I recently realized that I’ve shared several stories about wonderful Kiwis who’ve housed me, fed me and kept me company. But I haven’t introduced my true companion, ride and die, best of the best, Jack the Van. This red and white beast is named after the late Jack, Chris’s father, who passed away while I … More Jack The Van
The day I planned to stay at the Wicks I got a cash job in Rotorua. I gardened for a woman, Ingrid, who was slightly neurotic and, I think, romantically involved with her garden. The way she gently caressed the plants, the way she walked as if the leaves were applauding and she would swing … More Wicks
I spent the first ten days of September in Tairua on the east coast of the Coromandel. A week prior to coming I spoke with Gina, owner of All Things Organic, about training on Thursday in preparation of the weekend. The shop, cozy and scented like tea tree oil and patchouli was empty. The woman … More All Things Organic
My first hut experience! I’ve been staying in Tairua for about a week, working in an Organic Shop (don’t worry-an exciting blog will detail this WWOOF stay). There are 4 additional WWOOFers in the house including me, three kiddos and the parents. One woman, Elin, is from Colorado! It’s been nice to speak fluently with another … More Pinnacles Hut
On my way to meet the Holloways I explored the Bay of Islands, situated on the east coast of the Far North. I lunched in Paihia on the beach, a “snackbox” of fried chicken, dosed in chicken salt, and fries. Let’s just say my stomach wasn’t too thrilled with this meal. Then I stopped in … More The Holloways
The morning is mucky with the overnight showers and the sun is yawning over the hills to the east. I wake up, chilly in the trailer with only the blankets and my beloved wool blanket for insulation. Every other day the morning routine differs only by the breakfast menu and when Susie, the Jersey cow, … More Rick and Lindy
I began my New Zealand journey on Thursday July 13th at 530am. After leaving Iceland on the 11th I stopped in Copenhagen, Dubai and Melbourne before the wheels hit the tarmac in cold, wintery Auckland. It was the all the same except in Dubai when a box of Marlboros hit me on the head, thrown … More The Beginning: Far North
A little delayed-but here is a post about the South Island!! We spent only three days there, but it is absolutely incredible. That’s when I truly realized the intense beauty of New Zealand. The snow capped mountains, bright blue sky and the dazzling stars. We flew from Tauranga to Christchurch then to Queenstown. This was … More South Island & Kisses to Heaven
Today was beautiful! The sun was out, the skies were blue. The complete opposite from the day before with gray skies and winds up to 20mph. We took advantage of the great weather and “climbed” to the top of the Mount, about 761 feet. The view from the top was incredible looking out to the … More THE MOUNT
introverted explorer 