Being woken by a screaming Kiwi (the bird type) on Stewart Island
Camping in paradise is possible on Stewart Island, just beware the Kiwi
Read MoreWelcome to the guide to the most amazing little country on earth
a guide for helping make every free day an adventure
Camping in paradise is possible on Stewart Island, just beware the Kiwi
Read MoreBiking the Bannockburn Trail is fast becoming a must do for any visit to New Zealand
Read MoreA helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers makes for a memorable experience.
Read MoreOh, we do like to be by the seaside! Even on a cloudy and cold early Sunday morning at New Brighton Hot Pools
Read MoreSunrise at Kaikoura waterfront, just before swimming with Dusky Dolphins
Read MoreWho can resist a burger that looks this good?
Read MoreGeorge the bear awaits you at bedtime
Read MoreRead MoreThe parks and beaches of Christchurch are the perfect spots to spend a sunny spring weekend
Camping at Marlborough Sounds, good for the soul
Read MoreBiking an old rail trail brings you close to nature and is and excellent way to enjoy an active weekend
Read MoreThe blue waters of the Rakaia Gorge, an excellent day hike
Read MorePups are everywhere along the coastline at Kaikoura
Read MoreAn unforgettable weekend experience in New Zealand
Read MoreBlack Estate has won the New Zealand Winery Restaurant of the year at least twice and it’s no secret that this place is good. It’s very good. The small restaurant and wine tasting room is situated overlooking the vineyards and out across the valley. State Highway One is a short distance away but you would hardly notice. The chardonnay vines are a much more welcome distraction. The wine itself I can vouch is just as elegant and easy to consume as it’s setting.
The restaurant here has a small menu chalked up on a blackboard for perusal. All the ingredients used are grown locally. The vegetarian delights are often as good as the meat and fish varieties and teach you that flavour and taste come in all packages. Never miss a dessert here, on my last recent visit I indulged in a crumble and I swear it was the best ever.
The winery also has on site accommodation for a couple looking to indulge in the restaurant and then have that awesome view all to themselves later. It’s a good option as you will want that second glass of rose I promise - and waking up to that vineyard view is a sure winner.
Views across Banks Peninsula from the Okuti Valley Department of Conservation walkway
Read MoreGet out there and climb that mountain……the world is waiting (well not quite the world at the moment but New Zealand sure is!)
Read MoreNew Zealand fur seals in Kaikoura are a curious bunch. Kayaking tours take you out around the sheltered bays for one on one encounters.
Read MoreRead MoreHokitika, the former west coast gold town that still packs a punch.