I could gush about New Zealand for hours--maybe even days--and Chris & I only saw a slice of the country. New Zealand is majestic in ways that made me gasp and disbelieve the function of my eyes. There were so many oh my god moments: the expansive & untouchably gorgeous views, the zesty people, the fresh & delicious food, the utter peace & quiet. Maybe because it's so untouched, or because it feels so pure--I'm not sure--but New Zealand had a way of making me feel like I was constantly discovering it. I had recurring thoughts of: wow, I've got to tell people about this; wait until they hear; they are never going to believe it...I can't even believe it.

For eight days we explored the southern part of New Zealand's south island in the coziest campervan (with some serious zoom) and were blown away by the southern alps, glaciers, fjords, endless glacial lakes, wine, adventure, mountain passes, kindness, snowy peaks, flat whites, empty roads and astounding stillness. An absolute highlight, and my feet still get sweaty thinking about it, was skydiving in front of The Remarkables. Eight thousand feet free-fall. Fantastic. Surreal.

Thank you New Zealand. I can't wait to experience more of you in the future. More of our trip can be found on our travel blog.

A few highly recommended vendors: United Campervans | NZone | Matakauri Lodge | Top 10 Holiday Parks | Central Otago Wine | Akarua Pinot Noir | Fergburger | Vesta Design Store & Cafe | The Store at Tai Tapu |

My awesome sister-in-law gave me a subscription to Organic Style for Christmas in 2001. Inside was a story about Outstanding in the Field--an outdoor feast of local food, wine & conversation. I was immediately smitten and awestruck by their ethos (& bus!) and put this experience in the top ten of my loosely organized to-do list. (Also on the list? A swim in the pool at Hearst Castle.) Every year I would drool over their locations, menus, website and idyllic photos. To say I yearned would be an understatement; I really built it up to being the ultimate foodie experience. This summer, about ten years later, I was able to score tickets to my first OITF farm dinner at my most dreamed of location (Secret Sea Cove), on a hot coastal day (such a rarity). I set a high bar and it was all I imagined it to be.