For fans of nature, recreation and outdoor adventures, New Zealand ranks at the top of many travelers’ lists. The country has a spectacular array of beaches, mountains for skiing, camping areas, wilderness trails, kayak rides on rapids and treks through tropical forests or over glaciers and mountains. The Kiwis haven’t lagged on urban adventures, either. The largest cities can stimulate the other senses with pedestrian-friendly city centers, fine museums, galleries, eclectic shops, restaurants and reasonably priced food and lodging everywhere. I’ll be providing notes from tastings in Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Central Otago in a series of blogs here. For more information on visiting both the North and South Islands, here is a piece I wrote for the San Diego Union-Tribune.