Buller River Near Greystone
We’ve had a lovely time on our South Island tour to date, traveling from Nelson to Queenstown down the West Coast.
Shores At Abel Tasman
Along the way, I managed to renew my visa for another three months (application required a certified passport copy, proof of boat insurance and $165 NZD processing fee). The Captain’s application is still being processed.
Seal At The Colony At Cape Foulwind
I am more of a sailboat or m/hotel type myself, but the Captain loves camping and money is dear, so we’ve divided our time between both.
Tiki At Sundown – Kohaihai Campsite
The Captain manages to make the camping experience a pleasant one with yummy food and a comfortable bed crafted out of Amandla’s cushions arranged perfectly in the back of our Honda Odyssey.
Captain Setting Up Camp
We’ve found relatively inexpensive (and sometimes free) campsites using the Campermate App and when we’re lucky (which is rare) along a road less traveled.
Fox Glacier on Lake Matheson
Scott Cook’s New Zealand Frenzy serves as a good resource to take us off the beaten track.
Oparara Arch
Joining the New Zealand Automobile Association has helped us further reduce fuel and ferry costs.
Lake Wanaka
And the most important advice I can give for people touring the South Island is don’t forget the bug spray and the mosquito netting. Sand flies are in abundance in New Zealand. Still, the landscape is beautiful to behold.
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Linda Arthur Tejera January 29, 2015
Wow! Everything is so gorgeous. What a wonderful trip! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 29, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Linda! I am a very lucky girl.
nowathome January 29, 2015
Your photo’s are breathtaking!!
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Aletta! New Zealand is such a beautiful place. The pictures just kind of take themselves 🙂
yprior1 January 29, 2015
wonderful photos – the tiki bar at sunset was my fav until i reached the last two – then I just said awesome post! and the tiki shot – well it has a rock in the water that looks like a heart -or something…. and the captain setting up just adds more of a perosnal touch to all these shots – so that was fun too.
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
You have such a good eye for details Yvette. I didn’t even notice the shape of the rock because I was so ‘blinded’ by the beauty of the sun. It does look like a heart and adds to the picture. So much fun when that happens!
restlessjo January 29, 2015
What fabulous scenery, Lisa! Your photos are superb 🙂 I’m not a happy camper but it does look like you’re in good company, and I bet the stars were amazing!
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Believe me Jo, I would much prefer to be staying at the Mercure than camping but the Captain does make it comfortable. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment on my photo! PS – the stars were beautiful but I find them even more amazing at sea. I hope my photography skills improve enough so that I can someday to capture the skies I see on passage.
Janice Taylor January 29, 2015
Simply beautiful. I’m so glad you’re having the chance to experience such amazing sights and adventures. You are indeed a lucky girl. BUT, I believe you made your own luck, sister. Lots of love, Ms. #(2)(b). 😉
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Janice for your kindness, lovely compliment & for recommending option #2b :-). You are a wise sage.
Terri Webster Schrandt January 29, 2015
Such beautiful photos! The sea lion was adorable (as only they can be)!
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for your wonderful compliment Terri! I am glad you liked the sea lion. Could only view them from a distance here…not like in Galapagos where they basically moved on to Amandla.
Mary January 29, 2015
Those sand flies are outrageous
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Totally Mary! But New Zealand is every bit as beautiful as you said so it has been worth it! #followinginyourfootsteps
themofman January 30, 2015
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oparara_Basin_Arches
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Thanks for the link Allan. Such beautiful images. Wish we could have seen all the Arches but we arrived late and had to leave early. It is nice to see them here.
Kitty January 30, 2015
Gorgeous pics & what a beautiful country! Def on my list to visit…we are all so jealous in the cold Northeast 😉
rosemaylily2014 January 30, 2015
Amazing scenery and photos Lisa! Love the seal too what a beautiful expression he/she has 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Rosemary! As you know, New Zealand is a beautiful place. And who couldn’t love a cute seal?
luciledegodoy February 27, 2015
Breathtaking photos, Lisa. What a trip. I envy you. Seriously. In a good way. And Im enjoying to see these places through your eyes.
Lisa Dorenfest February 27, 2015 — Post Author
You have truly made my day with your lovely feedback Lucile. I greatly appreciate you having a look and for providing such lovely feedback!
Retirement Reflections September 8, 2019
Wow! These photos are fabulous! Thank you for referring me to this post. I greatly enjoyed it…and am off to read more!
Lisa Dorenfest September 9, 2019 — Post Author
Thank you so much for sharing our New Zealand ‘Odyssey’ with us virtually Donna and for your lovely compliments on the images. I hope your new-found love of SUV camping will take you overland on many interesting adventures! Cheers from Jericó, Colombia where New Zealand seems a million miles away.