3 January 2026 Steps: 4,976 We got up quite early this morning as we had an early start at the Waitomo Caves. Before heading out, we went in for breakfast at our B&B and were immediately greeted by so many cats! There were adult cats wandering around the kitchen, and in the next room was a group of kittens that were only a few weeks old. Breakfast itself was quite basic - bacon and eggs and cereal, but the hosts were lovely. The girls absolutely loved playing with the cats,

2 January 2026 Steps: 9,479 This morning we left Napier and made the two hour drive to Lake Taupō . There aren’t too many stops along the route, but we did briefly pull over at the Waipunga Falls lookout to see the falls thundering down below. We stopped in Taupō for lunch and I have to say that while the lake itself is beautiful, the town didn’t really impress me that much . The restaurants were mostly “burger, chips and a pint” type places along with lots of fast food, an

1 January 2026 Steps: 9,594 Happy New Year! 🎉 Watching 2026 arrive was definitely a very different experience this year , as we stood under the stars in shorts and T shirts... a far cry from welcoming the New Year back home in Canada surrounded by snow and ice! It’s been a wonderful way to end 2025 and our world travels, and we’re excited to see what 2026 brings when we get back to Canada. Te Mata Peak After our fairly slow morning (we got to bed quite late with it being New

31 December 2025 Steps: 5,528 Today we left Wellington and headed to Napier for a two night stay at a farmhouse located on the Mission Estate Winery. We didn’t make too many stops along the way, but we did pass through the Rumariku crossing and we stopped in a town called Greytown for lunch. The Mission Estate Winery In the early afternoon we arrived at the farmhouse we were staying at, set within the grounds of the Mission Estate Vineyard. It was a beautiful house right be

30 December 2025 Steps: 11,023 Today we finally got the rainy day in Wellington that the forecast had been promising us . Luckily, we had a plan! The Wellington Climbing Wall at Fergs Jessica had spotted a climbing wall on the waterfront the day before, so we headed decided that if it was raining, we would go back so she could give it a go. Fergs isn't the only climbing wall in Wellington, but it's a great location on the waterfront, plus if it wasn't possible for her to cli

29 December 2025 Steps: 11,398 Today was the day we had all been looking forward to – a guided tour of the Te Papa Museum in Wellington , where Michael works. We were incredibly lucky. Michael not only arranged free entry for us, but also organised a one hour guided tour, which made the visit even more special. The Te Papa Museum Guided Tour Our tour guide Angela was Māori herself and she shared so much insight into Māori life , their deep connection to the land, and how that

28 December 2025 Steps: 18,715 The Wellington Cable Car The sun was out this morning and the wind had eased, so we took advantage and hopped on the Wellington Cable Car up to the lookout above the city. As you’d expect, the views were fantastic. The Botanical Gardens At the top, we spent some time walking around the botanical gardens , which is one of the best free things to do in Wellington. There’s a fun kids’ play area, some lovely wild walking trails , and a rose garden

27 December 2025 Steps: 9,767 Mount Victoria For our first full day in Wellington , we started by driving up to the top of Mount Victoria . You can walk up, but with an afternoon planned at Wellington Zoo, we wanted to save the kids’ legs. The v iews from the top are fantastic, with panoramas in every direction . Looking down over the harbour is especially iconic, and you can clearly spot the huge Te Papa museum . We’ll be visiting later in the week for a tour led by a Māori

26 December 2025 Steps: 7,436 This morning we said goodbye to Paradise Bay in the Pelorus Sound and caught the ferry from Picton over to Wellington, where Susie’s brother lives. We’ll be staying here for the next five nights, so it will be nice to have a home base for a while. Leaving the Pelorus Sound and the Drive to Picton Boxing Day looked a little different for us this year, as we caught a water taxi directly the off grid house we were staying in (which can only be acces

25 December 2025 Steps: 2,103 (hey, it’s Christmas)! Christmas in the Pelorus Sound Christmas morning felt very different this year. Instead of waking up to sub zero temperatures and snow, we opened our eyes to bright sunshine, and beautiful blue ocean in the Pelorus Sounds! The girls spent the morning opening a few presents we had picked up along the trip, including a stuffed toy magnet from our visit to the Hero Rats in Cambodia and a build your own telescope from Lake Tek