New Zealand Archives - Page 3 of 6 -

February 22, 2020

Trig M Track: The best beginner hike in Canterbury

There are plenty of tracks in Canterbury to choose from but I have to say if you're looking for a beginner hike in Canterbury or just need something a bit easier, the Trig M track is one of the best. It has been a go-to hike for me for years and one I started on to help build my fitness for taller and longer tracks. Trig M is also a track I like to do in the wintertime depending on how much snow has fallen in the previous days. The face gets good sunlight so often it's not too icey. There are two ways to get to the summit which sits just over 1200 meters[...]

January 22, 2020

Photographing 10 of the most beautiful lakes in the South Island

If you're road tripping through the south island of New Zealand I highly suggest taking some time on your travels to visit the beautiful lakes the country has to offer. Most of the lakes are glacial fed which gives them the most beautiful tones of blue and green. The water is undoubtedly freezing cold but crystal clear and surrounded by mountains. Before you think a lake is a lake, the ones in New Zealand all have a unique landscape to them. Not to be over dramatic or anything but they are simply breathtaking. They are also all very easy to get to. Man[...]

January 22, 2020

Where to see wildlife in the south island, New Zealand

It certainly is no secret that my favourite experiences are those that involve animals and wildlife. Coming from Canada, there is no shortage of four legged creatures walking around, especially after a trip to the rockies, so after I moved to New Zealand one of my first google searches was to find out where I could see wildlife in the south island. Unlike Canada, New Zealand doesn't quite have the array of land mammals, or at least ones that aren't too hard to spot. Instead, New Zealand is very good for spotting marine life and bird viewing. Wha[...]

November 8, 2019

Photographing seals in New Zealand

The secret is out! I love the seals in New Zealand! Ok I know, not much of a secret. If you follow along on Instagram you know I take every chance I can to get to the coast to spend some quality time with the fur babies of the ocean. I consider myself very lucky to be able to just see them let alone photograph their cuteness. And if I'm honest, I could and have easily spent all day watching them on shore. Which is why I have hundreds of photos of seals and is why I welcome you to a photo essay of the fur seals in New Zealand! A lot of people just[...]

November 3, 2019

Guide to the best photography spots in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is one of those places that even if you're not a towny person (like me) you will love it! It's also a spot that everyone and their dog visits when coming to New Zealand. Despite it being a popular spot, it's really beautiful. I mean, it's a town literally set between a lake and mountains. It's a place full of adventure and of course, very photogenic! I've compiled a guide to show you some of the top photography spots in Queenstown. If you need a bit of help on composing shots and getting some ideas, check out my free guide to taking better tra[...]

October 29, 2019

Getting smart with Mi Pad Queenstown

Have you ever heard of a smart hotel? I hadn't either until I was looking for a place to stay in Queenstown and found Mi Pad Hotel . A technology savvy spot for travelers and New Zealand's first smart hotel. What makes this hotel so smart? It's actually a really cool set up, one that the new generation will especially gravitate too. Everything else in our lives generally revolves around technology, and tends to make things easier so why not the hotel we stay in! Mi Pad has left a lot up to technology making the hotel experience smooth sailing and actually c[...]

October 16, 2019

What to do in the Waitaki Valley

From unique geological features, braided rivers, lakes and mountains the Waitaki Valley has so much to offer especially for the nature lovers out there! In my opinion the Waitaki Valley is highly underrated. Many people by pass heading inland or just cruise through the valley without taking time to explore it further. I can tell ya, you're missing out! Here are must do's when you're in the area. 1.Kurow Hill This is a 'huffy puffy' trail but a quick steep 40 minutes up and you'll have the best view of the township of Kurow and the Waitaki River. It cl[...]

October 11, 2019

Valley Views Glamping- A night in the Waitaki

As a young girl, I spent a lot of my childhood at the lake with my family. I know the drill of pitching a tent, lighting a fire and getting cosy with the great outdoors. I'll admit, we didn't totally rough it. My family slowly upgraded from tents, to pop up trailers to travel trailers and we also stayed in pre booked and well maintained campgrounds. In that world of mine though- I was camping and I loved it! Recently Chris and I explored the Waitaki Valley. A part of New Zealand that isn't exactly the most popular place but has one of the country's most[...]

September 28, 2019

The cutest accommodation in Methven!

After a cosy cabin getaway in Twizel, it has now been a straight up mission of mine to find the beautiful and unique stays in the south island of New Zealand. Mostly recently and only 20 minutes from my home, I found the best accommodation in Methven, well close to Methven, Red Cottages Staveley. Situated right off the main road, it is the perfect accommodation when you're exploring the Methven area or if you're on route for a road trip around the south island. Hosts, Myriam and Nigel have put a lot of work and love into creating this incredibly special spo[...]

August 25, 2019

Hiking Mt Alford in the Mid-Canterbury region

A beautiful day hike in Mid Canterbury is the Mt Alford track, only 10 minutes outside of Methven in the Alford Forest Scenic Reserve. This isn't the hardest day hike in Mid Canterbury but does have a variety of terrain and scenery which makes for a great day out. From forest to crossing paddocks with cows to mountain vistas the views from Mt Alford definitely don't disappoint. Track Details 1171 m | 690 m | 9 km return | 3-4 hour return My Route I've been up Mt Alford a few times now. It started with the first time being an unfinished attemp[...]