New-Zealand on Kelvin Nicholson

Photos from Kaikoura (June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:41:36 +1200

A short set from Kaikoura.

Photos from Nelson and Tasman (June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:20:00 +1200

A short set from Nelson and Tasman.

Photos from Arthur's Pass (June 9, 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:15:47 +1200

A short set from Arthur’s Pass.

Photos from Aoraki Mount Cook (June 8, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:49:04 +1200

A short set from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Auckland and Napier

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:58:00 +0000

I took a quick trip to Auckland and Napier to visit my dad and Cathy. We mainly caught up over conversation, beer, and a coffee or two. I also discovered that my dad is a bit of a hustler at pool.

Dad resting outside Uncle Christopher’s place in Auckland

Camping Around NZ Day 1

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 05:09:00 +0000

I decided it was time for a short holiday to recharge and reflect on the previous year. A vehicle-relocation service seemed like an interesting option. Because so many people travel from Auckland to Christchurch, rental companies often have campervans that need to be returned north. This arrangement suited me: I could fly into Christchurch and depart from Auckland.

I woke up early and took a train just after 6AM to the airport, arriving easily before 7:00. After checking in I cleared security and proceeded to my gate, waiting for my flight to depart. Jetstar flight 151 departed on time, and had me landing in Christchurch at 13:45 local time.

Day 0 - Flying to Chile

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:02:00 +0000

Although I had taken a few short trips this year, to Nepal and Taiwan, I had been saving my annual leave for a bigger journey through South America. This trip will probably be my last for quite some time. This morning, I woke up and finished preparing for my flight. I had some difficulty organising my seats because the departure time kept changing, I couldn’t check in online, and calling the hotline proved futile. The check-in lines were long, but I could use a shorter queue because I had no checked baggage.

Days 3 & 4 - Nelson

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Because it was Saturday, the Nelson market was in full swing. I am not usually a market person, but this one was relaxing. Many markets sell whichever gadgets and trinkets are popular at the time; this one felt more authentic. The honey, artwork, jewellery, and food were distinctly local.

The sun was also intense. Before arriving in New Zealand, I had read about different sunscreen formulations after learning a difficult lesson at a cricket match. For the market, I applied and reapplied sunscreen containing zinc oxide and other ultraviolet filters. I avoided getting burnt, although many people around me had already developed red necks. Nothing at the market particularly tempted me, but I did find a new hat. Made in Vietnam by Columbia, it fit well and was lightweight and breathable. My previous Marmot hat accompanied me on every adventure, so I hoped this one would serve me equally well until it eventually fell into a river somewhere interesting. After the market, I visited a small vineyard on the way back to the holiday house and shared a bottle of wine. A lively group of American visitors nearby added plenty of volume to the afternoon. I then drove to the coastal town of Mapua, which appeared to have two bars, a bakery, and a real estate office. At the dock, I noticed a small car struggling to pull a dinghy from the water, its tyres slipping whenever the driver accelerated. Dad, two teenagers, and I moved behind the car and helped push it up the hill. The driver called out a long “thank you” as he drove away.

Day 2 - Nelson

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

One of my earliest memories of New Zealand was staying in a cabin in Abel Tasman National Park. On this trip, I was lucky enough to drive to the park, catch a water taxi to Torrent Bay, and hike the 12-13 km back to where I had parked. Although I never found the cabin, I had a great walk, and the pictures speak for themselves.

One of the best parts of the hike happened before I even left. I had a short list of travel items I needed but could never find at the right price. One was a tiny collapsible backpack to use as a daypack. Just before leaving, I stepped into an outdoor shop and found exactly that. After trying it on, I knew immediately that I should buy it. It worked well on the trail, and I looked forward to using it throughout our trip in Europe.

Day 1 - Nelson

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Europe 2011 Day 1

It had been almost seven years since I last went to Europe, so with nearly 40 days of paid leave accrued, it seemed like a good time to take a few weeks off. I had also just finished a PhD, so the break felt like a well-deserved reward. While planning my trip, I realised that my dad and Cathy would be in New Zealand around the time we were considering leaving. I arranged to visit them first, then take advantage of a good AirAsia fare to Paris.

They Got Me!

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 10:30:00 +0000

My night is winding down at 2:30 a.m., and sleep seems like a good idea. Looking at my arm, the relentless mosquitoes must have read yesterday’s post; they have practically drained the life from my left arm. What I really meant to say is that my time in this flat is finally nearing its end. Today I listed the networking equipment I used to work away from the office on Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Networking-modems/ ADSL-modems/auction-46922291.htm). Wish me luck! I could not have been more fortunate with the group of flatmates I ended up living with. I genuinely intend to visit Hayden and Tanya in Melbourne and travel with Kate and Owen to Moscow via the Trans-Siberian Railway. I hope to see Dylan again too, although I have no idea where. He is one of the most amusing people I have ever met; I can listen to his ramblings all night without becoming bored. He can be outrageous, but he is a genuinely great person. Tonight I helped the woman moving into my room learn Excel. It was an odd feeling to help the person replacing me. She is staying here until I move out. Not long now, and then the adventure begins!

Highly Annoyed

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 10:30:00 +0000

I realized tonight that there is one small part of New Zealand life I have not yet made peace with: mosquitoes. Mozzies, as they are called here, seem to have a special talent for appearing just when I am trying to concentrate.

The small ones are the worst because I cannot always tell whether I am seeing a mosquito, a speck of dust, or just my imagination after too much time staring at a screen. I refuse to spend the evening clapping randomly at the air, though I admit the temptation is real.

Writing to ZZZ

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:30:00 +0000

I close my eyes and write in my blog in an attempt to fall back asleep. As many of you know, I have never had a problem falling asleep. I have slept in the dirt while camping, in a bathtub, on a concrete balcony, and on countless trains. In fact, name a place and I have most likely slept there.

Except when I have had coffee. My body responds very strongly to caffeine, and last night was no exception. At about midnight, I decided to have a cup of tea, pouring not a teaspoon of leaves into my cup but a heaped tablespoon. Oops. I could not get to sleep until almost 6 a.m. Then my alarm went off at 9:55 a.m. for a meeting, only for it to be cancelled!

Home Sweet Home

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 10:30:00 +0000

I’ve had several requests to confirm that I’m alive.

Are you alive? I think so. pinch Yup. Good!

For those of you who want more information, read on. Please forgive any rough edges; it is past 3:00 a.m., and I’m rather tired.

I have now joined the JAFA ranks, i.e., Just Another Very Aucklander. What can I say? I’m worse than a statistic. While I love the countryside, I prefer city life, and Gisborne was very rural. As you can tell from this belated entry, my journey back was several months ago, so I’ll recap only a few stories.

To Gisborne and Back

Sat, 22 Oct 2005 10:30:00 +0000

Gisborne = Roseburg.

For those of you reading from Oregon, and in particular Ashland, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who don’t know about Roseburg, let me explain.

My time in Auckland was drawing to a close — I had managed to use an internet connection from McDonald’s so was able to get online for free — but who wants to work from McDonald’s? I had an itch to go and play in the ocean, so when Friday came I departed. Nigel and Tina went to Taupo and dropped me off at the bus station at 7:00 a.m. or some similarly ungodly time. Problem was (and I didn’t make this apparent) — I was up until 3 a.m. working. I also had a New Zealand dial-up account, so I was able to sort of get online if there is a telephone around. Dial-up was frustrating, though. There is a reason I haven’t used dial-up for a very long time.

The Fatherland

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 10:30:00 +0000

Upon arriving in New Zealand, my uncle met me at the airport and, after teasing me for trying to get into the wrong side of the car (I was still getting used to that), we took off. The flight was overnight and the final three hours were rather bumpy, so I was quite tired. We had dinner, chatted for some time, and I fell asleep. The bed was warm and comfortable, and it was my first experience with an electric blanket. I have fallen in love. As I learned bits of family slang from my cousin, I began to realise how alike my father and uncle are. Their mannerisms are remarkably similar: the way they talk and the way they use their hands. Apparently, the way I talk and use my hands also reminds my aunt Tina of my dad. Who knew? I have enjoyed wonderful cooking and great company. Certain parts of New Zealand are bringing back memories, from old supermarkets to particular street corners. Then again, perhaps I am inventing those old memories. The rules of cricket were explained to me last night, but I am still slightly confused. Apparently, games can last up to eight hours; that will be an experience. Now, sitting in a Starbucks, I am on my second cup of coffee. Having brought several travel adaptors, I was lucky to find a free outlet. I hoped to get some work done, but the internet is too expensive here at $6 an hour. Shortly, I will go online and, just as I did in Singapore, use Starbucks Expensive Internet to find Random Cheap Internet. Tonight is the State Cup between Auckland and Christchurch in rugby, and if Auckland wins, they will keep it until next season. The two people working at Starbucks have invited me to a sports bar downtown, which one of their sisters owns. Depending on how late the game runs, I may go, although needing to catch a bus back will limit how late I can stay. Wish me luck, and expect more stories to follow!