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Hillary McMaster's trip to New Zealand.   My trip to the Land Of The Long White Cloud began with an amazing experience of whale watching from a rugged town on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.   In Kaikoura, where the emphasis is on conservation of marine life, my small group took a prop plane tour that provided us with wonderful panoramic views of the beautiful peninsula and more importantly of NINE sperm whales!   Following the whale watching tour, we stopped at the Kaikoura Winery, settled on a beautiful spot between the mountains and the coast with breathtaking views of the peninsula for a sampling of the local sauvignon blanc. With its small town setting and splendor Kaikoura really gave me a sense of peace. I would love to visit it again.       We recommend the Wilderness Lodge at Arthurs Pass to many of our clients. The welcoming, gracious Kiwi hospitality shown to me by the staff and the exuberance of the owner, Gerry McSweeney, as he demonstrated sheep herding and sheering, and guided us on a tour of his property led to me to understand why people so enjoy the time they spend on the edge of the national park. During my stay I took advantage of a beautiful sunny, spring day to hike alone along the Rainbow Trail, one of many trails where visitors can freely roam. I stopped along the way to read information at points of interest and to take in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Were it possible I would pack up my family and move to the serene mountain setting forever! From Arthurs Pass I traveled to Fox Glacier, a sight unlike anything I have ever seen! It was awesome to see the glacier, surrounded by a lush temperate rainforest, cutting a dramatic valley between the Southern Alps. The fact that these glaciers were formed during the last ice age is simply amazing!   My last stop was in Queenstown. From there I took a spectacular small plane flight to Milford Sound flying low over, and close to, the highest peaks of the Fiordland National Park. Following my awe-inspirig flight (pictured to the left!!) was a cruise along the Sound leading to the Tasman Sea and there I saw the sights carved by ancient glaciers and the local wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins living in their natural habitat. Milford Sound is surrounded by mountainous peaks and breath taking views unlike any I've ever experienced.    This trip was simply an amazing adventure and it is one that I will never forget!

Shelley Hosking's love of Australia Melbourne, the city I adore. With its multiculturalism, fantastic museums, passion for all things art and sport and its thousands of restaurants and cafes Melbourne is often referred to as the cultural heart of Australia. Downtown Melbourne is surrounded by parkland that is a wonderful gift to its people. When I worked in the city I often took the time to sit under a leafy tree in the botanic gardens to eat my lunch, absorb the natural beauty and clear my mind. There are numerous heritage buildings in the city that I enjoy visiting. I often wander around the Paris End of Collins Street within close proximity of the OldTreasuryBuilding, where its not unusual to see wedding parties being photographed. Eating in Melbourne is a true adventure. I have never found another city with a better choice of restaurants than Melbourne. From street food to fine dining there is an enormous choice. On this trip I took a local tram from the city to Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, a funky little inner city suburb filled with great casual cafes and restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops to browse and there enjoyed a long Aussie lunch with a dear friend. Recently I was fortunate to spend a few days in Sydney and experience some of the activities our vacationers frequently enjoy. I had the thrill of climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I am delighted to tell you that the preparation and professionalism of the staff at the Bridge Climb (not to mention the cable that firmly attaches you to the Bridge the entire length of the climb) helped me overcome my fear of heights that I was able to enjoy the breathtaking view without fear or trepidation. I also had a great trip to the Blue Mountains just 2 hours west of Sydney. When our guide served delicious homemade lamingtons (a traditional cake that is made of a plain sponge cake, dipped in chocolate sauce and then rolled in desiccated coconut) memories of my Aussie childhood flooded back. As we drove along the winding Cliff Drive I felt humbled and in awe of the beauty of the spectacular canyons of this world heritage listed site. It is wonderful for me to experience and explore Australia from the viewpoint of a traveler. I cannot impart the depth of my love for Australia. The dramatic images of this country are really only half the story; it is the friendliness of the people that really stays with me.