It was 10 years since I’d left Australia, and I was exploding at the seams with excitement. Why? Because I was actually getting into a jet (for pleasure) this time. Sure, I’d spent the last 10 years traveling. However, getting dropped off in the middle of the West Australian desert week after week from a small prop plane had taken its toll. I’d been working as a mine geologist on a gold mine and living in a remote camp. Life there was pretty different from the “normal world,” and I kind of liked that! But now I was cutting loose, having a well-earned break, going overboard a little, and trying to make my way around the world in twenty days. That’s exactly how much time I had in-between my old job on a gold mine and my new job on a diamond mine!
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Flight Path Around the World
I was circling the earth in the opposite direction than one would usually do if heading to the U. K. from Australia. All my previous flights from Australia had been through the traditional route of the Middle East. But this time, I was doing things a little differently by flying to N. Z. and over the USA. In addition to visiting New Zealand, I would also get to see Hawaii. Check out the interactive maps below to get a feel for my travel route!
The whole point of traveling for me is to see somewhere different. While getting to where I need to be is a bonus … Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. So, taking a different route around the world will achieve that! Traveling through Bangkok is another option that I tried a few years later, allowing me to explore Thailand and south-east Asia. However, this trip was unique, given I hadn’t travelled internationally for 10 years.
New Zealand
Well, where was I headed? First-up I got on a Kiwi jet (oh! I kid you not, this was soo exciting) from Perth to non-other than the land of the “Long White Cloud.” After a six-hour flight, I landed in Auckland, changed jets, and took a domestic flight to my first stop, Christchurch New Zealand.
For most, New Zealand really is on the other side of the world. And like Australia, definitely “down-under” or on the bottom of the world.
My eldest daughter met me as I disembarked. Recently She’d graduated as a school teacher in Perth. And after that took off to Melbourne to celebrate with friends. However, before heading back to Western Australia, she and I would have some father-daughter time! The South Island of New Zealand would also be perfect for that!
By now, it was early morning, and I’d also lost five hours with the time difference. So, we quickly grabbed some brekky at the airport and pondered the thought, “This was our very first time in N. Z.”
Hanmer Springs
After picking up a hire car, we were off to Hanmer Springs. This was perfect for me to catch my breath because I’d literally stepped off the plane from work, grabbed my tickets, a suitcase, and took off. Unfortunately, I’m a workaholic and still learning the hard way to “make time for yourself.”
Hanmer Springs is an area of natural beauty in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. Here you’ll find hot water leaks out of the earth in a bubbling fashion. Now, the idea is that you strip off and soak yourself in the hot spring waters, and you’ll find it very therapeutic. Although the area is well known for its thermal pools and mineral water spa, you’ll also find trails and seasonal ski slopes in the surrounding mountains.
There are plenty of accommodation choices in the area. It’s also a great place to relax. We stayed in the Hanmer Springs Hotel, 50m from the town center. Food, accommodation, and proximity to the springs were excellent. This would be the only chill-out time for us on the island. Because the rest of the week was jam-packed with adventure and action!
Greymouth Glow Worm Caving
Greymouth on the wild west coast of New Zealand’s South Island was the next stop. We had a Glow Worm Caving tour organized, wetsuits and adrenalin rush included. Not a trip for the faint-hearted, and in case you’re wondering, “We were going to get very wet,” and it was also going to be dark. Seems like underground caving with a twist. Considering I’d just spent 10 years underground, you’d have thought, this was a kind of a strange vacation!
Hydro slides, water tubes, and trekking within a narrow cave system lined with glow worms, this trip was an adventure at its best and finished with a hot tub and red wine! Highly recommended, and you can check it out right here!
After the tour, we dried off, re-adjusted our eyes to the daylight, and took off to find our accommodation, a house! We’d actually got a small home for the night!!! Check out Greymouth Holiday Houses.
Nelson Mountain Skywire
Getting up early the following morning, we were off to the Cable Bay Adventure Park. Now this place has the longest Skywire line across mountain peaks in New Zealand. This was also going to be one of those times when you think, “I’m actually going to die” because the Skywire will take you to the edge of existence!!!! That’s exactly how it felt for me!
After parking my car at the bottom of the mountains, not far from Nelson town, we got into a minibus. And after slowly climbing a narrow winding path, the bus arrived at the top of the mountain ridge. Today I believe you access the top using quad bikes, perfect! The views of the surrounding countryside are worth the trip itself.
There was a kind of a chair lift seat that could accommodate four persons at the top. Just like a ski lift seat, with no cover at all.
You have to strap yourself tight into this thing! And, just as I was observing the zip line and the mountain ridges, I thought! “What am I doing”? The Skywire seat attaches to a few cables and is neatly parked in a spot that makes it very easy to access.
We got in and prepared ourselves for what I thought would be a slow drop from one mountain range to the other, HELL NO! That was as far from the truth as could be. “Are you ready” was the call from the nice guy who ensured all were securely strapped into the seat?
Adrenaline Rush
Well, what came next I’ll never forget! The seat moved forward, just over the edge, and out of sight from anybody at the top. After that, it dropped, that’s right, it dropped soo fast that my heart and mind were left at the top of the mountain. My body was somehow trying to run away by itself … yes, this was a kind of an out-of-the-body experience! A pure adrenaline rush!
Was I frightened? Of course, I was! My brain and body finally caught up with each other. While we suddenly found ourselves cruising along the top of a green canopy of trees. Added to that, we had the classic New Zealand views of the mountains beyond and out to the sea. This friend is one of those activities you just have to do. So, include it when you’re planning your adventure in N. Z.
You’ll find Cable Bay Adventure Park in Cable Bay Road Hira, Nelson Tasman, NZ. Check it out right here!
After that exhilarating ride, we were off again, looking for our accommodation. We’d once again booked a small holiday home in Nelson, which was typical of N. Z. cottage homes. It was perfectly adequate and very well priced! Check this out!
We were working our way clockwise from coast to coast around the northern part of the South Island.
Quad Bike Mountain Touring
The following morning after breakfast, we took off to the mountains again, but this time on quad bikes…. Of course, I’d been on quad bikes before but never to climb a mountain. With a group-in-convoy, we cruised up into the clouds, following a hillside track with breathtaking views. Lunch was also provided at a pit stop in the middle of nowhere along the way.
You’ll find the quad bike trips at the Cable Bay Adventure Park as well.
Kayaking, Abel Tasman National Park
My daughter and I joined a group the next day for a kayaking/beach trip within the Abel Tasman National Park. It started with a bus ride to the kick-off spot! Now Abel Tasman National Park fronts right onto the ocean in the northern part of the South Island. Added to that the beaches and the clear water make for perfect scenery!
We met the tour guide, got geared up, and we’re off exploring the coastal scenery! Adventure activities in the land of the long white cloud never disappoint!
The challenge on the water was achievable, and anybody that can swim would enjoy this. After stopping on a sandy peninsula with breathtaking views, we made a fire. Yes, just like you would if you were starring the movie cast away! And so, we had our very own BBQ lunch on the sand!
Try Abel Tasman Kayaks or book a tour before your trip!
With another super day done and dusted, we decided (unplanned) it was time to pack up and keep moving. That’s also the beauty of having your own transport, you can do that!
I drove the Northern route from Abel Tasman around the mountains with spectacular scenery and over to the east coast before it got too late.
Kaikoura Seaside Town, Best around the World
We arrived at Kaikoura, a beautiful seaside location, at dinner time, and of course, we had no accommodation booked. However, it didn’t take long to find a bungalow. Kaikoura has colorful black sands and a super pebbled beach. Seaside cafés and tourist shops abound in a coastal mountain setting … its really pretty! This was our last stop for one night before heading back to Christchurch.
Early next morning, we sat on the black sands beach and took in the views, and you’d want to do the same. I would have something to remember this beach by, something that would last for nearly a week, “insect bites” kind of midges that you can’t even see but will have you scratching for days! So, to avoid this, always use insect repellent even if you think you don’t need it.
After the beach and breakfast, I drove south, following the coastal route to Christchurch for two nights in the city. This gave us plenty of time to explore the main area in town, especially around the cathedral. Christchurch is a super friendly city, worth a visit, and pretty easy to get around.
Most of our accommodation in New Zealand was cottage-style homes, except when we were either in Christchurch city or Hanmer Springs. I found this worked very well.
The next day after dropping the car back at the airport, I said goodbye to my daughter. She was heading back to Australia to teach. Whereas I was continuing on my round-the-world trip. But first though, one more night in the city.
Hawaii, USA
I boarded an international flight in Auckland, and almost nine hours later, I arrived in Honolulu. I’d never been there either! Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, a chain of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that forms a U. S. state. It’s the only state outside of North America, the only island state, and the only state in the tropics (Wikipedia). Consequently, if viewed on global earth, it’s also a remote part of the world.
By hovering over the interactive map below, you can familiarize yourself with Hawaii. A stop-off in Honolulu is also a must when traveling this way around the world!
There are eight main islands, and I was going to visit two. Honolulu on the island of Oahu, and the volcanically active “Big Island,” also called Hawaii.
Honolulu
I arrived at 9:00pm and was pleasantly greeted with a traditional Hawaiian flower wreath placed around my neck. Moving around the world in this direction, I had now just gained a full day (24hrs). It’s hard to get your head around that, but that’s what happens when you actually cross the dateline. Given I was traveling east. I’d traveled back in time. The international date line runs north-south down the mid-Pacific Ocean!
Waikiki Beach
I enjoyed the feeling of freedom while walking the Waikiki beachfront streets of Honolulu at night with the palm trees swaying in the wind. I’d also checked into the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa! OK, that’s not cheap! I know, but I did say this was my first international trip in ten years. So, I was enjoying it!
The yanks like to do things differently … “I thought,” because the light switches in my hotel room appeared to be upside down!
The following morning I slept in. Totally unplanned! Consequently, I missed a super organized trip to Pearl Harbor that I’d been looking forward to! A tour of Pearl Harbor will take you through the war history, leaving no doubts in your mind as to what took place here back in 1941.
In the afternoon, I had a gem workshop tour in Honolulu downtown…. preceded by a local tour guide talk in the town hall. I didn’t miss that one!
The Big Island “Hawaii”
One more night of luxury, and I was off on a short flight to the big island. I was met at the Kona airport by a girl, in a taxi, who told me she hadn’t left the big island in ten years! She’d arrived, also on the short flight from Honolulu, and just stayed! Imagine that, island time forever!
The main objective for me on the big island was to see the active volcanoes. I could do that through a bus tour that would circle the island in an anti-clockwise manner.
Once I’d checked into the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay (expensive but nice), I got ready for the bus tour that was taking place the next day! I wasn’t going to miss that! Besides, if I missed that trip, and without a car, I’d be pretty bored, although still in paradise!
So I was up early the following morning and off on the bus. Sampling coffee at local coffee plantations along the way was an added bonus and much appreciated. After that, the volcano viewing point! However, I learned from fellow travelers that the view is actually better at night. So, after my tour, I hitched a ride back!
Of particular interest on this trip was that the Island weather is/was completely different on the west side of the island versus the east. Given the bus was going around the island and the central volcanic mountain range, we’d actually get to witness this.
One last night in Hawaii, and it was back to Honolulu, to catch an international flight to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, USA
After ~ 6 hours, the jet arrived at L. A. at 5 o’clock in the morning. Everybody on this flight was hungry and made a beeline straight to McDonald’s for breakfast, in classic American style! I’d also learned not to expect food on every flight!
Finally, after a full day at the Tom Bradley terminal JFK international airport, I boarded a flight to London Heathrow. In hindsight, it would’ve been better to get out of the airport, stay one night, and go explore somewhere! Flight time to London was just over ten hours.
London, UK
Arriving in London, I quickly got a connection over to N. Ireland. I’d finally arrived in my home country where I grew up. The next ten days would also be spent catching up with family. After that, I’d zip back to London and jet off around the world to Hong Kong.
Northern Ireland, UK
My elder brother had left Australia a week earlier, traveling back to Northern Ireland … He chose the usual route through the middle east. Consequently, I joined him and my eldest brother (I’m the youngest), who still lives in Northern Ireland. This would be the first time we’d been together in many, many years. Because at least one of us is usually somewhere else around the world. It would also be the last time my mother would see her three sons together!
Hong Kong, China
Ten days later, after returning to London Heathrow, I’m back on the round-the-world trip. The next stop was also going to be two nights in Hong Kong. I love Hong Kong because it’s a beautiful City and wears British history well. If you look at the car number plates and road signs, for example, you’d think you were back in the UK.
Although this was my third visit, I still took a city tour that involved buses, cable cars, and walks through the markets. One thing that always surprises me about Hong Kong is how clean it is in public places … Walking through the zoo or the theme parks, for instance, you’ll find it’s incredibly-clean!
Now, at this point of my round-the-world trip, to be perfectly honest! I was beginning to think about work. After all, I had a new job waiting back in Australia, and for sure, that would require my brain in gear! So, packing my bag up for the last time, I made my way back to the Land Down Under “Australia.”
Perth, Western Australia
I arrived back to Perth, Western Australia, exactly 20 days since leaving. Although my trip around the world was pretty rushed, I did get to visit some places I’d never been. However next time six months would be better and maybe I could see South America. Travelling in the opposite direction was also fun.
After a three-day beak, I started a new job in diamonds!
Around the World Reflections
Reflecting on my trip around the world brings back happy memories. You see, all accommodation, adventure activities and flights were booked by my eldest daughter! Funny enough, that most probably is why I was booked into the best hotels in Hong Kong and Hawaii. Together we had fun and created memories that will last a lifetime!
I’m also pretty sure the highlight for me was the adventures in New Zealand with her, followed by the magnificent Waikiki beach in Honolulu. I actually went back to Waikiki beach one year later. That’s how good it was/is!
Leave a Reply