We’ve just returned from a two week trip to the South Island of NZ - our 8th, as we just can’t seem to get enough of this beautiful country.

The travelers: Bill & Mel, rapidly aging Americans who currently reside in the backwoods of Indonesia. We enjoy the great outdoors, long hikes/walks, peaceful surroundings and wine.

We’re fans of cool weather and we prefer to travel during the low/shoulder seasons. However, three local holidays in the course of two weeks was just too good to pass up; so, we went in March, the first time we’ve ever visited NZ during high season.

The itinerary: Singapore – one night (transit), Oamaru – one night, The Catlins – three nights, Te Anau – four nights, Arrowtown – five nights, Christchurch – two nights, Singapore – one night, (transit) Pekanbaru, Indonesia – one night (transit)