South Island Campervan

For two weeks we traveled in a 6-berth campervan with Kevin’s brothers and Sister-in-law (Damon, Justin, and Anya). To say the living space was a little cramped would be an understatement, but the company and scenery made up for it.

Having 5 cooks in a campervan made for some fantastic meals. We had everything from curry to fajitas and Justin introduced us to Halumi cheese (something we look forward to having more of while in Perth!) To give you an idea, we would start the day with brekkie and outrageous coastal views:

picnic for lunch on the side of amazing alpine lakes:

and then enjoy dinner against a perfect sunset backdrop:

The South Island has a variety of scenery from beaches to glaciers. We saw a little of everything and were on the go, go go, never waking up in the same place twice. To list a few highlights in no particular order…

1. A 9 hour 22 kilometer tramp in Abel Tasman National Park

2. A scenic flight over to Milford Sound

3. Planking the Franz Joseph Glacier

4. Surviving a steep and slippery hike into one of New Zealand’s large caves

5. Justin winning the Wheat-Bix Challenge (eating a dry biscuit the fastest -- we think he has been in secret training while in Perth)

6. Kevin winning a game of Frisbee golf in the botanical gardens in Queenstown, despite a vicious wind

7. Damon winning the first black turdle challenge (emptying the black waste from campervan)

8. Glacier icebergs floating in the Tasman Glacier lake

9. Amazing alpine lakes all to ourselves

10. Hiking to the top of the skyline gondola and riding a chairlift to tiptop for an amazing view of Queenstown

11. Enjoying some local wines with local cheese and local jam appetizers

12. Glacier waters around Mt Cook

13. Kayaking with dolphins around the Banks Peninsula

14. The extreme temperatures of the steam room at one of the hot springs
15. Spending time with our favorite people in such a beautiful country