.Sheep shearing demo. Sheep go limp when you put them on their backs.A shagged farm residentView of the farm restaurant as we leftA young lad shoveling coal into the engine. The ship burns one tone of coal an hour.Jon beside the engine room.On the way homeA kite boarder buzzing the steamship!Jon enjoying the neighbourhood swing set. We mostly saw adults using it!The subdivision we stayed in is surrounded by mountains.Lake Wakatipu from just outside the subdivision where we stayed.

    Queenstown

    January 31 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We stayed in a literal suburb in the Queenstown area for two nights. You might be thinking that a suburb isn't very interesting. You'd be wrong!

  • Janet TaylorNew ZealandJanet Taylor
    Enroute to Milford Sound
    A scenic spot on the drive to Milford SoundMilford Sound is a busy placeOur boatBecause of the rain the waterfalls were numerous and spectacular!Jon braving the rainAn hour after the rain stops many of the waterfalls disappear.Janet getting a glacial facial!Janet's a bit wet1Beautiful even on a cloudy dayLocal fur seals1The boat was able to get very close to the falls because of the deep sides of the soundLooking out to the Tasman Sea. The boat was rocking quite a bit here.So much water1A kea. Keas are parrots native to NZ rainforestsKeas are a bit cheeky and are always looking for foodA stop on the way back to Te Anau1Silly kids!

    Milford Sound

    February 2 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Arranged to take a bus trip out to Milford Sound (which is actually a fjord) and then a boat cruise of the sound. It was raining most of the day but the waterfalls were spectacular.

    We stayed in Manapouri which is about a 10 minute drive from Te Anau.Read more

    Trip end
    February 11, 2026
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