Pictory

Overdrive ∞

We overslept that morning and had to make a three hour drive in two in order to catch a cruise from Milford Sound. Despite our rush, we were overwhelmed by the incredible beauty of the Fiordland National Park. I would have loved to stop and explore! We made it to the cruise in time, but what I’ll always remember is the drive there.

Freedom! ∞

When my husband and I decided to quit our jobs and take a 13 month trip around the world, we picked New Zealand as our starting point. Little did we know what a great fit the location would be with our carefree mental states. To me, this is New Zealand: a randomly chosen camp spot for the night, miles of endless coastline, and a moment taken to watch the sun as it dips into the endless horizon.

Rangitata Sunrise ∞

The sun rises on a fresh fallen snow in the Rangitata River Valley, creating a serene break from the barrage of gale force winds that blew every other day. The high country on the south island of New Zealand is known for its steep, rugged terrain, and often violent winds.

The Moment ∞

To be honest, I was not happy. I was giving up a summer to work through the winter in New Zealand. It was cold, gray, and not at all what I expected after spending time in neighboring Australia. But I loved the internship and the people, so I stuck it out.

I finally snapped out of the culture shock the day I took this photo outside Queenstown. That was when I let go of my expectations and learned to appreciate the slower pace and natural beauty for what they were.

Heaps As ∞

Mom always raved about her youth in New Zealand, but we didn’t make it out there as a family until after college. Our shabby rental car zig-zagged across both islands over the course of a few weeks. We almost exclusively stayed in what my dad called “beer-tels,” the rooms for rent above the town’s pub. It was a bit rough at times, but my family is close and we made it through.

This photograph is of my brother, messing around on a rope swing we found on the beach near that night’s resting spot.

Something in the Air ∞

The trip itself was somewhat of a disaster. We lost our bags on the train, and our kayaking plans were ruined by rain and high winds. We opted instead for a hike along Kaikora’s verdant coastline. As we stood on the edge of a cliff admiring the view, the wind suddenly grew violent. It felt so shocking to have our hair and clothes whipped around unexpectedly, that we could only do one thing: Go with it. We laughed hysterically and stripped off our clothes. When I look at the photo now, I remember why “Go with it” has become my mantra whenever I travel.

Rotorua Redwoods ∞

I’ve never felt as small as I did the day we hiked through the monstrous trees of this forest.

One Winter’s Morning in Christchurch ∞

New Zealand isn’t just all green hills, lakes, mountains and sheep. People live there too, you know.

The Mussel Inn, Golden Bay ∞

Reuben Lee, master brewer, leans on a keg-washing machine against a backdrop of native bush. Like most places in New Zealand, The Mussel Inn is laid-back, in the middle of nowhere, and built on Kiwi ingenuity. Most of the brewery equipment was built by the owner, Andrew Dixon. Waste from the brewery is composted for use in the brewery orchard. Sustainability is the guiding philosophy of the bar and brewery.

Wild Wild West ∞

My road trip adventure along the west coast of New Zealand brought windswept terrain, roaring waves, miles and miles of untouched beaches, and occasionally nights of sleep inside a surfboard bag.

Auckland Afterhours ∞

The first time I tried to get a night shot of this stunning city, a police officer didn’t take too kindly to my positioning on the side of the motorway. The second time, I broke my tripod. Thankfully the third time I was able to capture a small amount of the beauty this city has to share.

Race Day ∞

Every year in October, yachts of all sizes gather below Auckland’s downtown skyline for the start of the largest coastal yacht race in the southern hemisphere — from Devonport wharf to the nation’s former capital, Russell.

Piece and Love ∞

I was feeling homesick on the far side of the world when I stumbled upon the misspelled lyrics of one of my favorite hip hop songs (Unity by Afrika Bambaataa). I cued up the song on my iPod, snapped a photo of the felt letters, and grinned.

Where the Wild Things Are ∞

If you’re ever in Lyttelton, a small port town outside Christchurch, you must pay a visit to the Monsterbar. And if you see Nelson, say hello!

My Aotearoa ∞

The most important thing New Zealand taught me is summarized in a Maori proverb that goes like this: “Toitü he whenua, whatungarongaro he tangata,” which means “Land is permanent, man disappears.”

Pushing the Boundaries ∞

The almost perfect circle that forms the boundaries of the Egmont National Park is a reminder that New Zealand used to be covered in ancient forest, before so much of the land was converted to dairy farming. Thankfully someone traced a circle on a map to conserve what they could.

Schlooz Family Reunion ∞

New Zealand gave me photos enough for ten ridiculous nature calendars, but I’ll also never forget the cousins who showed me Auckland and bought the first few rounds only hours after we’d met for the very first time.