chapter

II. The last land

Learning in a quiet country

After a half-hearted trip to Japan, I do not plan to return home and fly to New Zealand. I undertake a different journey made of hard work, learning and discovery. For a year I have the impression of fleeing the future while being almost serene in this country on the other side of the world. I first discover the North Island made of meadows, volcanic landscapes, small villages and the two big cities of the country, Auckland and Wellington. Then I fly to the South Island where I spend most of the year working and exploring this island where the vast wilderness is in majority. In the South West lies Fiordland, the wildest area of New Zealand made up of primary forests, large fjords and high mountains. After several months in the area, I cycle up the West Coast before returning to the North Island. A very nice journey.
Keywords: seasonal jobs, wide open spaces, volcanoes, Fiordland, primary forests, birds, hiking, cycling, fjords, tranquility, friendliness of the locals, learning.

One year – June 2016 to June 2017 – New Zealand

dispatches.

Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Hands in kiwi fruits

My last few months in New Zealand. Packing kiwis fruits, discovery of White Island and happy moments.

Castlepoint on the North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

April on North Island

Back on the North Island, I face some difficulties, visit the surroundings of Wellington and experience bad weather on the Taranaki.

Farewell Spit, Tasman region, South Island of New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Last moments on South Island

Exploration of Farewell Spit and cycle along the Tasman region to reach Picton and the ferry to the North Island.

Aoraki / Mont Cook National Park on South Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Hiking around Mount Cook

Discovery of the superb Aoraki / Mont Cook National Park and climbing to 1800m to reach Mueller Hut.

Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Last days in Fiordland

Three-day misadventure in the valleys of Monowai and Green Lake and preparation for the rest of the trip.

Hobbiton, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

In the land of the Hobbits

Walking in the footsteps of Frodo through Hobbiton and rediscovering the atmosphere of Peter Jackson’s movies.

Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Rotorua, geothermal paradise

In the middle of the fumaroles, visit of the pretty town of Rotorua and immersion in the history of the region.

photographs.

Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Hands in kiwi fruits

My last few months in New Zealand. Packing kiwis fruits, discovery of White Island and happy moments.

Castlepoint on the North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

April on North Island

Back on the North Island, I face some difficulties, visit the surroundings of Wellington and experience bad weather on the Taranaki.

Farewell Spit, Tasman region, South Island of New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Last moments on South Island

Exploration of Farewell Spit and cycle along the Tasman region to reach Picton and the ferry to the North Island.

Aoraki / Mont Cook National Park on South Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Hiking around Mount Cook

Discovery of the superb Aoraki / Mont Cook National Park and climbing to 1800m to reach Mueller Hut.

Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Last days in Fiordland

Three-day misadventure in the valleys of Monowai and Green Lake and preparation for the rest of the trip.

Hobbiton, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

In the land of the Hobbits

Walking in the footsteps of Frodo through Hobbiton and rediscovering the atmosphere of Peter Jackson’s movies.

Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand © Claire Blumenfeld

Rotorua, geothermal paradise

In the middle of the fumaroles, visit of the pretty town of Rotorua and immersion in the history of the region.