Often we hear the phrase “the world is your oyster”. While that is true we often forget and neglect our backyard, which is part of the world (and therefore the oyster). Often I find myself thinking about and wanting to explore more of New Zealand. But instead of applying for time off work and booking flights or ferries I find myself Googling overseas destinations and stockpiling my leave. Do you do this too or is it just me?
I spent last weekend in Hokitika, a relatively small and quiet town on the West Coast. Driving there from Christchurch I found myself mesmerised by the majestic mountains, beautiful rivers and incredible vegetation. So much so that I had to keep stopping to take photos (even though I have travelled this route several times before).
The day before coming back to Christchurch it snowed through the Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill regions. When I crossed over the viaduct bridge, just before Arthurs Pass, I was transported into a winter wonderland. Snow covered the landscape in every direction. The side of the road had piles of snow next to it from where the snow ploughs had been the previous day. It wasn’t long before I pulled over and leapt out of the car to soak it all in (including the one degree temperature). I’m always amazed how excitement of snow in the heat of the moment can overpower the feeling of being cold. Well, at least for me anyway and maybe only for ten minutes at a time! The drive from Hokitika to Christchurch normally takes around three and a half hours. It took me nearly six hours because I kept stopping to take photos (some are below) and also I did do a spot of geocaching. I even found a cache in the snow! Extreme geocaching right there!
I’m going to make more of an effort to explore the backyard that is my oyster. New Zealand is an incredible country on so many levels and I need to stop taking it for granted and start exploring more of it! So next weekend I am heading to Hanmer Springs.
I’m sure your backyard, wherever it is, is also incredible. So I encourage you to start exploring more of it too!
I spent last weekend in Hokitika, a relatively small and quiet town on the West Coast. Driving there from Christchurch I found myself mesmerised by the majestic mountains, beautiful rivers and incredible vegetation. So much so that I had to keep stopping to take photos (even though I have travelled this route several times before).
The day before coming back to Christchurch it snowed through the Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill regions. When I crossed over the viaduct bridge, just before Arthurs Pass, I was transported into a winter wonderland. Snow covered the landscape in every direction. The side of the road had piles of snow next to it from where the snow ploughs had been the previous day. It wasn’t long before I pulled over and leapt out of the car to soak it all in (including the one degree temperature). I’m always amazed how excitement of snow in the heat of the moment can overpower the feeling of being cold. Well, at least for me anyway and maybe only for ten minutes at a time! The drive from Hokitika to Christchurch normally takes around three and a half hours. It took me nearly six hours because I kept stopping to take photos (some are below) and also I did do a spot of geocaching. I even found a cache in the snow! Extreme geocaching right there!
I’m going to make more of an effort to explore the backyard that is my oyster. New Zealand is an incredible country on so many levels and I need to stop taking it for granted and start exploring more of it! So next weekend I am heading to Hanmer Springs.
I’m sure your backyard, wherever it is, is also incredible. So I encourage you to start exploring more of it too!