And Slaters Go Plop

The Otago Bike Trail takes advantage of a decommissioned rail track that used to run from Middlemarch up through Wedderburn and down into Clyde from 1879 until 1990. The rails and cycle-unfriendly rocks have been removed and it now provides the perfect gradient and stunning scenery for leisurely cycling.

It’s relatively inexpensive, relaxing, safe and the perfect way to see some of the most beautiful countryside New Zealand has to offer.

Sal and I did the trail a couple of weeks ago. Read on if you’d like to know what we thought were the highlights, lowlights and, most importantly, how not to win at curling.

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After an incredibly busy stretch Sal and I took a week off at the Botaira Resort in the Yasawa Islands in Fiji. No cell phone coverage, warm breezes, amazing snorkelling, plenty of bugs to hunt for and nothing else to do but lay around in a hammock reading books. The perfect holiday.

Just over three years ago we honeymooned in Tonga and I have to say that our Fijian experience was a better one. It may have been the fact that the Tongans were having issues with their royalty at the time but the Fijians just seem more friendly (despite what Frank Bainimarama is doing to the country at the moment) and their civil infrastructure is slightly better.

Botaira is run by the people of the local village which is on the other side of the island and suited us perfectly. No air conditioning or swimming pools but no hoards of backpackers either.

If you’re like us and are happy to live in a bure with geckos in low-tech surroundings and need to get away for a while check out Botaira.