The Wellington Botanic Garden stretches as far as the eye can see. We are overwhelmed, defeated by its 25 hectares. After half a day here, we have barely covered half its grounds. The slopes of dramatic hydrangeas, the garden of fragrances, the duck pond, the … Continue readingRoses, roses
The wide expanse of the clearest sky, so full and hot and blue. The stunning view of the Hauraki Gulf, its waters deep and true. The vineyards and the olive groves, rows and rows of trees with branches bearing fruit – wine and oil these … Continue readingWaiheke
The sky and the sea meets at Federal St., or at least that’s what I announce, securing my status as a purveyor of lame puns and dad jokes. We are standing beneath Auckland’s most famous landmark, the 328-metre Sky Tower, after all, and about to … Continue readingOysters
Sometimes adventure is simply another way of saying We are wandering around because we got lost. Because we can’t find whatever we were looking for. Because rather than worry about it, we’re enjoying the moment. Because the search is the fun part, more than the … Continue readingThe rabbit and the rhino
Tandoori prawns, arranged in a neat row, each morsel charred invitingly. A basket of garlic cheese naan, cut into crisp triangles. Lamb biryani, fluffy and meaty and spiced to perfection. Butter chicken, Blake’s order, as he apologises for his milder palate. We’re meeting him for … Continue readingPalak paneer
The large wave crashes upon the rocks. I shall write about this one day, I think. But what will it be about? What will I write? What is the ocean saying to me? It’s a riddle. We all love riddles and the best stories are … Continue readingWhat the ocean is telling me