I have a confession. I have a lot of preconceived ideas about what New Zealand attractions will be like well before I go. When my kids asked to go to the Auckland Zoo, I cringed. I imagined a cramped area with a few animals that you could see anywhere. I was also preemptively cranky because the last time we had tried to go, parking was an absolute nightmare--in that there was simply no parking to be had. This is a theme throughout New Zealand and it won't be the first time you've heard me moan ... Read More
New Zealand
Halloween Celebrations around the World
I have been missing Halloween in the worst way this year. I grew up with Halloween being an actual season--decorations, costumes, and neighborhood trick or treating. No one celebrates Halloween quite like North America. The United States took Irish traditions, massively commercialized them, and made them into something much bigger (and I love it!). Thanks to the spread of American expatriates and American culture, though, Halloween is catching on in more places. I'm hoping to be a part of that ... Read More
Why You Should Consider a Fall Visit to New Zealand
While most people think summer is the optimum time to visit New Zealand, autumn may actually be the best season to explore the country. With slightly cooler temperatures than summer, and definitely less people, exploring New Zealand between March and May allows travelers to enjoy the vibrant colours of the leaves among other activities. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a fall visit to New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay The North Island region of Hawke's Bay may be the best area to visit ... Read More
Magnificent Beaches in New Zealand
While New Zealand has been part of my life for fifteen years now, I'm still learning new things about it every day. Life is very different for us in New Zealand this time around, mostly because we have kids and school to contend with now. It's nice to have guests posts like this one to tell us where the most magnificent beaches in New Zealand are. Maureen of So Many Places! So Little Time! is sharing great info for tourists and locals alike. New Zealand has over 15,000 kilometers ... Read More
North Island Wineries to Visit in New Zealand
New Zealand is considered among the best wine-producing countries in the world. Reports show that New Zealand ranks in the top 15 globally, even ninth according to some reports. Regardless, the country produces some of the best wines in the world, challenging the better-known wine countries of France, Italy and Spain. So, where are the best wineries on the North Island to sample New Zealand’s wine? Here’s a look at just a few North Island wineries to visit in New Zealand. Mission Estate ... Read More
Fall Foliage Around the World
Did you know that you can find fall foliage in 49 of the 50 states in the United States? Hawaii is left out of the fall colour change, but don’t feel too sorry for them…they do live in Hawaii. Many Americans will have a favourite place to see fall foliage (the Blue Ridge Mountains for me!), but many don't think about the foliage they can see all over the world. Here are just a few amazing places to see fall foliage around the world. Japan Japan’s fall foliage is perhaps some of the best ... Read More