{"id":132,"date":"2026-01-10T10:30:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/?page_id=132"},"modified":"2026-03-01T23:14:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T07:14:32","slug":"new-zealand-travel-blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/new-zealand-travel-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Travel Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-c6f5ee83 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/anguilla-travel-blog\/\">Anguilla<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/ecuador-travel-blog\/\">Ecuador<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/iceland-blog\/\">Iceland<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/new-zealand-travel-blog\/\">New Zealand<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-text-subtitle-2 has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-558eb5f3d47b5b4372210296fb46e058 is-style-text-subtitle-2--1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Use the buttons to view different trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1536 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/haere-ra-aotearoa-goodbye-new-zealand\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Haere r\u0101 Aotearoa (Goodbye New Zealand)\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/haere-ra-aotearoa-goodbye-new-zealand\/\" target=\"_self\" >Haere r\u0101 Aotearoa (Goodbye New Zealand)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Waiting to board our flight home allowed us to revel in the memories we made over the last several weeks. From soaring by helicopter high above glacial fields to sampling far too many Sauv Blancs, Aotearoa proved an unforgettable host. With each passing day we immersed ourselves in the culture of this isolated island nation.&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1525 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/singing-in-the-rain\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Singing in the Rain\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0226-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/singing-in-the-rain\/\" target=\"_self\" >Singing in the Rain<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">We woke up to a very rainy and comparatively cold (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) Christchurch this morning and the rain did not let up all day. It was fitting for our last full day in New Zealand and it felt like a transition back to the current weather at home. Fittingly, we started the day&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1468 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/15\/swinging-in-the-breeze\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2346\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Swinging in the Breeze\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-scaled.jpeg 2346w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-275x300.jpeg 275w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-938x1024.jpeg 938w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-768x838.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-1408x1536.jpeg 1408w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0203-1877x2048.jpeg 1877w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2346px) 100vw, 2346px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/15\/swinging-in-the-breeze\/\" target=\"_self\" >Swinging in the Breeze<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">This morning we were greeted by another guest staying at our rental house. That guest was a lawn mowing robot! It was quite amusing watching him diligently mow the surrounding lawn as we enjoyed coffee and breakfast. Another relaxing morning prepared us for the last of our long drives here in New Zealand. Our drive&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1401 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/14\/back-to-the-mountain-tops\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Back to the Mountain Tops\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1240-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/14\/back-to-the-mountain-tops\/\" target=\"_self\" >Back to the Mountain Tops<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">We started our drive north this morning, backtracking through Queenstown. On the way, we took the opportunity to visit the Home of Bungee Jumping. As mentioned in one of our previous blog posts, Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping. The actual bridge where it started is just off of the highway, now bustling&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1385 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/a-subterranean-constellation\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1900\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"A Subterranean Constellation\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms-1024x539.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GlowWorms-1536x808.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1900px) 100vw, 1900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/a-subterranean-constellation\/\" target=\"_self\" >A Subterranean Constellation<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">We enjoyed a few, much needed, extra hours of sleep this morning. The last several days were packed with picturesque drives and adventures so we appreciated this low-key day. Our day started by grabbing coffee and meat pies from a local eatery. With food in our bellies we headed out. As we mentioned yesterday, the&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1353 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/12\/the-southland\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The Southland\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5185-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/12\/the-southland\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Southland<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">We got another early start this morning and continued on our journey from the Otago Region to the Southland Region. As evidenced by its name, the Southland is New Zealand&#8217;s southernmost region, renowned for its pristine fjords (spelled Fiords here), sharp peaks, and untouched natural beauty. Our main activity today was exploring perhaps the most&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1295 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/horse-power\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Horse Power\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0122-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/horse-power\/\" target=\"_self\" >Horse Power<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Today&#8217;s blog post is a bit of a choose your own adventure which reflects our diverging activities. Stephanie relived her childhood with a backcountry horse ride while Jay and his mom went on an exhilarating jet boat up and serene kayak trip down the Dart River. Both trips delivered unforgettable views, showcasing some of the&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1219 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/10\/farm-traditions-of-the-otago-region\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Farm Traditions of the Otago Region\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0050-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/10\/farm-traditions-of-the-otago-region\/\" target=\"_self\" >Farm Traditions of the Otago Region<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">This morning we took our coffee &#8220;for take-away&#8221; and got an early start on our drive to Queenstown, known globally as the &#8220;Adventure Capital of the World.&#8221; Queenstown is uniquely situated on the south island at the edge of many vast natural parks and is the birthplace of many adventure sports including commercial bungee jumping&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1208 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/get-to-the-chopper\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Get to the Chopper!\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0012-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/get-to-the-chopper\/\" target=\"_self\" >Get to the Chopper!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Our second Monday in Aotearoa was a reprieve from the long drives we had become accustomed to over the last four days. Even without a significant road trip ahead of us we still had an early morning to kickoff today&#8217;s main activity (a helicopter tour!). Franz Josef is famous for its helicopter tours which provide&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1107 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/08\/the-wild-west-coast\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The Wild West Coast\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1103-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/08\/the-wild-west-coast\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Wild West Coast<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">After being in New Zealand for a week now, we have noticed that the Kiwis are consistently kind people. We had breakfast at our motel this morning. One of the guests&#8217; taxi did not show up to take them to the airport, so the owner of the motel took them in her personal car. Another&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1081 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/07\/departing-for-the-greenstone-waters\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Departing for the Greenstone Waters\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_1027-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/07\/departing-for-the-greenstone-waters\/\" target=\"_self\" >Departing for the Greenstone Waters<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Our morning began bright and early today as our sailing to the South Island, which was known to the Maori people as Te Wai Pounamu (translating to The Greenstone Waters) had a check in time of 7:45 AM. The early start forced Stephanie to delay her morning coffee by several hours. She quickly remedied that&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1069 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/06\/wrong-turns-right-road\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Wrong Turns, Right Road\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9935-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/06\/wrong-turns-right-road\/\" target=\"_self\" >Wrong Turns, Right Road<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Today we ventured on one of our longest drives of the trip, from Rotorua to Wellington. We started the journey at a local coffee shop where we learned from our barista that New Zealand does not have its own recycling plant, so much of their recycling is shipped to Australia or, unfortunately, ends up in&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-1009 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/05\/hobbits-to-haka\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1547\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Hobbits to Haka\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-300x181.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-1024x619.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-768x464.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-1536x928.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9919-2048x1237.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/05\/hobbits-to-haka\/\" target=\"_self\" >Hobbits to Haka<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">This morning we started the first leg of our road trip as we left the hustle and bustle of Auckland for the quiet winding roads of the New Zealand countryside. Jay has become quite comfortable driving on the left side of the road which allowed him to take in the sights as we made our&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-985 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/04\/island-time\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Island Time\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0993-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/04\/island-time\/\" target=\"_self\" >Island Time<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">We started our day at a coffee shop in a downtown high-rise, not dissimilar to the Columbia Tower in Seattle. We sat among tables of working-folk, some having business deal meetings, others interviewing. Similar to driving on the other side of the road, the revolving doors here circle the opposite direction, which was an adjustment.&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-964 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/the-city-of-sails\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The City of Sails\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0954-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/the-city-of-sails\/\" target=\"_self\" >The City of Sails<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Following a much needed full night&#8217;s sleep, we started our day at a nearby coffee shop for Stephanie&#8217;s caffeine fix and to fill Jay&#8217;s empty stomach. On each of our trips Stephanie has to adjust to international coffee which is closer to espresso than the sugary drinks we find at stateside coffee shops. After breakfast&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-918 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-nz\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/kia-ora-aotearoa-hello-land-of-the-long-white-cloud\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kia Ora, Aotearoa\u00a0(&#8220;Hello, Land of the Long White Cloud&#8221;)\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_9851-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/kia-ora-aotearoa-hello-land-of-the-long-white-cloud\/\" target=\"_self\" >Kia Ora, Aotearoa\u00a0(&#8220;Hello, Land of the Long White Cloud&#8221;)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">After a 13 hour slog of a flight from Los Angeles, we finally made it to Auckland this morning. Auckland greeted us with fog and rain, a familiarity from the Northwest, but accompanied by 80 degrees with humidity &#8211; a welcome warmth after months of cold. It is immediately apparent why the native people of&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Use the buttons to view different trips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","iawp_total_views":187,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-132","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=132"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1546,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/132\/revisions\/1546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-the-maps.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}