![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240111_114624.jpg "Last view of New Zealand")
Long-term readers of my blog also know what this title means: My wonderful time in New Zealand has come to an end. Continue reading E noho rā, Aotearoa
Trip: New Zealand 2023/24
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240110_141133-1038x576.jpg "The Terrace (Christchurch)")
City of two worlds
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
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231219_154845-1038x576.jpg "Waiau River")
Along the Anduin 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
![[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!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231128_150638-1038x576.jpg "Lake Rotoiti")
Down at the glacier relics
Actually, the motivation for my route today was getting to know a region of New Zealand that I have not visited before. In the end, I spent most of the time in an area already known to me, but I still had a nice day. Continue reading Down at the glacier relics
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231126_123531-1038x576.jpg "Pelorus Sound at Havelock")
Also a great sound!
After Queen Charlotte Sound, I visited Pelorus Sound – there is no shortage of sounds here! Continue reading Also a great sound!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231123_110036-1038x576.jpg "Queen Charlotte Sound from Onahau Lookout")
Still a cool Sound!
I have already liked Picton during my first visit five years ago, mainly because of its location directly at the Queen Charlotte Sound. Therefore, I have given myself four days there this time – a very good decision, because the Queen Charlotte Sound is even more beautiful than I remembered it to be. Continue reading Still a cool Sound!
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120_110821-1038x576.jpg "Lambton Harbour from Mount Victoria")
Water in Wellington
I spent my last two days on the North Island in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. In the spirit of my stay on the North Island with its rather changeable weather, it rained for half of the time. Continue reading Water in Wellington
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231118_105152-1038x576.jpg "Castlepoint Lighthouse and Castle Rock")
Lighthouses and stone towers
All good cornerstones come in threes: After the East Cape and Te Urewera, it was now time for the Wairarapa region. The weather was changeable at best, but I was basically still able to fit in all my desired destinations. Continue reading Lighthouses and stone towers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231115_085753-1038x576.jpg "Napier")
O Brother, Where Art Deco?
Napier was also intended basically as a stopover between two must-dos on my route. However, this time I spent two nights in town, because I also wanted to see something of the city (and the surrounding area). Continue reading O Brother, Where Art Deco?
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-20231113_111729-1038x576.jpg "Lake Waikaremoana")
Sun at Lake Waikaremoana
As already mentioned, Te Urewera was a must do on route through the North Island. Unfortunately, the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from February 2023 are still being felt. This also meant that I could not do all my planned hikes. Still, I still had two really nice, sunny days at Lake Waikaremoana. Continue reading Sun at Lake Waikaremoana
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231111_111918-1038x576.jpg "Poverty Bay from Te Kuri Farm Walkway")
Gray Gisborne
Gisborne was only intended as an overnight stop between two milestones of my route, the East Cape and Te Urewera. Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze in a short hike. Continue reading Gray Gisborne
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-20231109_111900-1038x576.jpg "East Cape")
In the Far East (of New Zealand)
I have reached the first of the milestones of my New Zealand route south of Auckland (around which the rest of the route was planned): the East Cape. Continue reading In the Far East (of New Zealand)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106_131127-1038x576.jpg "Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane")
Water in Whakatane
It also rained a bit in Whakatane. Apparently, that is the rule here for cities that start with “Wha”. However, there was much less rain than in Whangarei or in Whangamata. So, I could really appreciate the beauty of this part of the Bay of Plenty. Continue reading Water in Whakatane
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231105_100327-1038x576.jpg "Mount Maunganui from the summit")
At the heart of Bay of Plenty
Now I am starting my exploration of the Bay of Plenty, the large bay in the north-east of the North Island of New Zealand. My first stop was in Tauranga. However, I basically only slept there. All my activities have taken place elsewhere, in the surroundings of the city. Continue reading At the heart of Bay of Plenty
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231104_084700-1038x576.jpg "Whangamata Beach")
Water in Whangamata
I really hope this is not the start of a “Water” series. Unfortunately, also in Whangamata, the water was not only the attraction, but also sometimes also a bit of a killjoy (in the form of rain, of course). Continue reading Water in Whangamata
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231102_112801-1038x576.jpg "Karangahake Gorge")
Remnants of gold diggers
Today was dedicated to the gold diggers of Karangahake Gorge – or (more precisely) what they have left behind. Continue reading Remnants of gold diggers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231101_101304-1038x576.jpg "Trounson Kauri Park")
Giants of the forest
After Hokianga Harbour, I explored the Kauri Coast. As the name suggests, this area boast some (very) large Kauri trees. Continue reading Giants of the forest
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231031_111603-1038x576.jpg "Coast South of Hokianga Harbour")
Fog in Hokianga Harbour
Slowly, the rain is receding. However, it has been replaced by low-lying clouds. Still, I was able to explore Hokianga Harbour a bit. Continue reading Fog in Hokianga Harbour
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231029_101249-1038x576.jpg "Otuihau Whangārei Falls from below")
Water in Whangarei
As during my last stay in Northland, the Northern-most part of New Zealand’s North Island, water has dominated my stay – unfortunately also in the sense of rain. Continue reading Water in Whangarei
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nz-fern-1038x576.jpg "Dicksonia squarrosa")
Kia Ora, Aotearoa!
Long-term readers of my blog know what this title means: I am once again in New Zealand!
However: It is a bit chilly here.