I have to share this crazy win — thanks to the fantastic people over at @LoveDunedin and the Dunedin Facebook page, my post about 25 things to do in Dunedin went viral. I can’t say how excited I was when I opened my app and found that my views for the day were at well…
Category: expat life
a brush with spontaneity: the moeraki boulders
I was undecided as to whether this post should go under “tinder tales” (possibly coming soon) or spontaneous adventures. It might make a reappearance, honestly, but for now, it was a spontaneous adventure with a new friend. (It is absolutely no secret that I take serious advantage of Tinder while travelling. How else am I…
travel essay: to all of my travelling friends
To all of my travelling friends, You know who you are. And I am so LUCKY to have you. We met in a bar. In a hostel. On the train. In a plane. In the airport. On a boat. On The Boat. Through a friend of a friend of a friend. On the trail. We…
new zealand: a hiker’s paradise, part one
When you google New Zealand, what images come up? Stunning landscapes, trails through pristine wilderness, rushing waterfalls, vistas over broad lakes, snow-capped mountains… It’s easy to imagine trekking through this sublime land and many do. There are so many great walks across New Zealand, and nine of them are actually referred to as Great Walks….
tastebuds: kinloch lodge
Back over my birthday weekend, when I was drifting aimlessly through Central Otago with nothing concrete planned, I ended up at Kinloch Lodge, out on the edges of Lake Wakatipu, an hour and a half from Queenstown, down a gravel road near Paradise. I spent a few days here, hiking, enjoying the spa, chatting with…
in photos: the taieri gorge railway experience
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel with Dunedin Railways on their Taieri Gorge Railway experience. It was a blustery day, and while the sun never made an appearance, the trip was worth every minute of my time and energy. You can read about my experience here, and enjoy this photo essay below.
travel essay: riding the rails in the taieri gorge
I stepped onto the train platform, the cool shadows of the Dunedin Railway Station behind me, its ornate interior all Art Deco meets old world architecture. In front of me, the Taieri Gorge Railway sat waiting silently to take me on an exploratory journey. Climbing aboard, I found my seat in the carriage next to…
south to dunedin, road trip part three
Missed the beginning of my road trip south? I started in Paihia at the beginning of May. Read in order one, two, three, and four for all the dirty details. 27 – 30 May Aussie Chris picked me up from lunch with Tay and after saying goodbye to her, we found our way into Christchurch…
what i’ve learned while traveling solo
Over the last few years, I’ve really perfected my selfie. I’ve traveled solo to four countries and met up with friends for a portion of trips in five other countries. I’ve eaten at more restaurants than I care to admit, alone. Gone for a night out, alone. Hiked, alone. Joined groups of people for a…
hiking ben lomond
Two days ago, I hiked my first ever mountain. Sure, I’ve hiked some mountains, some hills. But this was a 1400m high mountain. A legit mountain. I was stoked. I started around 10:30 am, from Queenstown, and took the Tiki Trail up with a girl from the hostel. I think she might have originally been…