New Zealand

Sand Dune

Just the name New Zealand conjures up images of someplace exotic. New Zealand is a place to visit for those that love the outdoors as it has stunning and pristine scenery.

It's home of the first bungee jump and has many other adventurous activities to choose from. 

New Zealand is Mecca for Lord of the Rings fans. You can visit numerous filming locations including magical Hobbiton. You can tour the creative Wētā Workshops where all the props, costumes, and visual effects were created. 

Fellowship LOTR

Having lived in Hawaii for 13 years, New Zealand feels like Hawaii's cousin. The rich Māori culture is an integral part of the country and very similar to Kānaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiians. Kia Ora is a Māori greeting. Like aloha, it has many meanings. Kiwis use it to say hello, good morning, good luck, and take care. It’s essentially an all-encompassing way to wish someone well. 

Waka

The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa which translates into Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand consists of two long narrow islands North and South.

Aotearoa

New Zealanders refer to themselves as Kiwis after their native bird - not the fruit! They are endangered and nocturnal birds.

Kiwis

The Kiwi bird is a national icon, as well as the Silver Fern. You'll see a Silver Fern leaf represented everywhere including on the national rugby team the All Blacks uniforms.

Silver Ferns

New Zealand is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs, volcanoes, and geysers. It has many geothermal areas. Rotorua is one that has geysers, mud pools, boiling lakes, and steaming vents. 

Wai-o-tapu

New Zealand Sites:

  • Visiting Hobbiton is one of my most favorite things I've ever done! It's well worth the journey to New Zealand.

    Hobbiton, New Zealand

    Visiting Hobbiton is one of my most favorite things I've ever done! It's well worth the journey to New Zealand.

  • I finally made it to New Zealand! Here are some highlights from Auckland.

    Auckland, New Zealand

    I finally made it to New Zealand! Here are some highlights from Auckland.

  • Wētā Workshops are so much fun! Wētā is a must visit for movie fans and creative people.

    Wētā Workshop

    Wētā Workshops are so much fun! Wētā is a must visit for movie fans and creative people.

  • I took a Wilderness Tour, to Waitakere Rainforest and Piha black sand beach, just 40 minutes from central Auckland.

    Wilderness Tour

    I took a Wilderness Tour, to Waitakere Rainforest and Piha black sand beach, just 40 minutes from central Auckland.

  • Walking through Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is quite the experience as the sites, sounds, and smells of the land show you that it's undeniably alive.

    Wai O Tapu

    Walking through Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is quite the experience as the sites, sounds, and smells of the land show you that it's undeniably alive.

  • I felt like one of the Lost Boys in Hook, while up on the numerous suspension bridges in Rotorua's Redwoods Treewalk.

    Redwoods Treewalk

    I felt like one of the Lost Boys in Hook, while up on the numerous suspension bridges in Rotorua's Redwoods Treewalk.