Lore & Tempo

There’s something undeniably magical about New Zealand waterfalls – maybe it’s the way they blend wilderness with peacefulness. I’m a little biased of course, since I call this country home. But no matter where I find them, these waterfalls never fail to lift my spirits, clear my mind, and remind me how vast and wonderful the world can be. Some New Zealand waterfalls are easy to find. Others…

Planning multi-generational travel is like packing for a picnic, a marathon, and a sleepover – all at once. I’m currently planning an epic overseas adventure with three generations: my late 60ish mum, my preschooler daughter Kaydes, and 40ish me. I’ve spent lots of time plotting, pinning, and scrolling through maps, travel blogs, and late-night wishlists. There’s the thrill of adventure, sure –…

If Auckland hotels were living rooms, M Social would be the cool one with a harbour view, snacks on the table, and a robot butler! 🤖 Last Saturday night, my cousin Karen, my daughter Kaydes, and I checked in – again – to one of our favourite Auckland haunts: M Social. We’ve stayed here a bunch of times over the past couple of years, and honestly? It just keeps delivering the goods. The views,…

Seattle is one of those cities that sticks with you long after you leave. Maybe it’s the sight of the Space Needle piercing the skyline, watching ferries scoot along the harbour, or the buzz of Pike Place Market, where fish fly through the air, and street musicians set the mood. Whatever it is, Seattle has a magic that’s impossible to ignore. For me and Kaydes, our time in Seattle was a mix…

Mum’s birthday is today, and while a simple “Happy Birthday” post would be nice, I wanted to write something a little more special – because she is. 🥰 She’s not just ‘mum’; she’s my friend, my first travel guide, my original adventure planner, and the one who showed me how great the world can be. It feels fitting that, later this year, we’ll be setting off on a multi-generational journey…

Discover the best beaches in Wellington, from popular Oriental Bay to serene Princess Bay and family-friendly Days Bay. Explore hidden coves, picnic spots, and calm waters for swimming. It’s your guide to summer fun in the sun!

Is it just me, or does it feel like summer in Wellington is a bit late to the party this year? Here we are, at the end of January, and only now does it seem like we’re settling into the warm, sun-soaked days we’ve been dreaming of. But hey, better late than never, right? And what better way to enjoy it than at one of the best beaches in Wellington?! Go soak up the sun, splash in the sea, or…

Happy New Year, 2025! This is the season of reflection, fresh starts, and setting goals to shape the year ahead.

Happy New Year, everyone! 2025 – how has that happened?!! One of my favourite things to do in January is reflect on the past year and revisit my last hopes and goals post. It’s always a mix of celebration and self-reflection, seeing where I’ve thrived and where I’ve got more work to do. In 2024 hopes and goals, I was mainly focused on moving back to Wellington and making a nice home for Kaydes.…

The striking Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine, Chile, taken during my hike of the W trek. These unique peaks, known for their sharp, horn-like shapes, stand out against the clear sky. The waterfall in the centre adds a touch of movement and life to the rocky scene. I captured this shot on what was the hardest day of my trek. Despite the challenges, this part of the day was especially beautiful,…

Captured from a peaceful residential street, Eiffel Illuminated reflects our final night in Paris before an early morning departure. As the Eiffel Tower glowed in golden brilliance, it performed its dazzling twinkling show, lighting up the deep, velvet sky. The moment felt like a hidden gem – no crowds, no noise – just the hum of the city in the distance and the soft illumination of the…

The beautiful layers of colours of Positano, a charming village along the Amalfi Coast, Italy. The sun casts a soft glow, highlighting the pastel hues of the houses stacked upon one another, climbing the hillside with effortless beauty. The natural curve of the mountains provides a stunning backdrop, blending perfectly with the architecture. Taken during a peaceful afternoon, I loved how each…

If there’s one place that truly captures the magic of New Zealand, it’s Otago. With its stunning landscapes, towering peaks, and sparkling lakes, it’s a destination that holds a lot of memories for me. Years ago, it was where I celebrated my wedding at Lake Hawea and later spent my first wedding anniversary exploring Moke Lake and Queenstown as part of a South Island road trip. Now, visiting with…

Trick-or-treating with Morticia and Wednesday! A spooky Halloween night of costumes, treats, and fun memories with friends.

Our Halloween plan was set early – a sleepover at my friend’s place in Newlands. Her daughter, a little older than Kaydes, has always been a favourite playmate of hers. The idea of them trick-or-treating together made the night feel extra special. 🥰 Kaydes, already captivated by Wednesday’s spooky charm, had her heart set on dressing up as Wednesday. Naturally, I couldn’t resist joining her as…

Vancouver is the ultimate adventure spot, offering a unique blend of nature and urban excitement. From mountains and beaches to the city's green spaces, there's no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy!

“In Vancouver, you feel like you’re two steps from the wild.”– Emily Carr Vancouver is one of those cities that will enchant you with its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and urban vibe. Situated on the southwest coast of Canada, this city is a perfect blend of nature and urban development. Skyscrapers overlook majestic mountains, beaches meet the Pacific Ocean, and green spaces are stitched…