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
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
During our visit to Waitomo, we stayed at the Waitomo Village Chalets and explored the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The accommodation was basic but convenient, close to the caves and a nearby general store. We took cave tours, although some were not suitable for our baby. Limited food options in Waitomo led us to eat at The General Store and Waitomo Homestead for meals.… Read More An Overnight Stay in Waitomo, New Zealand
A couple’s dream honeymoon to New Zealand was initially thwarted by the pandemic, and later complicated by a pregnancy. Despite discouragement, they chose to travel with their infant, meticulously planning a scenic itinerary spanning national parks and cultural experiences. Their successful trip serves as an encouragement for other parents not to postpone travel due to having a baby.… Read More How we Planned a Three Week New Zealand Adventure with a Five Month Old
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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