Author Archives: SUNGRL

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About SUNGRL

This blog was originally set up to share our 9 month adventure around Europe and the USA with friends and family in 2014. On returning to NZ in January 2015 I decided to carry it on so I could continue to share any future travel adventures - it has become my electronic travel diary. I hope you enjoy and get inspired to visit some of the wonderful places we have visited.

Fiji

Posted on June 7, 2015 by SUNGRL

We spent a wonderful, relaxing week in Fiji in the last week of April.  It is called the Land of Smiles because the Fijian people are so friendly and constantly smiling : ) We were lucky enough to be invited … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiji | 2 Comments

Alps to Ocean, Day 5 – Kurow to Oamaru – Waitaki Valley, South Island, New Zealand

Posted on April 22, 2015 by SUNGRL

After a fabulous breakfast provided by Sue, the caretaker of Campbell Park Estate, we decided to start the day’s cycle from Campbell Park Estate rather than being shuttled back to Kurow – it meant we were short changing ourselves by … Continue reading →

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Alps to Ocean, Day 4 – Omarama to Kurow – Waitaki Valley, South Island, New Zealand

Posted on April 22, 2015 by SUNGRL

Day four was a bit overcast and gloomy but still no rain.  The first part of today’s ride was on the off road trail to the top of the Chain Hills before descending beside State Highway 83 to follow the … Continue reading →

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Alps to Ocean, Day 3 – Lake Ohau to Omarama – Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand

Posted on April 22, 2015 by SUNGRL

We woke up about 7.30am and my roomie Robyn reported it was raining – I told her that we weren’t leaving until 9.30am and it will be fine by then!  By the time we went for breakfast things were already … Continue reading →

Posted in Mackenzie Basin, South Island | Tagged | 1 Comment

Alps to Ocean, Day 2 – Mt Cook to Lake Ohau – Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand

Posted on April 22, 2015 by SUNGRL

We awoke on Friday morning to see Mt Cook in all her glory.  This is very special as not everyone gets to see her – mountains do tend to attract clouds.  This is the second time I have done this … Continue reading →

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Alps to Ocean, Day 1 – Christchurch to Mt Cook – Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand

Posted on April 22, 2015 by SUNGRL

The alarm went off at 4.30am so I could make my 6.40am flight to Christchurch.  I encountered a bit of fog on my drive from Havelock North to Napier airport but the airport area was clear so I thought there … Continue reading →

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One Year on…

Posted on April 21, 2015 by SUNGRL

This time one year ago we were at the airport about to embark on our overseas adventure.  We went, we saw and we conquered.  We had a fabulous time, created lasting memories and made some good friends along the way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Hawkes Bay | 1 Comment

The Timber Trail – Pureroa Forest – Central North Island, New Zealand

Posted on March 29, 2015 by SUNGRL

The Fab Four and Invited Guests took on The Timber Trail bike ride on the 27th and 28th February.  The Timber Trail is nestled in Pureora Forest, between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti, in the Central North Island. The Timber … Continue reading →

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Lake Wanaka Half – Wanaka, New Zealand

Posted on March 28, 2015 by SUNGRL

About a year ago I agreed to be part of a team doing the Lake Wanaka Half which is a half ironman distance triathlon – 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run.  Of course a year out anything seems … Continue reading →

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Sting & Paul Simon in concert – New Plymouth, New Zealand

Posted on March 27, 2015 by SUNGRL

On the 31st of January we went to the Sting & Paul Simon concert at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth.  It is our favourite concert venue in NZ – a beautiful outdoor ampitheatre.  We went with our music … Continue reading →

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