New Zealand Travel Magic
These books chronicle my cycling and hiking journey across New Zealand to inspire your desire to travel. They combine on-the-road photography with a running narrative to tell the adventure saga in a click-through visual storyline. They provide an insight into my passion for cycle touring, from pedaling across amazing landscapes to summiting mountain peaks and being comfortably lost.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got more muscle than money, I highly recommend visiting New Zealand by bicycle with camping gear. NZ is amazing for bike-packing as it has quality roads with light traffic, abundance of quality campgrounds, and remarkable scenery with every kilometer. From epic national parks to Maori folklore and Hobbit mythology, NZ is a majestic land waiting to be explored.
New Zealand Travel Magic #1:
Anticipating Auckland
In this series premiere, I will be in transit from the USA to New Zealand – eagerly anticipating Auckland. First, I will have an eight-hour layover in San Francisco to visit Chinatown, ride a historic trolley, and eat some scrumptious seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf. Next, I’ll lose a day in transit flying to New Zealand, and then take a few days to wander around the capital city; being amazed by the views from the 220-meter (722-foot) tall Sky Tower.
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Traveling directly from a rural farm in Kansas to a major metropolitan city was overwhelming to all my senses. The bright colors, exotic smells, and curious sounds were very distracting to my mind and I kept getting disoriented. I stopped in the shade of an oak tree and admitted: “I’m a stranger in a strange land.” This immediately calmed my anxiety; allowing me to clearly observe my surroundings without judgment and just follow my curiosity wherever it leads – being happily lost.
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Amazon Reviews:
“Mr. Plumlee is not just writing a book, he is experiencing the journey and taking you with him. The photography is stunning and gives you the sense wonder that most travel books leave behind. This was a very inspiring and fun read.” – Carla Funk
“Highly entertaining travel book with colorful narrative and beautiful photography.” – Brooks Orlando
Goodreads Reviewer:
“Very interesting places to explore someday. You’re getting better and will be famous soon. Keep writing…avid fan here.” – MD Ebarle
“An easy and leisurely read, the photos are crisp and clear, Scott’s adventures are very reflective of the man. He finds the most interesting places and pieces of artwork, from a “Cloud” Building to Maori symbols incorporated into sidewalks.” – Jerry Beeman
New Zealand Travel Magic #2:
Coromandel Peninsula
In this second chapter, I will be cycling around the Coromandel Peninsula to explore its legendary thermal coastline, and hope I can stay on the left side of the road. After a grueling mountain pass, I soaked in the thermal pools at Hot Water Beach, visited epic rock formations at Cathedral Cove, and then pedaled south to a picturesque campsite along the Tairua River. Taking a break from the saddle, I’ll explore an old gold mine with iridescent green glow-worms.
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I’m almost out of steam as I climb the last hill to my destination, feeling every stroke in my aching calf muscles. After pitching my tent, I went to discover that Hot Water Beach is aptly named; because if you dig a hole in the sand, it fills up with thermally heated water. Ahh, soaking in a thermal pool, listening to the ocean waves, and watching the sunset fade way – what an amazing reward for my efforts, as I pedaled like a champ over the mountains today.
Inspired? Purchase the 50-page eBook from Amazon!
Amazon Reviews:
“In this short travelogue we are transported to the lovely island nation of New Zealand. We see gorgeous scenery as we read about the author’s adventurous journey cycling across the island. The script is short, but the pictures are worth many thousands of words. The desire to visit this incredible place has begun!” -Teri Halstead
“Once again Scott David Plumlee has worked his magic! I love these books as they transport me on a journey that is not possible to take myself.” – Janet Kent
Goodreads Reviewer:
“Absolutely delightful! New Zealand is now on my Bucket List, thanks to David’s enthusiastic narrative and stunning photos.” – Carys
New Zealand Travel Magic #3:
Karangahake Gorge Tour
In this third volume, I’ll be cycling over the Coromandel Mountain Range and then down to the town of Thames, where I can join the Hauraki Rail Trail. Next, I’ll cycle south into the famous Karangahake Gorge to hike the Windows Walkway Loop around an abandoned gold mine, and finally cycle to Wairere to hike up to its stunning waterfall.
New Zealand Travel Magic #4:
Visiting Hobbiton Shire
In this fourth volume, I’ll be cycling with great anticipation to the town of Matamata where I take a shuttle to the Hobbiton Shire, which was built for The Lord of the Rings movie series. From Bilbo Baggins’ home, over the cobblestone bridge, and into the Green Dragon Tavern for a pint; the attention to detail in this fairy-tale comes to life is amazing.
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Amazon Reviewer Wrote:
“Great experience!! This was good I liked that picture they were amazing at all time they were the best I know. Fun to follow along on the author’s adventure through his photo journal. Will be perfect for an upcoming trip. Looks nice, too. thanks.” – Blake J. Reece
New Zealand Travel Magic #5:
Exploring Rotorua Lakes
In this fifth volume, I’ll be cycling south to the volcanically active town of Rotorua with pools of bubbling mud, shooting geysers, and lots of natural hot springs to soak in. Next I’ll cycle out to Lake Okareka to start a four-day hike along the coastline of several lakes to visit the 100-meter Tarawera Waterfall, and figure out what a ‘Trig’ is.
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New Zealand Photo Journal #6:
Cycling Rere Waterfalls
In this sixth volume, I am cycling east from Rotorua past a series of stunning lakes to the north coast town of Opotiki to camp and soak at the amazing Awakeri Hot Springs. Next, I’ll be pedaling through the jaw-dropping Waioeka Gorge, past the fabled Rere Waterfalls, and onto the east coast beach town of Gisborne for Christmas.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #6:
Biking Rere Waterfalls
New Zealand Photo Journal #7:
Biking Lake Waikaremoana
In this seventh volume, I’ll be cycling south along the coast from Gisborne up into the mountains to soak at the Morere Hot Springs. Next, I’ll be pedaling inland up to the legendary Lake Waikaremoana with its huge climbs, pouring rains, and 120-foot waterfalls. Finally, I’ll be riding through Murupara to the Waikite Thermal Pools for New Year’s Eve.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #7:
Lake Waikaremoana
New Zealand Photo Journal #8:
Cycling Lake Taupo
In this eighth volume, I’ll be cycling south from the Waikite Thermal Pools to the town of Taupo to see a movie, drink a beer, and enjoy some civilization. Next I’ll be pedaling along the coast of Lake Taupo to the city of Turangi where I get happily distracted by a pretty girl and make plans to hike the mythical Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #8:
Touring Lake Taupo
New Zealand Photo Journal #9:
Hiking Tongariro Crossing
In this ninth volume, I’ll be hiking the 20km (13 mile) length of the mythical Tongariro Alpine Crossing with some new friends. We will be hiking past active volcanoes, red-lipped craters, emerald-green lakes, steaming thermal vents, cobalt-blue lakes, and I may find time to stand on my head.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #9:
Tongariro Crossing
New Zealand Photo Journal #10: Forgotten World Highway
In this tenth volume, I’ll be cycling across the North Island from Turangi to Stratford along the infamous Lost World Highway. Along the way I will be climbing up a half dozen mountains, passing through the beautiful Tangarakau Gorge, rolling my eyes at the ever-present rain, and pedaling past lots of sheep, cattle, and a few goats.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #10: Forgotten Highway
New Zealand Photo Journal #11: Hiking Mount Taranaki
In this 11th volume, I’ll be hiking across the southeast face of Mount Taranaki. I start my adventure at the East Edmont Ski Resort and then hike along the Enchanted Track, crossing a 60-foot-high swing bridge to the Waingongoro Hut. Then I’ll continue to the Wilkies Pools, down through the Goblin Forest and onto the Dawson Falls.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #11: Hiking Mount Taranaki
New Zealand Photo Journal #12: Cycling Wanganui Valley
In this 12th volume, I’ll be cycling south from Mount Taranaki down to Wanganui, where I will take a side trip through the breathtaking Wanganui River Valley. Then I’ll continue south along the coastline, cycling with a new friend from Switzerland, camping on a few beaches along the way down to the capital city of Wellington.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #12: Cycling Wanganui Valley
New Zealand Photo Journal #13: Visiting Wellington Harbor
In this 13th volume, I’ll be enjoying a rejuvenating four days in the capital city of Wellington. I’ll start my adventure by taking a train into the downtown station, savoring the first hostel bed in six weeks, and discovering the amazing sculptures along the harbor boardwalk. Next, I’ll take a cable car up to the planetarium, visit a rose garden, take in a professional football game, and tour the Te Papa Museum.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #13: Wellington Harbor
New Zealand Photo Journal #14: Queen Charlotte Track
In this 14th volume, I’ll be hiking 71km of the Queen Charlotte Track with three Danish friends. I’ll start my adventure by taking a ferry from Wellington to Picton on the South Island, and then a water taxi out to Ship Cove. We will journey for four days through the rain, drizzle, fog, and sunshine; hiking past waterfalls, stunning views, strange flowers, reddish-orange mushrooms, and a few thieving Weka birds.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #14: Queen Charlotte Track
New Zealand Photo Journal #15: Abel Tasman Coastal Track
In this 15th volume, I’ll be hiking 45km of the Able Tasman Track. I’ll start my adventure by cycling from Picton to Motueka, taking a bus to Marahau, and then a water taxi out to Totaranaui Beach. We will hike for three days along pristine beaches, over fern forest hills, crossing tidal estuaries, and enjoying all the amazing views of the Tasman Sea.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #15: Abel Tasman Adventure
New Zealand Photo Journal #16: Hiking Nelson Lakes NP
In this 16th volume, I will be cycling to Arnaud to go hiking in the Nelson Lakes National Park up to Angelus Hut. We will hike for two action-packed days along rocky lake shores, past 40-meter waterfalls, through mossy beech forests, and up above tree line on steep trails to an amazing hut next to twin alpine lakes nestled in a breathtaking valley.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #16: Majestic Nelson Lakes
New Zealand Photo Journal #17: Climbing Mount Angelus
In this 17th volume, I’ll be summiting Mount Angelus in the Nelson Lakes National Park from the Angelus Hut. We will climb past blue alpine lakes up an impossibly steep scree-slope to the 2075-meter summit. After a second night at the hut, we will hike a stunning ridgeline up above the clouds over Mount Roberts and then down to Saint Arnaud.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #17: Climbing Mount Angelus
New Zealand Photo Journal #18: Cycling Rainbow Crossing
In this 18th volume, I’ll be cycling through the desolate alpine valleys of the Rainbow Crossing to Hanmer Springs. We will be pedaling for three days against ice-cold headwinds, across corrugated-rough gravel roads, while battling fierce sandflies at our campsites, and then being rewarded with a soak in the Hanmer Hot Springs.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #18: Rainbow Crossing Tour
New Zealand Photo Journal #19: Christchurch Peninsula
In this 19th volume, I will be cycling south along the east coast to Christchurch, where we stayed with a local Warmshower host. We rented a car to gather green-lipped mussels for dinner, and drove out to the Banks Peninsula for a stunning harbor sunset. We then visited the big city sites, marveling at the amazing graffiti and rich botanical garden.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #19: Christchurch Peninsula
New Zealand Photo Journal #20: Tramping Arthur’s Pass
In this 20th volume, I will be taking a train from Christchurch up to Arthur’s Pass NP. We will visit a 400′ waterfall, laugh at the Alpine-parrot Kea birds, and go tramping up Scott’s Track to witness the amazing fusion of mosses, lichen, and fungi that coat the rocks and trees, and to my surprise – a vivid rainbow in the valley below.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #20: Tramping Arthur’s Pass
New Zealand Photo Journal #21: Hiking Lagoon Saddle
In this 21st volume, I will be hiking a two-day loop in the Arthur’s Pass National Park up to Lagoon Saddle. After hitch-hiking to the trailhead, we hiked up the Cass River Valley, and down to the 20-bunk Hamilton Hut. The next day we hiked up to the jaw-dropping views of Lagoon Saddle, and then down to Bealey Hut for a swim in the river.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #21: Lagoon Saddle Circuit
New Zealand Photo Journal #22: Touring Fox Glacier
In this 22nd volume, I will be cycling south with some new friends to Fox Glacier. I white-knuckled a very steep descent from Arthur’s Pass down to the west coast highway, where we surprisingly served as first responders to an auto accident, and joined up with two more cyclists to create a proper bike gang on the way down to Fox Glacier.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #22: Touring Fox Glacier
New Zealand Photo Journal #23: Hiking Copland Track
In this 23rd volume, I will hike with my cycling friends along the legendary Copland Track. After pedaling from Fox Glacier to the trail, we hiked 18km along a turquoise-blue river; traveled through spooky fern forests and timidly crossing over a trio of huge suspension bridges to the Welcome Flat’s hot springs.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #23: Hiking Copland Track
New Zealand Photo Journal #24: Cycling Haast Pass
In this 24th volume, I will be cycling with four friends down the west coast to Haast Pass. We backtracked along the spectacular 18km Copland Track to the coastal highway and cycled south along the Tasman Sea; riding along towering ocean cliffs overlooking smooth black rock islands that were coated with sea lions on our way down to Haast.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #24: Pedaling Haast Pass
New Zealand Photo Journal #25: Bungee Jumping Queenstown
In this 25th volume, I will be taking a tourist bus from Haast down to Queenstown, as I surrender to a painful knee issue. In the capital city I painted the town pink with a gang of backpackers, packed my bike and cycle gear in a bike box, hiked up to the top gondola station, and bravely took a leap-of-faith off the bungee jumping platform.
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New Zealand Travel Magic #25: Queenstown Bungee Jump
Amazon Reviewers Wrote:
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More Travel Magic
Lighting The Path
I developed this site to inspire you to go explore this big blue marble and discover the transformative magic of personal empowerment. Guiding your wanderlust, there are regional maps of the world that illustrate some Magical Places among the multitude of tourist traps.
To help you succeed, I created Travel Advice pages divided into:
1) Before You Go: Basics, Documents, and Medical;
2) What To Take: Luggage, Clothing, and Technology;
3) On The Road: Immersion, Philosophy, and Books.
Lighting the path, the Travel Magic eBook series shares my personal experiences and takes you away to exciting locations; joining me to go cycling across New Zealand and backpacking throughout Vietnam.
I sell these adventure stories as digital eBooks exclusively on Amazon. Click on any book cover image to visit my Amazon Author Page.