Mountain Biking the Otago Rail Trail

Otago Rail Trail

The Otago Rail Trail was created to promote a family-oriented recreation area.  The trail is approximately 150 kilometers long.  We were scheduled to ride 35 kilometers from Lauder to Wedderburn.  I opted to stay in the back with one of Continue reading Mountain Biking the Otago Rail Trail

Moeraki Boulders

Boulders

Maroi legend believes that the boulders are actually the remains of eel baskets.  The scientific explanation is much more complicated, but rather than regurgitate Wikipedia here is a link to their explanation. Besides seeing these interesting boulders, I tried a Continue reading Moeraki Boulders

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Punakaiki

Punakaiki is on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.  A main tourist are the pancake rocks.  These rocks are made of layered limestone that has been eroded by the sea.  Stopping to view them was a Continue reading Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Kayaking in Doubtful Sound

Technically I’ve kayaked in the sea before, but it was in the Galapagos and we just stayed within a protected bay.  We also used “sit on” kayaks (not sure of the technical name).  So, when I heard I’d be sea Continue reading Kayaking in Doubtful Sound

Star Gazing in Queenstown

Stars and Queenstown.

I happened across a star gazing tour while visiting Skyline in Queenstown.  It wasn’t something I had planned on doing, but it may have been the highlight for the three days I was there.  Queenstown is known as the adventure Continue reading Star Gazing in Queenstown

I Carved Jade

The Finished Piece

Right before Christmas I had the opportunity to make myself the best gift.  I learned (probably a major overstatement) how to carve jade from Hamish in Barrytown, which is on the west coast of the south island of New Zealand. Continue reading I Carved Jade