hello

me and my spirit guide. hokkaido, japan, jan 2015. photo by David duChemin

Kia ora (hello) – I’m so glad you’re here!

I’m a travel, adventure and lifestyle blogger based on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. A small island that’s a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. We are far enough from the city to feel like we live in a remote getaway, and close enough to commute for work. Waiheke is an island of surprises, with more than 20 wineries, over 100km of walking trails, breathtaking views and safe swimming beaches. There’s annual jazz festivals and beach races, a bi-annual sculpture festival and talented local artists that make everything from ceramics to sculpture.

I grew up playing outside in a tiny place called Golden Bay and naturally gravitate to open spaces wherever I find myself in the world. Some of my favourite things are camper van travel & camping, adventures near & far, trail running, island living, good food and dark sky places. I am also a sucker for a good story and love hosting small gatherings to bring two great loves – friends & food – together.

I didn’t start travelling until I was in my 30’s and picked up a camera so I could send ‘postcards’ to friends and family back home. I have been blogging for a really long time, and return to it no matter how the rest of the social media landscape changes. This little piece of internet real estate has led me to some amazing friends and incredible experiences, and I have embraced these in my offline world.

My thin places are found on coastlines, mountains and in the cool darkness of native forests. I have a fondness for wild swimming in rivers and lakes and exploring neighbourhoods & landscapes near and far (giving me a recurring and persistent sense of fernweh). My cameras and writing are a way for me to make sense of the world, one place at a time.

My words and photos have been published in websites and in magazines in New Zealand, UK, USA and Canada. My art lives on walls around the globe.