![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240205_130946-1038x576.jpg "View from Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail")
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
Tag Archives: Hiking
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240127_152041-1038x576.jpg "Nong Khiaw from Sleeping Lady Viewpoint")
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
![[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