We decided to go to NZ to explore the natural landscapes and connect with others. We hired a car and journeyed the South Island, enjoying the amazing changing landforms along the way. We passed through the 2 major cities, Christchurch and Queenstown, however spent most of our time, witnessing and immersing in nature at its best. We gained a sense of the nature of life on the South Island. Meeting others from around the world, it was suffice to say, that the peace and tranquility was a major attraction for many.
Once again we have broadened our understanding on alternative ways of life, with many ‘aha’ moments along the way, that we would love to share.
Feeling of Freedom
We relinquished over planning, booking accommodation and destinations, and opted for a more fluid approach. We used our senses and feelings and listened to the unfolding weather to guide us around the island. We had a general sense of what we wanted to see and experience, and in real time, made our choices. It was a time of the year where campsites were more available, so we gave it a go.
It was great to live this way for 10 days, as it brought a wonderful feeling of freedom and adventure. We could feel ourselves shifting from rushing and chasing the clock, to experiencing and enjoying, and moving in our own time. It was a great reminder about how important it is to give ourselves the space to let go in this way. How often do we do usually do that?
And know that things can still work out! We had wanted to see glow worms in Hokitika, and without planning, noticed a sign to a Glow Worm Dell that was open for view at 9pm, the exact time we were passing through. A wonderful synchronicity! A wonderful moment.
This letting go, seemed to give us clarity in times when we were challenged. When the route 6, the direct road from Fox Glacier to Queenstown, was closed due to a mud slide, we could have waited it out, or take an alternative 10 hour indirect route through mountains and other towns. Clarity told us to take the alternative route, to avoid possible lengthy delays. So we did.
While it brought challenging driving conditions, it led us to the beautiful Lake Tekapo. It was a breathtaking site, we would otherwise have missed.
This choice also meant we could drive on, and arrive at Te Anau, where we experienced cold but clear skies, with visibility of the rock faces and snow capped mountains. This freedom and flexibility enabled us to move to locations that we felt inspired and uplifted by. What a treat. We were in place to drive the next morning to Milford Sound. Early morning fog made visibility difficult, however it wasn’t long before it had lifted and we enjoyed the magnificence of it all.
Was the road closure an issue? ‘Maybe Yes, Maybe No’ (we love that fable) because while something can feel difficult in one moment, it can bring something amazing in another moment. The impermanence of everything.
Conversations
We had lots of conversations with people from around the world. We noticed a common. People were in NZ to feel nature, to reconnect with themselves; their hearts, their spirits, their sense of freedom.
People from Europe, America, South America, Asia, shared their feelings about what is happening in their parts of the world. There is a common. Many are seeing and feeling the impact of the inequities, the lack of care, the burdens, the conflicts, the greed. The fear of what next is being felt.
We were uplifted, knowing many people are choosing to things differently. Taking the time to be in nature, to bring care to themselves and showing care for the environments they are in. On our last day, we met Chanel from our car hire company, who summed up things nicely. She said… why can’t we just collaborate and help each other out, because what we are all really doing, is just trying to live our lives.
Maintaining the Beauty
The thing we noticed straight away were the well kept state of the roads. Road works were common as it is a primary need for the tourism industry. There were many tourists wanting to experience the pristine nature of the waters and natural landforms, and experience the natural visitors from sea creatures along the coast. Seals, sea lions, penguins in their natural habitat. Consideration is given to ensure the environments are kept clean, smoke and rubbish free. Our wish is for NZ and visitors to all play a part to ensure, the erosion (the ice glaciers, snow tops, waterfalls) is slowed, so that these natural wonders can be experienced for many generations to come.
We came across the Kea bird (as you can see on the roof of our rental car). We also discovered this spiritual and symbolic bird found in Alpine regions, is also under threat, so taking great care is of interest to all of us, as we realise the only way is to leave the world in a better place that when we arrived.
Landscapes
It became very evident that in the last 50 years the rate that the glaciers are lessening, is quickening.
At Frans Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier we walked to viewing points that share information on the reduced levels over the ages.
We felt if ever there was a sign that global warming was happening, this was it.
We enjoyed the healing mineral springs on our visit to Hanmer Springs. How wonderful to engage in the nature’s natural expression so many amazing natural landscapes.
Water management in the mountainous regions once again reflected the importance of understanding nature and applying the proven techniques and wisdom passed down through the generations. With the Mauri people still strongly sharing their knowledge and wisdom, it highlights the power of working together to achieve outcomes.
How wonderful that people take care to uphold what nature has so graciously brought to their country.
Economics and Culture
We found the price of food and products costly in comparison to our Australian cost. The price we paid for fuel was between $2:42 – $2:80 per litre, and it seems the cost of land and houses is also rising. We didn’t visibly see rough sleepers around towns and cities as we are witnessing more of in Australia.
We saw many pine forests, cattle and sheep, food and orchards. Tourism is another significant industry. Nigel supported one of the adventure businesses, doing the flying fox amongst some of the most beautiful sites!
The south island is home to only 15% of the Mauri people. We hope to visit the North Island in the future, where we hope to experience landforms such as hot beaches, geysers, sulphur bubbles, volcanic mountains, and hear more from traditional Mauri people and their customs, insights and wisdoms around their beautiful country.
