New Zealand

Kiwi, the fruit, the bird and country's people, timeless Lord of the Rings backdrop, unreal nature - New Zealand sure delivers!

You know my drill, I carefully selected what I personally tried or wished I did along with carefully documenting some of my favorite memories on this trip through my pictures. Let's start with top 10!

1. franzjosefglacier.com OMG! Board a well maintained helicopter, and if you tiny like me you might get lucky and have a front seat next to the pilot all to yourself. Land on a very much moving glacier and hike it with a knowledgable charismatic guide. I can comfortably admit that this was my most incredible adventure to this day!

2. Fergburger. Not to feed into their well deserved popularity or lengthy lines, I have one thing to say: worth it! Beware that the burgers are massive, buns are unique, sauce is really nice, beef is so good and the fries are crisp! And while you wait for your order, don't miss out on next door ice cream sampling while choosing the ONE! I put some in my coffee and made a wonderful affogato.

3. Attiqa Bar & Med Kitchen - their home infused gins and meat plate. Mmmmm! Second floor faces the promenade and the lake. Third floor welcomes you with a bar with lively music and awesome vibe.

4. After walking along the water to see #thatwanakatree grab a plate of freshly made deliciousness like herb chicken, meatballs, lamb and lots of baked and fresh veggies options, and a flat white coffee. All at Big Fig Wanaka.

5. Hire Roscos Milford Sound Kayaks to take you to Fiordland National Park.

6. Run pass the Christchurch Cathedral that is currently under restoration after the 2011 earthquake and into the beautiful Botanical Garden.

7. Grab an authentic pizza or a pasta at Francesca's Italian Kitchen https://goo.gl/maps/6LXN5dT2qWg8hWYa6

8. As you cruise along highway 6, make frequent stops at 30min-1h long trails that catch your eye. For example, see the blue pools, take in Tasman Sea and cool off at Fantail Falls, or walk to Lake Matheson to !maybe! get the reflection of majestic mountain Cook in it.

9. Make some friends at YHA Lake Tekapo and partake in their day time activities. Browse around cozy shops and restaurants of Lake Tekapo and take a stroll along the lake to see the photogenic Church of the Good Shepherd or, maybe, if you lucky, go with Dark Sky Project to stargaze at Mt John Observatory (we weren't lucky and it was 100% overcast).

10. I left the best for last - the capital of NZ that I knew very little about and the city that surprised me the most! Cool quirky architecture, people whole love wearing black (are we related?), delicious high end food, countless promenades, hiking trails - this city has it all IMHO! Place to come back again and again: Prefab https://goo.gl/maps/pCsnFFpW5Af9vWv3A with its brunch food, fresh bakery and delicious drinks.

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.

— Gandalf

#traveling #newzealand