Middle Earth - Part One
New Zealand must be sick to the back teeth of LOTR references and comparisons… so here are some lazy and poorly thought out ones about the North Island.
Sandals, Sandwiches, and Sandboarding
In the north of NZ the landscape shifts somewhat, transfiguring into a bather’s paradise. There are beaches. Big, beautiful beaches...
Above The Clouds
Either by land, air, or water, getting around Taupo is awe-inspiring. Taupo is one of them places that needn’t change nor try, but simply be.
Mysteries of the Deep
Kaikoura’s little-town mystery is actually rather warming. Like an overbearing mother, filling your head with thoughts not to leave...
Reconstruction
We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes… Drums. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out.
Take a Poo
A little town living in the big shadows cast by Mount Cook. Lake Tekapo is a mispronounced Eden - a real unsung hero of South Island beauty.
Southern Comfort
Home, is where I want to be but I guess I'm already there. I come home, she lifted up her wings, I guess that this must be the place.
Colonyoscopy
Now here's a town full of genuine charm! Forget the rest, as for now Paraty wins the South American Colonial Town Beauty Pageant.
Jesusville SA.
The first beach stop on our South American escapade! Cocktails, Samba, cosmetically modified rear-ends, and sunshine baby!
Wet & Wild
Water, water, everywhere, as the jungle starts to sink. Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
Don’t Mention The War
Class and culture seep through the walls and windows of this b-e-a-utiful city. Buenos Aires is maybe cosmopolitanism at its finest.
Whine Country
In a 10 month trip one is bound to encounter some places that don't quite live up to the Lonely Planet description... Two in a row though!
Resurrection Section
Easter marks new beginnings; Argentina marks up its chocolate. San Carlos de Bariloche is £10 Easter Eggs, free haircuts, and 30km bike rides.
Smoke On The Water
Pucón ain't cheap, but when the sun rises above a volcanic minefield and sets beneath a lake fit for an oil painting, is there any wonder?
Blindin’ Peakys
Lamb stew, black beer, and mountain views worthy of an international brand... El Chalten will get bigger and badder, but for now it's idyllic.
Iceberg, right ahead!
Crash! Bang! Wallop! What a Glacier! Shrieks of giddy tourists and humming autofocus processors build to a thunderous crash of frozen nature.
Paine and Gain
It is said that one day in Torres del Paine brings all four seasons. I say that ten hours on the mountain brings crusty socks.
Among Los Porteños
From snowy London to sunny Valparaiso, where the dull grey high-rise transitioned into a technicolour tin hut.