Kick Back on the Kauri Coast of New Zealand   By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert   My heart pounded as loud as my mare’s hoof beats on the hard-packed sand as I paced myself to the gait of my leader and occasioned a glance over my shoulder at the sea. The immense surf, cresting in ten-foot faces rolling in fast, met the sand in a crashing fury. Under an intense blue sky the turquoise curls played a thunderous symphony.  I’d discovered the Kauri Coast on the North Island of New Zealand.  On the less-visited beaches stretching from the Hibiscus Coast to Breams Head Scenic... Read More

Tiritiri Mitangi – Birding Adventure Down Under By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert December is a great time to explore the other land down under. The North Island of New Zealand is easy to get around and much less pricey than neighboring Australia. Kiwis take pride in making guests feel welcome and love to share their miles of hiking trails and un-trammeled shores. Tremendous efforts on the part of New Zealanders to preserve forests and the unique birds that call them home are especially evident on the tiny isle of Tiritiri Mitangi. Spray splashed over the bow of our... Read More