What are some gems from the books other seniors might enjoy?

The taxidermy museum in Manutahi, Taranaki, is a perfect example. I’m not remotely interested in taxidermy. But you walk into this farm shed, open the door, and it’s like a wonderland. The owner knows everything, and for five dollars you’ll have an unexpectedly great time.

There’s also the flax stripping mill near Riverton, which has been family-owned for more than 100 years, or Demolition World in Invercargill. 

In terms of towns, I’ve always had a soft spot for Pātea, in the North Island. In the 1920s, it was the world's largest cheese-exporting port. It has the remains of the freezing works, a great walk along the river, a fascinating monument and museum, and if you head to the beach, there’s even a shipwreck. It’s friendly, atmospheric, and too often zipped past.

In the South Island, I’d pick Waimate. It’s just off the main road and has been beautifully looked after. There’s an old church, a revitalised pub, and an old bank that’s now a fantastic bakery. There’s also an Edwardian park with wallabies, and a statue commemorating New Zealand’s first woman GP, who died during the flu epidemic. It’s a lovely town and a perfect detour.

Do you live on the road, researching all these places?

No, I’ve done it slowly over many years. It’s a little business – it covers my travel and then some – but mostly it works because it’s fun. I enjoy it.

I tend to stay in affordable motels where I can cook for myself. I did have one night where a booking was mucked up, and everything was full because of a local show, so I slept in my car. It turns out it's not that awful sleeping in a car for one night.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I wrote a book combining the best of the short walks I first wrote about, called A Walk a Day: 365 Short Walks in New Zealand. I received an email from two sisters in their seventies, both widowed and travelling together. They’d done 200 of the walks. If a walk was very short, they’d do two or three in a day. If it rained, they’d do something else. At the end of the day, they’d sit down with a glass of wine and feel like they’d really lived the day. That email stayed with me.

I’m also proud of my book New Zealand Pubs, which has been in print for nearly ten years. People still email me about it. Some are using it as their retirement project – they’re not talking about going out drinking, they’re visiting historic pubs and taking it from there. 

Who inspires you, particularly in retirement?

I swim with a group in Takapuna three mornings a week. We’re in the water at 7am and don’t mess around. Our coach is 74, and most of the swimmers are over 60. We’re all very different, but swimming holds us together. Afterwards, we go for coffee. This group inspires me.

That social connection is vital. Going to the gym by yourself can be lonely. Walking groups, swimming groups – those shared routines keep people going.

What advice would you give your younger self and those heading into retirement?

To my younger self: give things a go. You don’t know what you’re good at until you try. I once trained as an artificial breeding technician with cattle – and I was really good at it. That surprised me and gave me confidence.

For retirement: keep fit, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to ring someone you haven’t spoken to in years. Your world can shrink as you age – but so can theirs. Nine times out of ten, they’re really delighted to hear from you.

Project your retirement income.