New Zealand Part 2. Farewell for now
I spent the last three months in New Zealand and I gotta tell ya...it wasn't enough.The landscapes and the vast differences in the South Island were incredible. From the lush tropical areas of the west coast to the giant alps and glaciers. The dryer somewhat arid eastern low lands of the mid to east coast down to the southwest fjords and lakes. What a place, what a vibe, what an adventure!
Hard to say where my favorite places were with so many incredible jaw dropping moments. But if I had to pick it one, it would be sleeping in Chancellor Hut on top of a mountain looking down at Fox Glacier. To get there you get dropped off via helicopter from the town of Fox Glacier. It was cold, the air was fresh and the skies were clear. At night the stars put on their best performance. I've never seen such a clear Milky Way in my life!
I talk a lot about enjoying time in places that make you feel small. This was definitely one of those places, One of those great moments to reflect on life and find new perspectives. There is something special about letting go of the feeling of self importance. Not hard to do when amongst those giant ancient mountains and that beautiful night sky. I'm so very grateful to have experienced that and thankful for my friend to set up such a memorable night.
As I travel I'm always considering locations, landscapes, weather, logistics and that ever changing light. But I'd be nowhere if it wasn't for the people, the connections, the community you find out in the world. I met so many kind and caring, helpful, wonderful people in New Zealand. From tattoo artists, helicopter pilots, accommodation owners and workers. Restaurant employees and managers. All so passionate and prideful about their beloved New Zealand. They would go out their way to tell you about a place to go. Even take you places they find special and share moments with you. They would have such a light about them and a "no worries" vibe when it comes to gratitude.
I made some great connections with some amazing people that I now call friends. I look forward to seeing them again. Telling stories, having a laugh, getting another tattoo and learning more from them. So thanks for all the love and making my time in New Zealand even better.
I could write 5,000 words about my time in New Zealand, I may, but not today. I'll wrap this up with what was the most incredible, visual experience I've ever had. The Aurora austrailis! (Northern lights for the southern hemisphere) It was incredible!
I was having dinner with a friend and we started taking about it.. I hadn't made plans yet to go out and see it. I looked at my app and there was pretty good chance of seeing it right then. We headed down the road a bit out of town and it started to go off. There was vertical ribbons of color stretching straight up from the mountains. So many colors. Green, red, blue, white, yellow, orange and more. It was so bright. I was laughing to myself with watery eyes at times because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. At one moment I was setting up a shot and my friend said something like "look up!" I'm so glad I did!
The sky was full of red, bright red auroras above me. It was huge, beautiful and didn't feel real. That moment, that night was unforgettable. It will always be with me and always bring me back to New Zealand. Grateful for that moment. Grateful my dear friend for being there and experiencing something so magical.
I had an amazing adventure in New Zealand. You have my heart Aotearoa, I'll be back soon!
As always,
Breathe, wander, create, repeat.
-Matty
