New Zealand on Blogging Like It's the Early Aughts

A Land of Thermal Wonders

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:43:57 -0700

Friday morning we left the hotel to make our way to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, which to be honest, I only knew had a geyser and that was it. Turns out, it was a whole park dedicated to the natural hot pools formed by the volcanic activity prevalent in the area. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in the country was in Taupō, not far from here, and where we would later have lunch.

Underground Boat Rides and the Shire

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:45:57 -0700

Earliest morning of them all, we had to be outside our hotel for pickup at 05:40. We met our Cheeky Kiwi guide, and made our rounds to other nearby hotels to grab the rest of our two-day travel family. It was us, a couple from LA that became our travel friends, four neighbours from Switzerland (originally from Portugal, Brazil, and Italy), one from Hong Kong, and one from the Philippines. So quite the eclectic little group.

Ziplines, Wineries, and the Consequences of My Own Actions

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:45:57 -0700

Another early morning, up at six so we could grab brekkie in the hotel restaurant when it opened and then onto the ferry at half seven. And I thought I might get a chance to sleep in whilst on holiday.

We had to catch such an early ferry to Waiheke Island so we could meet the EcoZip Adventures van at the ferry since the buses weren’t running yet. We met our group and the van drove us farther into and up the island where we would spend the next couple of hours zip lining with stunning views and then a nature walk through the forest back up. Thankfully, it was overcast, so I at least didn’t have to deal with the brightness. I still applied copious amounts of sunscreen though.

Dolphin Astronomy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:50:57 -0700

Tuesday morning, and I’m feeling the repercussions of not listening about the sunscreen. After a quick breakfast we head out to a local grocery store so I can buy some, because we will absolutely need it today.

That purchased, we head to the wharf where we meet our Whale and Dolphin Safari guides, and head out into the gulf. We opt to sit on the bow, despite warnings that we’re in the splash zone. I’ve already slathered myself in sunscreen, and I’m wearing a light jacket for the wind and spray. I should be good this time, right?

It's Only Monday and I'm Already Burnt

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 02:45:57 -0700

Today was our first real day here. Our flight from Brisbane to Auckland yesterday was delayed a bit, so by the time we got to AKL, it was closer to 18:00 local time. But then we had to make our way through immigration, collect luggage, and then proceed through customs and bio-screening to make sure we weren’t bringing anything harmful into the country and local ecology, and they’re pretty serious about it. Bringing in an undeclared banana could cost you $400.

PDX-YVR-BNE-AKL

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:30:57 -0700

Currently in the Vancouver airport waiting for the long flight. Our journey started today at 16:15 when our taxi picked us up and dropped us off at the airport. I had the day off, which was a good thing since I had a few last minute things to take care of, including boarding Lizzy. I’m going to try and not be a nervous cat dad sending his kid off to camp for the first time, but I felt so bad leaving her there.