Despite its relatively small size, the diversity of landscapes packed into the New Zealand’s South Island is unrivaled. I was fortunate enough to spend roughly a month exploring all areas of the island, and even with my high expectations, not a single day was a disappointment. It is a beautiful country, with friendly people, and no shortage of activities available to take advantage of the natural assets. It is a must-see destination if ever there was one.
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- Archway Islands
The Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach near Cape Farewell and Golden Bay at the northern tip of the South Island.
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- Diamond Harbour
A small community on the volcanic Banks Peninsula.
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- A New Dawn
A dramatic sunrise on the east coast.
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- Double Rainbow
After two days of walking through rain and mud, this brief reprieve made the walk along the Queen Charlotte Track worthwhile.
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- Beach Textures
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- Wharariki Beach
A spectacular beach with numerous arches, varying sand textures, and not a single other person to be seen.
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- Fishy
The remains of a fish washes up in Akaroa Harbour on a cool morning.
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- Hanmer Springs Sunset
At moments like this it was easy to see why New Zealand was chosen for the Lord of the Rings backdrops.
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- Kaikoura Sunrise
First light hits the Kaikoura Range where it meets the Pacific Ocean.
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- Marlborough Sounds
Despite being the first technical day of winter, the shining sun and greenery of the Marlborough Sounds made the area brilliant.
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- Harwoods Hole Lookout
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- Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers searching for a meal in Golden Bay.
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- Arch at Wharariki Beach
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- First Snow
The first snow of the year hitting the higher elevations on the Banks Peninsula.
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- Akaroa
Pre-dawn light gave a cool mood to the Akaroa area, which received fresh snow at higher elevations overnight.
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- Lyttleton Harbour
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- Queen Charlotte Track
Fog and clouds cling to the landscape while walking along the Queen Charlotte Track.
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- Reclaimed
One of the few remnants of Kaikoura's once thriving whaling industry.
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- Queen Charlotte Sound
Queen Charlotte Sound as seen from the Snout Track near Picton.
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- Braided River
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- Lewis Pass
Late in the day near Lewis Pass and Hanmer Springs
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- Akaroa Morning
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- Summit Road
Incredibly scenic roads wind around the island, making it not only a photographers paradise, but also a driver's paradise.
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- Akaroa Harbour
Looking toward Akaroa Harbour from high up on the Banks Peninsula as the sun sets.
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