Category: National parks

9 Day NZ South Island Road Trip

Reading Time: 14 minutes
An unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes (Dec 2024)

For several years I had been dreaming of taking a trip to New Zealand’s South Island to enjoy winding roads, breathtaking coastlines, and world-class food and wine. Ten years earlier, we’d taken our children on a 9 day tour of the North Island, but I’d never visited the South Island before.

So in early December 2024, hubby and I embarked on a 9 day/ 8 night self-drive adventure filled with natural wonders and culinary delights. When planning our trip, I soon realised 9 days would not be nearly enough time to see all the South Island has to offer and we’d have to effectively cut the island in half, and plan a return for another time to do the other part. So many places to see, such little time!

Here’s how our South Island road trip unfolded.

Continue reading “9 Day NZ South Island Road Trip”

5 reasons to visit Bathurst

Reading Time: 5 minutesBathurst, a picturesque town located in the heart of New South Wales, is an unexpected treasure waiting to be explored. From its vibrant food and wine scene to its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Bathurst has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Bathurst has it all! Continue reading “5 reasons to visit Bathurst”

Top 10 attractions in Vegas (other than gambling)

Reading Time: 8 minutes

When most people think of Las Vegas, the obvious thing that comes to mind is gambling. But there is so much more to Vegas!

I have been there five times now and whilst I confess to have played on the odd slot machine, it is certainly not the gambling that brings me back.  It’s the numerous other activities and the bright neon seduction of this ostentatious town surrounded by scenic desert landscape.

Most visits have been as a couple, with my hubby, but we have also taken our children: once our son when he was only 1 year old and then 10 years later, we took the two children, when they were aged 11 and 7 years – we never had any problem finding kid friendly activities to enjoy.

These are my top ten things to do in Vegas: Continue reading “Top 10 attractions in Vegas (other than gambling)”

Our 25th anniversary in California & Nevada

Reading Time: 12 minutes

California & Nevada, USA (April/May 2017)

After seeing an airfare sale we decided at short notice to take a trip to the USA to mark our 25th anniversary of being together (we left our children at home with their grandparents since it was during school term).

We have been to the USA a few times so planned our itinerary with a combination of places we have been before which we enjoyed (like Universal Studios and Venice Beach in L.A.) and also added in some new places we wanted to experience for the first time around Las Vegas and Palm Springs. We had a really enjoyable time and fortunately everything went smoothly, thanks to some good planning and resources such as the TripHobo app.

People travelling: Two (me and Steve)

Trip duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Total cost A$5,250 (Flights, accommodation & rental car) plus spending money Continue reading “Our 25th anniversary in California & Nevada”