Morning brought the usual avian frenzy of chirruping and, far less usually, a very cute guy next to me in the van suffering audibly from a punishing hangover. Continue reading →

The Tui Lodge at which we were staying lent bicycles for a refundable deposit, which seemed like a super-smart way of ensuring safe driving after an evening of revelry. Continue reading →

Though dependent on many factors, the journey from Wellington to Auckland can probably be safely described as a good 8 hour journey. Continue reading →

I cadged an excellent seat with a power plug next to it on the way back across the Cook Straight and had just settled in with cheese and cracker snacks to do some work on the blog, when I was asked by a bearded, ponytailed, leather-clad biker-type accompanied by a strapping young ginger lad if the seats across from me were taken. Continue reading →

The next day was ferry crossing day, but I had some touristy plans to execute first. Continue reading →

I had a couple more planned stops to make along the road to attempt to see some of the elusive wildlife, now that I was well out of Kaikoura and presumably beyond the reach of the long arms of the law and disgruntled hostel owners. Continue reading →

After a slightly white-knuckled drive — Continue reading →

I awakened the next morning to discover just how close I was to the foot of the mountains. Continue reading →

Being so staggeringly beautiful, many roads in New Zealand are billed as “one of the most scenic drives in the country!” Continue reading →