The post recounts the author’s trip to Hobbiton in New Zealand, highlighting their surprise at enjoying the experience despite being non-fans of The Lord of the Rings. They recommend the Movie Set Tour and lunch for its quality food and well-maintained property, emphasizing it as a memorable stop for all visitors.… Read More Discovering Hobbiton: A Must-Visit on Your New Zealand Trip
The post shares experiences from a brief yet delightful stay in Queenstown during a family trip to New Zealand. Highlighting its beauty, the author appreciates the hotel location and downtown’s vibrant offerings. Recommendations for accommodations and activities are included, emphasizing Queenstown’s appeal for families with small children.… Read More Exploring Queenstown: A Family’s Dream Destination
This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old. This blog is geared towards families with small children. If you enjoy this article, please be… Read More Family Travel Tips for Exploring Fiordland National Park
The post highlights the Catlins region in New Zealand as an ideal yet often overlooked destination for relaxation, featuring stunning nature spots and accommodations like the Curio Bay Salthouse. It emphasizes the area’s remoteness and food scarcity, providing recommendations for lodging and dining, notably the charming Niagara Falls Cafe.… Read More Discover Hidden Relaxation for the Family in New Zealand
The post highlights the author’s experience in Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo during their New Zealand trip. It emphasizes breathtaking landscapes, various hiking options, and important stops for supplies. Recommendations for family-friendly activities and accommodation choices cater to different budgets, making it a valuable guide for visitors.… Read More Why Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park is a Must See for Anyone Visiting New Zealand
This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old.
During our trip to New Zealand, we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of Paparoa National Park’s Pancake Rocks. Our accommodation at Te Nikau Retreat was simple but comfortable, ideal for budget travelers. Despite the windy weather, our room provided a warm and cozy retreat. Other nature walks in the area offered delightful experiences.… Read More Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Punaikaki: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Karamea region in New Zealand offers family-friendly hiking trails and unique accommodations. Despite limited options for food and lodging in the remote village, Last Resort Karamea stands out with its cozy rooms and knowledgeable owners who are passionate about the area. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, including the Heaphy Track and Fenian Caves, making a return trip highly appealing.… Read More Why Karamea Is a Perfect Vacation for Outdoorsy Families
While I am a few years past this phase of my life, I can honestly say that the wedding phase (when everyone in your friends circle is getting married) was one of my absolute favorite phases. Although the wedding phase is full of stress, it can also be quite fun with lots of parties, girl time, and (hopefully) travel. If you are planning a destination bachelorette party, here are a few destinations you should unquestionably have on your list of ideas. … Read More 7 Great Cities for Your Destination Bachelorette Party
During a New Zealand trip, we traveled from Taiphape to Wellington, then rode a 4-hour ferry to Pincton. The ferry provided scenic views and comfortable amenities. Despite limited time in Wellington, must-do activities and accommodations are highlighted. In Picton, we recommends swimming with dolphins and enjoying the stunning coastal views.… Read More Taking the ferry to South Island and driving to Murchison
Mark Johanson is an American journalist based in Santiago, Chile. His stories about travel, food, design and the environment have appeared in numerous global publications, including National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The Economist, The Financial Times, Konfekt, Robb Report, AFAR, Food & Wine, Dwell, CNN, Bloomberg and the BBC, among others. He is the coauthor of 20 Lonely Planet guidebooks to destinations across the Americas and Asia, and has contributed to a dozen more coffee table books for the iconic travel brand. His first literary work, Mars on Earth, was released in 2024 by Rocky Mountain Books and named among the best travel books of the year by National Geographic and Geographical Magazine. Click through the menu here or links below to learn more about his work.
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