Shangri-La in New Zealand

The picture of Akaroa Harbor (“Tramping New Zealand,” Nov. 3) took my breath away, just as it did when I first saw Akaroa a year ago. It is truly a Shangri-La setting. The ride to get there takes 1 1/2 stomach-churning hours through some of the most beautiful New Zealand countryside. My bus driver stopped at the top of the hill for a look-see before we descended into a picture-book setting nestled at the water’s edge. We also made stops to look at the innumerable sheep and cows.

The Kiwis are gracious, fun-loving and love Americans.

Sandy Jacobson

Santa Monica