![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240110_141133-1038x576.jpg "The Terrace (Christchurch)")
I spent my last days in New Zealand in Christchurch. I was happy to see some life again in the city center&nsbp;– very much in contrast to the last time I was there, shortly after the severe earthquakes. But there are still (sometimes quite deep) wounds visible in the city. Continue reading City of two worlds
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240107_093157-1038x576.jpg "Arthur's Pass")
Arthur is still great!
On my first visit 15 years ago, I praised Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson and the pass he “discovered”. This time around, I could see that nothing has changed: The landscape is still magnificent. Continue reading Arthur is still great!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240102_155527-1038x576.jpg "Greymouth")
Gray Greymouth
Actually, the title above is probably a bit unfair to Greymouth. After all, I decided to spend the two sunny days somewhere else (namely around Hokitikia and in Punakaiki). So, it is not the fault of Greymouth that only the rainy day was left. However, I still think that the true West Coast treasures can rather be found elsewhere. Continue reading Gray Greymouth
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104_140410-1038x576.jpg "Pancake Rocks")
Pancakes and a Hiking Trio
Today, I went on a day trip to Paparoa National Park. There, I did three hiking trails, and also saw some pancakes – the Pancake Rocks. Continue reading Pancakes and a Hiking Trio
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240102_115612-1038x576.jpg "Hokitika")
Forces of nature in Hokitika
I am currently staying in Greymouth for four nights. While I am there, I once again rented a car. Today, I used that to explore the area around Hokitika. Continue reading Forces of nature in Hokitika
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240101_102918-1038x576.jpg "Waiho Valley")
Franz Josef, the Third (visit)
I spent New Year’s in Franz Josef – a much quieter place than Wanaka or Queenstown. Continue reading Franz Josef, the Third (visit)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231228_105508-1038x576.jpg "Wanaka")
Wanaka – with W as in “Welcoming”
I simply like Wanaka: It is basically the more relaxed version of Queenstown – even though there are quite a few tourists around, especially now between Christmas and New Year’s. Continue reading Wanaka – with W as in “Welcoming”
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231227_094559-1038x576.jpg "Arrowtown")
Swift as an arrow through Arrowtown
I have already killed enough time in Queenstown on this trip. So, before taking the bus to my next destination, I rather went on a short excursion to Arrowtown, a former gold mining town. Continue reading Swift as an arrow through Arrowtown
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231225_091930-1038x576.jpg "Routeburn River")
Queenstown, the supply station for Routeburn hikers
After my tour around Lake Whakatipu , I returned to Queenstown. There, I rented the necessary equipment for a multi-day hike (i.e. sleeping bag, and cooking pot): I spent the three days over Christmas on the Routeburn Track. Continue reading Queenstown, the supply station for Routeburn hikers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231222_114713-1038x576.jpg "Lake Whakatipu")
Around Lake W(h)akatipu
I have spent the last three days around Lake Whakatipu. Formerly, this lake was known as Lake Wakatipu (and in fact, this name is still widely in use). However, the latter version is actually a wrong transcription of the original Maori name. Continue reading Around Lake W(h)akatipu