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2explore.net We are Niels and Amy van Dongen and this is our journey. Our home site is http://www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

New Zealand

There are [0] photos and [6] stories about New Zealand


DAY 299 A Time to Treasure

Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [501]

As the days pass in December, the number of tourists in New Zealand is greatly increasing and soon, the number of New Zealanders on the road will skyrocket as the school holidays kick in. Now, more than ever, we are seeking out the quiet, ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 295 Time in Te Anau

Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [668]

We have been so very lucky to spend a few days off the tourist trail again. Especially so, as we got to spend the days in the company of a welcoming family. We had met them earlier this year in Samoa and promised to pay a visit if we ... Read more >

Tags: Friends


DAY 289 Across the Mountains

Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [605]

After leaving the Marlborough Sounds, we made our way Southeast. Clouds appeared as we approached Kaikoura where we needed to stop for the night. Just as the tent was wedged between two camper vans, the clouds broke open and it poured. ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road


DAY 283 Marlborough Sounds of Silence

Friday, 30 Nov 2007 | Views [655]

Under a clear blue sky and blinding sun, we drove the narrow, winding coastline from Picton to the Marlborough Sounds, intending to pay a visit to a friend and relax for a few days. En route we frequently pulled over, lured by the occasional ... Read more >

Tags: Relaxation


DAY 265 A Great Walk

Wednesday, 14 Nov 2007 | Views [596]

To me, the greatest attraction of New Zealand lies in its unrivalled nature and wildlife. The best way to experience it must be by walking the many fine trails that crisscross the country. According to our documentation, one of the best ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures


DAY 250 Northland at the South End

Sunday, 4 Nov 2007 | Views [538]

For the last two weeks we have been exploring the far North of New Zealand, our most Southern destination on this journey. It has been a while since we have last found ourselves at latitudes this far from the equator, where the weather is obviously much ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

 

 

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