And We are Off... EWR to HNL
January 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Early start for the flight Newark to Honolulu. Excited to get started
Relaxing in Waikiki
January 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Today was for unwinding and exploring Waikiki. Took a nice AM hike to Diamond Head Lighthouse. In the afternoon we walked in crowded Waikiki and had poke for lunch.
Afternoon touring Hawaii
January 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
We arrived on the Big Island. Our friends Chuck and Terri took us out to lunch, then we toured around. Visited Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Laupahoehoe Beach Park, Waipiʻo Valley Lookout.
Day 1 in Hawaii
January 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
A big day of touring with Chuck and Terri. We drove up to the Mauna Kea observatories. We hiked the Kaulana Nature Trail where we launched on the Huli barbeque (yum). The over to the Kona side of theRead more
Spectacular Hawaii
January 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
Today we toured the western side of the island of Hawaii. First stop was Akaka Falls. It's twice as tall as Niagra. We then explored Kaulana Caves. We didn't go too far inside, but it was veryRead more
Auckland Day 1
January 14, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We spent the day relaxing and exploring Auckland. Our flat is on Princes Wharf which provides a lovely view of the harbor. The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunrise....just as a mega cruise shipRead more
Harborside Auckland
January 15, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
We fully enjoyed our stay at Princes Wharf. Watching cruise ships come and go, including the morning arrival of the Queen Elizabeth. So many restaurants in the neighborhood to enjoy. I even got aRead more
Dunedin
January 16, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Our last night before the tour is in the gold mining town of Dunedin. Visited the Chinese Gardens and art museum
Yellow eyed penguin
January 17, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
The rarest in the world. We learned all about them at the rescue center then hiked to their nesting area.
Larnach Castle
January 17, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Our first night in a castle. We met the group at a welcome dinner, and we are on our way
Arrival Stewart Island
January 18, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
20 min plane ride in a 10 seat plane from Invercargil to Oban on Stewart Island. We have two nights here to hunt the elusive brown kiwi.
Kiwis in the wild
January 18, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Night hike with red lights and we found several Stewart Island Brown Kiwis.
Ulva Island
January 19, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
We spent the day on the water searching for little blue penguins (found none) and other birds, sea lions, seals (found plenty). We lunched on the boat and motored to Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary.Read more
Travel day to Te Anau
January 20, 2023, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌧 59 °F
Today was mostly travel. A flight out of Stewart Island and a van ride up the coast and into the Fijordlands. We had a great lunch at Orepuki Beach Cafe. And a stop at a bird sanctuary to see the rareRead more
Milford Sound
January 21, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
Up super early in Te Anau to beat the crowds at Milford Sound. Increadable! We had a private boat for just our group that could hold maybe 80. So spectacular. The rest of the day is pretty much in theRead more
Mou Waho
January 22, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
A boat ride from Wanaka marina to the island of Mou Waho in Lake Wanaka. At the top of the island is a little lake with a littler island on it. I swam to that island so I could be on an island in aRead more
Wanaka
January 22, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
We had a full day in Wanaka. Starting with the trip to Mou Waho. In the afternoon the two of us had a bike ride along the lake. We stopped at the famous Tree in the Lake. The water has been really lowRead more
Travel Day to Lake Moeraki
January 22, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
The day started with a few short walks to visit the blue pools, waterfalls and over to the west coast. We had lunch at a wonderful spot and ate local lobster. A quick stop at an overlook beforeRead more
Ship Creek
January 24, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
The morning was a walk at Ship Creek. Lots to learn about the flora from our guide Gerry. We hit the beach to find Hector and Dusky dolphins, and pick up jade on the beach. We found some low gradeRead more
Lake Moeraki
January 24, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We learned all about the Kiekie and Kahikatea trees. The fungus was used for a new MS drug. We watched eels being fed and had a great lamb (back strap cut) dinner. Then went out at night to look atRead more
Franz Joseph
January 25, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Sotopped in the AM to see the Kiwi hatching center. All but extinct due to invasive stoats and possum (the fuzzy Aussie kind) and Tuatara Lizards, also endangered.
Arthur's Pass
January 25, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
A long day of driving and we climbed up to the mountains. Not as much snow as I expected here. A big day planned for tomorrow.
Fox Glacier
January 25, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Stopped to view the glacier along the drive. Pretty far away.
Lake Pearson
January 26, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Kayak trip on Lake Pearson. Then weeding invasive pine trees. Learned about braided rivers. And of course looking for birds.
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
January 26, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
A hike up the mountain to a wonderful waterfall. Of course this is the only time in the trip so far with significant rain. Came back to the lodge through Arthur's Pass.
TravelerHave a great trip, love mom dad