A little bit of New Zealand
by sassandspice
{To avoid scrolling, click on a photo to start slideshow}
Tauranga Bay
Tauranga Bay
Weka Bird
Beach near Westport
Pancake rocks
Monarch Butterfly caterpillar
One of the many rivers around the west coast of the south island of NZ
Lily clapping and cheering on the kids as they finish their 1km/2km race
Around Pancake rocks. I thought I’d pass on swimming in there!
Pāua (abalone) located on those rocks. An Asian’s idea of culinary heaven.
Lots of walking. Lily walked close to 2km a day!
Our friend’s garden. I love how it backs out to a farm.
Rainforest at Truman walk
We are now back from our short but sweet trip of New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to go to NZ in winter so have prolonged intended visits based on trying to wait and book the perfect time during winter (hence it never happened!) but when DH was asked by his best friend (originally from NZ) to run a half marathon, we decided quickly to just go for a week during summer.
And I’m ashamed to admit that I waited so long. And NZ is stunning in summer too. It’s annoying how living on the west coast of Australia does makes everything further away (well besides Bali!) and I envy the east coasters as frequent trips to the NZ would be more feasible in comparison.
We stayed in Christchurch for a night and then drove the scenic route for 3.5hrs to the west coast of NZ. The scenery on the drive was spectacular which started with green pastures and rolling hills (and plenty of sheep of course!) to dramatic mountains, lush forest and turquoise blue rivers. It’s true what they say about this place being so diverse. Our friends would go surfing in the morning and by the afternoon they would be snowboarding!
Unlike our previous trips to South East Asia, Lily really behaved herself. This was probably due to her being older, not having to deal with the humidity, and having plenty of space to run around compared to being strapped to her stroller all the time.
I’ll definitely be back and maybe I’ll be able to go during winter and do some much needed snowboarding. Our next trip planned is to the UK later in the year to visit family.
Have you been to New Zealand (or are you a Kiwi)? What trips have you got planned for this year?
This is lovely. No trips this year I’ll just have to live vicariously through yours.
Oh the pressure! If its any consolation, at least you don’t have to worry about a toddler on a 18hr flight!
Lily is so adorable! I admit I’ve never really gotten to explore NZ as much as I’d like. I’ve been to Tasmania and loved it – and everyone keeps saying NZ is like a giant version of Tasmania.
Your photos are spectacular. Makes me want to go even more now!
My parents went to Tasmania last year and said the same thing although NZ has more diversity in landscape and Tas has the history with the convicts etc.
Are u on the east coast? As NZ is really a short flight and well worth it!
It looks so breath-taking and I’ve only ever heard good things about NZ.. I really need to get myself there..!! looks like a great family holiday option.
We’re heading to Denmark (finally!) in August.
We should plan a blogger reunion in NZ, somehow it could be tax deductable right
new zealand is my home! love love love it! Your images capture it beautifully x
You are extremely lucky to be living in such a beautiful country. I hope to return!