Hobo Lolo

This past holiday season, Michelle and I decided to break away from the familiar. Instead of the usual family gatherings in Bay Area, we packed our bags for New Zealand- a land of rugged beauty, epic adventures, and just enough unpredictability to keep us on our toes. Little did we know, this trip would push us out of our comfort zones and into the heart of an unforgettable adventure. The Start of Something Big We left San Diego with excitement buzzing in the air, cruising up to Los Angeles for a late-night flight. Parking was smooth- thankfully, I’d planned ahead- and soon we were boarding a 12-hour journey to the land of the long white cloud. As we flew across the Pacific, I kept imagining the landscapes ahead: towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and surreal geothermal pools. Michelle, ever the planner, was busy double-checking our packed itinerary. We touched down in Auckland mid-morning, and the adventure began right away. After grabbing a rental car and stocking up on snacks, ...

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the world’s best day hikes, celebrated for its breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On a perfect summer day, hikers marvel at the serenity of the glistening peaks and colorful crater lakes. But the day we chose to tackle it? It was anything but perfect. We arrived in Auckland on a warm December morning, the buzz of summer in the air. The journey from San Diego had been long, but the excitement of adventure quickly revived us. After picking up our rental Kia SUV from Hertz, we made a quick stop at Pak’nSave to stock up on provisions for the hike: trail mix, energy bars, electrolyte drinks and plenty of water. Our hotel for the night, the Hilton Auckland, offered a stunning waterfront view. That evening, we dined at Ahi, indulging in the best of New Zealand’s cuisine—a perfect prelude to our upcoming adventure. The next day, we hit the road toward Tongariro Nationa...