New Zealand trip May 3-8 2022 NZ is like a giant post card. Everywhere you look it is stunning. The time of year was autumn so we got to enjoy the vivid yellows and reds in the trees and bushes alongside the bluest of waters and it was gorgeous. Our trip was in the South Island and started in Christchurch, went down to Queenstown, Milford Sound and then back up again. It was short but we packed a lot in those 6 days 5 nights. Accommodation We rented a 2 berth campervan which had solar panels, diesel heater, gas stove, shower and toilet, and a TV/radio. It was self contained and was the perfect size for me and Chris. Driving was smooth and the fuel cost was $500 for 6 days of travel. It really is the best way to be able to see most of the South Island in such a short amount of time, or any time for that matter. You can 'freedom camp' and go where you like, day or night. Activities New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and we wanted to experience all the thrills and outdoor adventures we could. The most iconic place for most of these activities is in Queenstown, a beautiful mountain town with Lake Wakatipu at your door step. Because it was Autumn, the ski resorts weren't open and it was too cold to swim in the water but we found some other excellent and daring activities that took our breathe away, and not because it was cold. Bungee Jump I came her with one goal: to bungee jump! 134 meters high and the highest bungee in all of New Zealand! Chris and I walked to the platform together and I suited up and was keeping very calm. I had that knot of suspense and anxiousness in my stomach, and when she got me to the edge and asked if I was ready, I thought for a millisecond 'what the heck am I doing, no way!' But I just waved my arms and said let's do this and I swan dived off and screamed bloody murder, I am talking the scream you have that comes from the pit of you stomach. It was free fall for 8.5 seconds and when you bounce back up you fall again. Such a rush, and if I was asked to do it again. Maybe if someone wanted me to go with them. But I am glad I got that off of my bucket list :) Jet Boat Ride Another activity was the jet boat ride up the Shotover Canyon. Wow, those jetboats and soar through the water and even the shallow parts. I was for sure we were going to hit bottom but the boat just gliding right over the top. The water was so blue and was glacier water, so fresh, cold and clean. Chris ended up standing in afterwards and his feet went all tingly. Milford Sound The highlight for both Chris and I was definitely the Milford Sound Cruise. It was the perfect day to go; blue sky, calm water and little to no wind. It was a small boat so it made for a small group which was nice and the boat was able to get us really close to the rocks and waterfalls which were so lush and green and there were even seals bathing on some of the rocks. The cruise went for 2 hours and we sat outside with our jackets and scarves and gloves on as the temperature was only around 18 (64 F) and with the wind it was a bit chilly. Milford Sound is actually a fjord because it is carved out by glaciers and inundated with sea water, a sound is usually formed by the flooding a river valley. The rising mountains and waterfalls coming down were stunning and if it were a rainy day, we would have seen over a thousand extra waterfalls. Tekapo Springs The last full day of the trip we treated ourselves to the hot pools on Lake Tekapo. There were three pools, all a different temperature and it felt great to soak in them on the cool autumn morning. The coolest pool was 35c (95f) and the hottest was 38c (100f) which I would rather have it at like 106f but it still felt good. I found out these pools are not natural hotsprings but rather from an alpine spring that is drawn from underground 2km away near the Forks river. They also had an ice skating rink on the other side where most of the crowd was. Chris treated me to the sauna and steam room and it had a cold plunge pool. Brrr! Sights/Campsites We drove along some really pretty routes and passed many small towns, rivers, lakes and sheep! I am talking more sheep than humans! Two lakes we stopped at are Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Both are filled with water from glaciers and they are stunningly blue, especially on a nice clear day. The water was ice cold but so clear that the rocks even looks clean. We bought some fresh salmon from Lake Pukaki and had it for dinner the first night where we set up camp along Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. We stayed in Milford Sound Lodge the second night which was a beautiful rainforest campground with facilities and a restaurant. The river out behind the camp was at the base of the Milford Sound mountain range, it was peaceful and stunning. The third night we stayed in Queenstown and unfortunately got a ticket for overnight camping in a car park. We are appealing the ticket and hoping a big apology and naivety gets us a pass. The town was pretty quiet with tourists but was great to be able to have a drink and walk back to our van to sleep. We stayed on Lake Pukaki the next night and this was the best one yet because it was free! And the view was amazing. Only a few campers were there and it was right off the side of the road, I would have missed it if it were any darker out. And the last night was of course in Christchurch as we had an early flight to catch, which ended up being delayed until the afternoon, so we cruised around on Lime scooters around town and Chris even had time for a round of golf in the local park! Overall, New Zealand is a place to visit and appreciate nature again. With its fresh mountain air and glacier fresh waterways, the South Island is a nice place to reconnect with mother earth again. I was so glad to travel again and I think I will always have the need in me to see the world. I will definitely go back for a visit.
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The Journeys Made...
* New Zealand *28 Days in Q *Banff *Home Sweet Home *Bali *Tails4You *Thailand *Fiji *Florida Up Next... East Coast America Royal Caribbean Cruise Everest Base Camp Africa |