One of our most memorable and favourite trips we ever took stemmed from a gimmick. I was looking for something special to do for New Year’s Eve back in 2018 when I stumbled across this fantastic idea. We were living in Wellington at the time, so why not take a flight up to Auckland to celebrate New Year’s and then, the next day, pick up a direct flight to the Cook Islands to celebrate a second New Year’s Eve? It turns out the Cook Islands are slightly over the international deadline. So that’s what we did. We don’t only celebrate…
Tag: New Zealand
A Two-Day Adventure in Kaikōura
Kaikōura, nestled between the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean on New Zealand’s South Island, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and marine wildlife lovers. This charming coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for senior travellers seeking an enriching two-day getaway. Getting to Kaikōura By Train: The Coastal Pacific train operates between Christchurch and Picton, stopping in Kaikōura. This relaxing journey offers panoramic coastline views, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. The train features large windows, comfortable seating, and onboard commentary, making the journey as memorable as the destination. Depart…
Exploring Napier, New Zealand
Napier, located on New Zealand’s North Island, is a charming seaside city renowned for its Art Deco architecture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant wine culture. We loved to visit and went for weekend trips quite a few times while we lived in Wellington. For all travellers, Napier offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure tailored to various mobility levels and interests. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to this delightful city. Getting to Napier By Car: A scenic drive along State Highway 2 from Wellington (around four hours) or Auckland (around five hours) offers opportunities to…
My 5 Top Solo Senior Female Travel Destinations
Our Magnificent Around the World in 85 days
This is the story of our 85-day trip around the world going westward. We started our trip on September 28, 2022, and arrived home on December 21, 2022, in time for Christmas – 20 plane legs later. I hope you’ll join us on this journey, and you can join us on our adventures by going to DAY ONE or joining at any point by looking at the individual days listed to the right. You may have to scroll down a little. We’d miss travelling since Covid, but that wasn’t the reason. Last June, having turned 70 recently and seeing health…
Day 37 – Coming Home to Wellington
It feels like we have come home. The typical Wellington Lookout stormy weather welcomed us. We relaxed most of the day at our dear friend Rebecca’s home right next to our old place. She drove us up to Khandallah Pharmacy, and the service woman said it had been quite a while since she had seen us. Our landlords had invited all of us for dinner. 37B – Ben and Becky, 37C (us), 37D – Rebecca and 37E – Ron and Lorraine. It was like we had never left.
Is it worthwhile to plan a theme vacation
First things first, what is a theme vacation? It’s simply a vacation centred around a particular theme or interest. For example, if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you might plan a trip to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or take a Harry Potter tour in the UK. According to a survey by the U.S. Travel Association, 63% of travellers said that having a specific interest or hobby in mind when planning a trip makes it more enjoyable. Theme Vacations aren’t something I’m recommending to do every time, but there are occasions when a theme…