• 19th February 2026

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After months of planning…well to be fair… since late December 2025 🙈 (and counting down!), we’re finally heading off on a four-week AND 1 day (who’s counting) adventure to New Zealand. The journey itself feels like part of the experience, travelling from Edinburgh to Heathrow, then on to Guangzhou in China for a one-night stopover before the long haul south to New Zealand.

I actually think I will love that pause in the middle (but honestly – more so from the perspective that I can’t sit still for any length of time, ask my sister who does my hair….yearly!!!!). A quick glimpse of somewhere completely different before diving into the main adventure feels kinda like a bonus trip within the trip.

A Brief Taste of Guangzhou

The China stopover is short, just one day and night, but we are hoping to soak up whatever we can from a wander around the city streets taking in some proper local food (always a priority!) And maybe just the experience of being somewhere culturally so different from home.  Even a short visit can broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, build confidence and spark curiosity.  We have actually been to this airport previously and we said if we ever returned we definitely would venture ‘outside’.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand has been on our ‘hit’ list for years. Big landscapes, outdoor adventures and a strong connection to nature, it ticks all the boxes for both of us who love hiking and exploring and getting off the beaten path.  We are hoping for some epic hiking and scenery, amazing campervan life and the freedom to roam wildlife encounters and hopefully get some sunshine to top up that vitamin D (although we have packed for all seasons just in case cause it is New Zealand afterall!).

This trip is a chance to reset, recharge and step away from the everyday routine.  Travel always reminds me how important it is to slow down, stay curious, keep perspective and appreciate simple moments  which are all very important to me.

Over the next few weeks I’ll hopefully be posting about some travel highlights (and mishaps, because they always happen, its us afterall!).  Some outdoor adventures and hikes along the way (of course) with some cultural experiences.  There might be some reflections from the road as we are hiring a small campervan and maybe a few practical tips for anyone planning similar trips (the what not to do, cause we done it!).

Expect photos (lots of them as I always think they speak volumes but never quite capture the reality).  Some honest reflections and probably a few “I can’t believe I’m here” moments.

First Stop: China… Then the Big Adventure.
Right now the bags are packed, we are currently sitting in Heathrow airport, having arrived from Edinburgh quite some time ago. with passports ready, excitement high (and at leaat 3 red wines in).

Next update will hopefully be from Guangzhou, jet lagged but happy, before the real New Zealand adventure begins.

Watch this space.