Tag Archives: nature

New Zealand Day 14: Devonport

For our last day in New Zealand we hopped onto a ferry to Devonport, a navy base near Auckland. Along the way, we saw a double rainbow and even a pair of dolphins which swam right up to our ferry. With the perfect weather and all these little lucky encounters, we really couldn’t have asked for a better holiday. Devonport is filled with charming cafes and bookshops – just the …

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New Zealand Day 13: Matamata/Hobbiton

Today I died and went to Tolkien heaven. And if you’re also a fan of the Tolkien books or the Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit movies, make sure the Hobbiton tour is included in your New Zealand trip. The set is stunningly real. Every last bit of detail was taken care of – moss (actually a concoction of dye, sawdust, and yoghurt) was painted onto well-worn fences to create a …

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New Zealand Day 12: Queenstown

For our final day in South Island, we took a stroll through Queenstown Gardens, a botanical garden which has, curiously, something called Frisbee golf. (You’ve gotta see it to believe it). Swimming right through the autumn colours 皇后鎮植物園中的鴨子  

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New Zealand Day 11 (Part 2): Queenstown

Well, with 2 nights in Te Anau I dare say we overstayed a little. If we could do it again 1 night would’ve be enough – just enough to catch a sunrise and explore the nearby trails. (Who are we kidding? We just want to stay long enough for at least two meals at Mostly Seafood). Today we were back in Queenstown, and found ourselves almost overwhelmed by the change …

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New Zealand Day 11 (Part 1): Te Anau

If there ever is a time to experience the magic of New Zealand, it is in those ephemeral moments before sunrise. For in that gentle hush before the break of day, the air is always crisp, pure, and full of promises for the day ahead.

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New Zealand Day 10: (Still at) Te Anau

Today was a slow, easy day in the small, idle town of Te Anau, just two hours from Milford Sound. Te Anau is a common starting point for hikers (or trampers, as kiwis usually call them) doing the Kepler Track and the Routeburn Track. The latter was actually part of our original trip itinerary. That is, until ST and I spotted these words on the Routeburn info page by the …

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New Zealand Day 9: Milford Sound & Te Anau

We’re off on our long drive to Milford Sound today. InterCity has special buses for these scenic rides – ones that have glass roofs so you can see what’s overhead! It’s amazing how much of a difference seeing a bit of sky makes in the entire bus travelling experience. Don’t you wish all coaches in the world were like this: Along the way, we went for quick walks through rainforests …

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New Zealand Day 8: Queenstown

Reluctantly, we left Tekapo. But Queenstown was next and it was every bit as amazing in its own way. For dinner, we each had a massive Fergburger, which is as delicious as it is big. No joke about the size, folks. The thing is as big as my head: ST wants to go on record to say that it’s the most delicious burger in the world. I’ll second that. 勁大勁好食的 …

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New Zealand Day 7: Tekapo

The night before, ST and I nearly froze our toes off trying to do night photography in the bitter cold. Tonight, we got luckier as the temperature dropped a little. Looks like night photography is a popular hobby around here. Stumbled upon many tourists (including ones from HK!) who were also doing the same thing.

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New Zealand Day 6: Tekapo

We left Wanaka for Tekapo today. What a charming, charming town! Tekapo might seem tiny to most people (the shops are all on one side of an already short street! Unimaginable if you come from a place where Nathan Road is the answer to shopping). But we couldn’t help falling in love with it. The food is good, the town is bustling, and the views… my goodness, the views. Tekapo …

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