We can’t talk about New Zealand without mentioning Bungy Jumping, after all this is where it was invented. We talked about it frequently on our drive to Queenstown, asking ourselves if we were going to do it or not, we had both sky dived so why wouldn’t we give it a go. We arrived at the center and made our way into the building to find out the deal. There was a line, so we went out to watch a few jumps. Did we do it? No. We chickened out.
To see more from our visit to New Zealand click here.
As we climbed up through the clouds, leaving behind the lush green temperate rainforest, we moved closer to the mountain and over Franz Josef Glacier making us feel like we were entering into a giant container of freshly scooped ice-cream. Once the helicopter set down we soon realized that the crevasses we were admiring from the sky were wide enough for a person to fit down and deep enough to be lost in forever.
To see more from our visit to New Zealand click here.
When we came across Hokitika Gorge we both looked at each other speechless and our jaws dropped to the ground. We had never in our lives seen such beautiful brilliantly blue water. This granite gorge was well worth the detour, and it was made even more magical by the fact that there was not another soul to be seen or heard whilst we enjoyed this oasis all to ourselves.
To see more from our visit to New Zealand click here.
Have you checked out #vanlife. Another simple but visually interesting website from Foster Huntington who also has The Burning House. Check them out. The photo above is my contribution, it was snapped on vacation in NZ, there is a whole army of these driving all over the South Island thanks to this company.
Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses in Kiakoura on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand are truly breath-taking, and until this day is still my favorite place that we have stayed. Copper sheets, rough hewn lumber, manku branches, diffused glass, riveted plywood, rustic furnishings, pristine sheets, cozy blankets, wood burning fire … bliss! With the sea in one direction and mountains to the other, surrounded by vistas, this place is a quiet luxury and provides you a way to experience nature at her best, all viewable from your bed.
DESCRIPTION: The Treehouse is the best way to experience this spot, as they do have a lodge that you can also stay in, but it’s worth the splurge. The shower is wall of glass windows that looks out to the ocean as you bathe, the only thing likely to be looking at you are the sheep in the pasture below. The beds are huge and super comfortable with cozy duvets and blankets to snuggle in. Oddly they don’t encourage you to eat in the room, but we did, picnic style on some wine and a fresh crayfish we bought from a caravan up the road – fresh from the sea and cooked on the spot. There is a onsite restaurant that serves up breakfast and dinner with goodies from local sources including from the Lodge’s farm itself.
LOCATION: Kaikoura is between Picton and Christchurch on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is accessible by train from Christchurch, or by car [the option we selected] it is 2.5 hours from Christchurch and approx. 1.5 hours from Blenheim and the famous Marlborough wine region.
HIGHLIGHTS: Exploring the local beaches that were without another human being to be seen, and stumbling across sea lions basking in the sun whilst climbing on the rocks. The area is well-known for whale watching so there is always a chance to see them up close and personal. Soaking in the jetted tub surrounded by candle light, listening to the crackle of the fire and enjoying some of the regions wonderful wines.
WEBSITE: Treehouse Bookings
