In 2006 Dale and I traveled to New Zealand with three other couples for a visit to the North and South Islands. We hunted ducks and did some sightseeing on the South Island and then flew to the North Island for trout fishing and sightseeing. We had become friends through taking monthly sport shooting lessons together for a few years, and the same group had gone to Africa in 2004 on a bird hunting and fishing safari in Southern Africa. It was a great variety of activity with most activities outdoors, which is the signature of New Zealand. It has great natural beauty and exotic natural features. We spent one day touring with a native Maori guide, who educated us on the traditions and history of this Polynesian tribe who settled New Zealand in the 11th century. We found the New Zealanders to be very welcoming and outgoing, not dissimilar to Americans.
