As a hobby/interest (whatever you want to call it) an appreciation (love of) beer combines fantastically with travel. We're thinking of skiing in NZ again down the track and I'm looking forward to getting back there and sampling more of the local beers nearly as much as I'm looking forward to the travel and skiing. Its been about 4 years since we last visited and while I enjoyed beer I was not into it nearly as much as I am now. Fortunately I didn't miss out completely last time, managing to sample a variety of Speights including Old Dark and Distinction Ale (does the gold medal ale taste that you can get here in OZ taste grassy to anyone else?), the styles available from the Wanaka brewery, and a couple of brews from the West Coast sold under the brandname Good Bastard. Then there's the food when you travel. I've just realised I live in a cultural, beer and culinary desert. Thank God for home brew.