Updated: November 2018 After Shock-Pinball, Jaws.  Sounds like a list of action movies, right?  Well, they’re the gateway to some action, but just part of the movie that’s Challenge Rafting on the Shotover River in Queenstown, New Zealand. When you join Challenge Rafting for a little white-water adventure, expect some thrills, chills, and maybe some spills…and expect it to be challenging. ...

Famous globally for its breathtaking beauty and mirror-like symmetry, the Taj Mahal is India’s most famous landmark. Located in Agra, it reportedly attracts more than 6 million visitors each year. The Crown of Palaces The Taj Mahal (Persian for "Crown of Palaces") is an elaborate mausoleum or tomb. Built nearly 400 years ago by Emperor Shah Jahan of India it’s a...

Auckland, home to approximately 1.5 million Kiwis, lies in the pacific Ocean’s far south-west. It’s New Zealand’s biggest city and provides an excellent base to explore the North Island’s hidden coves and scenic coast line. Auckland boasts more boats per capita than any other city on the planet. It has a proud sailing tradition and revels in its nickname “The...

Nestled in the western corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage site and is the renowned home of breath-taking Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. This region of New Zealand is present to a striking and dramatic landscape, making it the top destination to visit in New Zealand. A traditional Maori legend suggests that TuTeRakiWhanoa,...

Sail on the warm winds through 74 islands in the very heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Drop anchor and discover white secluded beaches.  And, of course, dive the heart of the enormous Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are the essential experience for anyone who is fascinated by coral reefs and all seekers of paradise. Airlie Beach Airlie Beach is...

With spectacular waterfalls, dramatic sheer cliffs, lush rainforest and piercing blue water, New Zealand's Milford Sound is the pinnacle of natural beauty. Nestled on the south west of New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound's dramatic primeval landscape is a particularly special creation of nature. Subsequently it comes as no surprise that a visit to this secluded piece of paradise is a...

Balmy…the moment you step off of the plane in Cairns and smell the moist sweet tropical breeze you know you’re in North Queensland. Sure, you can take a boat trip and scuba dive in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.  But there are more than enough things in to see and do. In, Around and Above Cairns Cairns’ famous Esplanade Lagoon,...

Update: Cadbury World closed permanently in May 2018 We only had two days and chose to focus on Cadbury World’s Tasting Tour, Speights’ Brewery Tour and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. Yet, Dunedin has a lot more to offer than just these highlights.  It has a stunning setting. Enveloped by towering but extinct volcanoes, and spread out like...

India is a vibrant country steeped in tradition, culture and contrasts.  She boasts mountain ranges, sweeping plateaus (deccans) and deserts, and modern sky-scrapers developed next to slums and temples. Udaipur nestles in the south western part of Rajasthan and revels in its title of “The Venice of the East” and home to James Bond’s Octopussy.  After a few days in...

Updated: November 2018 "Any final tips?" Vladimir nervously asks our guide, Lee - not entirely sure that he really expects an honest answer. With a smile the width of the Tongariro River, the response is quick and delivered with typical Kiwi humour - "Just stay in the raft". Bobbing up and down like excited toddlers on a fairground carousel, the sounds...