My Year in Travel 2018

Where do I begin? It has been another amazing year of travel and I'm so incredibly thankful. I got to explore more of my own country, New Zealand, and travel to twelve different countries in four continents.

Old Shanghai Highlights Tour: The Perfect Introduction To Shanghai

I had such a fantastic layover in Shanghai on my way to Europe. It's such an attractive and fascinating city with a great mixture of old and new. It far exceeded my expectations and really surprised me in a good way.

Six Weeks in Europe Itinerary & Goals

I'm off to Europe in just a few days and I'm sooo excited! It's been over three years since I last went and I can't wait to return to some favourite much-loved places as well as explore plenty of new ones.

One Week South Island Jucy Road Trip

My latest trip to the South Island was all thanks to Jucy World as I was the winner of their ultimate #JUCYWINTER getaway! I was incredibly excited - I had never won anything before and had always wanted to experience road tripping around New Zealand in a campervan (I LOVE being a tourist in my own country!).

The Ultimate Weekend & Carry-On Bag

I have been testing out my new Muzmm Little Garden Backpack for over three months now and I love everything about it. It is the ultimate weekend and carry-on bag and I couldn't recommend this innovative, three-in-one travel bag any higher.

Incredible Horse Riding Trek in Lord of the Rings Locations

Are you a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies? Do you love horses but have only been on them once or twice?  If you answered yes to both of those questions - put this tour on your bucket list right now!

A few months ago when I was last in the South Island, I went on the Dart River Adventures Funyak tour which was honestly one of the most incredible activities I've ever done in New Zealand (very highly recommended). 

Long Distance Relationships | My Experience & Tips

Whether you travel for a living like I do, you've met someone special that doesn't quite live in the same city or country as you or you have jobs that send one another overseas, long distance relationships are pretty common in this day and age.

Why I keep returning to The Breezes Bali

This year I stayed at the wonderful Breezes Bali Resort & Spa for the third time and I already can't wait for my next visit.
The Breezes is a resort that has it all and perfect for everyone - couples looking for a romantic getaway, friends, families and even solo travellers.

Here are some of the top reasons why I keep coming back.

Ultimate New Zealand Packing List

New Zealand is an absolutely incredible country to travel with so much to offer.
From pristine beaches, snowy mountains and magical fjords, to desert landscapes, glaciers, lush rainforests, geysers and everything in between - it's a travellers paradise on so many people's bucket lists for a reason.

Luna-Air: A Suitcase for Kiwi Explorers

I've been on a mission or a while now, to find the perfect suitcase to meet my frequent travel needs. One that I could 100% rely on, that would last me a number of years and that I ultimately enjoy travelling with.

Travel Bloggers reveal their favourite places in New Zealand

From sand to snow, beaches, mountains, rainforests, desert, glaciers and geysers - you name it, we have it. New Zealand is an absolute dream to travel and I am forever grateful and proud to call this beautiful country my home.

I've teamed up with eight awesome female travel bloggers from around the world to reveal our favourite places in New Zealand, and why they should totally be on your travel itinerary when coming here too.

A Blissful Escape at Goya Boutique Resort, Ubud

On my latest trip to Bali, I spent two incredible nights at Goya Boutique Resort, nestled in the heart of Ubud. They are a luxurious tropical hideaway, offering modern private villas set in a lush and tranquil environment.

Ultimate New Zealand South Island Road Trip with Stray

I recently experienced the most epic road trip in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with Stray.

I travelled the South Island for three weeks, exploring so many new places off the beaten path, doing Kiwi-typical adrenalin pumping activities and making new Straymates from all over the world - I had the best time!

Franz Josef, New Zealand Travel Guide

I visited Franz Josef recently while travelling with Stray - an adventurous New Zealand travel company with flexible Hop-On Hop-Off guided bus routes, and it was one of the top highlights of my time in the South Island.

Bali 2018 Photo Diary

It's been some time since I've written anything personal here and updated you on my latest wanderings. I've been super busy for the last 6 weeks, travelling New Zealand's South Island with Stray and I've just returned from a relaxing holiday in Bali.

Everything you need to know about Whakapapa Ski Field, NZ

When people get asked what their happy place is, many usually answer with the beach or some form of water. Mine is sitting at the very top of Whakapapa Ski Field, looking down at the best playground Mother Nature ever built.

Incredible Must-Do Tour from Queenstown, New Zealand

I recently did one of the most incredible tours from Queenstown with Dart River Adventures. Based in Glenorchy, I went on their Funyak tour (inflatable kayaks/canoes) which was so much fun and incredibly scenic, floating down Dart River in literal Lord of the Rings locations.

Why Travel is Good for the Mind, Body & Soul (& Win a Holiday!)

*Want a chance to win a holiday worth $10,000? Stay tuned til the end to find out how!*

Travelling is a beautiful thing.

It helps you discover things about yourself you never knew, challenges you in ways you never thought possible, and can bring so much happiness you will want to keep travelling for the rest of your life.

A Must-Do Food Tour in New York City

Doing food tours is one of my absolute favourite things to do when travelling, and you bet I did one in New York! I had heard such great things about Foods of New York tours and I couldn't wait to try some of the very best food on offer from their original Greenwich Village tour.

New York Tour 1: See NYC Like a Local

As my recent trip to New York was my first time there, I wanted to do this iconic city justice in the short amount of time I had. There are so many attractions and sights to see and I didn't want to miss a single one.

Top 10 North America Highlights

I've been home from North America for six weeks already (where did the time go??) and I still have so much to write about and share from my latest adventure.

New Zealand Travel Guide

As a proud Kiwi, it’s about time I shared a bit more about my own backyard - New Zealand! This travel guide offers a helpful introduction and brief overview for first-time visitors planning a trip to Aotearoa. If you're after more inspiration on top things to do, don’t miss my post on Top 20 Things to do in New Zealand.

The Best Pizza Tour in Chicago

There were two big reasons why I wanted to visit Chicago on my recent trip to North America:

1. To experience St. Patrick's Day in Chicago and see the famous green river (it was truly spectacular).

2. To eat aaall the pizza.

40 Photos of New York City

Visiting New York City had always been the biggest dream of mine.

Ever since I was small I have admired this city through a screen - from watching Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, growing up with Friends, Gossip Girl and countless other movies and TV shows.

A Must-Do Foodie Tour in Las Vegas

If you know me, then you'll know I love my food tours and I have partaken in many all over the world. I was most excited to jump onboard one in Las Vegas - known to be an absolute haven for foodies (there's more to Vegas than just gambling you know!).

Red Rock Canyon by E-Bike: A Fun Must-Do in Las Vegas

Excited to be heading to Las Vegas, and not being much of a gambler, I spent a bit of time researching some fun activities to do during the day.

I had heard of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada’s Mojave Desert which is estimated to be 180-190 million years old, and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was less than half an hour away from The Strip.

We Love LA Tour: The BEST way to see Los Angeles

Being my first trip to Los Angeles, naturally, there were so many things I wanted to see and do packed into just a short amount of time.
Researching full day tours of LA, I came across We Love LA Tours, which are a private tour company that packs in so many of the top highlights I wanted to see all in one day.
It was a match made in heaven.

Packing List for North America: How to Travel Light in Hot & Cold

As you may have heard me gushing all over social media - I am off to North America very soon (two days - aah!).
It's my first time there so I am incredibly excited - if you couldn't tell. For a peek into my itinerary and where I'm heading, head to this post here.

My North America Itinerary & Goals

The final countdown is officially on and I'm going on my first ever trip to North America in just over two weeks!

As you can imagine I'm extremely excited and I'm also very busy during this time - February has been the busiest month for me. I flew to Auckland twice, spent a week in Tauranga and my best friend is coming to stay for a week soon.

A Guide to Visiting Hobbiton (A Must-Do in New Zealand)

It was my birthday on the weekend and I couldn't think of a better way to spend it than at my favourite place in New Zealand: Hobbiton! This was my second visit to the famous movie set, the first time being over five years ago, and I tell you - it was just as magical as the first time around!

Best Places to eat in Hoi An, Vietnam

Following on from my Top Things to do in Hoi An post, here is the promised best places to eat. This is my third post of my where to eat in Vietnam series, the first two being in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Top Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is one of the most charming towns I’ve ever visited. Located along Vietnam’s central coast, this beautifully preserved Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its winding canals, vibrant markets and rich cultural history.

I was lucky enough to spend a week there, and completely fell in love with its old-world beauty. The highlight was being there during the Lunar Lantern Festival - when the electricity is turned off in the Old Town, traffic disappears, and the streets come alive with glowing lanterns, floating candles, music, and celebration. It’s absolutely magical - like stepping into another time.

In Photos: Our Rarotonga Destination Wedding

Just over a year ago, I got married in beautiful Rarotonga in the Cook Islands on 24.11.16. Since I have written posts on how to plan a destination wedding and a review of the Pacific Resort Rarotonga as a wedding venue, I thought I would share some of my wedding photos too, in case anyone is planning on having a destination wedding there themselves.

Five reasons why you should visit Rarotonga, Cook Islands

I got married in beautiful Rarotonga just over a year ago… and honestly, I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since! One week simply wasn’t enough. I’m already plotting my return to this island paradise in the Cook Islands - it’s that special.

If you’re thinking about visiting (and trust me, you absolutely should), here are five reasons that might just convince you to hit book on those flights right now. 

On the Bucket List: 50 Travel Goals 2018

I always like to set certain goals at the beginning of each year, as it's always nice (or slightly shameful) to look back on and see how much has been achieved at the end of it.
This will be my second year as a fulltime blogger and I'm so excited to see what 2018 has in store for me.

2018 New Zealand Travel Goals

Welcome to my first post of the year!

I intended this post to be all of my 2018 travel goals, but as I began writing about New Zealand it was already so long that it turned into its very own post.