New Zealand Archives - Page 5 of 6 -

January 3, 2019

The most scenic hike in Canterbury: Peak Hill

Let me introduce one of the most scenic hikes, in my opinion anyways, Peak Hill in the beautiful Canterbury region. I've said it many times but this hike is like the Roy's Peak of Canterbury. Without the hours of an upward slog and line up to take 'the shot'. Don't get me wrong, it isn't an easy hike but after a few hours you'll be standing on the top of the hill with 360-degree views around you. I've walked up Peak Hill a handful of times now and although I know what to expect I'm still blown away by the beauty every time. The hill is much more like a mo[...]

November 29, 2018

Photographing Lupins in the south island of New Zealand

Lupin season is one of the most busiest and loved times of the year in the south island of New Zealand. Especially among visitors. The bright and vibrant plants make the most beautiful photos and are pretty easy to spot. They are by many lakes and rivers, on the side of the roads and in paddocks. About Lupins in the south island Although Lupins are a thing to see when visiting, these beautiful plants are a bit controversial. They are actually considered a weed with both positive and negative effects on the environment. They are invasive in the likes of ri[...]

November 24, 2018

Mackenzie high country with Tekapo Adventures

I've been to the Lake Tekapo many times. Every time I have stopped by the lake, took some photos and left. Pretty much what everybody does. I never really thought about what was beyond. With my urge to get off the beaten path and explore New Zealand's high country the best and only possible option to explore the Mackenzie area beyond the crowds, beyond what most of everyone else sees is taking a good ol 4WD tour out to the boonies, as we say in Canada! I hoped in Landy the Land Rover with Tekapo Adventures for the afternoon on the Braemar station tour. K[...]

November 17, 2018

Story time: Exploring the magic of Tasman Lake

"Proceed with caution", "Enter at your own risk", "Avalanche area" Being from the prairies these are all things Lauren doesn't exactly get excited about, but they had a 4WD ute, Chris's confidence and his need to drive off the beaten path. So, on they went. Neither one had been to Tasman Lake before. They weren't totally sure at that point that they were even driving in the right direction to actually see the lake. They found out later that they, in fact, were, just a little detour from most of everyone else and were in for a real surprise with the views t[...]

October 30, 2018

Story time: The Hooker Valley Track

The work week was over and the weekend finally here. Lauren was more than excited for what the next two days would bring. She felt like a kid in a candy store living in New Zealand not knowing where to go first or next. Should she go up a mountain, wander around a lake or sit by the ocean. It seemed the choice for raw beauty was never-ending and overwhelming in the most perfect way. It fueled her heart and gave her a zest for life. It was Saturday morning and the alarm went off at 7 am. She popped out of bed without hesitation leaving her boyfriend Ch[...]

September 8, 2018

Black Cat Cruises nature cruise- Akaroa, New Zealand

I walked up the wharf with one thing on my mind. It was chilly out and the clouds were threatening rain but I was more excited than ever to get my pass, board the Black Cat cruises boat and set out into the harbor. I’ve been to Akaroa a few times before exploring the coastline and starring out into the sea always on the lookout for something jumping out of the water or flicking its tail. I know I was dreaming but finally on my latest visit I was setting out to see some extraordinary animals of the sea. I was so incredibly lucky that day to get[...]

September 4, 2018

Back to my country roots at Silo Stay- Little River

If I could think of the perfect accommodation for a country girl or really anyone for that matter it’d have to be something away from the city and a rural feel. Birds chirping and animals grazing in paddocks. Something cozy and farm like but also surrounded by mountains and some sort of body of water…Read more about Back to my country roots at Silo Stay- Little River[…]

May 21, 2018

Exploring Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Yes the water is that blue. Yes the stars shine that bright. And yes Lake Tekapo,New Zealand no matter how popular or busy it gets is a site to see. Surrounded by mountains, the turquoise blue water glimmers in the sun and on any given afternoon the town site is flooded with people from all over the world. Photos are being snapped capturing memories that will last a lifetime and people are soaking in the beauty of this part of the country. I feel so lucky to live only a few hours away from this stunning lake so I decided one morning to drive to Tekapo[...]

April 27, 2018

Exploring the Ashburton lakes in Canterbury, New Zealand

The weather can be a challenge in Canterbury, New Zealand sometimes. And by sometimes I mean a lot. I’ve come to realize it’s windy more than it is calm, so on those 10 km/hr wind days, I do anything I can to get out and chase me some reflections! I've been to the Ashburton Lakes area numerous times. These photos are from multiple trips. There's something so magical about the snow capped mountains, the stillness of the air and the raw beauty of nature. Lake Heron Lake Clearwater Lake C[...]

April 20, 2018

weekend west coast road trip, New Zealand

Road tripping in New Zealand is probably one of my favourite things to do besides actually exploring the places that I road trip to! The country is incredibly scenic and you're able to see so many different things and landscapes in such a short time. Never did I think I could be in the mountains and standing at the edge of the ocean in the same day. Trust me I’m still pinching myself. Now if you come to New Zealand for a holiday, the west coast can easily fit into a entire south island road trip covering more of what you can see, especially the souther[...]