Glacier Hunting in New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier is on the South Island of New Zealand. It was a hike to get there, but one of the greatest hikes I’ve ever been on. Follow along on my adventure below. Rock stacking is a discipline. At least, that’s what Wikipedia told me. I love finding these during my travels. It’s always…

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Rocks that look so good, you could eat them.

Punakaiki, a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, is home to the Pancake Rocks. It was my first stop right off the ferry from the North Island. The photo directly below gives you a glimpse into what it’s like driving in NZ. Believe it or not, this is…

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The Ferry From Wellington to Picton

The most cost effective (yet still kinda pricey) way to get from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand is the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Since the only way to really get around the country is by car or tour bus, we brought our rental car along on the journey. The…

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Huka Falls

Huka Falls are a set of torrential waterfalls on the North Island of New Zealand. In the photos below, you get the fell for the water’s pace. What’s even crazier is that you can ride a jetboat down this thing. What’s a jetboat? Oh just a teeny tiny little speed boat that can navigate on…

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Middle Earth is even better IRL

New Zealand is a tremendously beautiful land. Its hills are jagged and grassy and covered in sheep. Driving the countryside, rain or shine, is breathtaking–so breathtaking, it doesn’t feel real. Everywhere you look, you feel as though you’re in the middle of a Lord of The Rings scene. Below is where they filmed the Gates…

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One Travel Destination to Rule Them All

Hobbiton in Matamata New Zealand may very well be one of the most magical places on earth. It was the real set for the Lord of the Ring movies–perfectly perched in the unique farmland hills of the north island. The attention to detail is unreal–you can’t help but get butterflies in your stomach as you…

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Auckland

Y’all, New Zealand is one of the most remarkable places on earth. Stay tuned as I take you on a whirlwind tour of the North and South Island. Trust me, you’re gonna love it. I spent less than 24 hours in Auckland. For New Zealand, it’s a very urban area–the largest in the country to…

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see ya, 2017!

I love looking back at the year. What can make you more grateful and nostalgic than a little reflection on what you’ve been through and accomplished alongside the folks that fill up your life with all that matters. This year has been a crazy one for sure. We moved from Chicago to Kansas City. We…

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fun in Fiji

Between visiting Australia and heading to New Zealand, we spent a quick weekend in Fiji. It was paradise and it went by way too fast, but we managed to squeeze in a good bit of action. Here’s the itinerary: Stay at the Westin Denarau. There are several pools and restaurants right on the beach. You…

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