While still in New Zealand, I remember a distinct conversation with our dear friend, Nick.  A conversation which sums up all the words I could add to such a blog post as this.  Nick said to us, “What are you going to say to people when they ask you about this trip?  How will you describe New Zealand.”  I pondered a moment before I answered, “I will tell them, it looks just as the photos or just as a famous middle-earthly movie… but it’s impossibly more beautiful in person.”  There aren’t words to describe New Zealand.  The photos cannot possibly do it justice.  Trust me when I say, it is incredibly, impossibly beautiful.

Nevertheless, I promised to share photos.  And so I will.

We started the trip in Auckland, charming, warm, and friendly.

Next, we headed off to Rotorua in the North Island.  The town is located on a geothermal hot-spot of sorts, hence all the pockets of steam coming out of the earth in these next photos.

We enjoyed learning about the Maori culture while on the north Island.

 We visited a couple locations to observe the geothermal wonders.

Then, off to the South Island!  Queenstown in a word: epic.  Goodness, we did not want to leave!

Since I jumped in 2011, I have dreamed of doing it again.  This time, I got to tandem bungy with Keith: a  highlight of a lifetime, indeed!  Images via Kawarau Bridge Bungy.

Before leaving Queenstown, we also visited the Gibston Valley wine region.  I find vineyards to be peaceful places.

About 30 minutes after landing in NZ, I requested that Nick learn a thing or two about my cherished camera.  Lucky for me, friends, Nick not only learned, he has a real eye!  The photos he captured of Keith and I from our trip will be loved for years to come.  So, thanks, Nick.  You know how happy I am.

Too many for one post.  More photos here.