Kiwi 1 has landed back in the US

to an email from our NZ tour coordinator, Michael that reads... "You departed as the storm swept in, closing roads and flooding areas around Mangonui, blowing everything helter skelter, and then early this morning, two earthquakes in the central North Island."

Methinks that Aotearoa (NZ) mourns our departure! There are over 10,000 photos to sort through, if my 1000 is anything to go by. Each of us are pulling the best from our cache which will then be stockpiled and sorted through for the best of the best. At which time, you can expect to see a link to a site of amazing photos that best tell the story of our adventure. As the travelers dig out from their piles of mail, laundry, and reality checks, I'm sure you will read some of their stories here. I'll be putting together a summary to go along with the photos, as well.

It was an honor to lead this group of travelers and a delight to share them with family and friends. I appreciate the patience of everyone. 12 days of touring New Zealand, with 10 travelers, is no mean feat. Everyone has stories of very special experiences, and I'm confident that the land and people touched them in ways that they'll remember forever. For me, it was a huge learning experience that has me already finessing the itinerary for next year's trip, and busy planning one of the South Island (an itinerary for which will be available in March). Kim