Unbelievable, but true: From October 2023 to February 2024, I went on a round-the-world trip for the second (!) time. The main focus was New Zealand, but I also visited the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Tag Archives: Hiking
I am back home!
After 18 flights, (roughly) 60 trips with boats and other watercraft, 37 days in a rental car, and more than 250 trips in other means of ground transport (e.g. train, bus, taxi, subway, or bicycle), and travelling almost 44,000 km by air, about 800 km by water, and surely over 10,000 km by land, I have finally returned to Austria. Now, it is time to look back at the high- and lowlights of my trip. Continue reading I am back home!
Pagodas in the mountains
Today was devoted to exploring nature again: I visited the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. However, even there I came across some temples (or more precisely: some pagodas). Continue reading Pagodas in the mountains
The karst hills of Nong Khiaw
In order to see a bit of rural Laos, I tried to find a small town somewhere in the northern Laotian mountains with certain properties: First, it should not be too far from Luang Prabang (because the Laotian buses are not particularly comfortable). Secondly, it should offer a few short hikes and maybe a nice day trip (because I do not feel like going on big hikes just yet after recovering from my short illness). In the end, I settled for Nong Khiaw – and this proved to be exactly the right choice. Continue reading The karst hills of Nong Khiaw
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!
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
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
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
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)
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”