Happy Sunday everybody! In case you wondered why it’s been so quiet on my blog for the last weeks, it’s because I was travelling around New Zealand. We were away for three weeks, but it feels like months actually, we’ve seen and done just so much! From spectacular geysers to a pod of dozens of dolphins, a visit to one of the world’s largest film studios, to a pint of beer in Hobbiton, several scenic boat rides, stunning street art, to icebergs floating in a glacier lake, and much much more.

We returned last Thursday after almost 48 hours of non-stop travelling and my body clock is still completely messed up. Hubby and I keep falling asleep on the sofa each night after dinner, which isn’t that surprising since we wake up at 5am each morning. My head isn’t really focussing yet, so for now I’ll share some photos from my Instagram feed here with you. A more detailed report of our trip will follow on my dedicated travel blog Done That Been There, but I have so many stories and photos to share so I’ll probably return with Kiwi-themed blog posts here on Dutch Girl in London as well.

Auckland: the start and end of our trip

 

Handy to have a hotel near this landmark, the 328m-high @skytower_nz from where you can jump down or go on a ‘casual’ walk on a narrow walkaway without a barrier (but hooked onto a harness) at 192 metres high. I’ll just enjoy it from the ground I think 😉

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 3, 2018 at 9:01am PST

The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere

 

The incredible landscape of Te Puia, a big thermal valley with various geysers including Pōhutu (the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere) definitely doesn’t need a filter! 🙂 🙌🏼

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 4, 2018 at 2:11pm PST

Bilbo and Frodo’s home in Hobbiton

 

Welcome to Bag End, the Baggins residency in The Shire, Middle-Earth 🙂

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 5, 2018 at 12:41am PST

A lazy seal in Kaikoura

 

Sleeping seal ❤️ Funny to see they sleep on their back!

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 9, 2018 at 10:26pm PST

And more wildlife in Kaikoura! #dolphins

 

A few days ago I missed a pod of dolphins swimming in front of the ferry whilst crossing from the North Island to the South Island, but that’s been more than made up today when dozens of dolphins swam along our boat in Kaikoura during our whale watching explorations (saw 3 whales up close too!) ❤️ No need to zoom in for this picture, they were literally all around us!

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 10, 2018 at 11:39pm PST

A mural by one of my favourite artists in Christchurch

 

Spotted murals by some of my favourite artists in Christchurch today including this one by @r_o_n_e ❤️ Photo by @robinrimbaud

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 11, 2018 at 10:28pm PDT

Spectacular views in Mount Cook National Park

 

One of the three swing bridges you have to cross over rapidly moving glacier-fed rivers during the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 14, 2018 at 11:36am PDT

The most famous tree on Instagram! #ThatWanakaTree

 

This 70-year old tree in Lake Wanaka must be the most famous tree on Instagram! #ThatWanakaTree

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 14, 2018 at 11:32pm PDT

Stunning nature in Mount Aspiring National Park

 

Overlooking the Blue Pools in Mount Aspiring National Park, a stunning drive up there from Wanaka. It was a grey day and the mountains were constantly shrouded in mist which made the landscape look very dramatic and mysterious. I expected to see King Kong swinging along in the lush green landscape, but that never happened 😉

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 19, 2018 at 12:09pm PDT

My first cup of coffee in 4 weeks in Russell, formerly known as Hell Hole in the days of the first European settlers

 

What better place to have my first coffee in 4 weeks (and the only one on this trip!) than at a café called Hell Hole?! 😝 Hell Hole was actually the nickname for the town of Russell as its inhabitants consisted of convicts, prostitutes and shady people at the time of the first European settlers in the 19th century 😉

A post shared by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks (@dutchgirlinlondon) on Mar 21, 2018 at 2:51am PDT

If you want to see more of my photos, please follow me on Instagram: @dutchgirlinlondon or @zarinatravels. I’ll return soon with more photos and stories, but for now I wish you a lazy Sunday (I’ll be on the sofa)!

Zarina xx