thit_cho

http://tinyurl.com/3cqwag

My most recent trip, end of December/early January, was to New Zealand (Auckland -> Blenheim -> Kaikoura -> Christchurch -> Arthurs Pass -> Franz Josef -> Queenstown), Tonga, Samoa, American Samoa and the Cook Islands (only Rarotonga as a three-day stopover on return from Auckland to LAX). While I spent a lot of time snorkeling and hiking in the islands, I don't have an underwater camera and I didn't take any photos during my hikes, so these photos focus primarily on urban sites, including the capitals of the four island "countries" (in quotes, since American Samoa and the Cook Islands are not independent nations).

I have been to many countries, and NZ is perhaps the most tourist friendly place I have visited. We rented a car to travel the south island, and the roads are uniformly excellent, well signed and lightly trafficked.

I would be happy to answer any questions.

Michael

Dave

FANTASTIC pictures!! Thanks much for posting!
Best, Dave

irecommend

Very nice. Love the shells and market scenes!

thit_cho

Thanks Dave and irecommend -- I think the shells are food (giant clams, conchs and urchins meant to be eaten). We visited several fish markets, and saw lots of unfamiliar, but tasty, denizens of the deep.

Toucan2

Great photos! Thank you for sharing. I love the Charlie the Tuna!

wparmar

Hello Michael,

I am planning a trip. Will November be a nice time to visit New Zealand, and will 10-11 days will be enough to atleast get some exposure of New Zealand.
Also, what were you favorits places in NZ.

Thanks in advance for your time

Songdoc

FYI, the link brought me to "Member Landing" at Kodak Gallery -- but not to your pictures.