Pieta Mace - Travel Architect

03/08/2024

It’s hard to describe the past two Weeks of my journey through East Africa, travelling through Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries incredibly poor, but also rich with fertile soils that grow fabulous fruit and vegetables year around to help feed the nations and some. The happiness in the people is another beauty as they go about their lives.
Home of the Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas which were both special life experiences and a fabulous Wildlife adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda is a country smaller than NZ with a population of more than 47m and right across East Africa 30% of the population is under 30. Children go to school 6 days a week from the age of 3 years. Shall let the pictures tell the story ….

22/07/2024

Downtown Kampala, Uganda.
A city of almost 5m people. Total chaos but it works

22/07/2024

On the border of NSW and Queensland, junction of 5 interstate highways and home of Australia’s cotton farming, Goondiwindi is so worth a visit.

22/03/2024

Who can guess where I am?

11/01/2024

How does East Africa in July sound?
… from Entebbe to Zanzibar & everything between!
Limited opportunity, only 4 spots available.

Wildlife galore, once in a lifetime chance to see the Gorillas in their natural habitat. Enjoy the different Cultures, Flora and Fauna as we travel 5 weeks Over-landing in comfort with a highly experienced Tour Operator

Want to know more? Message Pieta
or email [email protected]

20/08/2023

Here’s a laugh … The questions our Cruise Director has been asked ….
1. Do the crew sleep onboard??
2. Does the Elevator take you to the front or the back of the ship?
3. How small does my face have to be for the Mini-Facial?
4. Is the water in the toilet fresh or salt water?🤔
5. What time is the ‘Midnight’ Buffet?
6. Shall I leave my luggage outside my room before or after I go to sleep?
7. How far above Sea Level are we?
8. Do these stairs go up and down?

Pleased to report none of these were asked by Kiwi’s 😉

16/08/2023

Having sent many customers away on Viking Cruises over the years, it has been wonderful to experience it firsthand and where better than it’s Homeland - Norway! The 2nd week of the cruise saw us travel across the Arctic Circle to Northern Norway and down the stunning Coast/Fjords to Bergen … come along on my journey below … but I’d love to create one just for you!

06/08/2023

Great to be back in the Northern Hemisphere. First stop iconic London, then boarding the fabulous Viking Mars cruise ship in Greenwich. A 6 hour journey down the Thames (unfortunately in the middle of the night, but that didn’t discourage viewing) before sailing up to Edinburgh and onto the Orkney Islands, docking in Kirkwall and visiting Stromness. Today Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

20/02/2023

BULA! 48 Hours in Fiji … fabulous to stay at the beautiful recently renovated Sheraton Denarau with a team of awesome colleague. A roadie down the Coral Coast with eight hotel visits, a little rain (yes, it is the wet season), sunshine, palm trees, golden sand between your toes, delicious food, enjoying the infectious friendliness of the locals, fragrant tropical flowers, stunning sunsets, a little retail therapy and would’ve been rude not to indulge in a cocktail or two. Vinaka Fiji you always impress 💕

06/02/2023

After two epic South Island tramps with family …. Hump Ridge followed by Rakiura, I got to explore Oban, Stewart Island and the Catlins. Always in awe of our native bush and our coast lines are absolutely stunning. If you are thinking of visiting Stewart Island, make sure you book well in advance - ie 6-8 months. No kidding and happy to help.

22/01/2023

Are you a small tour grouper …. Backroads Touring could be for you. Happy to help with any enquires

03/01/2023

No better way to work whilst at the Beach, than with an Aperol Spritz in hand! Happy New Year everyone!
Loving my working style these days and thank you to all my wonderful customers for your support. It’s wonderful to have the world travelling again.

25/10/2022

Taking a little time away from my PC …. Feeling grateful, as yesterday we walked out of our 4 day Queen Charlotte walk in pleasant temperatures and clear skies. The track damage from recent weather events was concerning with many slips and lots of subsidence. But still a beautiful strole through a gorgeous part our country.

23/06/2022

Met a local artist today and excited to be bringing home a new piece of Art for my walls…. Three girls going to Church in their Good clothes. Love it!

22/06/2022

Rarotonga not just a place filled with Sunsets and Palm Trees

21/06/2022

It’s wonderful to share a taste of Rarotonga with you. Arrived on a moody damp day, but the balmy temp and the beautiful atmosphere is always a boost. Here with a group of lovely ladies and fabulous to see tourism on the island getting back to normal.

17/06/2022

Excited to be at Auckland International Airport this morning… a hive of activity. Watch this space! 😊

17/04/2022

Happy Easter everyone!
This wonderful memory popped up of a fabulous Moroccan experience. A country of diversities, culture and so much to explore. Hope you too can enjoy sometime.
https://www.facebook.com/1395745173/posts/10209030770751875/?d=n

23/03/2022

Wow, this is amazing. I can’t wait to visit this part of the world again.

Okay this is cool. It’s the National Geographic pic of the year.

See those dark horses on the desert? Zoom in to get the real story.

Hat tip to on Twitter for sharing this — and to my son Nate Nordby for sending it to me.

17/08/2021

This is quite a rare opportunity to experience a couple of very special rail journeys along with a number of very iconic South Island spots and I would suggest a load of fun along the way. If you would like something to look forward too get in touch.

🚂 CALLING ALL TRAIN LOVERS! 🚂
We have an incredible package for you - but hurry, seats are filling fast!

Undertake an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the South Island on the 'Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer' tour package.

Highlights include:
- Kingston Flyer Steam Train
- WW1 memorial Steam Locomotive Passchendaele
- Celebrity Guest Speaker – Peter Hillary
- Tranz Alpine Rail Journey
- Milford Sound Cruise

And so much more!

13 Day Tour options departing Wellington or Christchurch MAR 22

Email our team to find out more:
[email protected]

07/05/2021

Sunshine, Palm Trees, Warm Water ... what more could you ask for this winter. Sing out if you are interested. For some reason it’s a destination proving very pop this year 😉

*T&Cs Apply. Sale ends 24 May 21 unless sold out prior.

27/03/2021

A weekend in Nelson ... made the most of the sunshine with a visit to Little Kaiteriteri Beach on Friday afternoon, then on Saturday a great full day Kayak and Hike trip in the Abel Tasman with the awesome Sam from . The weather has turned today so off to check out some Potters, Hogland Glass and a Vineyard or 3.

22/03/2021

A great family package. Sing out if you would like to book it 😊

*T&Cs Apply, Sale ends 31 Mar 21.