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New Zealand 2026
  • Janice Guimond
  • Janice Guimond

New Zealand 2026

We loved New Zealand so much in 2023 that we decided to make a return trip! Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 19, 2026
    Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    1Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head from the Hula Grill (Duke's)
    1Birthday dessert for Tom, 12 days early 😉Waikiki Beach SunsetWaikiki Beach evening view from Hula GrillMissed Ben & Melanie this time (the 4 of us dined here in 2023)Sunrise at HNL AirportHNL (Honolulu) AirportEnjoyed the lush HNL airport garden before take-offHNL Airport Garden1So long, Honolulu!Here we come, New Zealand!

    1. Honolulu Stopover

    January 19 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    To break up the travelling, we spent an evening and overnight in Honolulu. Just enough time for dinner and sunset on Waikiki Beach 🌅🌴.

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Welcome to Nelson!
    Beautiful view of Tasman Bay from our living roomBikes delivered, sun shining, bustin' to ride!Ready to roll & explore this pretty area!View of the Nelson hills from the skateboard parkColorful & beautiful Sky Tūī mural in Neale Park (tūī bird)Lovely Anzac Park in NelsonTom in Anzac Park 😊This is a bike-friendly city!Artful underpass on the cycle trailThe Great Taste Trail is one of NZ's Great Rides. We only scratched the surface.Getting used to riding on the left!Maybe a drink will help? 😉It's a half mile climb of 300' to ride up to our house -- >11% grade! Not fun, but we did it!2Glimpse of our rental house. Love the view!

    2. Welcome to Nelson!

    January 23 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    After flying from Honolulu to Auckland, we caught one more flight to our first destination--Nelson, New Zealand on the South Island. So nice to have the travel over with and get settled in.

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Ha! We looked for penguins but didn't see any - darn.
    Split Apple Rock (from the ferry)Start of our hikeOne of many water/beach viewsBeautiful overlookAnchorage BaySteveMe 😊Māori carving at Anchorage BayAnchorage BayTe Pukatea BayLunch at Te Pukatea BayTe Pukatea BayTe Pukatea BayTe Pukatea BayView of Anchorage Bay during hike backAnchorage BayFerry from Anchorage Bay back to KaiteriteriOur hike -- 8 miles total.Excellent Thai dinner after a great day trip!Excellent Thai dinner after a great day trip!Excellent Thai dinner after a great day trip!1Anchorage Bay overlookTe Pukatea Bay

    4. Abel Tasman National Park

    January 28 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Exceptional Day Trip! Drove to Kaiteriteri where we caught the Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle to hiking & beaches. Glorious day, fantastic scenery, and great hiking. Finished the day with a Thai dinner, sunset, and a toast to Nelson!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    1Gorgeous view from our Barley Mow guest house
    Barley Mow Guest HouseThe Bakehouse at AyrburnAyrburnAyrburnAyrburn waterfallSteve at Ayrburn waterfallAyrburn1AyrburnAyrburnAyrburnAyrburn - The Manure Room 😉Ayrburn - Billy'sAyrburn - The WoodshedAyrburnQueenstown GondolaQueenstown GondolaChairlift to the Luge track 😊Gorgeous view1Tom & Steve 😁SteveSteve - he got airborne a few times! 😆Tom & Janice2JaniceSkyline Gondola picChair lift from the bottom of the Luge track to the top1

    5. Welcome to Queenstown!

    January 29 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    After 8 nights in Nelson, we moved on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. On arrival we dropped our bags and headed to Ayrburn, a multi-venue farm on the outskirts of town Amazing property!! We spent a few hours -- lunch, ice cream, walked the grounds. Then we were off to Queenstown for the Gondola and luge. What a blast!!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    We are happy, and visible in our yellow! 😊
    Steve trained for this ride, indoors in Minnesota. Go Steve!!Beautiful water views the whole wayBannockburn Bridge near CromwellMore beautiful water viewsCarrick WineryCarrick WineryCarrick WineryCarrick WineryWater viewWater viewAbout half way...feeling good on a gorgeous day 🚴‍♀️Floating restaurant - burgers, ice cream, & coffee. Ingenious!One of the climbsSteve on one of the boardwalksBoardwalks are so cool -- and impressiveHugo Suspension BridgeThe trail is one of the 'Great Rides' of New ZealandClyde DamHa ha! That's how Steve felt when we finished! 😉Made it! (~26 miles)Our outfitter -- these guys were great!Cheers to a great ride (and being done with it - ha!)Shuttle back from Clyde to CromwellOur route - Cromwell to ClydeTom cycling up a hill along scenic Lake DunstanSwitchback descentOur ride - Cromwell to Clyde

    6. Lake Dunstan Trail 'One Day Wonder'

    January 30 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Our adventure today was cycling 47 km of the Lake Dunstan Trail, from Cromwell to Clyde. The trail features engineered boardwalks along steep rocks, suspension bridges, and stunning views of the lake. We stopped at Carrick Vineyard and a floating Burger bar enroute 😊. The trail has some challenging climbs, but we all managed them and had a great day!!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Happy 62nd Birthday, Tom!
    Tom by the Shotover RiverOld steam engineOld steam engineSteep & thorny spur trail to this spot, but we did it!Shotover River, beautiful morning!The jet boats as seen from our hikeJetboat seen from our hikeHa! Can you find our faces 😁?Shotover Jet - photo opNow it's our turn!!😄Shotover JetView of steam engine from the JetboatOnsen Hot Pools Retreat & Spa!So cute!Ready to soak 😊Onsen Hot Pool with a viewThe view -- & we could see Jetboats from the poolCheers!Cheers!Post massage - feeling refreshed!The Fork & Tap in Arrowtown1The Fork & Tap in ArrowtownShotover RiverYielding to another Jetboat 🙂Wow! Tough to capture how close we got to the rocks, but this gives a nice view of the gorge.

    7. Happy Birthday, Tom!

    January 31 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    Tom's Birthday! We started the day with a hike along the Shotover River, then Steve & I did the Shotover Jet Boat (a blast!). Tom wasn't able to join, due to the risk of further injuring his back, so he enjoyed a pint. After lunch came a spa afternoon (soak & massages), a festive dinner & craft beers in Arrowtown, and cards to finish the day! 🍻Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Harnessed and ready to go!
    Steve, me, Merlin, & Bloom -- our climbing foursome 😊No turning back!Getting the hang of itWow!Me & Ollie (our guide)The group ahead of us, where we eventually climbedOllie got some great pics!Single-plank bridgeCool view of bridge crossingOne of the more challenging steps for me (yellow backpack)Keep on climbin' 😀We climbed up to the bridge, then posed, hanging off the sides of the bridge......OMG! Ollie challenged us to do this!Mind over matter 🫣Single-cable bridgeWoohoo!Me & Steve - happy and proud!Prepping for our posePanoramic view from our lunch spot. 1,000' up after climbing.

    8. Lord of the Rungs!

    February 1 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Oohh...what an adventure! We drove to beautiful Wanaka, where Tom dropped me & Steve at Wildwire for our Lord of The Rungs climb. It's a via ferrata ("iron path") where we climbed nearly 1,000' alongside a waterfall. Harnessed and clipped in, we were safe. The climbing was challenging but exhilarating, with impressive scenery. We were very proud of our achievement and glad for this opportunity! Tom enjoyed a good meal and a book alongside beautiful and bustling Lake Wanaka, and later we all gathered at a lakeside pub to share stories & drinks. Photos don't really do it justice -- it was an amazing experience!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Lake Wanaka, early morning
    Steve at Lake WanakaLake Wanaka, mid afternoon😊❤️The famous Wanaka TreeSculpture at Lake WanakaMany camper vans; this one was particularly colorful 🌈Post-climb smoothie, lakesideBack to Barley Mow (driver's side on the right)Cute sign at the entrance gateGrilled steaks!The neighbor's single sheep 😊We visited with Miles, our host over a few beers - great conversationI didn't keep up with the beer drinkers, so Steve suggested this 😄Steve's lamb roast dinnerSo long, Queenstown! Our final meal there.

    9. Wanaka, & Misc

    February 1 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    An hour from Queenstown, Wanaka is another beautiful area. While bustling with activity on the Sunday we were there, it's less busy/congested compared to Queenstown, and sunnier!🌞

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Welcome to Hahei!
    Tom on the jet way departing QueenstownSteve's turn to drive on the opposite side 🙂The Top House, HaheiHahei BeachView from The Top HouseThe Pour House in HaheiThe Pour House in HaheiMoonrise on Hahei BeachThe Top House, Hahei

    10. Welcome to Hahei

    February 3 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    We flew from Queenstown to Auckland, then drove to Hahei on the waat coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Yet another vibe (sleepy and beachy) compared to Queenstown. Our lodging is up on a hill, so it feels a bit like a tree house -- beautiful east view of the ocean (and moonrise 😊).Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Woohoo! Beautiful!
    Cathedral CoveCathedral CoveCathedral CoveCathedral CoveCathedral CoveCathedral CoveSteve & TomMe & TomCathedral CoveWild lillies were growing along the routeHike to viewing platformOverlookSpur trail viewing platformSouth view from platformClosed Track to Stingray BayStingray BayStingray BayStingray BayHike to Cathedral Cove follows this beautiful coastlineAnother viewHa! Depicts how I felt, walking back from Cathedral Cove 😊Cathedral CoveStingray BaySpur Trail Viewing Platform

    11. Cathedral Cove!!

    February 4 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    It took six years (2020 canceled due to Covid; 2023 trail closed due to cyclone damage) but we finally got to hike to Cathedral Cove!! I did the hike a few times during our stay in Hahei -- a great walking path with exceptional scenery.Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Ready for our private tour!
    Steve & TomPhoto ops while the boat was being warmed up 🙂Steve at the bowEnjoying the rideChris our guide explaining the sightsRock outside of Cathedral CoveEnjoying another beautiful dayCathedral Cove from the waterHaving fun!Interesting salt water erosionWe went through this 'tunnel'TunnelSealInteresting rock formationTerns on the rocksTernLarge caveChris in the background - serious sun protectionHahei Explorer - the next group boardingAfternoon beach time - Hahei BeachAfternoon beach time - Hahei BeachOur last hurrah with Steve!Going through the tunnelCruising along the rocksLarge caveCathedral Cove area from the water

    13. Hahei Explorer

    February 6 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    Our host recommended that we book the Hahei Explorer, to see the coastline of the area from the water. Rather than book online, we walked to the beach to see if there was space on the 10am tour. The boat was full, but they offered to launch a 2nd boat -- so it ended up as a private tour for the three of us! How fun!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    We drove north to Paihia, where we spent the night before our tour
    This mural is painted on a hill in PaihiaWe met Tisha, our guide, the next morning...and our fellow cyclists! Shane, Janie, Tom, me, Sarah, David, Jane, Ted, Diana, & John!First stop, Waitangi Treaty Grounds for some Māori culture to kick off the dayWaitangi Treaty GroundsReady to get riding! We started out on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail.Water Wheel along the trailHa! Love the dude on the bike portion of this sign 😊Green rolling hillsTom 😉Many things have Māori names, or both Māori & EnglishBoardwalk through marshlandTed & Jane (Australia)Jane, Sarah, & JanieWairere Boulders Nature ReserveWairere Boulders Nature ReserveFerry to KohukohuCycling from KohukohuFerry to RaweneFerry to RaweneSarah & David (New Zealand)Diana & John (New Zealand) - Sarah & Diana are sistersArriving in RaweneParson Bird (Tūī) mural in Rawene

    14. Off to the Far North

    February 8 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    After our time in Hahei, and after saying goodbye to Steve at the Auckland Airport (☹️), we headed north for our 'Cook to Kupe' bicycle tour. The Far North is quite green and tropical. We joined eight other riders (4 Aussie's, 4 Kiwi's). Our tour started on the East Coast, then we worked our way to the West Coast & back. Great group, interesting scenery and culture.Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Ōmāpere (Hokianga Harbour)
    Ōmāpere (Hokianga Harbour)Ōmāpere (Hokianga Harbour)Ōmāpere (Hokianga Harbour)Sand Dunes - Hokianga Harbour)Hokianga HarbourThe crew - Hokianga HarbourSignal Station TrackSignal Station TrackSignal Station TrackSignal Station TrackTom enjoying the private hot tub at The SandsŌmāpere (Hokianga Harbour) - walk on the beachDavid & Sarah - Twin Trusses bridgeTwin Trusses bridgeTwin Trusses bridgeTe Hononga - Hundertwasser Memorial ParkLunch at a local MaraeTe Hononga - Hundertwasser Memorial ParkHundertwasser ToiletsBay of Islands Vintage RailwayBay of Islands Vintage RailwayPost-ride beer. Cheers!Hundertwasser Toilets

    15. Cycle Tour Cont.

    February 11 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    More cycling, dinners, beaches, beers, a train, some sand dunes, and an apparently famous toilet by architect and visual artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser - ha! All contributed to our ongoing adventure.Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Beautiful sunset - Russell waterfront
    Shane & meSarah, Janie, & DianaJane & TedSunset from our dinner tableThe Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell (our group's lodging & dinner venue)Russell waterfront at nightRussell waterfront at nightMorning tour of RussellRussell waterfront museumRussell museum groundsTom with historic whaling toolsRussell waterfrontPompallier Mission and Printery TourPompallier Mission and PrinteryTaxi to our celebratory/final dinner in Kerikeri 😊Ropata (Ops Mgr for the cycle tour company) - very blingy dinner wear!!Ropata's Superhero rings!Tom's 'main' at the Plough & Feather - excellent!Cycle tour complete! 🚴‍♀️😊

    16. Cycle Tour - It's a wrap!

    February 12 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    The final bits of our cycling tour. So blessed to have had a group of folks that meshed so well. It's one of the aspects we love about cycling tours. Wrapped up the tour with some time in Russell, followed by a return to Kerikeri for our final dinner together 🚴‍♀️🍻🤗.Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Te Muri Bay
    Mahurangi Hills (view along 1km driveway)Te Muri Ridge entrance gateBedroom of 'The Barn' apartment; private, scenic, quiet, so comfy!Green rolling hillsOtarawao BayOtuawaea BayMahurangi Park LookoutMahurangi Park LookoutBob Cafe in WhangāreiTom's malt at Bob CafeCool mural in WhangāreiChurch in quaint MatakanaPublic restroom (!) in MatakanaPublic restroom in MatakanaTawharanui Regional ParkAnchor Bay - Tawharanui Regional ParkAnchor Bay - Tawharanui Regional ParkTawharanui Regional ParkTawharanui Regional ParkTawharanui Regional ParkThai Dinner in WarkworthTe Muri Ridge - Interior

    17. Te Muri Ridge

    February 13 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 75 °F

    After completion of our cycle tour, we headed south for the final leg of our New Zealand adventure. I chose Te Muri Ridge for its peacefulness and beauty, as a wind-down capstone for a few days, and it is definitely delivering!!Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Sculptureum!
    I'm a fan of elephants 😊Tom & a cherubBeautiful bird in the aviaryColorful flowers all aroundColorful flowers all aroundUnique rocksMini Stonehenge? 😉I loved the colorful sections of the garden!Colorful artHaving fun!Cool benches throughoutHumpback whaleColorful flowers all aroundFlower & monarch butterflyJapanese-inspired torii gateJapanese-inspired torii gateSonic BloomMe & elephants 😊Rooftop Drip-catEnjoying Sculptureum 😊Kinetic wind sculptureSonic BloomPalm/Rock Garden

    18. Sculptureum!

    February 15 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    We had a blast touring Sculptureum! So much so, that I have two posts, since Penguins limits to 25 photos per post 😉. Sculptureum is a unique attraction -- sculpture garden, art, palm gardens, flowers, and even birds. It's a place designed to inspire and surprise, and we loved it.Read more

  • Janice GuimondNew Zealand 2026Traveler
    Enjoying the spa!
    Pool & Spa...with a view!Beautiful infinity poolGreen rolling hills, blue water in the distanceEnjoying 39°C (water temp)This is the life!......yup! 😊Te Muri Ridge - The BarnTe Muri Ridge tennis courtPrivate outdoor seating areaLiving Room view - Te Muri RidgePeek-a-boo water view (ha! - zoomed in real close)Orewa waterfrontOrewa waterfrontOrewa skateboard parkWelcome to OrewaWe ran into Janie & Shane (Aussie's on our cycle tour) in Orewa!😊Orewa BeachColorful plate of French toast & fixin'sA meal with a view 😉Mini golf at Treasure IslandCaptain Tom (grrrr...😉)Captain Janice 😄Gorilla photo op at the mini-golf courseSo long, beautiful New Zealand!!Te Muri Ridge - ExteriorSpa day 😉😊

    20. Last Hurrah - So Long, New Zealand!

    February 16 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We spent our final full day in New Zealand at Te Muri -- walking, enjoying the pool & Spa area, playing (?) a little tennis, chatting with our hosts, and prepping for departure. On our departure day, we had to leave Te Muri Ridge by about 8am, due to an 8:30am road closure to repair slips (landslides). With time to fill before our evening flight, we explored Orewa (excellent walking along the ocean, good breakfast, and even ran in to Shane & Janie!!), played a round of mini-golf, and made our way to the Auckland Airport. Sad to be leaving this beautiful country...but if course it's always nice to be home, too 😊.Read more

    Trip end
    February 17, 2026