Golden sandy tidal flats surrounded by lush green hills

Hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track (well, part of it)

As we left Kaikoura, the weather shifted back to windy and rainy conditions, setting the tone for our 3-hour scenic drive to Nelson. Nelson was a strategic stop for us: We planned to drop off our rental car and leave most of our luggage at the hotel, returning to collect it after our time in […]

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Dolphin leaping above turquoise ocean under a clear sky.

Chasing Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura

Though disappointed by the cancellation of the astrophotography workshop in Lake Tekapo, we remained optimistic about coming back at some point given New Zealand’s proximity to Sydney. The next leg of our journey was a drive estimated at about five hours to Kaikoura, with a planned stop in Christchurch to break up the trip. Christchurch […]

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Close-up of purple wildflower with blurred blue water backdrop.

Lake Tekapo Weather Woes

After indulging in a leisurely buffet breakfast, we embarked on the 1.5-hour drive from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo. The weather, however, was less than welcoming, with pouring rain transforming the previously dry creeks into vigorously flowing streams. Upon arrival, Lake Tekapo presented a chaotic scene, filled with drenched campers seeking refuge from the relentless […]

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Snowy mountain peaks rising above green valley and grassy field

A Heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Our journey from the Otago Peninsula to Mount Cook was a transition from misty clouds to glorious sunshine, marking a beautiful start to the New Year. With little traffic early in the morning, our drive was smooth, though it gradually filled with holiday travellers as the day progressed. We reached Mount Cook around noon, fortunate […]

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