Why You Don't Need To Leave Home

I have been fortunate to travel to many parts of this great world. But as I get older I appreciate more and more the beauty and adventure we have on our very own doorstep. A few months ago I, again, saw just how breathtaking and accessible to everyone our lovely little country is. I combined my love of travel and photography with a Photography Workshop in the Marlborough Sounds.

Those of you who know me well know that I don't 'camp'. When I go away I like to treat myself in as many ways as possible and this trip was certainly no exception. In fact it was the epitome of everything that I love about my travel experiences.

I was with a group of photography enthusiasts at a resort, Bay of Many Coves, in Arthurs Bay in the Queen Charlotte Sound. We had the resort to ourselves. But even more than the delights of the resort we had the most amazing trip out from Picton. The weather gods were on our side and we had blue skies, nil wind and calm seas. Have to admit it was a little on the 'brass monkey' side temperature wise. Our specially chartered launch took over an hour to make a 40 minute trip as we snapped a myriad of local Sounds wildlife - seals, birds and a very energetic group of dolphins that cavorted around our boat for over half an hour.

Waterside 'Media Base' and resort

At the resort we were greeted by a very welcoming team and shown to our rooms. OMG. Views to die for, bedroom and huge bathroom top notch and as warm as toast.  Our group had a 'media base' in the waterside cafe that usually serves local boaties and neighbours but was closed for our weekend. We had an amazing and entertaining tutor, Simon Woolf, who made sure we were immersed all weekend long. As if that wasn't exciting enough, the food and dining was simply sublime. Canapes and cocktails each night and, on the Saturday night, an eight course degustation meal with matching wines that could have graced any 5 star restaurant. Safe to say that the morning after  the photography wasn't quite as sharp as the previous days.

It was the unexpected that really sealed the surreal nature of the weekend. On Saturday the "mail boat" came out and had a hour to spare so took a few of us on a cruise around the Sound to see some of the beautiful, and highly inaccessible, holiday homes as well as the local cormorants and other wildlife. The following day a helicopter dropped off a glass crushing machine to the resort (most access has to be by water or air) and ended up taking some of us on 10 minute flights of the Marlborough Sounds. I saw Wellington to the North and the snow capped mountains to the South. I was speechless.

What was a three day weekend seemed more like a week. We all left enthused, exhausted and, for me, absolutely enthralled with this part of the world. How fortunate I was. And how fortunate you could also be. Just "Nike It" my friends. You won't be disappointed.

THE BEST......everything. The weather, the company, the food, the location, the experience.

THE WORST...okay, a couple of things. One, I had to come home. Two, as usual, where was the man to make the most of the romantic setting. One day!

I'M LEARNING......you don't have to have a passport to see the true wonders of the world. Check out your own doorstep.

My room was in the apartment in centre of photo!