There’s something magical about the South Island of New Zealand. It is such a beautiful place with breathtaking scenery everywhere you look and a road trip is the perfect way to explore this region.  

Our trip was filled with lakes and mountains, lavender fields, scenic cycle paths, luxury lodges, some iconic stops like Bradrona and the Cardrona Pub, and starlit skies making this road trip a memorable one.

Queenstown is one of my personal favourite destinations, and some of my most memorable stays there have been staying at the beautiful Azur Lodge.

Waking up at 3am and seeing a shooting star go past is a memory I will never forget. Another highlight of our South Island road trip was an unforgettable night at Skyscape near Twizel. Skyscape is owned and operated by Bevan and Bridget Newlands on their 6000 acre family farm, Omahau Hill Station. They have created an experience that showcases the stunning MacKenzie Night Sky and rolling landscape – and as they are located inside the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve the night sky and stars really are spectacular!

Lakestone Lodge is located on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki with stunning views across the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.
It is a great place to base yourself if you are planning on exploring the Aoraki/Mount Cook National park and also the perfect location for those who love to stargaze as it is situated in the middle of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – New Zealand’s only Dark Sky Reserve.

The Rocky Mountaineer has been on my bucket list for many years, and I was so excited to finally tick it off. The experience didn’t just live up to the dream, it completely exceeded it…From the incredible scenery to the delicious food and the friendly, knowledgeable hosts, every part of the journey was exceptional.

Travel gives me hope and a reminder that there’s beauty, magic and new experiences waiting just around the corner. For me, travel is more than a trip — it’s also a way to keep growing, learning, exploring and embracing all the beauty life (and the world) has to offer.

Travel isn’t just something I do…it’s part of who I am ✨

My 14-night journey on Explora I from Venice to Athens was an amazing experience. From spacious and beautifully designed suites to exquisite dining and charming days ashore in ports like Kotor, Skiathos, Hvar and Mykonos, Explora I had that quiet kind of luxury — easy, elegant, and completely effortless. The ship herself felt more like a boutique hotel than cruise ship and each day was a mixture of relaxation, luxury and discovery. When we arrived in Istanbul there was no doubt that I was in an Ocean State of Mind and I really didn’t want to leave.

Paris is one of those cities that lived up to all of my expectations. From the moment you arrive, there's a certain magic in the air—charming Parisien cafés on every corner, tree-lined boulevards, the smell of freshly baked croissants, and the Eiffel Tower appearing just when you least expect it. As a travel consultant, I travel with both passion and purpose—enjoying my own holiday and at the same time gathering insights and inspiration to create unforgettable trips for my clients. This guide brings together some of my top Paris tips to help you plan a stay that feels stylish, seamless, and full of unforgettable moments.

Staying at Hôtel Plaza Athénée was a surreal experience. I had seen it in photos and movies for years, but waking up and seeing the Eiffel Tower from my own balcony? That moment will stay with me forever. Everything about the hotel was stunning and elegant but welcoming—from the red geraniums to the breakfast croissants. It really was my “Sex and the City in Paris” moment, and I loved every second of it.

Welcome to my world of travel and beautiful adventures.
I'm Jennie — a lover of travel, photography, beauty, and elegant escapes. This blog is my personal space to share authenic, moments, favourite highlights, and reflections from my travels. From sunsets in Mykonos to shimmering Paris nights, consider this your invitation to be inspired, to explore, and to discover your own kind of wanderlust.