Auckland Zoo hosts much, much more than the Kiwi we came to see (and successfully saw). Elena, Will and Bill Carmody planned on staying 2 hours and ended up staying 6. Long amazing day together.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody SkyJump (192 meters) in Auckland after SkyWalking around the entire perimeter for a 360 degree view of Auckland, New Zealand.

Violet and Bill Carmody experience Zorbing and then discover the World’s Coolest McDonalds right here in New Zealand.

Bill Carmody, wife Elena and daughter Violet visit the Wairakie Geyser and witness the base of the Wairakei Power Station — the first to utilize flash steam from geothermal water as an energy source.

The Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand is home to powerful Maori artwork and totems standing right next to a Hole In One golf range. Something for everyone.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody roll up to Taupo, New Zealand and check out the lake, wildlife, and epic playground.

Bill Carmody finishes listening to “The Kite Runner” and reflects on the powerful narrative of this book — one of Dave Barry’s wife’s favorite novels.

Bill Carmody and wife Elena check out the National Museum of New Zealand called Te Papa Tongarewa and get a deeper education and historical context.

Valentine’s Day in Wellington, New Zealand is unique. Elena and I spent the day together checking out wildlife and lunch at Zelandia.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody take full advantage of our last day in Pohara, New Zealand. Relaxing, exploring, swinging, and stopping to smell the flowers (literally).

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody explore Wharariki Beach in New Zealand with many rich landscapes and a bit of a feeling of Bodega Bay, California with a Kiwi twist.

Bill Carmody pauses to reflect on the past seven and a half months of traveling around the world.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody visit the Te Waikoropupu Springs in New Zealand and witness the second most clear water in the world (Antartica has the clearest apparently).

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody have a different kind of Super Bowl experience while in Pōhara, New Zealand.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody are now in Pohara, New Zealand and check out nearby Able Tasman National Park.

Aren’t Fairy Penguins the cutest? Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody travelled to Oamaru, New Zealand to witness these adorable penguins coming home from a long day of fishing.

Elena, Violet and Bill explore Oamaru, New Zealand, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Victorian Architecture” and the most epic playground yet!

Milford Sound should be called Milford Fiord as it’s made by glaciers passing through. Regardless of the misnaming, it’s a beautiful day for a cruise.

Elena and Bill Carmody go for a nature walk around Lake Gunn in New Zealand. Gorgeous 1 hour drive, and an even better (easy) 45 minute hike.

Elena, Violet and Bill Carmody witness the incredible glow worms in Te Anau, New Zealand and discover they aren’t really worms at all.