My final stop on the grand tour of New Zealand was the sailing paradise of Bay of Islands, with Paihia and Waitangi.

It was touch-and-go as to whether I would tackle the Tongariro Crossing from National Park, because there is a lot to consider. It ended up being my favorite activity of the trip.

Wellington is a highly livable city, featuring the central government and agencies of New Zealand.

My last weeks of travel in New Zealand and beyond delayed telling the stories until now.

My time in New Zealand’s “Southern Alps” included three of my top four favorite adventures.

Dunedin, an historic and university city with Scottish roots and stunning natural areas nearby.

Kaikoura was a peaceful place to stopover on the Coastal Pacific train, and offered amazing views.

Christchurch has rebuilt much in a short time, and has established a momentum to achieve a great deal more.

When my day began with a dark mood, Evensong was a cure.

Christchurch, twelve years after two devastating earthquakes, is still trying to rebuild.

A conference addressing climate change and the economy became a must-see for this tourist.

My plans for time in New Zealand encountered a detour.

A week in Melbourne reveals a sophisticated, cafe-society city with a rich lineage of architecture.

Australia almost immediately implemented policy to avoid mass shootings like the one in 1996 at Port Arthur. The U.S. epidemic of shootings, now over 25 years old, keeps growing.

Some downtime between road trips brought a better understanding of the Adelaide region.

The sea, the mountains, ravines, a volcanic crater, ghost towns, small towns fighting for survival, ruins where families gave up, prosperous new economy vineyards, aboriginal holy places - all in a week-long road trip to the Flinders Ranges.

South Australian markets, farming and love of nature as shared from one American to another.

A Japanese garden and a house exhibit of decorative arts bracket a trip to the Adelaide Central Market.

A first day in Adelaide brought important new lessons in relationships between western cultures and indigenous peoples.

Time with a friend brings reminders of what is important.