Taking a 10-day road trip through Iceland was one of the most memorable experiences of my year abroad. With something exciting around every corner, there was never a dull moment in the itinerary. Giant waterfalls, gorgeous coastlines, and jaw-dropping views were an every day occurrence on this jam-packed Iceland trip. Any traveler who explores outside Reykjavik and off the beaten path will certainly not regret it.
The South Island’s West Coast is an area many travelers skip over. This is understandable because of its remoteness and lack of regular services. However, the West Coast offers several stops that make the venture into this part of New Zealand worthwhile. With some planning and a little luck with the weather it can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
After being in New Zealand for two months I’ve seen some truly incredible places. It’s difficult to decide which parts have been my favorite but Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is definitely in my top three. The drastic scenery, crazy weather, and challenging hikes all add to the beauty of this National Park. This part of my trip was certainly a roller coaster ride but I look back on it with fond memories. The mountains, glaciers, lakes, and meadows all bring together this fantastic part of New Zealand that I am not likely to forget.
Lords of the Rings, Hobbit, and Chronicles of Narnia are just a few of the movies filmed in New Zealand. With stunning landscapes around every corner it’s easy to see why directors like it here. Although New Zealand isn’t a large country per se, there is a wealth of scenery to drool at. During my first two weeks I drove from Christchurch to Queenstown and hiked every chance I could. Eventually I got worried that I had already seen the best there was to see in New Zealand. I quickly found out the beauty here is unlimited, and I want to introduce you to some of my favorites during those first few weeks.
Looking back at my first backpacking trip I have to laugh. My partner at the time was an avid backpacker and he was long overdue for an overnight trip. After much planning on his part and many eager nods from me, we found ourselves in Glacier National Park. I wore old tennis shoes and slept in a four pound sleeping bag from Target. I had a brand new Deuter 45+10 Backpack from REI, and had no idea how to use a camp stove. My base-weight today is 21 pounds, but it was probably closer to 35 pounds on this trip. But you have to start somewhere, right?
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