Officially on the mountain!
After being nervous for so long in anticipation of the ski season, my new job and new environment, I have finally started work. My new job as a skiwiland assistant involves teaches kids how to ski in the early childhood center. I got all my ideas about being a kids ski…
Swimming in light
A few weeks ago I stayed with a kiwi family. I had just arrived in New Zealand and started my adventure with family life. Although I didn’t know these people at all, I quickly became part of the family, even if it was for just a short time. One day…
Collage: Omarama clay cliffs
The small town Omarama is on route from Mt. Cook to Queenstown. Besides a good spot to fill up on petrol, I decided to pick one of Omarama’s tourist attractions to check out. The Clay Cliffs can be seen from the highway, but are more impressive from a bit closer.…
Shredding the nerves
Although I haven’t started work yet, the ski season has commenced with two lifts open at my new work place. Since I’d never been to it before, I went up with some friends to have a look around. As soon as we got on the bus we got nervous. “O…
Can’t get over the views!
I’ve been in Queenstown for a while now, but haven’t done a whole lot around here. The adventure activities are a bit above budget and the walks… to be honest I was just lazy. When you stay somewhere for a long time, you tend to think that you have all…
Cruising New Zealand’s fiords
Milford Sound is one of the many fiords in Southern New Zealand. Although it’s not the biggest, it’s the most popular fiord to visit. A special highway was built right through the fiordland and now SH94 brings you straight to Milford Sound. Apart from the cruises on the fiord there…
Routeburn reverse
A few weeks ago I had my first experience on one of New Zealand’s great walks. To get a taste of tramping I walked to the first hut on the Glenorchy side of the Routeburn Track. The scenery was amazing, sleeping in the hut an experience, and it left me…
The really’s of reality
Most of the time I love hiking. No. That’s wrong. I love getting to places you can’t get to without a good hike. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing something beautiful that you had to work for. Something that’s not easily accessible and doesn’t have a viewing platform.…
Damsel in distress
I’ve told you about my accommodation for this ski season. It turns out it is in a strange location. I live on a road in between the mountains, with a steep mountain wall on one side, behind the apartment complex. Every now and then you hear a sound coming from…
One day in this beautiful life
I am sitting in the shade of an enormous tree. Its beautiful green leaves dangle above me, dancing in the breeze. Big towels are drying on the branches. The sun is shining and makes the pristine, blue water of the lake twinkle. This is home for the night. It’s time…