Neist Point Lighthouse is perched on a narrow spit of land on the Isle of Skye’s northwestern coast. It sits high above the waves where the wind howls around it constantly, looking towards the islands of the Outer Hebrides. To … Read More
“Who can do 500 pull-ups?” our guide asked, holding up his hand. The group laughed uncertainly and no one responded. “If you want to do the equivalent of 500 pull-ups tonight, go ahead and paddle with your arms. If you … Read More
Queue halcyon flute music. Queue short people with oversize, hairy feet. Queue quite possibly the most amazing attraction you’ll see on your New Zealand adventure. Welcome to Hobbiton, a now-permanent structure that was originally constructed as a temporary set for … Read More
The wind gusts did not deter us from getting off the bus. We had been driving for at least two hours, heading steadily towards the coast. At last, the ocean broke into view, grayish green and frothing against the shore. … Read More
It was night time, quite late—that much I remember. I think there were six of us, or maybe five. Enough that we didn’t fit comfortably into the taxi on the way there. Enough that we couldn’t or didn’t all pile … Read More
I thought I had been hiking before. I even thought I had done one or two challenging hikes in my lifetime. I was mistaken. The hike on the Alex Knob trail—located in New Zealand’s Westland Tai Poutini National Park—was a … Read More
This is the view out my window at sunrise on my first morning in New Zealand’s South Island. I am staying with a small tour group at a remote sheep ranch on the banks of Lake Pukaki. The lake’s color … Read More
The mountain town of Queenstown, New Zealand, is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and maybe the world. It’s a small place with a hip and rugged Park City, Utah, vibe that caters to tourists, especially adrenaline junkies. … Read More
“Ho ho!” our guide called out, holding a long black umbrella with a curved handle into the air. “Ho ho! This way!” He was a thin man of medium height with a brown-and-gray beard, dressed in a long, white linen, … Read More