"Gem and Bones: Tour of New Zealand" – Getting Ready

Introduction

Embarking on a unique voyage as we attempt to narrate what we hope will be the most captivating road trip for Gem, my spirited Border Terrier, and Bones, aka Tony Cutting (me), her devoted human companion.

This is not your ordinary tourist tandem but a dynamic team with a quest to rhapsodise (speak or write about with great enthusiasm and delight) the lesser-known corners of New Zealand.

Onboard ‘Roxanne’, our trusty caravan, we will weave a trail of tales from vibrant regions, champion local charms, and spearhead a movement in the digital marketing nexus.

Join us as we chart our expedition across crystal-blue bays, through verdant pastures, and into the hearts of the Kiwi nation.

Keep updated with the full journey by following My personal Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tony.cutting.90/

Meet Gem and Bones

1.        Introduction to Gem

With a keen nose for adventure, Gem is more than a four-legged traveller; she embodies the spirit of exploration. Her keen, terrier instincts make her an excellent guide and companion, alerting Tony to all the off-the-beaten-track experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Gem loves people and is a very friendly wee border.  When you meet her, she would love a hug and a cuddle but might just take a few seconds to work you out before allowing the bond to happen.  Back home in Hongoeka Bay, she has many who like to visit her, and there are way more visitors for Gem than her beloved human companion.

2.        Introduction to Bones

Tony Cutting, or "Bones" to those I meet along the way, I am a seasoned (means older than 60) storyteller with a tapestry of cultural understanding woven into my past. I will be casting my digital savvy over New Zealand's vistas to tie the threads of tourism, local life, and online interaction. But most of all to meet great people and do my very best to build lasting relationships and promote the places, people and their businesses while on this journey.  These will be initial visits, and I plan to return to the places I love the most, as often as physically possible.

Why “Bones”.  My name is Tony and when I was young, I was very Boney, leading to the nickname (From my father I think) “Bones”.  But don’t expect a Boney Tony to arrive at your doorstep, times have changed.

Our Bond

The bond between Gem and I (Bones) transcend the ordinary. Each of us brings out the best in the other, creating a harmony that illuminates a shared path, strengthening the resonance of the mission. On dark cold nights we will help keep each other warm.  Whenever a decision is made it has to be to the benefit of both otherwise, we find another solution.  It is Gem’s job to help me (Bones) fit and in return I will keep Gem well fed and entertained.

To find out more about us feel free to look at this YouTube video made a couple of years ago that shows where we live and what life has been like most recently.

 Video Credit: The talented Mr Julian Farquhar - A close friend.

Getting Ready

During this month of May 2025, a lovely two berth Caravan (2005 Abbey Maverick ) was purchased from Karl of Selwyn Caravan & Motors

https://www.facebook.com/p/Selwyn-Caravans-And-Motors-LTD-100054676110599/

“I love the Caravan and always felt like I was dealing with a genuine bloke”.

“Karl has been awesome to deal with.  Communication has been great and provided loads of information to help get started on this journey”. We definitely be calling in for a coffee when we visit the South Island” - Bones.

We also signed up with the NZMCA (New Zealand Motor Caravan Association), downloading their very useful app as well as the CamperMate app. These will help us to plan our trips. Find those places a little less travelled and connect with the Campervan/Caravan community around Aotearoa.

That is the next big step, what I can tell you now is I am very keen to visit the West Coast of the South Island and this being planned as a big trip early in 2026.  Most likely I will do many trips around the North Island over the next six months, honing my Photography, Videography skills and camping skills, along with writing stories (Which I love to do).

Aotearoa Today

The big stories will go on a website called Aotearoa Today which I built a couple of years ago and promotes positive news, interesting media releases and stories around New Zealand.  Also, I have created a number (51) regional Facebook pages e.g. Wellington Today, Queenstown Today, Rotorua Today, most recently West Coast Today and so on which will also feature the local regional news and promote the stories to a fast-growing audience around the country.

I plan to work with local talent to really bring life to these regional projects.

Visit aotearoatoday.com and feel free to like the Facebook page to be kept up to date with these stories.

My Challenges

This is a self-funded adventure, at least for now. So, I will be choosing to go freedom camping at times to help the budget out, and I think these stops could also make for great short stories. My Health—let’s say I have had a few major medical adventures in the last ten years. 

With Gem by my side and willing me on, I hope this work is not only rewarding spiritually but can also be a catalyst for getting my health back on track. Who knows, I might end up looking like I deserve the nickname Bones again.

This is why there will be short trips to start with as I build my confidence.

Finally, I believe I can write OK, but stepping into the world of videography and putting myself forward is very scary for me.  Yet one of the main reasons why these trips excite me.

Goals for the Project

The four main goals of this adventure are simple.

1.        Promote the regions we visit.

2.        Promote the places we stay.

3.        Promote the people we meet (Who are happy with this)

4.        Promote the cool businesses from the region by providing FREE writing of stories for these businesses. 

I hope locals from the regions we plan to visit will nominate businesses for us, which will help us plan ahead.

Our pilgrimage through the country is not a mere frolic amidst scenic backdrops but a concerted effort to spotlight New Zealand's hospitality, engage the heart of its communities, and elevate local enterprises through digital alchemy.

Engagement with Local Communities

Dialogues with the townsfolk, participation in regional events, and shared cups of tea mark our intent to immerse and enlarge the narrative tapestry of each locale. I will look to work with local tourism groups, photographers, videographers, and potentially other writers to build close friendships and explore partnerships that will benefit all parties. While helping achieve the goals set down.

Showcasing Local Businesses

Roxanne's journey is a beacon for local businesses. Gem and Bones plan to illuminate New Zealand's entrepreneurial spirit, casting a digital spotlight on the unique stories that shape our wonderful towns and landscapes.

Personal Stories and Experiences

Woven into the fabric of travels are the vibrant yarns spun from encounters with the people of New Zealand, precious nuggets of humanity that beg to be shared with the world. This really excites me.

Summary

Gem and I carry more than hopes and dreams in our modest caravan; we shoulder a mission to kindle a love for hidden jewels and an appreciation for the fabric that weaves Kiwis together.

We hope to build life-lasting relationships, both professional and personal, and also hope our readers enjoy the journey every step of the way.

Stay Tuned.

Written by
Tony Cutting, aka Bones (Gems Human).