Obituary: Sir Edmund Hillary
January 10, 2008 | Written by Jason Fitzpatrick
It’s always sad when one of your heroes dies. For anybody who doesn’t know, Sir Edmund Hilary passed away today at 88. Along with his sherpa Tenzeng Norgay, he was the first man to summit Mt. Everest in 1953. Growing up I always had a fascination with men like Hillary, Roald Amundsen and other great explorers. They are important to travel because they push the boundaries of the known world. Maybe that isn’t... [Read more]
To Tour, or Not, in New Zealand
December 21, 2007 | Written by Jackie
The New Zealand trip was a gift... [Read more]
The Milford Sound Peace
December 2, 2007 | Written by Tim
Whatever the weather, Milford Sound glistens as the crown jewel of New... [Read more]
7 Peoples, 1 Destination, the Polynesian Cultural Center (video podcast)
March 8, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the Eastern side of Oahu is Hawaii’s most popular paid attraction. The Polynesian Cultural Center presents the talents seven peoples of the South Pacific including: Tahiti, New Zealand, Tonga, Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, and Marquesas. While... [Read more]
Around the World with Air New Zealand (video podcast)
March 3, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Devin visits with Dena of Air New Zealand at the Los Angeles Times Adventurers Travel Expo help on February 10-11. She tells us a little about the many options and destination for those traveling the South Pacific including Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Moreover with Star Alliance,... [Read more]
Penguins in Christchurch with Blair Hartland
July 16, 2006 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I cornered Blair Hartland (International Marketing Manager for Chistchurch Cantebury Tourism) at the recent KiwiLink trade event in Los Angeles. The place was packed and a buzz of the latest about New Zealand. [Read more]
Written by Devin GalaudetA Few Words on the Maori Culture with Leanne
June 26, 2006 | Written by Devin Galaudet
My most memorable time in New Zealand was spent with a few kind Maori people that were willing to show me a little about... [Read more]
The Wizard of New Zealand, part 1
June 10, 2006 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I would see the same enthusiastic reaction every time I mentioned my pending meeting with the Wizard. Every Kiwi I encountered had a tale to recount about his legendary skills. And I always heard a glimmer of civic pride and a bit of hope that magic exists.
After our... [Read more]
The Great Indoors of New Zealand
April 17, 2006 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I stood on the hilltop and gazed out at the azure sea below. Penguins played in crisp waves as snow-capped mountains twinkled in a cloudless sky. New Zealand is the home of sand and surf, exotic Southern Hemisphere wildlife, a bounty of tropical rainforests and tramping trails that wind endlessly. It’s no secret that New Zealand is an outdoor wonderland. [Read... [Read more]
Profiling Down Under Answers
December 26, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I originally interviewed Kirk Demeter of Down Under Answers for a popular travel trade magazine earlier this year. While the primary focus of the interview was geared toward travel professionals, Kirk Demeter knows the South Pacific and especially New Zealand. [Read more]
Written by Devin... [Read more]Soaking in Rotorua
December 26, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Rotorua, in the Central North Island, is my favorite hot spot in New Zealand. I am not alone. Visitors are attracted by the hordes to Rotorua for its towering geysers, bubbling mud and kaleidoscopic silica terraces. Even as you step into town there... [Read more]
Cruising with Kruse
December 16, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I had the pleasure to ride along with Kruse on a recent trip across the South Island in New Zealand. As I drove, Kruse had a lot to say about New Zealand history, Maori culture, local information and attractions. [Read more]
Written by Devin GalaudetKnowing Wellington
December 14, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is imaginatively positioned between a picturesque harbour and forested green hills. The city is home to memorable arts, cultural and heritage attractions including the national museum, Te Papa. Natural attractions, such as the wild south coast, are within easy reach of the city centre. [Read more]
Written... [Read more]Knowing Auckland
December 14, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. [Read more]
Written... [Read more]Checking in with Kincaid Lodge
November 10, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The following is a letter I recently received from the owner of the Kincaid Lodge in New Zealand. It is about a five minute ride from Kaikoura’s main street. The lodge is charming and quiet and definitely my most restful night during a recent trip to New Zealand.
Written by Devin... [Read more]An Informal Maori Glossary
October 27, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The Maori culture is deeply rooted in New Zealand, and it is a good idea for travelers to check out some the words and phrases they will run into. It is important to understand that the “wh” combination is pronounced as an “f” as in fan. We at ITKT recommend exploring the rich Maori culture on your next visit. [Read more]
Written... [Read more]Tracking the Hobbits
October 18, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
While many tours track the hobbits’ ins and outs through Middle Earth, Wellington was the real-life home for the actors in “Lord of the Rings.” A simple map of this New Zealand city and a point in the right direction are all clients need to... [Read more]
Curling with the Becker Family
September 13, 2005 | Written by Devin Galaudet
The ancient Scottish ice-sport of curling is little known in wider New Zealand. But down in Central Otago where irrigation dams can freeze solid in the harsh winters, it is a tradition. Among the participants is a local family renown for its curling... [Read more]
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