Island Bound Travel

08/18/2026

For several years, I have wanted to meet Tāne Mahuta. Although I visited Northland, New Zealand, last June, I was unable to make it to witness the grandeur of Tāne Mahuta. New Zealand’s unparalleled beauty consistently draws me back for repeated visits so I know I will meet him one day. [email protected]

Meet Tāne Mahuta. Lord of the Forest. Standing tall in Waipoua Forest, Hokianga, this ancient kauri is nearly 2,000 years old, 51m high, and 13m wide. New Zealand's biggest kauri tree, and honestly a life-changing experience to stand beneath. 🌿✨

08/18/2026

From the thunder of calving glaciers to the call of the wild,
hear the heartbeat of Alaska with Princess Cruises. [email protected]

08/18/2026

Today, I began a ten-day bootcamp by Princess Cruise Lines to learn more about their Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours. Though I specialize in Hawai’i, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia, I recently enjoyed a Princess Alaska cruise during a health sabbatical and found it rejuvenating. The photos show our scenic voyage along Endicott Arm, with breathtaking views of Dawes Glacier and our excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. [email protected]

12/05/2025

I love Hobbiton and make it a point to visit whenever I am in New Zealand. My recent visit was particularly exciting because I was able to go inside a Hobbit Hole. As the famous quote by J.R.R. Tolkien aptly describes, "Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole,….. it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort”. It was amazing and included approximately nine rooms. I can’t wait to return. [email protected]

12/03/2025

Embark on an enchanting experience at New Zealand’s Redwood Treewalk, ascending between 30 and 65 feet above the forest floor. This awe-inspiring walk features 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, offering breathtaking views of the wilderness. The 40-minute walk is offered day and night. I chose the night experience featuring 34 exquisite lanterns.

11/27/2025

A vibrant Māori cultural performance is presented at Te Puia, a renowned geothermal wonderland located in Rotorua, New Zealand.

11/26/2025

My evening at Te Puia in Rotorua, New Zealand began with a guided tour of the geothermal valley, traversing native bush, witnessing geysers, and exploring mud pools. We visited the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Next we savored a delicious dinner and proceeded to a cultural performance within the exquisitely carved meeting house.

11/22/2025

For Lord of the Rings fans, a Nomad Safaris tour is ideal. Without the guidance of our knowledgeable guide, Michael, I would have never discovered the film locations. Among many sites, he pointed out where Isildur lost the One Ring and where the Rohan refugees fled to Helm’s Deep. . [email protected]

11/22/2025

One of the world’s “Top Ten Classic Hikes” is the Routeburn Track in New Zealand’s Mount Aspiring National Park. I thoroughly enjoyed my hike and would like to share a few additional photos.
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