![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231203_092154-1038x576.jpg "Akaroa Harbour from Trig GG")
I have spent the last four days on the Banks Peninsula (after an “organization day” in Christchurch). The main focus was on the Banks Track, but I also visited the main town Akaroa (again). Continue reading (Cloud) Banks Peninsula
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231130_122048-1038x576.jpg "Hanmer Springs")
Whoops, am I in Canada?
Wooden houses with pointed roofs, in the middle of (mainly coniferous) forests, surrounded by hills and mountains – Hanmer Springs is possibly the most Canadian town in New Zealand. Continue reading Whoops, am I in Canada?
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231129_140732-1038x576.jpg "View from Lewis Tops")
Lewis is not bad either!
On my first visit to New Zealand 15 years ago, I was very impressed with Arthur’s Pass, the highest of the three road passes over the Southern Alps. Today, I drove over the slightly lower Lewis Pass, the northernmost road pass – and this pass definitely does not have to fear the comparison with its big brother! Continue reading Lewis is not bad either!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231128_150638-1038x576.jpg "Lake Rotoiti")
Down at the glacier relics
Actually, the motivation for my route today was getting to know a region of New Zealand that I have not visited before. In the end, I spent most of the time in an area already known to me, but I still had a nice day. Continue reading Down at the glacier relics
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231126_123531-1038x576.jpg "Pelorus Sound at Havelock")
Also a great sound!
After Queen Charlotte Sound, I visited Pelorus Sound – there is no shortage of sounds here! Continue reading Also a great sound!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231123_110036-1038x576.jpg "Queen Charlotte Sound from Onahau Lookout")
Still a cool Sound!
I have already liked Picton during my first visit five years ago, mainly because of its location directly at the Queen Charlotte Sound. Therefore, I have given myself four days there this time – a very good decision, because the Queen Charlotte Sound is even more beautiful than I remembered it to be. Continue reading Still a cool Sound!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_110821-1038x576.jpg "Lambton Harbour from Mount Victoria")
Water in Wellington
I spent my last two days on the North Island in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. In the spirit of my stay on the North Island with its rather changeable weather, it rained for half of the time. Continue reading Water in Wellington
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231118_105152-1038x576.jpg "Castlepoint Lighthouse and Castle Rock")
Lighthouses and stone towers
All good cornerstones come in threes: After the East Cape and Te Urewera, it was now time for the Wairarapa region. The weather was changeable at best, but I was basically still able to fit in all my desired destinations. Continue reading Lighthouses and stone towers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231115_085753-1038x576.jpg "Napier")
O Brother, Where Art Deco?
Napier was also intended basically as a stopover between two must-dos on my route. However, this time I spent two nights in town, because I also wanted to see something of the city (and the surrounding area). Continue reading O Brother, Where Art Deco?
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-20231113_111729-1038x576.jpg "Lake Waikaremoana")
Sun at Lake Waikaremoana
As already mentioned, Te Urewera was a must do on route through the North Island. Unfortunately, the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from February 2023 are still being felt. This also meant that I could not do all my planned hikes. Still, I still had two really nice, sunny days at Lake Waikaremoana. Continue reading Sun at Lake Waikaremoana