Well, well, well. It’s been eight months – eight months – since my last post. Anyone reading this in real time won’t need to wonder why: 2020 was one absolute shitshow of a year, and frankly, I haven’t had much…
The Magic of Hobbiton Movie Set in 25 Photos
In case you haven’t pieced it together based on the rest of my New Zealand posts, let me take this moment to publicly state that I am a BIG TIME Lord of the Rings fan. Truly, I can’t even begin to…
Sleeping in a Hobbit Hole in New Zealand: Our Stay at Underhill Valley
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…” Ever since I first read these iconic opening lines at the impressionable age of ten, I have been absolutely enchanted by the fictional universe dreamt up by J.R.R. Tolkien. Over…
Journey to Rohan: Climbing Mount Sunday in New Zealand
“The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!” “And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!” Sound familiar? These words are spoken between Aragorn and King Théoden of Rohan in The Return of the King, the third…
Alpine Adventures Abound in Mount Cook, NZ
It’s not often (er, maybe ever?) that I write a full-blown love letter to a destination…so when I do, you know I’m going to have a lot to say. That’s certainly the case when it comes to Aoraki/Mount Cook National…
A Snapshot in Time: The Reality of COVID-19 in Mid-April 2020
This week, the local government here in Austin made the decision to extend our stay-at-home orders until May 8th at the earliest. The original order was issued on March 24th, though bars and restaurants had closed several days before that….
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook, New Zealand
Hiking the Hooker Valley Track should without a doubt be included on any traveler’s itinerary during a visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. The 3.5-hour return journey leads through the dramatic Southern Alps, across swaying suspension bridges…
A Love Letter to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Dear Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Do you believe in love at first sight? I do—in fact, I’m quite sure you stole my heart even before I got my first proper look at you. I felt that initial hint of a spark…
Stopping to Smell the Roses—Er, Lavender—at Wanaka Lavender Farm
Let’s be honest: who hasn’t dreamed of frolicking through a fragrant, purple field of lavender? It’s pretty, it’s colorful, and it smells amazing! In truth, I didn’t even know that New Zealand had lavender farms until I began researching our…
Soaring Above the South Island: Our Milford Sound Scenic Flight
Rugged. Dramatic. Breathtaking. Wild. Majestic. I could list adjectives all day long, but each would fall short when it comes to explaining how insanely beautiful and impressive the landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island really are. There are countless ways to…
