![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240122_165040-1038x576.jpg "Luang Prabang from Phousi Hill")
Luang Prabang! Ever since I read the descriptions by Peter Moore in his book “The Wrong Way Home” about this city, it was the epitome of Southeast Asia for me. Even though the city undoubtedly has some beautiful parts, reality could not quite keep up with my (very high) expectations – but this may also be due to a rather unfortunate start. Continue reading The temples of Luang Prabang
Tag Archives: Waterfalls
![[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/2024/01/20240102_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/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
![[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/2023/12/20231203_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!