5 Days, 2 Islands and a Minivan.

Over the Christmas break my family from Indonesia came down to Sydney before heading off on a road trip around New Zealand. Being an intern, I didn't really have the choice of leave and as the office was only closed on public holidays, I could only make it for 5 days of their 2 week trip (lucky for me Christmas day was a Thursday, followed by Boxing day on the Friday and then the weekend. Oh and my boss gave me the Monday off too :)) So after 3 hours on an Air New Zealand flight (with the most amusing Hobbit-inspired safety video I have ever seen - posted below) on Christmas morning, listening to Michael Bublé's Christmas Album, I arrived in the New Zealand capital of Wellington.

Our ride - the minivan 

Over the 5 days I was there (huge thank you to my big brother for moving his itinerary around so I could see as much as possible), I managed to see a bit of the North Island (Wellington to be exact) and South Island featuring beautiful lakes and charming coves.

The drive to Mount Cook - said to be the most scenic route in New Zealand

Mount Cook Glaciers 

View of Queenstown and it's surroundings from Skyline

Cheeeers Mövenpick! 

Queenstown surroundings

Now to be honest, New Zealand would never have been my first choice for a travel destination, but after seeing the sights and views (and taking 1200 photos in 5 days), I was absolutely sold and here are 3 reasons why:

1. Bay of Many Coves Resort

 26.12.2014 marked my little nephew (Enzo's) first ever birthday and for this special occasion, his dad (my brother in case you didn't make the connection) booked the night at a charming private resort at the Bay of Many Coves. The Bay of Many Coves is situated a 30 minute boat ride away from the small town of Picton in the South Island. Being so isolated, we had to park the minivan overnight in Picton, and hop on board a water taxi which took us cruising past sheltered bays to our home for the night.

Enzo really is a water baby. He seriously loves being in it and splashing around so this resort was absolutely perfect. Upon arriving, we got changed into our swimmers and hopped in the dinghy at my request (being inspired by The Notebook and dreaming that Ryan Gosling would paddle me around). After struggling to paddle and finally getting the hang of it, we headed back to the resort with a crying Enzo who just wanted to be in the water. The rest of the afternoon was spent splashing around in the 15 degree water with the happy birthday boy and exploring the grounds when he dozed off for a quick nap. In the evening, we headed to the resort's restaurant for a beautifully set up birthday dinner by the friendly staff, followed by dessert in our 'apartment'.

2. Lake Tekapo 

Lake Tekapo is one of the South Island's largest lakes covering 83 square kilometres. Being on the way to Mount Cook from Picton, we stopped for lunch and a quick swim (or splash) for Enzo. The beautiful colour reminded me of the amazing lakes I saw on my last trip to Switzerland (which is one of my favourites).

3. Ferg Burger

I guess it's no surprise that food made it in my top 3 New Zealand-y things throughout my trip but don't judge until you've tried this burger. It's seriously the bomb. If the hour long wait isn't enough to convince you of it's deliciousness, maybe the size-being-as-big-as-your-face will (...and if that isn't enough, Ferg burger is even featured in some of Queenstown's tourist apparel).

x E

Sculptures by the Sea 2014

Every year the infamous Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is covered with beautiful sculptures made by local and international artists. Only recently moving to Sydney in 2012, I've only had the chance to make an appearance this year and last (also because it falls during my exam period and in first year uni I was quite the scholar).

I've always loved Bondi Beach, it's one of my favourite places in Sydney because it boasts such breathtaking views. I have been on the cliffside walk a few times now and absolutely love it. It's quite an easy walk, though there are quite a few stair cases, but it is so so so worth it because the views really are absolutely stunning.

The thing I really loved about Sculptures this year was that they had a pop up by The Grounds of Alexandria, cleverly named 'The Grounds by the Sea'. Breakfast/brunch is my favourite meal of the day and I do love a good morning walk (that is, when I can get out of bed early enough to do this), so this was such a perfect combo of a morning. Mondays aren't always bad :)

Being Spring, there were so many flies around and they were absolutely driving me crazy but I must say, the food was worth it.

Avocado, tomato, feta cheese and chilli flakes on toasted bread and bircher muesli with poached pear and coconut

So here are a few photos from the morning (like, 7 am kinda morning). Some of the sculptures really caught my eye, others were okay, but overall, such an amazing event with so much creative energy that probably prompted me to make this blog in the first place.

NB: The photos were taken with my iPhone as it didn't cross my mind that I would be making a blog and posting them

This particular piece came with instructions that mentioned something along the lines of it being better viewed when standing on top where on the floor surface, blurry, stretched images were printed. Once standing on the platform, the reflection in the pole made the images take form and shape. 

I would definitely say this was in my top three.

Bondi Icebergs Jr.

Head down to the East if you have time, Sculptures is on till 9th November 2014 and is highly recommended, and even if you don't have time now, head down when you can and do the coastal walk. This high recommendation shouldn't be taken lightly as it is coming from someone who rarely, and I use this term loosely cause it's really closer to never, exercises.

Thank you for reading, I hope you're having a good day!