This was a very long journey. In many various terms: distance, time, intensity, engagement and being astonished like a child.
There and back again. To the land of extreme variety of climates and landscapes. Full of surprises and joy, amazing people and cool attractions, peaceful sites and vibrant cities. This journey had it all. And it is hard to believe it is possible on such a tiny island. But it is. So my task is tricky here and I really hope that through the stories told and pictures showed you’ll have an opportunity to grasp at least little part of what New Zealand is all about.
Sunrise
Everyday the island welcomes sunrise as one of the firsts in the world. And this was a totally awesome feeling: to watch the sunrise thinking that all friends and loved ones are sleeping or will be sleeping soon while my day has just begun. New Zealand has so many marvelous sites to enjoy this moment of the day that it was hard to decide which picture to share. But here it is: one of the first sunrises in New Zealand. Lake Tekapo. It is impossible to share but try to imagine birds singing. This was my everyday symphony.
Sunrise at Lake Tekapo
Daylight
This was a month spent on the road so almost everyday I visited a new site (with few exceptions). Summer, which has just started, meant the days were very long and very sunny. And the longer I stayed the longer day would become. November is particularly amazing as the day length is growing really fast. So there was always enough time for activities planned and for crossing considerable distances as well.
Lake Pukaki
Afternoon
Unexpectedly: the sun was burning! I was aware that the summer is warm and sunny there but the intensity of sun was a surprise. During the days spent in Christchurch my hands were burnt is one day because of a bicycle! From then on I was using a very high sun protection. In the afternoon, the sun was much friendlier. I could sit in beautiful places enjoying its gentle warm and lovely colors for hours.
Tasman Sea
Sunset
Setting sun has both: sadness and beauty. All sunsets I watched in New Zealand were breathtaking. Whether at the lakeside, seaside or high in the mountains the setting rays extract amazing beauty from all shapes. The sadness of ending day was always attached to a promise of the next morning and next sunrise. So I could fall asleep thinking that all my friends and loved ones are staring their day.
Cape Farewell
I’ll publish at least 4 posts every week through December so stay tuned and follow the link. And here are some information relevant to a planning process of a trip around the South Island. Written by Esther from NZMuse. Read more. There is also a short clip with most beautiful sites and places I visited. Watch it now!
Sunset at Farewell Spit
