The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier protecting the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is 40 kilometres wide at its broadest point.
The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island. It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artefacts. It's also home to the 19th-century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront promenade is lined with remnants from its days as the country’s first colonial capital. Cape Reinga, and officially Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua, is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is more than 100 km north of the nearest small town of Kaitaia.
New Zealand is one of the most stunning countries we have ever visited - we nearly emigrated! From Fjords, to geothermal springs, snow capped mountains, magnificent walking trails and white sandy beaches to skiing and surfing - there is something for everyone! New Zealand is famous for its Manuka honey, fine wines and Kiwis (As an avid Springbok supporter I will not mention the All Blacks!).
Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.
Fiji is famed for its intense tropical beauty. Trent had the privilege of celebrating his 5th birthday with the Fijian Villagers. We were aboard Captain Cook's cruise boat and travelled to Robinson Crusoe island. Magnificent scuba diving and welcoming locals. We enjoyed a traditional kava ceremony with delicious lovo. Kava is a mildly narcotic and sedative drink made from the root of the yaqona - when presented with the kava you clap and yell "Bula" (Fijian for Hello) and drink in one gulp followed by three more claps and yelling "Ma-tha!". You then feel marvellously serene ... no doubt why Fijians serve kava to settle arguments or to make peace between Villagers!
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.
Coober Pedy is a town in northern South Australia, 846 km north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. The town is sometimes referred to as the "opal capital of the world" because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there. It is renowned for its below-ground dwellings, called "dugouts", which are built in this fashion due to the scorching daytime heat. Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is in the deserts of central Australia, in northern South Australia. The Lake Eyre Basin is a large endorheic system surrounding the lakebed, the lowest part of which is filled with the characteristic salt pan caused by the seasonal expansion and subsequent evaporation of the trapped waters.
Kata Tjuṯa, also known as The Olgas and officially gazetted as Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga, is a group of large, domed rock formations or bornhardts located about 360 km southwest of Alice Springs, in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) | Northern Territory, Australia Meaning 'many heads', Kata Tjuta is sacred to the local Aboriginal Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. It forms an important focus of their spiritual life.
Watarrka National Park is only three hours’ drive from Uluru, and is home to the mighty Kings Canyon – a majestic destination featuring 300m high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. The Kings Canyon Rim walk is a 6km circuit that will take you down into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360° panoramic views over the red sand dunes. Stunning.
Kakadu National Park is an enormous, biodiverse nature reserve in Australia’s Northern Territory. With terrain encompassing wetlands, rivers and sandstone escarpments, it’s home to some 2,000 plant species and wildlife from saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles to birds. Aboriginal rock paintings, dating to prehistoric times, can be viewed at sites such as Nourlangie, Nanguluwur and Ubirr.
