28 days, 3,900km driven, 283km walked and feel like I have barely scratched the surface of this amazingly beautiful country. The word ‘amazingly’ doesn’t really do this place justice – It’s all stunning. All of it. If there is an ugly part, I didn’t see it, and I rarely drove the same road twice.

Such a diverse landscape too. I saw manicured valley pastures nestled among gentle rolling hills of green and yellow, volcanic peaks rising above the high desert scrub and tussock covered flats, golden sand coves hiding between beech tree covered bluffs. I saw glacier carved spires of mountain and the teal blue lakes the retreating ice left behind. I saw jagged alpine peaks covered in snow, ice and some of the friendliest birds you will ever meet. I saw arid plains lined with row upon row of grapevine… and I saw sheep, shitloads of sheep – almost as many cow.

As soon as I arrived in New Zealand I started dreaming again, or at least remembering them. They have been vivid, wild, fantastical dreams. I don’t know if it’s the lack of any schedule, the freedom of endless time or if it’s this place. It’s probably a combination of it all. In the end, however, I think that wonder begets wonder.

Super fun little hike in the forest and mountains… was in fog and rain all of day 1 so just a few pics.

Gorgeous alpine area with glaciers, lakes and mountains.

Due to poor planning I did most of this hike in 1 day, in the rain… ’twas a beast.