I uncovered two very different experiences between two seasons on two very distinct islands.

But certainly the South Island is by far my favorite, less populated and wilder than its counterpart in the north.

The trip to North Island was completed between New Caledonia and the Cook Islands in July.

 

I took a well-deserved break from work for my first trip since arriving in Australia. My two workmates, Elay (Oz) and Luke (Liverpool), and I rented a van containing a bed and a kitchen to roam around the island. We were able to stop along the way as we fancied.

 

The landscapes were beautiful, and the lakes were magnificent. There’s a huge contrast with the neighboring Australia as this country is simply green and mountainous. Even its people are different.

 

The New Zealanders have always been compared to their neighbor. However, just purely from interactions, they seem to be much more open and welcoming – my favorite!