![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231219_154845-1038x576.jpg "Waiau River")
After spending a lot of time in the car over the last two days, I did not want to drive too far today. At the same time, I did not want to go on a long hike, either – also driving can be tiring. So, I chose a leisurely walk in the forest along the Waiau River. In the “Lord of the Rings” movies, this river was used for some shots of the Anduin. Continue reading Along the Anduin Waiau River
Along the
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231218_095210-1038x576.jpg "Milford Sound")
For once a “real” tourist!
New Zealand has many scenic routes to offer – even if not every one of them has the word “scenic” in its name. One of those is the Milford Road. Since I currently have a rental car, I did what many tourists do: I jumped in my car, and enjoyed the many viewpoints and short walks along the road – and of course the highlight at the end, a cruise on Milford Sound. Continue reading For once a “real” tourist!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231217_154534-1038x576.jpg "Southern Scenic Route")
On the Southern Scenic Route
After flying back from Stewart Island, I did not feel like waiting for 23½ hours for a bus to Queenstown. So, I dediced to rent a car at the airport – for six days. Today, I used this rental car to explore part of the Southern Scenic Route, namely the part between Invercargill and Te Anau. Continue reading On the Southern Scenic Route
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214_161508-1038x576.jpg "Mason Bay")
Coast to Coast
I spent the last four days on Stewart Island, New Zealand’s “third island” (even further south than the South Island). There, my main focus was on the natural treasures of this beautiful island. Continue reading Coast to Coast
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231211_094456-1038x576.jpg "Skippers Canyon")
Queenstown, the stop-over destination for bus travellers
Queenstown is the bus hub in the Southern part of the South Island. Most buses are scheduled to leave in the morning, and arrive in the evening. Therefore, as a bus traveler, you are almost forced to spend at least one night in the city if you want to explore the Southern part of the South Island. In order to be able to explore at least a little bit more of the area, I added a second night on such an occasion. Continue reading Queenstown, the stop-over destination for bus travellers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_144348-1038x576.jpg "Hooker Valley")
Hiking along gurgling streams
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!