Lake Tekapo
Last day in New Zealand… Unfortunately a sad day but I can reflect on an amazing time in Aotearoa ‘The Land Of The Long White Cloud’. It hasn’t stolen it’s name because on my way to Christchurch, where I would take my flight the very next morning, I could admire amazing & unique cloud formations … Continue reading
Moeraki Boulders
We started in Invercargill, the most southern city of New Zealand & the heart of Southland. With a population of only 53000 souls, Invercargill is recognised for its hospitality to visitors and as the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery. Wide streets with minimal traffic, spacious parks & gardens, Victorian & Edwardian … Continue reading
Mekka of extremez
After a couple of relaxing days in Wanaka, a rural & pittoresk town at the edge of Lake Wanaka, we left for the slightly busier town of Queenstown. Both are situated between the deep waters of respectively Lake Wanaka / Lake Wakatipu & the rugged, snow-topped peaks of the Southern Alps. The appeal lies in … Continue reading
Milford Sound
According to the legend, Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the fjords with his adze Te Hamo. He started in the south with a rough coastline & many islands. By the time he reached Piopiotahi aka Milford Sound, he had perfected his technique and carved an awe-inspiring fjord. The Goddess of the underworld Hine-Nui-Ne-Po worried that once … Continue reading
The Southern Alps
Franz Josef Glacier, found in the stunning Westland National Park, is one of the most spectacular glaciers in this region with ice caves, extraordinary colors of the ice-flow, pinnacles & seracs of the pristine alpine environment. Stavros booked a heli tour + 2h hike on top of the gletsjer. Pilar, Vivi & myself kept it … Continue reading
Abel Tasman to Franz Josef via Great Alpine Highway
After a beautiful sunrise at Tahunanui beach, I picked up the girls and we left Nelson for Abel Tasman, a National Park opened in 1942, 300 years after its namesake Abel Tasman first sighted New Zealand. It’s New Zealand’s smallest National Park but nevertheless a coastal paradise with golden beaches, tranquil lagoons, clear water & … Continue reading
Wineries, lakes & pristine beaches
The roadtrip in South Island began in Picton. Picton’s foreshore has one of New Zealand’s most beautiful views. Known for it’s ever changing colors & light. The town is also surrounded by lush forests of beech, manuka & fern, which cover secret valleys, secluded coves & hill top lookouts. Pilar, a Spanish girl who travelled … Continue reading
Cook Strait
Wellington, home to 400.000 souls and cosmopolitan capital city of New Zealand is the second most populous urban area at the southwestern tip of the North Island between Cook Strait & the Rimutaka Range. The city is a busy & vibrant place packed with heritage buildings, theatres, eclectic cafe’s, museums, galleriesparks, bars & restaurants. It has a spectacular … Continue reading
Didier Van Bellinghen
Backpacking Around The Globe - 2013 