mattythor

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New Zealand part 1

Lake Hãwea

Kia Ora from New Zealand!

It's been a little over a week of wandering these incredible lands. Nothing short of amazing so far! The vastness of this place is mind blowing. New Zealand was on my bucketlist of places to explore and it definitely is living up to the hype...jaw dropping hype!

I started out in Christchurch and made my way north to Kaikõura. A beautiful, peaceful coastal town here in the South Island. Then up to Nelson and did some exploring in Abel Tasman national park. Scooted across to the west coast and had a great sleep listing to the ocean in Punakaiki.

Kaikõura

Pororari River

From there I made my way to Fox Glacier for a few nights. Took a helicopter ride up the glacier...it was epic! Found this restaurant called Betsy Jane's and ate there twice it was so good. Super friendly staff! Will definitely be back!

Fox Glacier

From Fox Glacier I drove down the coast and east over to Wanaka for a few days of much needed few down time to relax and attempt to catch up on some editing. (I didn't get too far..there was a hot tub and I soaked a bunch)

Fun fact my drives are about 2-4 hours apart place to place. But I'm clocking around 6-8 hours per travel day as I can't stop the side quests and the quick side road stops to grab a few shots. There's so much to see here I may never leave!

Yesterday I made my way through Queenstown and on to Te Anau. Staying here a few days to explore Fjordland National Park and Milford Sound. Did a cruise through the sound and oh my, what a place! Can't wait to share some more images from the magical, mind altering New Zealand.

Milford Sound

There's so much more to say but that'll be for another journal post. I'll post part two in a few weeks!

And as always,

Breathe, wander, create, repeat.

-Matty