Wendy and Nick take 100 days to dazzle New Zealand, tackling epic hikes, dodging cameras, and mastering the art of remote travel planning. With more family reunions than hikes, they embrace adventure with a sprinkle of mishaps and 3,000 photos! Next up: more bucket list items with a Hawaiian finale!

Wendy and Nick kickstarted their epic three-month adventure with a whirlwind trip from Carlotta to Brisbane (not Australia, just near San Francisco). Between grandkid snuggles and exhilarating rides at Knott’s Berry Farm, they stuffed their hearts (and packs) to the brim. Who needs therapy when you have family and roller coasters?

After a marathon 14-hour journey, we’re ferrying to the Yasawa Islands for a much-needed snooze in a thatched room. First order of business? Enjoying sunset cocktails—cheers to that!

After conquering jet lag, Wendy and Nick are diving into Fijian bliss. They serendipitously turned a layover into a 10-day island getaway, mastering the art of “hop on, hop off.” Picture them tubing at sunset with champagne, aka the ultimate happy hour, while dodging claustrophobia for the underwater cave tour. Cheers, Bula!

The Sawa-I-Lau caves of Blue Lagoon fame create conflicting emotions of awe tinged with claustrophobia as Wendy and Nick explore through underwater passageways.

Fiji’s got the blues, and no, not the musical kind! While Wendy’s lazy lounging made for stunning views from their resort, the vibrant blues and greens mesmerized her more than Gauguin’s palette. Add in island music, coconut cooking magic, and friendly locals, and you’ve got an unforgettable tropical chill. Bula!

In Fiji, Wendy and Nick wrestle with their fins like clumsy sea apples, transforming their snorkeling escapade into a slapstick routine. Amidst outdoor bathrooms that have trees in the showers and a daily buffet that challenges their waistbands, life is a playful blend of tropical bliss and comical domesticity. Who knew paradise could be so…

Wendy and Nick share their experiences in New Zealand, highlighting the challenges of driving on the opposite side of the road. Despite feeling apprehensive about making right-hand turns, which they find more daunting than roller coasters, they are enjoying their visit, including family time and local experiences.

In a grand maritime gathering, college pals reunite on a sailboat in New Zealand 50 years post-diploma, grappling with maturity and reminiscing over delectable galley meals that could give MasterChef a run for its money. Who knew reminiscing could happen over fancy wines and anchovy pizza disasters? Next stop: Hobbiton!

Wendy and Nick embark on a delightful Hobbiton adventure, fueled by childhood Tolkien obsession and a decade of research via movies and audiobooks. They marvel at the meticulous film set details, indulge in Hobbit-themed snacks, and enjoy complimentary drinks at the Green Dragon. Spoiler: addiction to Middle-earth remains strong!

Traveling all the way to New Zealand for redwoods seems silly when our backyard’s loaded with them. Turns out, the imported trees are just toddlers compared to California giants. Amidst the sulfur-scented adventures and a smorgasbord of cuisines, we found Big Foot in beer form and shelled prawns like pros. Welcome to vacationing!

Wendy and Nick’s culinary adventure in New Zealand had them munching on everything from fancy wine and cheese platters to budget-friendly fish and chips, with a side of wildlife and Weta wonders. Who knew saving endangered birds could make you hungry? Their bellies were full, but so were their hearts—just don’t ask them to finish…

Wendy and Nick embarked on a scenic ferry ride, reminiscing about past adventures while battling their food hoarding tendencies in a cozy tiny house. After a day of wine and beer tastings, Wendy’s fitness regimen comprised more “sitting” than “training.” They bravely tackled hiking steep paths, gearing up for a five-day trek with sand flies…

After five days and a staggering 76,620 steps on the Abel Tasman Track, Wendy was left a bit teary-eyed and overhydrated, thanks to some intense hiking and her supportive trail buddy, Nick. With stunning views, some questionable trail conditions, and a touch of dolphin envy, they survived the trek—no swan dives required!

When Wendy and Nick hit New Zealand’s wild west coast, their car is packed like a game of Tetris gone wrong! While Nick juggles peanut butter production like a mountain goat, they swap gourmet trails for peanut butter sandwiches. Christmas dinner? A frantic quest for pavlova becomes the holiday highlight. Cheers to road trip chaos!

Santa traded his sleigh for swim trunks in the Bay of Islands, while the “Christmas trees” are just nature’s version of cheap ornaments!

Wendy and Nick’s New Zealand escapade is half over, and they’ve zigzagged from tip to toe, with cows, glaciers, and food trucks galore. Between missing the actual Alps and pondering Boxing Day’s purpose, they’ve turned a 6-hour drive into a culinary quest. Buckle up for more adventures—2024, here we come!

Wendy and Nick welcome 2024 from their Airbnb, battling 30 mph winds and moody clouds, but hey, it’s fine! They’re 9 hours in and still smiling. Happy New Year, folks!

Wendy and Nick’s adventure in New Zealand has morphed into a delightful journey filled with wine, mountains, and questionable navigational skills. After a New Year’s Day of minimal movement (346 steps, thank you very much), they hunted for Mt. Cook and stumbled upon a cloud that looked suspiciously like a UFO. Next stop: the East…

Picture this: tiny blue penguins marching home like tipsy tourists after a long day at the beach. Wendy and Nick’s trip to Oamaru delivers penguin antics galore, pizza topped with questionable ingredients, and a brush with Merino sheep experts. It’s an adventure that hops from adorable to absurd faster than those penguins waddle!

In Antarctica’s chilly embrace, Nick discovered the thrill of icy winds and slippery snow in a stylish parka, albeit with bare legs. Meanwhile, the International Antarctic Centre offered penguins, dodgy seagull poops, and a hilariously cold “storm room.” Highlights included whitebait cooking, a French-themed eclair adventure, and round rocks. New Zealand, you rock!

A magical chariot hiccuped in Dunedin, prompting a late-night brake check. Kiwi kindness prevailed, and new brakes were slapped on in no time. Amidst brewery tours and Fergburger lines, the boys prepped for their big hike while I embraced the tranquility of Te Anau, battling deadlines instead of mountains.

The “boys” hike the challenging Milford track until Mother Nature sends a deluge their way and they are rescued by helicopter. In the meantime, I am basking in the calm and beauty of Te Anau.

Nick pondered a thrilling new ride, but opted for the ferry instead, still sore from the Milford Track. A five-day canoe trip awaits, complete with tents, cooking, sunburns, and potential flipping. Equipped with a knee that might fail him, he’s ready for a wild adventure—but first, some essential tiramisu fuel!

Picture this: a serene canoe trip turns into a wild water roller coaster! After dreaming of gourmet meals and comfy beds, Wendy and Nick faced biblical rains, unexpected rapids, and slippery cliffs, all while dodging floating rocks and an impromptu helicopter rescue. From capsizing to cheering crowds, New Zealand’s Whanganui River served up an unforgettable…

Nick and I conquered the Whanganui River, armed with advice about soft landings and loose hips. After soaking up the stunning scenery, family dinners, and a surprise guitar performance from our talented niece, we even snuck into the famous glow worm caves. Next stop: Aloha, Hawaii! Who needs a hard landing when you’ve got the…

After 76 action-packed days in New Zealand, Wendy and Nick are ready to jet off to Honolulu, baffled by time travel as they arrive 14 hours before they leave. Between magic gardens, train rides, and a farewell feast featuring Beijing duck, they’re packing memories like souvenirs—minus the smuggled plant cuttings, of course!

After a 100-day globe-trot, the author returns home only to play unintentional host to COVID—talk about a party crasher! With dreams of sipping café in France post bank recovery, the adventure fizzles into a battle of sniffles and guilt. Note to self: travel lightly and maybe wear a mask!

New Zealand: where the people are so nice they practically hand you a hug with your coffee! From friendly road signs to zipping in traffic like pros, niceness is their top export. Add in blue penguins and breathtaking views, and you’ve got a trip worth a thousand sheep. Cheers to more lifetimes of this kindness!

In New Zealand, digital speed signs feature cheerful smiley faces, turning speeding into a game of joy. Gruff Americans aim for smiles, snapping photos like tourists on caffeine. Safety never looked so happy!