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New Zealand Travel Destinations

Cruising New Zealand Fiordland through a labyrinthine passages is a leisurely vacation.  It’s a breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of Mother Nature and Geology. I heard that the 3 most beautiful fjords in the world are in New Zealand, Norway and Chile. I was fortunate to experience the first 2 and would describe both as stunningly epic. The New Zealand’s fiords were sculpted by glaciers more than 550 million years ago.  It was a part of the ancient supercontinent, Gondwana, that included Australia, Africa, South America, and Australia. Contemplating this, puts into perspective the mystery and enchantment of this ancient part of the world.

How many people can say they have cruised through New Zealand’s Fiordlands more than 15 times? Well, I can, as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, on Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines. Our scenic itineraries included cruising Down Under starting  from Sydney, Australia.  Then, we navigated New Zealand’s eastern coastline and then into Fiordland National Park on the South Island’s southwestern corner. Getting there was not always smooth sailing, as the Tasman Sea is one of the roughest seas in the world. This is due to its location in the southern hemisphere on latitudes of the “Roaring 40’s” where the strong westerly winds roar across the sea.

    Akaroa New Zealand Harbor
    New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Akaroa, New Zealand’s Stunning Sites on Walking and Boating Tours

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac October 7, 2026
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Akaroa is a one of those unique destinations, that is full of “National Geographic” moments. The landscapes and geological formations are awesome reminders of the epic powers of Mother Nature, carving masterpieces of exquisite scenery.   As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, my ship cruised inside New Zealand’s Akaroa Harbor numerous times. This is one of my absolutely most favorite destinations in the world.  So, I love sharing my tips on how to explore Akaroa New Zealand attractions from walking and boating tours.

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    About Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

    The Banks Peninsula is the most significant volcanic formation of New Zealand’s South Island.  Comparatively, Dunedin’s older volcano is similar with the Otago Peninsula and Harbour.  However, Akaroa Harbor is more than twice as large.  Eight million years ago, the Banks peninsula formed as offshore islands.  Over time, Lyttleton and Akaroa Harbors evolved from the peninsula.  The Maori name for Akaroa is Kai Tau, meaning “Long Harbour.”

    Akaroa harbor is sheltered and surrounded by the remains of a volcano.   Along with the harbor name, Akaroa is also the name for the resort town. This historic and artistic town has a large French influence with incredible boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Additionally, there are numerous walking tracks for all different levels, with stunning scenery and unique trails. 

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    Akaroa is popular for its fantastic marine wildlife.   Many people come to see or swim (in wetsuits) with the Hector Dolphins in the harbor.  These are the smallest dolphins in the world. Also, these harbors are home to the White Flippered Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world (just 30 cm tall).  Furthermore, on boat tours, visitors can see the marine wildlife, including the dolphins, penguins and Fur Seals (in Seal Bay). 

    Additionally, the harbor is spectacular for viewing its dramatic volcanic rock formations, sea caves and lava flows.  This really brings to life that Akaroa was a live volcano millions of years ago. 

    My Scenic Walking Tour
    Akaroa New Zealand Attractions

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    When I first arrived here, I was immediately drawn east on the Children’s Way Walkway.  Awesome and serene, yet full of surprises, I made my way on a short trail that can be done in less than an hour if on a tight schedule.  Overall, the omnipresent views are breathtaking of the surrounding landscape with the cerulean harbor in the middle.  The colors of New Zealand waters are like nowhere else.  So, I just call them cerulean.

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    Walking along I unexpectedly discovered metal sculptures of 4 giraffes and a rhino.  It is just so random yet fun to find this display.  It makes for artistic and unusual photos.  The rhino also is positioned on a hill with dramatic views of Akaroa and the Akaroa Harbor on one side, and Takamatua Bay on the other.  Everywhere you look is so picturesque and then here sits a metal rhino, which only a photo can explain.

    Related: Stunning Tauranga & Mt Maunganui Attractions on Bay of Plenty

    Then, I walked by a farm with cows mooing at me and found vintage farm equipment in the middle of a wheatfield.  Overall, this stands out as one of the most unique walks of my life with quirky and insanely beautiful countryside and harbor.  There are numerous tracks in the area for all levels, so research this ahead of time it you love to see things by foot. 

    My Harbour Boating Tour
    Marine Wildlife & Volcanic Formations

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    Fur Seals at Seal Bay

    Even though the dolphin experience was disappointing for me, my tour of the volcanic geological masterpieces and the fur seals more than made up for this.  We saw a pod of Hector dolphins, but it was too difficult to see much because it was so precarious and happened so fast.

    Tip:  If you really want to see the Hector Dolphins at Akaroa, swim with them in wetsuits for a more intimate experience. 

    But as for the volcanic rock formations, sea caves, and lava flows, this may be the best tour of my life.  My pictures say so much more than I ever could.  So, I will share my favorite photos of the volcanic cliffs, caves, wildlife and Seal Bay. 

    Elephant Head – Can you see it in the face of the rock?

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    Elephant Head

    Sea Caves

    Formed by a gas bubble from volcanic lava flows, exploding and leaving a cellar. 

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    Cliff of Notoriety – Dan Rogers

    This is the largest cliff at 270 m high on the Banks Peninsula. Also, the legend says that a bank robber, Dan Rogers fell from the precipice.

    Cliff of Notoriety – Dan Rogers - Akaroa
    Cliff of Notoriety

    Seal Bay

    Additionally, we saw many Fur Seals swimming and laying on the rocks.  In some areas, they played in secluded rock pools, safe from predators.  Overall, this was a wonderful opportunity to see many seals and some very close. 

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    Shag Rock

    We stopped to observe the rock full of the seabirds called Shags, aka cormorants.  Because they don’t have oil on their feathers, they must dry out on rocks several times a day. 

    Shag Rock - Akaroa
    Shag Rock – Akaroa Attractions

    Scenery Nook

    Ok, this was the climax of my entire tour in Akaroa by land and sea at this unique formation!  This volcanic amphitheater was formed by lava escaping through a split in the volcano wall.  Moreover, it is an extraordinary example of a volcanic dyke.

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    Scenery Nook – A Volcanic Dyke

    Enjoy Akaroa!

    This has to be one of the best destinations for both marine wildlife and geology.  The volcanic land formations are epic and take you back millions of years.  However, the gorgeous landscapes, dolphins, whales, penguins and seabirds keep you deeply present on the here and now of astounding Akaroa!


    Next: Cruising New Zealand’s Spectacular Fiordland

    October 7, 2026 2 comments
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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    New Zealand’s Colorful Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026

    Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not, this colorful setting has something for everyone’s imagination.  A Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is one of the top tourist attractions in New Zealand. …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Cruising New Zealand’s Spectacular Fiordland

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026

    Cruising New Zealand’s Fiordland through labyrinthine passages is a leisurely, breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of Mother Nature. I was told once that the 3 most beautiful fjords in the world …

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  • New Zealand Travel DestinationsTravel Wellness Trips

    Rotorua, New Zealand at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa Tour

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026

    Hell’s Gate of Rotorua is the hotspot of New Zealand’s dynamic geothermal region.  It’s the only park in New Zealand offering both walking tours and mud spas.  Overall, I enjoyed my day …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    New Zealand’s White Island Cruise in Bay of Plenty Before the 2019 Eruption

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026

    Before the devastating eruption, I enjoyed a White Island Cruise in New Zealand.  Little did I know that years later, this volcano would erupt and kill 22 people on the island in …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Picton, New Zealand’s Scenic Walking Tracks

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 22, 2026

    Picton offers spectacular New Zealand walks throughout jaw-dropping scenery.  As the Gateway to Marlborough Sounds, hiking or tramping is the ideal way to explore the area.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my walks …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Stunning Tauranga, New Zealand Attractions on the Bay of Plenty

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026

    The Bay of Plenty says it all about Tauranga with all its incredible sites. Where else can you find a volcano, gorgeous beaches, restaurants and even shopping, all within walking distance?   This …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Awesome Wellington, New Zealand’s Seal Coast Safari 4WD Adventure

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026

    A Seal Coast 4WD Safari near Wellington is an adventure like no other.  Just south of town on the rugged coastline is a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals.  Half-day safaris take …

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  • New Zealand Travel Destinations

    New Zealand’s Amazing Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari Adventure

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac March 20, 2026

    The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari is an adventure amidst some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery.  Its majestic headland and seascape are breathtaking on the teal waters of Hawke’s Bay.  Plus, it’s …

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About

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 105 Countries & Counting
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Travel/Wellness Content:

Here's to my art-venture from 20 years of world tr Here's to my art-venture from 20 years of world travel! I published my book True Winds Travel Poems. It has 50 poems, covering all seven continents. 
Travel is my muse, what can I say! 

It's available as Ebook or Paperback on my website: TrueWindHealingTravel.com.

I am interested in all ways that travel inspires art forms. Please share in comments how travel inspires you. Bon Voyage!

#poems #travel #travelingram #poet #travelart #travelmuse #booksbooksbooks #traveljournal #poetry #poemsontravel
Largest fiddle in the world in Sydney, Nova Scotia Largest fiddle in the world in Sydney, Nova Scotia! 

#fiddle #musiclover #novascotia #canadatravel #instatravelling #cruiselife #musictravel
If ever there was a time to reconnect with America If ever there was a time to reconnect with American Democracy, it is NOW! Boston is the perfect place known as the "Cradle of Liberty," with many firsts for the USA.

I decided to unplug from the current political reality and celebrate the U.S. historical roots on Independence Day 2025! I visited many historic sites on Boston's Freedom Trail, listened to 2 readings of the Declaration of Independence, interacted with people in colonial costumes and parades. 

It was a bittersweet day with many tears and the realization that I have taken democracy for granted. However, I will never let that happen again! I feel more patriotic than ever to make sure the blood, sweat and tears over the last 249 years were not in vain. 

Here are the 19 historic sites on the Freedom Trail. For more details, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/boston-freedom-trail-sites/

#bostonsofinstagram #bostonfreedomtrail #democracy #americandemocracy #patriotism #americanhistory #bostonsbest #massachussets
The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a cit The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a city in the heart of the Dutch green lands. Imagine this, the city is just as delectable as the cheese. I am thrilled to share my Gouda Netherlands cheese tour highlights at the city and cheese farm. So, read on and discover reasons why Gouda is the ultimate foodie and cultural tour.

The city Gouda lies in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It’s named after the Gouwe River that it surrounds. The city became known for the Gouda cheese traded in its market square. Furthermore, Gouda is famous for stroopwafels, grachten or canals, smoking pipes and its 15th century city hall. Originally, it was a marshland in the 13th century. Later, a canal was built and its estuary became a harbor. 

Pictures:
Gouda City Hall in Cheese Market Square
Waag (Weigh House)
St. John's Church - known for 72 stained glass windows

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/gouda-netherlands-cheese-tour/

#gouda #goudacheese #netherlands #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #europetravels #holland #cheeselover #foodstagram #travelingram #travelblog
On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
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