Punakaiki blowholes

From the roadside parking area, the hike is only a quarter mile one way, but plan to spend some time here because the scene is spectacular. The short trail descends a gully to a viewpoint where most people stop to look then turn back. Continue down the faint trail into the "acid warzone," an area of deeply pocked and utterly mangled lava rocks, under constant assault by the wind and sea. A terraced area offers good viewing of the blowhole from a safe distance. … [Read more...] about Kapalua, HI: Nakalele Blowhole

Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise Milford Sound Nature Cruise Milford Sound Kayaking Day Tour Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise Full-Day Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park Tour including Milford Sound Cruise and BBQ Lunch  Invercargill and Catlin’s Forest Invercargill is where the commercial area of this part of the country is concentrated. Invercargill does not have many attractions, but serves as a base for anyone looking to explore Bluff , the point where the road that crosses the whole country from north to south ends (or begins), or those heading for Stewart Island , the third largest island in NZ. … [Read more...] about Two Week New Zealand South Island Itinerary

This is a very special part of the country, so take several days to get a feel for the landscape and pioneering spirit. Beginning by journeying through the native beech forests and cascading waterfalls of the Haast Pass, enjoy a short stroll to crystal-clear blue pools. Continuing towards the coast, top off the day by viewing Fox Glacier along with picture-perfect Lake Matheson – known for its mirror reflections of the Southern Alps. See Okarito a feeding ground for the rare white heron (Kotoku) and a rare experience that’s off the tourist trail. … [Read more...] about 5 must-see locations in New Zealand

Local secret: Tourist crowds wane between Labor Day and October leaf-peeping. Exploit the lull on this 7.8-mile loop just west of Acadia NP. From 780-foot quartzite Mt. Battie at mile 1.3, gaze across Penobscot Bay to 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. That’s just a warm-up for the views you’ll gain at mile 2.5, below the 1,385-foot summit of Mt. Megunticook. “Look directly west on a clear day and you’ll see Mt. Washington 120 miles away,” Christie says. Return past a recently rebuilt 1930s-era ski shelter. Trip ID 20772 … [Read more...] about From the Field: East

End of good trail. A lone hala tree grows amid the ruins of an ancient coastal village. Follow the same route back to the trailhead. … [Read more...] about Wai’anapanapa State Park, HI: Shoreline Trail