These are a few of my favourite things

The last ever weekly photo challenge by the Daily Post, and it’s going out with a bang! Post your all-time favourites! I can’t choose just one, so here are a few of my favourite photos from my travels through New Zealand.

Matukituki River

The gorgeous Matukituki River is a braided river in Mt. Aspiring N.P. on the South Island of New Zealand. One day last January, I did a jet boating tour in the morning and a 4WD tour in the afternoon (during which I took this photo). The area is stunning!! It was also one of my favouriteContinue reading “Matukituki River”

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

Last Summer a friend of mine and I hiked through the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. The dune area is a protected nature reserve and also helps supply drinking water for the city of Amsterdam. Last time we attempted to hike there, there was a huge storm and it wouldn’t have been safe to go and hike (apparentlyContinue reading “Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen”

Roots and belonging

This week’s photography challenge inspires me greatly. I live in the Netherlands and I’ve always felt the confines of the small country I call my home. With 17 million people on a small stretch of land that you can drive through from one end to the other in about three hours, I sometimes feel claustrophobic.Continue reading “Roots and belonging”

Wouldn’t have wanted to miss it

I’d say it’s highly unlikely that I’ll attempt to hike the Fjällräven Classic again. I tried it twice and failed both times at the same spot: Sälka (see photo). This doesn’t mean I’m discouraged to go outdoors and hike! I still plan to do multiple day hikes, but maybe in less rough terrain (at least forContinue reading “Wouldn’t have wanted to miss it”

Geological marvels

“The Moeraki Boulders are a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on New Zealand’s Otago coast. These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. Even today, there are still boulders remaining in the mudstone that will, eventually, fall on to the beach as theyContinue reading “Geological marvels”

Buds and a bee

This week’s photo challenge is awakening or renewal. I chose a few photos that I took when I was at Hopewell last December. I was inspired by the shapes and colour of these flowers. Most petals were still wrapped up in buds. Only a few were unfolding, helping the transformation into beautiful new flowers. AContinue reading “Buds and a bee”

Murals and street art

New Zealand street art/murals often depict native wildlife other kiwiana. As a creative person myself (though nowhere near as talented as these artists, haha) this kind of art makes me smile! And the first photo? So fitting, as I can’t seem to stay away from New Zealand! 🙂