Category: Oceania

3 Must do trips from Melbourne!
By Lieselot

3 Must do trips from Melbourne!

I love Melbourne. For me this city has pretty much everything. It is big enough to feel like a city, but is cosy and accessible at the same time. I’ve visited Melbourne a few times, but now was the first time that I explored outside of the city.

Let me tell you one thing: I was surprised. I left New Zealand without many expectations, only with a plan to explore the coast (south-east side) around Melbourne and see what it has in store. There are multiple spots that will take your breath away. Let me list a few must do trips from Melbourne!

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Skippers Canyon Adventures
By Lieselot

Skippers Canyon Adventures

I feel like sharing a secret today. I’m a wimp. Some of you might already know this, some of you might not. I travel to a lot of countries, do crazy stuff like the Yosemite Swing; flying in a tiny plane; the Nevis Swing etc, but all of that with a TINY heart. Adventures with me happen with a lot of screams, nervous giggles and now and then some swear words…

That was also the case when I visited Skippers Canyon in Queenstown. It’s an impressive canyon with a small gravel road. My heart already missed a few beats when driving so close to the edge of the road, and I was just the passenger. Luckily, ’cause I don’t think driving with your eyes closed would work.

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Mount Roy: peak-ture perfect!
By Lieselot

Mount Roy: peak-ture perfect!

Before you start reading this article, know this: Roys Peak in Wanaka is popular, very popular to say the least. You will hardly be by yourself on this big beautiful mountain, and definitely not in summer.

Are you still here? Not scared away by the previous alinea? Great, you won’t regret it.

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VIDEO: Discover Christchurch
By Lieselot

VIDEO: Discover Christchurch

Update 2018: Unfortunately the container mall doesn’t exist anymore. The mall was only temporary and is being replaced by new buildings now. 

In 2011 almost 80% of the Christchurch’s city center was damaged after an earthquake. Most of it got demolished – which left Christchurch empty and a little bit dead. Five years later there are still many empty spaces (turned into car parks) and abandoned buildings in town, which doesn’t always make the city look very attractive in tourists’ eyes.

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No, Christchurch is not dead!
By Lieselot

No, Christchurch is not dead!

I’ve been living a year and half in Christchurch and I have to admit that I haven’t spent enough time in it. But that has to change. Christchurch is turning into such a unique and cool city, and this is why:

Christchurch was hit hard by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. To give you an idea: almost 80% of the city centre was damaged and had to be demolished. Can you imagine? Now, 5 years later there are still many empty spaces (turned into car parks) and abandoned buildings in town, which doesn’t make the city look very attractive in tourists’ eyes.

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VIDEO: Wildlife in Dunedin
By Lieselot

VIDEO: Wildlife in Dunedin

Almost two weeks ago I went down south. No huge mountains this time, but a lot of nature, ocean and wildlife. You might know I have a soft spot for native birds, especially the kiwi bird.  But I shamefully admit that I don’t know much about other New Zealand wildlife.

Lucky me when I got invited to a Nature Frother Instameet. I can already see you raising your eyebrows. Nature frothers? What is that? I had the same reaction at first. A nature frother is someone who gets so excited about encountering the wonders of nature that they could start frothing at the mouth any moment. Yep, sounds like me! Sign me up!

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VIDEO: Walking Abel Tasman Coast Track
By Lieselot

VIDEO: Walking Abel Tasman Coast Track

One of my favourite things about New Zealand is that the scenery is so diverse. You have the impressive mountains, clear blue lakes, lush native forest and golden beaches. I was a bit surprised about the latter when I first arrived in New Zealand. There are nice golden beaches? Little did I know that they weren’t just there – but that they were also crazy beautiful. A perfect example is Abel Tasman National Park.

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