![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_144348-1038x576.jpg "Hooker Valley")
A (hiking) holiday in New Zealand is not complete without a visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Therefore, this is just what I did in the past three days. Continue reading Hiking along gurgling streams
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231206_161404-1038x576.jpg "Lake Tekapo")
Airless depths (of space)
Tekapo is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Therefore, star observation should be especially good there. However, this of course only depends on the weather. So, as I was only spending a single night there, this was also a bit of a gamble. Continue reading Airless depths (of space)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231203_092154-1038x576.jpg "Akaroa Harbour from Trig GG")
(Cloud) Banks Peninsula
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