The first time I went to New Zealand I was just a young buck with hardly a dollar in my pocket. I hitchhiked around both the North and South Islands for about a month. I couldn't believe how nice the people were. I was picked up by locals and tourists alike, and invited into peoples homes as well. The hospitality was amazing, and it was only made better by the scenery!
The North Island is filled with volcanic activity, which reminded me of Yellowstone...at least the smell of sulfur. The South Island is really something magical. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers, and the fjordlands make everyday a photogenic day.
This time around I did the South Island in a little more style, by renting an Escape Van, which was painted with a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle scene. I can't tell you how many comments I got on this. Check out this photos below and I hope you enjoy this photographic tour of New Zealand.
I created this photo of my friend cliff jumping by combining multiple frames into one. It is up there as one of my favorite photos that I've created.
A sheep farm at the base of some massive mountains, you can't get more New Zealand than this. If you look hard enough you can see a glacier between the mountain peaks.
My ride, my bed, and my kitchen... all in one.
If you ever find yourself on the South Island of New Zealand, do not miss a boat trip out into Milford Sound. The scenery here is breathtaking.
I felt like I was stopping every few minutes to pull over and take pictures of beautiful scenes.
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. It is surrounded by glaciers and beautiful alpine lakes.
A close up of the sheep farm, pictured above.
The other side of my mobile home. Turtles in a half shell, turtle power!
The drives seem short because the views are stunning.
Bungee jumping high above Queenstown.
A field of colorful lupine with an azure blue lake behind.
Reflections in the water at Abel Tasman as we prepare for a kayak down the coastline.
Golden sandy beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
Walking the rugged coastline trail in Kaikura.
Grab your camera and go. Best advice I can give.
-Dai Mar