The city has construction walls everywhere, all of which are painted in hopeful murals. |
This sculpture is called "Spires" and represents all the church spires that fell in the earthquake. |
185 empty chairs to represent the 185 people who died when the building across the street from this lot collapsed during the earthquake |
I flew from Christchurch to Queenstown, where I immediately hopped a bus to Routeburn Track. This photo is from a stop during the bus ride. |
the Route Burn! |
My peaceful stream-side campsite the first night on Routeburn (thanks Alban for sponsoring!!!) |
Most of my hike the first day was cold and misty. |
and then I came over a ridge and saw this!!! |
My favorite view from the whole trip |
!!! |
the incredibly gorgeous McKenzie Lake |
At the end of Routeburn, a shuttle bus picked me up and drove me straight to Milford Sound—which is actually a fjord. |
This waterfall is 50 stories high! |
The next day, I paddled Doubtful Sound (which required taking a bus to a boat to another bus to get to) |
Doubtful Sound! |
Then I returned to Queenstown. This was my last dinner in New Zealand: a veggie burger with a lager on a boat bar in the harbor. |
Bye, New Zealand </3 |